Assemble at Kochi International Airport terminal 3 for departure to Osaka, Japan.
Arrival hub city connect flight to …Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
After emigration, customs, luggage clearance, Proceed to Kyoto. Once the imperial capital of Japan, is one of the oldest cities in Asia, known for its beautiful historical structures and parks. There are roughly 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in the area, rightfully giving the city it's nickname, 'City of Ten Thousand Shrines'. Dinner and transfer to hotel for check-in. Overnight stay at Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto or similar. (Dinner)
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Kyoto station. At the station, travel by super fast bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, visit The Hiroshima Peace Museum and Peace Park. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is over 120,000 square meters and is lined with trees, lawns and walking paths. Before the war, the area that is now the Peace Park was the political and commercial heart of the city of Hiroshima. That is why it was chosen as the target for the atomic bomb. Exactly four years after the bomb was dropped, it was decided that the area would be dedicated to peace and a memorial of the victims. Also see the Genbaku Domu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Flame of Peace, The Children’s Peace Monument etc. among other memorials.
After noon take the ferry for Miyajima Island, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, that has long been regarded as an Island of Gods on the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. It is a romantic and historical island well known for its floating shrine and Otoril. Halt here for a photostop at the Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the National Treasures of Japan. The Shrine was designed and built on pier like structures over the bay so that it would appear to be floating on the water, separate from the sacred island! Proceed to Hiroshima station to take the bullet train back to Kyoto station. Upon arrival, head to Osaka Castle (subject to availability of time or optional). ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner )
After breakfast at your hotel, visit the Todaiji Temple and Deer Park.
The Todaiji Temple or 'Great Eastern Temple' is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The Temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagoaka in 784 in order to lower the temple’s influence on government affairs. Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) is the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meter tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas. Another popular attraction is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life !
Along the approach to Todaiji stands the Nandaimon Gate, a large wooden gate watched over by two together looking statues. Representing the Nio Guardian Kings, the statues are with the gate itself. The Nara Park (Nara Kōen) is a large park in central Nara. Established in 1880, it is the location of many of Nara's main attractions, including the Todaiji Temple. The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara's nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. You may feed them shika senbei or deer crackers which are available for purchase around the park. Some deer have even learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed. Later, visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, established in 1637.
Sake is a Japanese rice wine made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. Next visit Fushimi Inari Shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of Rice. The magical, seemingly unending path of over 5000 vibrant orange torii gates that wind through the hills behind Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine makes it one of the most popular shrines in Japan.
After the tour, depart for Kyoto station for travel by super fast bullet train to Odawara. Large luggage is not permitted onboard bullet trains. It is advised to take an overnight bag with a change of clothes and other necessary items for the next day in Hakone. Large Luggage will be sent to the hotel in Tokyo by the next day delivery. Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel Green Plaza Hakone or similar.( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner )
Famous for hot springs, natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists looking for a break from Tokyo. Visit Lake Ashi no-ko translates lake of reeds in Japanese.
Ride on the Hakone Ropeway and enjoy Hakone's impressive natural scenery. On clear days, the majestic Mount Fuji is visible.
Next Visit Mt Fuji 5th level or Visitor's center (depending on the weather) At 2400 meters above sea level, the Fujinomiya or 5th Station is the highest of the 5 stations. Mount Fuji or commonly known as Fujisan, with 3776 meters is Japan's highest mountain. It is an active volcano has been worshiped as a sacred Mountain. Enjoy captivating views of Fujisan from the 5th Station.
Later proceed to Tokyo. Tokyo (translated to mean Eastern Capital in Japanese), formerly known as Edo, is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. Upon arrival, head for a city tour of Tokyo. Have a photo stop at Tokyo Tower Observatory, see the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Have a photo stop at the Imperial Palace. See the Asakusa Kannon Temple, also known as Sensōji - one of Tokyo's most colorful and popular Buddhist temples located in Asakusa. Later, head to Nakamise Shopping Arcade, Ginza for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel Sunshine City Prince or similar. ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner )
After breakfast at your hotel, as an option, ready yourselves for a big day of fun at Tokyo Disneyland, as the Walt Disney’s creation in Los Angeles Manheim in a Japanese method and style recreated , with it's seven themed lands offering fun attractions and fantastic entertainment. Welcome to the kingdom of dreams and magic! If not, the day is free to explore Tokyo on your own. Lunch on your own. ( Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast, check out of your hotel, transfer to Narita Airport for flight to Incheon, South Korea by Korean air or Air Nippon flight. On arrival after emigration, customs, transfer to Seoul the capital of South Korea, filled with many things to see and enjoy. Visit N. Seoul Tower Observatory, one of Seoul’s top attractions for the city,s nighscape. The observatory is located on the third color of the tower, at an altitude of 479 meters. Ride the elevator up, and a cool video presentation will keep you entertained during the twenty-second long ride to the 'digital observation deck' that unfolds a stunning panoramic view of Seoul. After dinner, transfer to Hotel IBC or similar in Seoul for overnight stay. ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner )
Embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Seoul showcasing the best of Korea’s history, culture and traditions. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace - literately means 'Palace of Shining Happiness' , admire it's extensive palace grounds and traditional construction techniques used, is the main and largest of the five grand palaces of Korea. Listen as your guide details the history of Joseon Dynasty, the Korean Kingdom, that lasted to October 1897. The Joseon period has left a substantial legacy to modern Korea; as you move through the Palace compound, you will view buildings built in the year 1395 by great wooden architects. Witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony*. (*Subject to availability at the time of visit).
Next, visit the National Folk Museum, houses over 98,000 artifacts to experience the history of the Korean people lives during prehistoric times through the end of the Joseon Dynasty. The museum also explores how a strong Confucian belief system has given rise to many Korean customs today (*On Tuesdays, Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum is closed; if this is the case, visit will be
made to Deoksu Palace and the History Museum instead).
Halt for a photostop at Gwanghwamun Square- is a street of culture that was redesigned in the heart of the city to create a global spot that restores the sights of old Seoul with its 600-year history. At the plaza, make sure to take photos in front of these statues of the most well known influential figures in Korean history - Admiral Yi Sun-Shin and King Sejong the Great (fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty).
Depart for Myeongdang for some quality shopping time. Myeong-dong is a popular destination for shopping, culture, arts and fashion. Major shopping malls such as
Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore and Samik Fashion Town are located there. Shoppers can find a variety of products here from high-end items to relatively inexpensive clothes. Leisurely stroll along the Cheonggyecheon Stream while listening to the gentle sounds of water - Return to hotel, for overnight. ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner )
Head out to shop for bargain shopping at Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Korea with shops selling various goods like clothes, glasses, kitchenware, toys, mountain gear etc at affordable prices. Today lunch on your own. Or, head for a day trip to Busan. Upon arrival, proceed for a tour of the city. Also see the Gamcheon Culture Village, known as Santorini of Korea, where contemporary art fills a maze of alleyways. ( Breakfast, Dinner )
Day free for shopping or to explore the city on your own.
As an option, visit the Insa-dong area. Nowhere exudes more local and traditional charm than Insa-dong, a quaint neighborhood in the center of Seoul that transports visitors back to a time when women wore hanbok and men rode horses. With its wooden tea houses, boutique galleries and street vendors selling traditional snacks, a stroll through Insa-dong enlivens all visitors. Insa-dong is also one of the best places
in Seoul to purchase traditional Korean art, products, and other souvenirs, as it is filled with antique shops, art galleries, handicraft shops, pottery and porcelain shops.
In the later afternoon proceed to Incheon International airport for your return flight to India. ( Meals on board as per flight timings )
Connect flight at hub city...
