Grand Tour of Japan 16 DAYS
(New tour) Explore the ancient, modern, scenic and remote area of Japan, for an amazing once in a lifetime experience...

• Tokyo (5 nights)
• Kamakura
• Nikko
• Mt Fuji - Lake Ashi - Hakone (1 night)
• Bullet Trains
• Nagoya (1 night)
• Toba - Ise (1 night)
• Kyoto: city tour (4 nights)
• Nara tour
• Hiroshima and Miyajima
• Takayama Shirakawago & Kanazawa (2 night)

View Itinerary & Prices below

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 night 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 peaceful picturesque setting of the Meiji Shrine, set in thick woodland and considered to be one of the finest examples of Shinto Architecture. We then drive alongside the imposing National Diet Building, which is home to the Japanese House of Parliament. Next we visit the Imperial Palace East Garden, where we enjoy a pleasant walk in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, which is filled with scenic and historic beauty. (Alternatively for tours on Monday & Friday we will visit the Imperial Palace plaza and famous Double bridge). Our tour continues with a visit to the famous Asakusa Kannon Temple & Nakamise Shopping Arcade. The tour disbands at Ginza giving you the opportunity to explore the hustle and bustle of the main shopping area in Tokyo. 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. We recommend a visit to Ropponghi hill observatory or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building observatory (free) for great evening views accross Tokyo. You may even see Mt Fuji on a clear day.

Day 4 Tokyo - Hase - Kamakura - Tokyo (Japanese style Lunch)

We take a local train journey to Hase via Kamakura. Enjoy superb view of Kamakura and the sea from Hasedera Temple before taking a short walk to the bronze Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple, the second largest Buddha statue in Japan. After lunching at a Japanese restaurant, we take the train to Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine, the most important shrine in Kamakura. Walk along Wakamiya-oji, famous for the hundreds of cherry trees that line the path to the shrine. On the way back to Tokyo station we can stop by Komachi-dori’s many arts and crafts shops and tea shops.

*Departure Dates except Sun 18 Apr, 9 Aug.

Day 5 Tokyo - Nikko - Tokyo (Japanese style Lunch)
Today we have a full day tour excursion to Nikko where we take a Deluxe motorcoach to Nikko National park, a designated World Cultural Heritage site and home to some of the most spectacular examples of ancient 17th-century Architecture in Japan. The tour includes a visit to the magnificent Toshogu shrine, which houses the Mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. We will see the Five-Story Pagoda, Niomon Gate, Three Monkeys, Yomeimon Gate and Main Sacred Hall. We then travel along the scenic Irohazaka hairpin driveway for Japanese style lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we travel to the spectacular Kegon waterfall which is 100 meters in height. We continue our tour with a scenic drive alongside Lake Chuzenji (reported to be 161.5 meters deep) and MT Nantai. Tour disbands on arrive at Ginza or Shinjyuku, where you can enjoy late shopping or a good meal and evening entertainment.

*Departure Dates except Mon 3 May, 19 Jul, 20 Aug, 20 Sept, 11 Oct.

Day 6 Tokyo
Today you have a free day to explore the exciting city of Tokyo, where you can shop for bargains in Akihabara, the electronic goods capital of Japan. Or visit Ueno, famous for its park and street market, on the way to Asakusa. In Asakusa you can browse the many colorful stores lining the Nakamise walkway leading up to Sensoji Temple.

Day 7 Tokyo - MT Fuji - Hakone (Japanese style Lunch)
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven by deluxe motorcoach to Mount Fuji. Along the way you will 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, we will enjoy 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 with sulfurous fumes and clouds of steam spiraling 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. After the tour transfer to your hotel in Hakone. Accommodation at Hotel with hot springs baths for that ultimate relax.

Day 8 Hakone - Nagoya (Buffet Lunch)
This morning we transfer to Odawara station and take the Shinkansen (Bullet train) to Nagoya. Nagoya is Japans 4th Largest city and the highlight of todays tour of Nagoya is visiting the magnificent Nagoya Castle and Toyota commemorative museum of industry and technology.

'Due to luggage restrictions on the bullet train, we have arranged for your baggage to be collected and transported by truck from Hakone to Kyoto. Therefore we recommend you prepare a light overnight bag for your overnight stays in Toba, Takayama & Kanazawa. We have allowed for transporting one item per person. Extra luggage will be charged.

Day 9 Nagoya - Toba - Ise - Kyoto (Japanese style Lunch)
After breakfast our exciting tour continues with a train journey to Ise where we explore the Jingu Shrine which dates from the 7th century and stands as Japan's most sacred shrine. Later we travel to Mikimoto Pearl Island to observe a demonstration of pearl cultivation and making of exquisite pearl jewelry. (Be sure to bring your passport, as pearls may be purchased here tax-free). After lunch we visit the Ama huts used by the Women pearl divers who wear traditional white diving suits with no breathing apparatus dive for pearls in this coastal area. (when Ama huts or Mikimoto pearl island are closed we will see Toba sea folk museum instead). After the tour we board a limited express train to Kyoto where you transfer to you hotel. (includes:Japanese style Lunch).

Day 10 Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto (Buffet Lunch)
Full day sight-seeing tour of Kyoto & Nara 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 to 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 Nishi Honganji temple instead). Finally we explore the Kyoto Handicraft Center where we enjoy demonstrations of Japanese traditional arts and crafts. Buffet lunch is provided at the Kyoto handicraft centre. After lunch we travel to the ancient capital of Japan, Nara. Our tour includes a visit to Todaiji Temple, one of the world's largest wooden buildings housing the Great Buddha. We proceed to the Kasuga Shinto Shrine the most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara with 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns. Finally we explore Nara Deer Park with more than 1,000 deer roaming freely around the 1,250 acres park. Return to your hotel in Kyoto (includes: Lunch).

Day 11 Kyoto
Day free at Leisure to explore the fascinating city of Kyoto or purchase an optional afternoon tour to the colourful Heian Shrine and 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 magnificent Kiyomizu Temple with spectacular views across the entire city. (This highly recommended afternoon tour can be pre-arranged at time of booking).

Day 12 Kyoto - Hiroshima & Miyajima - kyoto
Today we take a train to Miyajima Island (sacred island) and visit Itsukushima Jinja shrine, 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. After the tour we take the Nozomi train back to Kyoto (110 minutes). Tour disbands at Kyoto station.

Day 13 Kyoto - Takayama
Our guide will meet you at your hotel, and we take the bullet train to Nagoya and then a Limited express train to Takayama. Takayama is an tranquil old castle town often nickname 'little Kyoto'. The town is best explored by foot and therefore in the afternoon we have a guided tour where we stroll through the streets of Kakayama and Kami Sannomachi, with traditional wooden houses. We visit the Yatai Kaikan Hall, where colourful traditional festive floats are on display. Later we travel to the Kusakabe folkcraft museum, which was formerly the residence of powerful merchants. Stay at Hilda hotel Plaza.

Day 14 Takayama - Shirakawago - Gokayama - Kanazawa

We start todays tour by visiting the famous morning market of Takayama, followed by a scenic drive alongside Lake Miboro and the Shokawa River to the powerful former residence of the Toyama family. Later we travel to Shirakawago which has World Heritage designation status and is truly a spectacular experience, which many believe is the 'hidden treasure' in Japan. Visiting Shirakawago is like stepping back in time, with uniquely crafted traditional wooden farmhouses (Gassho-Zukuri) set in a beautiful mountainous landscape. We also have a fascinating experience of Japanese paper making in Gokayama another World Heritage village. Finally we continue to Kanazawa and our hotel accommodation.

Day 15 Kanazawa - Kyoto

Half day sight-seeing of Kanazawa by coach includes a visit to the Kenroku-en Garden, which is regarded as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The tour includes a fascinating visit to Kutaniyaki Pottery Kiln and a stroll through Higashi Chaya street and Shima farmers house in the Samurai house district.

Afternoon we take the Limited Express train to Kyoto. Accommodation at the New Miyako hotel or similar.

Day 16 Kyoto - UK
Take airport bus from hotel to the futuristic Kansai International Airport in Osaka for departure to UK. Arriving UK later the same day.

Group Departure Dates & Prices 2010(£)

* Tour departs UK every Thursday between Jan and Dec except 7 Jan, 22 & 29 Apr, 5 Aug, 21 Oct 2010.

The price may be different around the bank holidays in the UK, and the festivals period in Japan. Please contact us for confirmation. The single supplement is based on 3 people in 1 group. The hotel upgrade price is based on twin share for the whole trip, for single room upgrade please contact us.

We also arrange private tour or tailor made departure according to this itinerary, please contact us to discuss your requirement.

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

• All flights including airport tax. We can also arrange your local airport departure from £65. Please enquire at the time of your booking.
• Airport/hotel transfers.
• Sightseeing tours by professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Selections of quality accommodation in well furnished hotel rooms with private facilities.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Free luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Hakone & Kyoto on day 8. one piece per person. Extra luggage will be charged.

Price Does Not Include

• Optional tours.
• Travel Insurance.

Why choose to travel with Magical Japan?
From the moment you talk to our travel consultants, who have all travelled 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 inportantly we Guarantee departure.

Flights We are prefered agent of Japanese Airline ANA, a Star Alliance member who provides direct flight between Heathrow and Tokyo. We can book flight in various classes such as economy, premium economy, business and first class, and help our clients to save airmiles. We can also book flight with other reputable airlines such as BA, Virgin, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Finnair etc.

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

Your Meals Breakfast at hotels can be booked in advance. 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.

The tour itineraries are regularly checked and provide an ideal length of time to show some of the main sights in Japan, with free time to explore and enjoy according to your own interests.

Magical Japan operates with a top quality tour guide service. We also recommend Ryokan experience (Japanese guest house) on the last day in Kyoto. The supplement starts from £160 per person for 1 night with Japanese Dinner included.

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.

On day 4 train trip to Kamakura, please note that there is no reserved seating on the trains and therefore it may not be guaranteed that you will be able to sit. We also recommend you wear casual clothing and comfortable shoes suitable for walking. *This is a possibility that your tour guide does not accompany you on the train back to Tokyo after Kamakura station for operational reasons. In this case, your guide will provide information on how to go back to your hotel from Kamakura station. If numbers of travelers on the Kamakura tour are less than 15 people, ear phone guidance may be used. Please note loss of ear phone may result in 10,000JPY compensation being payable to guide company.

Suitable for travellers of all ages. Add on tours and city extension available, for details visit optional tours page.

The itinerary is designed according to the most updated information of flights schedules available, although occasionally the sequence in which cities are visited and duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. MT Fuji - Hakone - We reserve the right to change or amend our tour itinerary due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather.We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary, although we will act in your best interests to handle any amendments. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.