Hi Sheryl,
We have added a Japan tour for 2015. This is in the new brochure and customers can call to book this.
It will be on the website in due course, we are just experiencing some technical difficulties. In the meantime I have copied the itinerary for you to review below.
Kindest regards,
Julia
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Japan Revealed
Days 1-2 UK to Tokyo
Fly to Tokyo, arriving on day 2. Get to know your travelling companions over a welcome drink and dinner.
Day 3 Tokyo
Tokyo is a dazzling city of intriguing contrasts. Traditional temples, shrines and Japanese gardens sit alongside ultra-modern skyscrapers and designer shopping outlets, while businessmen in suits head to the office passing by women in kimonos on their way to traditional tea ceremonies. Tokyo Tower, an Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice structure rising 1,093 ft high, is a real highlight of our sightseeing tour. We’ll also see the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan, and the stunning 7th century Asakusa Sensoji Temple – and to top it all off, we’ll experience an authentic rickshaw ride too. Dinner tonight is served as we cruise the Sudima River on board a traditional and ornate Yakatabune boat, where you can experience wonderful views of the city’s illuminated skyline.
Day 4 Atami
Iconic Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak, is our destination today. We’ll cruise on Lake Ashi, with its fabulous views of Fuji, before travelling by cable car and visiting Owakudani, a volcanic valley with active sulphur and hot springs known as the Great Boiling Valley. We’ll visit the natural thermal springs of Atami Onsen before settling down for an overnight stay in the popular seaside spa resort of Atami.
Day 5 Kyoto
Kyoto is nicknamed ‘the city of ten thousand shrines’. It’s where we’ll stay for the next three nights, transferring here today on Japan’s famous bullet train. On our tour we’ll visit the beautiful Kiyomizu Temple, which is built into the side of a mountain, supported by pillars. It takes its name, which means ‘clear water’, from a waterfall within the temple complex. We’ll also tour the stunning Heian Shrine, with its giant entrance gate and beautiful Japanese gardens, before sightseeing in the Gion area, Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district, filled with teahouses where Geisha entertain. There’s plenty of free time for shopping or relaxing, too.
Day 6 Kyoto
Kyoto is a truly enchanting city. We’ll explore further today as we visit the Golden Pavilion, covered with pure gold leaf. In Fushimi, Kyoto’s traditional sake brewing district, you can find out more about the long history of this traditional fermented rice drink. We’ll visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum for a tasting session, before heading to Fushimi Inari, a vast tribute to the gods of rice and sake, with its winding mountain trails leading to a series of stunning shrines. Look out for the dozens of stone foxes you’ll see en route – foxes are considered messengers of the gods. Round off today’s fascinating cultural experiences with a traditional Fushimi Inari Japanese tea ceremony.
Day 7 Kyoto
Explore Kyoto further at your own pace today, or join our optional visit to the historic city of Nara, the ‘City of Temples’. Here we will see Todaiji Temple, with its huge bronze Buddha statue, and Deer Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. There’s also a visit to the Nara National Museum, to view its extensive collection of Buddhist art.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Osaka, stopping for photographs at the beautiful Osaka Castle, one of the most famous castles in Japan. We’ll also take in the shops and restaurants of the Dontonbori shopping area, before returning to Kyoto tonight.
Day 8 Hiroshima
Hiroshima is an intriguing city with many fascinating sights. We’ll head here today. We’ll visit Miyajima Island, one of the most scenic spots in Japan, known for the floating shrine of Itsukushima, before arriving at your Hiroshima hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 9 Hiroshima
Our Hiroshima sightseeing tour today takes in the poignant sights of the Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Museum. Dedicated to Hiroshima’s nuclear bombing in the Second World War, the park was built on an open field created by the explosion. From the central cenotaph, view the A-Bomb Dome – this is the skeletal ruins of the former Industrial Promotion Hall, left untouched after the bombing as a constant reminder of the bomb’s victims and the need for peace.Later, try your hand at okonomiyaki-making. Often referred to as Japanese pancakes or Japanese pizza, this unique dish is actually quite different to both – taste it and see what you think! We’ll also visit the beautifully preserved canal area of Kurashiki, where the former storehouses that line the canal have been converted into smart boutiques and quaint cafes.
Day 10 Kobe
Kobe is a pretty port city and we head here for an overnight stay. En route, we’ll visit Himeji Castle, a fantastic hillside castle complex dating back to 1333. There’s plenty of time to explore Kobe at your own pace. Perhaps you’ll visit Harbourland, the popular shopping and entertainment complex, or journey on the Shin-Kobe Ropeway cable car for great views over the city. Tonight, gather together with your fellow travellers to enjoy an authentic farewell dinner of Wagyu beef.
Day 11 Osaka to UK
Transfer to Osaka airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving later the same day.
Please note: We want you to get the most from your holiday with us so please be advised that this tour is not suitable for anyone with mobility problems.
