Shirakawago (C) JNTO
To this day, culture remains an integral part of Japan. This culture-orientated 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 to Hakone, with the most iconic view of Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi and spectacular views of mountain scenery. Move on to Kyoto the inception of Japanese culture, 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 Kinosaki – an old onsen town. Onsen culture in Japan is an important part of everyday life. Strolling in Yukata, taking a dip in hot springs and relax. Next you now make a stop in Osaka, the second most populous prefecture after Tokyo, which has been an economic and cultural centre of the nation since ancient times. Osaka has a very different character from our capital city. While you are there, visit the spiritual home of Japanese Buddhism on Mount Koya. Experience a traditional temple lodging (shukubo) and immerse yourself in the fascinating history, and deeply-spiritual transcendence of Mount Koya.
Itinerary
| Day 1 | U.K. Depart U.K. 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 Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace East Garden or Imperial Palace Plaza and Sensoji Temple. Afternoon free. |
| Day 4 | Tokyo Free to explore Tokyo or you may visit nearby cities such as Nikko, Kawagoe or Kamakura. |
| Day 5 | Mount Fuji & Hakone (Lunch) Full-day guided sightseeing tour of Hakone by coach, including Mount Fuji 5th station, Lake Ashi Cruise, Mt. Komagatake Ropeway and Hakone-en Park. Stay overnight. |
| Day 6 | Kyoto Travel independently to Odawara and on to Kyoto by bullet train. Stay for 3 nights. |
| Day 7 | Kyoto (Lunch) Full-day sightseeing tour of Kyoto by coach, including Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace or Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Sanjusangendo Hall and Kiyomizu Temple. |
| Day 8 | Kyoto (Dinner) Free to explore Kyoto in the morning and join an evening tour of Maiko performance and savour Japanese meal. |
| Day 9 | Kinosaki Onsen (Dinner) Travel independently to Kinosakionsen. Enjoy a stroll in this charming onsen town with yukata and geta (Traditional Japanese wooden clogs). Stay overnight in a Japanese-style ryokan. |
| Day 10 | Osaka (Breakfast) Travel independently to Osaka by train. Stay for 2 nights. |
| Day 11 | Osaka Free to explore Osaka such as Osaka castle, Expo’70 Commemorative Park, Aerial Garden Observatory, Dotonbori or Shinsekai. |
| Day 12 | Mount Koya (Lunch, Dinner) Join a guided Mount Koya tour. Travel with a guide by train and ropeway to Mount Koya. After a Japanese-style lunch, visit Okuno-in Temple and Danjo Garan. Stay overnight in a temple lodge. Enjoy Japanese-style vegetarian meal. |
| Day 13 | Osaka (Breakfast) Participate in morning temple activities if you wish. Free for your leisure until departure and return to Osaka. Stay overnight. |
| Day 14 | U.K. Travel independently to Airport and take flights back to U.K. |
Tour Prices for 2019
| Departure Date | |
| Jan – Dec | From £3,200 |
| Single Supplement from | £ Please 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.
