Images of Japan

Images of Japan

11 days from £3835 per person

Three colourfully dressed geishas walking through an old lane in Kyoto, Japan

Japan has a gracious, hospitable people for whom culture, ceremony and protocol form a major part of everyday life. Starting in Tokyo, visit the Meiji Shrine, the famous Ginza district and Asakusa – part of Tokyo’s old town. From here travel by train to Hakone, stay in a ryokan and explore Hakone National Park with its fabulous views of Mt Fuji before continuing to ancient Kyoto which is home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples including seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This largely self-guided tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the real Japan.

Route: Tokyo – Hakone – Kyoto – Tokyo

Itinerary Highlights

Senso-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple in Asakusa, central Tokyo. Tokyo’s oldest temple, the grounds have been filled with traditional food and souvenir shops since the 18th century.

With the marvellous backdrop of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi and Hakone village form one of Japan’s most recognizable scenes. The lake and hills can be explored by boat and cable car.

For more than a thousand years, Kyoto was the Imperial capital of Japan. The city is filled with temples, palaces and gardens. This is the Japan of geishas and ancient inns.

Itinerary: Images of Japan

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight non-stop to Tokyo. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Tokyo

You will be met by a representative on arrival in Tokyo and taken to the airport shuttle bus where you will be transferred to your accommodation. One of the world’s greatest cities with its futuristic skyline, dazzling neon signs and surging crowds, it is easy to forget that Tokyo was once a small 16th century fishing village. Spend the afternoon at leisure to discover this fascinating city, ensuring to try some local Japanese food. (N)

Accommodation in Tokyo: The Park Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Tokyo

Today enjoy a day of sightseeing with your guide. Visit the Meiji Shrine this morning, which is dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji. Continue to the tree-lined avenue of Omotesando and then take the metro to Ginza, Tokyo’s infamous entertainment district. Explore Ginza, the Imperial Palace before taking a walk through the East gardens. Visit Asakusa which is home to the iconic Sensoji Temple and Geisha district. Later that afternoon enjoy a cruise on the Sumida Gawa River to Hamarikyu Teien, a stunning landscaped garden surrounded by a sea of skyscrapers. (B)
Accommodation in Tokyo: The Park Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Tokyo

Today explore Tokyo on your own. A must-to is to visit the world famous Toyosu Fish Market, a sprawling market of fresh fish and seafood – don't miss the exciting tuna auction too! Discover Tokyo’s excellent art galleries and museums and explore the technology district of Akihabara. Alternatively, travel out of Tokyo and visit the UNESCO-listed Toshogu Shrine complex, which sits high in the mountains of Nikko National Park. (B)
Accommodation in Tokyo: The Park Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Tokyo to Hakone – by train

Today is a self-guided day. Today make your way to Tokyo Station and take the train to Hakone, gateway to Mount Fuji and the surrounding national park. This modern Ryokan, complete with tatami mats, shoji rice paper sliding doors and onsen baths, is located close to Lake Ashi. Quintessential Japan, should the weather be clear the mountain views from Hakone, crowned by Mt Fuji, are spectacular. (B/D)

Accommodation in Hakone: Yugiriso Ryokan (or similar)

Day 6 Hakone

Today is a self-guided day. Today explore Hakone National Park and, armed with the included Transport Pass, you can take advantage of the numerous forms of transport on offer throughout the park. Ride the world’s second longest cable car up Mount Owakudanin for a birds-eye view of Mount Fuji, take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi or ride the Hakone Tozan ‘switchback train’ which zigzags through the mountain giving magnificent views of the surrounding valleys. (B/D)

Accommodation in Hakone: Yugiriso Ryokan (or similar)

Day 7 Hakone to Kyoto – by train

Today is a self-guided day. This morning take the two hour Shinkansen Bullet train to Japan’s cultural capital Kyoto. Home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples, including seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sights, the city became capital of Japan in 794 AD and remained the centre of political power until 1868. A highlight of any visit to Japan, roughly one out of four of the country’s national treasures can be found in the city. (B)

Accommodation in Kyoto: Granvia Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Kyoto

Today explore the World Heritage Sites of Kyoto with a local guide. After breakfast visit the 17th century Nijo Castle which is famous for its Momoyama architecture and beautiful gardens. Continue to iconic Kinkakuji, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples and the 15th century Daitoku-ji Zen temple complex, home to one of Japan’s best Zen rock gardens. End the day exploring the old wooden buildings and atmospheric lanes of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district and uncovering the authentic Geisha culture that is still present throughout the city. (B)
Accommodation in Kyoto: Granvia Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Kyoto – visit Nara

Today is a self-guided day. Today continue exploring beautiful Kyoto. Alternatively, make the short 45 minute trip by train to the city of Nara. For approximately eighty years during the 8th century Nara was Japan’s capital and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain. Highlights include the Todaiji temple complex – site the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha – and the Kofuku Temple which was moved to Nara from Kyoto in 710 AD. You will also have time to wander through Nara Park, home to herds of tame deer. (B)

Accommodation in Kyoto: Granvia Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Kyoto to Tokyo – by train

Today is a self-guided day. Morning at leisure. In the afternoon take the train back to Tokyo. (B)

Accommodation in Tokyo: The Park Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Tokyo to the UK

This morning take the airport shuttle bus back to the airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Train travel as specified
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

11 days from £3835 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Images of Japan

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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