Central Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto & the Japanese Alps
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Overview
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Itinerary
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tokyo.
Arriving in Tokyo, you're met by an airport representative then shown to the correct limousine bus to take you to your city centre hotel. Spend the rest of the day resting after your journey or exploring at leisure. A good way to spend your first few hours in Tokyo is to visit the Imperial Palace Gardens or the futuristic man-made island of Odaiba.
A day at leisure in Tokyo. We recommend starting with an early morning trip to the Tsukiji fish market, Asia's largest. Another good way of getting a different perspective of the capital is by taking the ferry from Hamarikyu Gardens - beautiful traditional landscaped gardens with a teahouse - up to the district of Asakusa to see the Buddhist temple of Sensoji.
Another day at leisure in Tokyo. We suggest actually using this day to get out of the city and make a day trip to the seaside town of Kamakura. The train journey takes an hour and a quarter and trains leave regularly. At Kamakura, visit the temples and shrines speckle...
Leave Tokyo and, using your Japan Rail Pass, make the two and a half to three hour journey to Matsumoto in the Japanese Alps. Here you can explore independently the famous 'Crow Castle' with its black and white exterior, and wander around the city's characterful old m...
Make your way to the train station to catch a train to Tsumago, a traditional post town. The journey lasts one to two hours. After arriving in Tsumago, we recommend you go for a hike on the Nakasendo Highway, an ancient route that tradesmen and samurai used to take in...
Travel by local bus then bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart. The journey takes around three and a half hours. After checking into your hotel, you have the afternoon at leisure. We recommend that you set out to visit some of the sights in the northwest of the city, including the Golden Pavilion or 'Kinkakuji' as well as 'Ryoanji', famed for its beautiful zen gardens.
A full day at leisure to explore more of Kyoto's highlights. You could visit Nishiki market with its hundreds of artisan shops and restaurants. In the evening your local private guide and Geisha expert, Duncan, will collect you for a tour of the Geisha district of Gion. As you walk around this traditional entertainment district, your guide will help you spot these elusive ladies.
A day at leisure. Our recommendation is to take the train to nearby Nara, Japan's ancient capital, celebrated for the Giant Buddha and Todaiji Temple. The journey takes just under an hour. Return to Kyoto via Fushimi Inari Shrine for its stunning 'tunnels' of red torii gates that dot the hillside. Try to visit this shrine in the evening - it's quieter and more atmospheric.
On your final morning in Kyoto, take part in a shared cultural activity. Make your way to the Women's Association headquarters in Kyoto where you can learn about the craft of calligraphy (shodo), origami, or the traditional tea ceremony. All activities last for around an hour.In the afternoon, catch the bullet train to Tokyo (which takes around two and a half hours) for your final night in Japan.
Take the shared airport bus service to the airport in time to catch your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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