Journey through Japan

The classical iconic regions of Japan form the framework for an unforgettable tour. As well as experiencing vibrant city life, you will also journey off the beaten track to experience some of this enchanting country’s lesser known traditional and scenic villages, including the delightfully preserved 17th Century village of Takayama and the UNESCO listed 12th Century alpine village of Shirakawago.

Tour overview
•   Go sightseeing in Tokyo
•   Take a day trip to Nikko's mountain landscapes
•   Explore the serene Mt. Fuji area
•   Walk around beautifully preserved mountain town Takayama
•   Opt to stay a night in a traditional ryokan
•   Discover UNESCO-listed sights - alpine Shirakawago, Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle
•   Visit historic Nara with Buddhist temples and Nara Deer Park
•   Take part in a traditional tea ceremony in Uji
•   Explore Hiroshima and visit Miyamiya Island

Guide

ESCORTED TOUR
•   This tour is escorted by an English speaking local guide from Days 3 to 13, with assistance provided for your transfers on Days 2 and 13.
•   Extensions are not escorted but assistance is provided in each destination by our local representative.

MEAL PLAN
•   Breakfast is included throughout from Day 3 - Day 13.
•   There will be a wide choice of restaurants in each destination serving a variety of cuisines. This offers you the flexibility to dine where and when you want. Dinner is included on Day 9 and Day 11 and for those staying in a Ryokan on Day 6. 

ACCOMMODATION
•   Four star accommodation as described. 

GROUP SIZE
•   Maximum 20 passengers.

MINIMUM NUMBERS
•   This tour is subject to minimum numbers of passengers (please call for further information).

GRATUITIES
•   Tipping is not expected in Japan, and as such 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 beautiful autumnal colouring on the maple trees. 

NB
•   In April and October Takayama celebrates 'matsuri', and whole town is filled with colourful lanterns and lamps, with regular street processions of floats and puppets to add to the magical flavour.
•   Children under the age of 16 are not permitted on this tour.
•   Local conditions may necessitate slight variations to the timings or visits of the tour itinerary.
•   Due to the number of steps in and around the main attractions, this tour is unsuitable for those with walking difficulties.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO TOKYO
Fly Emirates from Gatwick via Dubai to Tokyo, arriving the following morning at Narita aiport and transfer to the Grand Prince New Takanawa Hotel for three nights.

DAY 3 - TOKYO
After breakfast enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Browse the colourful stalls adorning the Nakamise shopping street that lead up to Asakusa Kannon Temple, stroll around the Ginza entertainment area and later take a short drive through the Imperial Palace. Admire the amazing cityscape vistas from atop the Tokyo City Observatory before an afternoon free for further exploration, relaxation or shopping.

DAY 4 - TOKYO
Journey the 120 miles (approx. 3½ hours) to Nikko, once a summer retreat for Japan’s Imperial leaders and the centre of Buddhist and Shinto worship for many centuries. Nikko offers unrivalled breathtaking mountain landscapes dotted with waterfalls, hot springs, lakes and the occasional monkey. Begin your exploration at the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine before driving up through the snaking Irohazaka pass into the heart of the mountains. En route stop by the 300 feet Kegon waterfall, arguably the most beautiful of the 48 waterfalls in Nikko and wander the forested shores of Lake Chuzenji before returning to your Tokyo hotel.

DAY 5 - TOKYO TO HAKONE

This morning leave the fervour of Tokyo and head for 90 miles (approx. 2½ hours) to the more scenic and serene Mount Fuji area. Enjoy a drive along the Five Lakes region, one of the best locations from which to photograph this famous picture-postcard volcano (approx. 2 hours). Visit the 5th Station of Mount Fuji before journeying 50 miles (approx. 2 hours) to Owakudani, a hot spring crater area formed by the last eruption of Mt Hakone 3,000 years ago. Then take a cruise on Lake Ashi and a trip on the Komagatake Ropeway. Stay overnight at the Palace Hakone hotel where you will have the opportunity to experience a hot springs spa.

DAY 6 - HAKONE TO TAKAYAMA
Transfer by Express trains to the beautifully preserved mountain town of Takayama, for a charming walking tour. Within its Old Town, many delightful merchant houses survive from the 17th Century and a number of traditional homes have been carefully preserved, including the Takayama Jinya, a lovingly restored centuries old goverment house. Time to stroll along Kamisanomachi Street, Takayama’s most scenic town walkway before checking in to the Best Western Hotel Takayama for one night. Alternatively choose to spend tonight in a ‘Ryokan’, a traditional Japanese Inn. Ryokan option includes a traditional dinner.

DAY 7 - TAKAYAMA TO KYOTO
Following a colourful visit to the local market, drive the 130 miles (approx. 4½ hours) through the Japanese Alps to the well preserved 12th Century village of UNESCO listed Shirakawago and take a walk around the distinctively designed local architecture. Continue late afternoon to Kyoto by Express train for 90 miles (40 minutes) for three nights at the Righa Royal Hotel.

DAY 8 - KYOTO
A full day of sightseeing includes Nijo Castle, the UNESCO listed Kiyomizu temple and Kinakakuji (Golden Pavilion). Experience a traditional tea ceremony before returning to your hotel for an evening of leisure.

DAY 9 - KYOTO

A short drive leads to Arashiyama. Wander through the towering Sagano bamboo groves and cross the Togetsukyo Bridge. Also visit the Jojakkoji and Tenryuji temples before returning to Kyoto. This evening will be traditional Japanese dinner with a performance show.

DAY 10 - KYOTO TO HIROSHIMA

Transfer to Kyoto station and take an Express train to Hiroshima and a sightseeing tour of both here and the beautiful Miyajima Island. Mountains blend with sea and red shrined architecture with the main attraction being the Grand Torri - which at high tide gives the illusion of floating. Take a ferry to Miyajima-gichi and transfer by coach back to Hiroshima to visit the evocative Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Overnight at Hotel Granvia.

DAY 11 - HIROSHIMA TO MOUNT KOYA
Walk to Hiroshima station and take the Express train to Shin-Osaka station, driving onwards to Mount Koya (approx. 3 hours). Visit exquisite architectural buildings at Daimon, The Principle Temple and Danjo Garan. Overnight at the Temple Lodge.

DAY 12 - MONUT KOYA TO OSAKA
This morning there will be more sightseeing in Mount Koya including the Okunoin temple, Kobo Daishi Mausoleum and the Karukayado temple. In the afternoon drive to Osaka and check in to the Sheraton Miyako for the night.

DAY 13 - OSAKA TO LONDON
Enjoy a half day tour of Osaka visit the town’s iconic Osaka castle, lively Kuromon market and end with a stroll along Dotonbori Street. Your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy some last minute shopping and amazing dining opportunities before transferring to the airport for your flight with Emirates via Dubai and onwards to Gatwick. Or choose to extend your holiday by adding four nights in Dubai for a relaxing beach break.

DUBAI BEACH EXTENSION
The perfect way to end your incredible discovery of beautiful Japan is to wind down on the beautiful beaches of Dubai for four nights before heading home.

DAY 13 - BANGKOK TO DUBAI
Fly Emirates from Osaka to Dubai and stay at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah in a Deluxe walkview room for four nights

DAY 17 - DUBAI TO LONDON
Fly from Dubai to Gatwick.