Bullet Trains, Blossoms and Mount Fuji

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
Your Journeys of Distinction Tour Manager will greet you at London Heathrow. Relax in the executive lounge before boarding your overnight flight to Tokyo.
Day 2 Arrive Tokyo
Japan is an unforgettable place to visit, with ancient temples, futuristic buildings, a distinctive culture and a friendly welcome. Your journey begins in the capital,Tokyo, where you’ll settle into The Grand Pacific Le Daiba, your home for 2 nights, before joining your travelling companions for tonight’s welcome dinner.

Meals: Dinner.

Day 3 Tokyo
Today you have a full day exploring the fascinating city of Tokyo. Your first stop is the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the sacred spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken, a lovely example of a Shinto shrine, set in a peaceful wood and constructed out of fine Japanese cypress. You’ll also visit the legendary Asakusa Kannon Temple, dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of compassion, and it offers the chance to see a part of old Tokyo from before the city’s modernisation. After some free time in the famous commercial area of Ginza, you’ll explore the tranquil Imperial Palace East Garden. The Imperial Palace itself is closed to the public. But visitors are able to visit the garden, once the heart of the old castle, where the Tokugawa Shogun ruled from 1603 until 1867

Meals: Breakfast.
Day 4 Tokyo to Hiroshima
Today you’ll leave Tokyo behind and journey further south to the city of Hiroshima, aboard Japan’s incredible bullet train; known locally as the Shinkansen. At speeds of over 180 miles per hour, you’ll pass mountain ranges, travel through modern cities and along the coast. Hiroshima, infamous for the atomic bomb of 1945, is crossed by six rivers and located at the mouth of the Ota River, and known as the ‘water city’. Later this afternoon you’ll make a reflective visit to the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park, which houses a museum and a number of poignant monuments and memorials. You’ll stay for 2 nights at Hiroshima’s Sheraton Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5 Hiroshima
Today, you’ll leave the city for the coast and catch the ferry to picturesque Miyajima Island. Miyajima Island is worshiped as a god in Japan and has been considered a holy place for most of Japanese history. It’s home to the intriguing 6th century Itsukushima Shrine, noted for the impressive Torii Gate which at high tide rises out of the water and is one of Japan’s most famous views. You’ll wander through the small town, before returning to Hiroshima for a visit to Shukukeien Garden.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6 Hiroshima to Kyoto
Once again you’ll board the high-speed bullet train and travel inland across central Honshu to Kyoto, Japan’s capital for over a thousand years. While it is a large and modern city, Kyoto is known as Japan’s historic centre. You’ll discover a profusion of ornate temples, perfect Japanese gardens, palaces and museums as well as hidden corners offering a glimpse of the traditional Japan of the geisha. On arrival you’ll visit the Heian Shrine, and continue to the eastern hills and the historic World Heritage listed Kiyomizu Temple, which dates back to 1633. Paths lead down the hillside to the Otowa waterfall, where visitors may drink the sacred waters, believed to offer good fortune and longevity. This area of Kyoto offers some quiet streets with old wooden houses, and you’ll stroll around the Gion area, where we may even see a geisha dressed in her finery. Your 3 night stay in Kyoto will be at the Hotel Okura.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7 Kyoto
Today you’ll visit some of Kyoto’s historic temples and peaceful parks, starting with the famous Golden Pavilion, on the shores of a picturesque lake and continuing to the Ryoanji temple which has a perfect example of a Zen rock garden. You’ll end your exploration at the beautifully ornate Ginkakuji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, set in an extensive wooded garden or native flora. You’ll have some free time to shop for souvenirs, visit some of Kyoto’s palaces and quiet gardens, or just relax and take in the atmosphere of the city. This evening an Italian dinner will be offered, but the entertainment is purely Japanese – a delightful performance of geisha and maiko dances featuring traditional music and costume.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 8 Kyoto
Today is a free day to discover more of Kyoto, with its numerous historic sites, gardens, parks and bustling streets. Your Tour Manager is here if you need any information on excursions and optional tours, with much to see in the surrounding countryside. Our optional trip to another former capital, Nara, is a delightful experience.

Meals: Breakfast.
Day 9 Kyoto to Lake Kawaguchi
Your morning bullet train journey takes you to Mishima station and from there you’ll travel by coach into the countryside along the foot of Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic perfectly shaped volcanic peak, and take a look around the visitor centre. You’ll continue the short distance to Lake Kawaguchi and arrive at the lakeside Kazeno Terrace Kukuna for a 1 night stay. You’ll be able to settle into the relaxed surroundings and perhaps enjoy a hot spring bath (taken nude in the tradition manner). This evening you’ll dine at the hotel, on some fresh Japanese delicacies.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 10 Lake Kawaguchi to Tokyo
This morning you’ll travel further into the Hakone National Park and take the cable car to the ‘Owakudani Boiling Valley’. As you climb up and over the surrounding mountains, with great views on clear days, you will see the steaming vents of the volcanic crater which was created by the eruption of Mount Hakone three thousand years ago. Stopping for a walk around the mountain side pathway, it is possible to buy eggs that have been cooked in the boiling springs – the eggs turn black with the sulphur and it is said that they prolong life by seven years! The cable car then descends to Lake Ashi, where the relaxed cruise takes you past the forested shores amid beautiful natural scenery. This afternoon you’ll return by coach to Tokyo, as your journey comes full circle for its return to the exciting metropolis and a further 2 nights at the Grand Pacific Le Daiba.

Meals: Breakfast.
Day 11 Tokyo
Your final day of this wonderful tour is free to venture out into this vibrant city. Once you have your bearings, it is quite easy to use Tokyo’s astoundingly efficient transport network to see some new areas. Tokyo is a wonderful place to shop, whether it is in the large department stores or bustling market streets. There are of course a profusion of places to eat to try new Japanese flavours, including the fast food outlets offering delicious noodle dishes. You might want to head to Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum, with the world’s largest collection of art and antiquities, including beautiful delicate kimonos and authentic samurai armoury. If you want to head into the region surrounding the city, a day trip to historic Nikko or the country retreat of Kamakura can be arranged. This evening we will meet for a farewell dinner at The Sky revolving restaurant which offers spectacular night views of the Tokyo skyline.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 12 Return to London Heathrow
After an early transfer to Tokyo airport you’ll board your return flight, arriving this evening or alternatively enjoy extra nights in Tokyo or Kamakura.

Meals: Breakfast.

Tour includes

Maximum group size: 25
JOD Tour Manager throughout
Local expert guides in resort
All flights specified
London airport executive lounge
Welcome drinks party
Hotel luggage porterage service
10 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Bullet trains
Mount Fuji

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”