Cultural Japan - New

10 days - A holiday that includes visiting a wealth of scenic & cultural sights across Japan...

• Tokyo: city tour (3 nights)
• Nikko (optional)
• Mt Fuji & Hakone tour
• Bullet Train
• Kyoto: city tour (2 nights)
• Nara (optional)
• Hiroshima (2 nights)
• Miyajima tour
• Osaka (1 night)
• Guaranteed departure minimum 2 people

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Day 1
Depart from Heathrow or your preferred airport for a scheduled flight to Tokyo. Meals on board.

Day 2 Tokyo
Arrive at Narita Airport in Tokyo, you are met by your tour assistant and transferred to your hotel for a 3 nights stay. The rest of the day is at your leisure to adjust to the 9 hours time difference.

Day 3 Tokyo
Morning - City tour of Tokyo visiting a number of the main highlights of this magnificent City. The tour includes a visit to the Tokyo Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views across the city from the observation tower. We proceed to the peaceful picturesque setting of the Meiji Shrine, set in thick woodland and considered to be one of the finest example of Shinto Architecture. Next we visit the 'Akasaka Guest House' for a photo opportunity. The Guest House is a magnificent 'Western Style Palace' built in the Baroque Architectural style. We then drive alongside the imposing National Diet Building, which is home to the Japanese House of Parliament. Our tour continues across Tokyo to the Imperial Palace East Garden, where we enjoy a pleasant walk in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, which is full of scenic and historic beauty. (Alternatively for tours on Monday & Friday we will visit the Imperial Palace plaza and famous Double bridge instead of the East Garden, including a visit to the inner moat and towering Palace walls surrounded by pine trees). Our tour will continue with a drive and stroll along Ginza high street, the famous shopping area of Tokyo. Our tour will disband at Ginza giving you the opportunity for shopping (we also recommend you visit the Sony Centre building to see the futuristic electronics on display. Ginza is also convenient for the subway to explore further.

Afternoon - free at leisure or take optional afternoon city tour, which includes Asakusa Kannon Temple and Sumida river cruise. (ask for details at time of booking).

Day 4 Tokyo
Free day to explore the many cultural sites of Tokyo at your leisure or explore the fantastic shopping districts of Ginza, Akihabara & Ueno.

Alternatively, pre-book a day tour to Nikko National park, a designated World Cultural Heritage site (tour includes lunch). Nikko is a gem of Natural scenic beauty and is home to some of the most spectacular examples of ancient architecture in Japan. The tour includes a visit to the magnificent Toshogu shrine, which houses the Mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the spectacular Kegon waterfall.

Day 5 Tokyo - Hakone - Mt Fuji - Kyoto (Includes Lunch)
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven by deluxe motorcoach to the the 5th station on Mount Fuji. Along the way you can enjoy the scenery of rural Japan, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and mountainous peaks. From our vantage point on the 5th station on Mt Fuji, there are spectacular views (weather permitting). Lunch will be provided at a Hotel/Restaurant in Hakone. In the afternoon we proceed to the Hakone National Park where we will take a cable car ride with the opportunity to see the magnificent volcanic Hakone mountain range below. We will then travel to the Owakudani Boiling Valley where you will see ancient volcanic craters where sulfurous fumes and clouds of steam spiral from crevasses across the mountain side giving a truly mystical image. We then proceed with our tour for a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, which is set in serene natural beauty, where weather permitting , spectacular views of Mount Fuji can be seen silhouetted in the lake. Proceed to Odawara and take the Shinkansen (Bullet train) to Kyoto. Accommodation at the New Miyako hotel or similar (includes: Lunch).

Day 6 Kyoto
Morning - sight-seeing tour of Kyoto including a visit to the Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavilion) centred around one of the best examples of a Japanese Zen garden in the world. Then Nijo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa Shogun. Built in 1603, Nijo Castle is noted for its Ornate interior and 'nightingale floor' designed to sing when stepped upon to warn of Ninja assassins.(When closed visit Ryoanji temple). We then travel to the Old Kyoto Imperial Palace (on Sat/Sun & national holidays visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine or Hagashi Honganji temple instead). Finally we explore the Kyoto Handicraft Centre where we enjoy demonstrations of Japanese traditional arts and crafts. Tour ends at the handycraft centre who provide an optional free return to your hotel in Kyoto, or extend your tour by taking take an optional afternoon tour. There are two afternoon tour options available. Please enquire at time of booking.

Optional tour 1: Nara is a ancient capital city of Japan (before Kyoto), known as the cradle of Japan's arts & crafts. The restful rural city was were Buddhism first flourished in Japan and is home to many ancient temples and historic relics. Our tour to Nara includes visiting to Todaiji temple housing the Great Buddha, Kasuga Shinto Shrine with 3,000 lanterns and Nara Deer Park.

Optional Kyoto tour 2: Visit the colourful Heian Shrine and its inner garden and ponds, Sanjusangendo Hall, a renowned long wooden hall housing all of 1,001 statues that date back to the 13th century and finally the magnificent Kiyomizu Temple with spectacular views across the entire city and which is a must see sight in Kyoto.

Day 7 Kyoto - Hiroshima
Check out of your hotel and leave your luggage with the bell boy. Then you have free time to explore Kyoto on your own and we recommend visiting the magnificent Kiyomizu Temple or take a stroll along the Philosophers Path.

In the late afternoon / early evening proceed to Kyoto station by yourself and board your train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival self transfer to your hotel, which is conveniently located near the station.

We have arrange luggage transfer to take your large luggage directly to Osaka. Therefore prepare an overnight carry bag for your stay in Hiroshima.

Day 8 Hiroshima - Miyajima
Today enjoy a full day tour includes visiting Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima with its breathtaking beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Then we explore the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, near the epicenter where the atomic bomb exploded. We also visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, featuring exhibitions of items related to the nuclear bomb.

Day 9 Hiroshima - Osaka
In the morning self transfer to Hiroshima station and leave by Bullet train to Osaka. Upon arrival self transfer to your hotel, which is conveniently located near the station. Rest of the day is free at leisure to explore Osaka, which is easily navigated using the underground subways. A must-see sight in Osaka is the magnificent Osaka Castle located in the city centre. Then explore Dotonbori which is one of the most popular streets in Osaka and runs adjacent to a canal of the same name. Nearby Domi domi shopping and eating areas are one of most exciting districts in Japan. Shinsaibashi is probably the best shopping area and certainly the most frenetic. If you want to explore more historic culture then visit the beautiful and peaceful Shitennoji Buddhist temple. Shitennoji is the oldest officially administered temple in Japan built by Prince Shotoku (574-622 A.D)

Day 10 Osaka to UK
Transfer to the futuristic Kansai International Airport in Osaka for departure to UK. Arriving UK later the same day.

Group Departure Dates & Prices (£)

Ref	Weekly Friday departure from UK	Land Only (twin share)	Upgrade to Sup/Deluxe	Single supp
SPJ	Feb & Mar	1740	150	510
SPJ	Mid Mar & April	1775	150	510
SPJ	May	1775	150	510
SPJ	June	1740	150	490
SPJ	July	1740	150	490
SPJ	August	1740	150	490
SPJ	September	1740	150	490
SPJ	October	1775	150	510
SPJ	November	1775	150	510

We are happy to provide your flight tickets with the airline and departure airport of your choice - Flights from £550pp with full ATOL Protection...

** The peak season to Japan is cherry blossoms viewing (late March & early April), and autumn leave changing (October & early November). The first day of blooming (Kaika) in Tokyo usually comes at the end of March, with the trees reaching full bloom about one week later.

The price may be different around the bank holidays in the UK, and the festivals period in Japan. Please contact us for confirmation. The hotel upgrade price is based on twin share, for single room upgrade please contact us.

Price Includes (The prices shown above are 'per person')

• Airport/hotel transfers.
• Sightseeing tours by professional English-speaking tour guide.
• All entrance fees whilst on guided tours.
• Selection of quality accommodation in well furnished hotel rooms with private facilities.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Train tickets as specified in the itinerary.
• Free luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Tokyo & Kyoto & Kyoto to Osaka. 1 large luggage bag per person.

Price Does Not Include

• International Flights: We are happy to provide flights with full ATOL Protection.
• Optional tours.
• Travel Insurance.

Why choose to travel with Magical Japan?
From the moment you talk to our travel consultants, who have all traveled extensively in Japan, our experience ensures you will have a magical holiday.Our service includes meet & greet at airport and free luggage transfer from hotel to hotel etc. There are no additional entrance fees or transportation costs on any sightseeing tours that are already listed in our programme. Your tours are with officially qualified professional English speaking tour guides. Transfers are by air-conditioned deluxe coach and you will have time to enjoy each sightseeing place on foot. The tour itineraries are regularly checked and provide an ideal length of time to show you the sights, with free time to explore according to your own interests. Most importantly we Guarantee departure with minimum 2 people.

Flights If you require international flights, as an agent for many airline consolidators, we can obtain flights in various classes with reputable airlines such as ANA, BA, Virgin, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Finnair etc. For the cheapest deal we recommend you book your international flights at time of booking, as this can save you pounds off your final holiday price. Full ATOL Protection Available.

Your Accommodation for this tour Carefully selected quality accommodation in ideal locations, with upgrade to deluxe level available.

Your Meals Meals are as specified in the itinerary. Breakfast at hotels can be booked in advance or purchased in Japan on a daily basis. Alternatively, there are many places around the hotels where you can buy meals.

Other details of our tour arrangements Upon arrival at Tokyo Airport, you will be met by one of our assistants and directed to the limousine bus terminal. For each day of your itinerary (excluding free time), you will be met by English speaking guides at your hotel for escorted tours. You will be met and transferred from hotel in Kyoto to Osaka Airport by private transportation.

To ensure our travellers have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, a hotel to hotel luggage transfer service (1 piece of luggage per person) is provided Tokyo - Kyoto & Kyoto to Osaka.

We also recommend taking a Ryokan experience (Japanese guest house) on the last day in Kyoto. The supplement starts from £160 per person for 1 night with Japanese breakfast & Dinner included.

This tour is suitable for travellers of all ages, who are reasonably fit and healthy. Add on tours and city extensions are available, for details visit optional tours page.

Nijo Castle (Kyoto) is closed (Tue in Jul & Aug), therefore if your tour falls on these dates, we will visit Ryoanji Temple instead. Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed at weekends and on national holidays, we will visit Kitano Tenmangu, or Ryoanji Temple instead.

Our itinerary is designed according to the most up to date information available at the time. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. In regards to expected transfer times and train times these may vary as they are subject to schedules and availability controlled by the various railway companies. It is extremely rare that itineraries ever need changes and we will always act in your best interest to handle any amendments if this did occur. However we reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary if required, for example occasionally the tour sequence and duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.