Escorted Tours 2024 - 2025

Day 7: Tokyo to Hakone B/D Following breakfast, travel by coach to Hakone. On arrival, make your way to the Hakone Open Air Museum. Take a Hakone Ropeway ride to a mountaintop station with spectacular vistas of the sparkling waters of Lake Ashi and towering Mount Fuji. A short walking trail leads to Owakudani Valley, an active volcanic crater, where hot springs, bubbling pools and steam vents serve as reminders of the area’s volcanic might. Continue on to the shores of Lake Ashi and enjoy a short cruise on this idyllic lake, surrounded by mountains and greenery. 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/D 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 Kanzeonji Temple. Visit the food stalls in Nakasu before your farewell dinner. Day 14: Fukuoka to the UK B Transfer for your return flight. PLEASE NOTE: Porterage is not included between trains and hotels. Day 4: Sapporo to Hakodate - An overnight bag will be required for 2 nights as your main luggage will be transferred to Tokyo on day 6. Day 8: Matsumoto to Kyoto – An overnight bag will be required for 2 nights as your main luggage will be transferred to Kyoto on day 10. Day 11: Kyoto to Hiroshima - An overnight bag will be required for 2 nights as your main luggage will be transferred to Fukuoka on day 13 Osaka Hiroshima Itsukushima Shrine What’s included ✔ Return flights Heathrow to Japan with Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) ✔ Where you’ll stay Sapporo, 4 H Mercure Hotel Sapporo Hakodate, 4 H Hakodate Kokusai Hotel Tokyo, 4 H Hotel Gracery Shinjuku Hakone, 4 H Sengokuhara Prince Hotel Matsumoto, 4 H Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu Kyoto, 3 H Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto Hiroshima, 4 H ANA Crown Plaza Hotel Fukuoka, 4 H ANA Crown Plaza Hotel ✔ 18 meals ✔ 12 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Challenging Great guide with excellent knowledge. All sites visited were fantastic, guide’s knowledge enhanced the trip.” D. Johnston No Single Supplement Rooms with no single supplement are available. Once sold, supplement starts from £589 Departures & from prices Mar 24 £5,199 Mar 25 £4,799 Apr 24 £5,499 Apr 25 £5,099 May 24 £4,799 May 25 £4,599 Jun 24 £5,199 Jun 25 £4,899 Sep 24 £4,899 Sep 25 £4,999 Oct 24 £4,799 Oct 25 £4,999 Nov 24 £4,499 Nov 25 £4,699 • Lead-in price based on 12 Nov 24 • Tipping paid locally £26 pp per tour Save £100 on selected departures with code TOUR100 49 East Asia Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 to book or for further details