Escorted Tours 2024 - 2025

PLEASE NOTE: Porterage is not included between trains and hotels. Matsumoto Castle Mount Fuji Nara park Kyoto What’s included ✔ Return flights Heathrow to Japan with Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) ✔ Where you’ll stay Tokyo, 3 H Shinagawa Tobu Takayama, 4 H Route Inn Grantia Kyoto, 3 H Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto Hiroshima, 3 H Hotel New Hiroden Osaka, 3 H Premier Hotel Cabin ✔ 14 meals ✔ 8 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide northern Alps, the mountain town of Takayama has retained a traditional atmosphere like few others in Japan. Established as a merchant town, the high altitude and remote location has allowed a unique culture to develop. Boasting intricate and ornate oriental facades, the Edo period buildings found scattered throughout the town are some of the finest in the country. This morning, a guided tour takes you back to a bygone Japan, along Sannomachi Street in the heart of the quaint Old Town. Here canals flow under the eaves of merchant houses with their latticed bay windows, and sake brewing houses display bundles of cedar leaves indicating that the new season’s rice wine is available. Day 7: Takayama to Kyoto B/D Departing Takayama, journey into the ancient capital of Kyoto and experience an age-old tradition with an evening of geisha performances followed by dinner. Famous the world over, geishas generally only perform at small private gatherings in certain districts so it is considered a great honour to observe the unique art form that has been developed over many generations, particularly as now the number of geishas in Japan are in decline. Day 8: Kyoto B/D Once the imperial capital of Japan, the ancient city of Kyoto boasts a history of over 1200 years and as many as 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was lucky enough to be relatively unscathed from the devastation of World War II and pockets of the old world still linger where traditional geishas can be seen shuffling along narrow streets in their wonderfully colourful kimonos. A full day tour delves into the city’s rich history exploring the Zen Buddhist temple of Kinkakuji, the impressive Fushimi Inari shrine and the 400 year old Nikshiki Market. Enjoy a stroll around the Gion area, a collection of streets defined by old wooden buildings, teahouses and exclusive restaurants before returning to your hotel. Day 9: Kyoto to Hiroshima B/D This morning travel to Hiroshima where you will take a boat ride to Miyajima Island, known as the ‘Island of the Gods’ and visit its awe-inspiring Itsukushima Shrine. Later, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (Please note: an overnight day pack/bag is required for your train journey from Hiroshima to Osaka and your main luggage will be transferred separately to Osaka) Day 10: Hiroshima to Osaka B/D Start your day with a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum where photos and belonging of victims of the Hiroshima bombing are on display, serving as a reminder of the horror of the devastating event. Later, a train carries you to Osaka, arriving in time for tonight’s entertaining farewell meal - a walking dinner that samples Osaka’s best culinary delights. Day 11: Osaka to the UK This morning, transfer for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Tour pace: Intermediate Kyoto Extend your tour Kyoto city stay, 3 nights, 3 H B&B from £729 Extend your stay by 3-nights to further explore this ancient capital. Tokyo city stay, 3 nights, 3 H B&B from £719 Extend your stay to discover this electric city and experience the passion of Tokyo. Departures & from prices Apr 24 £3,999 Apr 25 £3,699 Jun 24 £3,399 Jun 25 £3,599 Sep 24 £3,499 Sep 25 £3,799 Oct 24 £3,599 Oct 25 £3,899 Mar 25 £3,499 Nov 25 £3,899 • Lead-in price based on 17 Jun 24 • A single supplement starts from just £499 • Tipping paid locally £20 pp per tour Save £100 on selected departures with code TOUR100 51 East Asia Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 to book or for further details