YOUR ULTIMATE JAPAN ITINERARY
2-3 April Fly to Tokyo Fly overnight to Japan’s vibrant capital. You will be transferred to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the day to settle in.
4 April Tokyo’s Hanami Experience the modern and ancient aspects of Tokyo side by side: ascending the soaring Tokyo Skytree, exploring the celebrated Sensō-ji temple and the vibrant Asakusa entertainment district in your own time. Then wander among the incredible pink blooms – known as sakura – in Ueno Park, the most photographed cherry blossom scene in the world. In the evening, cruise the waters of Tokyo Bay, with a welcome drink and dinner.
5 April Mount Fuji Leave Tokyo and travel by coach to Odawara. After a stop at the Fuji Visitor Centre, you will get a picture-perfect view of the mountain in all its glory from Oishi Park. Next, take a cruise on Lake Ashi, keeping an eye out for the vermilion torii gates that bestride both the surrounding hillsides and the shallows of the lake. Once you’re flying high above the lake on the Komagatake Ropeway cable car, the views of Mount Fuji will be breathtaking. You will then travel by coach back to Hakone for an overnight stay in a ryokan, where you will sleep in a tatami mat room with Japanese futon bedding.
6 April Bullet train to Kyoto Speed through the countryside on one of Japan’s famous bullet trains to another must-see destination: Kyoto. On arrival, you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore this unique city. 7 April Ancient Kyoto The capital of Japan for a millennium, Kyoto was also the heart of the country’s religion, philosophy, art and cuisine, making it a treasure trove of Japanese history and culture. Japan’s best known cultural arts were born here: the tea ceremony, Kabuki and Geisha to name just three. Here, you will discover the markets and temple of Kiyomizu, enjoy the surrounding gardens of the haunting Shinto shrine Fushimi Inari and the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji. The rest of the day will be free to spend as you wish.
8 April Discover Nara Another former Japanese capital, the compact, picturesque city of Nara also has a wonderful cultural legacy and is endlessly charming. During your visit you will have the chance to see the magnificent bronze statue of Buddha at Tōdai-ji and later you will be able to stroll through the beautiful Isuien Garden. Then you will travel by coach to Osaka, where you have the rest of the day free.
9 April Explore Osaka Visit magnificent Osaka Castle before discovering the foodie haven that is the Dōtonbori district, where you’ll sample delicious local flavours at lunch before taking a cruise on the Yodogawa river. In the evening, you will have the chance to toast your unforgettable tour of Japan’s unique sights over dinner in Osaka.
10 April Fly home Say farewell to Osaka before you transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.