Jewels of Japan

Jewels of Japan

Be captivated by the unique culture of Japan as you discover lively Tokyo, beautiful Mt Fuji and historic Kyoto. A visit to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial and the holy island of Miyajima complete this fascinating tour.

What’s Included:

• International flights and current taxes
• All transport
• Fully inclusive - Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• 9 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation
• 27 meals: 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
• Maximum Group Size: 28
• Physical Rating 1: Walking, some steps and time on your feet

Highlights:

• Tokyo - Witness the fusion of past and present on a city tour in Japan's capital
• Mt Fuji - Ascend Japan's iconic and inspirational tallest mountain
• Himeji - Discover the stunning white facade of the feudal Himeji Castle
• Kyoto - Explore this quintessential Japanese city known as the 'thousand-year capital'

Days 1 & 2 - Fly to Tokyo

Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3 - Discover Tokyo

Begin today with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and then take time to explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about Tokyo’s historical heritage. After lunch, seek out the tranquillity at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa district, followed by a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for panoramic views over the sprawling city below.

Day 4 - Meiji Shrine

Start the day with a relaxing wander around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Garden. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, before driving past the famous Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore as you wish. End the day with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay and witness the city lit up at night.

Day 5 - Mount Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes

Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base where you'll find the Fuji Five Lakes. Upon arrival, ascend 2,000 metres up to Mount Fuji's 5th Station (weather permitting) where, with its perfectly conical looming overhead, you can take in the breathtaking views over the landscapes below. After lunch, continue to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the artist's elaborate dyed silk creations and spend some time strolling around the beautiful garden. Also explore Iyashi no Sato Historical Village, a former farming village on the shores of Lake Saiko.

Day 6 - Bullet train to Kyoto

Start the day with a visit to Oshino Hakkai before learning how to make your very own traditional Japanese soba noodles which you will then tuck into for lunch! Later, transfer to Mishima station and journey on the bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for 1,000 years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens.

Day 7 - Explore Kyoto

Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto starting with a visit to one of Kyoto’s delightful temples – the 17th-century Buddhist Kiyomizu. Immerse yourself in the culture by experiencing the ritual of the sacred tea ceremony and try your hand at the art of origami. Also meet with either a maiko (apprentice geisha) or geisha and learn about their way of life and culture before exploring the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its remarkable 10,000 red torii gates.

Day 8 - Journey to Hiroshima

Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and the famous Kinkakuji Temple, known as the 'Golden Pavilion'. Later, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, a city that needs no introduction.

Day 9 - Hiroshima and Miyajima

Hop on the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy some free time and take an optional ride on the cable car up Mount Misen to enjoy the panoramic views. Return to Hiroshima and take a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb and also visit the Orizuru Tower.

Day 10 - Himeji Castle

Travel to Himeji to visit its famous castle. The feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city and is recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Appreciate its turbulent past before strolling around Kokoen, the Edo-style gardens just across the castle moat. Later, transfer to Osaka for an overnight stay.

Day 11 - Fly Osaka to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.