The Best of Japan

The Best of Japan. 13 day escorted Best of Japan Tour

13 day escorted Best of Japan Tour

Highlights

See the famous sights of Tokyo including the Meiji shrine, Omotesando Street, and the Akihabara electronic town. Enjoy astonishing views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi and the hot-spring, mountain spa resort of Hakone. Travel at 189 mph on the incomparable high-speed bullet trains and explore Kyoto on a guided tour, experiencing the former imperial capital and the essence of traditional Japan. Reflect on the horrors of war at Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum. Discover the ‘Way of Tea’ with a Japanese tea ceremony and wander around Japan’s first capital Nara, with its huge bronze Buddha, on a guided tour.

Itinerary

Day 1: Departure Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Tokyo. Day 2: Arrival in Tokyo Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour manager and transferred to the 4-star superior New Otani Hotel, centrally located in the heart of Tokyo. Day 3: Tokyo Sightseeing Explore the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. Continue to the vibrant Omotesando Street and the neon-lit "Electric Town" of Akihabara. Day 4: Asakusa & Sumida River Visit the historic Asakusa district and the Senso-ji Temple. Later, enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Sumida River toward the upscale Ginza district. Day 5: Mount Fuji & Lake Ashi Travel to the foothills of Mount Fuji for breathtaking views from Lake Kawaguchi. Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ashi and a cable car ride over the volcanic Owakudani Valley. Day 6: The Bullet Train to Hiroshima Experience the speed and efficiency of the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) as you travel south to Hiroshima. Check into the 4-star Hilton Hiroshima. Day 7: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park Take a short ferry ride to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the iconic "floating" Torii gate. In the afternoon, visit Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Day 8: Korakuen Garden & Kyoto Depart Hiroshima for Kyoto, stopping en route to explore the stunning 18th-century Korakuen Garden in Okayama, one of the "Three Great Gardens" of Japan. Day 9: Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion & Arashiyama Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and walk through the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Conclude the day with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Day 10: Nara & Sake Tasting Travel to Nara, Japan's first capital. Visit the Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and enjoy a guided tasting at a traditional Sake brewery. Day 11: Kyoto at Leisure A full day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Visit the Gion district to spot Geiko or explore the thousands of vermilion gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Day 12: Return to Tokyo Board the Bullet Train for your final journey back to Tokyo. Enjoy a farewell evening in the capital before your departure. Day 13: Return Flight Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Accommodation

This tour features hand-picked 4-star superior hotels, selected for their central locations, excellent amenities, and proximity to Japan's most famous landmarks. Tokyo: Hotel New Otani (3 Nights) One of Tokyo's most iconic hotels, the New Otani is a "city within a city." The Highlight: It features a spectacular 400-year-old Japanese Garden once owned by samurai lords, complete with scarlet bridges and koi ponds. Location: Perfectly situated in the heart of Tokyo, near the Japanese Parliament and just minutes from the metro. Amenities: Multiple restaurants (Japanese and Western), bars, and a luxury shopping arcade. Mount Fuji / Hakone: Hakone Hotel (1 Night) Experience tranquillity on the southern shores of the lake. The Highlight: Stunning views of Mount Fuji and the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi directly from the hotel grounds. Hiroshima: RIHGA Royal Hotel (2 Nights) A towering landmark in Hiroshima known for its exceptional service and views. The Highlight: Its central location is unbeatable—within walking distance of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle. Kyoto: Kyoto Century Hotel (4 Nights) Ideally located for exploring the cultural heart of Japan. The Highlight: Situated right in the centre of Kyoto’s bustling shopping and entertainment district, next to the main station for easy exploration. Amenities: Known for its elegant design and some of the best breakfast selections on the tour. Tokyo: Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu (1 Night) A convenient and comfortable final night before your return journey. The Highlight: Located right at the airport, ensuring a stress-free morning for your flight home. Amenities: Soundproofed rooms with modern amenities and views of the runways or Tokyo Bay.

Inclusions

What’s Included in Your Tour When you book the Best of Japan tour, almost every detail of your journey is pre-arranged and included in the price. From the moment you arrive at the airport to your final night in Tokyo, we ensure a seamless and stress-free experience. Transport & Flights Return Flights: Scheduled flights from the UK to Tokyo. Transfers: All airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in Japan. The Bullet Train: Standard class seats on the iconic Shinkansen high-speed train for your journeys to Hiroshima and back to Tokyo. Local Travel: All transport between cities and for included excursions via air-conditioned coach, ferry (to Miyajima), and local boats. Accommodation 11 Nights’ Stay: In hand-picked 4-star superior hotels, including the prestigious Hotel New Otani in Tokyo and the lakeside Hakone Hotel. Porterage: One piece of luggage per person is transferred for you at each hotel. Local Taxes: All local accommodation and airport taxes are included Food & Drink 14 Meals Included: * 11 Daily Breakfasts: Enjoy a mix of Western and Japanese buffet options. 2 Lunches: Including a traditional Japanese bento box experience. 1 Dinner: Typically a welcome or farewell meal. Sake Tasting: A guided tasting session at a traditional brewery in Nara. 15 Expert-Led Experiences Guided tours of Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima. Visit to the Meiji Shrine and the historic Asakusa district. Cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji. Reflective visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Ferry trip to the sacred island of Miyajima. Visit to the Golden Pavilion and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kyoto. Stroll through Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's top three landscape gardens.