Japanese Gardens, Scenery and Culture

Itinerary Highlights

See both sides of old and modern Tokyo
Visit the stunning “floating Torii gate” at Miyajima Island
Listen to the ‘chirping’ nightingale floors as you walk through Nijo Castle
Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with a professional instructor

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Breakfast
International Flights

12 nights from £7,996 per person

Nick

Travel Specialist

01244 722 137

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Japan is an enchanting place with its delicate cherry blossoms, ancient red temples, and exquisite bonsai gardens. Its beautiful scenery and rich culture make it worth visiting just because. But especially when marking milestone events like birthdays, anniversaries, or honeymoons – Japan is the perfect backdrop!

On this 12-day tour, you will travel around Honshu, Japan’s main island. The trip starts in Tokyo’s fast-paced metropolis where culture and history contrast with the new modern Japan. Head to the Izu Peninsula, a beautiful seaside region where even the Japanese Imperial family spend time in the summer. After a relaxing time here, visit the ancient former capital of Japan, Kyoto.

Kyoto is home to over 2,000 religious buildings including 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines as well as palaces, gardens and associated architecture. It is one of the best-preserved cities in Japan. It also has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The picturesque and peaceful canal town of Kurashiki is found in the Okayama prefecture, not far from Okayama City. The name Kurashiki roughly translates as “town storehouses” and many of the former storehouses have been converted into museums, boutiques, and cafes.

Head to Hiroshima to discover more about its efforts in promoting world peace.

Itinerary

Day 1 UK to Tokyo

On arrival at Tokyo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps wander out to get your first experience of Tokyo, as there are many wonderful restaurants to choose from for some traditional Japanese cuisine.

Day 2 Tokyo

Start your day with a trip to Asakusa where you can soak in the atmosphere of old Tokyo. Visit Sensoji, Japan’s oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a street that offers temple visitors traditional, local snacks and souvenirs. Travel down the Sumidagawa River on Tokyo’s Water Bus, arriving at Hamarikyu Garden and the surrounding futuristic Shiodome district. Visit Meiji Shrine and end the day with a walk down the sparkly Omotesando shopping street.

Day 3 Tokyo

Leisure day. We would recommend either a guided stroll in the beautiful Kiyosumi Teien Gardens which date back to 1721, followed by a visit to the Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple to witness a goma-kito ceremony involving Buddhist priests, fire and taiko drums, or visit the Bonsai Museum in Omiya. Learn about the painstaking care required to grow these these diminutive trees, and create your own bonsai masterpiece too.

Day 4 Tokyo – Izu Peninsula

Make your way to Tokyo station where you will catch a limited express train to the picturesque Izu region and enjoy some dramatic coastal scenery along the way. You should reach Izu-Kogen station in a little over two hours. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Izu Peninsula is an eclectic mix of seaside resorts, traditional hot springs and awe-inspiring rugged coastlines.

Day 5 Izu Peninsula - Kyoto

Today you will take the train to Odawara. From there you will take the Bullet train to Kyoto, with a total journey time of around three hours. (We recommend upgrading to Green (premium) class. Keep an eye out of the right side of the train for views of Mount Fuji! This afternoon you will experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with a professional instructor.

Staying at

Luxury Treat Room at Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Japan

Superior Twin Room at Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Japan

Day 6 Kyoto

Start your exploration of the former imperial capital at Kinkakuji Temple, whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Continue to Nijo Castle, an ornamental castle famous for its ‘chirping’ nightingale floors. Walk through Nishiki Market; a foodie heaven with more than 100 food related shops and restaurants. Visit either Kiyomizu Temple, with its amazing views over Kyoto, or Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon.

Staying at

Day 7 Nara

Take a train to Nara (45 minutes), Japan’s capital during the 8th century, and explore Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples, home to one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues. Visit Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine, famous for its hundreds of bronze lanterns donated by worshippers. End the day with a wander through Deer Park, known for the 1,000 tame deer living there.

Staying at

Day 8 Kyoto - Okayama

After an hours Bullet train ride to Okayama, take a quick 15-minute train journey to Kurashiki. You can admire the nostalgic scenery of white-walled storehouses together with narrow stone-paved streets. The buildings down the side streets have been repaired and remodelled and are now used as galleries and coffee and souvenir shops, blending old Japan and modern western styles. Pay a visit to Ohara Museum famous, for its art collection.

Day 9 Okayama – Hiroshima

Take the Bullet train to Hiroshima. The journey is around one hour, and we recommend upgrading to Green (premium) class. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to explore the scenic city of Hiroshima.

Staying at

Corner club suite bedroom, Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

swimming pool, Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

corner club suite living room, Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

Day 10 Hiroshima

This morning visit Peace Memorial Park and the area which was ground zero for the Atomic bomb of 1945. Stroll through the park and discover the many memorials, monuments and statues there before heading to the Peace Memorial Museum. Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island. Visit the shrine there and marvel at one of the most photographed sites in Japan, the Floating Torii Gate.

Staying at

Day 11 Hiroshima – Tokyo

Ride the Bullet train back to Tokyo. The journey is around four hours and we recommend upgrading to Green (premium) class. The rest of the day is available to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 12 Tokyo – UK

Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home. Should you wish to extend your Japanese adventure, speak to our Travel Specialists about exploring more of this fascinating country, or perhaps visiting another amazing country.