Tour
Details at a Glance
- Fully
Guided Small Group tour.
- Experienced
professional English speaking Tour Guide/Tour Leader from Day
3 to 12.
- Quality
selection of hotels and superb Ryokans with spa facilities.
- 7
Day Rail pass included.
- Daily
Breakfast, 3 Evening Meals.
- Luggage
transfers between destinations as stated in itinerary.
- No
hidden extras, all entrance fees & transport included.
- Guided
tours by private coach, Bullet 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 Tokyo Sheraton Miyako 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. Afterwards
we exchange our JR coupon to obtain our 7 day Rail pass at Tokyo
Station.
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 use our rail pass to 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.
Tokyo's
Sumo Tournament
is
held
during May & September. If your tour departs within the tournament
period, we can arrange your match tickets at various tickets seat
prices. Ask for details...
Day
5
Tokyo -
Kyoto
(Breakfast)
Today we take the Kodama bullet train to Kyoto, and take a short
walk to our Hotel.
To
make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer
your large luggage directly to Kyoto.
In
the afternoon we take a 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.
Accommodation
at ISHICHO SHOGIKUEN Ryokan or similar (3 nights)
Day
6
- Kyoto
(Breakfast)
We
enjoy a full day of sight seeing with our tour Guide. We take our
own 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
7 Kyoto
-Nara - Kyoto
(Breakfast)
Today
we take a short train journey to Nara where we explore 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 early afternoon.
Return
to Kyoto early afternoon and the rest of the day 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.
***
To complete your Japan experience we can arrange an 'Optional'
Geisha
Special Dance
& performance by an Authentic Geisha and Maiko. Ask for prices
& details***
Day
8
Kyoto - Hiroshima
(Breakfast)
This
morning we use the subway system 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. Later
we visit the shopping district of Kawaramachi and Nishiki
Food Market which is lined with over one hundred shops and restaurants,
known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". This lively market specialises
in all things food related, like fresh seafood, knives and cookware,
and is a great place to find Kyoto specialities including Japanese
sweets, dried seafood and sushi.
In
the afternoon we transfer with our tour guide to Hiroshima by bullet
trains.
To
make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer
your large luggage to Hakone (Prepare a small carry bag for your
stay in Miyajima and Hiroshima).
Stay
1 night at the Hiroshima Mitsui Garden hotel (or similar).
Day
9
Hiroshima - Miyajima
(Breakfast and Japanese Set Dinner)
This
morning we explore Hiroshima by local tram with our guide. Our tour
includes visiting the
Peace Memorial Park and surrounding area, including the A-bomb
Dome and Museum.
In
the afternoon we return to our hotel and transfer by train to Miyajimaguchi,
where we board a boat to Miyajima Island. Upon arrival
at Miyajima we walk to our Ryokan accommodation.
In
the afternoon 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
return to our Ryokan for our Japanese set dinner which is exquisitely
made with fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. After dinner we
take a leisurely evening walk to see the beutifully illuminated
Red Torii gate at night.
Stay
1 night at the Miyajima Aki Grand Hotel (or similar).
Day
10
Miyajima - Hakone
(Includes Breakfast & Japanese Buffet Dinner)
After
breakfast in your Ryokan, enjoy free time to relax and enjoy Miyajima
Island on your own. We recommend you take a leisurely walk around
Momijidani Park etc. Later
we join our Tour Guide for our transfer by boat and Bullet trains
to Hakone. Upon
arrival we walk to our Ryokan and spend the rest of the day relaxing
in the hot spring spa. Later we enjoy a traditional Japanese buffet
dinner served in your Ryokan.
Accommodation
is at the superb Tenseien Ryokan (or similar),
which offers gorgeous scenery and steamy hot springs. Tenseien Ryokan
adjoins a beautiful garden which is home to two waterfalls and Tamadare
Shrine, and is equipped with a variety of indoor and outdoor Onsen
spa baths, including a large open-air bath on the roof. (Western
style room)
Day
11
Hakone (Includes Ryokan Breakfast
& Buffet Dinner)
Today 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. Later we visit the recently restored Hakone Sekisho,
which was an important check point established by the Tokugawa shogun.
We
return to our Ryokan in late afternoon and relax in the hot spring
spa, before enjoying a buffet dinner in your Ryokan.
Day
12
-Hakone - Tokyo
(Breakfast)
Enjoy
breakfast at your ryokan and then join your Guide for the train
journey back to Tokyo,
where we transfer to our Hotel.
To
make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer
your large luggage directly to Tokyo, arriving the same day.
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.
Stay
1 night at the Tokyo Sheraton Miyako Hotel (or similar).
Day
13
-Tokyo
(Breakfast)
Today we say Sa-yo-na-ra. Self transfer to Narita Airport
for your departure flight homewards. (Optional airport transfer
from central Tokyo can be provided).
2016 Tour Prices per person based on Twin share
2016
Departure Dates
|
Special
Tour Details
|
Prices
|
Saturday 2nd April 2016
|
Spring
Blossom
|
£2995
|
Saturday
14th May 2016
|
ideal
weather/temp
|
Full
|
Saturday
29th Oct 2016
|
Autumn
leaves
|
£2995
|
Price
Includes (The
prices shown above are 'per person')
- Experienced
professional English speaking Tour Guide/Tour Leader from Day
3 to 12, who will accompany you throughout your tour.
- Quality
selection of hotels and superb Ryokans with spa facilities.
- Daily
Breakfast, 3 Evening Meals.
- Free
luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 piece per person) between
Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Hakone and Hakone to Tokyo. (Therefore
no large luggage at Hiroshima & Miyajima, please
prepare a small bag to carry with you for these days). Leave your
large luggage at the designated areas in the morning of luggage
transfer.
- 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.
|