A Tale of Four Cities (14 days)

Day 1 London Heathrow to Tokyo

Take international scheduled flight from London Heathrow Airport to Tokyo.

We can also arrange departures from your local airport.

Day 2 Tokyo Arrival

Arrive in Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport. You will be greeted and transfer by airport limousine bus to hotel. The hotel is located in the skyscraper Shinjuku district directly opposite to Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings. Shinjuku is the most modern area of Tokyo. Rest of day free.

Day 3 Tokyo

Morning join full day tour of Tokyo – start with a tour to Tokyo Tower and enjoy a panoramic view from its observatory. Then you will continue to the “Happoen” Japanese Garden, where you will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional tea ceremony. The tour then continues to the Imperial Palace Plaza with a short photo stop. Drive past the National Diet Building (the Japanese House of Parliament) and then take a 40 minute Sumida River cruise from Hinode pier of Tokyo Bay to Asakusa. The tour finishes with a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 4 Tokyo / Nikko

Morning embark on tour to Nikko, one of Japan’s most beautiful regions. You’ll enjoy visiting Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famous for its Cultural World Heritage. Afterwards travelling up Irohazaka to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfall, considered one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 5 Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Hakone

Morning join Mt Fuji / Hakone full day tour by deluxe motorcoach. Visit the Fuji Centre and then drive halfway up Mt Fuji to the 5th Station, enjoying the natural scenery en route.

Then stop for lunch at the Hotel Highland Resort, before continuing to Lake Ashi for a relaxing cruise.

Take a ride on the Mt Komagatake Aerial Cableway, where you will get sweeping views of the celebrated Hakone National Park and Mt Fuji from a distance. Return to Tokyo late afternoon / early evening.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 6 Tokyo

Today is free for you to explore this magnificent city.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 7 Tokyo to Kyoto

Today take Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, make your way to Yoshi Ima ryokan or Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto in city centre. Rest of day at leisure.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 8 Kyoto

Today enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto which will include Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogun in 1603, noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance and gorgeous interiors. Then continue to the Golden Pavillion, with the most authentic and exquisite Japanese style garden. Afternoon the tour continues with the Kiyomizu Temple, where you will enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city from its lofty terrace, surrounded by a quaint old lane lined with pottery shops. The tour then takes you to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of some 40,000 inari-jinja shrines located all over Japan. The bright red Senbon Torii gates are a must-see attraction.

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 9 Kyoto / Nara

Afternoon join Nara afternoon tour – visit the Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Shrine. Return to hotel later in the evening.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 10 Kyoto to Hiroshima

Early morning take Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Granvia adjacent to Hiroshima Station. Later join tour to visit Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 11 Hiroshima

A free day in Hiroshima to relax or do some more sightseeing.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 12 Hiroshima to Osaka

This morning take Shinkansen Bullet Train back to Osaka – Japan’s second largest metropolitan area, a vibrant city famous for its street food and friendly local people. Visit Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building Observatory and Dotombori area.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 13 Osaka

Free day to do some last minute shopping. We recommend a visit to Himeji Castle – only half an hour away by bullet train.

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 14 Osaka to London Heathrow

Transfer from hotel to Osaka Airport for international scheduled flight to London.

Meals Included

• Breakfast