Japan Red Circle: Honshu 7-day Circular Tour

【Tuesdays】Fujinokuni Tea Museum (Shizuoka) →Lake Hamana → Nagoya (190 km)

Enjoy Japanese-style breakfast at hotel, this morning we’ll have a scenic ride with a view of endless tea plantations while heading to Fujinokuni Tea Museum for a visit (at your expense). Located in the middle of the Makinohara Tea Plantation area, it is the birthplace of Japanese tea culture and the largest tea farming region in Japan. This is also where the Japan’s nationally renowned health tea is produced. The tea gardens here are all grown completely naturally and free from any pollution. You can learn more about tea culture, get hands-on tea picking and tea making, as well as experiencing the art of tea ceremony and tea tasting. Next, we’ll visit Hamanako Garden Park located in Hamamatsu City (at your expense). This large scale garden is splendid all year round. The wisteria pergola exudes a romantic ambiance, while the rose garden fills the air with a romantic fragrance. Strolling through the rainbow wisteria tunnel, you’ll feel like attracting good fortune into your life in every step. After lunch, arrive at Nagoya, a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Atsuta Shrine, one of the top ten attraction in Japan, awaits our visit (at your expense). Explore the sacred tree park, where ancient trees have been witnessing the passage of a thousand years seems to whisper tales of the distant past. As you wander through this mysterious place, you’ll be cultivated by it’s profound atmosphere. Why is there a legend of a sacred chicken in the shrine? It is believed that the chicken is a messenger of the gods. Atsuta Shrine is also home to the Grass-cutting Sword, one of Japan’s three shared treasures. After the visit, return to hotel for a restful evening.

【Wednesdays】Nagoya → Nara → Kobe → Osaka (230 km)

After enjoying Japanese breakfast at hotel, head to Nara and visit Nara Deer Park and Todaiji Temple (at your expense). Discover the city’s historical sights Nara Deer Park, soak in the beauty of the park and mingle with the city’s most famous inhabitants, the deers! Then visit the “must-see” UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Todaiji Temple. Your tour manager will accompany you and explain to you about the history and significance of these historical parks. After lunch, head to Kobe and stop by Kitano Ijinkangai, an exotic town replete with Western-style residential houses. You can admire the artistic architecture of ancient Western European buildings showcasing unique French, British styles and more. Be sure to visit the observation gallery which exhibits a collection of contemporary European masterpiece in one room. Next, we’ll make our way to Kobe Harborland. A shopping and leisure district near the waterfront of Kobe’s port area. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee with the beautiful view of the harbour. While you are visiting Kobe, the place of origin of the world famous Kobe beef, it is just the perfect time to indulge and give it a try to experience its tender, flavourful and delicate fat that pleasantly melts in your mouth. If your budget allows, it’s definitely worth to round off your day with the finest Kobe beef at a famous restaurant (at your expense). After dinner, enjoy a walk with your tour manager to admire the Kobe night view at Kobe Port, known as one of the top ten night views in the world. Then drive to Osaka and check into the hotel.

【Thursdays】Osaka → Kyoto → Kanazawa (290 km)

After enjoying a Japanese breakfast at hotel, depart for Kyoto and visit Kinkakuji Temple. It is a renowned Zen Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto. The three-tiered Golden Pavilion (reliquary hall) is covered in gold leaf, hence it’s name. Kinkakuji Temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, definitely worth a visit. Next, you’ll explore Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, shop and eat your way through the heart of Osaka. Shinsaibashi PARCO, a vibrant shopping spot where you can enjoy everything: luxury brands, cosmetics, fashion, vintage, anime and more. While Japanese Yen is weak now, it’s the best time to shop around! For anime fans, it’s truly an anime lover’s paradise, you can find plenty of merchandise featuring beloved characters like Crayon Shin-chan, Snoopy, Godzilla, Studio Ghibli, and many more. Dotonbori, Osaka’s iconic food street, located just next to Shinsaibashi. Must-try food includes: Takoyaki, Unadon, matcha ice cream, Okonomiyaki, Yakitori, Fugu puffer fish … One cannot truly appreciate the culinary wonders of Dotonbori without trying Okonomiyaki, one of Japan's most beloved soul foods. The magic of a thick and fluffy pancake packed with cabbage, your choice of toppings, and a harmonious blend of savory flavors. After a satisfying lunch, head to Kanazawa, where we will check into hotel after dinner.

【Fridays】Kanazawa→ Shirakawago → Matsumoto Castle → Nagano (210 km)

Enjoy Japanese breakfast at hotel, we’ll then visit Kenrokuen Garden, located in Kanazawa, is considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan (Admission fee required). Kenrokuen was once a private garden belonging to the Maeda family. Construction began in 1676 and finally it was opened to the public in 1871. Today it is one of the best examples of a strolling-style Japanese landscape garden. Next, head to Shirakawago and explore the enchanting Gassho-style village declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next on, we’ll visit Matsumoto Castle, a unique flatland castle with interconnected structures built in 1504. Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's only twelve completely original castles. Along with Hikone Castle, Himeji Castle and Inuyama Castle, it is designated as a National Treasure. After a fun-filled packed day, head to hotel for a good rest.

【Saturdays】Nagano→ Kamikochi → Yokohama ( 299 km)

After enjoying a Japanese breakfast at hotel, proceed to the famous scenic area of Kamikochi. Known as Japan's Swiss Alps, it is renowned for it’s breathtaking mountain scenery, clear rivers, and clean air like a natural oxygen bar. It is also a popular summer escape destinations for the Japanese. Next on, we’ll explore Yokohama, the second largest city in Japan. As a port city, Yokohama has been a hub for cultural exchange between the East and the West for over a century. In Yamashita Park, you might feel like you are visiting a beautiful seaside city in Europe or America. While visiting Yokohama Chinatown, you’ll feel like you arrive in a food street somewhere in China. Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Asia, with a rich history of over 160 years. The signs and symbols you found here will remind you of Japan’s traditional culture. After dinner, we’ll check into the hotel and call it a day.

【Sundays】Yokohama→ Tokyo (60 km)

After enjoying a Japanese breakfast at hotel, proceed to visit Tokyo Skytree (Admission fee required). Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest free-standing tower at 634 meters high. Enjoy the iconic panoramic views of Tokyo skyline from its observation deck. Next on, explore Ghibli Museum (Admission fee required). The museum is built by anime legend Hayao Miyazaki and showcases his masterwork as well as other popular animate creations. For lunch, you can choose to enjoy a luxurious bento box in the shopping paradise of Ginza Sweet in Shibuya. If time permits, you can also explore this famous shopping district. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. You can witness over ten different physical phenomena and gain a deeper understanding of our planet. The museum also offer 3D projection and interactive exhibits that will surprise and amaze you. In the evening, embark on a Tokyo Bay futuristic spacecraft, the “Water Bus”, from Asakusa to Odaiba, with a total duration of 45 minutes (at your expense). Along the way, you will pass by the stunning Hinode Sanbashi. Enjoy the scenic views of Tokyo Bay area as a perfect ending of the day. After dinner, return to hotel.