Ancient & Modern Japan

The group flight to Kansai Airport (Osaka) departs in the afternoon from
London.

Day 2

The trip starts in Kyoto, an atmospheric city set amidst beautiful hills.
Those on the group flights from London will be met on arrival at Kansai
Airport this evening and transferred to our hotel located in the city centre.
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Day 3

With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of
Japan's cultural heritage and remains undoubtedly one of the most fascinating
cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese towns, it escaped the ravages of
both the Second World War and modern urban development, thereby keeping
intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan.

Today, we have an introductory tour of the city. Starting with a visit
to the famous Golden Temple of Kinkakuji, built in 1397 as a summer villa
for the shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga and immortalised in Mishima Yukio's novel,
'The Golden Pavilion'. We then visit the Ryoanji temple, home to Japan's
most famous and iconic rock garden, before moving onto the impressive Nijo
castle, built in 1603 as a residence for the Tokugawa shoguns.

At lunch we will head back to central Kyoto for a stroll at the famous
Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen', which specialises in all things
food related and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto
specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Those
who wish may opt to take a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants in
the area or rest at the hotel.

Later in the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to walk around historic
Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Packed with bars, restaurants and
traditional teahouses, Gion is at its most atmospheric in the early evening,
when the lanterns are lit and apprentice geisha will flit about the back
streets on their way to their appointments.

Day 4

Today we make a day trip to Japan's ancient capital, Nara (approx. 1hr each
way). With eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it's second only to Kyoto as a
repository of Japan's cultural legacy. Our walking tour includes a visit to
the most iconic temples and shrines, including the Todaiji Great Buddha
temple. Built in 752 by the Emperor Shomu this enormous 15 meter tall bronze
Buddha is housed in what is reputed to be the largest wooden building in the
world. We also spend time in the Nara Koen park, famous for its large numbers
of overfed and slightly unruly deer, and visit the attractive Kasuga Shinto
shrine, before returning to Kyoto in the late afternoon.

Day 5

Today is a free day for individual sightseeing. With so much to see and do in
Kyoto it can be difficult to know where to begin. Our advice is to start with
a very early visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto's most important Shinto
shrine and famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle
a network of trails behind its main buildings. Getting there before the
crowds at sunrise is the secret for a magical experience.

The rest of the day could be spent exploring one of the several well
established and easy-to-follow walking tours that take in many interesting
sights. The eastern part of Kyoto is particularly rich in temples and
gardens, and one can spend the day in this area, perhaps strolling along the
tree-lined canal known as the Philosophers' Path and taking time out for
contemplation in one of the many intriguing Zen gardens that dot the
hillsides.

Another day-trip to consider would be to Arashiyama, a pleasant tourist
district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular
destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its
natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom
and autumn colour seasons.

If you are interested in Japanese arts and cultural activities, there is also
the option of visiting a cultural show to see some of Japan's ancient
traditions such as the tea ceremony and Japanese theatre (these can be
arranged locally by your tour leader and subject to availability).

Day 6

Today is our first experience of Japan's shinkansen (bullet train) as we
speed our way to Hiroshima for the day (approx. 2hrs each way). Once in
Hiroshima, we make a short excursion by local tram and ferry to the beautiful
island of Miyajima; famous for the 'floating' tori (Shinto gate) of the
Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. At high tide, when set against the backdrop of Mt
Misen, this tori makes for one of the most beautiful and photogenic sights in
Japan. Please note, whilst the ‘floating’ tori of Itsukushima-jinja
Shrine is currently undergoing renovation works until summer 2020, we still
recommend a visit to this enchanting island as part of the day trip to
Hiroshima.

In the afternoon we spend time at the A-Bomb museum and the Peace Memorial
Park in Hiroshima, both monuments to the fateful day in August 1945 when the
city was selected as the target for the world's first wartime use of the
atomic bomb. In the park burns a symbolic flame that will only be
extinguished when the last nuclear weapon on earth has been destroyed. We
depart Hiroshima late afternoon arriving back at our hotel in Kyoto in the
evening.

Day 7

Travelling by train through forested valleys we make our way this morning to
the peaceful and attractive old town of Takayama (approx. 4 hrs) nestling
sleepily in the centre of the majestic Hida Mountains. We spend two nights
here and have plenty of time to appreciate the charm and ambience of this
delightful place. In the afternoon we visit the Hida Folk Village, an
interesting outdoor museum of traditional rural architecture set in pleasant
landscaped gardens, located a short walk from our accommodation. We stay in a
traditional Japanese style accommodation where we have the opportunity to
experience the Japanese lifestyle and hospitality (please refer to the
accommodation section for more information).

Day 8

With over a dozen museums and galleries to suit all interests and several
well-kept temples and parks, there are plenty of ways to spend a relaxing day
in Takayama. We start with a short orientation tour around the morning market
held daily along the banks of the Miyagawa River in the centre of town. Here
amidst the friendly farmers with their familiar, and not so familiar,
agricultural produce it is also possible to find some interesting souvenirs.
Not so far away and of particular interest is the well-preserved collection
of streets known as Sannomachi, where the many wooden built shops,
restaurants and sake breweries give the area a mediaeval feel. For an insight
into the life of medieval Japanese officials and the way they dealt (often
not so compassionately) with those in their charge, a visit to the old
Government House of Takayama-jinya is recommended. The remainder of the day
is free to explore the town at your own pace: we recommend taking a stroll
along the temple-line path called the Higashiyama Walkway and visit the
several temples and attractions created by the mediaeval warlord, Kanamori
Nagachika (1524-1600), who longed for Kyoto.

Day 9

Today we travel by express and local trains to the historic castle town of
Matsumoto (approx. 4hrs). Enroute, we visit the mediaeval village of Tsumago
that has changed little from its heyday as a post town in the Edo period.
This is the best preserved of the many staging posts along the old Nakasendo
Way, which fulfils the same role it did in centuries past - offering food and
refuge to travellers. Those who wish can join the leader for an optional 1hr
walk through peaceful forest trails, starting by the Odaki and Medaki
waterfalls and finishing in Tsumago. We reach Matsumoto late afternoon where
we have time to relax and perhaps take a leisurely stroll after dinner to see
the impressive castle by night.

Day 10

This morning we visit the impressive Matsumoto castle. Founded in 1504, this
castle, otherwise known as Crow Castle due to its black colour, is one of the
two best preserved in Japan, most others having been destroyed following the
Meiji Restoration. Its imposing six story donjon has been designated a
national treasure. Please note that the castle preserves its original
interior and structure, with very tall steps and steep staircases which some
might find difficult to ascend and descend. We return to Matsumoto train
station for our afternoon journey (approx. 3hrs) to the relaxing spa town of
Yudanaka, which boasts some fantastic natural hot springs, where we spend a
night in another Japanese-style accommodation.*
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Day 11

As well as being home to some of Japan's best hot springs, the small spa-town
of Yudanaka is mainly famous for being the gateaway to the famous Jigokudani
Onsen or 'Snow Monkey Park'. Here, the indigenous macaque monkeys have
discovered the benefits of descending from the hills to soak and play in hot
baths - observing their behaviour up close is fascinating! This is the only
tribe of monkeys anywhere in the world to bath in hot springs for warmth. The
sight is most spectacular in winter, when snow covers the grounds and the hot
steam creates some amazing visual effects but despite the name, the so called
'snow monkeys' actually inhabit the area year-round. To reach the park we
walk for approx. 20-25 mins on an easy forest trail and we will have approx.
1hr free to admire and photograph these entertaining creatures.

No visit to Japan would be complete without a trip to Tokyo. This afternoon,
we travel from Yudanaka to the capital by bullet train (approx. 4hrs),
arriving in the early evening. On arrival in Tokyo we'll transfer to our
hotel and start exploring the bright lights of the big city at night.

Day 12

For those wishing to see still more of this wonderful country, today is the
last day of your Japan Rail Pass, entitling you to free train journeys to
many destinations. One popular day-trip amongst tourists and Japanese alike
looking for a break from Tokyo is Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu
National Park, less than 1hr and 30 mins by train. Famous for hot springs,
natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji, Hakone area also encompasses
Lake Ashi, which can be toured by boat.

Another alternative blissful escape from the city is the coastal town of
Kamakura, offering numerous temples, shrines, historical monuments as well as
panoramic hiking trails.

For those not wishing to leave Tokyo, this day is free to soak up the
atmosphere of this truly astounding city. Whilst being perhaps the most 
energetic and futuristic city in the world, for a capital, Tokyo still
remains a remarkably friendly, safe, manageable and delightful place to
visit.

Day 13

Today we have a guided tour of Tokyo. Making use of the city's highly
efficient tube system we can visit some of Tokyo's main attractions including
Ueno (depending on season) and the lively Senso-ji Temple in the old
entertainment district of Asakusa. We will also visit one of the city's parks
or gardens which become especially spectacular during cherry blossom and
autumn season. There is also some free time to discover other attractions at
your own pace. For those with a head for heights we recommend an optional
visit to the iconic Skytree Tower for breathtaking views of the city. With a
height of 634 meters, it is the tallest building in Japan and the second
tallest structure in the world at the time of its completion. In the evening,
the possibilities for entertainment are almost limitless with Tokyo's
nightlife as exciting as anywhere in Asia.

Day 14

Today has been left free for further individual exploration of Tokyo. Worth
visiting is the Meiji Shrine; surrounded by tranquil forest, this Shinto
shrine is one of the most popular in Japan and combines traditional Japanese
architecture with love for the nature. Or for those interested in culture or
shopping, there are limitless opportunities with districts like Ginza,
Harajuku and Shinjuku catering for all tastes and needs! Your leader will be
on hand to advise how best to maximise your free day in Tokyo.

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Day 15

Those on the group flights will be transferred to Tokyo airport this evening
for the daytime flight to London. Please note that although late check out is
not included in the cost of the trip, the hotel provides free lugagge storage
facilities. 

Day 16

Arrive London