JAPAN 2016

28 September 2016 14 nights/15 days

Group Number: 15-20 passengers
ITINERARY
DAY 1 / 28TH SEPTEMBER 2016: ARRIVE TOKYO
On arrival in Tokyo you will be transferred to your hotel by airport
limousine bus
DAY 2 / 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016: TOKYO
Theres much to see in bustling Tokyo and this full-day tour is the perfect
introduction to the citys sights. This morning, your guide will escort you
through Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, Japans most famous Shintoshrine,
dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his consort. Next is the Imperial
Palace. Here stroll through the impressive garden, once the grounds of
an old Edo castle, with a tea pavilion, Japanese garden, moats and stone
walls. We will visit Asakusa Kannon Temple (also called Sensoji)the oldest
temple in Tokyo. Its history goes back to 7th century, here you will be
introduced to the influences of Buddhism and Shintoism on Japanese
culture. Also explore Nakamise Shopping arcade a shopping street that
has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local
snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. If time allows there will be time
to explore the Ginza Shopping District. After dinner we will travel to the
top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to view the amazing
Tokyo skyline under lights.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO Superior room
Transport: Private coach
DAY 3 / 30TH SEPTEMBER 2016: TOKYO
After breakfast we walk via the Tokyo Fish Markets to Sushi Zanmai where
we will have a Sushi making experience and lunch. The Afternoon is at
your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO Superior room
Transport: Public transport
DAY 4 / 1ST OCTOBER 2016: TOKYO HAKONE
Travel by bus this morning to Hakone, set in the mountain countryside
TravelMakers

just to the South of Mt Fuji. Hakone offers a curious mix of difference

attractions. A ride on the Hakone Gondola Ropeway is an unforgettable
experience and the 360 degree views are breathtaking.. See Mt Fuji from
a different angle as you enjoy a trip on the Pirate Boat on Lake Ashi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: HOTEL HOKADA Japanese room
Transport: Private coach
DAY 5 / 2ND OCTOBER 2016: HAKONE
Full Day Free to explore this beautiful area. Hakone Free 1 Day Pass. Pass
allows: Hakone Tozan Rail and Cable Car, Rope Way, Pirates Boat,
le experience and 360 degree views are breathtaking.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: HOTEL HOKADA Japanese room
DAY 6 / 3RD OCTOBER 2016: HAKONE MATSUMOTO
Majestic Mt Fuji is the highest in Japan and is one of the prettiest sites
in the country. For much of the year the mountain is snowcapped, a
beautiful site to behold, Travelling to the Mt Fuji 5th Station allows for
great views of the Mountain. (Weather permitting). After exploring Lake
Kawaguchi we will travel to Matsumoto - approximately a 3 hour drive. On
arrival we will visit Nawate Shopping district.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: TAKAYAMA RESORT
Transport: Private coach
DAY 7 / 4TH OCTOBER 2016: MATUSMOTO TAKAYAMA
Today we will visit Matsumoto-jo, one of Japans premier histories castles.
We will re-board our vehicle and journey to Takayama in the Japan Alps
Known as mini-Kyoto,Takayama is an accessible town rich in shrine and
temple architecture and has a pleasant, laid-back feel. Surrounded by the
brooding peaks of the Japan Alps, Takayama is a bustling market town.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: TAKAYAMA RESORT Superior room
Transport: Private coach / Walking

DAY 8 / 5TH OCTOBER 2016: TAKAYAMA

This morning, visit the Morning Market along with Sanmachi Suji, area
of dark wooden merchant houses dating from the mid-nineteenth
century. During the day, youll have to negotiate your way through
rickshaws and tourists pottering in and out of craft shops, cafs
and sake breweries. You will also visit Takayama Jinya, formerly a
government building and home to some wonderful insights into Japans
past. Yatai Kaikan, the colourful Festival Floats which come out annually
during one of Japans most Famous festivals.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: TAKAYAMA RESORT
Transport: Walking
DAY 9 / 6TH OCTOBER 2016: TAKAYAMA KYOTO
Luggage Transfer to Kyoto - next day arrival. Please prepare an
overnight bag for this night. Today we catch the bullet train to Kyoto
Upon arrival into Kyoto we will walk the short distance to our hotel
Afternoon is at your leisure
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NEW MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO superior room
Transport: JR Pass

DAY 14 / 11TH OCTOBER 2016: HIROSHIMA

This morning we board a ferry for the ten-minute passage to
Miyajima Island. This tranquil island is home to Itsukushima Shrine,
partly comprised of an offshore red torii gate - one of Japans most
famous and photographed sites. In ancient times access to holy
Miyajima Island was through this floating gate; you will arrive more
conventionally, gliding into the ferry terminal. Take some free time
to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this pretty island, mingle with
the wild deer, and sample some Japanese snack food. Depart this
unique setting and re-board the ferry for the trip back to the mainland.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: HOTEL GRANVIA HIROSHIMA
Transport: Taxi, JR pass
DAY 15/12TH OCTOBER 2016: HIROSHIMA
This morning after breakfast, we make our way to Hiroshima Airport to
start our Journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Private Coach

DAY 10 / 7TH OCTOBER 2016: KYOTO

Spend the day exploring the many wonderful sites of Kyoto. We will
visit Kiyomizu Temple, with a panoramic view of Kyoto, Golden Pavillion,
one of Japans most cherished sites, Sanjusangendo Temple, Heian
Shrine and the Nijo Castle to name a few.
Meals: Breakfast , Lunch
Accommodation: NEW MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO superior room
Transport: Private coach
DAY 11 / 8TH OCTOBER 2016: KYOTO - NARA - KYOTO
This morning we will make our way to Nara, a 45 minute train ride from
Kyoto. Japans first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at
Heijo, the city now known as Nara. Due to its past as the first permanent
capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japans
oldest Buddhist temples. Visit the Todaiji Temple, constructed in the
8th century, is one of Japans most famous and historically significant
temples. In its huge precincts are various national treasures of Japan.
The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is one of the worlds largest
wooden buildings. One of Japans best-known temples, it enshrines
a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha. A true wonder of religious
architecture. See over 1,000 tame deer roam freely in the verdant 1,250
acres peaceful park. If you wish to feed the deer, they will gladly eat
from your hand, but beware. Special deer food is available for sale in
the park grounds. Your tour concludes with a visit to Kasuga Shrine, the
most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara, it features some 3,000
antique stone and bronze lanterns. Afternoon is at your leisure
Meals: Breakfast , Dinner
Accommodation: NEW MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO superior room
Transport: JR Pass
DAY 12 / 9TH OCTOBER 2016: KYOTO KURASHIKI
This morning we make our way to Kurashiki via Himeji, where we will
visit the Himeji Castle. In Kurashiki we will visit the Bikan Historical
Quarter and the Ohara Art Museum.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: KURASHIKI KOKUSAI HOTEL
Transport: Private coach
DAY 13 / 10TH OCTOBER 2016: KURASHIKI HIROSHIMA
After breakfast we will board the coach and travel to Hiroshima. You
will also see the famous Peace Memorial Park and a poignant cenotaph
inscribed with all the known victims of the Hiroshima bomb, and the
eerie A-Bomb Dome, a tragic city-symbol, left standing in a ruinous
state after more than 60 years.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: GRANVIA HIROSHIMA superior room
Transport: Coach

TravelMakers

PRICES:
TWIN SHARE:

$6990.00 pp
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

$1715.00

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