Japan's Cultural Highlights...
Escorted group tour, 10 days / 8 night, from £2295 per person - 0845 003 2214

This journey offers a taste of the fascinating culture of historic and modern Japan, and its enchanting scenery of mountains and gardens. Some departures include Japan’s colourful festivals or sumo wrestling in Tokyo, plus a calligraphy demonstration and a tea ceremony. Visit in spring for the chance to see the cherry blossom, autumn for warm clear days, or New Year for bonfires and festivities. 

Itinerary...

Day 1 To Tokyo: Overnight flight from London to Tokyo with Japan Airlines. (N)   

Day 2 Tokyo: Arrive and transfer to the Park Hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon at leisure. (N)   

Day 3 Tokyo: Morning visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the National Museum, with the world’s largest collection of Japanese art. After a kushiage lunch and look around the futuristic Ginza district, visit the Imperial East Garden before an introduction to the art of calligraphy. (B, L)    

Day 4 Nikko: Full day tour to Nikko, home to Japan’s loveliest shrines in a picturesque forest setting. Visit the Toshogu Shrine and Rinoji Temple and enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon waterfall. For the 12 May and 15 Sep departures an evening trip to the Sumo Grand Championships is organised. (B, L)   

Day 5 To Hakone National Park: Morning departure to Mount Fuji, Japan’s most famous symbol. Visit Mount Fuji 5th Station before heading to Hakone National Park, with its lakes and peaks. Travel through the Owakudani Boiling Valley and take a cable car for a birds-eye view. Take a cruise on Lake Ashi, and then head to the Nampuso Ryokan to stay overnight in a traditional Japanese guesthouse, with Japanese dinner and hot spring baths. (B, D)   

Day 6 To Himeji Castle & Hiroshima: This morning the bulk of luggage will be delivered to the hotel in Kyoto – an overnight bag is required. Travel by bullet train to Himeji and visit the castle. Known as ‘White Heron Castle’, it is the largest and regarded as the most beautiful in all Japan, set in attractive gardens. Evening journey to Hiroshima by bullet train and stay overnight at the Granvia Hotel. (B)   

Day 7 To Kyoto: Morning visit to Miyajima Island and the Itsukushima Shrine, with the famous red torii gate rising from the harbour. Afternoon visit to the A-bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Park. This evening take the bullet train to Kyoto and stay 3 nights at the Granvia Hotel. (B, L)   

Day 8 Kyoto: Full day tour of Kyoto, the heart of ancient Japan. Visit Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion, the Ryoanji Temple and its Zen Garden and Kiyomizu Temple, with its panoramic view of the city. After a traditional lunch, visit a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) house and experience a Japanese tea ceremony and Maiko dance.  (B, L)   

Day 9 Kyoto & Nara: Morning visit to Nara, home to Japan’s original emperors. Visit the Töda-ji Temple with its fine wooden sculptures and huge bronze Buddha, the Kasuga Shrine and Nara Park. On return to Kyoto, visit the hillside Fushimi-Inari Shrine and Sake Museum to learn more about Japan’s national drink. (B)    

Day 10 To London: Transfer to Osaka airport and fly to London with Japan Airlines. (B)

Part of Japanese culture for many centuries, ryokan are atmospheric guesthouses that preserve the customs of traditional hospitality. The main focus is the relaxation of tired limbs and minds with hot spring baths, freshly prepared seasonal food in the privacy of your room and attentive service from your hosts. For a truly authentic and memorable experience in Japan, a stay in a ryokan is not to be missed. Please note that ryokan cater for Japanese tastes so not all have western style beds and staff may not speak English. For more information about ryokan please ask.
 

Nishimuraya Honkan Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Prefecture  With more than 150 years of history as a ryokan, the Nishimuraya is a classic building with a collection of hot spring baths and a traditional Japanese garden. Popular with artists and authors, there is an exhibition room displaying paintings, calligraphy and articles of these former guests. The ryokan is a short walk from JR Kinosaki station, to which there is a direct service from Kyoto. Prices from £495 per person for 2 nights half board including train tickets.

Osenkaku Takaragawa Onsen Gunma Prefecture Osenkaku is a very traditional ryokan popular with the Japanese, with a delightful riverside setting and 4 large outdoor hot spring baths with pure hot spring water (mixed and single sex). For dinner expect staple Japanese fare including Sumi barbeque, fresh river trout and sake. Travelling from Tokyo involves a train journey followed by a local bus Prices from £395 per person for 2 nights half board including train and bus tickets.

Myojinkan Tobira Onsen Nagano Prefecture Accessible from Tokyo by train and taxi, Myojinkan is a luxurious ryokan where guests are treated to the very best in Japanese hospitality and Kaiseki-Ryori cuisine made from the finest seasonal ingredients (French cuisine also available). All rooms and hot spring baths have views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. Some rooms are available with western style beds and private hot spring baths. Prices from £645 per person for 2 nights half board including train tickets – taxi fare payable locally.

Prices...

from £2296 per person - This is a guide price, for your personalised quotation please contact us on 0845 003 2214