Traversing Japan by Bullet Train, from Osaka to Kyoto, Hakone, and Tokyo, this small-group tour reveals the country’s seamless blend of timeless tradition and mesmerising modernity
Flight - 1 night
Osaka - 1 night
Kyoto - 3 nights
Hiroshima - 1 night
Hakone - 1 night
Tokyo - 3 nights
Exploring the country’s culture and contrasts, past and present, the tour begins in commercial and very contemporary Osaka. With a castle and ancient Shinto shrine, it is not without historic sites but doesn’t dwell on heritage. Kyoto is quite the opposite, with imperial palaces, over a thousand Buddhist temples, timber townhouses and old-world shopping streets. Another sharp contrast follows as we visit Hiroshima, still an affecting site, but defying predictions of its permanent demise with a modern downtown, and the Peace Memorial Park’s reconstruction of heritage monuments. Tranquillity comes naturally to Hakone, a blissful retreat of botanical gardens, forest-shrouded shrines, the gorgeous Lake Ashinoko, and matchless views of Mount Fuji. One last transition is to Tokyo’s famously soaring skyline, but, down at street level, it masters the mix of old and new.
Cultural & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
3 UNESCO Heritage Sites
High Speed Train Included
Local Guide Throughout
A taisho will demonstrate how to create diff erent pieces of sushi. Enjoy preparing your own sushi lunch. Sushi is prepared from vinegared rice, accompanied by a variety of ingredients, such as raw seafood and vegetables. Styles of sushi and its presentation vary widely, but the one key ingredient is ‘sushi rice’.
Japanese cherry blossom are about appreciating the present so we have selected departures coinciding with the brilliant colours of autumn foliage (koyo) to be surrounded by scarlet maple and golden ginkgo trees.
2023: Oct 27 & Nov 3
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow, via Tokyo to Osaka.
Day 2 On arrival, transfer to the 4-star Rihga Royal Hotel for an overnight stay; and later visit the Floating Garden Observatory, topping the 40-storey Umeda Sky Building.
Day 3 Visit the 16th-century, though much-rebuilt, Osaka Castle, a moated confection within fortress walls. Stroll in the city’s entertainment area, Dotonbori; and enjoy an ‘Okonomiyaki’ savoury pancake lunch. Travel to Kyoto, the country’s capital for eleven centuries, and still the epicentre of Japanese culture. Visit Gion, the city’s geisha district. Three nights at the 3-star Rihga Gran Hotel. (B, L)
Day 4 A full day of discovery in Kyoto includes visits to the Buddhist Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion; the 15th-century Zen dry garden of Ryoan-ji Temple, and Arashiyama Park, renowned for its bamboo groves, particularly scenic during cherry blossom time and in autumn foliage. (B)
Day 5 For an immersive introduction to the rhythm and culture of Kyoto, we use local transport to visit the Buddhist Kiyomizu-dera; explore on foot in the stepped lanes of Ninenzaka Street; and experience a Zen meditation, and a lesson in making Japanese tea. (B)
Day 6 Travel by Bullet Train to Hiroshima, etched in collective memory as the ‘ground zero’ of 6th August, 1945. Visit the Peace Memorial Park, created around one of the few buildings still standing, including the Atomic Bomb Dome and the museum. Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Granvia. (B)
Day 7 Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to view Itsukushima Shrine and its ‘torii’ gate. Travel by Bullet Train (via Osaka) to Odawara, and transfer to Hakone, set within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Overnight at the 4-star Yunohana Prince Hotel, furnished in Japanese style. (B, D)
Day 8 A scenic tour of the area includes a cable car ride over Owakudani Valley, a cruise on the blue waters of Lake Ashinoko, and a visit to Onshi Park. Travel by road to high-tech Tokyo, for three nights at the 4-star Royal Park Hotel. (B)
Day 9 Using local transport throughout our time in Tokyo, today’s visits include the National Museum; Asakusa district’s Nakamise shopping street; and the very different Ginza district. Later, enjoy a sushi making experience. (B, L)
Day 10 Continue exploring the city’s highlights, with a photo-stop at the Imperial Garden; and visiting the Shinto ‘Meiji Shrine’ and the tower-top Shinjuku Observatory. (B, D)
Day 11 Transfer to Tokyo Haneda airport for the return flight, arriving at London Heathrow 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.
A modern 4-star hotel in the Kita neighbourhood and close to Keihan Nakanoshima railway station. Restaurants, bar, gym, pool, sauna and WiFi (free). 1041 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
3-star hotel in Kyoto’s Minami neighbourhood and close to the railway station. Restaurant, bar, public bath and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Hiroshima is directly connected to the JR Hiroshima Station and a 20-minute tram ride from Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park and a 10-minute drive from Hiroshima Castle. This Michelin 3-star rated hotel offers modern accommodation with 6 restaurants, massage services and WiFi (free). Rooms with air-conditioning and heating, fridge, trouser press and a flat-screen TV. Buffet breakfast daily.
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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 hairdryer, mini-fridge and satellite TV.
A classic 4-star hotel in Tokyo’s Chuo neighbourhood, close to Suitengumae underground station. Restaurants, bars and WiFi (free). 419 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Notes
Please note that in Japan room sizes are generally smaller than in Europe and double beds are not available at all hotels.
2023
Fridays
per person in a twin room
Japan Airlines from Heathrow
2024
Fridays
per person in a twin room
Japan Airlines from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £665
Twin for single use £875
Flight Options
Japan Airlines Premium Economy – On request
Japan Airlines Business Class – On request
Extension Options
Extra nights – Osaka
Righa Royal Hotel
(per night) £195
Single supplement £95
Extra nights – Tokyo
Royal Park Hotel
(per night) £160
Single supplement £115
Privately Guided
Add £2595 per person
Tour Only
Save £900
Arrival transfer from Kansai Airport add £190
Arrival transfer from Itami Airport add £155
Departure transfer by shuttle bus from Haneda Airport add £50
Departure transfer by shuttle bus from Narita Airport add £75
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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