Jewels of JapanEscorted Tour, 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.

Fully Inclusive

Touring with Guides and entrance fees

Included Meals

Breakfasts: 9 , Lunches: 8 , Dinners: 9

Flights

International flights and current taxes

Accommodation

9 nights in 3 star plus/4 star accommodation

Group Tour

Max Group Size: 28

Physical Rating 1

Walking, some steps and time on your feet

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Witness the fusion of past and present on a city tour in Japan's capital

Ascend Japan's iconic and inspirational tallest mountain

Discover the stunning white facade of the feudal Himeji Castle

Explore this quintessential Japanese city known as the 'thousand-year capital'

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Jewels of Japan Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Learn the Art of Origami - Take part in a handicraft experience, the traditions and techniques of the intricate art of origami. You'll learn to fold some of the simpler, but still impressive, shapes and designs.

Try your hand at Soba Noodle making - The buckwheat soba noodle is one of Japan's most famous culinary exports - try your hand at making them from scratch, before feasting on the delicious results for lunch.

Learn about Geisha Culture - The most iconic symbol of Japanese culture, no trip to Japan is complete without at least a glimpse of a geisha. On this tour you'll meet a geisha in Kyoto and learn about their fascinating culture.

ITINERARY

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 & Fuji Five Lakes

Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. Upon arrival, ascend 2,000 metres up to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting) where 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 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’. Continue to Osaka, arriving in time for lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori district. Later, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima. A city that needs no introduction, Hiroshima today is vibrant and modern with a forward thinking, sunny outlook.

Day 9 Hiroshima and Miyajima

Hop on the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most recognisable, rising majestically out of the waters of the Seto Inland Sea. 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 Orizuro 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.

Jewels of Japan is located in Escorted Tour, Japan. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 23/07/2021