9 Day Tastes of Kobe & Hiroshima, Japan

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Japan
Depart for Japan

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Osaka, Transfer to Kobe
Arrive in Osaka, known for its cuisine and nightlife and transfer to your hotel in Kobe. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 3 PM
Overnight: Kobe

DAY 3, Thursday - Tour of Kobe, Mt. Rokko Cable Car & Observatory
Begin the day with a cable car ride up Mt. Rokko. Upon reaching the top, visit the Rokko Garden Terrace and Shidare Observatory for stunning views of Kobe and Osaka. Then, head to the heart of Kobe to visit the Ikuta Shrine, dedicated to the guardian deity and founded in the 3rd century by Empress Jingu. Afterward, have free time to wander the shops and restaurants of the Sannomiya area before continuing to a sake brewery. Learn about the production of this Japanese liquor and experience the aromas and flavors during a tasting. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure
Overnight: Kobe
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
This morning, travel to Kyoto to visit the Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The top two floors of this Zen temple are coated in gold leaf, creating a beautiful reflection in the pond encompassing it. Next, continue to downtown Kyoto to the Nishiki Market. Here, you will find Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles and dried seafood, as well as fresh produce, and seasonal foods. Conclude the day with a walk through the soaring stalks of the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and see how the light filters through the leaves. The evening is yours to discover the culinary delights Kobe has to offer
Overnight: Kobe
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Kobe or Optional Full Day Himeji & Arima Tour with Lunch
Spend the day at leisure, or choose to participate in the optional Full Day Himeji & Arima Tour with lunch. Begin the tour with a visit to the hilltop Himeji Castle, also called the "White Heron Castle" and regarded as the finest surviving example of feudal Japanese castle architecture. Afterward, savor a lunch of Kobe beef and experience why Wagyu beef is considered a delicacy. Then, continue to Arima Onsen*, a unique hot spring retreat at the foot of Mt. Rokko. Walk through this town with over 1,000 years of history, seeing the blend of modern buildings and traditional wooden architecture before returning to Kobe for an evening at leisure
*It's recommended to bring a small towel as there may be an opportunity to use the Arima Onsen footbaths and towels are not available to rent or purchase.
Optional: Full Day Himeji & Arima Tour with lunch
Overnight: Kobe
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Bullet Train to Hiroshima, Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome
Today, transfer to the train station and board the shinkansen, or "bullet train," to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, containing an extensive collection of artifacts from the time of the bombing. The compelling exhibitions chronicle the history of Hiroshima before and after the bombing in pictures, movies, and displays. Proceed to the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a structure that miraculously survived the attack on August 6, 1945. Take a moment to reflect on the heartbreaking history of the region. After, learn how to make okonomiyaki, a savory cabbage pancake that originated in Hiroshima, and savor your creation for lunch. Then, continue with a stop at Hiroshima Castle, also called the Carp Castle, reconstructed after the original castle was destroyed by the atomic bombing. The castle features an impressive moat and an outside balcony at the top of the keep, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. Inside, view exhibits portraying the history of Hiroshima and the castle. Later, check into your hotel before dinner
Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Hiroshima or Optional Full Day Miyajima Island Tour
The day is yours to discover Hiroshima independently, or consider joining the optional Full Day Miyajima Island Tour. Board a ferry to the idyllic Miyajima Island, a small island in Hiroshima Bay. Disembark and begin your exploration of the island. Learn the rich history of the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its floating torii gate. Mountains and lush forests are the backdrop to the island's shrines while gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea enchant you. Stroll along Omotesando Street, the main shopping area with a plethora of restaurants for lunch on your own. Try the local specialty Momiji Manju, a sweet red bean paste pastry shaped like a Japanese maple leaf. Return to Hiroshima by ferry
Optional: Full Day Miyajima Island Tour
Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Hiroshima or Optional Full Day Yamaguchi Tour
Spend your last day in Hiroshima at leisure, or partake in the optional Full Day Yamaguchi Tour. At the foot of Mt. Yokoyama, travel to the city of Iwakuni to see the Kintaikyo Bridge, a 17th century pedestrian bridge with five wooden arches. Continue to the Iwakuni Ropeway and ascend the mountain in a gondola offering panoramic views of the Nishiki River and the town below. Once at the top, visit the Iwakuni Castle, a replica of the 17th century original castle that once stood in its place. After lunch on your own, proceed to the Simose Art Museum, housed in a modern building designed by the celebrated architect, Shigeru Ban, with views of Japan's Inland Sea and the Setouchi Islands. Explore exhibits featuring traditional Japanese art, as well as contemporary works. Return to Hiroshima for time at leisure. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Full Day Yamaguchi Tour
Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Wednesday - Depart Japan
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast