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 either Nikko or Kamakura and 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
(Includes Lunch)
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).
Japanese
style lunch will be provided at a Hotel/Restaurant in Hakone.
In the afternoon we proceed to the Hakone National Park where we
take 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.
We
will take a cable car ride using the Mt Komagatake ropeway
with the opportunity to see the magnificent volcanic Hakone mountain
range below.
Accommodation
at the Yumoto Fujiya Hotel includes hot springs indoor &
outdoor baths for ultimate relaxation.
Day
6
Hakone - Nagoya - Takayama
In
the morning you will be met and driven to Odawara train station
where you board the super-fast Bullet train (Shinkansen)
for Nagoya (no guide service on board the trains). Upon arrival
in Nagoya our assistant will meet you at the platform and
help you transfer onto the shared express bus / chartered bus for
Takayama.
Takayama
is a tranquil old castle town often nickname 'little Kyoto. Upon
arrival at Takayama we take a walking tour to visit Yatai Kaikan
Hall, where colourful traditional festive floats are on display,
Kami Sannomachi, with traditional wooden houses and Kusakabe
folkcraft museum, which was formerly the residence of powerful
merchants. We then visit Kami Sannomachi town before walking
to our hotel accommodation in Takayama.
'Due
to luggage restrictions on the bullet train, we have arranged for
your baggage to be collected and transported by truck from Hakone
to Kyoto. Therefore we recommend you prepare an overnight bag for
your 2 nights stay in Takayama & Kanazawa'.We have allowed
for transporting one item per person, Extra luggage will be charged
accordingly.
Day
7
Takayama -- Shirakawago - Kanazawa (Includes
Japanese style Lunch)
We start todays guided tour by visiting Takayama morning market. Afterwards we take the Nohi bus for a scenic drive alongside Lake Miboro and the Shokawa River to towards Shirakawago. Upon arrival, we visit Shirakawa-go Observatory and the Wada residence. Afterwards we enjoy Japanese style lunch.
Shirakawago has World Heritage designation status and are truly a spectacular experience, which many believe is the 'hidden treasure' in Japan. Visiting Shirakawago is like stepping back in time, with uniquely crafted traditional wooden farmhouses (Gassho-Zukuri) set in a beautiful mountainous landscape. Finally we continue to Kanazawa by local motorcoach and our hotel accommodation.
Day
8
Kanazawa - Kyoto Morning sight-seeing of Kanazawa by coach through the Nagamachi old Samurai District and visit the Kenrokuen Garden, which is regarded as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Later we drive through the Higashi-chayo district and Hakaza (gold leaf shop).
In the afternoon take the train to Kyoto (no guide service on board train). Upon arrival at Kyoto train station, walk to your conveniently located hotel.
Day
9
Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto (Includes
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 Osaka
- Departure
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the futuristic
Kansai International Airport in Osaka for your departure flight
homeward.
**Optional
- Bullet train transfers back to Tokyo & Narita Airport can
also be provided -Contact
us for details.**
2018 & 2019 Departure Dates & Prices from
Ref |
Weekly
Monday & Saturday |
Land
Only (twin share) |
CLJ |
10th
April - May |
£2655 |
CLJ |
June
- September |
£2470 |
CLJ |
Oct
- November |
£2655 |
CLJ |
January - Feb |
£2590 |
CLJ |
1st March - 19th March |
£2785 |
CLJ |
20th March to 9th April |
£2815 |
**
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/hotel
transfers.
- Sightseeing
tours by professional English-speaking tour guide.
- Meeting
assistants at point of transfer, as specified in the itinerary.
- All
entrance fees whilst on guided tours.
- All
Train tickets as specified in itinerary.
- 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 Hakone & Kyoto.
1 item per person.
- Guaranteed
Departure
Price
Does Not Include
- International
Flights: We are happy to provide flights with full ATOL Protection.
- Optional
tours.
- Travel
Insurance.
Optional
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, or a Ryokan with
Onsen spa whilst in Hakone. 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:
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.
If Wado family residence is closed, we visit Nagase Residence or
Myozenji temple instead.
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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