Your itinerary
1.
London to Tokyo
Your door-to-door driver takes you to London Heathrow for your
non-stop, overnight Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo.
2. Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo this morning and check in to the
centrally-located Keio Plaza Hotel (4 diamond), your home for the
next three nights. The rest of today is free for you to relax,
settle in and enjoy your new surroundings.
3. Tokyo
Tour the sophisticated and vibrant city of Tokyo this morning
taking in many of the major sights. Begin with the forested Shinto
shrine of Meiji Jingu and the spacious plaza and pine groves of
Imperial Palace Plaza, including the bronze statue of Kusunoki
Masashige, a 14th-century samurai loyal to the emperor. Continue to
the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Nakamise arcade (one of the
oldest shopping streets in Japan) before passing the afternoon at
leisure, exploring at your own pace. B
4. Nikko
Spend a full day in the nearby region of Nikko, a former summer
retreat for Japan's imperial families. After visiting the Toshogu
Shrine, dedicated to Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun in the Edo
period, journey up the 48 hairpin zigzags of Irohazaka Driveway to
the stunning blue waters of Lake Chuzanji and the beautiful
97-metre cascade of Kengo Waterfall, fed by the waters of the lake.
This afternoon, head back to Tokyo and your hotel. B
5. Tokyo to Kamakura and
Hakone
En route to Hakone today, take a break in Kamakura, site of the
first Shogunate capital. After visiting the Kotokuin Temple, with
its famous Daibutsu bronze Buddha image, continue on through the
stunning scenery of Sagami Bay and Odawarae. Reaching Hakone, the 3
diamond Hakone Palace Hotel welcomes you for the next two nights.
B
6. Hakone
A full day exploring the Hakone region, beginning in the
Owakudani Valley. Enjoy stunning views of Japan's highest mountain,
Mount Fuji, along with the idyllic valley scenery of crystal-clear
lakes, volcanic peaks and steaming hot springs, before cruising on
Lake Ashi - one of the stunning lakes in the Five Lakes area. This
afternoon, take a cable car ride up Mount Komagatake Ropeway to the
summit and visit the Hakone Shrine and Treasure Hall before heading
back to your hotel. B
7. Hakone to Kyoto
Journey by rail today as you board the Shinkansen express bullet
train at Mishima bound for Kyoto. Reaching Kyoto, check in at the 4
diamond Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto, in the heart of the city, for the
first of your three nights' stay. This afternoon is free for you to
do as you please. B
8. Kyoto
Explore Kyoto on a full-day city tour. The many beautiful and
historic sites include Nijo Castle, built in 1603 and a designated
World Heritage Site; the elaborate Ninomaru Palace with its
corridors of creaky floorboards to warn of an assassin's approach;
the wide verandahs and cliff-top hall of Kinkakuji Temple, which
overlook the deep valley below; and the Heian Shrine, a mini
replica of the first Imperial Palace and shrine dedicated to the
founder of Kyoto, Emperor Kammu. There will also be a chance to
take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony before returning
to your hotel late this afternoon. B
9. Nara and Kyoto
Head to Nara, site of Japan's first permanent capital, and take
a morning orientation tour. Explore the Todaiji Temple, built in
752 AD and home to one of the largest bronze statues in the world -
the Great Buddha statue is considered a National Treasure. Next,
visit Nara Park (Deer Park), where more than 1200 tame deer roam
around the groves of cedar, oak, andromeda and wisteria, and view
the peaceful and scenic forested shrine of Kasuga Taisha. This
afternoon, you've some free time in Kyoto. B
10. Kyoto to
Hiroshima
Take the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to
Hiroshima, where a brief city tour includes either a visit to the
Mazda Motor Corporation Museum or Shukkein Garden. Check in at the
central Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima (4 diamond) for a two-night
stay. B
11. Miyajima Island and
Hiroshima
This morning, journey to Miyajima Island and visit the
sixth-century Itsukushima Shrine. Its pier-like construction
reflects the island's holy status: commoners were not allowed to
set foot on the island and had to approach the shrine by boat
instead. Explore the Momijidani Valley Park (Maple Valley) at the
base of Mount Misen's forested slopes, before going back to
Hiroshima city. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum,
symbolising the wish for everlasting peace after Hiroshima became
the first city to suffer an atomic bombing. B
12. Hiroshima to
Osaka
Board the Shinkansen Super-Express bullet train to Osaka for a
short tour. The city's sights include the monumental Osaka castle,
built to be the strongest and most beautiful in Japan; the two
sky-scraping Umeda Sky Buildings, which are linked by the Floating
Garden Observatory on their 39th floors and offer fantastic views
over Osaka; and the Minami shopping district. Settle in at the 4
diamond Nikko Hotel, set in the heart of the city, for two nights.
B
13. Osaka
Explore, shop or relax as you see fit during a well-earned day
at leisure in Osaka. B
14. Osaka to London
Head to Osaka Kansai International Airport this morning for your
Japan Airlines flight to London Heathrow, where your door-to-door
driver will meet you and take you home. B
Travel notes This spectacular
and comprehensive tour is designed for those who want a thorough
insight into Japan and its attractions. Sampling Japanese food adds
to the whole experience. Chopsticks are used throughout the country
but Western cutlery, as well as cuisine, is also available at most
places. Our creative scheduling means that although we pack a lot
in on this tour, you'll find the overall pace is reasonably relaxed
with allowances for lots of free time, no long days and no
one-night stays. All hotels we've chosen are of a high
standard.
get more info »
