Japan - The Magic of the Orient






















Bullet Trains, temples, tea plantations and extraordinary cities

This two-week tour reveals Japan's astonishing contrasts: busy cities and tranquil countryside, traditional cultures and cutting edge modernity, all linked by thrilling journeys on the legendary 'Bullet Train'.

Day 1 Tuesday - Fly to Osaka
We depart on the evening flight from London Heathrow to Osaka.

Day 2 - Osaka to Kyoto
We arrive in Osaka early afternoon, and then a short transfer takes us to Kyoto. Here we stay three nights at the Rihga Royal Hotel, close to Kyoto's futuristic railway station and shopping centre.

Day 3 - Explore Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital
Kyoto was the Japanese capital for more than a thousand years and is a living museum of the country's artistic heritage as well as a thriving modern city. A morning sightseeing tour helps us to get our bearings and in the afternoon we enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in a thatched farmhouse set amongst formal gardens. The extraordinary politeness and hospitality we receive throughout the whole tour are hallmarks of Japanese culture, and are much appreciated by our customers.

Day 4 - Historic Nara
We visit Nara, another former capital, just a short train ride away from Kyoto. It is an attractive, compact city of narrow streets set against a backdrop of wooded hills, which is a delight to visit. Here we enjoy a walking tour, seeing beautiful temples and shrines.

Day 5 - Bullet Train to Hiroshima
Our tour continues as we board the legendary 'Bullet Train' and race west over the new line to Hiroshima at an average speed of about 120mph, for an overnight stay in the Rihga Royal Hotel. We visit the World Peace Memorial Park and A-bomb Dome Museum, poignant reminders of the devastation of 1945.

Day 6 - Miyajima Island
Today we travel to Miyajima Island by train and boat, leaving behind the bustling modern city for the tranquillity of the island, where deer wander freely. We visit some of the many shrines hidden amongst the dense woodland before walking to the Benteno Yado Itsukushima Ryokan Hotel, where we spend one night. Our stay here is truly special. A Kimono-clad mistress shows you to your room and explains the etiquette whilst you relax on the Tatami mat, onto which a futon mattress is added for sleeping. Dinner and breakfast, both included, will delight the palate and are masterpieces of presentation.

Day 7 - By rail to Takayama
We leave the island by ferry and travel by train to Hiroshima, where we transfer to the Bullet Train to Nagoya. At Nagoya we join the 'Wide View Hida' train for a scenic journey that climbs into the mountainous 'Japan Alps' past forests and tea plantations. We stay two nights in Takayama at the Hida Plaza Hotel.

Day 8 - Temples of Takayama
Set deep in the mountains, Takayama is a town of narrow streets and wooden houses which time has passed by. After a walking tour, you have free time to explore its temples, shrines, traditional inns and shops selling excellent laquerware and woodcrafts.

Day 9 - To Hakone
We return to Nagoya to join the Bullet Train to Mishima, and then travel by coach to the Hakone National Park. Lying in the foothills of Mt Fuji, Hakone is an area of lakes, forests and hot springs and this afternoon, we enjoy a cruise on the tranquil Lake Ashi, a former crater lake. We continue by coach to our hotel for the night, the Hakone Hotel Kowakien, set in a peaceful forest location.

Day 10 - From the mountains to Tokyo
We tour the National Park by funicular, cable car and mountain railway, enjoying unforgettable views and a visit to the sulphurous hot springs at Owakudani. We continue to Tokyo by train, travelling in a 'Romance car' (observation car) on the narrow-gauge line. Our base in the capital for four nights is the Keio Plaza Hotel, located close to Shinjuku station.

Day 11 - To Kamakura
Today's excursion is by train and swinging monorail through wooded mountains to Kamakura, a seaside resort with an abundance of shrines and historical treasures. During our visit we see the Great Buddha, a magnificent bronze statue in the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple.

Day 12 - Sightseeing in Tokyo
Our morning tour of the metropolis includes the Tokyo National Museum, the lively Ameyoko Market and the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of the city's most sacred sites. Your afternoon is free to enjoy this extraordinary city.

Day 13 - Free time in Tokyo
Your last day is free for shopping and sightseeing. Do not miss the fascinating Ginza district, with its stylish department stores, designer boutiques and chic galleries.

Day 14 Monday - Flight to London
We leave for Tokyo airport in the morning for the flight to London Heathrow, arriving late afternoon the same day.

Japanese Trains
Simply the most efficient and reliable train service in the world. Many journeys are on the famous Bullet Trains over newly-built lines travelling at up to 300 kmh. Travel is in Green (First) Class with spacious airline-style seating and meticulous service on board. The operation of the network is a delight to experience and late running almost unheard of.

Accommodation and meals
We stay in modern hotels of 4-star equivalent standard. Breakfasts are included and all hotels have several restaurants with Japanese or International meals and a full range of leisure facilities.

Despite Japan's reputation for being expensive, eating out need not be, and a budget of £30 per person per day should cover lunch and dinner in restaurants outside the hotels.

Luggage is handled separately and a Japanese guide will accompany the group in Japan. A reasonable amount of walking will be necessary for transfers and sightseeing.