Shirakawago (C) JNTO
To this day, culture remains an integral part of Japan. This cultureorientated tour will give you an insight into how and where the culture originated and continues to re-invent itself.
Start in the metropolis of Tokyo where you can experience the latest cultural trends in this futuristic city. Travel via the iconic Mount Fuji & Hakone on to Kyoto; the well-spring of Japanese culture. Enjoy a Tea Ceremony, see the world-famous Geisha and Maiko, visit some of the well-known temples, and learn Zen meditation whilst staring into the mesmerising rock gardens. Following your Kyoto stay, you will journey onwards to the spiritual home of Japanese Buddhism; Mount Koya. Stay in a traditional temple lodging (shukubo) and immerse yourself in the fascinating history, and deeply-spiritual transcendence of Mount Koya.
Onsen culture in Japan is an important part of everyday life. After the unique cultural experiences from Tokyo to Mount Koya, you will head to Arima; one of the oldest spa areas in Japan. Relax in the hot springs, full of natural ingredients which are known to cure skin ailments. Finally, make a stop in Osaka; 2nd most populous prefecture after Tokyo which has been an economic and cultural centre of the nation since ancient times. Immerse yourself in this bustling city.
Itinerary
| Day 1 | London Depart London on a nonstop flight to Tokyo. |
| Day 2 | Tokyo Upon arrival at Tokyo you will be met by an English speaking assistant who will help you board a reserved taxi to your hotel. Stay for 3 nights. |
| Day 3 | Tokyo Morning sightseeing tour of Tokyo by coach, including Meiji Shrine, National Diet Building (drive by), East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. |
| Day 4 | Tokyo Free to explore Tokyo or you may join a Kimono-wearing tour and visit Roppongi (please ask for the supplement rate). |
| Day 5 | Mount Fuji & Hakone (L) Depart Tokyo on a coach with a guide for Hakone. Visit the 5th station of Mount Fuji and enjoy sightseeing in the Hakone National Park, including a cruise on Lake Ashi, Hakone Ropeway, and Mount Komagatake. Travel onwards to Kyoto for 4 nights. |
| Day 6 | Kyoto Full-day guided sightseeing tour of Kyoto, including the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace / Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Sanjusangendo Hall, Heian Jingu Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. |
| Day 7 | Kyoto (D) Free to explore Kyoto in the morning. Join a Kyoto night tour and visit Gion Corner to see some of the traditional performances, walk along Gion Geisha district and take part in a traditional tea ceremony followed by Zen dining (vegetarian) |
| Day 8 | Kyoto Free to explore Kyoto or you may take an optional tour. |
| Day 9 | Mount Koya (L, D) Travel independently to Osaka and join a guided Mount Koya tour. Travel with a guide by train and ropeway to Mount Koya. After enjoying a Japanese-style lunch, visit Okuno-in Temple then travel by coach to one of Mount Koya’s two most sacred sites; Danjo Garan. Walk to your temple lodging and stay overnight. |
| Day 10 | Arima Onsen (B, D) Return to Osaka by train before travelling independently to Arima onsen. Stay for 2 nights in a Japanese-style ryokan. |
| Day 11 | Arima Onsen (B, D) Free to enjoy/relax in the hot-springs and explore the town. |
| Day 12 | Osaka (B) Travel independently to Osaka and stay for 2 nights. |
| Day 13 | Osaka Morning walking tour of Osaka; Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, tram ride, Osaka’s soul food kushikatsu at Shinsekai. Afternoon free. |
| Day 14 | London Transfer to Osaka Airport and take a domestic flight to Tokyo for your connecting flight to London |
Tour Prices for 2018
| Departure Date | |
| Jan – Dec | From £3,080 |
| Single Supplement from | £ Call |
Note: Prices subject to change without notice due to exchange rate fluctuation and/or airline tax changes. Please contact Jaltour for alternative arrangements and tailormade tours.
The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 3227. ATOL Protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.
