A single rock afloat a sea of meticulously raked gravel; colourful koi carp gliding serenely beneath the surface of a lotus pond; the gentle curves of a teahouse roof set against a crimson flash of autumn maple. Such classic images of Japanese gardens are yours to discover on this 14 night journey.
This adventure seeks out some of the finest examples of this art form, to take you beyond these select images and into the hidden delights and meticulous detail of the Japanese garden.
Gardens of Japan includes stays in two of Japan's acknowledged top three garden cities; Kanazawa for Kenrokuen and Okayama for Korakuen as well as our contender for best garden in Japan, Ritsurin-koen in Takamatsu. Each offers its own unique beauty, yet when all three are taken together you will have a wonderfully rich experience of the breadth of this revered art.
The Japanese word niwa, meaning garden, once referred to an area cleansed and purified in preparation for the arrival of the Shinto deities, the kami, believed to be present in the essential natural elements or rock, water and wood. Given this link between nature, Japanese culture and religious belief, it is of no surprise that the historic capital of Kyoto is home to some of the best gardens Japan has to offer. Simple Zen gardens, lovingly kept stroll gardens and borrowed scenery gardens taking in the mountains surrounding this attractive city.
During your stay in Kyoto, we will arrange an appointment for you to visit Saiho-ji temple, famed for its moss gardens. North of Kyoto near the town of Matsue on the Japan Sea Coast, the Adachi Museum's stunning gardens have won accolades from around the world and are an absolute must-see. The art museum is top class too and Matsue itself is an attractive castle town.
Omiya, just outside Tokyo, is home to gardens in miniature famous for its bonsai villages which hold perhaps the largest collection of these stunningly sculpted art forms in all of Japan. Here and in Matsue you will stay at Japanese-style lodgings with sumptuous evening meals included.
Garden design has long been considered an art form by the Japanese on a par with other disciplines, sharing the Japanese appreciation of, and emphasis on, abstract conceptions. This 14 night exploration will take in many of Japan's most famous gardens whilst also giving you the chance to seek out your own little corner of peace and tranquillity at some wonderful lesser-known locations.
Prices:
2012
Standard:
Twin: £2280 Single: £2830
Upgrade:
Twin: £3120 Single: £4500
Click for full details of pricing including extra nights
What's Included:
- 14 nights accommodation (3 nights Japanese-style)
- Breakfast each morning
- 2 evening meals
- Meet and Greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport
- All transport between destinations including airport transfers
- Excursion day from Kyoto (using included Japan Rail Pass)
- Tokyo transport card with 2500 yen of credit
- 8 hours private guide service in Tokyo & Kyoto
- Entrance to Saiho-ji temple in Kyoto
- InsideJapan Tours Info-Pack
- International Flights
- Local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination
- Any additional entrance fees including those for gardens, shrines, temples and museums
- Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip
Supplements
No seasonal supplement
Black Out Dates
Please note that during certain Japanese holiday periods, the prices
detailed in this brochure are NOT valid for packages if any of the
nights' accommodation fall within the following dates:
29th December to 4th January New Year
29th April to 5th May Golden Week
9th August to 17th August Obon Festival
Included evening meals are in Omiya (1) and Matsue (1).
BACK TO TOP
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 Tokyo
Meals: None
Yokoso! You will be welcomed at the arrivals gate by our representative, who will show you to your express train, whisking you straight in to the heart of the historic Asakusa district of Tokyo in exactly one hour. From the station, just hand the included voucher to your taxi driver who will take you the five minute journey straight to your hotel, located ideally to explore the bustling, old-world atmosphere of Asakusa. This neighbourhood is the perfect introduction to the city, with its traditional market stands, enticing food stalls and the striking Senso-ji Temple, giving you an idea of Tokyo life before the skyscrapers.
Day 2 Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
Today you have the services of one of our excellent local guides, who will show you the highlights and hidden sights of what this captivating city has to offer. The itinerary is at your disposal, so feel free to use your guide to discover those areas which have always fascinated you, or just sit back and allow them to exhibit their wealth of experience. You will be using the world-class public transport system, travelling as the Tokyoites do and getting close up to the city, with your guide on hand to answer all those inevitable questions! Be sure to visit Hama Rikyu. Formerly the garden of a feudal lord’s residence and the Shogun’s duck hunting ground, this garden now nestles amongst the towering skyscrapers of the Shiodome district, making for a dramatic backdrop!
Day 3 Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
With a city the size of Tokyo, there is something for everyone and today you have a full free day to explore. Your included Tokyo Transport pass allows you to easily travel around without having to buy individual tickets. You may like to get going early with a visit to the hectic Tsukiji Fish Market and its renowned tuna auction before sampling a fresh sushi breakfast. Afterwards, you could head to the ultra-modern Shibuya district with its famous multiple crossing and abundance of shops. Or visit the contrast of the distinctive fashions of Harajuku with the nearby peaceful Meiji Shrine. With so many sights to see, it is just a case of deciding what!
Day 4 Omiya
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
From Tokyo you will travel on to Omiya, taking the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) for the first time. Just outside Tokyo, Omiya is home to gardens in miniature – famous for its bonsai villages which hold perhaps the largest collection of these stunningly sculpted art forms in all of Japan. Omiya’s bonsai-mura (village) contains rows upon rows of these constrained sculptures; you can even purchase your own tiny tree to care for at home. You will be staying in a fantastic ryokan close to the bonsai park tonight, known for its fine food.
Day 5 Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast
Travelling on from Omiya, you will continue on the Shinkansen further north-west where you will change on to an express train travelling to the garden city of Kanazawa. The journey takes almost four hours, but you can relax as you wind through some of Japan’s most stunning mountainous countryside and coastal panoramas. This is your opportunity to visit the second of the ‘Big Three’ gardens of Japan: Kenroku-en. Originally designed as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, it is now the main reason to visit the city; to view the ponds, waterfalls, bridges and teahouses that have developed over the last 200 years.
Day 6 Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast
Once you have visited Kenroku-en, you may like to take a stroll through the city’s geisha district and samurai houses, or perhaps discover the time honoured industries of the town: which produce Kaga-yuzen silk fabrics, Kutani and Obi pottery, and Kaga-braised gold-lacquer. A possible day trip option is to the world heritage site of Shirakawago and the ‘Praying Hands’ houses: a living historical record of traditional buildings and lifestyles located in the shadow of Hakusan, Japan’s second most sacred mountain.
Day 7 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
The express train from Kanazawa takes you through beautiful countryside and winds alongside the shores of Japan’s largest lake: Biwa-ko, before finally reaching Kyoto. During your three nights here you will have the opportunity to visit some of the best gardens Japan has to offer as well as take in the enormous wealth of fantastic shrines, temples and markets. From the serene Ryoan-ji temple’s famous rock garden to the atmospheric restaurant street of Pontocho, Kyoto is an inspiring experience and a highlight of any trip to Japan.
Day 8 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Today you will have a scheduled full day tour of the city by public transport with a local private guide. Your guide will come to your hotel and take you on a tour that will encompass some of the more famous sights but also some lesser known places of interest. We have included a visit to the Saihoji Moss temple (koke-dera) in your day. Viewable by appointment only, the gardens of this temple are justifiably famous throughout Japan. Your entrance includes Japanese calligraphy brushes to keep as a souvenir and you will be asked to try writing out some simple calligraphy as part of the experience!
Day 9 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Another day to further explore Kyoto today: or use your included Rail Pass to take a trip out of the city for the day. Nearby Nara, Japan’s first capital, boasts eight World Heritage Sights including the impressive Daibutsu, Japan’s largest Buddha. Or if you are after something a little more upbeat, then you can travel the short distance to the lively modern city of Osaka. With its fantastic shopping district and world-class cuisine, the real life is on the streets!
Day 10 Takamatsu
Meals: Breakfast
From Kyoto you will take a Shinkansen and Ltd Express train to Takamatsu on the scenic island of Shikoku. Takamatsu is home to Japan's largest garden, Ritsurin-koen, which sits at the foot of Mount Shuin. Ritsurin-koen is a fine example of landscaping, borrowing the pine-clad scenery of Shuin-zan and blending chestnut trees, lotus ponds, arching red bridges and artificial islands. There are also several interesting museums in Takamatsu including the Sanuki Folkcraft Museum and a sculpture garden designed by Isamu Noguchi.
Day 11 Matsue
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Heading out of Takamatsu on a Ltd Express train today, you will make your way over to the scenic town of Matsue. Referred to as the ‘City of Water’, sitting between the banks of Lake Shinji and the shores of the Sea of Japan, Matsue is a great place to explore, as well as a base to visit the fantastic Adachi Museum’s stunning gardens. The town has an abundance of history, with a number of samurai residences and Japan’s oldest Shinto Shrine – Izumo Taisha - as well as one of the few remaining original forts in Japan.
Day 12 Matsue
Meals: Breakfast
This morning is the perfect opportunity to visit the nearby Adachi Museum, known for its striking landscape gardens which have won accolades from around the world and are an absolute must-see. Don’t miss also the fantastic collection of contemporary Japanese paintings within the museum itself. You may like to spend the afternoon taking a canal boat ride for an alternative approach, or enjoy the excellent seafood down by the lagoon. The impressive castle offers some beautiful views of the surrounding area, while the local streets are lined with pine trees, old samurai residences and tea houses.
Day 13 Okayama
Meals: Breakfast
Travelling south to the city of Okayama today finds you in the final ‘Big Three’ of Japan’s gardens - Koraku-en. Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Castle’s dark exterior, you can stroll through the grassy expanses, crops of growing rice and even tea plantations where you can refresh and revive at a teahouse. In the surrounding area you will find the Hayashibara museum of Art houses containing Japanese and Chinese artefacts, as well as the Prefectural museum with local historical displays.
Day 14 Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
It’s time to head back to the big city for your final night, and to catch up on anything you may have missed the first time round! As you speed up the eastern seaboard, keep an eye out to the left for the iconic Mount Fuji in Shizuoka prefecture. Back within the bright lights, you have time for some last minute souvenir shopping, a museum or gallery, or maybe just take the chance to eat some final mouth-watering Japanese sushi you wont find back home!
Day 15 Depart
Meals: Breakfast
As your holiday comes to an end, you can relax onboard the comfortable airport limousine bus to Narita Airport for your flight homeward.
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Pricing Information
| 2012 | |||
| Standard Price: | £2280 (Single Price: £2830) | ||
| Upgrade Price: | £3120 (Single Price: £4500) | ||
Extra Nights: |
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Standard Grade |
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| Start: Twin Share pp £65
Single pp £65
End: Twin Share pp £65 Single pp £80 |
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Superior Grade |
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| Start: Twin Share pp £90
Single pp £110
End: Twin Share pp £115 Single pp £175 |
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Accommodation
Asakusa Blue Wave Inn
Tokyo
Moderate Hotel
The Blue Wave Inn is located just a stone's throw from Sensoji Temple, the oldest and most venerated in Tokyo. Rooms are modern and bright and fully en-suite. The Ginza and Asakusa subway lines are just a short walk away meaning access to the rest of Tokyo is easy and the nearby Tobu line provides direct trains to Nikko.
Shindoyamaya Ryori Ryokan
Omiya
Ryokan (JP)
The Shindoyamaya Ryori Ryokan is a charming inn famous for its fine food. The ryokan is located a short taxi ride from the station and is convenient to Omiya Park and the Bonsai village. Rooms are modern Japanese style and the ryokan has its own bath house.
APA Hotel Kanazawa Chuo
Kanazawa
Business Hotel
The APA Hotel Kanazawa Chuo is a modern business hotel situated in the centre of town. All the rooms are western style with en-suite bathroom and are of a moderate size. On the ground floor there is a branch of 'Seattle's Best' coffee shop and the hotel also boasts a top floor spa, sauna and relaxation space.
Karasuma Kyoto Hotel
Kyoto
Moderate Hotel
The Karasuma Kyoto Hotel is located right in the centre of Kyoto and enjoys easy access to all of the city's main sights. There are also numerous shops and restaurants on the doorstep here. Rooms are moderately sized but clean and comfortable and fully en-suite. The hotel features its own restaurant, Starbucks coffee shop and bar. English speaking staff are usually available.
Dormy Inn Takamatsu
Takamatsu
Business Hotel
The Dormy Inn is a modern western style hotel well-located between Takamatsu Station and the famous garden, Ritsurin-koen. Rooms are on the small side, but are clean and comfortable. The hotel offers a free laundry service and on the top floor there are several indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, as well as a sauna. The included Japanese style breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant each morning.
Ryokan Terazuya
Matsue
Ryokan (JP)
Just a 10 minute walk from Matsue station and next to Shirakata shrine, this homely ryokan is a fantastic base for your stay in the "City of Water". Shinji lake is a 3 minute walk away whilst the Shimane Art Museum is just 5 minutes on foot. The castle is a pleasant 20 minute's stroll or a short ride in a taxi. Rooms at the ryokan are simple but well kept Japanese style and the food is first rate. Free internet (for quick e-mails checks) is available on request.
Okayama Daiwa Roynet
Okayama
Business Hotel
This western style hotel opened in 2009 and consequently offers modern, airy rooms and excellent service. The hotel is situated right next to Okayama Station allowing for an easy arrival and departure. The famous gardens Koraku-en and Okayama Castle are a 20 minute walk away.
Shinjuku Sunroute Plaza
Tokyo
Moderate Hotel
The Shinjuku Sunroute Plaza is conveniently located on the south side of Shinjuku station and opened in late 2007. The building has a sleek and modern design throughout, from the spacious lobby area to the well-appointed guestrooms, which offer flatscreen TV with video-on-demand and spacious bathrooms. The hotel has its own restaurant and bar and also a guest lounge providing internet access and complimentary hot drinks. The hotel is in a fantastic location in the lively Shinjuku district of Tokyo, with an endless choice of shopping, dining and entertainment options within a few minutes' walk. The hotel is also just two minutes on foot from Shinjuku station, offering easy access to other areas of the city.
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