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12
or 15 days - Wonders of Japan
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Magical
Japan Tours |
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Japan Tour List |
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Day
1 Departure
(Wednesday departure) 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 visit 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 Garden, where we 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 we will visit the Imperial Palace plaza and famous Double bridge instead of the East Garden, including a visit to the inner moat and towering Palace walls surrounded by pine trees). Our tour will continue with a drive and stroll along Ginza high street, the famous shopping area of Tokyo. Our tour will disband at Ginza giving you the opportunity for shopping.We also recommend you visit the Sony Centre building to see the futuristic electronics on display. Ginza is also convenient for the subway to explore further. Afternoon - free at leisure or take optional afternoon city tour, which includes Asakusa Kannon Temple and Sumida river cruise. (ask for details at time of booking). Day 4 Tokyo - Kamakura (optional) Free day to explore Tokyo at your leisure or purchase an optional full day tour excursion to Kamakura. With your guide take local trains to the small and fascinating former capital city of Kamakura. With its numerous temples, shrines and other historical monuments. Your guide will take you on a walking tour to see The Great Buddha, Hase Kannon Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. optional tour includes Japanese style lunch. Day 5 Tokyo - MT Fuji - Hakone (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 sulfurous fumes and clouds of steam spiraling 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. After the tour, a private car is arranged to transfer you to the hotel in Hakone. Accommodation at Hotel with hot springs baths for that ultimate relax. Day 6 Hakone A free day to relax and enjoy the hot spring baths in your hotel or at other outdoor spar locations across the volcanic spa region of Hakone. Day 7 Hakone - Nagoya This morning a private car is arranged to transfer you to Odawara railway station where we take the JR super express Kodama Bullet train to Nagoya. Proceed unassisted to your hotel which is conveniently located above the train station and check in. Nagoya is Japans 4th Largest city and has a relaxed and friendly feel together with an abundance of excellent dining and shopping possibilities. In the afternoon meet your guide in your hotel 2nd floor lobby, for our sightseeing tour of Nagoya by coach, visiting the magnificent Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Finally we transfer to our hotel in Nagoya, where your evening is free to explore. Overnight in Nagoya. *Baggage will be sent overland separately between from Hakone directly to Kyoto due to luggage restrictions on trains. Leave large baggage in designated area in hotel lobby for collection (1 bag per person). For the 2 nights stay in Nagoya, we recommend that you carry a light overnight bag (airplane hand luggage size). Day 8 Nagoya - Magome & Tsumago Morning transfer to Nagoya Station, where we leave Nagoya for Nakatsugawa by JR limited-express 'Shinano' train. Upon our arrival at Nakatsugawa Station we start our days sightseeing tour of Magome and Tsumago, which is one of the main highlights of this entire tour. The two towns of Magome and Tsumago were once postal towns connected by the Magome-Tsumago Trail. The trail leads through the hilly countryside and passes right alongside the houses and fields of local residents. This was a trail which formed part of the Nakasendo postal route between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). The town of Magome has been beautifully restored in contrasts with the striking authenticity of neighbouring Tsumago. Tsumago is known today as one of the best preserved historical towns in Japan and walking along its car free streets is like stepping back in time to the early Edo Period, where Samurai walked the streets. We start our tour by walking along the wonderful foliage lined streets of Magome. Afterwards we travel by coach to visit Kisoji-kan for a Chopstick making experience and later continue our walking tour through the beautiful streets of Tsumago to see the (traditional wooden town inns and guest houses) called Waki-honjin in Tsumago Juku. Transfer back to Nagiso station, where we take our train back to Nagoya. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the days walking tour. Day 9 Nagoya - Kyoto - Nara In the morning take the Shinkansen (Bullet train) to Kyoto. Accommodation at the New Miyako hotel or similar (3 nights). Check into your hotel which is conveniently located near to the station. In the afternoon we take a tour to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. Our tour includes a visit to Todaiji Temple, one of the world's largest wooden buildings housing the Great Buddha. We proceed to the Kasuga Shinto Shrine the most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara with 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns. Finally we explore Nara Deer Park with more than 1,000 deer roaming freely around the 1,250 acres park. Return to your hotel in Kyoto. Day 10 Kyoto Morning sight-seeing tour of Kyoto including a visit to the Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavilion) centred around one of the best examples of a Japanese Zen garden in the world.Then to Nijo Castle, 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.(When closed visit Ryoanji temple). We then travel to the Old Kyoto Imperial Palace (on Sat/Sun & national holidays visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine or Hagashi Honganji temple instead). Finally we explore the Kyoto Handicraft Center where we enjoy demonstrations of Japanese traditional arts and crafts. Day 11 Kyoto Day free at Leisure to explore the fascinating city of Kyoto or purchase an optional afternoon tour to the colourful Heian Shrine and inner garden and ponds, Sanjusangendo Hall, a renowned long wooden hall housing all of 1,001 statues that date back to the 13th century. We later visit the magnificent Kiyomizu Temple with spectacular views across the entire city. (This highly recommended afternoon tour can be pre-arranged at time of booking and is available on either day 10 or 11). (For those customers who have purchased the Optional Tour Extension, please see the Day 11 itinerary below). Day 12 Kyoto - Homeward Limousine airport coach transfer to Kansai Airport for your departure flight. OPTIONAL TOUR EXTENSION - from £465pp (based upon twin share) Day 11 Kyoto - Hiroshima Day at Leisure in Kyoto to explore the fascinating city and we recommend visiting the Heian Shrine and the magnificent and un-missable Kiyomizu Temple. Later transfer to Hiroshima by Bullet train and walk to your hotel which is conveniently situated close to train station. Rest of day free at leisure in Hiroshima. Day 12 Hiroshima - Miyajima Free day in Hiroshima to explore the many sights and attractions of Hiroshima and nearby Miyajima. Alternatively take an optional full day tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima to ensure you see all the must-see sights. The optional tour including visiting Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima with its breathtaking beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Then we explore the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, near the epicenter where the atomic bomb exploded. We also visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Return to your hotel in Hiroshima. Day 13 Hiroshima - Okayama This morning take the train for an unassisted transfer to Okayama. Upon arrival check into your hotel which is conveniently located near to the station. We then recommend you visit the nearby Okayama Castle and the beautiful Korakuen Gardens, regarded as one of the best gardens in Japan and one of Japan's official Three Great Gardens. Day 14 Okayama - Osaka Today you have free time to explore Okayama and we also suggest visiting the nearby historic city of Kurashiki located in Okayama Prefecture (about 15 minutes by local train). Kurashiki has a preserved canal system that dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867), used when Kurashiki served as an important rice distribution center for Japan Afterwards take the unassisted bullet train transfer to Shin Osaka station, where you change to a local train for the approx 4 minutes ride to Osaka station (ticket included). Upon arrival take the short walk to your hotel which is conveniently located near to Osaka train station. Day 15 Osaka - Homeward Limousine airport coach transfer from your hotel to Kansai Airport for your departure flight. Group Departure Dates & Prices (£)
** 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. The price may be different around festivals period in Japan. Please contact us for confirmation. Price Includes (The prices shown above are 'per person')
Price Does Not Include
Why
choose to travel with Magical Japan? Flights If you require international flights, as an agent for many airline consolidators, we can obtain flights in various classes with reputable airlines such as ANA, BA, Virgin, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Finnair etc. For the cheapest deal we recommend you book your international flights at time of booking, as this can save you pounds off your final holiday price. Full ATOL Protection Available. Your Accommodation for this tour Carefully selected quality accommodation in ideal locations, with upgrade to deluxe level available. Your Meals Meals are as specified in the itinerary. Breakfast at hotels can be booked in advance or purchased in Japan on a daily basis. Alternatively, there are many places around the hotels where you can buy meals. Other details of our tour arrangements Upon arrival at Tokyo Airport, you will be met by one of our assistants and directed to the limousine bus terminal. For each day of your itinerary (excluding free time), you will be met by English speaking guides at your hotel for escorted tours. To ensure our travellers have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, a hotel to hotel luggage transfer service (1 piece of luggage per person) is provided between Hakone to Kyoto due to luggage restrictions on bullet trains. Please leave your luggage in the designated areas with the hotel porters on the day of your checkout by 7:30am. We also recommend taking a Ryokan experience (Japanese guest house) on the last day in Kyoto. The supplement starts from £160 per person for 1 night with Japanese breakfast & Dinner included. 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. Nijo Castle (Kyoto) is closed (Tue in Jul & Aug), 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, or Ryoanji Temple instead. 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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