Tour
Details at a Glance
- Fully
Guided Small Group tour (maximum 16 people).
- Experienced
professional English speaking Tour Guide/Tour Leader from Day
3-13.
- Quality
selection of hotels and superb Ryokans with spa facilities.
- Daily
Breakfast, 3 Evening Meals.
- Luggage
transfers between destinations as stated in itinerary.
- No
hidden extras, all entrance fees & transport included.
- Guided
tours by private coach, trains and public transport all included.
Day
1
Depart from your preferred airport for your flight to Tokyo. Meals
on board.
Day
2
Tokyo
Arrive at Airport in Tokyo and self transfer to your hotel. The
rest of the day is at your leisure to adjust to the 9 hours time
difference. *Airport meeting assistant and transfer service can
be provided as an option*
Stay
3 nights at the highly regarded Tokyo Sheraton Miyako Hotel
(or similar).
Day
3
Tokyo (Breakfast at your hotel)
After breakfast in your hotel, meet your Tour Leader and profession
Tour Guide who will look after you during your tour and travel with
you throughout.
Today
we explore Tokyo and our first stop is to the Tsukiji Fish Market
which is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world
and famous for the tuna and sword fish trading which frantically
takes place in the early mornings.
We
then visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace,
the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. The massive east gardens
are part of the inner palace, designed during the Meiji era and
include traditional Japanese gardens, tea-ceremony rooms, guard
houses and the stone remains of Edo Castle. Afterwards we visit
the iconic Tokyo Government Office building, which provides
some of the best views across Tokyo. Later
we visit
Tokyo's most colourful and popular Buddhist Temples, the famous
and bustling Asakusa Kannon Temple. Our final stop the Tokyo
National Museum which contains many of Japans and Asia's most
precious and historic sculptures, paintings and archaeological objects.
Return
to our hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy free time in Tokyo.
Your Tour Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to
eat.
Day
4
Tokyo - Nagano - Yudanaka (Breakfast
and Japanese Set Dinner)
Today,
we travel around Tokyo with our Tour Guide to explore more must-see
sights of Tokyo.Afterwards
we travel to the impressive Meiji Shrine which is dedicated
to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort. Pass through the
huge Shinto Torii gates and take a leisurely walk in the
peaceful forest leading to the Shrine, far away from the hustle
and bustle of modern Tokyo.
Later
we explore Harajuku and Omotesando Districts of Tokyo
which is the centre of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and
fashion styles where many teenagers dress up in crazy costumes to
resemble animation characters and punk musicians etc. Harajuku
and Omotesando also offers great shopping opportunities and
historic sights to explore.
Around
midday we leave Tokyo for Yudanaka (via Nagano) by Bullet train.
Upon arrival at you Ryokan, we rest in the hot spring baths (Onsen)
and enjoy a wonderful Japanese Set Dinner.
To
make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer
your large luggage directly to Takayama. Prepare a smaller carry
bag for your time in Yudanaka and Matsumoto.
Accommodation
- Issano Komichi Biyuno Yado Ryokan or similar (Japanese room)
Day
5
Yudanaka - Matsumoto
(Includes Breakfast)
In the morning we travel with our guide on the shuttle bus to see
the Snow Monkey park and have time to enjoy the antics of the cheeky
red faced monkeys relaxing in the outdoor hot spring pools (approx
30min). Later we return to our Ryokan and transfer together to out
hotel in Matsumoto by train.
Later
we have a walking tour of Matsumoto and visit 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).
Accommodation
- Matsumoto Rei Hotel or similar
Day
6 Matsumoto
- Takayama (Breakfast & Japanese Set Dinner)
After
breakfast we make our transfer to Takayama with our Tour Guide by
express bus (non reserved seats).
Upon
arrival we take a Guided walking tour of Takayama, which includes
visiting the House of Yoshijima constructed circa 1907 and
former home of a prosperous merchant engaged in the production of
sake. Afterwards we visit Yatai Kaikan Exhibition Hall
to see the historic floats used during Takayama's yearly Festival.
We
arrive at our Ryokan to relax before having a wonderful set Japanese
dinner made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Our wonderful Ryokan
offers a choice of two luxurious outdoor spa baths and even a foot
bath with views over Takayama.
Accommodation
is at the Hilda Plaza hotel (or similar).
Day
7 Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa
(Breakfast)
Enjoy Breakfast in your Ryokan and then we
take a walking tour of Takayama, where we visit the Morning Market.
Afterwards we visit the Takayama Jinya, a former Government
Outpost of the Shogun. Our next stop is Kamisannomachi street
which is in the old area of Takayama and reminiscent of ancient
times when Samurai wandered the streets.
Early
afternoon we leave for Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage
Sites nestled into a valley surrounded by stunning forests and mountains.
Shirakawago is well known for the unique architectural style of
the village houses, known as gassho-zukuri. The Gassho-zukuri style
of house is characterised by a thatched steeply slanting roof resembling
two hands joined in prayer. Upon arrival we visit a typical Gasho-zukuri
House and take a leisurely walk around Shirakawago Village.
Afterwards
we continue on our scenic drive to Kanazawa and check into our hotel.
Accommodation
Nikko Kanazawa Hotel, or similar (2 nights)
Day
8 Kanazawa
(Breakfast)
Todays tour includes visiting the fabulous Kenrokuen Gardens,
classified as one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens"
and probably the best of them all. The spacio us garden used to
be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle. Afterwards
we visit a Shima 'Geisha' Tea House in the Higashi Chayagai
Area of Kanazawa. This is a charming place with wooden buildings
and paved streets reminiscent of another era, and was once classified
as an entertainment area for Geisha to dance and sing to their guests
in the many 'Chaya' tea houses.
In
the afternoon we take a local bus and explore the 280 year old Omicho
seafood Market and then we take a fascinating look at the traditional
Samurai District and visit the former home and gardens of the Nomura
family, who were high ranking Samurai family during
Japans feudal era.
Day
9 Kanazawa
- Kyoto -Nara - Kyoto
(Breakfast)
Separate 1 piece per person luggage transfer to Kyoto - Arriving
the next day.
After
Breakfast we transfer by train to Kyoto and then
make the short train journey to Nara where upon arrival we enjoy
a walking tour of the ancient capital city of Japan. Enjoy strolling
in the Deer Park and exploring the impressive Todaiji
Temple and Great Buddha. Return
to Kyoto by train mid afternoon and check into our hotel.
Accommodation
at Granvia Kyoto Hotel or similar (3 nights)
Day
10
Kyoto
(Breakfast)
We
enjoy a full day of sight seeing with our tour Guide. We take our
own private coach to visit the famous Golden Pavilion
(Kinkakuji Temple) and Ryoanji Temple, which has Japan's
most famous Zen rock garden. Afterwards we take our Private
coach to visit Nijo Castle, commissioned by Tokugawa Ieyasu,
the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate and completed in 1626. One
of the most intriguing features is the "nightingale floors"
designed to squeak like birds when anyone walks on them and designed
to warn occupants of sneak attacks by Ninja assassins.
In
the afternoon we use public transport to
visit Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion). We then have a
great opportunity to experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony,
where we learn about the traditions associated with this ancient
ritual. Later we take a scenic walk along the Path of Philosophy
which passes by many temples and shrines and follows a canal
lined by hundreds of cherry trees, which explode into colour during
Spring, making this one of the city's most popular 'Hanami' (cherry
blossom viewing) spots. Return to our hotel by public transport
with our guide.
Day
11
Kyoto
(Breakfast)
Today we join our guide for a morning walking tour of Kyoto to visit
the impressive and must-see Kiyomizu Temple built perched
on the hillside overlooking Kyoto.
We
then walk though Ninnenzaka and Sannenzaka on one
of Kyoto's most beautiful walks, which takes us down into the Gion
area of Kyoto, famous for Geisha's. Enjoy walking down narrow
streets lined with old wooden houses, traditional shops and restaurants.
On
our way we will visit Kodaiji Temple located in a beautiful
part of Kyoto sitting atop a hill. Built in 1605 the temple contains
absolutely stunning Zen Gardens, bamboo grove, tea houses and is
one of the most beautiful Zen temples in Japan.
Afternoon
is free for you to explore Kyoto on your own. As always your Tour
Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to eat.
***
To complete your Japan experience we can arrange an 'Optional'
Geisha
Special Dance
& performance by an Authentic Geisha and Maiko. Ask for prices
& details***
Day
12
Kyoto - Hakone (Breakfast,
Dinner)
This morning we leave Kyoto for Hakone by bullet train.
To
make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer
your large luggage from Kyoto directly to Tokyo, perpare an overnight
carry bag for your stay in Hakone.
Later
we explore the scenic areas of Hakone by public transport, which
on a clear day provides great views of Mt Fuji. Together
with our guide we take a Ropeway Ride to Owakudani and explore
the volcanic Owakudani Valley. We then take a Ropeway Ride
to Lake Ashi, where we board a boat to cruise the
still waters of Lake Ashi. Afterwards we visit the recently restored
Hakone Sekisho, which was an important check point established
by the Tokugawa shogun.
In
the evening we can relax in the Onsen 'hot spring spa' and later
enjoy a traditional Japanese buffet dinner served in your Ryokan.
Accommodation
at the superb Tenseien Ryokan, or similar (1 night).
Tenseien Ryokan offers gorgeous scenery and indoor and outdoor Onsen
hot spring spa baths. It also adjoins a beautiful garden which is
home to two waterfalls and Tamadare Shrine. (Western Style Room
with Shower)
Day
13
Hakone - Tokyo
(Breakfast)
Enjoy
breakfast at your ryokan and then join your Guide for the train
journey back to Tokyo by Romance car (Odakyu Express Train),
where we will then transfer to our hotel.
Afternoon
is free for you to explore Tokyo on your own. As always, your Tour
Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to eat.
Stay
1 night at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel (or similar).
Day
14
Tokyo
(Breakfast)
Today we say Sa-yo-na-ra. Self transfer to Narita Airport
for your departure flight homewards. (Optional airport transfer
from central Tokyo can be provided).
2017 Tour Prices per person based on Twin share
Departure Dates |
Special
Feature |
Prices
|
Saturday
25th March 2017 |
Spring
Blossom |
£4390
|
Saturday
28th October 2017 |
Autumn
leaves |
£4390
|
Price
Includes (The
prices shown above are 'per person')
- Experienced
professional English speaking Tour Guide/Tour Leader from Day
3 to 13, who will accompany you throughout your tour.
- Quality
selection of hotels and superb Ryokans with spa facilities.
- Daily
Breakfast, 3 Evening Meals.
- Free
luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Tokyo - Takayama,
Takayama - Kyoto, Kyoto - Tokyo (1 piece per person).
- No
hidden extras, all entrance fees & transport included.
- Guided
tours by private coach, trains and public transport all included.
Price
Does Not Include
- International
flights with Full ATOL Protection.
- Airport
meet & greet service & airport bus transfers.
- Travel
Insurance.
FAQ
and Further Tour Information
Please
see our FAQ
page for further essential tour
information.
This
tour is suitable for travellers of all ages, who are reasonably
fit and healthy. Add on extensions are available to suit your requirements.
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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