Japan is a truly timeless country, very traditional yet vibrantly modern; explore ancient Kyoto, travel in a small group by Bullet Train and admire the cherry blossoms or autumn leaves
Flight - 1 night
Osaka - 1 night
Kyoto - 3 nights
Hiroshima - 1 night
Hakone - 1 night
Tokyo - 3 nights
The roots of the history and culture of Japan can be found in the Kansai region which includes the ancient capital of Kyoto and its third largest city, Osaka, which has prospered as a capital of commerce for centuries. Tranquil shrines and magnificent Buddhist temples stand with understated architectural elegance surrounded by exquisite gardens developed over centuries and unchanged to this day.
The city of Hiroshima was deemed uninhabitable after the devastation caused by the atomic bomb in 1945 but great efforts were taken to restore its historical heritage.
In Kyoto, the 15th-century Zen dry garden of Ryoan-ji is one of the best known in Japan and the Gion district showcases the Japan of old with its historic stone-fenced merchants’ houses and tradition of geisha/ maiko entertainment. Advancing rapidly into the 21st century, we visit the hightech city of Tokyo. However, beyond the roar of traffic, the glitter of neon and smart stores, pockets of Japanese serenity may still be found.
Cultural & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
3 UNESCO Heritage Sites
High Speed Train Included
Local Guide Throughout
Small Group Size: 7 - 18
A taisho will demonstrate how to create different pieces of sushi. Enjoy preparing your own sushi lunch.
Japanese cherry blossom are about appreciating the present so we have selected departures coinciding with spring flowering of cherry (sakura) trees or be surrounded by scarlet maple and golden ginkgo trees and enjoy the brilliant colours of autumn foliage (koyo).
Cherry Blossom:
2020: Mar 21, Apr 4; 2021: Mar 19 & 26
Autumn Colours :
2020: Oct 24 & 31
Day 1 Fly overnight from your chosen airport to Osaka (Kansai) via Amsterdam.
Day 2 Transfer to the 4-star Sheraton Miyako for an overnight stay in Osaka. Visit Floating Garden Observatory.
Day 3 Visit the castle and stroll in Dotonbori Shopping Street. Okonomiyaki lunch. Travel to Kyoto and visit the Gion district. Spend three nights at the 3-star Hotel Monterey. (B, L)
Day 4 Full-day sightseeing of Kyoto. Visit Kinkaku-ji Pavilion, Ryoan-ji temple and Arashiyama Park, famous for its bamboo groves and stunning scenery, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn periods. (B)
Day 5 Further exploration of Kyoto using local transport, visits to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and a stroll on Ninenzaka street. Experience a Zen meditation and learn how to make Japanese tea. (B)
Day 6 Travel by Bullet Train to Hiroshima for overnight at the 3-star Hotel Granvia. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park including the Atomic Bomb Dome and the museum. (B)
Day 7 Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to view Itsukushima Shrine. Travel by Bullet Train to Odawara via Osaka. Transfer to Hakone, near Mount Fuji, for overnight at the Japanese style Yunohana Prince. (B, D)
Day 8 Take a cable car ride over Owakudani Valley, a Lake Ashinoko cruise and visit Hakone Onshi Park. Transfer to Tokyo for three nights at the 4-star Grand Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 9 Full-day tour of Tokyo using local transport includes the Tokyo National Museum, Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street and Ginza district. Enjoy a sushi making experience. (B)
Day 10 Further exploration of Tokyo using local transport, visits Imperial Garden for a photo stop, Meiji Shrine and Shinjuku Observatory. (B, D)
Day 11 Return flight from Tokyo Narita via Amsterdam, arriving the same day. (B)
Notes
This is a full itinerary with most visits on foot including the use of public transport and carrying luggage on and off trains.
On Day 6, main luggage is transported to Hakone so an overnight bag is needed for the Hiroshima stay.
Please note that in Japan room sizes are generally smaller than in Europe and double beds are not available at all hotels.
This contemporary 4-star hotel is close to Osaka Train station. Restaurants, bar, indoor pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 579 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This modern 3-star hotel is 15 minutes' walk from the Imperial Palace. Restaurants, spa, sauna and WiFi (free). 327 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Hiroshima is directly connected to the JR Hiroshima Station. This Michelin 3-star rated hotel offers modern accommodation with 6 restaurants, massage services and rooms with free Wi-Fi. Guestrooms offer both air-conditioning and heating facilities. Each room has a fridge, a trouser press and a flat-screen TV. The onsite restaurant Dish Parade serves a buffet breakfast daily. Granvia Hiroshima Hotel is a 20-minute tram ride from Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park and a 10-minute drive from Hiroshima Castle
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A traditional Japanese-style 4-star hotel with hot spring baths. Restaurant, WiFi (free) and 59 air-conditioned Japanese-style rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, mini-fridge and satellite TV.
A classic 3-star hotel, close to Kudanshita Subway Station. Imperial Palace is a 10 minutes' walk away. Restaurants, WiFi (free) and 464 rooms with private facilities, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
Notes
Please note that in Japan room sizes are generally smaller than in Europe and double beds are not available at all hotels.
Saturdays
per person in a twin room
KLM from Heathrow
Fridays
per person in a twin room
British Airways from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £775
(Apr £725; 2021 £875)
Twin for single use £995
(Apr £895; 2021 £1095)
Flight Options
KLM Business Class from £2095
KLM from Bristol, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow - Nil
British Airway World Traveller Plus from £525 (2021)
British Airways Business Class from £3195 (2021)
Extension Options
Extra nights – Osaka
Sheraton Miyako Hotel
(per night) £175
Single supplement £85
Extra nights – Tokyo
Grand Palace Hotel
(per night) £145
Single supplement £115
Independent Arrival
Save £700
Arrival transfer add £155
Departure transfer add £195
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 9 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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