The huge, energetic and fascinating city of Tokyo has been the capital of Japa...
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Day 2: TokyoArrive and transfer to The Park Hotel in Tokyo for a 3-night stay, located close to the Shiodome subway station and only a 10-minute walk from the peaceful Hamarikyu gardens. (N)
Day 3: TokyoFull-day private guided city tour using public transport, visiting the Asakusa Kannon temple, Tokyo National Museum’s Japanese gallery, the Imperial East Garden and the tranquil Meiji shrine. (B)
Day 4: Hike on Mount TakaoToday we recommend a self-guided excursion to sacred Mount Takao, part of a range of wooded mountains an hour’s journey from Tokyo. Here there are numerous clearly marked hiking trails up to the summit, taking 2-3 hours. On a clear day you can also enjoy views of Mount Fuji. (B)
Days 5-6: KanazawaMorning departure by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa. Stay 2 nights at the Tokyu Hotel Kanazawa. Spend the following day on a self-guided sightseeing tour, visiting the Kanazawa castle park and the Kenroku-en garden. (B)
Day 7: Shirakawago - TakayamaTake the bus to Shirakawago to see the Unesco-listed gassho-zukuri houses and their unique architectural style. After some time to explore the area, continue by bus to Takayama. Stay for 2 nights at the traditional Tanabe Ryokan, where the owners Mr & Mrs Tanabe are gracious hosts and will do their very best to ensure you have a fabulous stay. (B, D)
Day 8: TakayamaThis morning you will be escorted on a food and culture walk around Takayama, an ideal opportunity to sample some of the region’s famed Hida beef, various hoba miso-based products, and the delicious mitarashi dango – rice balls dipped in soy sauce and roasted on skewers. End the morning with a visit to the Harada Sake Brewery and browse the lively Miyakawa Morning Market. (B, D)
Days 9-10: KamikochiTravel by bus through the Japanese Alps to Kamikochi, a remote valley carved by the Azusa river with some of Japan’s highest peaks rising on up on either side. Stay 2 nights at the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, a European-style mountain lodge that has been welcoming guests since 1933. Spend the following day walking in the surrounding mountains, which offer numerous walking trails ranging from easy rambles along the valley to more challenging hikes to the tops of the nearest peaks, with the chance to spot a range of flora, birds and monkeys along the way. (B)
Day 11: MatsumotoTravel by bus and train to Matsumoto, which is home to a fine feudal castle with the oldest existing donjon (keep) in Japan, as well as an outstanding woodblock-print museum. Stay overnight at the Hotel Buena Vista Matsumoto. (B)
Day 12: Into the Kiso ValleyTravel by train into the Kiso Valley, an area known for its mountains, forests, hot springs and hiking trails, and also for its position on the historic Nakasendo Way, an ancient highway that once linked Kyoto with Tokyo. Stay 2 nights at Komanoyu, a ryokan-style hotel with its own hot spring baths, known as onsen. (B, D)
Day 13: Hiking the Nakasendo WayTravel by train and bus to the small town of Magome, from where you will begin a gentle hike of 8km along the Nakasendo Way, to Tsumago. The trail is well-signposted and passes through some beautiful countryside. In Tsumago you will have some time to explore the town and wander the flagstone streets lined with traditional buildings, before being met and driven back to your hotel. (B, D)
Day 14: KyotoTake the train to Nagoya, then continue by shinkansen (bullet train), to Kyoto. Stay at the Rihga Royal Kyoto Hotel, located near Kyoto station, for 3 nights. This evening, you will be escorted by a local guide through the Gion, Kyoto’s famous Geisha district. (B)
Days 15-16: KyotoFull-day private guided city tour using public transport. Recommendations include the Ryoanji temple with its famous zen rock garden and Kinkakuji temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. The following day is at leisure – a trip to the Arashiyama district in the north-west of the city is recommended, a peaceful area of gardens, quiet backstreets and bamboo forests. (B)
Day 17: Fly homeTake a shuttle bus from your hotel to Kansai airport, located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, then board your flight home. (B)
Meal basisAs per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Important information Locally escorted & self-guided tourThis tour is led in certain destinations en route by a local tour escort, while in others it is self-guided.
Superior tourThis tour is based in 4-star accommodation, with some nights in traditional Japanese inns known as ryokan.
Single supplementAvailable on request.
Tailor-made travelFor a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
Private travel in JapanPlease note that tailor-made travel in Japan is unlike travel in any other country in the Far East due to the high costs of vehicle hire, drivers and guides. This means that engaging the services of a private guide and driver on a tailor-made journey is not always feasible and, as a result, sightseeing and travel between cities may involve public transport or shared services that are not exclusive to Cox & Kings. Furthermore, as English is not always spoken in areas away from the main tourist destinations, a degree of independence and self-guiding may be required. A comprehensive information pack is provided before departure, with transport instructions and bilingual timetables, hotel addresses and maps, and a guide for each destination covering a wide range of topics from eating out to enjoying a hot spring bath.
The Tanabe Ryokan is situated in the old town part of Takayama close to the temple area, the morning markets and a short walk from Takayama Station. The ryokan is an excellent place to experience traditional Japanese hospitality.
The Rihga Royal Kyoto is situated near Kyoto station and provides a regular shuttle service to and from the hotel. The hotel has a range of dining options, including the Top of Kyoto restaurant on the 14th floor, serving French cuisine with views over the city. Rooms are well appointed with a stylish, contemporary decor. Features: 489 rooms, 6 restaurants, heated indoor pool (charges apply), souvenir shop, Wi-Fi. Room amenities: Television, air conditioning, fridge, minibar, kettle & Japanese tea, hairdryer, safe.
The Park Hotel, a member of the Design Hotels portfolio, occupies the top floors of the Shiodome Media Tower in Tokyo's Minato ward, close to the Shiodome subway station and only a 10-minute walk to the peaceful Hamarikyu gardens. The hotel has a modern, artistic ambience, and is centred around a high atrium with Japanese art on display in the lobby lounge and communal areas. The property features a unique 'Artist in Hotel' project, where a small number of the standard category rooms have been transformed by local artists who have decorated the room walls with their original artwork. These rooms are all different and can be booked on request at an extra cost.Features: 273 rooms, 2 restaurants, wine bar, cafe, Thann Sanctuary spa, Wi-Fi, business centre.<br>Room amenities: Minibar, hairdryer, air conditioning, safe, tea and coffee facilities, television.
Komanoyu is a traditional ryokan-style hotel, located along a mountain road that connects the town of Kiso-Fukushima and Mount Kisokoma in the Japanese Alps. Kiso-Fukushima Station is approximately 10 minutes' drive from the hotel. Hot spring baths, known as onsen, are available within the hotel and are ideal to relax in after a day of walking. Dinner is included in your stay, and includes speciality dishes made using local ingredients. Features: 16 rooms, hot spring baths (onsen), dining room, Wi-Fi. Room amenities: Japanese futon bed, television, en suite bathroom, air conditioning.
The Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel has a great location for sightseeing, just a10-minute walk from both the Kenrokuen Garden and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Rooms are bright and modern, and available in a range of categories spread across the hotel's 15 floors. Features: 236 rooms, 2 restaurants, bar, Wi-Fi, fitness centre. Room amenities: Television, air conditioning, hairdryer, fridge, tea & coffee making facilities.
The Kamikochi Imperial Hotel is an Alpine lodge-style property, which has been welcoming guests since 1933. The focal point of the lodge is a spacious lounge with low wooden beams and a large open fire - an ideal place to relax after a day of hiking in the surrounding mountains. Rooms are available in a range of categories, all with attractive woodwork and some with verandas offering views of the forests and mountains. There are three dining options, serving French, Japanese or international cuisine. The hotel is located within the Chubusangaku National Park, where private cars are prohibited, allowing for a peaceful stay, although with a bus stop outside it is still easy to get to. Features: 74 rooms, 3 restaurants, lounge, bar. Room amenities: Television, small refridgerator, hairdryer, heater, fan, Wi-Fi.
Conveniently located close to the city centre and 7 minutes walk from JR Matsumoto train station, the Buena Vista is one of the best in Matsumoto and ideally suited for guests wishing to visit the famous Matsumoto Castle. Facilities include 6 restaurants and bars, offering a variety of Japanese, Chinese and Western food.
JAA2021
Guideline Prices
Low season from £4995 per person
High season from £5995 per person
Flexible Prices & Itineraries
For a quote based on alternative accommodation standards or flight options, or to tailor this
itinerary, please call 020 7873 5000
or
send an email enquiry
Please call 020 7873 5000 for more information or to make a booking.
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin-room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication, may be subject to change, particularly as a result of variable flight costs. You will be informed of any such changes prior to booking.
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