Best of the West

15th April 2011

Best of the West

See the gems of the east in Japan’s west in a new self-guided adventure from InsideJapan Tours...

A journey through parts of Japan far away from recent media focus, the new ‘Best of the West’ self-guided adventure* from InsideJapan Tours provides insightful experiences of traditional culture and the chance to see some of the most beautiful parts of the country, where life continues as normal.

*Self-guided adventures are for those who wish to travel independently but with the knowledge that the itinerary has been designed by InsideJapan Tours’ experts.

InsideJapan Tours has created a 13-night adventure – flying in and out of Osaka Kansai Airport – beginning in Kyoto, the ancient cultural capital, and ending in Kobe, famous for its exquisite beef (Kobe-niku), with the bright lights of Osaka and mountain-top Buddhist temple lodgings in between.

In Kyoto, visit fascinating temples, see geishas glide along the old streets of Gion, experience the still calm of exquisite gardens and learn about the traditions of the tea ceremony. Continue with cultural immersion and stay in a Buddhist temple lodging on top of Mt. Koya on the Kii Peninsula; dine on vegetarian cuisine with monks and get a glimpse of their meditative and peaceful way of life. Contrast Zen tranquillity with pulsating Osaka, with its neon-lit streets, old-fashioned pachinko parlours, shops selling everything from designer gear to ceramics and a vast array of eateries.

Zoom southwards out of Osaka on the bullet train (shinkansen) to Hiroshima and take the ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima. The island’s Itsukushima Shrine is fronted by a bold red gate standing tall and elegant in the bay. Originally constructed in 1168, the gate appears to float on the water at high tide and is one of Japan’s greatest sights.

From Miyajima, head to the seaside town of Hagi, with its preserved samurai districts. Then, travel along the picturesque coastline to the city of Matsue, home to the impressive ‘Black Castle’, a fine example of feudal architecture, situated on the shore of Lake Shinji.

Towards the end of the trip, stop off in the historic merchant town of Kurashiki, where the weeping willow-lined canals were used for transporting grain in the 18th century. Go punting, visit restored samurai residences, craft museums and old granaries - absorb the atmosphere of a town seemingly stuck in time.

Finish the ‘Best of the West’ adventure with a stay in Kobe’s Sannomiya district. Savour Kobe's famous food, take a dip in the Arima hot springs (onsen) and take a sunset stroll to the top of Mt. Rokko (931 metres) for stunning cityscape views of Kobe and Osaka.

The 13 night ‘Best of the West’ itinerary costs Ł1840 pp (two sharing) and includes traditional Japanese and western style accommodation, breakfast every day, six evening meals, all transport between destinations, meet and greet service, airport transfers, a private guide in Kyoto and a tea ceremony in Kyoto. Flights with Emirates can be booked via InsideJapan Tours from Ł667 pp return.

For more information, contact InsideJapan Tours on 0117 314 4620; www.insidejapantours.com.