Take a trip to the eastern mountains of Kyoto and visit Enryakuji Temple, founded in 788 and once home to around 3,000 sub-temples. Today you can see temples that date back to the Edo era and enjoy Shojin ryori; traditional vegetarian cuisine as eaten by temple monks. From the top of nearby Mount Hiei, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa, Kyoto, and the nearby Suzuka and Tanba Mountains. Walk along the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto which winds along a smal stream and is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom and autumn colour seasons. After the walk, partake in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Head to Shikoku; renowned for its vast swathes of beautiful countryside, including the tranquil Iya Valley.
Itinerary
| Day 1 | London – Osaka Depart London on an indirect flight to Osaka. |
| Day 2 | Osaka - Kyoto Transfer by shared shuttle taxi to your hotel in Kyoto. Stay for 4 nights. |
| Day 3 | Kyoto (L) Morning guided sightseeing tour to Mt. Hiei and Enryakuji Temple. After lunch at the temple, make your own way back to Kyoto. Afternoon free. |
| Day 4 | Kyoto Free to explore Kyoto in the morning. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided scenic tour along the Philosopher’s Path including a visit to Ginkakuji Temple and a Tea Ceremony experience. |
| Day 5 | Kyoto Free to explore Kyoto or you may take an optional tour. |
| Day 6 | Kyoto - Takamatsu, Shikoku (L) Join a 2-day guided tour of Shikoku. Travel along a scenic route via Naruto Bridge by local bus with a guide to Takamatsu. Visit Ritsurin Park; one of the most famous, beautiful and historic gardens in Japan, and later, visit Kompira Shirine which is supposed to have been founded during the 1st century. Stay for 2 nights in Takamatsu. |
| Day 7 | Takamtasu - Iya Valley - Takamatsu (B, L) Visit the spectacular and scenic Iya Valley region. Guided-sightseeing tour, including a river cruise in Oboke Valley. After lunch, visit a stone museum and former Samurai residence. Visit the iconic Kazura Bridge, Iya Valley’s symbolic bridge before heading back to Takamatsu. |
| Day 8 | Takamtasu - Tokushima - Osaka (B) Travel by train to Tokushima and visit Awa-Odori Kaikan where you can watch displays of dancing. Visit Mount Bizan via the ropeway from where you can see the Yoshino River Delta, Awaji Island and the Inland Sea. Transfer with a guide by express bus to Osaka. Stay overnight. |
| Day 9 | Osaka - London Transfer by airport bus (pay locally) to Osaka Kansai Airport. Depart on an indirect flight to London. |
Tour Prices for 2012
| Departure Date | Standard |
| 04 Jan - 18 Mar | n/a |
| 19 Mar - 31 Mar | £3,245 |
| 01 Apr - 08 Apr | £3,469 |
| 09 Apr - 21 Jul | £3,245 |
| 22 Jul - 21 Aug | £3,390 |
| 22 Aug - 08 Dec | £3,245 |
| 09 Dec - 23 Dec | n/a |
| Single Supplement from | £650 |
Departure Dates
| Mar 20 - Nov 24 | Tue & Sat |
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.
