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Journey through Japan
13 DAYS FROM £2514

This holiday has departures available between: 28th Mar 2011 to 3rd Oct 2011
886Yvonne WithersCheshire Japan - a land of contrasts. From the hi-tech to the spiritual, from frenetic, densely populated cities to small, traditional villages, from lush paddy fields to historic castles, my husband and I experienced them all on our Journey through Japan.

Following extensive research to find a tour offering the best introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun, we chose Archers', 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 Museum.

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. yes1886John FennerLeamington Spa I had done a fair amount of searching to find a sufficiently comprehensive tour of Japan's main island of Honshu at a reasonable price, and was not disappointed. We found the geography and the weather to be incredibly diverse, from the stark mountains of the north with heavy snow to the much greener areas of the south around Hiroshima and Kyoto where it was pleasantly warm and sunny.

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. no1Fenner - journey through japan.JPGFenner - journey through japan_TN.JPGMy holiday photos: Journey through Japan292178Fenner - journey through japan1.JPGFenner - journey through japan1_TN.JPGMy holiday photos: Journey through Japan292178Fenner - journey through japan2.JPGFenner - journey through japan2_TN.JPGMy holiday photos: Journey through Japan292178Fenner - journey through japan4.JPGFenner - journey through japan4_TN.JPGMy holiday photos: Journey through Japan292178Fenner - journey through japan5.JPGFenner - journey through japan5_TN.JPGMy holiday photos: Journey through Japan292178886N & D ParryWakefield Many thanks to Archers for helping to make our recent holiday a lovely, memorable experience. It is the first time we have booked with you, and we will definitely be booking again. Everything went to plan and the holiday was just as described in the brochure.

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. no1Parry - journey through japan.JPGParry - journey through japan_TN.JPGMy holiday photos: Journey through Japan292178Parry - journey through japan1.JPGParry - journey through japan1_TN.JPGMy holiday photos: Journey through Japan292178
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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.

Included highlights worth £410

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 Buke Yashiki 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 Pavilion, 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 representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights (check in from 1pm). 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 - Bandai Asahi National Park - Fukushima.
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, before arriving at Fukushima just outside the Bandai Asahi National Park for one night. This evening, why not 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.
Tour the National Park and visit some of its most popular scenic sites including Goshiki-Numa, noted for the different colours of its lakes and ponds, created by the eruption of Mount Bandai in 1889. Afterwards, travel to Aizu Wakamatsu City for a visit to Tsurugajo Castle and a local lacquerware factory. In the afternoon, drive to Toyama City. (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. Later, 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 - Tokyo.
Drive on the Meishin and Tomei expressways to Hakone National Park for 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 one night. (B)

DAY 13: Tokyo - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

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Your Train

  • Shinkansen bullet train
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    Bullet 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.

Accommodation on Tour

Tokyo: Metropolitan Tokyo;
Fukushima: Grandeco; Toyama: Excel Hotel Tokyu; Nagoya: Nagoya Sakae Tokyu Inn; Osaka: Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu Inn; 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.

Holiday Extensions

  • Himeshara hot springs, Hakone National Park
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    Journey through Japan + Traditonal Japan - 2 Extra nights from £514

    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 £514

  • A typical Ryokan
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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.

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list optional excursions available to you.
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
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Journey through Japan
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