Japan Futur Japan Tour - Summer Edition

31 August - ITALY - heading towards Tokyo
Departure from Italy on ITA AIRWAYS direct flight to Tokyo. Meals and overnight on board.

01 September - TOKYO
Arrive at Haneda International Airport, clear disembarkation formalities and collect your luggage. Meeting with your guide and time to convert your Japan Rail pass. Transfer to the hotel by private bus and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel. Individual check-in.

02 September - TOKYO
In the morning meeting with the Italian-speaking guide and start of the city tour by public transport. A tour to discover Tokyo, its most picturesque corners and most important historical and religious buildings, which tell us about the culture and traditions of this wonderful capital, ancient and modern at the same time. Tokyo, besides being the most eastern capital in the world, is undoubtedly the most fascinating metropolis in Asia, even if, in reality, it preserves very little of the original city that was founded in the 15th century, apart from the Imperial Palace and the gardens that surround it; in fact, due to a terrible earthquake, but above all after the bombings of the Second World War, the city centre was completely destroyed. A modern metropolis with majestic skyscrapers and ever-crowded streets, Tokyo is striking for its energy in which the pressing rhythms of consumer culture clash with the quiet moments that are the legacy of ancient traditions. The city of Tokyo is the political, economic and cultural centre of Japan and the place where most of what is modern in this country is concentrated, including computer technology.

03 September - TOKYO / OSHINO HAKKAI / TOKYO
In the morning, meet your Italian-speaking guide and begin your tour of Japan's most impressive sights, Mount Fuji. We will stop at the Fuji Visitor Centre and after lunch head to Oshino Hakkai. After Lake Oshino dried up, ponds were left in its place near Mount Fuji. The water that forms them comes from the melting snow of Mount Fuji, which filtered down over decades and formed eight ponds. It is said that Oshino Hakkai was a place where pilgrims who came to Mount Fuji to pray would immerse themselves in the pools of water and thus purify their bodies. Since the water in the ponds looks almost like an ocean and the seasonal view of Mount Fuji is renowned for its beauty, the place is very popular with tourists. This pond was listed as a Natural Monument of Japan in 1934, among the 100 most beautiful waters in Japan in 1985, and a World Heritage Site along with Mount Fuji in 2013. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight stay.

04 September - TOKYO / KANAZAWA
In the morning, using the Japan Rail Pass, we will travel to Kanazawa by public transport and fast train. A trip to Kanazawa is like magically diving into the Japan of the feudal period. The streets lined with stately homes, the old pleasure quarters, the castle and the magnificent Kenrokuen garden make it one of the most fascinating destinations. Kanazawa is also a veritable treasure trove of artistic handicrafts: there are Kaga-Yuzen silk kimonos, Kutani and Ohi ceramics, Wajima lacquerware treated in both leaf and gold dust, and so on. Very prestigious Nō performances also contribute to the great refinement of this city, as does the famous traditional cuisine. Arrival in Kanazawa and free transfer to the hotel, located near the station. Overnight stay at the hotel.

05 September - KANAZAWA / SHIRAKAWAGO / KANAZAWA
In the morning, using the Nohi Bus (included in the fee), we visit the village of Shirakawa-go, famous for its thatched-roof farmhouses. The farmsteads are quite amazing structures, designed to withstand harsh winters, providing a place to work and live. Many of the houses are now restaurants, museums or minshuku. Late afternoon return to Kanazawa by Nohi Bus. Overnight stay.

06 September - KANAZAWA / KYOTO
In the morning using the Japan rail pass we will transfer to Kyoto. Arrival, free transfer to the hotel, Afternoon free to wander around the districts of Kyoto. Possibility of visiting Nara. Overnight stay.

07 September - KYOTO
Morning visit of Kyoto with Italian-speaking guide and private bus: Kinkakuji Temple, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu Temple. Continuation of the visit to the ancient Geisha quarter Gion and its surroundings. Return to the hotel by public transport. Overnight stay

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08 September - KYOTO / HIROSHIMA
In the morning using the Japan Rail Pass we will transfer to Hiroshima. Using the Japan Rail Pass we will take the ferry to visit Miyajima "The island where men and gods coexist", a sacred place since the Itsukushima shrine was built there in 593 AD (but the buildings date back to the 12th century). This shrine, dedicated to the goddess guardian of the seas, has the distinction of being built partly in the sea, with buildings on stilts and a torii a few dozen metres offshore. The magnificent scenery, beautiful beaches and hiking trails make the island an ideal summer destination. But the island also retains its charm in autumn, with its flaming maple trees or in spring with the cherry trees in blossom. The island of Miyajima is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the hotel in the evening. Check in and overnight stay.

09 September - HIROSHIMA / KYOTO
Morning at leisure to visit Hiroshima. In the early afternoon, using the Japan Rail Pass, we return to Kyoto. On the way, stop at Himeji, best known for its castle, one of the most beautiful in Japan, which has the appearance and elegance of a white heron with outstretched wings. Considered the most beautiful castle in Japan, it is also one of the few castles to have escaped the fires, earthquakes and devastation of war. Its whiteness echoes the black castle of Okayama, located 50 km away. Himeji Castle is not only beautiful, but also a rare example of an original castle in Japan. This is why it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex, consisting of a five-storey main keep and three smaller towers, has a magnificent appearance and is appreciated both aesthetically and architecturally. The castle is nicknamed Hakujoro or White Heron Castle, because of the resemblance it bears to this bird from afar, so gracefully perched on the plain. Several films have been shot in this beautiful setting, including "Shogun" and "Kagemusha", so Himeji Castle may look familiar. Late afternoon arrival in Kyoto and accommodation in the hotel.

10 September - KYOTO / TOKYO
In the morning using the Japan Rail Pass we will transfer to Tokyo. Arrival, free transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay.

11 September - TOKYO/ROME
Individual transfer using your Japan Rail Pass to Haneda Airport. Departure for Italy by ITA AIRWAYS flight. Meals on board. Arrival in Rome Fiumicino in the evening.