DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO  JAPAN  (flights to be arranged by you)

On arrival, transfer by Express train to your 4* hotel in central Kyoto for 4 nights where you will be met by your Guide.

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DAY 2: GUIDED SIGHTSEEING IN KYOTO

Enjoy a full day visiting the sights of Kyoto by private air-conditioned coach, beginning with the beautiful Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavillion), a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top floor is covered in gold leaf. After that we will visit wonderful Ryoan-ji, possibly the temple with the most famous Zen rock garden in Japan arranged in the kare-sansui (dry landscape) style. Following a bento box lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Centre, we will visit Sanjusangendo, a famous temple in eastern Kyoto renowned for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included).

 

DAY 3: NARA & UJI

Today we will take a coach to the sleepy town of Nara, Japan's first permanent capital. The highlight of the day is a visit to Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha. After a quick stroll in Nara Park, where you can get close to the deer, we will move on to Uji which is famous for the most delicious green tea. We will visit a lovely tea shop that has provided tea to the Shoguns and Imperial family and you will have the opportunity to learn how to prepare green tea.  (Breakfast included). 

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7DAY 4:  DAY EXCURSION TO HIROSHIMA, MIYAJIMA 

Today we will make an early start and board the world-famous Bullet Train to the moving city of Hiroshima. We first visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Peace Memorial Museum. We will then stop for a delicious lunch before taking a short ferry ride to the beautiful island of Miyajima, once considered so sacred that commoners were forbidden. We return to Kyoto this evening. (Breakfast & Lunch included).

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DAY 5: KYOTO FREE DAY

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the late afternoon, we will enjoy a walk in the famous Geisha district of Gion followed by a very special experience where we will enjoy a light dinner in the company of a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) who will entertain us with dances and Oshaku (pouring drinks). Afterwards, we will have the opportunity to take pictures with the Maiko. (Breakfast & Dinner included).

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N.B. In order to make your journey to Tokyo more comfortable, we recommend that you pack a small overnight bag for your night's stay in Hakone as the remainder of your luggage will be sent ahead separately to your Tokyo hotel. The cost of sending one standard-sized suitcase is included in our tour price. Additional baggage will cost extra. Your suitcase will be collected tomorrow morning.

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DAY 6: KYOTO TO HAKONE

Today we say goodbye to Kyoto and board the Bullet Train bound for Hakone, a peaceful mountain resort in the foothills of Mt Fuji. We check into a lovely 4* hotel for the night. You are free to spend the afternoon strolling through the mountain paths and relaxing in your hotel's soothing private indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Enjoy a delicious dinner tonight. (Breakfast & Dinner included).

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DAY 7: HAKONE TO TOKYO

Following breakfast, we will explore the landscape of Hakone by private coach, ride in a cable car for a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains and volcanic valleys of Owakudani, and enjoy a wonderful cruise across Lake Ashi. Later this afternoon the Bullet Train will speed you to Tokyo, a city which must be seen to be believed. Your 4* hotel is located in central Tokyo, an ideal place to experience modern, urban Japan. (Breakfast included).

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DAY 8: GUIDED SIGHTSEEING IN TOKYO    

Today we will enjoy a full-day city tour by private coach beginning with a visit to the Sumida Hokusai Museum where you can browse the fantastic exhibits on show. We will then visit bustling Senso-ji Temple in the downtown area of Asakusa, before ending the day by ascending Tocho (the Tokyo Municipal Government Building) for a panoramic view of Tokyo. (Breakfast included).

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DAY 9: TOKYO FREE DAY

Today you are free to explore more of Tokyo's attractions. We recommend the electronics district of Akihabara. Alternatively, you might like to join a 1-day optional tour to Kamakura (the political centre of medieval Japan) and Enoshima Bay, or a 1- day optional tour to Nikko, a superb temple town in the mountains north of Tokyo. Lunch is included on both optional tours. (Breakfast included).

 

DAY 10: TOKYO

This morning we will visit lovely Koishikawa Korakuen garden. We will then visit serene Meiji Shrine and the trendy nearby district of Harajuku. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. We will have a fantastic Farewell Dinner in the evening. (Breakfast & Dinner included).

 

DAY 11: DEPART JAPAN

Transport to the airport by express train or Airport Limousine bus. Fly back home. You can also extend your stay in Japan if you wish!