Journey through Japan + Traditonal Japan

Torii Gate, Hiroshima

Japan, a country of contrasts, offering ultra-modern technology in a unique, traditional and mysterious land. Discover modern cities and ancient marvels on this enchanting journey.

Why not extend your holiday with a stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan? Ryokans have been part of Japanese culture for centuries and were primarily built to welcome weary samurais and traders who needed rest before continuing on their journey. We have selected accommodation in the Narita region for its beautiful scenery and Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Tokyo.

On arrival in Tokyo you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights (check in from 2pm). The rest of the day is yours to relax.

DAY 3: Tokyo.

One of the most exciting cities in the world, Tokyo is home to more than 8 million people. Today's sightseeing tour takes you to the Meiji Shrine - a magnificent 20th century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Afterwards, pass by the Imperial Palace Plaza, the National Guest House, the Akihabara district and the famous Ginza shopping street. Your tour concludes with a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in this cosmopolitan city. (B)

DAY 4: Tokyo - Nikko - Tokyo.

Journey north to Nikko for a visit to Toshogu Shrine and its famous Yomeimon Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, continue on to the I-Ro-Ha Zaka driveway, which reaches elevations of 3,940 feet, to visit Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon Waterfall. Later, return to Tokyo. (B)

DAY 5: Tokyo - Matsumoto - Nagano - Toyama.

This morning drive to Matsumoto where you will see Matsumoto Castle and the Japan Folklore Museum. Later, travel to Nagano to visit Zenkoji Temple. Founded 1400 years ago, the temple houses what is said to be the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. In the evening, arrive in Toyama. (B)

DAY 6: Toyama - Shirakawa - Takayama - Nagoya.

Continue through Japan's beautiful mountain scenery to one of the country's most remote regions - Shirakawa. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unique Gassho-Zukuri (meaning joined hands) style thatched houses can only be found in this area. This afternoon, journey through the Japanese Alps, via one of Japan's longest road tunnels, to the secluded town of Takayama, where old traditions are untouched by the passage of time. Visit the Kusakabe Heritage House for a glimpse of traditional Japanese architecture of the late 19th century before heading to Nagoya. (B)

DAY 7: Nagoya - Toba - Osaka.

Begin with a trip to Toba and visit Mikimoto Pearl Island to learn about the pearl cultivation process. Later, enjoy a visit to the most important shrine of the Shinto 'church' - Ise Grande Shrine. This afternoon, continue to Osaka, Japan's second largest city, where the rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

DAY 8: Osaka - Matsue.

Head to the city of Yonago, on the coast of the Sea of Japan and after a brief visit, continue to Izumo to admire the exterior architecture of the Izumo Shrine. Late, visit Matsue to see Buke Yashiki - a former samurai residence, and Matsue Castle. (B)

DAY 9: Matsue - Hiroshima.

En route to Hiroshima, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating Torii Gate. From here, continue to Hiroshima where your sightseeing tour of this important historical city features the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb. Also visit the Shukkeien Landscape Garden, which dates back to 1620. (B)

DAY 10: Hiroshima - Kyoto by Bullet Train.

A highlight of your tour is a journey on one of Japan's famous bullet trains, bound for Kyoto. Reaching Kyoto, one of the most fascinating cities in Japan, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore. (B)

DAY 11: Kyoto.

Enjoy a tour of Kyoto, visiting many of the city's temples, shrines, palaces and pagodas. A highlight of the day is a visit to the extraordinary Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the official residence of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. You will also visit Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion and the Heian Shrine and garden. During the day there will also be the chance to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. (B)

DAY 12: Kyoto - Hakone National Park - Narita.

Drive on the Meishin and Tomei expressways to Hakone National Park. On arrival, enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi and an aerial cable car ride over the beautiful Owakudani Valley. After your tour of Hakone National Park, you will be taken to Narita where you may see Mount Fuji, weather permitting. (B)

DAY 14 to 15: Narita.

Spend the next two days exploring the panoramic beauty surrounding Narita. Visit the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple situated just in front of your Ryokan or you may want to stroll through the main street of Narita, filled with souvenir shops and restaurants. To simply relax why not try a traditional bath or just visit one of the nearby parks. (B, D)

DAY 16: Narita - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)

Wakamatsu Honten
4diamond rating

Embodying the essence of classical Japan, Wakamatsu Honten is a modern Ryokan that combines traditional yet comfortable Japanese-style accommodation and soothing hot-spring fed baths with all the usual conveniences of a modern hotel.

Location: Set opposite the delightful Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, the Ryokan is ideally located for exploring the 'temple town' of Narita and access to the nearby train stations and airport.

Facilities: One large indoor bath; smaller private baths; Japanese style dining room; gift shop; laundry service.

Price includes: Spacious, traditional Japanese guest room with private toilet and bathroom; air-conditioning; TV; telephone; fridge; tea making facilities; yukata (Japanese-style dressing gown); slippers; safety deposit box.

Journey through Japan + Traditonal Japan 13 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
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Earlier 2012 Later
Sep Mon 10 Sep Tue 11 Sep Mon 17 Sep Tue 18 Sep Mon 24 Sep Tue 25 Oct Mon 01 Oct Tue 02
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Birmingham

Departure Times

09:20 Lufthansa German Airline
 

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09:20 Lufthansa German Airline
 

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09:20 Lufthansa German Airline
 

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09:20 Lufthansa German Airline
   
London Heathrow

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13:30
(+ £110)
British Airways
13:45 Virgin Atlantic Airways
 

Departure Times

13:30
(+ £90)
British Airways
13:45 Virgin Atlantic Airways
 

Departure Times

13:30
(+ £90)
British Airways
13:45 Virgin Atlantic Airways
 

Departure Times

13:30
(+ £90)
British Airways
13:45 Virgin Atlantic Airways
   
Manchester

Departure Times

08:55 Lufthansa German Airline
 

Departure Times

08:55 Lufthansa German Airline
 

Departure Times

08:55 Lufthansa German Airline
 

Departure Times

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Journey through Japan + Traditonal Japan 14 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
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  10 Sep 2012 Birmingham

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09:20 Lufthansa German Airline
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  10 Sep 2012 London Heathrow

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13:30
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13:45 Virgin Atlantic Airways
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  10 Sep 2012 Manchester

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08:55 Lufthansa German Airline
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  11 Sep 2012 Make your own way

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  17 Sep 2012 Birmingham

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  17 Sep 2012 London Heathrow

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13:30
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British Airways
13:45 Virgin Atlantic Airways
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  17 Sep 2012 Manchester

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08:55 Lufthansa German Airline
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  18 Sep 2012 Make your own way

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  24 Sep 2012 Birmingham

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09:20 Lufthansa German Airline
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  24 Sep 2012 London Heathrow

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13:30
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British Airways
13:45 Virgin Atlantic Airways
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  24 Sep 2012 Manchester

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08:55 Lufthansa German Airline
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  25 Sep 2012 Make your own way

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Journey through Japan + Traditonal Japan

Price from £3629.00

Holiday Highlights

  • Tokyo City sightseeing, Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple
  • Nikko Toshogu Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage site)
  • Shirakawa Visit to Gassho-Zukuri houses (UNESCO World Heritage site)
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, Shukkeien Landscape Garden, Torii Gate
  • Bullet Train Hiroshima to Kyoto
  • Kyoto Nijo Castle, Temple of the Gold Pavilion, Heian Shrine and Garden, Traditional Tea Ceremony
  • Hakone National Park Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi Cruise

Departures from

  • Birmingham
  • London Heathrow
  • Manchester

Departures between

10 Sep 2012 to 02 Oct 2012

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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme

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