On this cultural tour of Japan, you'll be able to visit the ancient shrines, temples and gardens of Imperial Kyoto, soak up some samurai history in Hiraizumi and marvel at the World Heritage shrines of Nikko. We'll be relaxing in the hotsprings of Hakone at one of Japan's most distinguished hotels, the Fujiya Hotel, whilst the stunning Matsushima bay - one of Japan's top 3 sights - awaits us in the Sendai area. In Nikko we have upgraded our stay for 2010 to the historic Kanaya Hotel - a lovely place to stay in this World Heritage area.
Festival - Geisha Dances (Miyako Odori & Gion Odori)
All departures include reserved seat tickets for the Spring/Autumn geisha dance festival - a unique chance to see the geisha of Kyoto performing in their own theatre.
Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone & More
Japan Enchantment commences from Tokyo, Japan's buzzing capital city and the most densely populated area on the planet. Tokyo is a phenomenon and we will begin with three nights here to explore; from the 100 miles an hour excitement of Shinjuku with its soaring skyscrapers and entertainment district which never sleeps!
From Tokyo our tour sets out on the 'Golden Route' with a three night tour of Kyoto, Japan's capital of history and culture, and two nights in the mountainous hotspring resort of Hakone with its views of the majestic Mt. Fuji (weather permitting of course!!).
The Tohoku region to the North of Tokyo is the backdrop for the second half of this Japanese tour - we'll explore the wonderfully ornate temples and shrines of Nikko, take in the views at Matsushima bay, soak in the luxurious hot spring waters of Naruko Onsen and explore the temples and gardens at Hiraizumi before returning to the capital for one final night in the megalopolis.
Led by Mr. Yasuhiko Ota, a retired businessman and expert tour leader, this is a very special tour at very special times of the year and is sure to be one of our highlight tours.
We've included a mix of good quality, well located Western-style hotels as well as a few nights in a range of high quality Japanese style inns. Breakfast everyday and 8 sumptuous evening meals are all included and the whole cultural tour of Japan is set against the backdrop of the beautiful pink sakura in spring and the fiery reds, golds and oranges of the changing leaves in autumn.
This tour of Japan captures the country in all its glory, from the skyscrapers of Tokyo to the rural communities of the Tohoku region. An adventure to savour.
E-mail to a Friend2010
Sun 28 Mar - FEW PLACES
Wed 27 Oct - NOW BOOKING
Prices:
2010: £2900
Prices are excluding international flights. Please click for full pricing information for this tour.
- 16 nights accommodation
- All transport between destinations in Japan including airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Meet and Greet upon arrival at Narita Airport
- Breakfast everyday
- 8 sumptuous evening meals
- Sumida River boat cruise
- Tokyo transport card
- Geisha district guided walking tour in Kyoto
- 'Miyako Odori' or 'Gion Odori' Geisha dance tickets
- Selected entrance fees and local transport
- Luggage forwarding between Tokyo & Kyoto and Kyoto & Sendai
- Full time services of your Tour Leader, Mr Yasuhiko Ota
- InsideJapan Tours' complimentary Info-Pack
- International flights
- Additional local transport (buses, subways taxis)
- Most entrance fees (including those for shrines temples and museums)
- Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip
Important Information
Single Supplement: This tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room in western style accommodation. Singles will still be asked to share a room with a group member of the same sex in Japanese style accommodation in Naruko and Hiraizumi (3 nights total)
Transport: Please note that all transfers are by public transport making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. All the hotels and ryokan have been chosen for their location close to the nearest station. However, you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators. We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag with wheels or a rucksack are most appropriate for this tour. Clothes washing machines and dryers are available for a small fee in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Accommodation: All hotels and inns on this Japan tour are equipped with full ensuite bathroom facilities. The accommodation in Hakone, Naruko Onsen, and Hiraizumi also offers communal hot-spring baths for your enjoyment.
International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport.
Please note that the included meet-and-greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available up to 2 days in advance of the tour and if you are staying extra nights pre-tour it is only available if those nights are booked through InsideJapan Tours.
Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 3pm. (You can however securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 Tokyo
The tour begins today in Tokyo, Japan’s electric capital city. You’ll be arriving at Narita Airport and will be met by one of our representatives who will give you a ticket to get into Tokyo. Many of our customers choose to come in a day or two early to get over jet-lag and get the most out of the tour. Whatever the case we will still have someone there to meet you up to 2 days before the tour. For 2009 your hotel is situated in the Shinjuku area, the buzzing neon lit heart of Tokyo. From here there are great transport links all over the city and its a great position to be situated for your introduction to Japan.
Day 2 Tokyo
After filling up at the hotel breakfast buffet, this morning we will be embarking on a full day tour of Tokyo. The day will start the short walk to Tocho, where the 45th floor of Tokyo Metropolitan Government building offers breathtaking views of the metropolis. From here we will venture on by local train to Harajuku where the extensive precincts of Meiji Shrine are to be found just across the tracks from the latest in Japanese youth fashion. Lunch in Harajuku will be followed by the short train ride to the impressive Shiodome development and Hamarikyu Tei-en, a beautiful garden and oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city; a chance for a break and a cup of green tea in the immaculate tea house that forms the centre piece of the garden. We will finish up the day with the river taxi up stream to Asakusa and Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. This will bring to a close the tour and you can either head back to the hotel in Shinjuku or spend some more time out and about in Tokyo. Tonight dinner is not included so we recommend heading out and sampling some of the culinary delights on offer in city of fantastic food!
Day 3 Tokyo
Today is a completely free day. Your complimentary Info-Pack is full of sightseeing ideas and Mr. Ota will be on hand to advise on what to do and how to do it. We will provide you with a 'PASMO', a transport pass that will help you get around town like a true 'Tokyoite'!
Day 4 Hakone
After breakfast at the hotel we will move on to Hakone by direct train from Shinjuku Station, a journey of 90 minutes. We’ll be travelling round the region on public transport using the buses, funicular railway, cable car, ropeways, and even a sightseeing ‘pirate ship’ that crosses Lake Ashino! Accommodation in Hakone is at the beautiful Fujiya Hotel. As one of the first Western style hotels in Japan the Fujiya is a classic establishment with beautiful wooden interiors, spacious rooms and top level service all in a setting of outstanding natural beauty. This will be one of the accommodation highlights of the tour and a real treat!
Day 5 Hakone
Some more time to explore Hakone. You will be able to use your included transport Free-Pass to travel around the area. You may like to take a short hike along what remains of the old Tokaido highway that used to be the major road linking Edo (modern day Tokyo) with Kyoto and Osaka or spend your day criss-crossing the mountains by cable-car from which, if the weather cooperates, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the majestic Mt. Fuji. There is an assortment of museums to visit and of course one of Hakone’s famous “trick boxes” would make for a great souvenir. Today will also be a good opportunity to visit the outdoor sculpture park. The collection of sculptures by such household names as Anthony Gormley and Henry Moore is set against a wonderful mountain backdrop. A true gem for all lovers of sculpture.
Day 6 Kyoto
After breakfast in the Fujiya’s beautiful wood-panelled dining room, we will leave for Kyoto, a three hour journey away by Shinkansen ‘Bullet’ Train. This afternoon we will have a walking lecture of the Geisha districts with a local expert, giving you a truly unique insight into this hidden world. After this, we have included tickets to the ‘Miyako Odori’ Geisha dances. This is a unique opportunity to see this vibrant display of traditional dance and music. Dinner is included tonight at a Gion restaurant.
Day 7 Kyoto
Today we will be taking a full day tour of the city with an expert Kyoto guide. You’ll be visiting some of the highlights of the city as well as some lesser known sights as you start to get to know this most famous and best loved of Japan’s cities; the true home of Japanese history and culture.
Day 8 Kyoto
Day 8 is our Excursion Day – a free day for you to use your JR Rail Pass (included in the tour price) to visit a destination of your choice. Popular choices include Hiroshima, Himeji Castle, Nara or Kanazawa to visit the beautiful garden of Kenrokuen. You can of course opt to stay in Kyoto if you wish to explore more in the city.
Day 9 Sendai
This morning we will make the long journey by ‘Bullet’ Train back to Tokyo and on to Tohoku’s largest city, Sendai. Journey time will be just over 5 hours. Here we will be staying at the Metropolitan Hotel next to the station - a great location for our short stay. We’ll spend the afternoon seeing the sights before taking dinner at a local restaurant (not included). Luggage Forwarding: Please note that this morning we will forward on large suitcases and bags to Sendai, travelling with overnight bags. Luggage will arrive in Sendai on day 10.
Day 10 Sendai
Our second day in Sendai will give us the chance to visit the famous island studded bay of Matsushima. Although the characterisations of the various little islands as tortoises, whales and human profiles may be stretching things a little, this is a beautiful area and the boat trip around the bay is well worthwhile. The small town of Matsushima also has a pleasant temple complex to wander around with a fine collection of Japanese art. Transport to and from Matsushima is covered by the included Japan Rail Passes and the boat cruise through the islands is also included. In the evening you’ll be free to sample some of the local cuisine in Matsushima or Sendai.
Day 11 Naruko Onsen
We’ll be travelling north today by Shinkansen then on to the hot spring village of Naruko Onsen. The journey takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. We will spend the whole day exploring the local area by mini-bus. We’ll take a short hike through the amazing Naruko Gorge before heading to the Kokeshi Doll museum to see some of the finest examples of this local traditional craft. In the afternoon we’ll drive up to see the Naruko Geyser and then take a walk with a difference through ‘hell valley’ with its spurting geysers and bubbling pits of water! A sumptuous dinner and breakfast are included at our ryokan.
Day 12 Hiraizumi
Today we make the journey north to Hiraizumi. Highlights include the wonderful gardens of Motsu-ji and the golden 900 year old Konjiki-do hall located in Chuzonji Temple.
Day 13 Hiraizumi
A second day in Hiraizumi will give us a chance to head out to the Geibikei gorge for a boat ride with a difference (we won’t be telling you in advance so as to not spoil the surprise!!) and to do some walking in the beautiful surroundings.
Day 14 Nikko
From Hiraizumi the ultra-modern Tohoku Shinkansen will whisk us back towards Tokyo and on to the historic town of Nikko. Today we will utilise a minibus to explore some of the national park around Nikko. We’ll take the cable car up to Akechi-daira peak for some great views of Chuzen-ji lake before moving on to the lake itself and the 97 metre high Kegon-no-taki waterfalls. There is the option (at a small extra cost) to take a relaxing boat cruise across the lake before making our final stop at the hot spring area of Yumoto. We will head to our hotel in Nikko - the historic Kanaya Hotel - late afternoon and dinner is included at a local restaurant tonight.
Day 15 Tokyo
After breakfast at our hotel today we’ll have the chance to visit the splendid Tosho-gu shrine complex and the other World Heritage sights in the Nikko area. Don’t miss the famous “see no evil” monkeys! This afternoon we will take a Ltd Express train to the historic area of Asakusa in Tokyo, our base for our final two nights. If you don't wish to stay with the group today other options in this area include a visit to the pottery centre of Mashiko where you can try your hand at the famous kilns and a visit to the hot springs of Yumoto Onsen just beyond Lake Chuzenji. There is another hot spring resort at Kinugawa where as well as bathing you can take man-oared boat trips and visit the nearby Edomura historical theme park.
Day 16 Tokyo
A full day in Tokyo today. The Asakusa area is the former downtown and entertainments district of Edo, as Tokyo was formally known, and this friendly district still maintains a traditional atmosphere and is home to Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple. You’ll have plenty of time to go gift shopping or perhaps check out some sights you missed at the start of the tour. In the evening we have included a farewell dinner. A chance for one last night of good food before heading home.
Day 17 Depart
It is that sad time when we all have to say our goodbyes and head our separate ways. Your ticket back to the airport is included. We wish you all the best for a safe journey home and hope that perhaps one day you will return to Japan for some more adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun.
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Pricing Information
| 2010 | |
| Tour Price: | £2900 |
| Single Supplement: | £130 |
| Extra Nights | |
| Pre-Tour: | Twin Share pp £87 Single pp £105 |
| Post-Tour: | Twin Share pp £87 Single pp £105 |
Feedback
What our customers say
We always ask our customers to let us know how they enjoyed their Japan tour and to share their thoughts with us on the service we provide. Below you will find a few comments kindly emailed to us from our Japan Enchantment tour.
Overall, the Japan Enchantment tour was a wonderful experience and a fantastic introduction to Japan. I would recommend both this tour in particular and Inside Japan in general for anyone wanting to vist Japan for the first time. The best thing about Japan is it's culture and most of all the warmth and generosity of it's people; this tour enables you to experience these to the full.
All in all, it was a terrific package, that let us get a glimpse of many different aspects of Japan ... and while being totally satisfying, still left us wanting more. It was a delightful trip, and we would most definitely do it again.
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