Worldwide Escorted Tours 2024-2026

Journey from incense-scented temples and elegant feudal castles to ultramodern electronic districts and dramatic volcanic landscapes as you travel the length of Japan on five spectacular train rides. Experience the natural grandeur of Mount Fuji and the man-made splendour of Matsumoto Castle, tour the shrines of futuristic Tokyo, visit the reminders of Hiroshima’s tragic nuclear past, and walk with geishas amongst the wooden houses of Kyoto. What you’ll see  Enjoy a full-day tour of Tokyo’s opulent temples, palaces and Buddhist shrines  Take in spectacular views from the base of iconic Mount Fuji  Explore the magnificent Matsumoto Castle, Japan’s oldest castle  See deer roaming in picturesque Nara Park  Enjoy a boat ride to Miyajima Island and visit the awe-inspiring Itsukushima Shrine  Witness snow monkeys lounging in the steaming hot springs of Yudanaka  Visit the Hiroshima peace memorial and A-Bomb Dome  Marvel at the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto  Join the locals at Hakodate’s morning market Grand Tour of Japan THIS TOUR EXPLORE Includes five rail journeys Miyajima Hiroshima Day 1: UK to Sapporo Depart the UK on your overnight flight. Day 2: Sapporo D On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Settle in before a welcome dinner in a local restaurant, introducing you to Japan’s famed cuisine. Day 3: Sapporo B/D Travel to the port city of Otaru and visit a Sake Brewery for a tour through the making process and a tasting of this truly unique drink. Take some time to walk along the Otaru Canal, the city’s central waterway. Once the lifeblood of the city, it fell into disuse when modern dock facilities were opened but now boasts a gleaming restoration, with old gas lamps lining its path. Once back in Sapporo take a stroll through the city with your guide to see the Clock Tower, Odori Park and Susukino area which is Japan’s largest entertainment district north of Tokyo. Day 4: Sapporo to Hakodate B Pack an overnight bag for your trip to Hakodate then, after breakfast, board an express train, travelling through the countryside to Hakodate. On arrival, cross the moats that surround the star-shaped former fort of Goryokaku and explore the tranquil green grounds. Next, travel to Mount Hakodate for a cable car ride to its summit. Continue on to your hotel in Hakodate. Day 5: Hakodate to Tokyo B Catch a local train and join Hakodate’s locals this morning as you browse the lively Morning Market, exploring over 280 stores hawking everything from salted squid and hairy crab - culinary specialities of the area, to souvenirs and locally crafted sake. Browse through the wares on offer then board your high-speed train to Tokyo. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Japan’s dazzling capital on a local train. Day 6: Tokyo B/D Today’s full-day city tour begins with a visit to the Meiji Shrine. Enter the sprawling complex through a towering wooden gate or ‘torii’ and explore the museum and inner garden. Continue on to Asakusa Kannon Buddhist Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and visit the magnificent Imperial Palace, taking in its moats, gardens and the picturesque Niju Bridge. End you tour with a wander down the historic Nakamise Shopping Street to reach the main hall and pagoda and browse the stalls that line Ameya Yokocho Street. 46  East Asia & Oceania Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk