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Adventures in Japan / Self Guided Tours / World Heritage Japan

TOKYO (3) - KYOTO (3) - KOYASAN (1) - NARA (1) - HIROSHIMA (2) - HIMEIJI (1) - KANAZAWA (2) - GOKAYAMA (2) - TOKYO (2)
Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto

World Heritage Kinkakuji Temple _1.jpg

Tour Type
Self Guided Tour
Travel Dates
All Year Round
Start Location
Tokyo
End Location
Tokyo
Duration 18 days
Recommended Add-On
World Heritage YAKUSHIMA ISLAND Trekking Tour (3 days)
Map Click Here
Prices from
2,545
Description

Japan has been designated 14 World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. To receive World Heritage status shows that the sites chosen display outstanding value of either a cultural or natural nature. A temple or a forest can be a World Heritage Site, so long as it is demonstrated to have "outstanding universal value".

During this tour you will have a chance to see 8 of them.

1. Nikko: Toushogu Shrine is the star centerpiece at Nikko. Dating back to the 8th century it was originally built as a training centre for monks, until it then became the Mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nikko displays a remarkable collection of wooden structures that to this day have maintained their powerful presence in a modern Japan.

2. Kyoto: Over 12 shrines, temples and castles in Kyoto and the neighbouring cities of Uji and Otsu are listed as Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. We know how easy it is to over-do-it on temples when in Kyoto so we dont recommend seeing all 12 sites in one visit. Instead, your guide will bring you to a handful of them including Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu, Ryoanji and if you have time, The Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji). You have 3 nights in Kyoto with plenty of free time for exploring the city on your own.

3. Koyasan: Remote and isolated on the top of Mt Koya lies a Buddhist village scattered with 117 temples, most of who offer lodging facilities for visitors to the mountain. One night spent at a shokubo, or temple lodging, is one of those quintessentially Japanese experiences not to be had with more conventional sites. A local guide will meet you on arrival and walk/talk you through the background behind this spiritual haven.

4. Nara: Japans first real capital from 710 to 785 is home to over half a dozen shrines, temples and other sites including Todaiji, Kofukiji, Kasuga Taisha and Yakushiji, each of significant historical value. You will spend one night in Nara before making your way to Hiroshima the next day.

5. Hiroshima Genbaku Dome: The A-Bomb Dome is the only remaining structure in central Hiroshima to have survived the horrific 1945 blast. The Peace Parks Museum is an overwhelming experience that should not be missed.

6. Itsukushima Shrine:
One of Japans most beautiful shrines located less than one hour from Hiroshima on Miyajima Island. You can visit here as a day trip from Hiroshima. It is particularly famous for its floatingEtorii gate.

7. Himeji Castle: En route back towards Kyoto spend one night in the castle town of Himeji. The castle itself is considered the most beautiful and complete surviving example of a Japanese feudal castle. Note: from October 2009, construction work will begin at the castle due to last five years. You may still enter the grounds but the castle itself will be covered.

8. Shirakawago & Gokayama: Remote and unique to the Gifu & Toyama region are the quaint Gassho Zukuri (thatched roof) houses and villages. A local English guide will show you the Ainokura village in Gokayama. No matter which season you arrive, you will be blown away by the natural beauty that surrounds these agricultural villages. Your guide will take you on an exciting cultural journey that involves making your own Washi rice paper, watching a local Toyama Dance, and making (and eating) your own soba noodles.

Your last two nights in Tokyo will be greatly appreciated after finishing this spectacular journey of tradition and culture.

Tour Prices
Standard Twin from 2,545
Standard Single from 3,085
____________________________

Superior Twin
from 3,142
Superior Single from 4,050

Standard Hotels
(2* & 3* mix)

TOKYO (3) : The B Akasaka (Western Style)
KYOTO (1) : Sunroute Hotel (Western Style)
KOYASAN (1) : Rengejoin Temple (Japanese Style/Temple Lodge)
NARA (1) : Hotel Sunroute Nara (Western Style)
HIROSHIMA (2) : JAL City Hotel (Western Style)
HIMEIJI (1) : Washington Hotel (Western Style)
KANAZAWA (2) : Kanazawa Sky Hotel (Western Style)
GOKAYAMA (2) : Akaokan Minshiku (Japanese Style)
TOKYO (2) : Shinagawa Prince Hotel (Western Style)

Superior Hotels (4*)
TOKYO (3) : Shinagawa Prince (Superior Room / Western Style)
KYOTO (1) : Hotel Granvia (Western Style)
KOYASAN (1) : Fukuchiin Temple (Japanese Style/Temple Lodge)
NARA (1) : Fujita Hotel Nara (Western Style)
HIROSHIMA (2) : Righa Royal Hotel (Western Style)
HIMEIJI (1) : Hotel Nikko (Western Style)
KANAZAWA (2) : Hotel Nikko (Western Style)
GOKAYAMA (2) : Akaokan Minshiku (Japanese Style)
TOKYO (2) : Keio Plaza Hotel Superior Room (Western Style)

 

Sightseeing Highlights
Visits and overnight stays to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 1. Nikko Toshougu Shrine 2. Ancient Temples in Kyoto 3. Mt Koya (incl. overnight stay at temple lodge) 4. Nara Toudaiji Temple 5. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & A-Bomb Dome 6. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island 7. Himeji Castle 8. Shirakawago & Gokayama Gassho Zukuri Style Villages
What's Included
  • Narita Airport Meet & Greet on arrival
  • Airport Transfer Tickets (arrival & departure dates)
  • 17 nights accommodation at selected hotels
  • Meals: 17 breakfast, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
  • Suica Subway Card
  • 14 Day Japan Rail Pass
  • Organised Day Trip to NIKKO World Heritage Site & Kegon Waterfall
  • 1. Kyoto, 2. Koyasan, 3. Shirakawago/Gokayama Local English Speaking Guides (Full Days)
  • Japan Ireland Travel Essential Travel Pack
Transport
Bullet Train, Local Train, Cable Car, Boat, On Foot
Comments
Available all year round. Prices may vary depending on season. Hotels are subject to availability at time of booking.

 


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