Magical Japan
 

17 day - Splendours of Japan
Visiting many of the most beautiful scenic and cultural areas in Japan including Mt Koya...

  • Tokyo: guided city tour (3 nights)
  • Mt Fuji - Lake Ashi - Hakone
  • Nagano - Yudanaka Onsen (1 night Ryokan)
  • Matsumoto (1 night Ryokan)
  • Takayama (1 night)
  • Shirakawago
  • Kanazawa (2 nights)
  • Kyoto: guided city tour (3 nights)
  • Nara guided tour
  • Mount Koya (1 night Temple stay in Japanese style room)
  • Hiroshima (2 nights)
  • Option tour to nearby Miyajima
  • Osaka - Osaka Castle (1 night)
  • Guaranteed departure
  • Transfer back to Tokyo - Optional

Images of Japan

Magical Japan Tours enquiry@magicaljapan.com
  Tel from UK 0161 440 7332
  Tel from USA 1-213-325-2627

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snow monkeys

 

matsumoto castle

 

tokyo

 

kyoto

 

snow monkeys

 

kyoto

 

geisha

 

 

 

Kyoto

 

hakone

 

mt fuji

 

kyoto

 

nara

 

mt koya

 

mt koya

 

mt koya

 

hiroshima

 

osaka

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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