Highlights of Japan (Small Group Tour)

When & Where?

Route: Kyoto (2) – Miyajima Island & Hiroshima (1) – Tokyo (3) (Hakone/Mt Fuji Optional)
Tour Duration: 6 Nights / 7 days
2012 Departure Dates:

Apr 01 [cherry blossom viewing]
May 05 [Sumo Tournament]
Jun 11 [Sanno Matsuri]
Jul 17 [Gion Festival & Sumo Grand Tournament)]
Aug 15 [Daimonji Bonfire]
Sep 16 [Sumo Tournament]
Oct 21 [Jidai Festival]
Nov 18 [Kouyou - Leaf changing season]
Dec 09 [Kouyou - Leaf changing season]

Start: Kyoto | Finish: Tokyo

Pricing

Price: JPY268,800 [ EUR2,690 |GBP2,230 | AUD3,290 | USD3,500 ]

Prices are per person sharing Currencies are subject to change at time of booking and based on the JPY (Japanese Yen) value (currency conversion as of 02/02/2012) Once you pay your security deposit, a fixed value will be set against the JPY value that will be due eight weeks prior to travel * No single room supplement applies if you are willing to share a room with a passenger of same gender in Japanese style hotels only * If you prefer your own room throughout, a small supplement will apply of approx. 10,000JPY per night (approx.3 nights in Japanese style hotels). To get an exact quote, contact us with your details.

Included

Airport Meet & Greet with transfer assistance on Day 1
Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners,
All activities and entrance fees as per itinerary
Fully escorted tour with English speaking Tour Buddy and local guides in Kyoto, Nara & Tokyo
Transport: Local Trains, Bullet Trains, Private Vehicle, Cable Car, Boat, On Foot
Accommodation: Hotels (5 nights), Ryokan – Traditional Japanese Hotel (1 night)
Japan Travel Pack including maps, detailed itinerary, & local information

Introduction

Our seven day Highlights of Japan Tour is the perfect way to see the major highlights of Japan in a short visit. Traveling between Kyoto and Tokyo, you will be able to compare the modern sky rise Japan with the historical cultural Japan. You will visit some of the most magnificent Heritage Sites in the world, including the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Todaiji Temple in the ancient capital of Nara and Itsukushima Shrine, best known as the floating shrine on the majestic Miyajima Island. In Kyoto we include visits to Nijo Castle, as well as the chance to experience a traditional tea ceremony. We spend one night at a traditional Japanese style hotel on the World Heritage Island of Miyajima and visit the beautiful and historic city of Hiroshima. There is also the option to take a day trip to view the breathaking Mt Fuji where you can experience cable car rides, sulpherous steam rising at Owakudani and a short cruise on Lake Ashi; all with the impressive Fuji-san in the background. Our tour ends in the vibrant capital Tokyo, where not only are the most famous highlights included, but we have many other options for sightseeing and eating some of the many styles of delicious Japanese cuisine.

Tour Highlights

Kyoto – Gion Area with Geisha Expert – Nijo Castle – Golden Pavilion – Ryoan-Ji Temple Garden – Nara – Todaiji Temple – Kasuga Shrine – Nara Park – Tea Ceremony – Sanjusangendo – Kiyomizu Temple – Hiroshima Peace Park & Memorial Museum – World Heritage Miyajima Island - Hot Springs (Japanese style) – Tokyo – Roppongi Hills Observatory Tower & Mori Art Museum - Tsukuji Fish Market – Hamarakyu Garden – Soba Noodle Making – Edo Museum – Sumo Stables & Museum (Join our May, Jul, or Sep tours to see a live sumo game!!)

Optional: Mt Fuji Day Trip (all dates) & SUMO Tournament Tickets (available May, Jul, Sep dates)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 - Join tour in Kyoto. 17.00 Evening orientation. Begin tour with an authentic Kyoto tea ceremony followed by a geisha tour around Gion district. Dinner in the picturesque Pontochou district.

Day 2 - Full Day Kyoto & Nara Sightseeing

Day 3 - Move to Hiroshima by bullet train. Overnight stay on World Heritage Miyajima Island. Dinner & hot springs at your ryokan

Day 4 - Free time on Miyajima in the morning. Transfer to Tokyo. Evening Tokyo tour including Roppongi Hills Observatory Tower & Mori Art Museum. Optional dinner at local Izakaya with tour buddy.

Day 5 - Full day Tokyo sightseeing

Day 6 - Options: Day trip to Hakone/Mt Fuji Area or more Tokyo sightseeing

Day 7 - Tour finishes after breakfast.

(We recommend staying an extra few nights in Tokyo if you can afford the time – inquire
with travel consultant for hotel extension plans)