Essential Japan

Fly to Tokyo

Fly to Tokyo. (N) 

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meal

Tokyo

Upon arrival in Japan, you are privately transferred by car to your hotel, situated conveniently close to the Shiodome subway station. Stay 3 nights at Park Hotel Tokyo. (N)  

Tokyo

Spend the day exploring Tokyo by public transport on a privately guided tour. Visit the Imperial Palace East Garden, once the grounds of an Edo-era castle and today a public park. Continue to the iconic Tokyo Sky Tree, ascending to the Tembo Deck for a panoramic view over Tokyo. You also visit Sensoji Temple, established in 645 AD and rebuilt after the second world war, and the adjacent Nakamise shopping arcade. This afternoon, cruise on the Sumida River, and visit Odaiba Seaside Park. (B) 

Tokyo

Your day is at leisure to explore more of Japan’s vast capital city, or to unwind at your hotel. (B)  

Hakone

Zip at high-speed out of Tokyo via Shinkansen – Japan’s famous ‘bullet train’ – then transfer to Hakone National Park by shared bus. Hakone is a picture of forested hills, natural hot springs, and lakes that reflect towering Mount Fuji. Stay 2 nights at Kowakien Tenyu Hotel. (B, D) 

Hakone

Today, use your Hakone Free Pass to explore this scenic area. You may wish to see the steaming vents and hot springs of the volcanic Owakudani valley, visit the Picasso Pavilion at the Open-Air Art Museum, take a ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway, or cruise across scenic Lake Ashi. (B, D) 

Kyoto

Take the shared bus to Odawara then continue south by Shinkansen to Kyoto. Stay at Ringha Royal Kyoto Hotel, situated near Kyoto Station, for 3 nights. (B)

Kyoto

Enjoy a privately guided tour of Kyoto, navigating the city by public transport. Visit the two Zen temples of Kinkakuji and Ryoanji, followed by the charming Old Town of Higashiyama. Here you enter the landmark Kiyomizudera Temple, built between 778 and 1633 out of wood without using a single nail. Continue to the historical district of Gion for a tea ceremony with a geiko (geisha). You are joined by a host who will explain the symbolism, and an interpreter to aid the conversation. (B) 

Kyoto

Your day is at leisure to explore Kyoto further, whether it’s visiting more of the city’s historical shrines and temples, taking in the ambience of its old quarters, or browsing at the local markets. (B) 

Fly home

You are privately transferred by car to Kansai Airport for your flight home. (B) 

Arrive UK

(N) 

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.