Classic option from £4395* PP
Trip code: SOJ-C-15 |
Group size: Max 16, Avg 12
START Tokyo, Hakone, Kiso Valley, Takayama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Nara, Kyoto FINISH
Discover Japan’s contrasts, from its sleek, modern cities to ancient towns and traditional customs. Wander Tokyo’s dazzling streets and hurtle along on the bullet train. View cutting edge technology at the Toyota manufacturing plant in Nagoya and then step back in time to discover the Old Town of Takayama. Stay at a traditional inn near Mount Fuji at Hakone and see the thriving Geisha culture in Kyoto. Japan is a place where ancient traditions remain untouched, while technology races into the future.
Availability
01865 268 940
2013
DAYS 1-4: TOKYO & HAKONE
Be met at the airport on your arrival in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Plunge into the streets of Tokyo on a walking tour starting some some retail therapy in vigorous Harajuku. Relax amid the serenity of the Meiji Jingu Shrine and gaze down upon the incredible city skyline from the Tokyo Tower, before a river cruise to the Asakusa Temple. Further unveil tantalizing Tokyo with a full day at leisure. After an early morning trip to the massive Tsukiji Fish Market, travel by train to Hakone, a picturesque town famous for its hot springs and natural beauty. From your base at a Japanese-style inn, cruise on Lake Ashi-no for a chance to spot majestic Mount Fuji.
Hotels: Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, Hakone Yumoto Ryokan
DAYS 5-8: NAGOYA, KISO VALLEY VILLAGES & TAKAYAMA
Race through the countryside to Nagoya on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and view the amazing Toyota Motor Plant. Immerse yourself in the old-world atmosphere of the Kiso Valley villages of Magome and Tsumago before arriving in Takayama. Filled with skilful artisans and sake breweries, Takayama’s Old Town is wonderfully preserved. Discover traditional houses and local museums including the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall and the Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum. A morning walking tour introduces you to the delight of Takayama before free time to explore the old-world charm of this delightful town.
Hotels: Nagoya Castle Plaza, Best Western Hotel Takayama
DAYS 9-11: KANAZAWA & HIROSHIMA
Learn the traditional art of paper making amid the thatched-roof farming houses of Shirakawago, before heading to Kanazawa. Wander among the ponds and teahouses of beautiful Kenrokuen Garden and take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Browse the bustling Omichi Market and explore a former samurai quarter, before traveling by Shinkansen to the seaside city of Hiroshima, which has overcome its tragic past to emerge as a pleasant modern city. Take the ferry to Miyajima Island to see a brilliant red temple and Todaji gate, a symbol of Japan. Further explore Hiroshima at the famous Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a sobering yet educational experience, and the A-Bomb Dome, a tragic symbol left standing in a ruinous state after more than 60 years.
Hotels: Kanazawa Manten Hotel Ekimae, Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima
DAYS 12-15: KYOTO
Travel to Kyoto, then on to Nara, home to a rich array of World Heritage sights, including Todaiji Temple. On a walking tour you may even encounter some of the city’s free roaming deer. Back in Kyoto, amble through the city’s lovely gardens, historic Kiyomizudera Temple and the stunning Golden Pavilion, and unveil the geisha quarter at Gion. A scenic train passes through Arashiyama’s hills, before a walk through a gorgeous bamboo forest. Enjoy free time to uncover the fascinating culture of Kyoto, before a train transfer to the airport on your last day.
Hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
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