09:45 – 17:45hrs | A chance to explore Japan’s former imperial capital and its World Heritage Sites. The main focus of this tour is the striking Kinkakuji and the Arashiyama district.  Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun, that he requested be converted into a Buddhist temple after his death. Together with the pond, it is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks.

Arashiyama is a popular tourist district in the western outskirts of Kyoto famous for its bamboo grove.  After lunch at the Shigetsu vegetarian restaurant, a part of the Tenryu-ji Temple, and where the chefs will only prepare dishes that observe the rules of traditional Buddhist vegetarian cooking, take time to amble through the bamboo and enjoy a rickshaw ride as you discover Arashiyama.

09:30 – 17:30hrs | This tour also starts out at the Golden Pavilion but from there you head to Nijo Castle, the stunning former residence of the Kyoto shogun, with its ‘chirping’ nightingale floors.  Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan’s feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.

Following lunch the day ends with your very own Samurai Learning Experience, where you have the chance to dress in the traditional Samurai kimono and learn the Samurai moves.

09:15 – 17:15hrs |

Nara was Japan’s capital in the 8th century and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain.

On arrival you are greeted by some of the many deer that freely roam Nara. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara’s nearly 1,200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have been designated a national treasure.  As you head up to Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and the home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue, the deer will follow in search of food and are not afraid to get up close!  Don’t worry we will have a stash of their special cookies on hand for you to feed them.  Be warned, they are quite enthusiastic!  There will also be a chance to climb the steps for a stunning panoramic view of Nara or just enjoy some free time.

07:45 – 17:15hrs | Just an hour north of Kyoto’s city center is Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Nearby, sits the world-class Seta Golf Course.  Players will be taking on the North Course, designed by renowned course architect Seiichi Inoue.  Club rental available.