Journeys Through Japan
Japan is World renowned
for the awe-inspiring Mt. Fuji, impressive skyscrapers of Tokyo and
delicious sushi, but the country has many more treasures just
waiting to be discovered by the more adventurous visitor. It is
extremely easy to travel independently, the rail service is prompt
and clean, and unlike many countries in the Far East its signs are
translated into English in addition to Japanese.
‘Journeys through Japan’
allows visitors to travel at their own pace using a 14 day Japan
Rail pass, it highlights areas which may not always be visited on an
organised tour giving you a unique insight into the traditional
Japanese lifestyle. Still visiting the major tourist areas of
Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto you will experience the contrast between the
modern day cities and stunning countryside scenery.
 Days
1 & 2
Fly with Japan Airlines
from London Heathrow to Japan’s capital Tokyo. On arrival take the
airport limousine bus to the Shiba Park Hotel
for a three night stay.
Days 3 & 4
Days are at leisure to
explore Japan's vibrant capital city.
Day 5
Make your way to Tokyo Station
and using a 14 day
Japan Rail Pass to travel to Odawara, the gateway station for the
picturesque town of Hakone, which is located at the foothills of Mt.
Fuji. En route to Odawara, why not stop at the quaint coastal town
of Kamakura, just one hour by rail from Tokyo. Kamakura is famous
for the Great Buddha that sits in the open-air, it is made of
bronze and is over 11 metres tall.
Approximately 45 minutes
by train from Kamakura is Odawara. From here take the local bus to
the Hotel Kowaki-en in Hakone, stay for a two night stay.
Surrounded by mountainous scenery the hot spring resort of Hakone
has a number of attractions to visit including the serene Lake Ashi
and the fantastic Mt. Komagatake aerial cableway which offers
wonderful views of the world famous Mt. Fuji.
Day 6
Today is at leisure to
explore beautiful Hakone. Why not take a cruise on Lake Ashi
or maybe an onsen (hot spring bath)?
 Day
7
Return to Odawara Station
to begin your train journey to the heart of central Honshu.
Matsumoto is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes by train from
Odawara. it is home to the impressive Matsumoto Castle also known as “Crow Castle”, built during the Japanese civil
wars. Spend a night in Matsumoto at the Buena Vista Hotel.
Day 8
Continue the short
journey by rail to Nagano, in the heart of the
Japanese Alps. Nagano
became famous in 1998 for hosting the Winter Olympics, the cool
temperatures make it ideal for walking during the summer and there
is superb skiing during the winter months. A major attraction in the
centre of the city is Zenkoji Temple, which has been the centre of
the Bhuddist faith in Japan for over 1,400 years. Stay overnight at
the Metropolitan Hotel.
Day 9
Today travel by rail to Takayama, the five and a half
hour journey may sound tiring but whilst travelling through the
Japanese Alps it takes in some stunning scenery and the final
destination is well worth the wait. Takayama is an old castle town
located in a valley surrounded by mountains, crammed full of
museums. The town is also famous for its excellent handicrafts.
Check-in at the Hotel Hida Plaza for a two night stay. Takayama is
also located a short bus ride from the Shirakawa-go Village, a
designated UNESCO World heritage site. Renowned for its steeply
thatched roof farmhouses, this village really does give you an
insight into the long held Japanese traditions and the way of life
centuries ago.
 Day
10
Today is at leisure to
explore Takayama.
Day 11
Leave Takayama for the
town of
Kanazawa. Home to Kenroken Park, one of the three most
beautiful landscaped gardens in Japan.
Stay overnight in Kanazawa
at the ANA Hotel.
Day 12
Depart Kanazawa and
travel by train to the old imperial city of Kyoto, often described as a living museum. Kyoto is
dotted with intricately designed temples and shrines, the stunning
Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle are
a must see.
Another nearby town is Nara, famous for its Todaiji
Temple and Deer Park.
Stay for three nights in Kyoto at the
New Miyako Hotel.
Days 13 & 14
These days are at leisure
to explore Kyoto.
Day 15
Today travel to the
historic city of Hiroshima.
Devastated by an atomic bomb on 6th August 1945, it has
been rebuilt and is now a hi-tech city, but there are still some
remnants of that terrible day. The skeletal A-Bomb dome
demonstrates the full force of the bomb, the Peace Museum and Peace
Memorial Park offer a reflective view of this event and the hopes
for the future. Check-in at the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima for an overnight
stay.
 Day
16
Travel by rail and ferry
to the idyllic island of Miyajima, famous for the colourful
Itsukushima Shrine. Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan's most
photographed attractions. Experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle by
staying the night at the Iwaso Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.
An overnight stay on the island also offers the advantage of
watching sunrise and sunset over the shrine without the company of
the many of the tourists that visit in their hoards during the day.
Day 17
After checking out of the
Iwaso Ryokan travel back to the mainland and onwards to the bustling
city of Osaka for your final nights stay at the Hotel Granvia Osaka.
Day 18
Take the express train to
Osaka Kansai Airport for your
return Japan Airlines flight to London Heathrow.
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