Japan's Cultural Treasures
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Tokyo and check in to the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa (or similar) for 3 nights.
Full-day excursion to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for views of Mount Fuji, a cruise on Lake Ashi and a ride on the Mount Komagatake Ropeway (cable car). Enjoy a welcome lunch.
Full-day tour visiting Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo National Museum and the peaceful Meiji Shrine. Try your hand shaping a bonsai tree and visit the Imperial Palace East Garden.
Morning departure by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa. Visit Kanazawa Castle park, Kenroku-en Garden and the Nomura Samurai House. Stay 2 nights at the ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa (or similar).
Morning visit to the Higashi-Chayamachi District, full of teahouses and craft shops; a gold leaf workshop; and Omicho market. Afternoon excursion to Shirakawa-go to see the UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri houses, notable for their unique architectural style.
Travel by express train to Kyoto, then visit Nijo Castle, enjoy a walking tour of Nishiki food market, attend a cooking class at the WAK JAPAN cultural centre, and experience a tea ceremony. Stay 2 nights at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (or similar).
Second day in Kyoto is at leisure to explore Kyoto at your own pace.
Second day in Kyoto is at leisure to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Stay 2 nights at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (or similar).
Morning visit to Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), then Ryoanji Temple, famous for its Zen rock garden. Afternoon tour of the historic city of Nara, then return to Kyoto to catch the bullet train south to Hiroshima. Stay 2 nights at the Grand Prince Hiroshima (or similar).
Board a bullet train for the journey north to Himeji city. Take a tour of Himeji Castle, which, unlike most castles in Japan, is still in its original form and is arguably the finest example of medieval castle architecture in the country. Afterwards, take a stroll in the Koko-en Garden, which consist of nine separate, walled gardens with ponds, waterfalls and a tea ceremony house. Enjoy a farewell lunch. Travel by train on to Tokyo, and stay at the Villa Fontaine Grand (or similar) for 1 night.
Tour ends in Tokyo.
Trip Inclusions
- Traditional tea ceremony experience & cooking class in Kyoto
- Visit Shirakawago to see the Unesco-listed gassho-zukuri houses
- Tour the Nomura Samurai House historic home & garden
- Try your hand at Bonsai tree shaping in Tokyo
- Small group size - average 14 people (max 18)
- 4-star accommodation
- Flexible - extensions available
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Experienced local tour manager
- 10 breakfasts & 4 lunches
- Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
- Bullet train travel
- Cherry blossom season departures
- Porterage at hotels and train stations
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Operator
Cox & Kings groups rarely exceed 18 guests, and ninety percent of journeys have at least one guaranteed departure date, letting you plan with peace of mind.
Cox & Kings tours feature deep, authentic local experiences that reveal hidden truths and cultural secrets about each destination.
Cox & Kings partners with charming hotels that are comfortable and capture the essence of their surroundings, whether it’s a historic, characterful building, or an ideally placed location.
All Cox & Kings tours are guided and supported by experienced locals, who use their knowledge and on-the-ground relationships to improve and deepen the travel experience.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cox & Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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