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 - (Nikko or Kamakura optional tour)
Free day to explore Tokyo at your leisure or purchase an
optional full day tour to Nikko or Kamakura & Yokohama.
The
optional professionally guided tour to Nikko involves taking a Deluxe
motor coach to Nikko National park, a designated World
Cultural Heritage site. Nikko is a gem of natural beauty and
home to some of the most spectacular examples of ancient architecture
in Japan. The tour includes a visit to the magnificent Toshogu
shrine, which houses the Mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa
Shogunate. We also visit the stunning Tamozawa Imperial Villa,
constructed in 1899 and which served as the Tokyo residence of the
Tokugawa family and later a summer retreat for the Imperial Family.
Afterwards we visit the spectacular Kirifuri waterfall.
Japanese style Lunch included.
The tour disbands on arrival in Ginza & Shinjuku at around 7-8pm,
where you will have ample restaurants and bars to choose from for
your evening meal and entertainment. If you prefer, you can return
to your hotel and our tour guide will be happy to provide you with
information on return transportation/directions. Overnight
in Tokyo.
Day
5 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. Later we return to our hotel in Tokyo. (includes:
Lunch).
Day
6
Tokyo -
Matsumoto
This
morning take the self transfer by Express train from Shinjuku station
to Matsumoto and upon arrival walk to your accommodation which is
conveniently located near JR Matsumoto train station. 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).
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 Kyoto (1 bag per person). Prepare a light carry bag
for your stay in Matsumoto & Tsumago.
Day
7 Matsumoto - Tsumago (Dinner
in your Minshuku)
Today
take an early morning unasisted transfer by train to Nagiso train
station (train leaves at 7:00am) and then take the local bus or
taxi for the short journey to to the old postal town of Tsumago
(bus or taxi fare not included, approx 9 min journey). Once at Tsumago
check into your accommodation.
During
your time in Tsumago we recommend walking 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.
Overnight
in traditional Japanese Minshuku staying in a Japanese style bedroom
sleeping on futon beds.
Day
8 Tsumago -
Nagoya - Kyoto
(Breakfast
in your Minshuku)
After
breakfast at your Minshuku, take the unassisted train transfers
to Kyoto via Nagoya.
Upon arrival at JR kyoto station, take a short walk to your accommodation
situated close by.
Our Standard accommodation is the New Miyako hotel or similar (Our
budget accommodation will require an additional short
subway/taxi journey). The
rest of the day is free at leisure in Kyoto.
Day
9
Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto (includes
buffet lunch)
Full day sight-seeing tour of Kyoto & Nara,
including a visit 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.
After
lunch we travel to the ancient capital of Japan, Nara. Our
tour includes visiting Nara Deer Park and the Todaiji
temple housing the Great Buddha in the worlds largest wooden
building. Next we visit the Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine
which features 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. Finally enjoy Nara
Nagomikan before returning to your hotel in Kyoto (includes:
Lunch).
Day
10
Kyoto
Day free at Leisure, or purchase our optional Kyoto
afternoon tour.
The
option tour includes visiting the colourful Heian Jingu Shrine
and inner garden and ponds. Next we explore Sanjusangendo Hall,
a renowned long wooden hall housing all of 1,001 statues that date
back to the 13th century. Finally we visit the magnificent Kiyomizu
Temple with spectacular views across the entire city. (This
highly recommended afternoon tour can be included at time of booking).
Optional
overnight stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan is available (inc
Breakfast & Evening Dinner) - Contact us for details.
Day
11 Kyoto - Himeji & Maiko Tour - Himeji (includes
lunch)
In
the morning take the train to Himeji. We then have a full day walking
tour, including visiting Himeji castle, which is concidered
one of the greatest and most beautiful castles in Japan. Himeji
castle has only recently been fully restored, after 5 years of intensive
renovation.
After
Japanese style lunch, we travel to Maiko by train with our guide.
Upon
arrival we enjoy walking along Maiko Marine Promenade and
visiting Akashi Kaikyo Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension
bridge in the world and truely a breath taking feet of Civil Engineering.
Afterwards return to Himeji by train.
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 Osaka (1 bag per person). Therefore prepare an light
carry bag for your stay in Himeji and Hiroshima.
Day
12 Himeji - Hiroshima
Check
out of your hotel and leave your luggage with the bell boy. Then
you have free time to explore Himeji on your own.
In
the afternoon proceed
to Himeji station and board your train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival
self transfer to your hotel, which is conveniently located near
the station.
Day
13
Hiroshima -
Miyajima (free street car pass and Miyajima night cruise)
With
the Hiroden free pass, enjoy a free day to explore the many
sights and attractions of Hiroshima and nearby Miyajima island.
The Hiroden pass includes free local street car (tram) use,
Lunch discount Voucher at Okonomi-mura (speciality
of Hiroshima) and a night cruise of Miyajima island. We will
provide you with a guide itinerary to follow.
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
14
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.
Rest of the day 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 frenetic.
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
15 Osaka
- Departure
You will be transferred to the futuristic Kansai International Airport
in Osaka for your departure flight homeward.
2018 & 2019 Departure Dates (Prices Land-only)
Ref |
Weekly
Sunday, Tuesday, Friday Departures |
Land
Only (twin share) |
SJ |
10th
April - May |
£2835 |
SJ |
June
- September |
£2680 |
SJ |
Oct
- November |
£2835 |
SJ |
January - Feb |
£2810 |
SJ |
1st March - 19th March |
£2975 |
SJ |
20th March to 9th April |
£2990 |
**
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
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 price may be different around festivals
period in Japan.
Price
Includes
- Airport
to hotel transfers on arrival & departure.
- English
speaking meeting assistance at Narita airport upon arrival.
- Private
return transfer from Odawara station to Ryokan in Hakone.
- Sightseeing
tours by professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance
fees to all attractions as stated in itinerary, during guided
tours (Not during free time).
- Selections
of quality accommodation in well furnished hotel rooms with private
facilities.
- Meals
as specified in the itinerary.
- Free
luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Tokyo - Kyoto, Kyoto
- Osaka (1 item per person).
- All
Train tickets as specified in the itinerary, Ordinary class reserved
seats.
- Hiroden
1 Day tour voucher - Hiroden street car pass, lunch discount vouchers
at designated restaurant & night cruise of Miyajima island.
- Guaranteed
departure.
Price
Does Not Include
Optional
Day Tours & Ryokan Experience
A
stay at a traditional Ryokan (Japanese style Inn) is a highly recommended
experience, with excellent standards of service. We can arrange
a 1 night Ryokan stay on your 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.
FAQ
and further Tour information
Please
see our FAQ
page for further essential tour
information.
Additional
Tour Notes:
Budget
accommodation in Kyoto may requires guests to make their own
travel arrangements to the nearest tour pickup point, which departs
from the lobby of our standard hotel. Details will be provided
for your assistance.
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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