Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
This tour has been carefully designed to visit Japan’s key sights using the country’s superb public transport network. Discover the futuristic city of Tokyo, explore the splendor of Mount Fuji and Hakone National Park and visit Kyoto, a great base from which to visit Nara. From traveling on a Shinkansen, the bullet train, to staying in an authentic ryokan, experiencing city lights, taking your palette beyond Sushi and Sake, and spending time in ancient villages, Japan is a discovery that will never end.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings local representative and transferred to your hotel. The Peninsula Tokyo (Deluxe Room) – 3 nights
Set out on an exploration of this bustling city. Enjoy panoramic views from the main observatory of Tokyo Tower. Take memorable pictures of the Imperial Palace Plaza located next to the Imperial Palace, home of the Emperor of Japan. Visit the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple and the traditional Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Your final stop is Meiji Shrine; Omotesando and Harajuku. (B)
Spend the day at leisure and explore the city at your own pace. (B)
Option: Choose from two optional activities available.
Full day Tokyo Tour: Highlights include a visit to the Edo Tokyo Museum and Ginza area. Following lunch, visit Hamarikyu Garden and enjoy a cruise on Tokyo Bay. OR — Sumo Wrestling Tournament: Enjoy a Sumo Wrestling tournament, a popular sport dating back thousands of years. Also visit the Sumo Museum and experience a Dohyo-iri (entering the ring) ceremony at the amphitheater.
Note: Available only in the month of Jan, May and Sept 2012. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
Enjoy a scenic drive to Mount Fuji. Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station (subject to weather; in case of bad weather, you will visit the Fuji Visitor Center). Tour the magnificent Hakone National Park. After a traditional Japanese lunch, embark on a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ashi. Ride an aerial cableway up and down at Mt. Komagatake. Hyatt Regency Hakone – 1 night (B, L, D)
This morning, the bulk of your luggage will be delivered to your hotel in Kyoto, only an overnight bag is required. Transfer to the Odawara station for your Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima.
Enjoy a full day tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima. Pay tribute to the victims of the bomb blast at the Peace Park and witness the aftermath of the blast through the photographs at the Atomic Bomb Museum. A short ferry ride takes you to the picturesque island of Miyajima. Admire the architectural beauty of the Itsukushima Shrine that emerges from the water, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rihga Royal Hotel – 1 night (B)
Option: Overnight at Iwaso Ryokan Note: Guide will not join you on the bullet train.
Travel aboard the bullet train to Kyoto. Your city tour starts after you disembark at Shin Osaka station. Visit Osaka Castle and get some great deals as your shop at Shinsaibashi or Dotobori. Later, transfer to Kyoto. Hotel Okura – 3 nights (B)
Note: Guide will not join you on the bullet train.
Discover Kyoto on a city tour. Visit the Kinkakuji Temple, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ryoanji (Peaceful Dragon Temple), a Zen temple and Nijo Castle (closed every Tuesday of July, Aug and Dec), famous for its Momoyama architecture. Following a traditional lunch, end the day by witnessing the famous Japanese tea ceremony. (B, L)
Morning visit to Nara, home to Japan’s original emperors. Visit Todaiji Temple, Nara Park and Kasuga Shrine. Return to Kyoto and visit the hillside Fushima-Inari Shrine. End the day with a visit to the Sake Museum to learn more about Japan’s national drink. (B)
Option: Geisha Experience with dinner. A rare opportunity to experience an evening of traditional Geisha entertainment, including traditional performances and a sumptuous Kyoto style meal.
Today you will be transferred to the Kansai International Airport in Osaka for your international flight. (B)
Extend Your Journey
- Explore bustling Tokyo
- Boat ride on Lake Ashi
- Take the Komagataki Ropeway to view iconic Fuji
- Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima Island
- Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto
- Maiko show and traditional Japanese tea ceremony
9 DAYS & 8 NIGHTS
Tokyo, Hakone, Hiroshima & Kyoto
Jan - Dec
Single Supplement
$12,975
$2,660
Note:
*Your choice of "Tea Ceremony Experience", or "Zen Meditation" at a private temple in Kyoto will be offered on a complimentary basis for bookings made by April 15th, 2012. This offer cannot be provided by itself. Guide and a round trip transfers are not included in this offer and these service items must be arranged with extra charges. Offer is subject to availability. This promotion will be applied to any bookings of land arrangements (hotel and tour, etc) for 2 or more travelers with a minimum of $5,000 tour cost. Upon request, your travel consultant can provide an exact price based on your specific dates of travel.
Includes:
All accommodation, breakfast daily, select other meals, and private transfers. Guiding is on a private basis. First-class trains. Private sightseeing as described in
itinerary including entrance fees and
services of professional local guides.