Meiji Shrine was built nearly 100 years ago to commemorate Emperor Meiji’s contribution to modern Japan. The shrine is entirely surrounded by a forest, with an area of 70 hectares of land and over 120,000 trees, all of which were donated to the shrine from different parts of Japan.

Although rather young compared with other shrines, Meiji shrine has its own dramatic story to tell. While the original construction of the shrine was completed in 1926, the shrine was destroyed during the bombings of World War II and rebuilt in 1958.

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a couple on their wedding day, making their way through the shrine’s grounds on their way to their ceremony.

Harajuku’s Takeshita Street - This narrow, crowded street is lined with shops that sell the latest fashion trend, sweets, and other interesting items. It is in this area that some of the outrageous fashion that Japan is know for originates.

As the trendy streets of Harajuku end, the amazing architecture of Omotesando begins. With seemingly endless modern, cutting-edge architecture, great shopping, and delicious restaurants, Omotesando is Tokyo’s Champs-Elysées Boulevard. Many of the buildings along this street were designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects such as Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.

In Shibuya one can witness (and experience) the world's busiest intersection, as well as one of Japan's most endearing symbols of loyalty - the statue of Hachiko.

The Shibuya scramble is located in the heart of Shibuya's shopping district. Due to its proximity with many popular stores, Shibuya Station, and the location of countless delicious eating spots, the intersection regularly sees thousands of people cross each time the traffic lights turn red and the pedestrian lights turn green.

Also located in Shibuya is the bronze statue of the dog Hachiko. Hachiko was well known for his loyalty in waiting for his master for nearly 10 years, arriving at the station daily in anticipation of his master's return from work.

Soon after, a statue was erected in his honor. Unfortunately the statue was melted down during World War II, but the current replica was commissioned shortly after.

Kagurazaka

Once a vibrant entertainment district, Kagurazaka is now considered a trendy and upscale neighborhood for Tokyoites. It is here that one can explore fascinating alleyways, interesting shops and cafes, and some of Japan's finest dining (the Michelin 3 Star restaurant Ishikawa is located here).

The area was originally established nearly Koshoji Temple was founded in Kagurazaka in the early 1600s. As time passed, the area became known as one of Tokyo's top entertainment and geisha districts, with many geisha houses located in the area. Today, the area retains its history with the layout still closely following the original design and of course, Koshoji Temple being a popular site.

Daikanyama

Tokyo’s “Little Brooklyn” is a popular spot with the locals for many reasons. For those who are looking for fantastic food, the area boasts plentiful restaurants. For those seeking interesting and artistic buildings, Daikanyama has no shortage. For those looking to delve a bit deeper into Tokyo’s history, the Kyu Asakura house is a must see. This unique and beautifully culturally diverse neighborhood is the perfect way to finish your day of touring.

Jimbocho

Jimbocho is a book lover's dream with numerous bookshops and publishing companies located here. In addition to the numerous book shops (up to 200) the area is a fantastic location to search for antique and rare to find books. Although most books will be in Japanese, there are chances to find some great reading in English. Of course, no book experience is complete without a cup of coffee, and the area provides plenty of choices here as well.

As you enter a workshop in a trendy, high end sushi restaurant, you are greeted with iridescent tuna, shimmering as the morning sunlight passes through the windows.

Your chef, a seasoned fish market veteran welcomes you with a warm smile and gestures where to resume your post. You are now a sushi chef, and it’s time to get rolling.

Today you’ll make a wide variety of sushi under the guidance of this veteran, while enjoying conversation with your new friends.

The ingredients you use will also be procured yourself, as you stroll the new Toyosu market, meet with the people who help supply Tokyo and Japan with amazing fish, and learn about the history of Toyosu and Tsukiji markets.

Technology meets art at the Mori Building Digital Art Museum in Odaiba. This unique museum offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in truly unique pieces of art - everything experienced here is a one time masterpiece, never to be seen again.

Asakusa is home to one of Tokyo’s most famous gates – Kaminari-mon. As you make your way through the many shopping stalls, you’ll eventually come to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. It is here that visitors can enjoy a striking contrast of ancient and modern Japan – Tokyo’s oldest temple, built in 645AD, with the world’s tallest free-standing tower, Tokyo Skytree, as a backdrop.

During World War II most of Tokyo was destroyed by bombs. However, a few areas did escape the bombing, and are well preserved today - a perfect chance to step into Tokyo's past.

You'll get the chance to enjoy a bit of traditional Tokyo by taking a casual stroll through the famous YA NE SEN area. Comprised of three small “towns”, YAnaka, NEzu, and SENdagi, this area is popular among tourists and locals alike for its rustic architecture, plentiful eating, and interesting shopping.

Spend the day exploring Tokyo at your leisure.

During World War II Tokyo sustained heavy damage, with most neighborhoods being completely destroyed. While Shinjuku Station was spared most of the destruction of war, the surrounding neighborhoods were not as fortunate. Shortly after the war during reconstruction, small eating stalls popped up in the West Gate area of Shinjuku to serve commuters.

Time marched on, and the area saw continued development, redevelopment and further modernization. Despite Shinjuku's current vibe of being modern and hip, there is a small area that time has forgotten, providing visitors a chance to step back into the Showa post-war period.

We recommend enjoying the yakitori and motsu (entrails) for an authentic post-war eating experience.

With the world’s highest number of bars per square meter, Tokyo’s Shinjuku Golden Gai neighbourhood is a must-visit. Shinjuku Golden Gai showcases the best bars, restaurants, and food stalls the compact enclave has to offer. Feast on four Japanese dishes, including Tonkotsu Ramen, and char grilled chicken, and delve into the area’s rich history with your guide. This is also where Anthony Bourdain did his food tour during his visit to Japan.

Spend the day exploring the Hakone area at your leisure.

Famous for its beautiful nature and hot springs, Hakone also played a significant role in Japanese history.

During the Edo period (1603 to 1868), the Tokaido trade route connected Tokyo (where the Shogun resided) and the then capital city of Kyoto (where the emperor resided), one of only two routes that did so. Hakone served as an important checkpoint along this way, checking that weapons were not being brought into the Edo area, and thus ensuring the safety of the Shogun. The area was heavily fortified with soldiers, gates, and a prison.

Hakone Ropeway Get on the ropeway at Sounzan Station and enjoy a scenic 30-minute gondola ride to Lake Ashinoko. Although the ropeway operates with regular consistency, it does occasionally close due to volcanic activity and for maintenance, so it’s best to check beforehand.

Lake Ashinoko Formed from a volcanic eruption several thousand years ago, Lake Ashinoko offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. A cruise around the lake is highly recommended.

Hakone Checkpoint Although the original checkpoint was torn down when the Meiji government gained control, it has since been rebuilt and is an accurate historical representation, complete with soldiers, a prison, and a look-out tower.

Open Air Museum The Open Air Museum is the perfect chance to take in some unique works of art while refreshing in the surrounding nature. The museum also offers several exhibition halls to enjoy.

Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most beloved spots. It has a famous and storied wooden bridge, numerous temples known for their statuary and gardens, a scenic bamboo grove that is great for a stroll, and picturesque streets that complement each other to make a pleasant atmosphere excellent for leisurely walks.

With a history dating back nearly 700 years, Tenryuji is one of Arashiyama's most visited sites, and for good reason. While the building complex has suffered from fire damage throughout history (like much of Japan), the stunning gardens remain in their original form. As you stroll through the garden, both from within the temple and on the garden paths, you'll move from the pond, which symbolizes a large lake, up the mountain and into the forest (where multiple cherry trees can be found). As you exit the temple, you'll come to the famous bamboo forest.

While many religious sites have a somber tone, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is a fun twist on the Japanese temple experience. Here you'll find well over 1,000 small stone statues, called rakan, often depicting humorous and lighthearted disciples of the Buddha.

Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, is one of Japan’s iconic sites. The temple grounds first began as a small villa in 1224 and was converted to a Zen temple shortly after. Like so many other historical landmarks in Japan, the temple has unfortunately suffered destruction from fires in its history. The building, as it stands today, is a historically accurate reconstruction of the temple before it burned down from arson in 1950.

Founded in 1482 by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the Silver Pavilion "Ginkakuji" is widely considered to be the birthplace of much of Kyoto, and Japanese culture. Yoshimasa's love of culture lead to the development of the tea ceremony, Noh theater, and flower arrangement.

Although nicknamed the Silver Pavilion (as a counterpart to the Golden Pavilion), there is no silver on the exterior of the building. Rather, the nickname (most likely) arises from the silver hue when the moonlight would be reflected off the once black exterior.

The temple is closed for entry, but the grounds are the perfect opportunity to take in classical Japanese architecture and gardens.

Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Japan was known as an isolated country. This isolation is due to the policies of the Tokugawa Shogun as a way of maintaining peace and stability for a unified Japan, with Tokugawa Ieyasu establishing these isolation policies.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was the predecessor Shogun to Tokugawa Ieyasu, ruling from 1585 to 1591, and was considered one of Japan's great unifiers. Upon his death in 1598, his wife Nene established Kodaiji in his memory, which was backed by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Famous for its shrine, traditional winding streets, and wooden town houses, the Gion / Yasaka area offers seemingly endless hidden alleyways to explore. The area is filled with some of Kyoto's finest dining, unique shopping and of course, the chance to witness a geisha on her way to an evening engagement. Should you spot a geisha, please be considerate in your requests for pictures.

Later in the afternoon today, you will spend an hour meeting and speaking with a maiko (geisha in training) face to face in the famous area of Gion over light refreshments. During the meeting you can take pictures and appreciate her beauty (private experience).

Spend the day exploring Kyoto at your leisure.

Originally built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle was once destined to be the center of a unified Japan. Unfortunately, the castle suffered the exact opposite fate as it was destroyed in 1615. It was rebuilt shortly after, only to be struck by lightning in 1665 and burned down once again.

It wasn't until 1931, just shortly before World War II, that the castle was rebuilt using more modern technology/materials. The castle was spared destruction during the war and has been one of Osaka's main attractions since its reconstruction.

The castle grounds provide plenty of green space for visitors and during cherry blossom seasons a perfect place for picnics.

Umeda Sky Building consists of two tours joined by an observatory on the 39th floor. This futuristic building is a fantastic way to observe Japan's second largest city.

Osaka is a city with strong ties to the water. Throghout history it has served as a strategic port for the region, and even today the water areas are bustling with activity.

Take in a unique view of Osaka from the busy water ways as you try unique grilled snacks and delicious sake while enjoying conversation with your hosts.

Osaka is one of Asia's ultimate food destinations: stroll along the never-ending food stalls streets and tunnels to enjoy the huge variety of traditional dishes as well as the city street food culture atmosphere - it will add a unique memory of your trip.

The city of Kobe is synonymous with its beef - a breed of wagyu with heavy fat marbling.

What few people realize is Kobe beef is not actually raised in Kobe, but rather on Awaji Island, just across from the city.

During your tour today, you will visit the Akashi Bridge - the world's longest suspension bridge at over 4km that connects the mainland of Japan with Awaji Island, the gateway to the Shikoku region. Akashi Bridge completed construction in 1998, just 3 years after the devastating Hanshin - Awaji earthquake.

After escaping the mainland of Japan and arriving in Awaji, you’ll enjoy a tour of a whiskey distillery and sake brewery in one. White Oak is a small distillery producing fantastic whiskey. We highly encourage purchasing a few of these hard to find spirits.

Among the Japanese, Awaji is known as the place to have the most amazing burger/beef eating experience. As Kobe beef is raised on the island, there are more than enough places for people to enjoy a wide variety of Japanese beef while taking in the islands scenic beauty.

Chichu Art Museum: Housing artworks by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria, this museum epitomizes the island’s focus of harmonizing nature and art. The building was designed by Tadao Ando and is largely subterranean.

Lee Ufan Museum: Continuing with the theme of harmonizing nature and art, the Lee Ufan Museum is a beautiful collaboration of art and architecture between Lee Ufan and Tadao Ando.

Art House Project: Comprised of multiple historical buildings housing art galleries, the Art House Project is a chance to not only enjoy contemporary art, but to also experience the history of this area as you stroll from building to building.

Ando Museum: Old meets new. Tadao Ando has taken an old village house and infused it with modern elements to breathe new life into it. In addition to this fascinating contrast of old and new, you’ll learn more about Ando’s life & works, and the history of Naoshima.

Our guests will have the opportunity to feel the sea and the wind out on the deck, relax in their luxurious cabin, receive holiday surprises, enjoy the service and entertainment, and get the experiences that can only be had on the Seto Inland Sea. Enjoy the beautiful colors of the sea that change with the seasons and the time of day; dine on fresh seafood; learn about the history of the islands; and make countless other unforgettable memories with that special someone.

Hiroshima Caste, also called the Carp Castle, is a good example of a castle built in the center of a city as opposed to hilltop and mountaintop. Its main keep is five stories tall, and its grounds are surrounded by a moat. Also within the castle's area are a shrine, some ruins and a few reconstructed buildings of the Ninomaru (second circle of defense).

Hiroshima developed as a castle town. The castlle was constructed in both the physical and economical center of the city in 1589 by the powerful feudal lord Mori Terumoto., While it was spared the destruction that many other castles met during the Meiji Restoration, like the rest of the city, Hiroshima Castle was entirely destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945.

Thirteen years later, its main keep was rebuilt in ferro-concrete with an attractive, partially wooden exterior. Inside is an informative museum on Hiroshima's and the castle's history and Japanese castles in general. From the top floor, you can enjoy the view of Hiroshima.

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The large park of over 120,000 square meters, with its trees, lawns, and walking paths is in stark contrast to the surrounding downtown. Before the bomb, the area of what is now the Peace Park was the political and commercial heart of the city. For this reason, it was chosen as the pilot's target. Four years to the day after the bomb was dropped, it was decided that the area would not be redeveloped but instead devoted to peace memorial facilities.

The park's main facility is the Peace Memorial Museum. Consisting of two buildings, the museum addresses the history of Hiroshima and the advent of the nuclear bomb. Its main focus is on the events of August 6: the dropping of the bomb and its outcome in human suffering. The personal details displayed are quite upsetting and serve to remind that we should not take peace for granted.

Miyajima is a small island close to the city of Hiroshima. It is most famous for its giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water. The sight is ranked as one of Japan's three best views.

Miyajima is a romantic spot, best enjoyed by staying overnight at one of the island's ryokan. While there are usually many day tourists, in the evening the area becomes much quieter and more peaceful. There are also wild deer on the island that have become accustomed to people. In the day the very tame deer wander around the same sites as the tourists, and in the evening they sleep along the walking paths.

Spend the day exploring at your leisure.

Although the current capital of Fukuoka Prefecture, and the largest city on the Kyushu Island, is Fukuoka City, the city of Dazaifu was historically the region's seat of power.

For over 500 years, Dazaifu served as Kyushu's cultural and governmental center, with many of these buildings still standing today.

One of the area's major attractions is the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, with a history dating back nearly 1,200 years. Dedicated to the scholar Michizane, this shrine is the second most important Tenmangu Shrine next to Kyoto's Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

Located just outside Fukuoka City is the Kyushu National Museum.

The museum is the first national museum to open in over 100 years and places a heavy emphasis on history rather than art.

While the museum regularly holds temporary exhibitions, the main focus is Japanese history, spanning from the prehistoric period to the Edo Period (just before the Meiji restoration).

Ask any Japanese person what Fukuoka is famous for and they’re likely to name the Nakasu Food Stalls high on their list. Many hardy dishes, from ramen to grilled chicken, and plentiful alcohol are available. Although the stalls are scattered throughout the city, we highly recommend trying to grab a bite to eat along the river at one of the stalls there.

Spend the day exploring Okinawa at your leisure.

Meet your guide at the market at 9:00am and set out for an early morning market and breakfast tour.

Okinawa is well known for its rich variety of vegetables and delicious seafood. You'll have a chance to sample a wide variety of food and make sure you have plenty of energy for the day's activities.

Jump in the water with an endangered species.

The whale shark is a truly majestic creature, and one of the largest living animals today. Although it’s massive, it poses no threats to humans, and even enjoys swimming together.

Please be advised that you will need to bring swim wear, sandals, and a towel. Diving subject to last minute cancellations due to ocean conditions/weather.

You will have a private diving guide today. However, the boat will be non-private.

Stop by Okinawa's largest glass producer to check out the latest from local artisans.

After learning about their colorful works, you'll have the chance to create your own Okinawa glass art to bring home!

Spend the day exploring Okinawa at your leisure.