Jewels of Japan

Prices 11 days from £4,990pp

Days 1-2 Fly to Tokyo

Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3 Discover Tokyo

Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you'll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Today's city tour starts on the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, the world's tallest tower, before seeking out the tranquillity of the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest. Learn about Tokyo's historical heritage at the Edo-Tokyo Museum and explore Tokyo's Imperial Palace East Garden.

Day 4 Meiji Shrine

Today, the tour begins with a relaxed morning wandering around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Garden. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, the Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken before driving past the famous Shibuya Crossing. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city as you wish. This evening, take a relaxed dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for some excellent city vistas.

Day 5 Fuji Five Lakes

Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mt Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Mt Fuji's picture-perfect cone. Later, try your hand at making traditional Japanese soba noodles before tucking in to your creations. Continue to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations before strolling around Oshino Hakkai, a scenic area of ponds full of crystal clear spring water created by Fuji's melting snow.

Day 6 Mount Fuji

Ascend 2,000 metres up to Mt Fuji's 5th Station (weather permitting) where, with its perfectly conical peak looming overhead, you can take in the breathtaking views over the landscapes below. Returning to the beautiful Five Lakes region, explore Iyashi no Sato Historical Village, a former farming village on the shores of Lake Saiko. Destroyed by a landslide in 1966, the remaining thatched-roofed houses of this old village have been transformed into an open-air museum and craft village.

Day 7 Bullet train to Kyoto

Transfer to Mishima station for the bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for a thousand years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. Meet with either a maiko (apprentice geisha) or geisha and learn about their way of life and culture before visiting Ryoanji Temple, a zen temple with an excellent example of a 'dry landscape' garden. End the day with a visit to the magnificent Kinkakuji Temple, the 'Golden Pavilion'.

Day 8 Explore Kyoto

Today you will explore one of Kyoto's delightful temples - Kiyomizu Temple, a 17th century Buddhist temple. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Japanese handicraft experience and enjoy Japanese tea at a restored wooden townhouse.

Day 9 Hiroshima and Miyajima

Today travel by bullet train to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Hiroshima today is vibrant and modern with a forward-thinking, sunny outlook. Find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Hopping on a ferry, make the short trip to the holy island of Miyajima. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rising majestically out of the waters of the Seto Inland Sea. You will have time to explore the island on your own.

Day 10 Himeji Castle

Travel to Himeji to visit its famous castle. The feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city and is recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Appreciate its turbulent past before strolling around Koko-en, the Edo-style gardens just across the castle moat. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Osaka for an overnight stay.

Day 11 Fly Osaka to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

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From £4,990 per person

Please contact us for alternative dates, durations and departure airports. Prices shown are for guidance only and are subject to availability.

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