DAY 1:
Join the overnight flight direct to Tokyo.
DAY 2:
Morning arrival in Tokyo where you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel for a two night stay. This afternoon we include a city tour, designed to provide a great introduction and to help you get your bearings. Highlights include the Asakusa Kaman Temple, Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace, regarded as the heart and soul of the city.
With a maze of giant skyscrapers, elegant shopping plazas, deluxe hotels and massive entertainment complexes, it’s little wonder that Tokyo is renowned as one of the world’s most modern cities. In a city that boasts over 60,000 restaurants alone, you’ll never tire of things to see and do. But despite its ultra-modern reputation, you’ll still find welcome reminders of fabled Japanese traditions hidden behind the gleaming architecture and bright neon lights. Side streets are lined with tiny specialist shops, lavish tea ceremonies are firmly common-place and Kabuki theatre thrives alongside mainstream opera, ballet and cinema. Timber houses line narrow lanes where kimono-clad women prune bonsai trees and Japanese Inns offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle.
If you like shopping, head to the famous Ginza area of the city, boasting an array of elegant department stores, traditional shops and glitzy showrooms where you can touch and test the latest hi-tech products - not forgetting a huge number of coffee shops and Japanese tea rooms. For a taste of culture, visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which traces the city’s fascinating history, or the National Museum, with the greatest collection of Japanese art in the world. Tokyo even boasts its very own Disneyland! When you’re peckish, enjoy a real taste of Japan and sample a bowl of steaming ramen noodles, or delicate slices of sashimi - or choose from a whole host of International cuisine.
DAY 3:
Today offers the opportunity to explore this awe-inspiring city of contrasts for yourself. Alternatively you might like to explore more of Japan and join our excellent optional excursion to Nikko where you can see Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine complex, made famous by its ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ monkey carvings.
DAY 4:
We depart Tokyo this morning and begin our journey to Kyoto. En route we will visit sacred Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and recognised as one of the most beautiful volcanos in the world. Upon arrival in Kyoto we will transfer you to our centrally located hotel for a three-night stay.
DAY 5:
Today we include a wonderful full day tour, with lunch. First we will visit Nara, where you can discover a wide selection of historic treasures, including the giant Tojaiji temple, which houses Japan’s largest Buddha statue (Daibutsu). The delightful Horyujoi temple is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the world’s largest wooden building.
After an included lunch we will return to Kyoto, the imperial capital of Japan between 794 and 1868. Hundreds of spectacular temples, stunning shrines and dreamy gardens present a near perfect image of the old Japan. Kyoto is also home of the geisha, young girls who entertain guests through a number of traditional Japanese arts. In Kyoto we will visit the truly impressive Nijo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa shogun, and the magical Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion as it is covered in gold leaf!
DAY 6:
Today you are at leisure to enjoy more of Kyoto, or you might like to join our excellent full day excursion to Hiroshima and the island of Miyajima, where the Torii Gate - the symbol of Japan - rises from the sea.
DAY 7:
This morning we transfer to Kyoto station where you will board the famous Bullet Train to Tokyo. The journey takes around 2.5 hours, reaching speeds of up to 160mph, and you can enjoy views of the stunning Mount Fuji en route (weather-permitting).
Upon arrival in Tokyo you will have the remainder of the afternoon to enjoy even more of this sensational city. Perhaps spend your last night in Tokyo in real style and enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of the many world renowned restaurants. Or simply sample more of the city’s vibrant nightlife, which caters for all tastes and moods.
DAY 8:
This morning we must bid farewell and transfer to the airport in time for the return flight to the UK.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
Nights 2, 3 & 7: Metropolitan Hotel, Tokyo
This modern 4* hotel is centrally located in the vibrant Ikebukuro district of Tokyo, offering a range of leisure facilities including an outdoor pool, sauna, beauty salon, gift shop, restaurant and bar. All rooms are air-conditioned and have en suite facilities, TV, telephone, minibar and hairdryer.
Nights 4 - 6: New Miyako Hotel, Kyoto
The impressive 4* New Miyako Hotel is well located in central Kyoto, with a selection of excellent facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, coffee shop, restaurant and bar. All rooms are en suite and have air-conditioning, TV, telephone, minibar and hairdryer.
A breakfast package can be pre-booked for just £99 per person. This includes a buffet breakfast each morning at the hotel consisting of hot western and Japanese dishes, cereals, fruit juice and coffee.
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