Tour
Details at a Glance
- Fully
Guided Small Group tour.
- Experienced
professional English speaking Tour Guide/Tour Leader from Day
3-14
- Quality
selection of 4 star hotels and superb Ryokans with spa facilities.
- All
transfers and entrance fees included.
- Daily
Breakfast, 4 Evening Meals.
- Luggage
transfers between destinations as stated in itinerary.
- No
hidden extras, all entrance fees & transport included.
- Guided
tours by trains and public transport included.
- International
flights can be provided - Full ATOL Protection
Day
1
Depart from your preferred airport for your flight to Tokyo. Meals
on board.
Day
2
Tokyo
Arrive at Airport in Tokyo and self transfer to your hotel. The
rest of the day is at your leisure to adjust to the 9 hours time
difference. *Airport meeting assistant and transfer service can
be provided as an option*
Stay
3 nights at the highly regarded Keio Plaza Hotel (or
similar).
Day
3
Tokyo (Breakfast, Izakaya Dinner)
After breakfast in your hotel, meet your Tour Leader and profession
Tour Guide who will look after you during your tour and travel with
you throughout.
Today
we explore Tokyo by subway and our first stop is the Imperial Palace,
the main residence of the Emperor of Japan.
Next we explore Tokyo's most colourful and popular Buddhist Temples,
the famous and bustling Asakusa Kannon Temple.
Experience 'Sakura' and enjoy Cherry blossom viewing in Ueno Park, which is one of the best places to see the blossom, which should hopefully be in bloom during your visit.
Our next stop is the modern Shinjuku district of Tokyo, where we experience the hustle and bustle of this exciting city. We will visit the famous Shibuya Crossing, rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world. We also explore Akuhabara and Ginza, with free time in Ginza to shop.
Return
to our hotel and get ready to go out for a Izakaya meal at a local restaurant or bar. This is a great experience often not discovered by tourists and shows the real Japan culture. It is also a good opportunity to relax and make friends.
Day
4
Tokyo - Hakone - Tokyo (Includes Breakfast)
In the morning we gather in the hotel lobby to meet our Tour Guide
for the transfer together to Hakone by bullet train.
Upon
arrival in Hakone, we take a local bus and cable car to explore the scenic areas of Hakone with our guide. On a clear day Hakone provides great
views of Mt Fuji. Together with our guide we take a Ropeway
Ride to Owakudani and explore the volcanic Owakudani Valley.
We then take a Ropeway Ride to Lake Ashi, where we board
a boat to cruise the still waters of Lake Ashi. Afterwards
we visit the recently restored Hakone Sekisho, which was
an important check point established by the Tokugawa shogun. Later we return to our hotel in Tokyo by train.
Day
5 Tokyo - Nagano - Yudanaka (Breakfast
and Japanese Dinner)
Today,
we travel around Tokyo with our Tour Guide to explore more must-see
sights of Tokyo. Afterwards
we travel to the impressive Meiji Shrine which is dedicated
to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort. Pass through the
huge Shinto Torii gates and take a leisurely walk in the
peaceful forest leading to the Shrine, far away from the hustle
and bustle of modern Tokyo.
Later
we explore Harajuku and Omotesando Districts of Tokyo
which is the centre of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and
fashion styles where many teenagers dress up in crazy costumes to
resemble animation characters and punk musicians etc. Harajuku and Omotesando also offers great shopping opportunities and
historic sights to explore.
Around
midday we leave Tokyo for Yudanaka (via Nagano) by Bullet train.
Upon arrival at you Ryokan, we rest in the hot spring baths (Onsen)
and enjoy a wonderful Japanese Dinner.
To
make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer
your large luggage directly to Takayama. Prepare a smaller carry
bag for your time in Yudanaka and Matsumoto.
Accommodation
- Issano Komichi Ryokan or similar (Japanese style room)
Day
6 Yudanaka - Matsumoto - Takayama (Includes Breakfast)
In the morning we travel with our guide on the shuttle bus to see
the Snow Monkey park and have time to enjoy the antics of the cheeky
red faced monkeys relaxing in the outdoor hot spring pools (approx
30min). Later we return to our Ryokan and transfer together to out
hotel in Matsumoto by train.
Upon arrival
we have a walking tour of Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto castle, known as 'crow castle' due to its unique black exterior. Matsumoto
castle is one of only four castles designated as National Treasures
of Japan and is stunningly beautiful. Afterwards stroll around the traditional old quarter (Nawate Dori).
Afterwards we proeed to Takayama by express bus or train (non reserved seats).
Accommodation
- Takayama Green Hotel or similar (western room)
Day
7 Takayama - Shirakawago - Gokoyama - Takayama (Breakfast)
After
breakfast we take a walking tour of Takayama, which includes
the morning market, visiting the House of Yoshijima constructed circa 1907 and
former home of a prosperous merchant engaged in the production of
sake.
Afterwards we visit Yatai Kaikan Exhibition Hall to see the historic floats used during Takayama's yearly Festival. Our next stop is Kamisannomachi street which is in the old area of Takayama and reminiscent of ancient
times when Samurai wandered the streets. Afterwards we visit the Takayama Jinya, a former Government
Outpost of the Shogun.
Early
afternoon we leave for Shirakawago by sight seeing bus with our guide. Shirakawago is UNESCO World Heritage
listed, nestled into a valley surrounded by stunning forests and mountains.
Shirakawago is well known for the unique architectural style of
the village houses, known as gassho-zukuri. The Gassho-zukuri style
of house is characterised by a thatched steeply slanting roof resembling
two hands joined in prayer. Upon arrival we visit a typical Gasho-zukuri
House and take a leisurely walk around Shirakawago Village.
We then travel onward by bus to Gokoyama, which is also UNESCO World Heritage
listed. Gokoyama is smaller and even more charming and authentic wonder to enjoy. Afterwards
we return to Takayama by bus.
Day
8 Takayama
- Kyoto -Nara - Kyoto
(Breakfast)
Separate 1 piece luggage transfer per person to Kyoto - Arriving the next
day.
After
Breakfast we transfer by train to Kyoto and take a short walk to
our hotel.
In the afternoon we make the short train journey to Nara where we enjoy
a walking tour of the ancient capital city of Japan. Enjoy strolling
in the Deer Park and exploring the impressive Todaiji
Temple and Great Buddha.
Return
to Kyoto by train and check into our hotel. In the evening we enjoy a wonderful Geisha / Maiko performance at Gion Corner (Not private).
Accommodation
at Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar (3 nights)
Day 9
- Kyoto (Breakfast)
Today we
enjoy a sightseeing walking tour with our tour Guide using public transport. We visit the famous Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple) and Ryoanji Temple, which has Japan's
most famous Zen rock garden.
Nijo Castle, commissioned
by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate and completed
in 1626. One of the most intriguing features is the "nightingale
floors" designed to squeak like birds when anyone walks on them
and designed to warn occupants of sneak attacks by Ninja assassins. Afterwards
we return to our hotel by local bus.
Day 10
-Kyoto (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast we visit
the impressive and must-see Kiyomizu Temple, built perched
on the hillside overlooking Kyoto.
We
then walk though Ninnenzaka and Sannenzaka on one
of Kyoto's most beautiful walks, which takes us down into the Gion
area of Kyoto, famous for Geisha's. Enjoy walking down narrow
streets lined with old wooden houses, traditional shops and restaurants. On
our way we will visit Kodaiji Temple located in a beautiful
part of Kyoto sitting atop a hill. Built in 1605 the temple contains
absolutely stunning Zen Gardens, bamboo grove, tea houses and is
one of the most beautiful Zen temples in Japan. Enjoy traditional Tea Ceremony.
Afternoon we visit Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) and take a scenic
walk along the Path of Philosophy which passes by many temples
and shrines and follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees,
which explode into colour during Spring, making this one of the
city's most popular 'Hanami' (cherry blossom viewing) spots.
Day 11
Kyoto - Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima (Breakfast and Dinner)
To
make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged separate
1 piece luggage transfer to either Osaka or Tokyo depending upon
your prefered departure airport (prepare overnight bags for your
stay in Miyajima and Okayama).
This
morning we transfer with our tour guide to Hiroshima by bullet trains. Upon
arrival in the early afternoon, we leave our luggage and take a
tour of Hiroshima using the tram system. Our tour includes visiting the Peace Memorial Park and surrounding area, including the A-bomb
Dome and Museum.
In the afternoon
we transfer by train to Miyajimaguchi, where we board a boat to Miyajima Island. We visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine,
listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known worldwide for its floating Red torii gate. The stunning Shinto shrine and Torii
gate are unique as they are constructed over the sea with each building
in the complex connected by a series of walkways. We will also visit
the impressive Daishoin Temple. Return to Hiroshima station and hotel.
In the evening we go out to a local restaurant for 'Okonomiyaki style' Dinner. Okonomiyak is a Japanese savoury pancake containing a variety of fillings.
Stay
1 night at the Sheraton Hiroshima (or similar).
Day 12
Hiroshima
- Okayama - Kurashiki (Breakfast)
After
breakfast we take the bullet trains Okayama and then visit Okayama Castle and the
beautiful Korakuen Gardens. The gardens are regarded as one of the best gardens
in Japan and one of Japan's official Three Great Gardens.
Later we return to the train station and transfer to the beautiful and idyllic town of Kurashiki. Kurashiki is one of Japan's great old merchant town and a rare piece of 'old Japan' often used in classical film sets. Situated along a scenic canal, the town has beautifully preserved white-walled storehouses, charming shops and many art museums.
Stay
1 night at Kurashiki Kokusai (or similar).
Day
13 Okayama
- Osaka (Breakfast)
Today we relax and explore quaint Kurashiki, we visit the old town and Ohara Art Museum, which is the 1st privately owned art museum for Western art in Japan.
Return to our hotel to pick up any left luggage and leave Kurashiki by train and connect to the Bullet train for Osaka. Transfer to your hotel by either local train or taxi (fare provided).
Stay
1 night at Granvia Osaka (or similar).
Day
14 Osaka - Kansai Airport Departure (Breakfast)
Today
we say Sa-yo-na-ra. For those who are departing from Kansai
airport, you have free time (subject to your flight time) in Osaka
until your airport transfer homewards. *Optional
airport transfers can be provided*.
OPTION
2 (Depart
from Tokyo)
Day
14 Osaka - Tokyo - Haneda / Narita airport Departure (Breakfast)
Transfer to Tokyo by bullet train in time for your flight. (If you wish to stay longer in Tokyo, extensions are available).
**Optional
- Bullet train transfers back to Tokyo & Narita Airport can
be provided -Contact
us for details.**
2019 Tour Prices per person based on Twin share
Departure Dates |
Special
Tour Details |
Prices
from |
March 2019 |
Spring Blossom |
£4999 |
Price
Includes (The
prices shown above are 'per person')
- Experienced
professional English speaking Tour Guide/Tour Leader from Day
3 to 11, who will accompany you throughout your tour.
- Quality
selection of hotels and superb Ryokans with spa facilities.
- Daily
Breakfast, 4 Evening Meals.
- Free
luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 piece
per person) between Tokyo - Takayama,
Takayama - Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka / Tokyo depending upon your departure flight. No large luggage at Yudanaka, Matsumoto and 1st night at
Kyoto, Hiroshima and Kurashiki). Prepare small overnight bags to carry with you when you do not have your large luggage.
- No
hidden extras, all entrance fees & transport included.
- Guided
tours by trains and public transport all included.
Price
Does Not Include
- International
flights. These can be provided with Full ATOL Protection
- Optional
Airport meet & greet service & airport bus transfers.
- Travel
Insurance.
FAQ
and Further Tour Information
Please
see our FAQ
page for further essential tour
information.
This
tour is suitable for travellers of all ages, who are reasonably
fit and healthy. Add on extensions are available to suit your requirements.
Our
itinerary is designed according to the most up to date information
available at the time. The
above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited
each day. In
regards to expected transfer times and train times these may vary
as they are subject to schedules and availability controlled by
the various railway companies. It
is extremely rare that itineraries ever need changes and we will
always act
in your best interest to handle any amendments
if this did occur. However we reserve the right to change, amend
or alter the itinerary if required,
for example occasionally the tour sequence and duration of time
spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are
out of our control or
due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather.
Please refer to the booking form for detailed
terms & conditions.
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