Land of the Rising Sun

Land of the Rising Sun

Be dazzled by a gold-plated temple, Reflect on the past in Hiroshima, Experience the collision of old and new Japan, Delve into geisha culture in Kyoto, Visit the resting place of a Tokugawa shogun, See neon-hued Tokyo city lights, Sip sake in Takayama, Soak in a traditional outdoor onsen in Hakone

Ever-welcoming and always fascinating, Japan is a land of ancient cultures, austere traditions and groundbreaking technology. Experience the best that this diverse country has to offer from the excitement of lively Tokyo to the sacred resting places of shoguns at Nikko. Feast on local delights at a Takayama market, make a sobering visit to the Hiroshima Peace Park and explore magnificent Kyoto temples. Discover ancient castles, lush countryside and fascinating feudal history on this authentic travel adventure. If you pack a good sense of humour and leave all inhibitions behind, the Land of the Rising Sun rarely disappoints.

You can arrive at the joining-point hotel at any time as there are no planned activities aside from a group meeting on the evening of day 1, followed by dinner. Your leader will leave a note for you at reception informing you of what time and where this important meeting will take place. If it is likely that you will be arriving after 6pm on day 1, please inform us at time of booking.

Tokyo is a dynamic, modern hub, the thriving capital of an ancient land. Contradictions are everywhere, as hi-tech gadgetry and neon lights play an integral part in the lives of a population steeped in tradition. As we only spend one night in Tokyo, we strongly recommend that you arrive a few days prior to this trip in order to explore the city. Ueno Park, with its many galleries and museums, is a great place to spend a day, the Sensoji Temple is a serene way to pass an afternoon and the sumo stables are a must-see.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

On day 2, the morning is free for you to stroll the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, heading to the famous shopping district of Ginza. Then it's time to catch a train out of Tokyo, a chance to appreciate the countryside that makes Japan one of the world's most beautiful destinations. From Toyko we take an express train (approx. 1 hr) and then a local train (approx. 1 hr) to Nikko. Trains in Japan are fantastic and the best you'll ever experience. They are clean, fast, punctual, and have plenty of recycling bins for paper, bottles and cans. There are non-smoking and smoking carriages (we use the former) and a trolley cart comes around regularly, bearing all kinds of yummy things for purchase. Be sure to buy a bento box for lunch - these are compact trays containing tempura, sushi, etc., as well as a popular Japanese drink such as cold green tea or Asahi.

Please note all travellers must arrive with a 14 day ordinary JR rail pass - check the Transport section for details.

Accommodation

Nikko has been a sacred site since the middle of the 8th century and the shrines and temples dotted throughout the area are inspiring evidence of the city's glory. It is worth visiting the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the warlord who controlled all of Japan and whose shogunate lasted 250 years; this highly decorated shrine contrasts with the traditional minimalist style commonly used throughout Japan. Every corner of the monument is covered in intricate gold-leaf and lacquerwork, paintings and patterns.

Our charming accommodation in Nikko has private facilities, a shared onsen and is located next to the river.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We take a boat across Ashino-ko followed by a picturesque cable car journey over the surrounding mountains. On the way, we may be lucky to get a glimpse of Mt Fuji looming in the distance - a shy mountain, getting a glimpse is not guaranteed. However, the lake and its surroundings offer plenty of stunning panoramas.

Although there are separate baths for males and females, remember that no clothes or swimming costumes are allowed in the hot springs - so it's time to shed those inhibitions!

Our family run guesthouse in Hakone is located in a quiet part of town and has shared facilities and a lovely outdoor onsen.

The journey today involves a local train (approx 1 hr), a bullet train (approx 1 hr), another bullet train (1 hr) and finally a bus (approx 30 mins) to reach Hakone.

 

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

We take a boat across Ashino-ko followed by a picturesque cable car journey over the surrounding mountains. On the way, we may be lucky to get a glimpse of Mt Fuji looming in the distance - a shy mountain, getting a glimpse is not guaranteed. However, the lake and its surroundings offer plenty of stunning panoramas.

Although there are separate baths for males and females, remember that no clothes or swimming costumes are allowed in the hot springs - so it's time to shed those inhibitions!

Our family run guesthouse in Hakone is located in a quiet part of town and has shared facilities and a lovely outdoor onsen.

The journey today involves a local train (approx 1 hr), a bullet train (approx 1 hr), another bullet train (1 hr) and finally a bus (approx 30 mins) to reach Hakone.

 

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Travelling by Shinkansen (bullet train) is an absolute buzz as we reach speeds of up to 270 km per hour! Needless to say, after we descend from the mountains of Hakone by bus and get on the bullet train, the journey to Takayama is over very quickly (approx. 2 hrs by bullet train and 2 hrs by express train).

There is free time in Takayama to explore the many folk art galleries, local markets, museums or just wander the streets of this delightful little town as well as to pop in to one of the many sake breweries to taste their products. We visit the 600-year-old morning market as well, to try out some of the unusual local specialities that farm women put out on sale from 6:00am every morning.

Our stunning ryokan in Takayama has an irori hearth, included meals and is located within walking distance of the old town. Please note that during the Takayama Festival (14-15 April, 9-10 October), accommodation in Takayama may be multishare. Depending on rooming configurations, couples may sometimes have to be split up for these nights.

Included Activities

• Hida Folk Village
• Morning market excursion

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Travelling by Shinkansen (bullet train) is an absolute buzz as we reach speeds of up to 270 km per hour! Needless to say, after we descend from the mountains of Hakone by bus and get on the bullet train, the journey to Takayama is over very quickly (approx. 2 hrs by bullet train and 2 hrs by express train).

There is free time in Takayama to explore the many folk art galleries, local markets, museums or just wander the streets of this delightful little town as well as to pop in to one of the many sake breweries to taste their products. We visit the 600-year-old morning market as well, to try out some of the unusual local specialities that farm women put out on sale from 6:00am every morning.

Our stunning ryokan in Takayama has an irori hearth, included meals and is located within walking distance of the old town. Please note that during the Takayama Festival (14-15 April, 9-10 October), accommodation in Takayama may be multishare. Depending on rooming configurations, couples may sometimes have to be split up for these nights.

Included Activities

• Hida Folk Village
• Morning market excursion

Optional Activities

Accommodation

This rebuilt and reborn Hiroshima city has a vibrant energy that belies its tragic history. Sights like the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum make for a moving experience or perhaps visit the nearby island of Miyajima to see the free-roaming deer.

It takes us approx. 5 hrs to get to Hiroshima by train.

Our comfortable accommodation in Hiroshima is within walking distance of the peace park and has internet access.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

This rebuilt and reborn Hiroshima city has a vibrant energy that belies its tragic history. Sights like the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum make for a moving experience or perhaps visit the nearby island of Miyajima to see the free-roaming deer.

It takes us approx. 5 hrs to get to Hiroshima by train.

Our comfortable accommodation in Hiroshima is within walking distance of the peace park and has internet access.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

This rebuilt and reborn Hiroshima city has a vibrant energy that belies its tragic history. Sights like the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum make for a moving experience or perhaps visit the nearby island of Miyajima to see the free-roaming deer.

It takes us approx. 5 hrs to get to Hiroshima by train.

Our comfortable accommodation in Hiroshima is within walking distance of the peace park and has internet access.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Himeji-jo Castle is a sight to behold. Built in 1580, this 5-storey castle is not only a fantastic example of amazing architecture, but a great insight into ancient life in Japan. From Hiroshima to Himeji-jo, the journey takes approx. 1 hr, and then it's a further 1 hr on to Kyoto. Once in Kyoto there is just so much to do - this ancient city boasts over 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens!

Kyoto is also a great place to get 'lost' in - walk the streets and soak up the wonderful atmosphere. The city's lively nightlife provides plenty of options for our final evening. There is so much to do in and around Kyoto you might choose to extend your stay here. There are no activities planned for day 14 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Please note that due to passenger feedback, from November 2010 we will be substituting Nijo Castle for Himeji-jo Castle. This is due to restoration that is being undertaken at Himeji-jo, resulting in parts of it being closed, and a large proportion under scaffolding. Nijo Castle was the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns and is famous for its 'nightingale' floors which are designed to squeak to warn residents of intruders.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Himeji-jo Castle is a sight to behold. Built in 1580, this 5-storey castle is not only a fantastic example of amazing architecture, but a great insight into ancient life in Japan. From Hiroshima to Himeji-jo, the journey takes approx. 1 hr, and then it's a further 1 hr on to Kyoto. Once in Kyoto there is just so much to do - this ancient city boasts over 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens!

Kyoto is also a great place to get 'lost' in - walk the streets and soak up the wonderful atmosphere. The city's lively nightlife provides plenty of options for our final evening. There is so much to do in and around Kyoto you might choose to extend your stay here. There are no activities planned for day 14 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Please note that due to passenger feedback, from November 2010 we will be substituting Nijo Castle for Himeji-jo Castle. This is due to restoration that is being undertaken at Himeji-jo, resulting in parts of it being closed, and a large proportion under scaffolding. Nijo Castle was the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns and is famous for its 'nightingale' floors which are designed to squeak to warn residents of intruders.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Himeji-jo Castle is a sight to behold. Built in 1580, this 5-storey castle is not only a fantastic example of amazing architecture, but a great insight into ancient life in Japan. From Hiroshima to Himeji-jo, the journey takes approx. 1 hr, and then it's a further 1 hr on to Kyoto. Once in Kyoto there is just so much to do - this ancient city boasts over 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens!

Kyoto is also a great place to get 'lost' in - walk the streets and soak up the wonderful atmosphere. The city's lively nightlife provides plenty of options for our final evening. There is so much to do in and around Kyoto you might choose to extend your stay here. There are no activities planned for day 14 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Please note that due to passenger feedback, from November 2010 we will be substituting Nijo Castle for Himeji-jo Castle. This is due to restoration that is being undertaken at Himeji-jo, resulting in parts of it being closed, and a large proportion under scaffolding. Nijo Castle was the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns and is famous for its 'nightingale' floors which are designed to squeak to warn residents of intruders.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Himeji-jo Castle is a sight to behold. Built in 1580, this 5-storey castle is not only a fantastic example of amazing architecture, but a great insight into ancient life in Japan. From Hiroshima to Himeji-jo, the journey takes approx. 1 hr, and then it's a further 1 hr on to Kyoto. Once in Kyoto there is just so much to do - this ancient city boasts over 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens!

Kyoto is also a great place to get 'lost' in - walk the streets and soak up the wonderful atmosphere. The city's lively nightlife provides plenty of options for our final evening. There is so much to do in and around Kyoto you might choose to extend your stay here. There are no activities planned for day 14 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Please note that due to passenger feedback, from November 2010 we will be substituting Nijo Castle for Himeji-jo Castle. This is due to restoration that is being undertaken at Himeji-jo, resulting in parts of it being closed, and a large proportion under scaffolding. Nijo Castle was the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns and is famous for its 'nightingale' floors which are designed to squeak to warn residents of intruders.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner