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JAPAN | 51 the 11.4 hectare Japanese Kenrokuen Gardens, located on the central heights and next to the Kanazawa Castle. Known for its scale and beauty, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful feudal lords' gardens in Japan. Within the gardens, a large artificial pond can be found, as hills and houses dot across the grounds. Whilst here, take a tour of the Seisonkaku Villa which was built within the gardens in 1863. Here, take time to understand and appreciate the fine techniques used when building. For example, the inner pillars and walls often included a wooden panel with openwork carvings of flowers and birds, as did the coffered ceiling for the guest chamber. Then be captivated by the new-style art found within the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Offering a differing take on conventional museums, the other-worldly UFO-shaped building exhibits experiment-type contemporary arts that visitors can openly interact with. Later, drive past the former residence of the samurai and their families in the Nagamachi district before finishing the day at Kazue-machi, an old geisha district. Delight in the picturesque atmosphere of the wooden lattice fronts of old Geisha houses and restaurants, before taking a brief stroll around the area. Here, savour the view of the area from Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge. Look out upon the rows of historic chaya houses, which have been designated as a national cultural assets since 2008. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. BLD Day 6. Kanazawa, Kyoto. Board the Thunderbird train service this morning, from Kanazawa to Kyoto. The fastest transfer possible between both cities, this high-speed train is a very popular option for both business and leisure travellers across Japan. Upon arrival in the afternoon, take time to leisurely explore Kyoto. Vibrant and colourful, Kyoto served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. Nowadays it is the country's seventh largest city with a growing population of 1.4 million people. Due to its great historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and spared from air raids during World War II. Enjoy time to walk amongst the countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures scattered throughout the city. In the evening, enjoy a Chado/Sado (Tea Ceremony), performed by a local Maiko (apprentice Geiko) or Geiko (Geisha). Within a delicate tatami tearoom, accompanied by English- speaking Kimono-clad servers, enjoy a memorable interaction with a Maiko. Five Night Stay: Kyoto, Hotel Okura or similar. BD Day 7. Kyoto, Osaka. After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Osaka Castle and its surroundings. The largest castle of its time, Osaka Castle was built to become the centre of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi Hideyoshi's rule. Housing an informative museum of the castle's and Toyotomi's history, your tour ITINERARY OVERVIEW Watch on as Mt. Fuji appears above a sea of clouds in the pink sky DAY DESTINATION INCLUDED HIGHLIGHT 1 Tokyo Welcome Reception 2 Tokyo Meet with Grandma Hiroko 3 Tokyo Mt. Fuji 4 Kanazawa Bullet Train 5 Kanazawa Kanazawa Castle 6 Kyoto Meet a local Maiko or Geiko DAY DESTINATION INCLUDED HIGHLIGHT 7 Osaka Osaka Castle 8 Hiroshima Hiroshima Tour 9 Nara Todaiji Temple 10 Kyoto Kinkakuji Temple 11 Osaka Depart