Discover Japan – an escorted tour

From£5290 Per Person
Highlights
  • Discover the delights of futuristic Tokyo
  • Admire breath-taking Mount Fuji
  • Experience the speedy Bullet Train
  • Get a glimpse of Buddhist life in Koya-San 
  • Explore the vibrant city of Osaka
  • Details
  • Itinerary
  • Photos

Discover Japan – an escorted tour

Discover JapanDiscover Japan – an escorted tour across the Japanese Alps to the cultural centres of Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa on this extensive tour of Japan.

You will of course see modern Tokyo and beautiful Mt Fuji as well as historical Kyoto and Nara.

 

 

This tour is the perfect introduction to fascinating Japan, where skyscrapers give way to paddy fields and crowds disperse into the tranquility of classical gardens.

See the classic sights in the company of expert guides so you can really understand the history and culture of the destination. On our classic tours we take care of everything, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the experience to the full. The tours are fully inclusive with all meals and a comprehensive touring programme.

 

 

Discover Japan -an escorted tour by Wendy Wu      Discover Japan -an escorted tour by Wendy Wu

 

Discover Japan – an escorted tour is rated as a physical level 1 tour. A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.  

▪ On several days, there will be sightseeing on foot for extended periods of time, often involving steps or uneven ground

▪ You will be required to get on and off various sizes of boat without assistance

Of course, our National Escort will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.

Price Includes

  • Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges 
  • All accommodation
  • All meals (From dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day)
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees
  • All transportation and transfers
  • English speaking National Escort 
  • Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
  • Comprehensive travel guides
  • Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL and IATA

Itinerary

Discover Japan - an escorted tour
Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its busy, high-tech frontage and you'll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Start today on the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, the world's tallest tower, before wandering through the old district of Asakusa, stopping at the Buddhist Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest. Drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza and later stroll through the classical landscapes of Hamarikyu Garden. This evening, take a relaxed dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for excellent city vistas.
ake the super-fast bullet train to Odawara. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi for spectacular panoramas of this beautiful area before venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway for amazing views back over the lake and Mt Fuji. Next, head up to the 5th Station at Mt Fuji (weather permitting) to take in the breathtaking views over the Fuji Five Lakes below.
This morning, drive 2 hours to Nagano to explore the formidable 16th century Matsumoto Castle. After lunch, stop at a Miso House to learn about the process of making this Japanese seasoning, before travelling further to Takayama, nestled high in the mountainous Hida region.
Takayama has an air of old world Japan, particularly around its wonderfully preserved old town. Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market, wander past some of the lovely traditional houses and visit several of the excellent local museums – Takayama Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Museum and Takayama Jinya.
Get a glimpse of rural Japan at UNESCO-listed Shirakawago which is famous for its farmhouses built in the unique gassho-zukuri architectural style. Continue to Gokayama to experience washi paper making, then travel to Kanazawa and visit the Nomura Samurai House.
Meander through the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before strolling down the traditional Higashi Chaya (Eastern Teahouse District), where you can get a feel for Japan's past and visit Ochaya Shima - a historical Geisha house. Transfer to Kyoto, the capital city of Japan until 1879.
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. This morning, head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse and try your hand at origami and enjoy the rituals of a tea ceremony. In the afternoon, visit Ryoanji Temple, which means 'temple of the peaceful dragon', and the famous Kinkakuji, a Zen temple known as the 'Golden Pavilion'.
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 torii (shrine gates). Later travel to Nara, a relaxed and charming town virtually untouched by the ravages of modernity. Home to many archetypal pieces of early art and architecture, you will stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple, meeting the resident Sika deer en route, before exploring Isui-en Garden.
This morning, drive 2.5 hours to Koya-San, the centre of Shingon Buddhism. See Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery and home to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Next, visit the Kongobuji Temple and Garan temple complex. This evening, transfer to Osaka for dinner and an overnight stay.
In the morning, visit Osaka Castle before taking a stroll around the Dotonbori district, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample delicious local delicacies. Next, enjoy a 20-minute cruise along the Yodogawa River. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure before a farewell dinner this evening.
Still undecided?
Call us
0800-009-3134
Meet us
227 Glasgow Road,
Blantyre G72 0YS
Say Hello
enquiries@glentravel.co.uk