Compare City & beach: Tokyo and Okinawa by Audley Travel vs Japan in 15 days - Land of the Rising Sun - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tokyo.

Day 2 : Tokyo

On arriving into Japan, your airport representative welcomes you and helps you validate your rail pass vouchers and make seat reservations on the trains for you. He/she then escorts you to the Narita Express train service into the city. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, resting and relaxing after your flight.

Day 3 : Tokyo

A day at leisure in Tokyo. We suggest you make use of any lingering jet lag and visit the early morning Tsukiji Fish Market - buzzing with life, this is the biggest fish market in the world and a great place to see local life. The exciting tuna auctions take place at 5am each day. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city, perhaps taking a stroll around the Imperial Palace Gardens.

Day 4 : Tokyo

Get out of the city for the day and take the train to the seaside town of Kamakura, once Japan's capital and home to the Great Bronze Buddha. The journey takes about an hour. You can explore this town independently, visiting its many temples and shrines, including a quirky one in which locals wash money, hoping that it will cause their fortunes to increase.

Day 5 : Kyoto

Today travel by super-fast bullet train to Kyoto (a two and a half hour journey), home to some of Japan's most important works of art, its richest culture and its most refined cuisine.After leaving your bags at your hotel, we recommend that you set off to see some of the iconic sights, including the Golden Pavilion, the Zen gardens of Ryoanji and the beautiful terrace of Kiyomizudera.

Day 6 : Kyoto

A day at leisure in Kyoto to wander the streets of this compact city. Nishiki market is one recommendation in order to buy kimono silks, beautiful art and the famous Japanese knives. It also sells tasty Japanese delicacies - try matcha sweets or squid. An evening ambling around the geisha district of Gion, looking out for these elusive women as they head out to work appointments, caps off the day.

Day 7 : Kyoto

Put your rail pass to good use and make a day trip to Hiroshima via bullet train (two hours one way). Here you can explore the moving Peace Park, the haunting Atomic Bomb Dome and the Memorial Museum. Walk around the Shukkei-en Gardens, which date from the Edo period and are said to represent all the seasons. For lunch, try the local speciality of okonomiyaki (pancakes served with cabbage and many other fillings).

Day 8 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)

This morning transfer to the airport and fly to Miyakojima Island via Naha, the city and airport on the main island.Once landed on Miyakojima make your own way to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing by your hotel pool or basking on the soft sandy beach.

Day 9 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)

At leisure on Miyako Island. The best way to experience this place is simply to relax. Miyakojima's highlight is its beaches, some of the best in all of Japan. You can snorkel in its azur waters and the more energetic can take part in a range of water sports.

Day 10 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)

Another day at leisure to enjoy Maehama, Sunayama and Yoshino beaches. Today you may wish to try scuba diving at one of the nearby sites.

Day 11 : Miyako Island (Okinawa)

A third day on Miyako Island. As a change of pace, take a short domestic flight to the islands of Yaeyama. The main islands of Ishigaki, Taketomi and Iriomote have traditional villages, and jungle walks.

Day 12 : Tokyo

Retrace your steps to the airport to board your flight back to Tokyo. Once landed, the airport express is the quickest way into the city where you can spend a final night in the capital. Try rounding off your trip with a visit to one of our recommended restaurants to enjoy yakatori or monjayaki - flour and vegetable batter served with different toppings.

Day 13 : International return flight

Take the airport shuttle from the hotel lobby to Narita airport for your return flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrival at your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight to Tokyo. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Tokyo

Arrive in the capital of Japan and self-transfer to the hotel. Tokyo is a dazzling metropolis rich in history and tradition. Rest of the day free to start discovering this exciting city of contrasts and its delicious cuisine. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 3: Tokyo

Today, take a half-day tour of the city of Tokyo including many of the most emblematic sights in the city. See the vibrant neighbourhood of Harajuku, the charming Meiji Shrine and the National Diet Building. Discover the magnificent Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Japanese Emperor, before passing through the varied districts of the city and arriving in Asakusa. Asakusa retains all the charms of 'old Tokyo', with its traditional architecture, craft shops and food stalls. Here you can marvel at the magnificent Senso-ji temple and Kaminari-mon Gate. End the tour at Tokyo Station and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 4: Tokyo

Enjoy a day at your own pace. Spend the day exploring Tokyo's fascinating city-scape at your leisure. Why not visit Odaiba island high-tech entertainment hub or climb the Skytree Tower for a panoramic view of Tokyo? We recommend an exciting full-day tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone*. Overnight stay in Tokyo. * Optional full-day tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone: The bus heads up to the 5th Station along the Subaru Line, at 2,300 metres above sea level. At this height, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views from above the clouds. After lunch at Samurai Restaurant, visit scenic Owaku-dani Valley in Hakone and enjoy a peaceful boat trip on Ashi Crater Lake to admire the superb views of Mt. Fuji. Return to Tokyo by bus with the option to end the tour at Odawara station if you prefer. Please note: If road conditions or unforeseen circumstances restrict the ascent to the 5th station, you will instead travel the highest elevation possible considering the circumstances. The same also applies for the cruise on Ashi Crater Lake; if conditions or circumstances prevent sailing on the lake, alternative visits and experiences will be taken to replace the activity.

Day 5: Tokyo

Enjoy a day exploring Tokyo at your leisure, getting to know the shopping districts, discovering new parts of the city or simply soaking up the culture and sampling the cuisine. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 6: Tokyo - Kanazawa

Using your Japan Rail Pass, travel to Kanazawa, a historical jewel of a city and home to some of Japan's most beautiful landscaped gardens. We recommend visiting the historic Higashi Chaya district, filled with traditional tea houses where you will be able to see the celebrated geishas perform. Overnight stay in Kanazawa.

Day 7: Kanazawa

Spend the day on a self-guided tour of the sights of Kanazawa. Catch the Kanazawa Loop Bus for an overview of the city before admiring the pristine landscaped gardens and Japanese architecture of the Kenrokuen Gardens & Seisonkaku Villa. Soak up the artistic atmosphere at a traditional Gold-Leaf Experience and refresh with tea coupons to redeem at Kikantei. Overnight stay in Kanazawa.

Day 8: Kanazawa - Hiroshima

Today, travel to Hiroshima using your Japan Rail Pass. Arrive in the modern city of Hiroshima, sadly destroyed in the most part in 1945 by an atomic bomb, making it a moving destination to explore. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Hiroshima.

Day 9: Hiroshima

Today you will have the opportunity to be your own guide with a self-guided tour of the main attractions of Hiroshima. Begin at the Atomic Bomb Dome, passing by Hiroshima Castle along the way, to contemplate one of the few structures that survived the devastating explosion. Continue to the Peace Memorial Park and stop for a traditional Okonomiyaki lunch. Afterwards, head to the port for a short ferry ride to Miyajima to see the Otorii Gate and the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine. End the tour with a visit to Daishonin Temple. This tour includes a full-day ticket for Hiroden (tram and bus network in and around Hiroshima, and roundtrip ticket for Miyajima ferry), and a voucher for lunch at Okoromi-mura. The tour will take place in the order that you prefer. Overnight stay in Hiroshima.

Day 10: Hiroshima - Kyoto

Using your Japan Rail Pass, travel to Kyoto, the capital of the Japanese Empire for 11 centuries. We recommend exploring the emblematic neighborhood of Gion, known for its traditional architecture and admired geishas. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 11: Kyoto

Set off this morning on an exciting half-day Kyoto tour to discover the beautiful and historical districts of Sagano. Ride the Sagano Romantic Train (trolley train), enjoy a walk through the enchanting Sagano bamboo forest, wander round Arashiyama's Tenryuji Temple and admire its famous garden and lake. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 12: Kyoto

Spend today at your leisure, exploring the delights of Kyoto at your own pace. Perhaps explore the Kiyomizu temple, part of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site, or walk through the tranquil Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. We recommend an optional afternoon excursion to the peaceful sanctuary of Nara.* Overnight stay in Kyoto. * Optional Nara Excursion: Head to Nara on the Kintetsu Express Train, for a tour of two World Heritage Sites: Todai-Ji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. Encounter wild deer up close while walking through Nara Park, a rarity in Japan and worldwide and discover Todai-Ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest wooden structures.

Day 13: Kyoto - Osaka

Today, take a local train to travel to Osaka. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free to discover this charming city. We recommend visiting the Kuromon local market and its Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building, from which there is an unforgettable panoramic view of the city. Overnight stay in Osaka.

Day 14: Osaka

Spend the day on a self-guided tour of the sights of Osaka. You will have at your disposal an Osaka Metro + City Bus card to discover the city on your own. You will also have an admission ticket for the Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory. At 300m above ground, you’ll be able to see the incredible borderless day & night scenery of the city. It also includes the ticket for Osaka Castle, where you have the chance to learn about the history of one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Overnight stay in Osaka.

Day 15: Osaka

Spend the day at your leisure exploring the cultural delights of Osaka. Get to know the local area and sample the iconic local cuisine. In fact, the street food markets of Osaka are said to be the best in the country! Overnight stay in Osaka.

Day 16: Osaka - Night on board

Sadly it's time to say goodbye to the Land of the Rising Sun. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the airport for a flight** back to the US. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 17: US

Arrive in the US and end your unforgettable Japanese adventure.