Day
1
Depart from your preferred airport for a scheduled flight to Tokyo.
Meals on board.
Day
2
Tokyo
Arrive at Narita Airport in Tokyo, you are met by your tour assistant
and transferred to your hotel for a 3 night stay. The rest of the
day is at your leisure to adjust to the 9 hours time difference.
Day
3
Tokyo
Morning city tour of Tokyo visiting a number of the main
highlights of this magnificent City. The tour includes a visit to
the Tokyo Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views across
the city from the observation tower. We proceed to the peaceful
picturesque setting of the Meiji Shrine, set in thick
woodland and considered to be one of the finest examples
of Shinto Architecture. Next we drive by the 'Akasaka Guest House'
for a photo opportunity. The Guest House is a magnificent
'Western Style Palace' built in the Baroque Architectural style.
We then drive alongside the imposing National Diet Building,
which is home to the Japanese House of Parliament.
Our
tour continues across Tokyo to the Imperial Palace East Gardens.
Enjoy a pleasant walk in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace,
which is filled with scenic and historic beauty. (Alternatively
for tours on Monday & Friday & when the garden is closed,
we will visit the Imperial Palace plaza and famous Double bridge
instead). Our tour will continue with a drive and stroll along Ginza
high street, the famous shopping area of Tokyo. The tour disbands
in Ginza, giving you a great opportunity for shopping. We highly
recommend you visit the Sony Centre building to see the futuristic
electronics on display. Ginza is also convenient for the subway
to explore further areas of Tokyo.
Afternoon is free at leisure, or take an optional
afternoon Tokyo city tour. The optional tour includes visiting the
beautiful Hama-Rikyu garden, enjoying our Sumida River
Cruise and visiting the Asakusa Kannon Temple &
Nakamise shopping street. We then drive through Kappabashi,
Ueno and Akihabara districts of Tokyo before finishing the tour.
Ask for details at time of booking.
Day
4
Tokyo - MT Fuji - Hakone - Tokyo
(Includes Lunch)
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven by deluxe motorcoach
to Mount Fuji. Along the way you will enjoy the scenery of
rural Japan, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and mountainous
peaks. From our vantage point on the 5th station on MT Fuji, we
will enjoy spectacular views (weather permitting).
Lunch
will be provided at a Hotel/Restaurant in Hakone. In the
afternoon we proceed to the Hakone National Park where we
will take a cable car ride with the opportunity to see the
magnificent volcanic Hakone mountain range below. We will then travel
to the Owakudani Boiling Valley where you will see ancient
volcanic craters with sulphurous fumes and clouds of steam spiralling
from crevasses across the mountain side giving a truly mystical
image. We then proceed with our tour for a boat cruise on
Lake Ashi, which is set in serene natural beauty, where weather
permitting spectacular views of Mount Fuji can be seen silhouetted
in the lake. Afterwards return to your hotel in Tokyo by motorcoach.
(includes:
Lunch).
Day
5
Tokyo - Nagano - Yudanaka (incudes
dinner in Ryokan).
This
morning take the unassisted transfer to Yudanaka by train via Nagano.
Upon
arrival at Nagano train station, our tour assistant will meet
you and help you board the correct local train to Yudanaka.
Upon arrival at Yudanaka walk to your Ryokan which has indoor &
outdoor Onsen hot spring spa facilities (approx 8 minutes walk or
2 min by taxi).
For
your convenience and due to luggage restriction on the bullet train,
we have arrange free luggage transfer to take your large luggage
directly to Takayama. Prepare a light carry bag for your stay in
Yudanaka & Matsumoto. Leave your large luggage (1 bag per person)
at the designated pick up point in your Tokyo hotel prior to departure.
Later
visit the nearby snow monkey park on your own (entrance fee
not included aprox £5pp). Note the hotel offers a twice daily
free shuttle bus to the snow monkey park, or make your own arrangements.
In
the evening return to the Ryokan for a beautiful Japanese dinner
which is exquisitely made with fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Later relax in the Onsen hot spring spa.
Day
6
Yudanaka - Matsumoto
(breakfast,
Dinner in Ryokan).
Today
enjoy traditional breakfast in your Ryokan before taking the train
for the unassisted transfer to Matsumoto via Nagano. Proceed to
your Ryokan accommodation.
During
your free time in Matsumoto we recommend visiting 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).
Day
7 Matsumoto - Takayama
(Breakfast)
Today
take the free shuttle bus to Matsumoto bus terminal and board the
Nohi bus to Takayama (unassisted).
Upon arrival proceed to your hotel.
The
rest of the day is free at leisure in Takayama.
Day
8
Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa
Free time in Takayama until your self transfer by local bus to Shirakawago
(departs approx 10:50am for the 50min journey). Upon arrival make
your own way to accommodation. Free to explore at your leisure until
your departure to Kanazawa (departs approx 16:50am for the 80min
journey). Departure and journey times subject to change due to
local conditions.
Shirakawago
has World Heritage designation and is truly a spectacular
experience, which many believe is the 'hidden treasure' in Japan.
Visiting Shirakawago is like stepping back in time, with uniquely
crafted traditional wooden farmhouses (Gassho-Zukuri) set in a beautiful
mountainous landscape.
For
your convenience, we have arrange free luggage transfer to take
your large luggage directly to Kyoto. Prepare a light carry bag
for your stay in Kanazawa. Leave your large luggage (1 bag per person)
at the designated pick up point in at Takayama Hotel prior to departure.
Day
9
Kanazawa
Free time in
Kanazawa
to explore at your leisure.
Kanazawa
is the largest City of the Hokuriku district and is famous as a
former castle town of the feudal Maedas clan (15th-19th century).
Kanazawa is home to the Kenroku-en Garden, which is regarded
as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. It is also
a unique experience to take a stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai
house district of the city.
Day
10
Kanazawa
- Kyoto
Free
time until departure in the late afternoon where you board an express
train to Kyoto.
Upon arrival make your own way to your hotel accommodation.
Day
11
Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
Full day guided sight-seeing walking tour of Nara
& Kyoto.
In
the morning we assemble at Kyoto station and travel with our Tour
guide by train to visit Nara,the
ancient capital of Japan. Our guided walking tour includes visiting
Todaiji Temple housing the Great Buddha in one of the worlds
largest wooden building. Afterwards we explore Nara Deer Park,
home to 1100 tame deer and the magnificent Kofukuji Temple with
its 5 storey pagoda. Return to Kyoto by train.
In
the afternoon have free time for a quick lunch near Kyoto train
station, before joining the afternoon guided walking tour of Kyoto.
We walk to the magnificent
Kiyomizu Temple with spectacular views across the entire
city and then visit Todaiji Temple built to commemorate the
great 16th century general Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Later we explore
Yasaka Shrine and finally the Gion District
where you may catch a glimpse of a Geisha rushing to a dinner appointment.
The tour disbands in Gion, where there is plenty of places to eat
and explore, with traditional restaurants and tea houses. (approx
8km walking).
Day
12
Kyoto
Day free at Leisure, or purchase our optional Kyoto
morning tour.
The
optional tour includes visiting
Nijo Castle, former residence of the Tokugawa Shogun built
in 1603. Nijo Castle is noted for its Ornate interior and 'nightingale
floor' designed to sing when stepped upon to warn of Ninja assassins.
Next we visit the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) centred
around one of the best examples of a Japanese Zen gardens in the
world. We then travel to Kyoto Imperial Palace, the
impressive former residence of the Imperial family. .
Day
13 Kyoto
- Mt Koya (Vegetarian
'monk style' Dinner)
You will be met in the hotel reception by our English speaking
assistant and together you will be transfered to Shin Imamiya.
Upon arrival at Shin Imamiya take the self transfer to Mt Koya by
train and cable car via Gokurakubashi. Afternoon free at
leisure to explore Mt Koya.
Free
overland large luggage transfer to Osaka, therefore prepare an overnight
carry bag for your stay at Mt Koya and Hiroshima.
Mount
Koya is home to over 117 temples and is where we stay overnight
in 'Japanese style' accommodation at the magnificent Temple for
the Shingon Esoteric sect of Buddhism, which is still in use
by monks today. The peaceful temple is set in beautiful wooded mountainous
countryside, 1000m above sea level and is ideal to relax, meditate
and learn more of buddhist monk rituals (include:
Vegetarian 'monk style' Dinner at Temple).
Accommodation
in traditional temple lodge
in a 'Japanese style' room for an unique experience to understand
Buddhist Monks simple way of life. Lodge rooms share a communal
bath & toilet as standard. However upgrades rooms with ensuite
bathroom can be provided at a supplement.
Day
14 Mt Koya -
Hiroshima (Breakfast)
Wake early to see the morning Buddhist Ceremony with the monks at
the temple and for your Vegetarian Breakfast. The monks are more
than happy for you to attend or watch the ceremony, however this
tour is designed for cultural interest and not for any particular
religious practice.
Leave
Mt Koya for Osaka by cable car and train via Gokurakubashi by yourself.
Upon arrival in Osaka, take the bullet train from Shim Osaka station
to Hiroshima. Proceed to your accommodation. Afternoon free at leisure.
Day
15
Hiroshima
Today
enjoy free time in Hiroshima, or take an optional guided
tour.
Optional guided tour - includes visiting Hiroshima Peace
Memorial Park / museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, a boat ride to the Island
of Miyajima and the beautiful Itsukushima shrine and floating red
Torii Gate.
Day
16
Hiroshima
- Osaka
In
the morning self transfer to Hiroshima station and leave by Bullet
train to Shin Osaka station, where you change to a local train for
the approx. 4 minutes ride to JR Osaka station (ticket included).
Upon arrival take the short walk to your hotel which is conveniently
located near to JR Osaka station.
Afternoon is free at leisure to explore Osaka, which
is easily navigated using the underground subways. A must-see sight
in Osaka is the magnificent Osaka Castle located in the city
centre. Then explore Dotonbori which
is one of the most popular streets in Osaka and runs adjacent to
a canal of the same name. Nearby
Domi domi shopping and eating areas are one of most exciting
districts in Japan. Shinsaibashi is
probably the best shopping area and certainly the most frantic.
Alternatively if you want to explore more historic culture then
visit the beautiful and peaceful Shitennoji Buddhist temple.
Shitennoji is the oldest officially administered temple in Japan
built by Prince Shotoku (574-622 A.D)
Day
17 Osaka
- Departure
You will be transferred to the futuristic Kansai International Airport
in Osaka for your departure flight homeward.
**Optional
- Bullet train transfers back to Tokyo & Narita Airport can
also be provided -Contact
us for details.**
2018 & 2019 Departure Dates (Prices Land-only from)
Ref |
Daily Departures** |
Land
Only (twin share) |
(Upgrade) |
SPJ |
June
- September |
£3790 |
£4140 |
SPJ |
Oct
- November |
£3945 |
£4295 |
SPJ |
January
- Feb |
£3970 |
£4340 |
SPJ |
March - May |
£4140 |
£4500 |
**Daily
Departures Jan 5 - DEC 27th (except for Jan 1-4, APR 27-29, May
4-7, Jul 20-21, Aug 14-16, Sept 14-15, Oct 12-13, Nov 2-3, 23-24
and DEC 28-30th). The prices shown above are 'per person' based
upon twin share. Single rooms occupancy and hotel upgrades
can be provide, please contact us for details.
The peak season to Japan is cherry blossoms viewing
(late March & early April), and autumn leave changing
(October & early November). The
first day of blooming (Kaika) in Tokyo usually comes at the end
of March, with the trees reaching full bloom about one week
later.
Price
Includes (The
prices shown above are 'per person')
- Airport
to hotel transfers.
- Meeting
assistance at Narita airport and transfer to Shin Imamiya (day
13).
- Public
transfer tickets: Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa.
- Trains:
As specified in itinerary, Ordinary class reserved seats.
- Sightseeing
tours by professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance
fees to all attractions as stated in itinerary, during guided
tours.
- Selections
of quality accommodation in well furnished hotel and tradition
Japanese Ryokans with private facilities.
- The
overnight accommodation on Mount Koya includes a temple stay in
a 'Japanese style' temple lodge room with communal bathroom &
toilet. Rooms with ensuite bathroom can be provided at a supplement.
- Meals
as specified in the itinerary.
- Free
luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Tokyo- Takayama,
Takayama-Kyoto and Kyoto to Osaka (1 item per person). Take
a small carry bag for your stay from Yudanaka/Matsumoto, Kanazawa
and Mt Koya/Hiroshima.
- Guaranteed
departure.
Price
Does Not Include
-
International
Flights: We are happy to provide flights with full ATOL Protection.
-
Travel
Insurance.
- Optional
tours
Optional
Tours
This
tour is suitable for travellers of all ages, who are reasonably
fit and healthy. Add on tours and city extensions are available,
for details visit optional
tours
page.
FAQ
and further Tour information
Please
see our FAQ
page for further essential tour information. Note, the
overnight accommodation on Mount Koya includes a temple
stay in a 'Japanese style' room for an unique experience to
understand Buddhist Monks simple way of life.
Additional
Tour Notes:
Nijo
Castle (Kyoto) is closed (every Tuesday in Jan, July, Aug &
Dec), therefore if your tour falls on these dates, we will visit
Ryoanji Temple instead. Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed at weekends
and on national holidays, we will visit Kitano Tenmangu instead.
Hiroshima & Miyajima optional tour usually operates Mon
- Wed, Frid -Sunday.
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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