A Week in Japan

Prices 8 days from £3,790pp

Days 1-2 Fly to Tokyo

Fly overnight to the vibrant, neon-bright metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3 Explore Tokyo

As modern as Tokyo may appear, behind the neon facade is a traditional soul that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways, temples and shrines of the Edo era. Today, you will explore the city, ascending the Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest tower, before taking a wander through Asakusa district, stopping to soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji. Drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza and stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. This evening, enjoy a Japanese diner cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay and admire the supercharged lights of the city.

Day 4 Mount Fuji

Travel by road from Tokyo to Mt Fuji, where you'll ascend 2,400 metres up Japan's most iconic sight to the 5th Station (weather permitting - if the road to the 5th Station is closed, you will instead visit the Fuji Visitor Centre). Transfer to the spa region of Hakone. Embark on a cruise on the spectacular Lake Ashi before flying high above the lake on the Komagatake Ropeway to the summit of Mt Komagatake where the views of Mt Fuji will be breathtaking but weather dependent of course!

Day 5 Bullet train to Kyoto

Transfer to Odawara Station, jump onboard the bullet train and whizz your way to Kyoto. Capital for a millennium, Kyoto was also the heart of religion, philosophy, art and cuisine, making it a treasure trove of history and culture. It is here that all of the best known cultural arts were born, including the tea ceremony, Kabuki and Geisha. This afternoon, visit the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine. Follow the pathway through thousands of vermillion torii gates that leads through a complex of shrines spread over a peaceful, forested hillside.

Day 6 Explore Kyoto

This morning, visit one of Japan's most famous temples, Kinkakuji, the 'Golden Pavilion'. Set amongst classical Japanese Zen gardens and on the edge of a reflecting pool, the temple's main hall is covered in gold leaf. Continue to Ryoanji, a Zen temple that is home to Japan's most famous Zen garden. You'll have some time to contemplate its mysteries for yourself. This afternoon, enjoy a taste of authentic Japanese culture, experiencing the elegant ritual of a tea ceremony and learning the traditional art of calligraphy.

Day 7 Explore Nara and Osaka

This morning, depart for Nara. Another former capital, Nara also has a huge cultural legacy and is a picturesque, charming city. Spend the morning discovering Todaiji Temple which houses the magnificent Daibutsu, a 15-metre-tall bronze statue of Buddha, and meeting Nara's famous Sika Deer. Stroll around Isui-en, a prime example of a Meiji-era (1868-1912) garden. Continue to Osaka and explore the Dotonbori district, Osaka's vibrant foodie and entertainment area. Later, learn about the turbulent history of the magnificent Osaka Castle.

Day 8 Fly Osaka to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

From £3,790 per person

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