ITINERARY

D1: LONDON – TOKYO

D2: ARRIVE TOKYO (D)

On arrival at Narita Airport, we are greeted by our local guide and transferred to Hotel (about 1hrs 30mins transfer time depending on the traffic). The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore Tokyo allowing you to experience the kaleidoscope of colours and the buzz of one of the world’s most vibrant metropolis.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Tokyo.

D3: TOKYO (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we start our sightseeing tour of Tokyo. The tour starts with Imperial Palace which is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan.
Then we visit Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa.
Later on, we will have a beautiful experience of Sushi making. Making sushi requires not only skill but also a subtle sensibility, consideration, and appreciation of the changing seasons and colours unique to Japan. First, our professional instructor will explain slowly and carefully how to make sushi from scratch. In no time at all, you will learn the basics of making authentic sushi. Try making sushi yourself and take your time. Then you can enjoy your very own—entirely unique—sushi!
After our sushi lunch, we will visit Tokyo National Museum. Here we find the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including ancient pottery, Buddhist sculptures, samurai swords, colorful ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), gorgeous kimonos and much, much more. Later we will move onto the Ginza - Tokyo's famous upmarket shopping, entertainment, and dining district featuring numerous department stores and leading brand names in fashion and cosmetics. Evening dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight in Tokyo.

D4: TOKYO (B, L, D)

After Breakfast, we start our second-day sightseeing of Tokyo which starts with a visit to Sumo Stable to watch Sumo Wrestlers practicing (subject to availability). Sumo Wrestling is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring or into touching the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet. Then we visit Meiji Jingu Shrine.
This shrine is dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken (their tombs are in Kyoto). Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912 and Empress Shoken in 1914. After their demise, people wished to commemorate their virtues and to venerate them forever. So, they donated 100,000 trees from all over Japan and from overseas, and they worked voluntarily to create this forest. Thus, thanks to the sincere heart of the people, this shrine was established on November 1, 1920.
Later on, we continue to the Metropolitan Office in the heart of Shinjuku which offers unparalleled views of Tokyo from its 45th-floor observation decks. Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s largest entertainment, business and shopping area and houses the world’s busiest railway station. This is followed by a tea Ceremony.
Before we go back to our hotel, we will stroll around Harajuku/Omotesando. We can enjoy the best of both worlds in these locations: Harajuku, a hotbed of youth culture, with its affordable, fashionable items; and Omotesando, which has a more mature atmosphere, with its rows of designer boutiques.
Dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight in Tokyo

D5: TOKYO - MT FUJI - HAKONE (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast, we check-out of the hotel, leave Tokyo by 08:00 for our drive to Mount Fuji; an active volcano about 100 kilometres southwest of Tokyo. Commonly called “Fuji-san,” it’s the country’s tallest peak, at 3,776 meters. A pilgrimage site for centuries, it’s considered one of Japan’s 3 sacred mountains, and summit hikes remain a popular activity. From here we will be taken to Hakone part of the scenic Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park which is a popular destination renowned for its spas and historical zone. Lunch at the local restaurant.
After lunch, we will take the Ashinoko Lake Cruise from Hakone Sekisho Ato to Kojiri (Togendai).
We visit Owakudani Valley with Hakone ropeway, which allows visitors to take in such spectacular views as the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Ashi, the rising volcanic fumes of Owakudani and the grandeur of Mount Fuji on a fine, sunny day. We are sure that you will enjoy our stroll in the sky, as we find ourselves surrounded by some of the most famous sights that Japan has to offer.
Evening dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight in Hakone.

D6: HAKONE - HIROSHIMA (B, L, D)

After breakfast, coach transfer to Odawara Station where we will board and experience the joy of traveling on the world-famous JR Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Hiroshima passing through Nagoya.
Hiroshima, known across the world for being the first city to endure an atomic bomb. Extensively reconstructed and rebuilt over the last 50 years, it is an International City of Peace and Culture. Touring Hiroshima will include the Peace Memorial Park, Museum, and Hiroshima castle.
Buffet dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Hiroshima.

D7: HIROSHIMA - MIYAJIMA ISLAND - HIROSHIMA (B, L, D)

After breakfast we leave for Miyajima, on the way, we visit Shukkei-en, a historic Japanese garden in the city of Hiroshima. We continue to Hatukaichi, followed by a ferry journey over to Miyajima “Shrine-Island” – or by its real name, Itsukushima – which is one of the crown jewels of Japan, and certainly one of its finest views. Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima, the serene beauty of the island is an essential complement to that city: the island of Miyajima is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. Lunch at the local restaurant. Today for lunch we have an Okonomyaki making experience. Then we will have Momiji Manju making the experience, Momiji Manju is distinguished by their momiji (maple) leaf shape. They’re made by wrapping azuki bean jam in a castella-like dough—made using wheat, eggs, sugar, and honey—and baking the combination in a maple-leaf-shaped mould.
Then, we will experience the serene beauty of the famous Torii Gate situated just off the coastline. We visit Itsukushima Shrine for most of Japanese history, this island has been considered a holy place where Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines have maintained a close relationship. Return back to Hiroshima.
Evening dinner at the local Restaurant.
Overnight in Hiroshima.

D8: HIROSHIMA - KYOTO (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will catch the JR Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto which is situated in the center of the main island of Honshu and was once Japan’s capital where the Emperor resided from 794 until 1868. Embark on a coach tour of Kyoto visiting the Nijo Castle and the Nishijin Textile Museum where you will have a dance show. Evening dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight in Kyoto.

D9: KYOTO (B, L, D)

After breakfast, the coach tour will take us to the Ryoan-Ji Temple, one of the most famous Zen temples in Japan thanks to its instantly recognisable Sekitei (rock garden) which for some is a pure beauty but to others just a puzzle. Then we continue to the Kinkaku-Ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) which is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto that top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
We will have Yatsuhashi - one of Kyoto's traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) making the experience for about 45 mins. Then we depart for Kameoka and transfer to Hozugawa River Pier. We will take the 90 mins Hozugawa riverboat ride through nature. With 3-5 skilled boatmen steering, we can enjoy gazing out at cherry blossoms in the spring, fresh green foliage and the massive boulders and fantastic rock formations. Experience the deep pools, the rapids, and all the thrills of an ever-changing mountain river.
We visit to Tenryuji Temple which is the headline attraction in Arashiyama, a sprawling Zen temple with one of the finest gardens in Kyoto and wonderful mountain views.
Lunch at the local restaurant.
Later we visit Bamboo Forest paths which are over 500 meters long, set between Tenryuji temple and Nonomiya Shrine. Then Togetsukyo Bridge (Moon Crossing Bridge), Arashiyama’s most iconic landmark. It was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in the 1930s. The bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested mountainside in the background. We will visit Gion Corner, a unique theatre presenting one-hour shows of seven of Kyoto's professional performing arts - kyogen classical comedy, kyomai dance, gagaku music of the imperial court, koto harp, bunraku puppet theatre, the tea ceremony, and flower arrangement.
(Subject to availability).
Dinner at the local restaurant and overnight in Kyoto.

D10: KYOTO (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we dress in a kimono and experience the traditional attire of Japan. We will look our best while wearing a traditional garment. Enjoy a stroll around the Historical sites such as Fushimi Inari Shrine famous for over for it's 5000 brightly coloured orange tori gates, this shrine was dedicated to the god of rice and sake in the 8th Century, then onto Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum with Sake Tasting (subject to availability). , followed by a visit to Sanjusangendo Hall. The temple is about 120 meters long, the original temple was lost in the fire, but reconstructed in 1266 and is Japan's longest wooden structure. We will also visit Kiyomizu-Dera Temple located halfway up Otowa Mountain in the eastern part of Kyoto City, it is the temple of the Goddess of Mercy established in 778 and is part of the historical monuments of ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site.
Return Kimono This evening, we will have very special dinner at Ninja restaurant.
Overnight in Kyoto.

D11: KYOTO - NARA - OSAKA (B, L, D)

After breakfast we leave for Nara about one hour from Kyoto, containing some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples including Todai-Ji Temple. We will then visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Nara Park. Kasuga Shrine. Established in 768 CE and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it is the shrine of the Fujiwara family. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that lead up the shrine. Nara Park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara's nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure.
Lunch and Dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight in Osaka.

D12: OSAKA (B, L, D)

After Breakfast, start our tour of Osaka visiting the Umeda Sky Building, one of the city’s most dramatic pieces of modern architecture which contain the Floating Garden Observatory Deck. The observation platform of this observatory is a bridge connecting the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building, whose roof features a doughnut shape that provides an unobstructed 360-degree view. While enjoying the breath-taking sights you can also directly feel the wind―which at 170 meters off the ground can get quite strong. From this observatory, you can not only see all of Osaka but as far away as Awaji Island. The basement of the building houses the Takimi-Koji gourmet street with old-fashioned images of Osaka from the 1920s. We continue to Osaka Castle, instantly recognizable as the symbol of Osaka originally built in 1585, then we continue for Kaiyukan Aquarium and Samurai Sword Experience.
Dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight in Osaka.

D13: OSAKA (B)

After breakfast, morning at leisure.
We will check-out from our hotel in the afternoon.
Lunch at the local restaurant and we will be transferred to Kansai International Airport to take our flight to London.
Arrival at London Heathrow and having enjoyed an INCREDIBLE TOUR say goodbye to your new friends.
- END OF PROGRAMME -

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

- Return International and Internal flights inclusive of taxes
- 4* accommodation as stated
- All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles
- Local English speaking guides
- All entrance fees as per program
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program:
- All Tips

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

- Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
- Drinks
- Visas to Japan
- Mineral water beyond that supplied
- Early check-in or late checkout
- Insurances
- Optional excursions and activities
- Additional transfer required due to an emergency situation
- Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
- All not mentioned above
- Excess baggage charges