Escorted Tours 2022-23 2nd Edition

Day 8: Hakone to Matsumoto B Witness the grandeur of Mount Fuji as a coach ride takes you to the Fifth Station at the mountain’s base. Enjoy unobstructed views from the observation deck before learning more about the mountain’s cultural significance at the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre. Your coach ride continues on to the ancient hillside city of Matsumoto. Discover Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful and oldest castles. Ringed by a moat and soaring up over five stories, a climb up the steps to the top will reward you with mesmerizing views. Day 9: Matsumoto to Kyoto B Journey into the Japanese highlands of Yudanaka for an encounter with the fluffy snow monkeys of the region. Witness these fascinating creatures lounging and paddling in the steaming onsen, or hot springs, as they beat the icy conditions. Accustomed to their daily encounters with humans, these fearless primates allow an up-close, memorable experience. Drive onward to Nagano’s Zenkoji Temple, which houses what is believed to be the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. Later, board your train to Kyoto, travelling through picturesque landscapes. Day 10: Kyoto B Experience traditional Japan as you explore Kyoto, a city of shrines, temples and geisha teahouses. Discover the ancient hallways and sacred waterfall of Kiyomizudera Temple then walk along the streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Enjoy double visions of gold as you witness the gold-leafed pavilion of Kinkaku-ji. Visit Fushimi Inari and stroll through an amazing arcade of vivid red ‘torii’, or shrine gates, inscribed with dedications to Inari, the god of rice. Wander the Zen gardens of Kodaiji Temple before sampling at a traditional tea ceremony in the temple hall. Explore the UNESCO-recognised Nijo Castle then look out for geishas as you walk through the geisha district of Gion. Day 11: Kyoto to Hiroshima B Depart for Hiroshima, first travelling to Nara, where you’ll visit the Todaiji Temple and the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Watch deer roaming nearby Nara Park then drive to Osaka and catch your bullet train to Hiroshima. Day 12: Hiroshima B Start today with a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park & Museum where belongings of victims of the Hiroshima bombing are on display, serving as a reminder of this devastating event. Visit the A-Bomb Dome, one of the buildings which survived the blasts and remains as a symbol of peace in the city. Next, take a boat ride to Miyajima Island, known as the ‘Island of the Gods’ and visit the awe-inspiring Itsukushima Shrine. Day 13: Hiroshima to Fukuoka B/D Take a bullet train to Fukuoka and on arrival, visit Dazaifu Temmangu Shrine, the Kyushu National Museum and Komyozenji Temple. Visit the food stalls in Nakasu before your farewell dinner. Day 14: Fukuoka to the UK B Transfer to the airport for your return flight via Hong Kong, or continue on to your chosen extension. Departures & from prices 15 Nov 22 £3,999 16 May 23 £4,199 7 Mar 23 £4,399 13 Jun 23 £4,499 21 Mar 23 £4,399 5 Sep 23 £4,699 28 Mar 23 £4,499 17 Oct 23 £4,669 11 Apr 23 £4,749 14 Nov 23 £3,999 9 May 23 £4,099 2024 DATES AVAILABLE Tour includes • 12 breakfasts and 2 dinners • 3, 4 and 5 H accommodation: Sapporo-Sapporo Excel Hotel, Hakodate- La Vista Hakodate Bay, Tokyo-Granbell Hotel Shinjuku, Hakone-Hakone Highland Hotel, Matsumoto-Hotel Kagetsu, Kyoto- The General Kyoto Takatsuji Fuyacho, Hiroshima-Ana Crowne Plaza Hiroshima, Fukuoka-ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka • Flights from London Heathrow with Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) Tour pace: Challenging No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £589 Gion, Kyoto Matsumoto Castle A-Bomb Dome Snow monkeys, Yudanaka Extend your tour Hong Kong city stay, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £339 Towering skyscrapers form the backdrop to Hong Kong’s harbour whilst the street markets that fill the teeming alleys remain untouched by western influences. 47 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk East Asia