The Land of the Rising Sun
Japan is a fascinating and complex country immersed in centuries of history,
culture and customs that shape the lives of even modern Japanese today and make
a visit often seemingly a step into another world. A major economic power, yet a
nation that is remarkable for preserving its traditions, art, culture and
lifestyle. The mystical Geishas, medieval Samurai warriors, carefully
choreographed kabuki opera, impressive Sumo Wrestling, Bullet Trains, Sushi and
even Karaoke are all founded in this fascinating nation. Japan consists of the
four main islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu, as well as a number of
smaller islands.
Tokyo
The capital
Tokyo is on Honshu Island, and
is the political, cultural and economic heart of Japan. Nightlife, consisting
mainly of karaoke bars, is concentrated in Akasaka, Roppoingi and Shinjuku.
Getting around Tokyo
is easy and cheap by underground train, with signage in English and stations
nearby all the tourist sites. Taxis are expensive. Japan has a reputation for
being expensive but there are good reasonable restaurants and food courts in
modern malls serving a range of cuisines from traditional grilled tepanyaki,
battered tempura, sashimi and sushi to American fast food. Outside Tokyo, on a
clear day, you can easily see snowed-capped Mount Fuji,
which is a ‘must see’. April and May bring the spectacular cherry blossom and at
this time is especially popular to visit.
Kyoto
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than
a thousand years and is endowed with an almost overwhelming legacy of ancient
Buddhist temples, majestic palaces and gardens of every size and description.
For many people the very name Kyoto conjures up the classic image of Japan;
streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack on the paving stone,
geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks and the inevitable weeping cherry
tree. Japan’s historic cities, towns and villages, feature a wealth of ancient
temples, shrines and Buddha as well as museums and galleries. Japan is perfect
for absorbing sightseeing and an ideal combination with Korea, Taiwan or China.
Escorted Tour
Traditional &
Contemporary Japan ( 9 Days )
Unescorted Tour
Japan
World Heritage Tour ( 12 Days )
Tokyo, Mt.Fuji, Hakone & Kyoto ( 6 Days )
Tokyo,
Hiroshima & Kyoto ( 7 Days )
Flexible
Example Itineraries Including Japan
The
Rising Sun to Siam Seas ( 16 Days )
Ancient Temples & Modern Skylines ( 11 Days )
City
Lights of The Orient ( 10 Days )
Highlights of Japan ( 10
Days )
Traditional & Contemporary
Japan
Fully
escorted tour. Starts in Tokyo
and ends in Osaka
Day 1 Tokyo
Arrive at Tokyo, an Asian, metropolitan wonder. Meet our
local representative and transfer to your hotel. Overnight, 3 nights, Grand
Prince Hotel New Takanawa (or similar).
Day 2
Tokyo
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a guided sightseeing tour of
Tokyo, a
magnificently modern city sitting on centuries of history. Meet our
representative in the hotel lobby at 8:45am for a 9am departure. On
the tour, get a panoramic glimpse on Tokyo Tower, then descend to explore Imperial
Palace, the Oriental Bazaar, Asakusa Kanno Temple and other cultural spectacles
abundant in this great city. (B, L)
Day 3 Tokyo
Now explore the city on your own. Find the nooks
and crannies that make this city a marvel even for returning visitors. Refer to
page 149 for optional day and half day tours available in Tokyo.
Day 4
Tokyo - Hakone -
Kyoto
After an early breakfast, leave your suitcase at the porter/bell desk by 7:30am for direct transport to Kyoto. Then, board
the bullet train to Hakone, Japan’s hotspot for
natural scenery. By motor coach, catch the panoramic vistas of the nearby Mt.
Fuji. For a birds eye view, ride the cable car to see the surrounding national
park landscape. Ride a ferry for further sightseeing. If traveling in April,
you’ll witness the famous Japanese cherry blossoms in Hakone. When finished
touring, take the bullet train onward to Kyoto.
Overnight, 3 nights, Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto (or similar). (B,L)
Day 5 Kyoto
After breakfast at your hotel, board the coach
for an introduction to Kyoto,
a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Teeming with vibrant culture and stunning ancient
Japanese architecture, this ancient capital of Japan certainly deserves the
UNESCO seal. Marvel at the design of Kinakuji Temple and Nijo Castle (Visit
Sanjusungendo temple in July and August, when Nijo Casle is closed). Before
retiring to your hotel for the evening, visit the local handicraft centre for
some bargain hunting. (B,L)
Day 6 Kyoto - Nara -
Kyoto
You may want to pack a light bag today for your full day tour of Nara. After
arriving by Kintetsu Express train, you’ll find a plethora of Buddhist culture
and architecture in the temples that ordain this historic delight. At Todaiji
Temple, see the largest wooden structure in the world, which houses the worlds
largest statue of Buddha. Take an enchanting walk through deer park,
where tame deer roam free, until arriving at Kasuga Shrine, where you will end
your day at Nara. Board the Kintetsu Express once again for your return to
Kyoto. (B, L)
Day 7
Kyoto - Hiroshima -
Miyajima
After breakfast, your suitcase will be transferred to tomorrow's destination,
Osaka. Pack
a light overnight bag for your night's stay in Miyajima. First, tour the now
modern Hiroshima. Witness first hand the effects of nuclear warfare and learn
about the multinational effort to reconstruct. In memorial Hiroshima,
visit the Atomic Bomb Memorial Dome, the Peace
Memorial Museum and Itsukushima Shrine. Near the entrance, see the famous Norii
gate of the Shrine, with its bright red pillars shooting out of the water. Enjoy
a traditional dinner at your ryokan (or Japanese guesthouse) accommodation.
Benten no Yado Itsukushima (or similar). (B, L, D)
Day 8 Miyajima - Hiroshima - Osaka
After a guided ferry and local train ride to
Osaka, use
public transport to explore the major sites. First, tour the now modern
Hiroshima, the site of the world’s first atomic bomb site. Witness first hand
the effects of nuclear warfare and learn about the multinational effort to
reconstruct. After bullet train transfer, see Osaka
Castle, which had a major role in the unification of Japan. Then visit the Umeda
area of Osaka for a night of shopping or exhilarating
nightlife. Granvia Osaka Hotel (or similar). (B)
Day 9 Osaka - Kansai
Airport Transfer from Osaka to the Kansai
International Airport for your onward long-haul flight by airport limousine bus
with English-speaking assistant. (B) Note.
Departs on 24 Jul, 04, 07 & 21 Aug, 11 & 28 Sep,
16 Oct and 09 & 26 Nov 09.
Japan World Heritage Tour
Unescorted tour.
Starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
Our representative will meet you on arrival at Narita Airport to
guide you to the limousine bus transfer to your Tokyo hotel. Overnight, 3
nights, in Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa (or similar).
Day 2 Tokyo
Meet our local representative in the lobby for a
half day exploration of the Japanese capital city including visits to the Meiji
Shrine, Tokyo
Tower, the Imperial East Garden and the vibrant Ginza area of the city. Either
continue to explore alone or return to your hotel. The guide will give
directions but getting around by subway is easy with signs in English.
Day 3 Tokyo
The full day is free to explore. Maybe take an
optional extra tour, shop until you drop or even go out to Disney at Tokyo Bay!
Day 4 Tokyo – Nagoya -
Takayama
Have an overnight bag packed, because your main
luggage will be delivered direct to Kyoto. Make your
own way to Shingawa Station and, board the Nozomi Super Express train to
Takayama via Nagoya. On arrival at Takayama proceed to your hotel unaccompanied
on foot. The evening in Takayama is reserved for your leisure, explore the
traditional shopping streets and unique mountain culture it is known for.
Overnight in Hida Hotel Plaza (or similar).
Day 5 Takayama – Shirakawa-go
The morning is at leisure to explore before until
departure at 11.05am by a
reserved bus to Shirakawa-go, arriving at 12:50pm. On arrival take a short walk
to your overnight at a Minshuku, which is a small traditional Japanese house.
There are shared facilities only. (D)
Day 6 Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa
After a Japanese breakfast at the Minshuku take
a reserved bus at 10:35am to
Kanazawa, arriving at 11:50am. Take the short walk to your accommodation. The
rest of the day is at leisure to take in the atmosphere of this medieval town.
Overnight, Kanazawa Miyako Hotel (or similar) (B)
Day 7 Kanazawa - Kyoto
Check out of your hotel and make your own way to
Kanazawa Station. Board the Thunderbird Express train to Kyoto. On arrival
take a short walk to your Kyoto
hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure to explore this UNESCOWorld
Heritage site. You may choose to shop for bargains at the handcraft centre, or
marvel at the great Kinakuji Temple. Overnight, 3 nights, in New Miyako Hotel (Main) (or similar).
Day 8 Kyoto
Leave your hotel for a half day city tour today
which includes the Nijo
Castle, Golden Pavilion and Kyoto Old Imperial Palace. The tour ends at the
Kyoto Handicraft Center, from where transfers are included to return to your
hotel.
Day 9 Kyoto
The full day is free to explore. Maybe take an optional extra tour.
Day 10 Kyoto – Koyasan
Have an overnight bag packed, because your main luggage will be delivered direct
to Osaka. An English-speaking assistant will meet
you at your hotel and escort you to your train to Koyasan, Japan’s
beautiful
mountain pearl. The rest of the day is at leisure. A vegetarian dinner at your
temple lodgings is included. (D)
Day 11 Koyasan – Osaka
After a vegetarian breakfast make your own way again to Koyasan Staion before
continuing to Shin Imamiya by cable car then train via Gokurakubashi. On
arrival, take the JR Line train to Osaka.
There will be a short walk to your accommodation. A very modern city, you can
shop till you drop in Osaka. Be sure to explore Osaka Castle and Sanko Shrine on
your time in this metropolis city. Overnight in New Hankyu Osaka (or similar).
(B)
Day 12 Depart Osaka
Transfer to Kansai
International Airport by airport bus.
Note. Four star hotel options available on
request/supplement. (On Tuesdays in January, July, August & December, Nijo Castle is
closed, so you will visit Ryoanji
Temple instead. On Sat/Sun the Palace is replaced by a visit to the Higashi
Honganji Templ.
Tokyo, Mt.Fuji, Hakone & Kyoto
Unescorted
tour Starts in Tokyo
and ends in Kyoto
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
Our representative will meet you on arrival at Narita Airport, for
this daily tour, to guide you to the limousine bus transfer to your Tokyo hotel.
Overnight, 2 nights, in Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa (or similar).
Day 2 Tokyo
Meet our local representative for a half day exploration of the Japanese capital
city including visits to the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, the
Imperial East Garden and the vibrant Ginza area of the city. Either continue to
explore alone or return to your hotel. The guide will give directions but
getting around by subway is easy with signs in English.
Day 3 Tokyo – Mount Fuji
– Hakone
Have an overnight bag packed, because your main
luggage will be delivered direct to Kyoto. Meet our
local representative in the Tokyo
hotel lobby. The coach will leave Tokyo
and ascend the slopes of famous ount Fuji
to the 5th station at approx. 8,000 feet above sea level. Onwards then to the
hot springs and volcanic mud pools of Owakudani Boiling Valley.
Journey on the Hakone Ropeway down for a cruise across spectacular Lake Ashi.
After the tour a transfer by taxi is provided to the hotel in Hakone. Overnight
in Hakone Palace Hotel (or similar). (L)
Day 4 Hakone – Kyoto
An early departure from your hotel lobby today to
Odawara Station for the ‘Hikari Super Express’ bullet train to Kyoto. On arrival
take a short walk to your Kyoto
hotel. In the afternoon there is a tour which includes a visit to the impressive
Todaiji Temple with its images of Buddha, the Kasuga Shrine and the Deer Park at
Nara. A return transfer to your hotel is included. Overnight, 2 nights, in New
Miyako Hotel, (Main) (or similar).
Day 5 Kyoto
Leave your hotel for a half day city tour today
which includes the Nijo
Castle, Golden Pavilion and Kyoto Old Imperial Palace. (On Tuesdays in Jan.,
July, Aug. & Dec., Nijo
Castle is closed so you will visit Ryoanji
Temple instead. On Sat/Sun the Palace is replaced by a visit to the Higashi
Honganji Temple). The tour ends at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, from where
transfers back to your hotel can be arranged.
Day 6 Kyoto – Kansai
International Airport
Depart today by airport shuttle to Kansai
International Airport.
Note. Four star hotel tour option available on request/supplement.
Tokyo, Hiroshima & Kyoto
Starts in
Tokyo and ends in Kyoto
Day 1
Arrive Tokyo Our representative will meet you on
arrival at Narita
Airport to guide you to the limousine bus transfer to your Tokyo hotel
Overnight, 2 nights, in Grand Prince Hotel new Takanawa (or similar).
Day 2 Tokyo
Meet our local representative in the Tokyo hotel
lobby early
in the morning for a half day exploration of the Japanese capital city
including visits to the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, the Imperial East Garden
and the vibrant Ginza area of the city. Either continue to explore alone or
return to your hotel. The guide will give directions but getting around by
subway is easy with signs in English.
Day 3 Tokyo - Hiroshima
Have an overnight bag packed, because your
main luggage will be delivered directly to Kyoto. Make your
own way to
Shingawa Station and, using the ticket provided on arrival in Tokyo, take
the Nozomi Super Express train to Hiroshima. Take the short walk to hotel
on your own. The rest of the day is free at leisure. You may wish to stroll
the streets of the now modern Hiroshima, marveling at a city once left in
rubble after the nuclear attack in WWII. Overnight, 2 nights, in Hotel New
Hiroden (or similar).
Day 4 Hiroshima
Make your own way to Granvia Hiroshima by
10:30am
today for the departure of the tour. Catch a glimpse of the
Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima, the tranquility of the Peace Memorial
Park and the commemorative Atomic Bomb Dome. The tour
ends at
Hiroshima Station at 6pm.
Day 5 Hiroshima – Kyoto
Check out of your hotel and make your own
way to Hiroshima Station. Board the Nozomi Super Express train to
Kyoto. On arrival take a short walk to your Kyoto hotel. The
rest of the day
is free at leisure, so feel free to give yourself an introduction to classic
Kyoto culture and history before tomorrow’s tour. Overnight, 2 nights, in
New Miyako Hotel, (Main) (or similar).
Day 6 Kyoto
Leave your hotel for a half day city tour today
which
includes the Nijo
Castle, Golden Pavilion and Kyoto Old Imperial Palace.
(On Tuesdays in January, July, August & December, Nijo Castle is closed,
so you will visit Ryoanji
Temple instead. On Sat/Sun the Palace is
replaced by a visit to the Higashi Honganji Temple). The tour ends at the
Kyoto Handicraft
Center, from where transfers back to your hotel can be
arranged.
Day 7 Kyoto – Osaka
Kansai
Depart today by airport shuttle to Kansai
International Airport.
Note. The tour departs only Tue,Wed, Fri & Sat. Four star hotel options
available on
request/supplement.
Flexible Itineraries Including Japan
The Rising Sun to
Siam Seas
Featuring
Tokyo, Bangkok & Phuket
An intriguing journey through the sights and sounds of modern Tokyo, to the
shimmering temples and colorful markets of Bangkok, then enjoy a relaxing
retreat on the tropical paradise island of Phuket.
Day 1 Tokyo
Fly to Tokyo, a fantastic introduction to the
contrasts throughout Asia.
Days 2-4 Tokyo
One of the world’s most fascinating cities, Tokyo offers
unrivalled sightseeing; from royal palaces to colorful street markets selling
traditional Kimonos and busy shopping malls to peaceful rural towns. See Tokyo
come alive when the cherry blossoms bloom. Tokyo
hotel: 3 nights.
Day 5 Tokyo/Bangkok
Fly into South East Asia and the ancient land once known as Siam. Bangkok
hotel: 3 nights.
Days 6-7 Bangkok
The lively capital of Thailand and one of the most exciting cities in the world,
Bangkok is a fascinating, non-stop destination with lots to offer, from golden
Buddha’s, colorful markets, spicy cuisines and the famously busy nightlife.
Day 8 Bangkok/Phuket
Fly on to Phuket, the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’. Phuket hotel: 8 nights.
Days 9-15 Phuket
A leisurely stay on Phuket in southern Thailand is the
perfect way to relax. Wonderful beaches lie waiting, as well as some of
Thailand’s best diving and snorkeling. Local excursions will take you out into
Phang Nha Bay to admire the beautiful cliffs overlooking an emerald green sea.
Day 16 Phuket
Take an onward flight to Bangkok to connect
back home.
Ancient Temples & Modern Skylines
Featuring Beijing, Tokyo &
Shanghai
Combine three of the Orient’s highlight cities, from the imperial city of Beijing, to the
modern lights and busy nights of Shanghai,
to the high-tech skyscrapers of Tokyo.
Day 1
Beijing
An international flight to Beijing,
to begin your journey through the leading cities of the Orient.
Days 2-4 Beijing
Home to some of China’s
most famous tourist attractions, take a rickshaw ride through the cobbled
‘Hutongs’ to explore Beijing’s past, contrasting against gleaming skyscrapers.
With excellent shopping, authentic Chinese cuisine and lots to see, Beijing
is the perfect place to start your journey through the Orient. Beijing hotel: 3
nights.
Day 5 Beijing/Tokyo
Fly further east to the neon lights of Tokyo. Tokyo hotel:
3 nights.
Day 6-7 Tokyo
Discover the modern fast moving pace of Tokyo, but save
time for the old charm of its ancient temples and ethnic traditions. From the
bright lights of Ginza, the traditional temples in Asakusa and the trendy shops and
lively night scene of Shinjuku, Tokyo is a city
like no other. A visit to Mt.
Fuji, will not fail to captivate.
Day 8 Tokyo/Shanghai
Continue by air to Shanghai the economic heart of China. Shanghai
hotel: 3 nights.
Days 9-10 Shanghai
Enjoy a day of sightseeing, shopping and discovery in this bustling Asian
metropolis. Great shopping is on hand in the many malls and markets. End the day
in the Bund offering upscale eateries amongst renaissance style buildings,
whilst enjoying fantastic river views of the Pudong skyline at night.
Day 11 Shanghai
Fly overnight on your international flight home.
City Lights of The Orient
Featuring
Hong Kong & Tokyo
Take a journey to two of Asia’s international cosmopolitan cities,
where traditions from centuries past effortlessly blend with gleaming
skyscrapers. Combine the unique blend of ancient Chinese influences and modern
lights of Hong Kong, with the endless shopping and vibrant nightlife
of Tokyo.
Day 1 Hong Kong
Fly to Hong Kong, the gateway to the Orient and the charms of
China.
Days 2-5 Hong Kong
Make the most of this fantastic city by taking a cruise of the famous harbor,
enjoy fabulous shopping in the many markets and savor the restaurants of this
culinary capital of Asia. See some of the surrounding areas by taking a
fascinating trip to explore the nearby New Territories, or
even to the former Portuguese colony of Macau. Hong Kong hotel: 4
nights.
Day 6 Hong Kong/Tokyo
Fly onwards to Tokyo,
the high-tech capital of Japan.
Tokyo hotel: 4 nights.
Days 6-9 Tokyo
Discover the dazzling lights of one of Asia’s most
intoxicating metropolis. Explore the hundreds of high-tech electrical shops in
Akihabara to the elegant shopping district of Ginza. Visit the famous Ysukiji
fish market or the royal Imperial Palace and then by night, see the city come to
life in a whirl of heady neon lights.
Day 10 Tokyo
Board your overnight international flight back home.
Highlights of
Japan
Featuring
Tokyo & Kyoto
An exciting combination of the modern and
imperial capitals of Japan. See the
gleaming skyscrapers of Tokyo,
with its non-stop energy and bright city lights. Then head to Kyoto and discover
the traditional ways of ancient Japan, from weeping willow trees to geishas in
colorful silks.
Day 1 Tokyo
Fly overnight to Tokyo
in the land of the rising sun.
Day 2-5 Tokyo
A city that never sleeps, spend four days to explore the incredible contrasts of
Tokyo. With its combination of cosmopolitan
sophistication, lingering ethnic traditions, temples existing from the 19th
century, boutiques full of the latest designer trends and a multitude of
restaurants serving authentic sushi dishes. Maybe take an optional extra tour,
shop till you drop or even visit Disney at Tokyo Bay! Tokyo
hotel: 4 nights.
Day 6 Tokyo/Kyoto
Board the bullet train to start your stay in the ancient imperial city of Kyoto. Kyoto hotel:
4 nights. Bullet train transfers are from station to station only.
Days 7-9 Kyoto
A city which is in complete contrast to the high-tech city of Tokyo, Kyoto
maintains the traditional essence of Japan. Take a rickshaw ride through serene
streets with wooden houses, hear the click clack on the paving stone, visit the
elegant Imperial Palace and see the even more elegant geisha in a flourish of
brightly colored silks. Kyoto will leave you truly mesmerized.
Day 10 Kyoto
Return home on your international flight home.
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