Splendours of Japan - From £3,415

Asia Japan
OVERVIEW
At Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, climb the extraordinary path lined with hundreds of orange torii gates that snake through the forest up into the mountains above the city. Indulge in a delicious kaiseki lunch at a traditional ryokan and gain an insight into Japanese customs. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.
EXPERIENCES
Ginza: With the guidance of your professional sushi chef, make your own selection of sushi specialities. Afterwards enjoy the fruits of your labour with a delicious lunch.

Gokayama: Take some time to admire the peaceful mountain village of Gokayama. Discover their unique homes that have been built without the use of nails and their sloped thatched roofs.

Kanazawa: Enjoy a stroll through Omicho market before making your way to the beautiful Gardens of Kenrokuen which have been shaped over the past one hundred years.

Kanazawa: Learn about the delicacy of the 16th-century craft gold leaf painting with your Local Specialist.

Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.

Kyoto: Your city tour takes you to the orange gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Admire this sacred site before visiting Sanjeusangen-do-Hall, where you can view the 1,001 "thousand-handed" goddesses of mercy statues. Continue your exploration of Kyoto with a walking tour through the Gion district.

Mt Fuji: Start your day by visiting the small rural village of Oshino Hakkai which is home to eight natural spring water ponds. Next on your travels is a 2,300-meter winding road to Mt. Fuji 5th Station. To end your day, you will ride up to Mt. Tenjo by ropeway and bask in the breath-taking views.

Tokyo: Visit the Tokyo National Museum to browse collections of Japanese art and archaeological objects.

Tokyo: Visit Tokyo's renowned landmarks and gain insight into how this modern city preserves its ancient roots.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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07/03/2027 15/03/2027 £4,295   Book
14/03/2027 22/03/2027 £4,295   Book
17/03/2027 25/03/2027 £4,295 Book
21/03/2027 29/03/2027 £4,295 Book
24/03/2027 01/04/2027 £4,295 Book
28/03/2027 05/04/2027 £4,295 Book
04/04/2027 12/04/2027 £4,295 Book
07/04/2027 15/04/2027 £4,295 Book
14/04/2027 22/04/2027 £4,295 Book
20/04/2027 28/04/2027 £4,295 Book
09/05/2027 17/05/2027 £4,295 Book
16/05/2027 24/05/2027 £4,375 Book
30/05/2027 07/06/2027 £4,050 Book
06/06/2027 14/06/2027 £4,050 Book
13/06/2027 21/06/2027 £4,050 Book
20/06/2027 28/06/2027 £4,050 Book
27/06/2027 05/07/2027 £4,050 Book
04/07/2027 12/07/2027 £4,050 Book
11/07/2027 19/07/2027 £4,050   Book
15/08/2027 23/08/2027 £4,050   Book
29/08/2027 06/09/2027 £4,375   Book
05/09/2027 13/09/2027 £4,295 Book
12/09/2027 20/09/2027 £4,295 Book
19/09/2027 27/09/2027 £4,295 Book
26/09/2027 04/10/2027 £4,295 Book
03/10/2027 11/10/2027 £4,295 Book
10/10/2027 18/10/2027 £4,295 Book
24/10/2027 01/11/2027 £4,295 Book
31/10/2027 08/11/2027 £4,295 Book
14/11/2027 22/11/2027 £4,295   Book
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ITINERARY

Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a drink and local appetisers.

Begin your city tour in Asakusa,Tokyo's historic entertainment district, where you’ll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, one of the city's most colourful and popular temples. Founded in 628 and rebuilt many times over the centuries, Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Next, stroll down Nakamise Street and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colourful chiyogami(origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. Ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest free-standing broadcasting tower, for panoramic views of the city skyline.

Start your day at the Imperial Palace Plaza, where you’ll view the two bridges leading to the palace’s inner grounds. Walk through the East Gardens, a peaceful space once part of the original Edo Castle. At the Tokyo National Museum, take time to browse the country’s oldest collection of Japanese art. Then, join a sushi chef to learn how to prepare this iconic dish. Head into the Fuji Five Lakes District and look out for Mt. Fuji dominating the horizon. In the small village of Oshino Hakkai, discover eight clear spring-fed ponds and see how snowmelt from Mt. Fuji supports rural life in this scenic part of Japan.

Ride the Kachikachiyama Ropeway up Mt. Tenjo for panoramic views over Lake Kawaguchiko and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji. Continue your journey up Mt. Fuji by road to the 5th Station, sitting 2,300 m (7,546 ft) above sea level. From here, travel through the scenic landscapes of the Japanese Alps to Takayama, a hillside town known for its traditional streets and mountain setting. Tonight, settle into your hotel where you’ll sit down to dinner together.

Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu – beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. Journey back in time this afternoon during a visit to the peaceful UNESCO-listed Gokayama, a mountain village set amidst five valleys. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses that have been built without the use of nails with steeply sloped thatched roofs to prevent snow from building up on them. Meet with a local family in one of these houses. Observe local artisans making washi paper and try your hand at making your own. Make a difference to the sustainability of this small business during MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.

Join a Local Specialist this morning to learn the secrets of painting gold leaf, a delicate craft the Japanese have been perfecting since the 16th century. Continue to the tranquil gardens of Kenroku-en, which took shape over a hundred years to emerge as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Connecting with your exquisite natural surrounds, you’ll stroll through ornate landscapes and past ponds and temples. Take a short walk through the Omicho market next to see the local fish catch and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Then, visit the Nagamachi District with its beautifully preserved samurai houses that line the traditional stone streets. Here you will gain first-hand insights into samurai life during a visit to the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion.

Board an express train to Kyoto, where you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple. Originally a 14th-century villa, this striking Zen temple is now best known for its Golden Pavilion, reflected in the surrounding pond and gardens. Later, connect with locals at a traditional restaurant during your Be My Guest experience. Learn about Japanese customs as your hosts share stories of everyday life and regional traditions over a shared meal.

The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide your path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century. Continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the intricate detail of its 1,001 statues of the “thousand-handed” goddesses of mercy. Then, enjoy a walking tour through the Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. This evening, indulge in dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

Your encounter with Japan’s age-old traditions and modern cityscapes comes to an end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport for your onward flight.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: New Otani Garden Tower - Meals:
DAY 2: New Otani Garden Tower - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Fuji Marriott Yamanakako - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Associa Takayama Resort - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: Kanazawa Tokyu - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Kanazawa Tokyu - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Kyoto Tokyu - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8: Kyoto Tokyu - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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