Beginning in Tokyo on 28 March, 2019, and visiting Kamakura, Mt Fuji, Lake Suwa, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Himeji, Kobe, Kyoto, Miyajima and Nara. Explore the traditions and culture of the land of the Samurai warrior, the exquisite Geisha and the Tea Ceremony, against a backdrop of glorious cherry blossoms.
Thu 28 Mar – Australia – Tokyo
Fly with Qantas, arriving at Tokyo’s Narita Airport this evening. Stay four nights at the Keio Plaza Hotel.
Fri 29 Mar – Tokyo
A city sights tour begins with a visit to the Koishikawa Korakuen Park, a peaceful garden begun in 1629 and influenced by Chinese design. Stroll in Ueno Onshi Park before a visit to the Edo Tokyo Museum. In the afternoon visit Chidori-ga-fuchi, a moat in the Kokyogaien Gardens, then it is time for shopping in the famous Ginza district. (B)
Sat 30 Mar – Tokyo
Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine and the historic entertainment district of Asakusa to see the Sensoji Temple and to browse in Nakamise Arcade. Travel to the top of the Tokyo Sky Tree (350m) for views over the city then return to the hotel by 1.30pm. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Sun 31 Mar – Kamakura excursion
Take an excursion to Kamakura to see the Daibutsu, or great Buddha statue, visit Hase Temple and walk along the Dankazura, a raised stone walkway through an avenue of cherry blossom trees leading to the Hachimangu Shrine. Also visit Komyohi Temple. (B,L)
Mon 01 Apr – Tokyo – Mt. Fuji – Lake Suwa
Transfer by coach to Tokyo station for the bullet train ride to Odawara then transfer by coach to Lake Ashi for a cruise on the beautiful lake. Lunch is at a local restaurant before travelling on by coach to the 5th station for views of Mt Fuji, the highest peak in Japan, weather permitting. Continue on to Lake Suwa to stay one night at a ryokan, the Hotel Beniya in Japanese rooms. (B,D)
Tue 02 Apr – Lake Suwa – Takayama
Travel by coach to Takayama today. Visit the Matsuri-no-mori museum before enjoying a Tea Ceremony and the museum at Chya-no-yu-no-mori. Stay at Associa Takayama Resort for two nights. (B,D)
Wed 03 Apr – Takayama
Take a half day tour of Takayama, visiting the Miyagawa morning markets, Takayama Jinya and a local sake brewery, followed by time to explore the quaint old streets of Sannomachi. (B)
Thu 04 Apr – Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa
The charming village of Shirakawago is visited with its traditional thatched roof houses. Visit the Miboro Dam before lunch at the Shirakawago and Observatory. Visit Wada House, a typical Gassho-zukuri style house built in the form of hands in prayer. There is free time to wander in the heritage village of Ogimachi. Continue to Kanazawa for a two night stay at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel. (B,L)
Fri 05 Apr – Kanazawa
Tour Kanazawa today with a visit to Kenrokuen, a highly revered private garden. The local Omicho markets are next, followed by a visit to the Nomura Samurai residence. Enjoy a Gold Leaf experience, where gold is beaten to a very thin sheet and used for decoration. Spend some guided time at the Higashi Chaya district – a traditional neighbourhood with tea houses where geisha perform. (B,D)
Sat 06 Apr – Kanazawa – Hiroshima
Travel by train to Hiroshima, via Kyoto, arriving at your hotel around 3pm. Stay two nights at the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel. (B)
Sun 07 Apr – Miyajima excursion
Travel to Miyajima Island by coach and ferry. Take a guided walking tour to see the Itsukushima Shrine and striking red torii gate and the glorious cherry blossoms. After lunch, visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and the very moving Peace Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome. (B,L)
Mon 08 Apr – Hiroshima – Himeji – Kobe – Kyoto
Travel by coach to Himeji and visit the Himeji Castle. Travel on to Kobe and visit the Kobe Harbor Land shopping centre. Arrive at your hotel in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, at around 5pm. Stay three nights at the ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto. (B)
Tue 09 Apr – Kyoto
A full day of sightseeing includes a visit to Nijo Castle. The castle area has several gardens and groves of cherry and plum trees. In another beautiful garden setting, visit stunning Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion, with its top floors covered in gold leaf. Explore Gion, the city’s most famous entertainment district and the centre of its traditional arts. Experience one of these as you dress up in a traditional kimono. (B)
Wed 10 Apr – Nara excursion
Travel to Nara and immerse yourself in culture of the first permanent capital and birthplace of much of the Japan’s traditional arts and literature. Visit Todaiji Temple to see the Great Buddha statue, the Deer Park, Kasuga Shrine and Kinkaku Temple. (B,L)
Thu 11 Apr – Kyoto – Kansai airport to exit
Tour concludes this morning. For those travelling home on Qantas, transfer by coach late this afternoon to Osaka Kansai Airport for flights home. Transfer to flights at other times will incur an additional transfer cost. (B)
Fri 12 Apr – Arrive Australia
Tour Price:
15 day tour beginning in Tokyo on Thursday 28 March 2019
With Qantas flights: $12,570 per person, twin share, ex Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane
Land Only: $10,940 per person, twin share
Single supplement: $2,760
Tour prices and inclusions are based on a minimum of 10 passengers. A deposit of 10% of the tour price is due within one week of booking.
Price Includes:
Tour prices and inclusions are based on a minimum of 10 passengers.
This tour is operated by InterAsia Tours – your specialist in Asia since 1989.
