Journey through Japan
Japan, a country of contrasts, offering ultra-modern technology in a unique, traditional and mysterious land. Discover modern cities and ancient marvels on this enchanting journey.
Torii Gate, Hiroshima
Ginza shoping district, Tokyo
Bishamon Lake, one of the Goshiki-Numa
Tsurugajo Castle, Aizu Wakamatsu City
Gassho village, Shirakawa-go
Izumo Shrine
Geisha, Kyoto
Aerial view of Tokyo
Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo
Shinkansen bullet train
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Tokyo.
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights (check in from 2pm). The rest of the day is yours to relax.
DAY 3: Tokyo.
One of the most exciting cities in the world, Tokyo is home to more than 8 million people. Today's sightseeing tour takes you to the Meiji Shrine - a magnificent 20th century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Afterwards, pass by the Imperial Palace Plaza, the National Guest House, the Akihabara district and the famous Ginza shopping street. Your tour concludes with a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in this cosmopolitan city. (B)
DAY 4: Tokyo - Nikko - Tokyo.
Journey north to Nikko for a visit to Toshogu Shrine and its famous Yomeimon Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, continue on to the I-Ro-Ha Zaka driveway, which reaches elevations of 3,940 feet, to visit Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon Waterfall. Later, return to Tokyo. (B)
DAY 5: Tokyo - Matsumoto - Nagano - Toyama.
This morning drive to Matsumoto where you will see Matsumoto Castle and the Japan Folklore Museum. Later, travel to Nagano to visit Zenkoji Temple. Founded 1400 years ago, the temple houses what is said to be the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. In the evening, arrive in Toyama. (B)
DAY 6: Toyama - Shirakawa - Takayama - Nagoya.
Continue through Japan's beautiful mountain scenery to one of the country's most remote regions - Shirakawa. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unique Gassho-Zukuri (meaning joined hands) style thatched houses can only be found in this area. This afternoon, journey through the Japanese Alps, via one of Japan's longest road tunnels, to the secluded town of Takayama, where old traditions are untouched by the passage of time. Visit the Kusakabe Heritage House for a glimpse of traditional Japanese architecture of the late 19th century before heading to Nagoya. (B)
DAY 7: Nagoya - Toba - Osaka.
Begin with a trip to Toba and visit Mikimoto Pearl Island to learn about the pearl cultivation process. Later, enjoy a visit to the most important shrine of the Shinto 'church' - Ise Grande Shrine. This afternoon, continue to Osaka, Japan's second largest city, where the rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
DAY 8: Osaka - Matsue.
Head to the city of Yonago, on the coast of the Sea of Japan and after a brief visit, continue to Izumo to admire the exterior architecture of the Izumo Shrine. Late, visit Matsue to see Buke Yashiki - a former samurai residence, and Matsue Castle. (B)
DAY 9: Matsue - Hiroshima.
En route to Hiroshima, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating Torii Gate. From here, continue to Hiroshima where your sightseeing tour of this important historical city features the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb. Also visit the Shukkeien Landscape Garden, which dates back to 1620. (B)
DAY 10: Hiroshima - Kyoto by Bullet Train.
A highlight of your tour is a journey on one of Japan's famous bullet trains, bound for Kyoto. Reaching Kyoto, one of the most fascinating cities in Japan, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore. (B)
DAY 11: Kyoto.
Enjoy a tour of Kyoto, visiting many of the city's temples, shrines, palaces and pagodas. A highlight of the day is a visit to the extraordinary Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the official residence of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. You will also visit Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion and the Heian Shrine and garden. During the day there will also be the chance to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. (B)
DAY 12: Kyoto - Hakone National Park - Tokyo.
Drive on the Meishin and Tomei expressways to Hakone National Park for a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi and an aerial cable car ride over the beautiful Owakudani Valley. From here, weather permitting, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, before continuing on to your hotel at Tokyo's Narita Airport for one night. (B)
DAY 13: Tokyo - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Tokyo: Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu; Toyama: Excel Hotel Tokyu; Nagoya: Nagoya Sakae Tokyu Inn; Osaka: Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu Inn; Matsue: Matsue Tokyu Inn; Hiroshima: Hiroshima Tokyu Inn; Kyoto: New Miyako or Kyoto Tokyu Hotel; Tokyo Narita Airport: Narita Excel Tokyo.
Your Holiday Map
Journey through Japan
Journey through Japan 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Journey through Japan 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Date | Depart From | Price from PP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Mar 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 26 Mar 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 26 Mar 2012 | Manchester |
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Journey through Japan
Price from £3175.00
What's Included
- Flights: UK - Tokyo - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 11 breakfasts (B)
- Services of a tour director on tour
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
All this included
- Tokyo City sightseeing, Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Shirakawa Visit to Gassho-Zukuri houses (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, Shukkeien Landscape Garden, Torii Gate
- Bullet Train Hiroshima to Kyoto
- Kyoto Nijo Castle, Temple of the Gold Pavilion, Heian Shrine and Garden, Traditional Tea Ceremony
- Hakone National Park Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi Cruise
Departures from
- Birmingham
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
26 Mar 2012 to 25 Mar 2013
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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