Japan’s Cultural Treasures

Overview

Discover the cultural heritage of Japan on this exciting journey through the countrys main island of Honshu. Begin with an exploration of Tokyo and the nearby Hakone National Park, visit the tranquil Kenroku-en garden and the castle of Kanazawa before exploring the imperial city of Kyoto, with its many temples and shrines. Experience the sombre modern history of Hiroshima, then visit the picturesque island of Miyajima with its celebrated torii gate. Finish with a visit to Himeji, famed for its castle and Japanese gardens, before flying home from Tokyo.

The Cox & Kings signature experiences

• – Traditional tea ceremony experience & cooking class in Kyoto

• – Visit Shirakawago to see the Unesco-listed gassho-zukurihouses

• – Tour the Nomura Samurai House historic home & garden

• – Try your hand at gold-leaf making in Kanazawa

• – Stay in 4-star accommodation

• – Small group size – average 15 people (max 24)

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Tokyo

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Tokyo Haneda airport with British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Tokyo

Arrive and transfer to the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa (or similar) for 3 nights. (N)

Day 3: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Full-day excursion to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for views of Mount Fuji, a cruise on Lake Ashi and a ride on the Mount Komagatake Ropeway (cable car). (B, L)

Day 4: Tokyo

Full-day tour visiting Asakusa Kannon temple, Tokyo National Museum, the Imperial East Garden and the peaceful Meiji shrine. Lunch will be a kushiage meal of fried meat and vegetables. (B, L)

Day 5: Kanazawa

Morning departure by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa. Visit Kanazawa castle park, Kenroku-en garden and the Nomura Samurai House. Stay 2 nights at the Crowne Plaza ANA Kanazawa (or similar). (B, L)

Day 6: Kanazawa – Shirakawago

Morning visit to a gold-leaf workshop, where you can learn how to embellish with gold leaf, and Omicho market. Afternoon excursion to Shirakawago to see the UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri houses notable for their unique architectural style. (B)

Day 7: Kyoto

Travel by express train to Kyoto. Visits include Nijo Castle, a walking tour of Nishiki market to tour the numerous food stalls, and the WAK cultural centre, housed in a wooden townhouse known as a machiya, for a cooking class and a traditional tea ceremony experience. Stay 2 nights at the New Miyako Hotel (or similar). (B)

Day 8: Kyoto

Day at leisure to explore Kyoto at your own pace. (B)

Day 9: Kyoto – Hiroshima

Morning visit to Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavilion), then Ryoanji temple, famous for its Zen rock garden. Afternoon tour of the historic city of Nara, then continue to Osaka to catch the bullet train south to Hiroshima. Stay 2 nights at the Granvia Hiroshima / Sheraton Hiroshima (or similar). (B)

Day 10: Miyajima island – Hiroshima

Take the ferry to Miyajima island to visit the Itsukushima shrine and see the torii gate. Return to the mainland and take the train back to the city to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Memorial Museum. (B)

Day 11: Himeji – Tokyo

Board a bullet train for the journey north to Himeji city. Take a tour of Himeji Castle, which, unlike most castles in Japan, is still in its original form and is arguably the finest example of medieval castle architecture in the country. Afterwards, take a stroll in the Koko-en gardens, which consist of nine separate, walled gardens with ponds, waterfalls and a tea ceremony house. Travel by train on to Tokyo, and stay at the Royal Park Haneda (or similar) for 1 night. (B, L)

Day 12: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport and board a British Airways flight back to London, arriving later the same day. (B)

Meal basis:

As per itinerary B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

FESTIVAL DEPARTURES

Hanami (cherry blossoms) Hanami, literally meaning flower viewing, is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the blossoming cherry trees from March to early May, and specifically in Tokyo and Kyotoin early April. Cherry blossom can be seen on many of the excursions on the March and April departures.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Accommodation: Please note that in Japan room sizes can be significantly smaller than in Europe.

Itinerary: Excursions on days 3 and 4 may be switched, subject to local conditions. Please note that travellers will need to pack an overnight bag for days 56 and 910, as main luggage will be transferred separately between hotels.

Private & tailor-made travel: This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, but note that the cost of travelling on a private basis rather than as part of a group is significantly higher in Japan than in most countries. This is because of the very high costs of private guides and vehicles. To reduce costs, a similar itinerary can be booked using public transport and some self-guided excursions.