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 at the popular kaiseki (traditional Japanese cuisine of small dishes) restaurant Ganko Takasegawa Nijo-en the tour heads into Kyoto’s imperial past at Heian Shrine, a majestic oasis of vermilion halls and tranquil gardens built to honour the city’s thousand-year legacy as Japan’s ancient capital.  The day ends with your very own Samurai Learning Experience.

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.

First, you will head to Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and the home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Another place of worship is Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine.

You will also have a chance to walk through Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. 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.

Lunch is at the classical restaurant Kikusuiro founded in 1891 and offering an authentic lunch experience.

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.