A fascinating ten day introduction to Japan, exploring four key destinations from the contemporary to the age-old. You will visit the hyper-modern districts of Harajuku, Shibuya and Omotesando in Tokyo as well as the capital's most important shrine, and beautiful gardens. On to Hiroshima and a sobering reflection of Japan's history at the moving Peace Park. You will stay in a beautiful ryokan on the tranquil sacred island of Miyajima before heading to Kyoto, Japan's imperial capital for a thousand years. Here, you will have two full days to explore the temples, shrines, fragrant markets and gardens before taking the bullet train back to Tokyo.
A TASTE OF JAPAN
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore the vibrant, bustling city of Tokyo.
- Pay your respects at Hiroshima's moving Peace Memorial Park.
- Enjoy the rural tranquillity of the sacred island of Miyajima.
- Visit the ancient temples and gardens of Kyoto.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
Land in Tokyo, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in the Kioicho district. Kioicho, embraced by greenery and with a rich history, is where Japanese traditions and Western culture intertwine. The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho is a modern hotel in keeping with the modernity of the mega-city all around, it is well-connected to the city’s public transport network and sits just behind the Imperial Palace Gardens.
Overnight: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
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Day 2 Tokyo
Meet your guide to explore Tokyo. Visit Meijijingu, Tokyo’s most important shrine and the beautiful Inner Gardens. By contrast, wander through the districts of Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya to get a feel for modern Tokyo before experiencing the tranquillity of Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens. End the day by experiencing the bustling shopping and nightlife of Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest station, before heading back to the hotel.
Overnight: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
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Day 3 Tokyo
Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring Tokyo. Perhaps head to Hama Rikyu Garden or enjoy a boat ride along the Sumida River to Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, the Senso-Ji. Here you will also be able to see the Philippe Starck designed Asahi Beer Hall; one of Tokyo’s most recognisable modern landmarks. Enjoy the bustling Ameykoko Market Street or head to the fascinating restaurant supply district of Kappabashi.
Overnight: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
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Day 4 Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
After breakfast, transfer by bullet train to Hiroshima. Start with a visit to Hiroshima Castle and the lovely Shukkei-en Strolling Gardens, then later you’ll have the chance to pay your respects and learn about the city’s history at the moving Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum. At the end of the afternoon, you will be transferred across the Inland Sea to your lovely ryokan on the sacred and beautiful island of Miyajima. Kurayado Iroha ryokan is a modern version of a traditional Japanese Inn facing the Seto Inland Sea. There is an open-air bath located on the roof of the building, which can be reserved and from which you can have a panoramic view over the sea and the Island of Honshu. The dining room looks out to sea and serves a delicious Japanese breakfast, followed by an amazing, multi-course kaiseki dinner, combining the finest traditions of Japanese cuisine with impeccable presentation and fresh seasonal ingredients.
Overnight: Kurayado Iroha Ryokan
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Day 5 Miyajima Island
Meet your guide to explore Miyajima Island on foot. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine, the famous 'floating' torii gate, the 5 tier pagoda and Daisho-In Temple. Enjoy a hike or a cable car ride up the island's highest peak, Mount Misen before heading back for a relaxing evening at your ryokan.
Overnight: Kurayado Iroha Ryokan
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Day 6 Kyoto
Transfer by bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, visit the stunning Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji Zen Garden with your guide. Head to the nearby Ninnaji, which houses one of Kyoto's loveliest gardens, before checking into your attractive hotel on the edge of the Gion district.
Overnight: ArtMonZen
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Day 7 Kyoto
Enjoy a full day guided tour of more of Kyoto's highlights with your private guide. Start the day with a visit to Sanjusangendo Temple, which was partly destroyed by fire in 1249 and reconstructed in 1266. Next, see the lovely Kiyomizu Temple, which takes its name from the pure water of the cascade which runs down the hill behind the complex. Then move on to Gion, where you may be lucky enough to spot some geiko and apprentice maiko scuttling off for their appointments. Then visit the nearby Yasaka Shrine. From there head to Ginkakuji with its beautiful gardens and then on to Nijojo - don’t miss the ‘nightingale floors’, made to creak on purpose to give away any intruding assassins.
Overnight: ArtMonZen
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Day 8 Kyoto
You have the day at leisure to explore Kyoto independently. Perhaps start the day with a visit to Nishiki Market - a long, narrow covered street packed with shops selling local specialties; it's sometimes called Kyoto’s kitchen, and it’s easy to see why. Barrels of fresh and pickled vegetables spill out into the street, and the air is fragrant with the savoury smell of grilling sembei crackers and steaming fish dumplings. Head out to nearby Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, where you can start by visiting the impressive giant bronze Buddha, housed in the famous Todai-ji temple. Then enjoy a walk through Nara-koen Park, home to friendly local deer who will follow you hoping for tasty treats! The Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which dates from Nara’s time as the capital of Japan, is also located in the park and is well worth a visit. Spend the afternoon enjoying the beautiful Isuien, a very pretty Japanese garden close to Todaiji Temple which dates back to the mid-17th century.
Overnight: ArtMonZen
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Day 9 Tokyo
After breakfast, take the bullet train back to Tokyo. Transfer to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxation before your final night in Tokyo.
Overnight: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
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Day 10 Depart
After breakfast, you will be met and privately transferred to the airport for your flight home.
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Depart
BOOKING NOTES
- All prices are per person based on two people sharing a double/twin room.
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation and daily breakfasts as shown.
- Private airport and station transfers.
- Separate luggage transfers between Tokyo & Kyoto.
- Bullet train tickets as stated - First Class.
- Sightseeing with private guide and transportation.
- 2 x dinners on Miyajima.
- Entrance fees to stated attractions.
EXTRAS
- International flights to/from Japan.
- Meals not indicated in your itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks.
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Gratuities (discretionary).
- Travel Insurance.
- Visas if required.
