We Love —
- Discover the fascinating an exquisite culture of Japan where the ancient and modern worlds merge whist staying in comfortable accommodation throughout
- Experience the glories of Kyoto (the cultural heartland of Japan), the buzzing city of Tokyo and the beautiful old town of Takayama nestled in the Japan Alps
- Stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan for 2 nights and experience real Japanese hospitality
Here to Help —
Booking 35 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
For any additional information on this offer or assistance in making your reservation please call one of our dedicated team on 0844 8262098 or email [email protected]
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 to 20:00 and Saturdays & Sundays from 09:00 to 17:30.
Your Destination —
Tokyo
Home to over 12 million people, the vast metropolis of Japan's capital must be seen to be believed. Tokyo embraces the modern and ancient like no other city on earth and offers something for everyone who wants to delve into the Japanese phenomenon: the towering skyscrapers and frenzied neon of Shinjuku, the pop culture and gadget paradise of Akihabara, the sophisticated chic of Ginza, the biggest and liveliest fish market in the world, the old downtown area of Asakusa, and the tranquil, understated beauty of Meiji Shrine. Not to mention superb restaurants and great bars as well as fabulous shopping and museums befitting the capital of the world's second-largest economy.
Kyoto
Kyoto is where you will find the Japan of silent temples nestling in bamboo groves, gardens of finely raked sand and bewitching geisha. This city is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, exquisite crafts and some of the best cuisine in the country. In short, Kyoto is the heartbeat of traditional Japan. Not to be missed are Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji and Kiyomizu temples, although be aware that these do become crowded. For a more peaceful, intimate temple experience we recommend the temple complex of Daitoku-ji, in particular Daisen-in sub-temple, and the Arashiyama area to the west of the city.
Takayama
Established as a castle town in the 16th century, Takayama has retained its unique charm to the present day. Sights include the Sanmachi district of traditional buildings, the bustling morning markets and dozens of museums, galleries and traditional craft shops. Situated in the Japan Alps, this small city offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and is a good base for exploring the Hida region.
Your Itinerary —
Welcome to Japan! A friendly Meet & Greet service representative will be waiting in the Arrivals lobby and holding a sign with your name on. The Meet & Greet will direct you to the Airport Limousine Bus bound for your Tokyo hotel. Check-in to your room with a view over Tokyo at your comfortable and superbly located 4* hotel in the central district of Shinjuku for 3 nights.
Day 2: Tokyo
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing by a shared coach in Tokyo, with lunch included. Your Guide will show you the highlights of this vast metropolis, from the Imperial Palace and serene Meiji Shrine to the 'Electric City' of Akihabara.
Day 3: Tokyo
Enjoy a further day of exploring in Tokyo, or use your Japan Rail Pass to venture further afield to Kamakura, a former capital of Japan.
Board the Bullet Train and speed to Kyoto which is blessed with countless temples and shrines. (You start using your 7 Day Japan Rail Pass today). The journey takes less than 3 hours, leaving you time to enjoy the afternoon in Kyoto, where we recommend a stroll around the fascinating side streets. You will stay in a comfortable, superbly located 4* hotel in the heart of Kyoto for 4 nights.
Day 5: Kyoto
Join a guided, shared coach tour. As well as visits to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Temple), Sanjusangendo Temple and Kiyomizu Temple, today's tour includes a buffet-style lunch.
Whilst smaller than Kyoto, Nara is no less rich in attractions, with 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sights. The most outstanding of these is Todai-ji temple, the largest wooden building in the world and home to the Great Buddha statue – Japan's biggest. Other essential sights include Yakushi-ji and Horyu-ji temple, whose buildings include some of the world's oldest wooden structures.
Day 7: Kyoto/Osaka at leisure
Spend another day in Kyoto or alternatively use your JR Pass to explore the surrounding area. Japan’s lively second city, Osaka, is only a short train ride away. Hiroshima is also possible as a day excursion.
Leave Kyoto and transfer by Bullet and local train to Takayama, a lovely town in the Japan Alps. Takayama’s atmospheric streets, museums and folkcrafts make it a great place to discover rural Japan. It is also a superb base for exploring the surrounding Hida district and National Park. For 2 nights you will stay in a lovely ryokan with Japanese style rooms. A delicious dinner is included both nights
Day 9: Takayama, Furukawa
Further sightseeing in Takayama might include Hida no Sato, an open-air museum of traditional architecture and crafts. Another excursion we recommend is Furukawa, a lovely village less than 20 minutes from Takayama.
Travel by a shared coach to Matsumoto, where you will arrive around lunchtime. Spend the afternoon at Matsumoto Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Japan, and enjoy strolling around the pretty, laidback streets of this mountain town. You will stay one night in Matsumoto.
Day 11: Tokyo
After breakfast take the train back to Tokyo (and we provide a separate train ticket for this). Return to your hotel in Shinjuku for your final night in Japan. You might like to splash out on a fabulous farewell meal at one of Tokyo’s many Michelin star restaurants.
Day 12: Depart Japan
Transfer from your hotel to Narita International Airport (Tokyo). Return to the UK (arrive same day).
The JR Pass allows you almost unlimited travel for 7 days on all Japan Rail lines throughout the country. It allows you to travel on the world-famous Bullet Train (Shinkansen) as well as the popular ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima.
Your Hotels —
As part of this offer you will stay in the following hotels or similar in Standard Rooms on a bed and breakfast basis.
Tokyo - Shinjuku Prince Hotel, 3 nights
The Shinjuku Prince Hotel is close to Shinjuku station and is the liveliest central district of Tokyo with thousands of restaurants, cafes, shops and countless shops and department stores.
Kyoto - Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa, 4 nights
Located on Kawaramachi Street, Kyoto’s main restaurant and entertainment avenue, the hotel is also centrally located providing easy access to the city’s sights including Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple and Ginkakuji Temple. Relax in Prandia Restaurant and Haven Bar or choose to soothe your mind, body and spirit at the Kotoran Spa.
Takayama - Tanabe ryokan/Hoshokaku ryokan or Murayama ryokan (for single travellers), 2 nights
A particular highlight of this trip is your stay in traditional Japanese accommodation. Here you will be staying in a Ryokan (inn), situated in the heart of town, this small and friendly inn with hot springs facilities offers comfort and convenience. So embrace this glimpse of a unique culture.
Matsumoto - Matsumoto Tokyu Rei, 1 night
With the Northern Alps to the west and Utsukushigahara to the east, Matsumoto is a town offering unheralded access to mountain landscapes. The area also boasts National Treasure Matsumoto Castle and many art and history museums. Matsumoto Tokyu REI is just a three-minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station and an ideal home away from home for sightseeing.
Tokyo - Shinjuku Prince Hotel, 1 night
Your Journey —
Flights: The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Shared transfers via airport bus & coach, rail tickets, and a 7 day rail pass are included.
