J A PA N
THIS TOUR OF JAPAN IS IDEAL FOR THOSE SEEKING A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first time visitor to Japan, this tour gives you a sample of all that Japan has to offer, from unique locales to “must see” tourist attractions in Tokyo and Kyoto.
ITINERARY Day 1
Overnight Flight - Arrival into Narita Tokyo Airport
Day 2
Tokyo City Tour
Day 3
Zenko-ji Temple and Matsumoto
Day 4
Takayama & Sanmachi Preservation Area
Day 5
Kanazawa - Historical Sites and Markets
Day 6
Kyoto Temples & Geisha Dance
Day 7
The Great Buddha & Deer Park
Day 8
Hiroshima
Day 9
Lake Yamanaka via Japan Rail Bullet Train
Day 10
Mount Fuji - Japan’s Tallest Peak
Day 11
Day of leisure at the Imaiso Hotel and Hot Springs
Day 12
Afternoon at Leisure in Tokyo
Day 13
Return to the airport
DAY 1 OVERNIGHT FLIGHT - ARRIVAL IN ASAKUSA
ACCOMO DAT I O N:
DAY 1
OVERNIGHT FLIGHT - ARRIVAL IN ASAKUSA
The Agora Place Asakusa. DI N N ER :
Depart the UK or USA on your flight to Tokyo, Japan. (Overnight) After clearing immigration and custom formalities, you will be met by a local English speaking guide and your Tour Escort from The Big Journey Company. Before leaving the airport, arrangements will be made to receive your Japan Rail Pass for the tour & then transfer to your hotel. (60-90min drive) After check in at your hotel, enjoy a walk and visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple which according to legend was founded with the enshrining of a statue of the Kannon-Bosatsu (goddess of mercy) caught in the net of a fisherman on the Sumidagawa in the spring of 628. Next, you will visit the Nakamise Shopping Arcade.
Passing through the vermilion-lacquered Kaminarimon Gate, which is famous as the symbol of Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo. Kaminarimon is the entrance to Nakamise, the front entrance to Senso-ji Temple. The approximately 250m long approach from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate is called Nakamise-Dori. There are numerous stores lined up on this approach, about 50 on the east side and 30 on the west side, all of them old and historical. Here you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of Shitamachi (downtown Tokyo).Various products are sold here, including Japanese-style goods, such as hair accessories, Japanese clogs, wooden dolls and chiyogami (colored paper), folk art products, postcards with the scenery of Asakusa in the Edo Period (1603-1868), ningyoyaki and kaminariokoshi, which are the local confectioneries from Tokyo, and classic Japanese food using nori and kombu seaweeds.
Served this evening at a local restaurant next to the hotel.
DAY 2 TOKYO CITY TOUR
ACCOMO DAT I O N:
The Agora Place Asakusa.
DAY 2
BOAR D B AS I S :
TOKYO CITY TOUR
After breakfast we depart for a tour of Tokyo City, visiting the Meiji Shrine which was founded in 1921 to enshrine the Emperor and Empress Meiji, Japans’ first sovereign following the demise of rule by the samurai class. Most of the major buildings of the shrine were burned down in 1945 due to air raids during World War II, but thanks to donations from Japan and abroad, all were reconstructed in 1958. With many large trees still growing in its grounds, Meiji-jingu is a precious wooded area in the heart of the city. The area is also home to many birds and insects, and together with the extensive Yoyogi Koen (the park beside the shrine), it is a soothing oasis in the middle of Tokyo. Next enjoy a visit to the Honda Car Show Room and enjoy a demonstration
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
of their Robot and see how the cars are made! The Imperial Palace, where their Majesties the Emperor and Empress reside, is situated in the centre of Tokyo and this is the next stop on your Tokyo city tour. Surrounded by moats, the Imperial Palace is on a huge plot of land approximately 115 hectares, with a vast green area. It has eight gates, including the front gate near the Nijubashi Bridge and the Kikyo-mon gate used when the public is permitted to enter the palace. Next stop, Lunch at a local restaurant (Buffet) followed by a visit to Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo National Museum. After the Tokyo city tour, return to the hotel before dinner at local restaurant (Japanese set menu with Sushi).
DAY 3 ZENKO-JI TEMPLE AND MATSUMOTO
ACCOMO DAT I O N:
Shirafune Grand Hotel.
DAY 3
ZENKO-JI TEMPLE AND MATSUMOTO
After breakfast, transfer to Shinjuku station. Leave Shinjuku for Matsumoto by Japan Rail Express train (using the Japan Rail Pass) On the way to your hotel, enjoy a visit to Zenko-ji Temple, one of the most magnificent temples in Japan. It consists of 39 buildings including Dai-hongan and Dai-kanjin, with grounds measuring 59,000 sq. m Zenko-ji was believed to have been founded in the mid-7th century, so its history spans 1,400 years. Moving onto Matsumoto where you will enjoy a tour surrounded by mountains, acclaimed for its beautiful views. After a busy morning, enjoy lunch at Matsumoto Buena Vista (Buffet). At Matsumoto, visit Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto-jo) was begun in 1504 as a Fukashi Castle by the daimyo Shimadachi Sadanaga, but it subsequently changed hands
during the war, and it was completed by the daimyo Ishikawa Kazumasa and his son Yasunaga to its present form. The donjon and other buildings are positioned within a 600m square. The five-tiered, six-storied donjon is one of the oldest donjons in Japan and has been designated a National Treasure. It is roughly 30m tall and was restored over a five-year period starting in 1950. The nearby turret is also a National Treasure. After a visit to the Castle, drive to Shirahone Onsen, the Hot Spring in the north of Norikura is said to have already been in use in the Kamakura Period (12-14th century). The hot water is milky and contains pure hydrogen sulphide. It is drinkable and retains heat, making it good for ailments of the stomach and intestines. Here you will check in to your Ryoken (Japanese Inn) where you will enjoy your evening meal and Onsen (Japanese Hot Spring Bath)
BOAR D B AS I S :
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 4 TAKAYAMA & SANMACHI PRESERVATIN AREA
DAY 4
TAKAYAMA & SANMACHI PRESERVATIN AREA
After Breakfast at your Ryokan, leave for Takayama and vist the Sanmachi Preservation area. The village still stands on the east side of the Miyagawa River flowing through Takayama, and in the middle of it is Sanmachi, where Edo period houses remain. The rich atmosphere of Takayama castle town still lingers, and you can see sake breweries and merchants’ houses with latticed bay windows standing in a row. This district was designated an area of important traditional buildings by the Japanese Government. After your morning visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we leave for Gokayama village. Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to Gokayama Village (World Heritage site due to its traditional gassho-zukuri houses.) Visit an old farm house called Gashozukuri house. Gokayama is a place of precipitous mountains and deep valleys located in the south eastern part of Toyama. It is believed that Gokayama, which means
five valleys, was so named because there was a village among five valleys: Akao-dani, Kami-Nashi-dani, Shimo-Nashi-dani, Otani, and Toga-dani along the Sho-gawa River The houses in the area are built in the style called ‘gassho-zukuri’ and have three or four floors. The steep roofs are at 60 degrees to prevent snow building up on them, and no nails are used in the construction of these houses. This mountain village, which has a group of gassho-zukuri houses, received worldwide attention when the village and the Shirakawa-go of Gifu were designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in December 1995. Specifically, the gassho villages of Ainokura in the Taira area and Suganuma in the Kami-Taira area were recognized as valuable cultural assets to be preserved for later generations, and became Japan’s sixth World Cultural Heritage Site. Afterwards we will drive to Kanazawa and transfer to your hotel, enjoy dinner and spend the evening relaxing.
ACCOMO DAT I O N:
? BOAR D B AS I S :
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Day 5 Kanazawa - Historical Sites and Markets
Your tour of Kanazawa starts by visiting Kenroku-en Garden which is located on a hill in Mito. Kairaku-en commands a breath taking view of beautiful forests and lakes. The garden is known for the beauty of its ume or plum blossom. It is regarded as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, along with Kenroku-en in Kanazawa City and Korakuen in Okayama City. The lord of the Mito clan, who ruled the region (present day Ibaraki prefecture) until about 130 years ago, constructed Kairakuen in 1842 to share an enjoyment of flowers with the people. The name itself means “a garden for everyones pleasure.” Approximately 3,000 ume trees of 100 different species can be found in the spacious 13 hectare grounds. In February and March, when the plum blossoms are in full bloom. Next stop, the 300 year old Omicho Market. Kanazawa is also known for Kaga Cuisine or the cuisine of the feudal lord of which such delicacies as crabs and the small sweet prawns called amaebi play a prominent role. At the market, visitors come from nearby villages and even from the Kanto region to shop. A variety of delicacies can be savoured in the Japanese-style restaurants of Kanazawa and as well as the Japanese-style inns with onsen (hot spring) located around the city. There are many hot springs in the vicinity of Kanazawa, and one of note is Yamanaka Hot Spring. It has a beautiful ravine praised by the haiku poet Matsuo Basho and an elegant bridge over the ravine called Korogibashi which literally means “Cricket Bridge.” After the market we will stop off at the Shima Tea House. Next, enjoy lunch at local restaurant (Japanese set menu), the Nomura Samurai House and after lunch we will transfer to Kanazawa Station and leave for Shin Osaka by JR Express Train. Arrive at Shin Osaka station and transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening to relax.
Day 6 Kyoto Temples & Geisha Dance
Leave for Kyoto and visit the Ryoanji Temple (Rock Garden) and the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), another world heritage site. Be sure not to miss the incredible gardens and beautiful shape of the temple reflected in the pond. Lunch at a local restaurant (Kushiyaki) followed by visits to the Kiyomizu Temple, world heritage site. Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto and was built at the end of the 8th century. The main hall was constructed in the 17th century, and is famous for its location overhanging a cliff. The platform of the main hall, which is supported by 139 giant pillars, affords a spectacular view of the town of Kyoto. It is designated a National Treasure. Afterwards enjoy a lovely Walk of the Kiyomizu and Gion area. Evening dinner will be served at a local restaurant Ganko Nijoen (Shabu Shabu) including a Dance by Geisha during the dinner. Return to your hotel the Agora Place Osaka Moriguchi Board Basis: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 7 The Great Buddha & Deer Park
After breakfast at your hotel, leave for Nara (about 1 hours drive) On arrival at Nara, visit Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha, world heritage site, which is considered the pinnacle of Buddhist culture. It houses the Great Buddha that always surprises everyone with its sheer size, and other outstanding Buddha statues. It is so breath-taking that you will not be able to take everything in no matter how much time you have. In front of the temple gates are some souvenir shops with a very lively atmosphere. Next, take a walk in the Deer Park, the deer here are very well cared for as they are believed to be messengers of God. Lunch will be served at local restaurant Nikko Nara (Buffet) After lunch return back to Osaka and Umeda Sky Building Observatory. Later in the afternoon, Transfer to Shin Osaka station for Hiroshima by Japan Rail Express Train Arrive at Hiroshima and Walk to your hotel (Luggage will have been transferred) Dinner at a local restaurant (Okonomiyaki, local cuisine of Hiroshima) Accommodation at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima Board Basis: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 8 Hiroshima
This morning enjoy breakfast at your hotel before leaving on a sightseeing tour of Miyajimaguchi. Take a boat to Miyajima Island and visit the Itsukushima Shrine, located in Miyajima, Hatsukaichi City in south-western Hiroshima. It is a unique shrine that looks as if it is floating in the sea. It boasts of a solemn and gorgeous architectural beauty in the shinden-style, the palace style popular around the 10th century. The main shrine with its red pillars and white walls, along with the symbol of Miyajima, the O-torii Gate in the sea, create a wonderful contrast with the dark green woods and deep blue sea. It was inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1996. The entire island of Miyajima is thought to have been an object of religious devotion, and it is said that the sanctuary was built around the end of the 6th century. Most of the main shrine was built in the 12th century. Twenty-one buildings are laid out around the main sanctuary, with a Noh stage and other special structures situated among them. All buildings are connected with corridors painted in red that extend to encircle the main sanctuary. The combined length of the corridors is 300 meters. The layout was cleverly designed to make the shrine look like a bird stretching its wings when viewed from the opposite shore. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant (Japanese set menu) Return to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum - both pay tribute to August 6th, 1945, when an American bomber dropped the world’s first atomic bomb over Hiroshima City. The entire city was devastated by the heat and shock waves of the blast. Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner at your hotel. (Buffet) Accommodation at your hotel Hotel Granvia Hiroshima Board Basis: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 9 Lake Yamanaka via Japan Rail Bullet Train
This morning enjoy breakfast at your hotel before leaving on a sightseeing tour of Miyajimaguchi. Take a boat to Miyajima Island and visit the Itsukushima Shrine, located in Miyajima, Hatsukaichi City in south-western Hiroshima. It is a unique shrine that looks as if it is floating in the sea. It boasts of a solemn and gorgeous architectural beauty in the shinden-style, the palace style popular around the 10th century. The main shrine with its red pillars and white walls, along with the symbol of Miyajima, the O-torii Gate in the sea, create a wonderful contrast with the dark green woods and deep blue sea. It was inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1996. The entire island of Miyajima is thought to have been an object of religious devotion, and it is said that the sanctuary was built around the end of the 6th century. Most of the main shrine was built in the 12th century. Twenty-one buildings are laid out around the main sanctuary, with a Noh stage and other special structures situated among them. All buildings are connected with corridors painted in red that extend to encircle the main sanctuary. The combined length of the corridors is 300 meters. The layout was cleverly designed to make the shrine look like a bird stretching its wings when viewed from the opposite shore. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant (Japanese set menu) Return to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum - both pay tribute to August 6th, 1945, when an American bomber dropped the world’s first atomic bomb over Hiroshima City. The entire city was devastated by the heat and shock waves of the blast. Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner at your hotel. (Buffet) Accommodation at your hotel Hotel Granvia Hiroshima Board Basis: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 10 Mount Fuji - Japan’s Tallest Peak
peak, Mount Fuji (3,776 m altitude), is located in the middle of Japan, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. It’s said that this active volcano repeatedly erupted and accumulated lava to arrive at this current shape approximately 10,000 years ago. This composite volcano is beautiful from every angle, and has had emotional significance to the Japanese throughout centuries. In the Middle Ages, it served as a place for monks to undergo training; in the Edo period (16031867), it bustled as a mountain where the common people made pilgrimages. Today, it’s a popular mountain visited by approximately 300,000 climbers yearly. Shapes with a broad base like Mount Fuji are called “suehirogari,” literally meaning, “broadened at the edges.” This is considered an auspicious shape to indicate that good fortune will continue for the future. For this reason, Mount Fuji is an icon of prosperity. Enjoy a drive along the foot of Mt Fuji and stop off at Mt Fuji Visitor Centre to pick up some souvenirs! Transfer to Hakone area and enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant (Buffet) The town of Hakone is situated in the southwestern part of Kanagawa, and is part of Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. Hakone is an internationally well-known holiday resort that includes many renowned hot springs. At Hakone, you will visit Owakudani Hot Springs Valley, take a Rope Way Ride and enjoy a Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi. Afterwards we will drive to Imaihama and transfer to your traditional Japanese Ryokan. The resort is situated by an onsen– Japanese for hot springs. The water from this hot spring comes from the Imaihama Hot Spring, a sodium chloride spring. The spa offers an abundant supply of water, which moisturizes your skin and keeps your body warm, thus effectively helping sufferers of neuralgia, rheumatism etc.
Upon arrival guests can partake in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony and choose their own Kimono to wear for the day. It is traditional for guests to remove their shoes at the entrance of a Ryokan or any other kind of Japanese-style accommodation. Slippers are worn inside. A room in a Ryokan is usually a single large, undivided room, floored with traditional tatami (rice-straw matting), with the only piece of furniture being a single low table. Doors are shoji (sliding screens), and decoration will usually be one or two simple ink brush drawings or scrolls. Seating in the room is on cushions, called zabuton, arranged around the low table. Guests sleep on a futon (Japanese style bedding) laid out in the evening by maids after the evening meal. It ordinarily consists of a mattress, sheets, thick coverlet, and extra blankets if needed. Dinner will be served at the hotel (it will be Japanese style with no western option available). Accommodation in a Japanese room at the Imaiso Hotel and Hot Springs. Please note: rooms do NOT have a western style bed. You sleep on a mattress provided (futon) which is laid out on mats (or tatami). Board Basis: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 11 Day of leisure at the Imaiso Hotel and Hot Springs
Today is a well-deserved day of leisure at the Imaiso Hotel and Hot Springs. Basking in the surrounding seaside splendour, Imaiso Hotel and Hot Springs delivers unrivalled charm and elegance amid the sandy shores of Imaihama Beach. Panoramic views of the seven Izu islands of the Pacific Ocean are available in every room of this captivating hotel. A traditional Japanese-style hotel, Imaiso offers modern architectural comfort with delicate appointments and sophisticated dÊcor. Steeped in culture, this Japanese style inn is renowned for gourmet Japanese cuisine (no western options available), classical architecture and interiors, and Japan’s legendary hospitality. The hotel opened in 1934 and has welcomed Royalty including former and current emperors, celebrities and business leaders. Breakfast and Dinner (Japanese options only) will be served at the hotel. Board Basis: Breakfast/Dinner
Day 12 Afternoon at Leisure in Tokyo
In the morning after breakfast, we leave for Tokyo and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (Kushiage) before transferring to your hotel. Your afternoon is at your leisure in Tokyo to enjoy your last day of your Japan Tour. Farewell dinner and accommodation at the Agora Place Asakusa. Board Basis: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 13 Return to the airport
The day is at your leisure until your transfer to the airport. Tour ends (or additional nights in Tokyo can be arranged, please speak to a member of our team for assistance.) Board Basis: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Sohrab Jahromi +44 (0)7979 33 0000 so@theBigJourneyCompany.com
+44 (0)844 335 0197 info@theBigJourneyCompany.com www.theBigJourneyCompany.com
Sohrab Jahromi +44 (0)7979 33 0000 so@theBigJourneyCompany.com