Japan & Taiwan Highlights

Upon arrival at the airport, our representative will meet you and assist you to board your transfer to your hotel.

Explore Tokyo like a local would. 

Learn how to purify yourself at the entrance of Meiji-jingu shrine. Stroll down colorful Takeshita street in Harajuku with its youthful fashionable atmosphere and Kawaii culture. You may even run into some cosplayers all decked out as their favourite anime character. Next is the elegant tree lined Omotesando with its high style buildings and one of a kind architecture housing designer luxury boutiques.

The Asakusa traditional district in the northwest section of the city boasts the magnificent Senso-ji temple and its five story pagoda. Here, incense burning worshippers are oblivious to the selfie taking tourists. Let our guide help translate the good fortunes printed on your Omikuji and save as a souvenir of Tokyo. Some shopping time for souvenirs or Japanese rice crackers is in order along Nakamise shopping street which leads to the outer gate of the temple. 

Free day at leisure to explore on your own.

Travel by bullet train from Tokyo to Kanazawa (~2 hours 30 minutes)

Meet your guide and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Omicho market with its many stalls full of sea creatures fresh out of the Sea of Japan. It has over 170 local shops providing the locals including restaurant chefs with fresh fish, meat, oysters, pickles, produce, sweets, sake, coffee and more.

Proceed to the well preserved historic Higashi Chaya district. The beautiful wooden chayas (tea houses) were the venues where Geishas once entertained nobility and rich merchants. The number of Geishas have dwindled over the years but there remains a few active tea houses here where Geishas still entertain their well off clients on a nightly basis. You will tour the Kaikaro Chaya, a still active tea house which is open to visitors during the non operating daytime hours.

You will have a hands-on experience. A gold leaf is made by beating gold into an extremely thin sheet with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.125 millionths of a meter. It is so thin that it will disappear when you rub it with your fingers. The production of gold leaf started in Kanazawa at the end of the 16th century. You will have the opportunity to get hands on and create your own gold leaf masterpiece.

Free day at leisure to explore on your own.

Travel by bullet train / local train from Kanazawa to Kyoto (~2h40)

Upon meeting our guide, you will head to the south of Kyoto to Fushimi Inari Taisha. This shrine dedicated to the Shinto God of rice is famous for its thousands of vermillion colored torii gates leading through the wooded forest to Mount Inari.  Next, you will visit Kiyomizudera (pure water) temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. Make your way up to the wooden stage of the main hall with beautiful views of city of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains.

The tour ends in Gion, the most famous Geisha neighborhood of Kyoto. Here you will see the many well preserved traditional wooden houses (machiya) of old Japan, many of which are tea houses where Geishas entertain their well to do clientele. 

Learn about the history of tea and the formalities of the tea ceremony, then you can try making a cup of tea under an expert tea master’s guidance.

The rest of the day is free at leisre.

Free day at leisure to explore on your own.

Travel by Bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima (~1 hour 45 minutes).

Our guide will meet you and you will board a local train followed by a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island. As the ferry approaches the island, to your right will be the giant floating Torii gate marking the entrance to Itsukushima shrine. The shrine was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1996. Following the visit to the shrine, our guide will show you around the island.

Take the train from Hiroshima station to Onomichi. There, you will rent your bicycle for a 2 days ride.

The Shimanami Kaido is one of Japan’s most famous and visually stunning bike routes. Crossing over six islands, it offers wonderful ocean views and can be completed in a day. Ride through quaint seaside towns and citrus groves, ride by Kosanji Temple, view the beautiful Seto Inland sea from one of the many majestic bridges along the route.

Finish the Shimanami Kaido on this second day of your bicycle trip.

Once in Imabari station, drop off your bicycle and continue by train from Imabari to Matsuyama (~1 hours)

Free day at leisure. Below are some recommendations for a self-guided tour.

Matsuyama offers a blend of historical charm and natural beauty that makes it a captivating travel destination. One of its main highlights is Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest and most famous hot springs in Japan. The beautifully preserved Dogo Onsen Honkan, a multi-story wooden bathhouse, has inspired literature and even Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. Visitors can soak in the rejuvenating waters and immerse themselves in a timeless atmosphere that reflects over a millennium of bathing culture. The area around Dogo Onsen is also lively, with traditional shopping arcades, foot baths, and yukata-clad visitors creating a nostalgic ambiance.

Beyond the onsen, Matsuyama is home to Matsuyama Castle, perched on Mount Katsuyama and offering panoramic views of the city and Seto Inland Sea. The castle is one of Japan’s twelve original surviving castles and is accessible via a scenic ropeway or a pleasant hike.

Head to Matsuyama airport and fly to Taipei (flight not included – only on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays).

Embark on an unforgettable journey through central Taiwan, beginning in the quaint town of Puli, known for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in a tea-making experience, learning the traditional methods of crafting Taiwan’s famous red tea. Surrounded by rolling hills and fragrant plantations, the hands-on activity offers a unique insight into the local tea culture while providing a refreshing break from the city hustle.

The adventure continues at the stunning Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest and most iconic body of water. Nestled among forested mountains, the lake offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors will explore the charming Ita Thao Village, home to the indigenous Thao people, where they can sample local delicacies and shop for handmade crafts. A motor boat ride across the lake provides panoramic vistas and a refreshing breeze before arriving at the historic Wenwu Temple, perched on the northern shore. This majestic temple blends traditional Chinese architecture with spiritual reverence, offering a peaceful end to a day full of natural beauty and cultural discovery.

Continue your visit to central Taiwan with the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Nestled high in the mountains, Alishan is famed for its ancient cypress trees, ethereal sea of clouds, and stunning sunrise views from the iconic Zhushan Viewing Platform. Nature lovers can explore misty trails surrounded by towering forests, while photographers flock to capture the magical light filtering through the dense canopy. The cool mountain air and peaceful ambiance make it a perfect escape from Taiwan’s bustling cities.

No trip to Alishan is complete without a ride on the Alishan Forest Railway, a nostalgic journey that winds through lush hills and dramatic elevation changes. This century-old train ride offers panoramic views and is a highlight for both tourists and train enthusiasts. After soaking in Alishan’s natural beauty, the tour continues to Chiayi, a historic city known as the gateway to Alishan. In Chiayi, visitors can explore cultural landmarks, sample delicious local street food, and unwind in this charming city rich with history and hospitality.

This cultural tour through central Taiwan finishes with a visit to the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, a striking modern institution that showcases exquisite Asian art and cultural treasures, offering a fascinating look into the rich heritage of the region. The journey continues to the historic town of Lukang, where visitors can stroll along Lukang Old Street, lined with traditional red-brick buildings, artisan shops, and street food stalls. A highlight of the stop is the revered Lukang Mazu Temple, one of Taiwan’s oldest and most important temples dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, where intricate carvings and incense-filled halls provide a glimpse into Taiwan’s spiritual traditions and architectural beauty.

Embark on a captivating day tour through Taipei, beginning at the National Palace Museum, home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of Chinese imperial artifacts. Marvel at masterpieces like the Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-shaped Stone, which showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient China. Next, explore the historic Dadaocheng district, where tradition meets modernity. Wander through Dihua Old Street, Taipei’s oldest commercial street, lined with well-preserved Qing-era architecture housing shops selling Chinese herbs, teas, textiles, and traditional crafts. This area offers a glimpse into Taipei’s rich cultural heritage and bustling trade history.

Continue your journey to Cheng-en Gate (Beimen), one of the five original gates of the Taipei City Wall, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. This historic structure stands as a testament to Taipei’s defensive architecture. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the vibrant Ximending Commercial District, known for its lively atmosphere, street performances, and diverse culinary offerings. Conclude your tour with a visit to Lungshan Temple, a revered site of worship where locals engage in traditional practices such as tossing divining blocks to seek guidance. This temple offers a serene and spiritual end to your exploration of Taipei’s rich cultural tapestry.

Free day at leisure to explore on your own.

Transfer to the airport.