£3,495
Ancient ceremonies meet 21st century technology in this astonishing country of contrasts. This rail tour goes a long way to interpret the mystery of Japan, as we cross the country on high-speed bullet trains.
- Bullet Train rail travel
- Tokyo & Hiroshima
- Miyajima Island and a unique Ryokan experience
- Kyoto
- Traditional tea ceremony
- Historic Nara
- Temples of Takayama
- Mount Fuji & Hakone National Park
- Lake Ashi
- Owakudani springs
We depart on the overnight flight from London and arrive in Tokyo on Day 2 to be met by our Japanese guide, who accompanies us throughout the tour. We transfer to our hotel, the Keio Plaza Hotel for our first night in Japan.
Our morning tour of Tokyo includes a visit to the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple and fascinating Ameyoko Market. In the afternoon we board one of the legendary Bullet Trains, which reach speeds of up to 186mph (300kph), and race west over the line to Hiroshima, for an overnight stay in the Rihga Royal Hotel.
We visit the World Peace Memorial Park and the A-bomb Dome Museum, both poignant reminders of the devastation of 1945. This afternoon we travel by train and boat to Miyajima Island. We leave modern life behind in the tranquility of the wooded island. The 'floating' shrine is one of several on the island that we visit before strolling to the Bentennoyado Itsukushima Ryokan Hotel for a very special traditional dinner and overnight stay. A Ryokan epitomises Japanese traditions and we take dinner in traditional Japanese style, at a low table, sitting on the floor. This is an amazing cultural experience which provides insight into Japanese traditions.
Your morning is free to explore or enjoy the Onsen - Hot Spring Baths at the Ryokan. Later we leave Miyajima and travel by ferry and Bullet Train to Kyoto, where we spend three nights at the Rihga Royal Hotel.
Kyoto was the Japanese capital for more than a thousand years and is a living museum of the country's artistic heritage as well as a thriving modern city. A morning sightseeing tour helps us to get our bearings and in the afternoon we enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in a typical Japanese thatched farmhouse set amongst formal gardens.
We visit Nara today, another former capital and a short train ride away from Kyoto. Nara is an attractive, compact city of narrow streets set against a backdrop of wooded hills. Here we enjoy a walking tour, taking in the beautiful Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and its Great Buddha, Kasuga Shrine and the Deer Park.
We enjoy another journey on the Bullet Train to Nagoya, where we join the Wide View Hida train for a scenic journey that climbs into the mountainous 'Japan Alps' past forests and tea plantations. We stay in Takayama for two nights at the Hida Plaza Hotel.
Set deep in the mountains, Takayama is a fascinating town of narrow streets and wooden houses which is almost untouched by time. After a morning walking tour, you have free time to explore the many ancient temples, shrines and traditional inns. There is a lively open-air market and many shops selling excellent laquerware and woodcrafts. This evening, take time to wander the intricate streets, where you will find a good choice of restaurants.
We return to Nagoya to join the Bullet Train to Mishima, and then travel by coach to the Hakone National Park. Lying in the foothills of Mount Fuji, Hakone is an area of lakes, forests and hot springs. This afternoon we enjoy a short cruise on tranquil Lake Ashi, a former crater lake. We continue by coach to the Hakone Hotel Kowakien, set in a peaceful forest location.
Today we tour Hakone National Park by funicular, cable car and mountain railway, enjoying unforgettable views and a visit to the sulphurous hot springs at Owakudani. We continue to Tokyo by train, travelling in a 'Romance Car' (observation car) on the narrow-gauge line. Our base for two nights is the Keio Plaza Hotel, located close to Shinjuku station.
Today you are free to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Tokyo represents modern Japan at its best and is one of the world's most futuristic cities, giving an insight into a high tech, modern world. The city offers a world-class selection of museums and art galleries, from the National Science Museum to transportation museums. Perhaps browse for gifts in the fascinating Ginza district, with its stylish department stores and chic galleries, or visit the Imperial Palace gardens for a leisurely stroll.
We depart this morning for Tokyo airport for the flight to London, arriving late-afternoon the same day.
01904 521 936
Just like the UK, Japan is made up of several islands. There's a hereditary monarchy, they drive on the left and enjoy drinking tea. But that's where the similarities end! So this is indeed a journey of discovery to a land with a culture and tradition that's about as different as it gets. Our tour embraces town and country with visits to peaceful Miyajima island and tranquil Takayama, as well as to bustling Kyoto and Tokyo. It's difficult not to be moved by the ruins of Hiroshima, now preserved within a modern city, and who can fail to be impressed by the fast, clean, efficient state of the art trains that whisk us through a fascinating and unfamiliar landscape? The Japanese people are incredibly polite and helpful and while English is not understood everywhere, our local guide willingly helps overcome any communication problems. Snacking and dining is easy too with a wonderful choice of inviting healthy dishes!
Eric Wise, Tour Manager