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Journey through Japan
13 DAYS FROM £2276
Following extensive research to find a tour offering the best introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun, we chose Archers's, which seemed to cover the most ground and provide the greatest variety of experiences. And we were not mistaken: our guide, Hiro, who was both extremely informative and highly entertaining, told us he worked for many different companies and that the Archers itinerary was easily the most extensive.
Our holiday was a whirlwind of sights, sounds and tastes. The cities of Tokyo and Osaka were as exciting as expected, with fabulous neon-lit skylines and an extraordinary array of shopping and sightseeing. The unmissable, former capital of Kyoto was littered with breathtaking shrines and temples including the awe-inspiring Golden Pavilion, completely clad in gold leaf. We were even lucky enough to see a trainee Geisha scurrying down an alley lined with traditional, wooden houses.
We had time to relax too in the quiet, lakeside town of Matsue and the National Parks of Bandai Asahi and Hakone where we stayed in a traditional Japanese ryokan. And places such as the ornately carved Toshogu shrine, and the Ise Grande shrine, beautiful in its simplicity, provided their own oases of calm.
To call Hiroshima one of the "highlights" of the tour seems somehow inappropriate: "unforgettable" perhaps, as even now, I still recall the haunting atmosphere of the Peace Memorial Park and the heartbreaking images of the Atomic Bomb Musuem.
We had not known what to expect from Japan in terms of its people, its food and its supposedly "alien" culture. Well, the people were really friendly and polite (bowing at every opportunity!), the cities were unbelievably clean and safe and the restaurants offered something for everyone, even those with the most conservative tastes - we enjoyed banquets of the most beautifully presented delicacies I have ever seen. And, yes, Japan is very different but it is also very welcoming which makes it one of those fascinating places you just have to visit.
At all times our Tour Director, Mina, was brilliant. She had really done her homework on all the places we visited and, during some very long coach journeys (we travelled 2900 kilometres in total), she kept us entertained throughout - even giving us an Origami lesson one day.
What were the highlights? Well, there were many. The bustle of Tokyo with its magnificent buildings, shrines and parks; the mountains and lakes of the north; the beautiful settings of the temples and shrines throughout the tour; Mikimoto Pearl Island; Matsue Castle, resplendent for the blossom festival; the Shukkeien Landscape Garden at Hiroshima, and the city's Peace Memorial Park and Museum - a shattering reminder of the horrors of war, whilst still managing to be an uplifting spiritual experience; the floating torii gate at Miyajima; the bullet train and the amazingly efficient service it provides; and the beauty of Kyoto. Probably the biggest highlight, though, was that the whole tour was timed absolutely perfectly for the cherry blossoms, and they were magnificent.
Inevitably, there were places where one would like to have stayed longer but, on a tour, isn't that always the way? I took away memories of a beautiful country and the friendliness and helpfulness of its people.
Japan is amazing and by far exceeded our wildest dreams and expectations. The scenery is stunning, ranging from snow-capped mountains to luscious green Japanese gardens. The places we visited varied from exciting, colourful cities to small towns where time has stood still, the ladies out shopping in their kimonos and rickshaws being pulled along the narrow streets.
April is a great time to visit when the cherry blossoms line the streets and look truly wonderful.
The people are really friendly and although there is a language barrier they still manage to ask where you are from and say welcome.
Although Japan has a reputation for being expensive you can find food to suit all budgets, from top class restaurants to railway eateries, which have a really good varied menu. Most places have window displays of plastic food making it easy to order.
It is an exhilarating experience travelling on the bullet train at speeds of up to 180mph. The train/tube stations are very busy and seem daunting at first but with a bit of time and patience are easily accessible.
Whatever nationality you are the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum in Hiroshima are very moving and in stark contrast to the vibrant city life there where we even managed to find an Irish Bar with a live band on.
For anyone wanting a holiday full of culture and excitement, Japan has to be at the top of their list.
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.
Holiday Highlights
Tokyo City sightseeing, Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple
Nikko Yomeimon Gate, Toshogu Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage site)
Bandai Asahi National Park
Shirakawa Visit to Gassho-Zukuri houses (UNESCO World Heritage site)
Takayama Kusakabe Heritage House
Toba Mikimoto Pearl Island
Osaka
Izumo
Matsue 'Matsue Buke Yashike' Samurai House
Hiroshima Itsukushima Shrine, Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, Shukkeien Landscape Garden
Bullet Train Hiroshima to Kyoto
Kyoto Nijo Castle, Temple of the Gold Pavillion, Heian Shrine and Garden, Traditional Tea Ceremony
Hakone National Park Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi Cruise
Included in the Price
Flights: UK - Tokyo - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 11 breakfasts (B)
Professional tour director on tour
Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Tokyo.
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights (check in from 1pm). The remainder of the day is yours to relax.
DAY 3: Tokyo. Included sightseeing.
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 we pass by the Imperial Palace Plaza, the National Guest House, the Akihabara district and the famous Ginza shopping street. Our 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 - Bandai Asahi National Park - Fukushima.
We leave Tokyo this morning and journey north, stopping in Nikko to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Toshogu Shrine and to see its world famous Yomeimon Gate. We continue on to the I-Ro-Ha zaka driveway, which reaches elevations of 3,940 feet, to visit Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon Waterfall, before arriving at Fukushima just outside the Bandai Asahi National Park for an overnight stay. This evening, you may wish to enjoy a dip in one of the traditional Japanese hot spring baths at your hotel. (B)
DAY 5: Fukushima - Bandai Asahi National Park - Aizu Wakamatsu - Toyama.
During your tour of the National Park, you will visit one of its most popular scenic sites - Goshiki-Numa, noted for the different colours of its lakes and ponds, created by the eruption of Mount Bandai in 1889. Afterwards we travel to Aizu Wakamatsu City, where we visit Tsurugajo Castle and a local lacquer-ware factory. In the afternoon, we take an express-way drive to Toyama City for one night. (B)
DAY 6: Toyama - Shirakawa - Takayama - Nagoya.
Continuing through Japan's beautiful mountain scenery we stop for a visit 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 be found only in this area. This afternoon, we are cutting through the Japanese Alps via one of Japan's longest road tunnels - reaching the quiet isolated town of Takayama, where old traditions are untouched by the passage of time. We 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.
We begin this morning with a trip to Toba, where we 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 we continue to Osaka, the second largest city of Japan, filled with a plethora of traditional and modern conveniences. The remainder of the day is free to spend at your leisure. (B)
DAY 8: Osaka - Matsue.
This morning we head to the city of Yonago on the coast of the Sea of Japan. After a brief visit, continue to Izumo, to admire the exterior architecture of the Izumo Shrine. Then it's on to Matsue to see 'Matsue Bukeyashiki' - a former samurai residence, and Matsue Castle. (B)
DAY 9: Matsue - Hiroshima. Included sightseeing.
On the journey from Matsue to Hiroshima we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating Torii Gate. From here, we 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. We 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 travelling 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. Included sightseeing.
We take 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 the 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 - Tokyo.
We 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. From here, weather permitting, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, before continuing on to your hotel at Tokyo's Narita Airport for an overnight stay. (B)
DAY 13: Tokyo - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Accommodation on Tour
Tokyo: Keio Plaza; Fukushima or Bandai: Urabandai Royal or Hotel Grandeco; Toyama: Excel Hotel Tokyu; Nagoya: Nagoya Sakae Tokyu Inn or Nagoya Kokusai Hotel; Osaka: Shina-Osaka Esaka Tokyu Inn or Sheraton Miyako Hotel; Matsue: Matsue Tokyu Inn; Hiroshima: Hiroshima Tokyu Inn; Kyoto: New Miyako; Tokyo Narita Airport: Narita Excel Tokyo.
Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.
Trains
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View Holiday PhotosBullet Train
The Shinkansen is a network of high speed railway lines in Japan operated by Japan Railways. Shinkansen literally means "New Trunk Line" and hence strictly speaking refers only to the tracks, while the trains themselves are officially referred to as "Super Express" however, this distinction is rarely made even in Japan. Our Journey through Japan holiday takes the Bullet Train from Hiroshima to Kyoto.
Holiday Extensions
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View Holiday PhotosJourney through Japan + Traditonal Japan - 2 Extra nights from £369
Why not extend your holiday in Japan with a stay in a Ryokan, traditional Japanese accommodation. Ryokans have been part of Japanese culture for centuries, and were primarily built to welcome weary samurais and traders who needed rest before continuing their journey. We have selected accommodation in the Hakone National Park region with its beautiful scenery and many hot springs.
Accommodation on Extensions
Journey through Japan + Traditonal Japan - 2 Extra nights from £369
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Ryokan
Each guestroom in a traditional ryokan offers a seasonal view of Hakone National Park. Guests can enjoy total relaxation in its hot spring baths and will experience traditional Japanese hospitality during their stay.
Location: Your Ryokan is located in the beautiful and historic region of Hakone, situated within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and just 90 minutes south west of Tokyo. Hakone is known for its hot springs and is a popular destination for overseas visitors and local residents of Tokyo.
Facilities: One outdoor bath (male and female); one large indoor bath (male and female); Japanese style restaurant; bar; arcade; karaoke; massage facilities.
Price includes: Traditional Japanese style accommodation with a private toilet and shared bathroom, or traditional Japanese - Western style accommodation with private bath and toilet; Japanese style breakfast and dinner.
View My Holiday Photos
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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 holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme. |
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