Contrasts of Japan 2012

Luxury Japan Escorted Tour - 12 Days

In a nutshell: Gentle, welcoming, traditional.
Great For: Bullet train, gardens, nature and an appreciation of both the ancient and modern cultures.
We Say: Fascinating and zen-like. Japan’s unique identity contrasts even with its Asian neighbours and is perfect for seeing the country’s cultural icons and experiencing something new.

Holidays highlights
   -See the sights of ancient Tokyo as well as a flavour of the dazzling modern city.
   -The high-speed journey from Tokyo to Hiroshima aboard Japan’s famous bullet train.
   -Sightseeing tour of Hiroshima including a reflective visit to the Peace Memorial Park.
   -A day on the sacred Miyajima Island visiting the intriguing Itsukushima Shrine with the photogenic Torii Gate rising out of the waters.
   -Explore the peaceful temples and exquisitely tended gardens of Kyoto.
   -Try traditional Japanese cuisine whilst being entertained by geisha and maiko performances in Kyoto.
   -Stay on Lake Kawaguchi, close to Mount Fuji, for lake and mountain scenery. Our hotel here offers traditional ‘washitsu’ (Japanese style rooms) and hot spring baths.
   -Visit Hakone National Park, with a cable car ride to the hot springs and volcanic vents of Owakudani valley and a cruise on Lake Ashi.
   -Visit in spring for the chance to see the beautiful cherry blossom or autumn for the picturesque colours in the gardens and mountains.

Day One - UK - Inflight
Your journey starts at London Heathrow where you will check in for your overnight Virgin Atlantic flight to Tokyo, meet up with your Journeys of Distinction Tour Manager and relax in the executive lounge.
Included Meals: Inflight
Hotel: Inflight

Day Two – Inflight - Tokyo
On arrival, transfer to the Prince Park Tower hotel for your two night stay. The hotel is well situated in the city, close to Tokyo Tower. This evening we get together for welcome drinks.
Included Meals: Inflight
Hotel: Prince Park Tower

Day Three - Tokyo
Full day tour taking in the key sites including the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku and Omotesando. Returning to the hotel late afternoon, the rest of the day and evening are free.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Prince Park Tower

Day Four - Tokyo - Hiroshima
Journey south to the cosmopolitan city of Hiroshima, travelling by bullet train at over 180 miles per hour. You’ll stay at the centrally located Rihga Royal Hotel for the next two nights. There’s a poignant afternoon tour of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, built on the site of the nuclear explosion. The rest of the day and evening are free.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Rihga Royal

Day Five – Hiroshima - Miyajima Island - Hiroshima
Travelling south by ferry, visit Miyajima Island which is worshiped as a god and considered very holy. See the 6th century Itsukushima Shrine built over water, one of Japan’s most famous sites. Taking the cable car along Momijidani for spectacular views of the island’s natural beauty, we then walk into the small town with its crafts and delicious rice cakes. Rest of the day and evening are free.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Rihga Royal

Day Six – Hiroshima - Kyoto
Our second bullet train journey takes us to Kyoto, Japan’s historic centre. See ornate temples, perfect Japanese gardens, palaces, museums and the Heian Shrine. Continue through the eastern hills to the intricate wooden Kiyomizu Temple and Otawa waterfall. Stay at the centrally located Kyoto Hotel Okura for three nights.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Kyoto Hotel Okura

Day Seven - Kyoto
Morning tour of Kyoto city taking in the Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Temple and Ginkakuji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion. Your afternoon is free. This evening we enjoy a special tempura dinner at the Yoshikawa Restaurant with a performance of geisha dancing and traditional music.
Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hotel: Kyoto Hotel Okura

Day Eight - Kyoto
Today is a completely free day so you can explore new areas of the city, pay a return visit to a site that you particularly enjoyed or take our optional tour to Nara and the Todaiji Temple which houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Kyoto Hotel Okura

Day Nine – Kyoto - Mount Fuji - Lake Kawaguchi
Our third bullet train journey takes us to Mishima and Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic peak. We then continue to Lake Kawaguchi for our night at the lakeside Kazeno Terrace Kukana, set in the countryside surrounding Mount Fuji.
Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hotel: Kazeno Terrace Kukana

Day Ten - Lake Kawaguchi - Tokyo
Take the cable car up and over the surrounding mountains to Owakudani Boiling Valley and see the steaming vents of the volcanic crater that was created by the eruption of Mount Hakone three thousand years ago. Descend again to Lake Ashi and enjoy a relaxed cruise past forested shores before returning to Tokyo.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Prince Park Tower

Day Eleven - Tokyo
You have a free day in Tokyo which you can spend sightseeing, shopping or just relaxing. There are optional visits to historic Nikko or the Kamakura country retreat. This evening we have a farewell dinner at the Bice Tokyo restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hotel: Prince Park Tower

Day Twelve – Tokyo - UK
Early transfer to the airport for our Virgin Atlantic flight back to London Heathrow, arriving this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, inflight