Let yourself be enchanted by the thousand colours of your first encounter with Japan! This itinerary combines the most beautiful sights for an unforgettable journey, guided in English with travel by private coach and super-fast trains. The modern cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima will alternate with the more traditional Kyoto, Nara and Kanazawa. You will see UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the white castle of Himeji and the mountain village of Shirakawa-go. Immerse yourself in true Japanese-style relaxation in the renowned Kaga Onsen district and choose from several optional tours to visit Kamakura, Hakone for Mount Fuji views, the green bamboo forest of Arashiyama and the mysterious alleys of the geisha district in Gion (Kyoko).
Tour available for group sizes from 2 to 28 persons.
Day 1 & 2 Fly overnight from the UK to Tokyo (UK transfers can be arranged on request and for an additional charge). Transfer to the hotel with guide assistance.
Day 3 Full day tour of Tokyo beginning with the Museum of Hokusai, the artist synonymous with Japan. Then Asakusa district for Senso-ji Temple and Nakmise-dori traditional shopping street. Continue to a walking tour taking in the Imperial Palace, Nijubashi bridge and the elegant Ginza district. Finally, Bunkyo Civic Centre skyscraper for views of the city.
Day 4 Optional guided tour of Kamakura and Hakone. First stop is Kamakura and the famous Great Buddha, the monumental statue, originally in the Kotokuin temple, but standing alone under the Kamakura sky since the temple was destroyed by a tsunami in 1495. Next is Hasedera Temple with its gardens full of hydrangeas and colourful flowers. Continue in the afternoon to the natural beauty of Hakone from where you can view Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Visit the sacred Shrine of Hakone and the “hot” valley of Owakudani.
Day 5 Transfer by Shinkansen bullet train to Kanazawa where we start with a visit by coach to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site of thatch roofed houses. Continue to the spa town of Kaga Onsen and check in to a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for a Japanese style dinner and an onsen experience.
Day 6 A full day tour of Kanazawa, a town that will take you back to feudal Japan. Visit Kenroku-en, one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan. Next is the Nomura House Museum where 11 generations have preserved this amazing samurai residence. Finally a walk among the ancient houses of Higashi Chaya, the neighbourhood of the geishas. After the tour depart by train to Osaka where there will be time after check in to explore the city nightlife independently.
Day 7 A morning tour of Osaka. Visit Koko-en park and the city’s castle known as “White Heron” due to its white colour, this UNESCO World Heritage site dates from the Sengoku period. Continue by coach to Hiroshima.
Day 8 Travel by coach and ferry to Miyajima island, where “men and gods live together”, to discover the Itsukushima Shrine, consisting of a series of structures on stilts, dating back to the 6th century. After lunch of the typical grilled okonomiyaki, visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen (Bullet Train).
Day 9 Full day excursion in Kyoto and Nara. Visit Kinkaju-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and the Ryoan-ji temple with its famous Zen rock garden. In the afternoon travel to Nara and visit Todai-ji temple, home of the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world. The te,ple sits in a park full of very friendly deer. On the way back to Kyoto, stop off at Fushimi Inari Taishi with its endless red tori gates.
Day 10 Optional tour this morning to Kiyomizu-dera temple, founded in 796 the current buildings date from 1633. Next a walk in the heart of the Gion (geisha) district. In the afternoon visit Arashiyama where the Togetsu bridge is located, standing for hundreds of years on the Katsura river; also to see Tenryu-ji Zen temple and the famous bamboo forest.
Day 11 Transfer to the airport for return flights home.
This tour is entirely based on the main island, Honshu. Why not extend your stay in Japan with a stay on either the southern island, Kyushu, or the northern island Hokkaido. Ask us for details.
Tour includes:
3 nights’ premium hotel accommodation in Tokyo
1 night’s accommodation in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Kaga Onsen
1 night’s premium hotel accommodation in Osaka
1 night’s premium hotel accommodation in Hiroshima
3 nights’ premium hotel accommodation in Kyoto
Guiding/assistance and all transport according to the itinerary
Meals: 9 breakfasts; 3 lunches; and 2 dinners
Luggage transfers
