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£5395

Japan's Earthly Treasures

In the 'Land of the Rising Sun', natural splendour is embellished with man-made treasure. From Shinto shrines to Buddhist temples, from moated castles to Zen-calm gardens, from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Matsue, this is a tour through time and traditions

An interwoven tapestry of timeless traditions and hi-tech modernity, Japan is a country of unique culture and immense colour, in its shrines and temples, in its busy cities and beautiful landscapes, and especially in its exquisite gardens. Much more than botanical displays, the Japanese garden is an art form of aesthetic and philosophical ideals, dating back 1,400 years, and aiming always to create ‘six aspects’. These could be anything from architecture to spaciousness, but often include coolness, scenic perspectives, subtlety of design, and serenity. This tour visits some of the best of them, from rock and moss gardens to lavish enclaves of pagodas and pavilions; complemented by landmark sites and a sense of unchanging customs. It takes in Tokyo’s Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines; the acres of blossoms and history in Yokohama’s Sankeien grounds; and spectacular views of Mount Fuji as we sail on Lake Ashinoko. We visit tranquil Kanazawa and its geisha quarter; tour the highlights of Kyoto, the country’s capital for eleven centuries, and still the epicentre of Japanese culture; and Matsue’s legendary castle; and we experience the bullet train, a traditional tea ceremony, and a stay in a ‘ryokan’ typical rural inn.

Overview

  • Flight  - 1 night
  • Tokyo  - 3 nights
  • Kami Suwa  - 1 night
  • Kanazawa  - 1 night
  • Kyoto  - 2 nights
  • Osaka  - 1 night
  • Matsue  - 2 nights
  • Tokyo  - 1 night
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Tour Highlights

  • Experience multi-faceted Tokyo
  • Overnight at a Ryokan
  • Wander through ancient Kyoto
  • Discover historic Nara
  • Visit a variety of gardens
  • Explore Iwani Silver Mine

In the 'Land of the Rising Sun', natural splendour is embellished with man-made treasure. From Shinto shrines to Buddhist temples, from moated castles to Zen-calm gardens, from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Matsue, this is a tour through time and traditions

Notes:

This is a full itinerary with most visits on foot and sites with steps/inclines and uneven surfaces.

On Day 5, main luggage is transported by road to Kyoto, so an overnight bag is needed for your stay in Kami Suwa and Kanazawa.

Please note that in Japan room sizes are generally smaller than in Europe.

Accommodation

Monterey Hanzomon Hotel - Tokyo

3-star hotel, 1-minute walk from Hanzomon Subway Station and a 5-minute walk from the Imperial Palace. WiFi (free) and 340 rooms with hairdryer, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.

Shibu No Yu - Kami Suwa

A traditional 3-star ryokan style hotel close to Lake Suwa. Restaurant, bar, onsen and WiFi (free). 26 air-conditioned Japanese style rooms with hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.

Hotel Vista - Kanazawa

Hotel Vista Kanazawa is a 3-star hotel situated a 5-minute walk from Kanazawa Station. Amenities include a restaurant, public bath and WiFi (free). 213 rooms with hairdryer, mini-fridge, tea making facilities and TV.

Rihga Gran Hotel - Kyoto

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.
May 2024 & all 2025 departures

Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu – Osaka

A modern 4-star hotel, close to Namba Shrine. Restaurant, bar, gym, WiFi (free). 364 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea making facilities and satellite TV.

Rihga Royal Hotel - Osaka

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.

Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu - Matsue

3-star hotel with simple guest rooms fitted with modern facilities, a 3-minute walk from JR Matsue Station. Restaurant and WiFi (free) in public areas. 163 rooms with hairdryer, mini-fridge, tea making facilities and TV.
Notes:

Please note that in Japan room sizes are generally smaller than in Europe.

Extension Options

Hiroshima Extension

Visit Hiroshima, today a vibrant city of leafy wide boulevards with a thriving cosmopolitan community. Visit the majestic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island and the Hiroshima Peace and Memorial Park including the Atomic Bomb Dome with its moving message of peace. Breakfast daily.

Note: Transfer from Izumino airport to Hiroshima is unaccompanied on public transport.

Hotel Granvia - Hiroshima

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.

Extra Nights

Stay in Tokyo before you start your tour or before flying back to the UK

Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements

Monterey Hanzomon Hotel
(per night) £105 (2025 £150)
Single supplement £75 (2025 £95)

Monterey Hanzomon Hotel - Tokyo

3-star hotel, 1-minute walk from Hanzomon Subway Station and a 5-minute walk from the Imperial Palace. WiFi (free) and 340 rooms with hairdryer, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin room

Mon 04 Nov 2024
From London Heathrow
Mon 24 Mar 2025
From London Heathrow
Mon 31 Mar 2025
From London Heathrow
Mon 12 May 2025
From London Heathrow
Mon 27 Oct 2025
From London Heathrow
Mon 10 Nov 2025
From London Heathrow
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, transfers, 11 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 8 lunches and 2 dinners, itinerary as described, services of expert local guides and representative. 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.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £615
Flight Options
  • Japan Airlines Premium Economy
  • On request, please call
  • Japan Airlines Business Class
  • On request, please call
Tour Only
  • Save
  • up to £650
  • Arrival transfer Haneda airport
  • £275
  • Arrival transfer Narita airport
  • £315
  • Departure transfer Haneda airport
  • £275
  • Departure transfer Narita airport
  • £315
Extension Options
  • Hiroshima Extension
  • 2024 (2 nights): Nov 15
  • £695
  • 2025 (1 night): Apr, May, Nov
  • £775
  • 2025 (2 nights): Apr, May, Nov
  • £775
  • Single Supplement
  • 2024: Nov 15
  • £65
  • 2025: Apr, May, Nov
  • £80

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