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The Journey begins in OsakaArrive and relax in Osaka, Today we can relax or go out to Shinsaibashi fuji shopping centre and in the evening visit Dotonbori for a relaxing evening meal. Osaka is Japan's second city and an extremely vibrant and lively place to stay. There may not be any real 'tourist' sights but it is just the life on the streets that makes Osaka such a fascinating city to visit. Osaka people work hard and play hard and it really shows with the vast number of restaurants, bars and all round entertainment available. The city aquarium is world class and you cannot stay in Osaka without taking a ride on one of the city's several giant big wheels, perhaps the most dramatic of which is perched on top of the Hep 5 department store in the Umeda district of the city - just don't look down if you are afraid of heights! Osaka Castle is well worth a visit despite being a reconstruction as the original was burnt down during the firebombing at the end of World War Two and you will find a variety of very interesting museums scattered throughout the city. After dark Osaka really comes alive, and a walk through the bright lights of the Nanba district is a great way to take in the atmosphere, with some great people-watching opportunities. With literally thousands of restaurants, bars and entertainment spots to choose from, Osaka is perfect for a big night out, some hearty local food and the chance to let your hair down. Osaka really is one of Japan's truly all action cities and a stay here is a chance to experience what life in modern day urban Japan is really like. Hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier Meals Included - b&b
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OsakaWake up early and we make our way to the famous Osaka castle, shortly after that we take a short trip on the metro to experience the spring Sumo Wrestling tournament in the afternoon. After a great show we will surely be hungry. So we will spend the evening in Tsutenkaku for a nice evening meal.. Sumo wrestling is the ancient traditional sport of Japan and provides a fascinating and at times dramatic spectacle for anyone lucky enough to make it to a basho or tournament. Fights can be over in a matter of seconds as one wrestler hauls his opponent over the straw bales and out of the ring or thrusts him to the ground. Yet this does not make for a lack of excitement; the tension in the arena builds to a climax as the wrestlers engage in the ritual face off before each bout begins with a thunderous clash of heads. Despite their often gargantuan size these guys can move like ballerinas, pirouetting in the ring to circle the opponent or spinning on a six-pence to evade a violent thrusting attack. I have included in your package tickets for the Osaka Basho, which is held at the Taiikukan in Nanba, just a few minutes walk from Nanba Station and perfect for dining out on Osaka's famous Dotomburi after the day's action is at an end.. You will have Stadium Seat B seats. . Tickets are valid for the whole day and you can come and go as you please. The top division with the highest ranked wrestlers starts at around 4pm so be sure to be in your seats for this. The day finishes at 6pm with a ring purification ceremony on all but the final day of the tournament when the last fight is at 5:30PM followed by the presentation of the trophy. Sumo is very popular and although we will always do our best to purchase them, tickets are always subject to availability. Hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier Meals Included - b&b
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Osaka/KōyasanDepart early and travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Watch the monks pray in the morning. Journey to Mt Koya, a religious centre founded in 816 by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. The train ride up the mountain is possibly one of the finest rail journeys in Japan. For the final steep ascent, switch to funicular and then hop on a bus to reach the monastery. In the evening, dine on shojin-ryori, typical vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata, or kimono. During the overnight stay in the mountain temple, witness the routines of the monks and dine on typical fare. Explore the temples and moss covered Oku-no-in cemetery in the afternoon. In the evening, savour the shojin-ryori vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata or kimono. Early morning at the temple offers the chance to observe the monks praying, before a vegetarian breakfast. Breathe the fresh mountain air and soak in the beautiful surroundings. Oku-no-in Cemetery Visit: KōyasanAfternoon Oku-no-in is the most sacred site in Koyasan and the location of the mausoleum for Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The area is surrounded by a massive cemetery, the largest in Japan. With over 200,000 tombstones lining the almost 2km path to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, there is plenty of area to explore. Be sure to see Torodo Hall (Hall of Lamps), the main place of worship, where more than 10,000 lanterns are kept burning day and night. Hotel: Ekoin Meals Included - breakfast & dinner (Vegetarian)
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Kōyasan/HiroshimaWatch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast before travelling to Hiroshima. This afternoon, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. Early morning offers the chance to observe the monks praying. Breathe in some fresh mountain air before a vegetarian breakfast, then start the journey back down the mountain via bus, train and funicular. Later, board a train to Hiroshima, a historically significant city, marked by the explosion of the first atomic bomb in 1945. Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train. When we arrive to Hiroshima we walk through the Peace Park in the centre of Hiroshima, a living memorial dedicated to the tens of thousands who died from the atomic bomb blast in 1945. Visit the statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia as a result of the bomb blast, despite folding 1,000 origami paper cranes to appeal to the gods to make her well. See the frame of the Gembaku Dome, the sole building to withstand the explosion. Reflect, remember, and be reminded of the power we all hold to create peace. Hotel: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (or Simmilar) Meals Included - b&b
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Hiroshima & MiyajamaTake a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Take a cable cart up Mt Misen. Ferry Hiroshima – Miyajima Hop a ferry to reach the island and journey back in the evening. Miyajima Island Visit Miyajima – Hiroshima Take a trip to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan's most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore. See the famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer and monkeys, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Free Time MiyajimaAfternoon Free time on Miyajima Island to make the most of this beautiful location. Mt. Misen Visit Miyajima2-6km Free-1800JPY per person Set out for the summit of Mt. Misen, Miyajima’s highest peak at 500m (1,640 ft) above sea level. Opt to hike one of three trails through the forest and keep an eye out for wild deer or catch a ride on the ropeway and walk the remaining distance to the top. Take in great views of the Seto Inland Sea and on a clear day see as far as the city of Hiroshima. Hotel: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (or Simmilar) Meals Included - b&b
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Hiroshima/KyotoTravel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour. Bullet Train Hiroshima – Kyoto1h30m-2h Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train. Gion Walk Kyoto Walk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain. Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit Kyoto Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both. Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae Meals Included - b&b
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KyotoEnjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto's many temples with free time. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit Kyoto Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area. Free Time KyotoAfternoon Continue exploring Japan's historic capital with some free time. Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji Kyoto 500JPY per person The Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond. Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae Meals Included - b&b
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KyotoToday you will make an excursion to Iga-Ueno using your Japan Rail Passes. The journey will take about two hours each way and train timetables will be in your Info-Pack. The five small towns and villages of Iga-Ueno are best known as the home of ninja. The Iga school of ninjutsu (art of stealth) used to be one of Japan's two leading ninja schools during the feudal era. The excellent ninja museum consists of a ninja residence and an exhibition hall of ninja weaponry. Signs are in Japanese and English. Demonstrations of ninja fighting take place regularly. Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae Meals Included - b&b
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KyotoFor many people the quintessential image of Japan is a graceful geisha in an exquisite kimono darting through a sliding screen door into a traditional tea house. It’s a scene that embodies both the geisha’s beauty and mystery, as the geisha and their maiko apprentices move almost in secret through a world largely hidden behind closed doors. Often misunderstood in the West, geisha are essentially artists, highly skilled in traditional arts such as fan dancing and shamisen playing and are masters of wordplay and social etiquette. Although geisha numbers have dropped dramatically since their heyday in the 1920s, in today’s Japan, they are also the caretakers of these traditions making sure time-honoured Japanese arts and crafts are not lost. The majority of geisha live and work in Kyoto and are known as geiko in the local dialect. Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district with a large concentration of ochaya tea houses where the geiko entertain guests most evenings. Not just anyone can enter an ochaya however; in traditional Japanese society, hierarchy and social connections are everything and most Japanese will never have the honour of an official invitation. Fortunately, we have strong ties with the Gion Maruume teahouse, and we will arrange for you to visit for 45 minutes for a fascinating glimpse into the geisha world. Over a cup of green tea and a Japanese cake, you'll be entertained by a geisha or maiko who will perform a traditional dance for you. During the experience you'll be able to take photos and ask any questions you may have. Please note that the tea house staff and the geisha do not speak any English, but your guide will be on hand to translate. Please note that a visit to such a special tea house is subject to availability and cannot be arranged at short notice. Date or time changes are also unlikely to be accommodated. Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae Meals Included - b&b
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Kyoto/HakoneTake a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a stay in traditional ryokan accommodation, feast on a Japanese multi-course kaiseki meal, soak in the natural hot springs, and sleep on a futon. Travel to Hakone, a town in the hills famous for its onsens, or natural hot springs. Stay in a traditional ryokan, with its own private onsen. In the evening, enjoy the ryokan, savouring a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, followed by a recommended soak in the onsen. Bullet Train Kyoto – Odawara3h Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train. Local Bus Odawara – Hakone30m Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride. Lake Ashino-ko Boat Ride Hakone30m Hop aboard a passenger boat to cruise the waters of Lake Ashinoko. If you are lucky, on a clear day you can capture a view of Mt Fuji. The lake was formed from the caldera of Mt Hakone following its eruption 3000 years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Traditional Ryokan Stay with Kaiseki Meal Hakone Enjoy the ryokan, savour a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, then finish the day with a soak in the onsen. Hotel: Hakone Yutowa Meals Included - b&b
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Hakone/TokyoHead to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping. Arrive before noon to Tokyo, with time to explore this energetic metropolis. Opt to visit Ueno park and the museums, Akihabara for cutting edge electronics, Harajuku for funky fashions, Ginza for the highest of the high end, walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or just stroll the streets, looking for the traditional life that still lies just under the modern surface. Bullet Train Hakone – Tokyo2h Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train. Free Time TokyoAfternoon With so much to do, start exploring now. Ueno Park Visit Tokyo Free As Japan's most popular city park, Ueno is known for its museums and cherry blossoms. Stroll the pathways, admire the thousands of trees, including approximately 800 Somei-yoshino cherry trees, look for lotus on the pond, or opt to visit the temples and museums (entrance fees). Ginza Shopping Tokyo Free The Ginza district is Tokyo’s equivalent of Fifth Avenue in New York. Window shop at Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, then check out the latest electronics at the Sony showroom or Apple store. Visit the Wako department store with its historic clock tower, housed in a building that dates back to 1894. If you are there on a weekend, head to Ginza’s main street where pedestrians rule without Tokyo’s traffic. Imperial Palace East Gardens Walk Tokyo Free The Imperial Palace in Tokyo’s city centre is home to Japan’s Emperor and Empress. It is surrounded by a moat and three gardens, all open to the public. Stroll throughout the grounds, admire the azaleas and hydrangeas (when in season), discover the original stone wall that surrounded the palace back in 17th to 19th centuries during the days when samurai warriors defended the ruler. Visit nearby Sannomaru-Shozo-kan museum and see exquisite kimonos and Japanese paintings. Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit Tokyo Free-1000JPY per person Visit this shrine dedicated to the 123rd emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji and his wife. The shrine is a great place to escape the bustle of the city and wander the grounds along the wide walking paths. Sensō-ji Temple Visit Asakusa Free Explore Sensō-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs. Hotel: New Takanawa Price Hotel Meals Included - b&b
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TokyoOdaiba, a large man-made island in Tokyo Bay that was built as a fort island at the end of the Edo era, is a popular district for shopping and entertainment, and makes for a fun day out in Tokyo. You can do a bit of shopping in DiverCity Tokyo Plaza mall, or head to Oedo Onsen Monogatari, a huge Edo-era themed hot spring complex which is a particularly good place for chilling out on rainy days. Fans of Sega games can spend hours of fun at Joypolis, an amusement park where the rides are all based on Sega’s popular games and characters. If you’re in Odaiba in the evening you can enjoy the area’s most iconic sight: Rainbow Bridge, which connects Odaiba to the rest of Tokyo and looks particularly atmospheric when lit up. Odaiba provides some great panoramic views of Tokyo back across the water, so definitely bring your camera along. Odaiba is accessible on the Yurikamome, an automated monorail line, or by a regular train to the futuristically named Tokyo Teleport Station, but please note that the train routes to Odaiba aren’t covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Tokyo’s man-made island of Odaiba is now the proud home of the world’s first digital art museum, designed by the ultra-technologist art group teamLab. “teamLab Borderless” features almost 50 immersive, three-dimensional digital works spread over five distinct sections, with themes of nature and interaction, such as the ‘Athletic Forest’ which invites you to understand the world by bouncing, moving, and swinging your way through the art; and the stunning ‘Forest of Lamps’, full of resonating Venetian glass lamps that change colour as you approach them. The entire museum is a breath-taking, interactive, multi-sensory experience that encourages you to be at the centre of the art and appreciate how the exhibits change around you, rather than simply observing it from a single vantage point. We reckon you could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon exploring the museum, and if you ever need a pick-me-up, you can head to the ‘En’ tea house to enjoy a cup of green tea in which a digital flower blooms as you drink it!
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Final Day in TokyoFree day to explore Tokyo in any way you wish. In the evening there will be a option to drive around Tokyo in Go Karts for the final day. This will cost a extra £80pp.
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Flight Home from TokyoIts time to say goodbye to one of the most amazing countries in the world and make your way back to home.
Itinerary
The full itinerary is below, click on the day to see full details....
UPGRADED AIRPORT EXPERIENCE
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Complimentary online check in.
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Porters to carry Luggage on arrival.
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FREE VIP Lounge Passes
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Priority Seating
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Fast Track comfort
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Premium Economy, Business Class and first class available at a extra cost
THE UNIQUE TOUCH
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Private transfers & Drivers throughout wherever possible.
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Majority of tours are pre booked to give the perfect balance of experiences and flexibility.
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Get 30 professional photos and a minimum 3 minute video trailer of your journey.
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All restaurants are pre selected, so they know your dietary requirements.
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All Meals can be included within the total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions.
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The Journey begins in OsakaArrive and relax in Osaka, Today we can relax or go out to Shinsaibashi fuji shopping centre and in the evening visit Dotonbori for a relaxing evening meal. Osaka is Japan's second city and an extremely vibrant and lively place to stay. There may not be any real 'tourist' sights but it is just the life on the streets that makes Osaka such a fascinating city to visit. Osaka people work hard and play hard and it really shows with the vast number of restaurants, bars and all round entertainment available. The city aquarium is world class and you cannot stay in Osaka without taking a ride on one of the city's several giant big wheels, perhaps the most dramatic of which is perched on top of the Hep 5 department store in the Umeda district of the city - just don't look down if you are afraid of heights! Osaka Castle is well worth a visit despite being a reconstruction as the original was burnt down during the firebombing at the end of World War Two and you will find a variety of very interesting museums scattered throughout the city. After dark Osaka really comes alive, and a walk through the bright lights of the Nanba district is a great way to take in the atmosphere, with some great people-watching opportunities. With literally thousands of restaurants, bars and entertainment spots to choose from, Osaka is perfect for a big night out, some hearty local food and the chance to let your hair down. Osaka really is one of Japan's truly all action cities and a stay here is a chance to experience what life in modern day urban Japan is really like. Hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier Meals Included - b&b
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OsakaWake up early and we make our way to the famous Osaka castle, shortly after that we take a short trip on the metro to experience the spring Sumo Wrestling tournament in the afternoon. After a great show we will surely be hungry. So we will spend the evening in Tsutenkaku for a nice evening meal.. Sumo wrestling is the ancient traditional sport of Japan and provides a fascinating and at times dramatic spectacle for anyone lucky enough to make it to a basho or tournament. Fights can be over in a matter of seconds as one wrestler hauls his opponent over the straw bales and out of the ring or thrusts him to the ground. Yet this does not make for a lack of excitement; the tension in the arena builds to a climax as the wrestlers engage in the ritual face off before each bout begins with a thunderous clash of heads. Despite their often gargantuan size these guys can move like ballerinas, pirouetting in the ring to circle the opponent or spinning on a six-pence to evade a violent thrusting attack. I have included in your package tickets for the Osaka Basho, which is held at the Taiikukan in Nanba, just a few minutes walk from Nanba Station and perfect for dining out on Osaka's famous Dotomburi after the day's action is at an end.. You will have Stadium Seat B seats. . Tickets are valid for the whole day and you can come and go as you please. The top division with the highest ranked wrestlers starts at around 4pm so be sure to be in your seats for this. The day finishes at 6pm with a ring purification ceremony on all but the final day of the tournament when the last fight is at 5:30PM followed by the presentation of the trophy. Sumo is very popular and although we will always do our best to purchase them, tickets are always subject to availability. Hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier Meals Included - b&b
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Osaka/KōyasanDepart early and travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Watch the monks pray in the morning. Journey to Mt Koya, a religious centre founded in 816 by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. The train ride up the mountain is possibly one of the finest rail journeys in Japan. For the final steep ascent, switch to funicular and then hop on a bus to reach the monastery. In the evening, dine on shojin-ryori, typical vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata, or kimono. During the overnight stay in the mountain temple, witness the routines of the monks and dine on typical fare. Explore the temples and moss covered Oku-no-in cemetery in the afternoon. In the evening, savour the shojin-ryori vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata or kimono. Early morning at the temple offers the chance to observe the monks praying, before a vegetarian breakfast. Breathe the fresh mountain air and soak in the beautiful surroundings. Oku-no-in Cemetery Visit: KōyasanAfternoon Oku-no-in is the most sacred site in Koyasan and the location of the mausoleum for Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The area is surrounded by a massive cemetery, the largest in Japan. With over 200,000 tombstones lining the almost 2km path to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, there is plenty of area to explore. Be sure to see Torodo Hall (Hall of Lamps), the main place of worship, where more than 10,000 lanterns are kept burning day and night. Hotel: Ekoin Meals Included - breakfast & dinner (Vegetarian)
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Kōyasan/HiroshimaWatch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast before travelling to Hiroshima. This afternoon, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. Early morning offers the chance to observe the monks praying. Breathe in some fresh mountain air before a vegetarian breakfast, then start the journey back down the mountain via bus, train and funicular. Later, board a train to Hiroshima, a historically significant city, marked by the explosion of the first atomic bomb in 1945. Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train. When we arrive to Hiroshima we walk through the Peace Park in the centre of Hiroshima, a living memorial dedicated to the tens of thousands who died from the atomic bomb blast in 1945. Visit the statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia as a result of the bomb blast, despite folding 1,000 origami paper cranes to appeal to the gods to make her well. See the frame of the Gembaku Dome, the sole building to withstand the explosion. Reflect, remember, and be reminded of the power we all hold to create peace. Hotel: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (or Simmilar) Meals Included - b&b
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Hiroshima & MiyajamaTake a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Take a cable cart up Mt Misen. Ferry Hiroshima – Miyajima Hop a ferry to reach the island and journey back in the evening. Miyajima Island Visit Miyajima – Hiroshima Take a trip to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan's most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore. See the famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer and monkeys, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Free Time MiyajimaAfternoon Free time on Miyajima Island to make the most of this beautiful location. Mt. Misen Visit Miyajima2-6km Free-1800JPY per person Set out for the summit of Mt. Misen, Miyajima’s highest peak at 500m (1,640 ft) above sea level. Opt to hike one of three trails through the forest and keep an eye out for wild deer or catch a ride on the ropeway and walk the remaining distance to the top. Take in great views of the Seto Inland Sea and on a clear day see as far as the city of Hiroshima. Hotel: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (or Simmilar) Meals Included - b&b
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Hiroshima/KyotoTravel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour. Bullet Train Hiroshima – Kyoto1h30m-2h Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train. Gion Walk Kyoto Walk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain. Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit Kyoto Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both. Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae Meals Included - b&b
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KyotoEnjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto's many temples with free time. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit Kyoto Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area. Free Time KyotoAfternoon Continue exploring Japan's historic capital with some free time. Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji Kyoto 500JPY per person The Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond. Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae Meals Included - b&b
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KyotoToday you will make an excursion to Iga-Ueno using your Japan Rail Passes. The journey will take about two hours each way and train timetables will be in your Info-Pack. The five small towns and villages of Iga-Ueno are best known as the home of ninja. The Iga school of ninjutsu (art of stealth) used to be one of Japan's two leading ninja schools during the feudal era. The excellent ninja museum consists of a ninja residence and an exhibition hall of ninja weaponry. Signs are in Japanese and English. Demonstrations of ninja fighting take place regularly. Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae Meals Included - b&b
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KyotoFor many people the quintessential image of Japan is a graceful geisha in an exquisite kimono darting through a sliding screen door into a traditional tea house. It’s a scene that embodies both the geisha’s beauty and mystery, as the geisha and their maiko apprentices move almost in secret through a world largely hidden behind closed doors. Often misunderstood in the West, geisha are essentially artists, highly skilled in traditional arts such as fan dancing and shamisen playing and are masters of wordplay and social etiquette. Although geisha numbers have dropped dramatically since their heyday in the 1920s, in today’s Japan, they are also the caretakers of these traditions making sure time-honoured Japanese arts and crafts are not lost. The majority of geisha live and work in Kyoto and are known as geiko in the local dialect. Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district with a large concentration of ochaya tea houses where the geiko entertain guests most evenings. Not just anyone can enter an ochaya however; in traditional Japanese society, hierarchy and social connections are everything and most Japanese will never have the honour of an official invitation. Fortunately, we have strong ties with the Gion Maruume teahouse, and we will arrange for you to visit for 45 minutes for a fascinating glimpse into the geisha world. Over a cup of green tea and a Japanese cake, you'll be entertained by a geisha or maiko who will perform a traditional dance for you. During the experience you'll be able to take photos and ask any questions you may have. Please note that the tea house staff and the geisha do not speak any English, but your guide will be on hand to translate. Please note that a visit to such a special tea house is subject to availability and cannot be arranged at short notice. Date or time changes are also unlikely to be accommodated. Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae Meals Included - b&b
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Kyoto/HakoneTake a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a stay in traditional ryokan accommodation, feast on a Japanese multi-course kaiseki meal, soak in the natural hot springs, and sleep on a futon. Travel to Hakone, a town in the hills famous for its onsens, or natural hot springs. Stay in a traditional ryokan, with its own private onsen. In the evening, enjoy the ryokan, savouring a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, followed by a recommended soak in the onsen. Bullet Train Kyoto – Odawara3h Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train. Local Bus Odawara – Hakone30m Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride. Lake Ashino-ko Boat Ride Hakone30m Hop aboard a passenger boat to cruise the waters of Lake Ashinoko. If you are lucky, on a clear day you can capture a view of Mt Fuji. The lake was formed from the caldera of Mt Hakone following its eruption 3000 years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Traditional Ryokan Stay with Kaiseki Meal Hakone Enjoy the ryokan, savour a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, then finish the day with a soak in the onsen. Hotel: Hakone Yutowa Meals Included - b&b
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Hakone/TokyoHead to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping. Arrive before noon to Tokyo, with time to explore this energetic metropolis. Opt to visit Ueno park and the museums, Akihabara for cutting edge electronics, Harajuku for funky fashions, Ginza for the highest of the high end, walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or just stroll the streets, looking for the traditional life that still lies just under the modern surface. Bullet Train Hakone – Tokyo2h Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train. Free Time TokyoAfternoon With so much to do, start exploring now. Ueno Park Visit Tokyo Free As Japan's most popular city park, Ueno is known for its museums and cherry blossoms. Stroll the pathways, admire the thousands of trees, including approximately 800 Somei-yoshino cherry trees, look for lotus on the pond, or opt to visit the temples and museums (entrance fees). Ginza Shopping Tokyo Free The Ginza district is Tokyo’s equivalent of Fifth Avenue in New York. Window shop at Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, then check out the latest electronics at the Sony showroom or Apple store. Visit the Wako department store with its historic clock tower, housed in a building that dates back to 1894. If you are there on a weekend, head to Ginza’s main street where pedestrians rule without Tokyo’s traffic. Imperial Palace East Gardens Walk Tokyo Free The Imperial Palace in Tokyo’s city centre is home to Japan’s Emperor and Empress. It is surrounded by a moat and three gardens, all open to the public. Stroll throughout the grounds, admire the azaleas and hydrangeas (when in season), discover the original stone wall that surrounded the palace back in 17th to 19th centuries during the days when samurai warriors defended the ruler. Visit nearby Sannomaru-Shozo-kan museum and see exquisite kimonos and Japanese paintings. Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit Tokyo Free-1000JPY per person Visit this shrine dedicated to the 123rd emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji and his wife. The shrine is a great place to escape the bustle of the city and wander the grounds along the wide walking paths. Sensō-ji Temple Visit Asakusa Free Explore Sensō-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs. Hotel: New Takanawa Price Hotel Meals Included - b&b
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TokyoOdaiba, a large man-made island in Tokyo Bay that was built as a fort island at the end of the Edo era, is a popular district for shopping and entertainment, and makes for a fun day out in Tokyo. You can do a bit of shopping in DiverCity Tokyo Plaza mall, or head to Oedo Onsen Monogatari, a huge Edo-era themed hot spring complex which is a particularly good place for chilling out on rainy days. Fans of Sega games can spend hours of fun at Joypolis, an amusement park where the rides are all based on Sega’s popular games and characters. If you’re in Odaiba in the evening you can enjoy the area’s most iconic sight: Rainbow Bridge, which connects Odaiba to the rest of Tokyo and looks particularly atmospheric when lit up. Odaiba provides some great panoramic views of Tokyo back across the water, so definitely bring your camera along. Odaiba is accessible on the Yurikamome, an automated monorail line, or by a regular train to the futuristically named Tokyo Teleport Station, but please note that the train routes to Odaiba aren’t covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Tokyo’s man-made island of Odaiba is now the proud home of the world’s first digital art museum, designed by the ultra-technologist art group teamLab. “teamLab Borderless” features almost 50 immersive, three-dimensional digital works spread over five distinct sections, with themes of nature and interaction, such as the ‘Athletic Forest’ which invites you to understand the world by bouncing, moving, and swinging your way through the art; and the stunning ‘Forest of Lamps’, full of resonating Venetian glass lamps that change colour as you approach them. The entire museum is a breath-taking, interactive, multi-sensory experience that encourages you to be at the centre of the art and appreciate how the exhibits change around you, rather than simply observing it from a single vantage point. We reckon you could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon exploring the museum, and if you ever need a pick-me-up, you can head to the ‘En’ tea house to enjoy a cup of green tea in which a digital flower blooms as you drink it!
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Final Day in TokyoFree day to explore Tokyo in any way you wish. In the evening there will be a option to drive around Tokyo in Go Karts for the final day. This will cost a extra £80pp.
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Flight Home from TokyoIts time to say goodbye to one of the most amazing countries in the world and make your way back to home.
ITINERARY DISCLAIMER
As your travel experience specialist, it is my of utmost importance that I create an itinerary which gives you the best use of time, so you can see as much as possible without getting being over run or tired. However due to the very nature of travel we never know exactly where our journey could take us. Although we do not expect anything to change sometimes we as a group need to adapt as not everything from weather to local restrictions is not in our control. For this reason I build a certain amount of flexibility into the itinerary and on occasion it could be both important and desirable to the group to make changes as we go along. Also it is important to add that any travels that are listed are approximations and are subject to vary due to local circumstances.