Jewels of Japan
This amazing 11day tour of the Jewels of Japan.
A city of contrasts, Tokyo is one of the world’s most cutting-edge cities. Famous for its neon-lit landscape, towering skyscrapers, peaceful shrines and beautifully tended gardens.
You will see the classic sights of Japan, visiting modern vibrant Tokyo, admire the breath-taking iconic Mount Fuji, try your hand at making your own Japanese soba noodles, experience travelling the speedy bullet train, and historic Kyoto.
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Day 1 – International Outbound Overnight Flight – Tokyo
Today begin your tour boarding your overnight international flight to Japan.
Day 2 - Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan. You will be met on your arrival by an English-speaking representative for the approximately 1 and a half-hour transfer to your hotel.
Day 3 - Tokyo
The ultimate 24-hour city – Tokyo. Take a look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you’ll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore; today take a tour by coach of this fascinating city. Begin with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden (you will not enter the palace itself) part of the main residence of the Emperor of Japan built on the original site of Edo Castle, the plaza is made up of a palace, museum and large park. Before exploring the Edo Tokyo Museum illustrating Tokyo’s past dating back to when it was known as Edo. After lunch, head to the Asakusa district, stopping at the ancient atmospheric Sensoji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Wandering down Nakamise shopping street, followed by a visit to the observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city from the tallest structure in Japan. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant within walking distance of your hotel.
Day 4 – Tokyo
This morning, wander around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens, a beautiful example of Japanese garden style, and exploring the Shinto Meiji Shrine, located in a green forest within the city. Taking lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel, driving by the Shibuya “Scramble” Crossing on the way. Return to your hotel where your guide will let you know what time to meet for this evening’s dinner cruise, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore independently or relax in the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to your boat and take a leisurely 1-hour dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for some excellent city vistas.
Day 5 – Tokyo – Fuji Five Lakes
After breakfast, you will travel approximately 2 hours out of Tokyo, through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base, where you will find the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Head up Fuji’s 5th Station for spectacular mountain vistas. Please note it is only possible to reach the 5th station if weather permits. After lunch, visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations before exploring the Iyashi no Sato historical village, a replica village based on a former farming village which was destroyed by a landslide in 1966. Located on the western shores of Lake Saiko, famous for its thatched-roofed houses. Journey around 1 hour to check into your hotel. The selection of hotels in the Fuji Five Lakes area that we use, some of which are more traditional in style, you will be accommodated in Western-style rooms.
For May departures only: Instead of visiting the Iyashi no Sato historical village, a visit to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival has been included. This is the best time of the year and one of the most scenic places in Japan to see the pink moss phlox in full bloom, the flowers’ bloom is weather dependant.
Day 6 – Fuji Five Lakes – Kyoto
Today transfer around 45 minutes to Oshino Hakkai, a scenic area of ponds full of crystal-clear spring water created by Fuji’s melting snow. Stroll around the area before trying your hand at making traditional Japanese soba noodles, which you will then tuck into for lunch. Drive around 2 hours to Mishima Station to board a 2-hour bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for a thousand years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. Check in to your hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Your luggage will be transferred separately to your hotel in Kyoto and arrive later the same day.
Day 7 - Kyoto
Today explore a full-day tour of Kyoto, starting with a visit to the spectacular Kiyomizu Temple, a 16th-century Buddhist temple, spending around one and a half hours. One of the highlights is the Hondo’s veranda which is perched over the hillside, offering spectacular woodland vistas. Next, immerse yourself in the culture, learning the traditional Japanese handicraft of origami and enjoying the art of a tea ceremony. After lunch, visit a traditional teahouse where you will be joined by a Tea Master, followed by a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine. With its thousands of vermillion torii gates, the Shrine stretches up Mount Inari (233m high), enjoy walking up part of the mountain, incline allows a steady-paced walk.
Day 8 – Kyoto – Osaka Hiroshima
Starting today with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous zen garden, and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion due to its golden exterior, this is an excellent example of Japanese garden design. Continue around 1 hour by coach to Osaka to have lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori district. Transfer to the train station and take the bullet train to Hiroshima, a journey of 1 hour 40 minutes. A modern and prosperous city, Hiroshima will be forever remembered as the world’s first atomic bomb target.
You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for tonight as your main luggage will be transferred separately this morning to your Osaka hotel.
Day 9 – Hiroshima
This morning hop on the ferry to Miyajima Island, where sightseeing will be at a leisurely pace on foot. Please note that ongoing renovation work starting June 2019 expected to finish in August 2020 however could go on longer, the torii gate will be covered up by scaffolding. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and explore the traditional market town at leisure. Return by ferry and then coach to Hiroshima and have lunch. Later, visit the famous Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Please be aware that the museum may be confronting and upsetting for some group members and it is at your discretion if you wish to visit or enjoy time at leisure exploring the Peace Memorial Park. Also visit the Orizuru Tower.
Day 10 – Hiroshima – Osaka
A coach journey of around three and a half hours to Himeji, with a rest stop along the way. Arriving in time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the beautiful Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden. Himeji Castle is largely in its original condition, so please be mindful of your step when walking around. You will have to remove your shoes before walking along some of the wooden floors and there are some steep wooden steps to reach certain areas. After the reopening in March 2015, Himeji Castle has welcomed a large number of visitors. As such, they now issue numbered tickets to enter the Main Keep in order to limit the number of people who can enter, reducing congestion, waiting time and to protect the cultural properties. Please note this means that there may be cases where some visitors are not allowed to enter the Main Keep, however, there are many other parts of the castle to explore. Later, transfer approximately 2 hours to Osaka for your overnight stay.
Day 11 – Osaka – International flight back to the UK
After your final breakfast of the Jewels of Japan, enjoy a free leisurely morning before you transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight home.
Alternatively, additional accommodation can be arranged to extend your stay in Japan.
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