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Journey Through Japan  

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The classical iconic regions of Japan form the framework for an unforgettable tour. Journey also off the beaten track to experience some of this enchanting country’s lesser known traditional and scenic villages, including the delightfully preserved 17th Century village of Takayama and the UNESCO listed 12th Century alpine village of Shirakawago.

Itinerary:

DAY 1

Fly British Airways from Heathrow to Tokyo, arriving early the following afternoon and transfer to the Grand Prince Hotel for three nights.

DAY 3

After breakfast enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Browse the colourful stalls adorning the Nakamise shopping street that lead up to Asakusa Kannon Temple, stroll around the Ginza entertainment area and later take a short drive through the gardens of the Imperial Palace. Admire the amazing cityscape vistas from atop the Tokyo City Observatory before an afternoon free for further exploration, relaxation or shopping. You will find that the sheer level of energy in Tokyo is the most striking aspect of Japan's capital city. It is a place where the urgent rhythms of consumer culture collide with the quieter moments that linger from older traditions. It is hectic madness leavened by the most Zenic of calms.

DAY 4

Journey the 120 miles (3½ hours) to Nikko, once a summer retreat for Japan’s Imperial leaders and the centre of Buddhist and Shinto worship for many centuries. Nikko offers unrivalled breathtaking mountain landscapes dotted with waterfalls, hot springs, lakes and the occasional monkey. Begin your exploration at the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine before driving up through the snaking Irohazaka pass into the heart of the mountains. En route stop by the 300 feet Kegon waterfall, arguably the most beautiful of the 48 waterfalls in Nikko and wander the forested shores of Lake Chuzenji before returning back to your hotel.

DAY 5

This morning leave the ferver of Tokyo and head for 90 miles (2½ hours) to the more scenic and serene Mount Fuji area. Enjoy a drive along the Five Lakes region, one of the best locations from which to photograph this famous picture-postcard volcano. Visit the 5th Station of Mount Fuji and Owakudani, a hot spring crater area formed by the last eruption of Mt Hakone 3,000 years ago, before taking a cruise on Lake Ashi. Continue for a scenic 50 miles (2 hours) to Hakone where you will have the opportunity to experience a hot springs spa when you overnight at the Palace Hakone Hotel.

DAY 6

Transfer by Bullet and Express trains to the beautifully preserved mountain town of Takayama, for a charming walking tour. Within its Old Town, many delightful merchant houses survive from the 17th Century and a number of traditional homes have been carefully preserved, including the Takayama Jinya, a lovingly restored centuries old administration house. Stroll also along Kamisanomachi Street, Takayama’s most scenic town walkway. Spend one night at the Grand Prince Hotel Takayama. Alternatively you can choose to spend tonight in a ‘Ryokan’, a traditional Japanese Inn to further discover and appreciate the culture of Japan. Ryokan option includes a traditional dinner.

DAY 7

Following a colourful visit to the local market, drive the 130 miles (4½ hours) through the Japanese Alps to the well preserved 12th Century village of UNESCO listed Shirakawago and take a walk around the distinctively designed local architecture. Continue late afternoon to Kyoto by Bullet train for 90 miles (40 minutes) for four nights at the Righa Royal Hotel.

DAY 8

A full day of sightseeing includes a local sake brewery, the Fushimi Inari Shrine and 12th Century Sanjusangendo temple. End your tour nestled within the wooden hills surrounding Kyoto at the UNESCO listed Kiyomizu temple. Return to your hotel for an evening of leisure.

DAY 9

A short drive leads to Arashiyama. Wander through the towering bamboo groves and cross the Togetsukyo Bridge before returning to Kyoto. Complete your sightseeing at the majestic Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), built in 1397 on the shores of a serene small lake, then follow on to the 15th Century rock gardens of Ryoanji Temple and the UNESCO listed Nijo Castle. Completed in 1603, the castle survives in its original form and is famous for its Momoyama architecture and decorated sliding doors.

DAY 10

Depart in the morning for Nara, Japan’s capital in 710. Today it is full of historic treasures with some of the country’s oldest Buddhist temples including the immense Todaiji, the world’s largest wooden building and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, adorned with hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns. Later visit the Nara Deer Park, where more than 1,200 tame deer roam the groves of cedar, oak, andromeda and wisteria. En route stop at Uji and discover the Byodoin Temple, set within the most beautiful of Japan’s ‘pure land gardens’ and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. In the evening in Kyoto a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant is accompanied by a traditional Geisha and Maiko dance.

DAY 11

Leave Kyoto behind for one night at the Hotel Granvia in Hiroshima. Take a short ferry ride to Miyamiya island, visiting the Itsukushima Shrine then return to Hiroshima to wander the evocative Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

DAY 12

Walk to Hiroshima station to re-board the Bullet Train. Travel the 210 miles (1½ hours) to Osaka and disembark for a short visit to the town’s iconic castle, lively Kuromon market and end with a stroll along the neon lit entertainment boulevard of Dotonbori. Your final evening is at leisure to enjoy some last minute shopping and amazing dining opportunities. Overnight at the Sheraton Miyako.

DAY 13

After breakfast transfer to Itami airport for your flight with Japan Airlines to Tokyo and onwards with British Airways to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.

THE BEACHES OF THAILAND

Combine Japan with a relaxing stay on the white sand beaches of Hua Hin.

DAY 13

Transfer from Osaka for a mid morning flight from Kyoto to Bangkok and transfer (2½ hours) for five nights or more at the Evason Resort & Spa in an Evason room.

DAY 18

Return to Bangkok by road in the afternoon for your late evening flight with Thai Airways to Heathrow.

Tour Includes :

MEAL PLAN

Our itineraries are designed to include meals only where necessary or where they add to your overall experience. Where meals are not included, there will be a wide local choice of restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. This offers you the flexibility on occasion throughout the tour to dine where and when you want and more importantly, maintain an element of variety to your mealtime selections. Breakfast is included throughout and dinner is included on Day 7 and for those staying in a Ryokan on Day 6.

ACCOMMODATION

Four star accommodation as described. On Day 6 you have the choice of either staying in the Righa Royal Hotel or a 'Ryokan' which is a traditional Japanese Inn.

GROUP SIZE

Maximum 20 passengers.

MINIMUM NUMBERS

This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers (please see p210 for further information).

GRATUITIES

Tipping is not expected in Japan, and as such is done at your discretion.

TRAVEL TIPS

Visit Japan at its most colourful in mid March to early April during the cherry blossom season. Autumn is also popular with clear sunny days and beautiful autumnal colouring on the maple trees.

NB

In April and October Takayama celebrates 'matsuri', and whole town is filled with colourful lanterns and lamps, with regular street processions of floats and puppets to add to the magical flavour. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted on this tour. Local conditions may necessitate slight variations to the timings of the tour itinerary. Due to the number of steps in and around the main attractions, this tour is unsuitable for those with walking difficulties.

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