Japan

Traditional Tea Ceremony

For a taste of local Japanese culture, head to one of Kyoto’s traditional townhouses for an interactive & educational tea ceremony experience.

The Way of Tea includes many elements of Japanese culture and has influenced the aesthetic sense of Japan.

Ride the Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Japan’s railway system has a reputation for being one of the best in the world, with great punctuality and safety records.

Its four main islands are covered by an extensive and reliable network of railways which make travelling the length and breadth of the country not only extremely convenient and easy, but even a pleasurable way to travel.

Some of Japan’s bullet trains can reach speeds of up to 200 mph!

Overnight in a traditional Ryokan

Ryokans are authentic old-style Japanese guest houses where long-held traditions are still observed.

Staying in a Ryokan offers foreign visitors a wonderful opportunity to taste the true flavour of traditional Japanese life, including Japanese-style bathing, traditional clothing, futon bedding and authentic cuisine.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF JAPAN

A 15 day tour revealing the magic, vibrancy and age old customs of Japan from the classic Buddhist temple and Shinto shrines of Kyoto, iconic Mt Fuji, and buzzing metros of Tokyo and Osaka to the tranquillity and tradition of its stunning countryside and islands. Travel and explore on your own as well as with city guides introducing you to the mysteries and complexities of the Japanese way of life.

• 3 nights at Gate Hotel Kaminarimon, Tokyo
• 1 night at Daikichi Ryokan, Tsumago in the Kiso Valley
• 1 night at Iseya Narai, Narai
• 3 nights at Celestine Kyoto Gion, Kyoto
• 2 nights at Sheraton Grand, Hiroshima
• 1 night at Marriot Miyako Osaka
• 2 nights at Motoyu Kansuiro Ryokan, Hakone
• 1 night Park Hotel, Tokyo

 (Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room with domestic flights and excluding the cost of international flights London/Tokyo/London).

 From £4490.00 per person

 Highlights of this itinerary:

• Taking tea with a Maiko in Kyoto
• Walking along the old samurai trail of the Nakasendo Way seeing Japan of a bygone era
• Sampling the delicious street food of Osaka’s retro Shinsekai neighbourhood

Relaxing in a hot spring bath in Hakone having glimpsed Mt Fuji

This is a suggested itinerary and all arrangements can be tailored to your specific requirements

HONSHU EXPLORER 

A 14 day tour that delves deep into Japanese culture and traditions exploring the well preserved samurai quarter and renowned Kerokuen Gardens of Kanazawa, ancient mountain town of Takayama with its Edo period cobbled streets and inns and traditional village of Shirakawago before experiencing a unique overnight stay in a temple inn on spiritual Mount Koya. The modern is not forgotten with plenty of time in vibrant Tokyo.

• 4 nights at Park Hotel, Tokyo
• 2 nights at Tokyu Hotel, Kanazawa
• 2 nights at Tanabe Ryokan, Takayama
• 3 nights at Cross Hotel, Kyoto
• 1 night at Fudo-in Temple, Mt Koya
• 1 night Marriott Miyako Osaka

 (Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room with domestic flights and excluding the cost of international flights London/Tokyo/Osaka/London).

From £4735.00 per person

 Highlights of this itinerary:

• Exploring the iconic Kerokuen Gardens; one of the top 3 in the whole of Japan
• Cycling around the beautiful Takayama countryside under the Hida mountain range
• Learning the skills of Japanese home cooking in Tokyo
• A highly memorable overnight stay in one of Mt Koya’s monasteries

This is a suggested itinerary and all arrangements can be tailored to your specific requirements