Tour
Details at a Glance
- Fully
Guided Small Group tour.
- Experienced
professional English speaking Tour Guide/Tour Leader from Day
3-11
- Quality
selection of hotels and superb Ryokans with spa facilities.
- All
transfers and entrance fees included.
- Daily
Breakfast, 2 Evening Meals.
- Luggage
transfers between destinations as stated in itinerary.
- No
hidden extras, all entrance fees & transport included.
- Guided
tours by private coach, trains and public transport all 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 at your hotel)
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 and our first stop is to the Tsukiji Fish Market
which is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world
and famous for the tuna and sword fish trading which frantically
takes place in the early mornings.
We
then visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace,
the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. The massive east gardens
are part of the inner palace, designed during the Meiji era and
include traditional Japanese gardens, tea-ceremony rooms, guard
houses and the stone remains of Edo Castle. Later
we visit the Tokyo National Museum which contains many of
Japans and Asia's most precious and historic sculptures, paintings
and archaeological objects. Our
final stop will be Tokyo's most colourful and popular Buddhist Temples,
the famous and bustling Asakusa Kannon Temple.
Return
to our hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy free time in Tokyo.
Your Tour Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to
eat.
Day
4
Tokyo (Breakfast
at your hotel)
Today,
we travel around Tokyo with our Tour Guide to explore more must-see
sights of Tokyo. Our tour includes visiting the iconic Tokyo
Government Office building, which provides some of the best
views across 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.
Afternoon
is free for you to explore Tokyo on your own. As always, your Tour
Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to eat.
Day
5
Tokyo - Hakone
(Includes Breakfast & Japanese Buffet Dinner)
In the morning we gather in the hotel lobby to meet our Tour Guide
for the transfer together to Hakone by express & local trains.
To
make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer
your large luggage directly to Takayama. Prepare a small overnight
bag for your time in Hakone.
Upon
arrival in Hakone, we walk to our Ryokan to check in. Later we explore
the scenic areas of Hakone, which on a clear day 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.
In
the evening we can relax in the Onsen 'hot spring spa' and later
enjoy a traditional Japanese buffet dinner served in your Ryokan.
Accommodation
at the superb Tenseien Ryokan, or similar (1 night).
Tenseien Ryokan offers gorgeous scenery and indoor and outdoor Onsen
hot spring spa baths. It also adjoins a beautiful garden which is
home to two waterfalls and Tamadare Shrine.
Day
6 Hakone
- Takayama (Includes Breakfast & Japanese Set Dinner)
After
breakfast we make our transfer to Takayama with our Tour Guide by
Bullet train via Nagoya and upon arrival walk to our Ryokan.
We
take a Guided walking tour of Takayama, which includes 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.
We
return to our Ryokan in time for a wonderful set Japanese dinner
made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Our wonderful Ryokan offers
a choice of two luxurious outdoor spa baths and even a foot bath
with views over Takayama.
Accommodation
is at the Hoshokaku Ryokan (or similar) staying in a Japanese
style room.
Day
7 Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa
(Breakfast)
Enjoy Breakfast in your Ryokan and then we
take a walking tour of Takayama, where we visit the Morning Market.
Afterwards we visit the Takayama Jinya, a former Government
Outpost of the Shogun. Our next stop is Kamisannomachi street
which is in the old area of Takayama and reminiscent of ancient
times when Samurai wandered the streets.
Early
afternoon we leave for Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage
Sites 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.
Afterwards
we continue on our scenic drive to Kanazawa and check into our hotel.
Accommodation
JAL Nikko Hotel, or similar (2 nights)
Day
8 Kanazawa
(Breakfast)
Todays tour includes visiting the fabulous Kenrokuen Gardens,
classified as one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens"
and probably the best of them all. The spacio us garden used to
be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle. Afterwards
we visit a Shima 'Geisha' Tea House in the Higashi Chayagai
Area of Kanazawa. This is a charming place with wooden buildings
and paved streets reminiscent of another era, and was once classified
as an entertainment area for Geisha to dance and sing to their guests
in the many 'Chaya' tea houses.
In
the afternoon we take a local bus and explore the 280 year old Omicho
seafood Market and then we take a fascinating look at the traditional
Samurai District and visit the former home and gardens of the Nomura
family, who were high ranking Samurai family during
Japans feudal era.
Day
9 Kanazawa
- Kyoto -Nara - Kyoto
(Breakfast)
Separate 1 piece luggage transfer to Kyoto - Arriving the next
day.
After
Breakfast we transfer by train to Kyoto and take a short walk to
our hotel. We
then make the short journey to Nara where upon arrival 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 mid afternoon and check into our hotel.
Accommodation
at Kyoto Ishcho Shogikuen or similar (3 nights)
Day
10
- Kyoto
(Breakfast)
We
enjoy a full day of sight seeing with our tour Guide. We take our
own private coach to visit 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 take our Private coach to visit the famous Golden Pavilion
(Kinkakuji Temple) and Ryoanji Temple, which has Japan's
most famous Zen rock garden. We
then have a great opportunity to experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony,
where we learn about the traditions associated with this ancient
ritual.
In
the afternoon we use public transport to
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
(Breakfast)
Today we join our guide for a morning walking tour of Kyoto to 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.
Afternoon
is free for you to explore Kyoto on your own. As always your Tour
Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to eat.
Day
12
-Kyoto
(Breakfast)
Today we say Sa-yo-na-ra. Self transfer to the Airport for
your departure flight homewards. (Optional airport transfer service
can be provided).
**Optional
- Bullet train transfers back to Tokyo & Narita Airport can
also be provided -Contact
us for details.**
2016 / 2017 Tour Prices per person based on Twin share
Departure Dates
|
Special
Tour Details
|
Prices
|
Saturday
14th May 2016
|
Easter departure
|
£2699
|
Saturday
29th October 2016
|
Autumn leaves departure
|
£2699
|
Saturday
25th March 2017
|
Spring Blossom
|
£2850
|
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, 2 Evening Meals.
- Free
luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Tokyo - Takayama,
Kanazawa - Kyoto (no large luggage at Hakone and 1st night at
Kyoto. Prepare small overnight bag to carry with you. (1 piece
per person).
- No
hidden extras, all entrance fees & transport included.
- Guided
tours by private coach, trains and public transport all included.
Price
Does Not Include
- International
flights. These can be provided with Full ATOL Protection
- Optional
tours. Sumo
Tournament tickets & Geisha Dance tickets.
- 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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