Highlights of Japan

Discover Japan's key highlights on a short tour that encapsulates the country's powerful contradictions. Contrast Tokyo's sophistication and energy with the imperial traditions of Kyoto, and Nikko's natural beauty with the history of Hiroshima and 'Nation's Kitchen' Osaka. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors.

Tour overview
•   Tour Tokyo's sights, including the Imperial Palace
•   Visit mountainous Nikko and see the 320ft Kegon waterfall
•   Journey to the 5th Station of Mount Fuji and Owakudani Valley
•   See Kyoto's sights, including UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle
•   Take part in a traditional tea ceremony
•   Choose to spend a night in a traditional ryokan
•   Travel to Nara, home to Todaiji Temple and Nara Deer Park
•   Discover 12th-century Sanjusangendo Temple and UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu Temple
•   In Hiroshima cruise to the 6th-century Itsukushima Shrine
•   Explore Osaka with its iconic castle and neon-lit boulevard

Guide

•   This tour is escorted by a local guide from Days 3 to 9 and includes an assistant for Days 2 and 9.

MEAL PLAN
•   Breakfast is included at all hotels
•   Traditional Japanese dinner on Day 6
•   For those staying in a Ryokan dinner is included on Day 5.
•   A wide choice of restaurants in all areas offers you the flexibility to dine where and when you want to. 

ACCOMMODATION
•   4 star accommodation as described. On Day 5 you have the choice of either staying at the Righa Royal Hotel or a traditional Japanese 'Ryokan.'

GROUP SIZE
•   Maximum 20 passengers.

MINIMUM NUMBERS
•   Subject to a minimum number of passengers (please call for further information).

GRATUITIES
•   Tipping is not expected in Japan and is done at your discretion.

TRAVEL TIPS
•   Visit Japan at its most colourful in mid March to early April during the cherry blossom season.
•   Autumn is also popular with clear sunny days and autumnal colouring on the maple trees.

NB
•   Children under the age of 16 are not permitted on this tour.
•   Visits may be omitted or substituted dependent on local traffic or weather conditions.
•   Due to the number of steps around the main attractions this tour is unsuitable for those with walking difficulties.
•   Visits may be omitted or substituted dependant on weather and road conditions.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO TOKYO
Fly Emirates overnight from Gatwick via Dubai to Tokyo and transfer to the Grand Prince New Takanawa Hotel for three nights with the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 3 - TOKYO

A half day tour of Tokyo visits the historic Nakamise shopping street and the Asakusa Kannon Temple, includes a drive through the Imperial Palace and ends with a fascinating panoramic vista across this vast historic city from atop the Tokyo Observatory. The rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 4 - TOKYO

Journey by coach 120 miles (approx. 3½ hours) to Nikko, once a summer retreat for Japan’s Imperial leaders. Nikko offers breathtaking mountain landscapes, dotted with waterfalls, hot springs and lakes and your exploration begins at the lavishly decorated UNESCO listed Toshogu Shrine. Pass into the heart of the mountains and stop by the 320 feet Kegon waterfall and wander the forested shores of Lake Chuzenji before returning to your hotel.

DAY 5 - TOKYO TO KYOTO
Leave the bustle of Tokyo behind and head 90 miles (approx. 2½ hours) to the serene Mount Fuji area. Visit the 5th Station of Mount Fuji and continue a scenic 50 miles (approx. 2 hours) to Owakudani Valley, a hot spring area formed by the last eruption of Mt Hakone 3,000 years ago. You will take a cruise on Lake Ashi and a trip on the Komagatake Ropeway. From Odawara Station leave for Kyoto by Super Express train and check in to Rihga Royal hotel for two nights. Alternatively choose the 'Ryokan' option and spend tonight in a traditional Japanese Inn. Ryokan option includes a traditional dinner.

DAY 6 - KYOTO

Travel by coach for a full day of sightseeing in Kyoto including the majestic Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), built in 1397 on the shores of a serene small lake. Also visit picturesque UNESCO listed Nijo Castle, famous for its Momoyama architecture and decorated sliding doors and surviving in its original form from 1603. Later, participate in a traditional tea ceremony before returning to your hotel and in the evening enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner and performance show.

DAY 7 - KYOTO TO HIROSHIMA
Transfer by coach to Kyoto Station and take the Super Express Train to Hiroshima (approx 1¾ hours) On arrival take a sightseeing tour of Miyajima, including a ferry ride to romantic Myamima Island. This hugely celebrated spot of beauty in Japan is famous for the UNESCO listed Itsukushima Shrine home to the Grand Torii gate which, in high tide, looks as if it is floating. Have time on this beautiful island at your own leisure to explore. Later transfer by ferry and coach to your hotel in Hiroshima for the night, Hotel Granvia.

DAY 8 - HIROSHIMA TO OSAKA

Half day sightseeing tour of Hiroshima to visit the evocative Peace Memorial Park and Museum before taking the Super Express train to Osaka ( approx. 1½ hours) and your hotel for the night, the Sheraton Miyako.

DAY 9 - OSAKA TO LONDON
An enthralling half day sightseeing tour of the town’s iconic Osaka Castle, lively Kuromon market and a stroll along Dotonbori Street. Your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy some last minute shopping before transferring to the airport for your Emirates flight via Dubai and onwards to Gatwick arriving later the next day.