Destinations

The Japanese islands stretch over 3,000 km with a rich variety of scenery in climates ranging from sub-artic in the north to sub-tropical in the south. Volcanic mountain ranges teem with hot spring resorts, while a history going back thousands of years gives each region a distinct cultural character. In short, Japan is a tourist paradise. On these pages we suggest some examples of incentive tours or excursions centered on major cities.


History and onsen hot springs near Tokyo

A taste of Japan’s history and tradition, followed by an onsen hot spring resort set in spectacular scenery.

Day 1
Tokyo ? Kamakura - Great Buddha, zen temple (shojin monks’ cuisine or zen meditation) ? Hakone (night at onsen ryokan inn)
Day 2
Hakone ? volcanic crater tour, Lake Ashi cruise, Shinkansen bullet train - Tokyo


Ancient and modern Japan near Nagoya

The latest in modern Japanese technology and one of its most ancient shrines, night cormorant fishing and a famous old country town.

Day 1
Nagoya ? Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology - Ise Grand Shrine - Nagoya
Day 2
Nagoya ? Gifu (cormorant fishing, Shirakawa Village) - Takayama (Historic Relic of the Local Agency of the Tokugawa Shogunate and Festival Float Exhibition Hall) - Nagoya


Nature and local specialities in Hokkaido

Japan’s most northerly island is renowned for spectacular scenery and outdoor sports, and its abundance of fresh seafood makes for great dining.

Day 1
Sapporo - Susukino, Sapporo Beer Garden, Biei Hills, Otaru Canal - Sapporo
Day 2
Sapporo - Lake Toya and Niseko for golf, rafting, hot-air ballooning or skiing - Sapporo


World heritages and gourmet dining in Kansai

The Kansai region is famed for fine cooking and sake. This is also an area rich in World Heritage sites and beautiful nature.


Day trip
Osaka - Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, Dotonbori, eat okonomiyaki and takoyaki ? Osaka
Day trip
Osaka - Kyoto Hozugawa River trip, Arashiyama (Togetsu Bridge), Nishikikoji market, Kyoto kaiseki restaurant - Osaka
Day trip
Osaka - Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple in Nara, Horyuji Temple, Yakushiji Temple - Osaka
Day trip
Osaka - Himeji Castle, Nada (sake brewery), Kobe Chinatown, Kobe beef restaurant ? Osaka

Hiroshima and the Inland Sea

From Hiroshima and the famous shrine on the sea at Itsukushima to the castle towns of Shikoku.

Day 1
Hiroshima - Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima Castle -
Itsukushima Shrine - Kintai Bridge (Iwakuni) - Hiroshima
Day 2
Hiroshima - Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen hot spring resort, Uchiko, Shimanami Kaido - Takamatsu
Day 3
Takamatsu - Ritsurin Park, Konpira Shrine (Naoshima) ? Hiroshima or Kansai International Airport


Resorts in the southern islands

From the fine golf resorts in Kyushu to the sub-tropical beaches of Okinawa.

Day 1
Miyazaki ? golf ? Miyazaki
Day 2
Miyazaki- Naha- Shuri Castle - Ryukyu-mura ? Nago

Day 1
Nago - Churaumi Aquarium ? Naha
Day 2
Naha - Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum - Mabuni Hill - Naha