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 - Tokyo (includes
lunch)
Full
day tour by deluxe motorcoach to Nikko National park, a designated
World Cultural Heritage site. Nikko is a gem of Natural scenic beauty
and home to some of the most spectacular examples of ancient 17th-century
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 will see the Five-Story Pagoda, Niomon
Gate, Three Monkeys, Yomeimon Gate and Main Sacred Hall.
After
enjoying a Japanese style lunch at a local restaurant, we
travel to see the architectually 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.
Later we visit the spectacular Kirifuri waterfall before
continue our drive back to Tokyo.
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
(Ryokan) includes Lunch, Dinner
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.
After
the tour, a private car is arranged to transfer you to the
hotel in Hakone. Accommodation at Ryokan with 'Onsen' hot springs
baths for that ultimate relax. Enjoy Japanese set Dinner at your
Ryokan in the evening. Stay in Japanese style room.
Note: Ryokan
not available for single occupancy, therefore single travellers
will stay in a hotel with western style room, in this case no breakfast or dinner is provided. Hotel will have Onsen spa facilities. Single supplement will take the above into costings.
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).
Day
6
Hakone - Kyoto (breakfast)
Enjoy Breakfast at your Ryokan. Afterwards a private car
is arranged to transfer you to Odawara railway station in the morning,
where you take the Shinkansen (Bullet train) to Kyoto. Accommodation
at the New Miyako hotel or similar (3 nights).
Afternoon
free at leisure for you to explore Kyoto.
Day
7
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
8
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
9 Kyoto - Hiroshima
Day
free at Leisure in Kyoto to explore the fascinating city and we
recommend visiting the Heian Shrine and the magnificent and
un-missable Kiyomizu Temple. Later transfer to Hiroshima
by Bullet train and walk to your hotel which is conveniently situated
close to train station. Rest of day free at leisure in Hiroshima.
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).
Prepare a light carry bag for your time in Hiroshima & Okayama.
Day
10 Hiroshima - Miyajima
Today
enjoy a full day tour to Hiroshima & Myajima. Highlights
include Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park / museum, Atomic Bomb
Dome, a boat ride to the Island of Miyajima and the beautiful
Itsukushima shrine and floating red Torii Gate.
Day
11 Hiroshima - Okayama
This
morning take the train for an unassisted transfer to Okayama.
Upon arrival check into your hotel which is conveniently located
near to the station. We then recommend you visit the nearby Okayama
Castle and the beautiful Korakuen Gardens, regarded as
one of the best gardens in Japan and one of Japan's official Three
Great Gardens.
Day
12 Okayama - Osaka
Today
you have free time to explore Okayama and we suggest visiting
the nearby historic city of Kurashiki located in Okayama
Prefecture (about 15 minutes by regular local train). Kurashiki
has a preserved canal system that dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867),
used when Kurashiki served as an important rice distribution center
for Japan.
Afterwards
take the unassisted bullet train transfer 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.
If
you prefer to leave for Osaka in the morning, we can arrange a suitable
train time (upon request at time of booking).
We recommend visiting the
magnificent Osaka Castle. and then Dotonbori
which is one of the most popular streets in Osaka and nearby
Domi domi shopping and eating areas are one of the
most exciting districts in Japan. Alternatively Shinsaibashi
is probably the best shopping area and certainly the most frantic.
Osaka bay is also a great area to explore and we are happy to provide
recommendations.
Day
13 Osaka - Homeward
You
will be 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
Ref |
Departure
weekly Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday |
Land
Only (twin share) |
WJ |
10th
April - May 2017 |
£2860 |
WJ |
June
- September 2017 |
£2710 |
WJ |
Oct
- November 2017 |
£2860 |
WJ |
January - Feb 2018 |
£2835 |
WJ |
1st March - 19th March 2018 |
£2995 |
WJ |
20th March to 9th April 2018 |
£3025 |
**
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 (The
prices shown above are 'per person')
- Airport/hotel
transfers.
- All
Train tickets
- All
Entrance fees whilst on guided tours.
- Sightseeing
tours by professional English-speaking tour guide.
- 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 - Osaka.
- Guaranteed
departure.
Price
Does Not Include
- International
Flights: We are happy to provide flights with full ATOL Protection.
- Optional
tours & tour
extension to Hiroshima,
Miyajima, Okayama
- 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
the Toyota museum is closed we will visit Noritake garden, Tokugawaen
garden or Tokugawa Art Museum 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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