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Tailoring your trip
Sunset over Miyajima Island
The itineraries shown are designed to give you a
flavour of what is possible, and are routes that
work particularly well. We can use these as a
basis to plan your trip or can design a completely
different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests.
Please call one of our Japan specialists to start
planning your itinerary.
Hiroshima
Kyoto
Tsumago
Hakone
Tokyo
Telephone: 01993 838 210
Getting around
View of atomic bomb dome, Hiroshima
Hiroshima & Miyajima
Beneath an arched cenotaph in Hiroshima’s
Memorial Park a flame burns, waiting to be
extinguished once the world is finally rid of
nuclear weapons. Close by, thousands of paper
cranes, a symbol of health and longevity, are
spread in silent protest around the poignant
Children’s Peace Memorial. But the modern
city is fully revitalised after the tragedies of
World War II, and it is easy to explore its
lively and energetic core. A short ferry ride
from Hiroshima is the peaceful island of
Miyajima, renowned for the great red ‘floating’
torii gate set in the picturesque Itsukushima
Bay. Considered by the Japanese to be one
of their ‘three great sights’, Miyajima is a must
for any visitor to this part of the country.
Western Honshu
Sited conveniently along the main bullet train
line between Kyoto and Hiroshima, a wealth
of traditional towns and picturesque fishing
villages make fascinating pauses on your
journey. Himeji boasts the elegant Shirasagi-jo
‘White Egret’ castle, considered Japan’s finest;
Okayama is home to the top-rated Korakuen
Garden, and at Kurashiki the historic canal-side
Bikan district is ideal for an hour or two’s
relaxation, while admiring the golden koi and
watching the world go by. Head for the
northern coast of Western Honshu and you
find yourself in a more traditional and lessvisited
Japan. The old Samurai quarters and
ruined castles of Tsuwano and Hagi, the
superb Museum of Art at Matsue, and the
fishing villages of the Tango Peninsula all fully
justify a visit. With public transport more
infrequent, we recommend that you pick up
a rental car to discover this little-visited
corner of Honshu.
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Due to airline routings, most trips start and
end at Tokyo’s Narita airport where you are
met and assisted with your onward transfer.
Most itineraries will include travel on the
extensive Japanese public transportation system
and any trains, buses or ferries that feature on
your trip will be covered either by the cost
effective Japan Rail Pass or by separate tickets
purchased for you in advance of travel. Using
public transport in Japan is straight-forward,
with most stations having bilingual signs and
announcements made in both Japanese and
English. More detail on specific journeys and
how to use trains, buses and taxis is detailed in
your pre-departure final itinerary pack. Taxis are
commonplace in cities and are useful for short
journeys or to find your bearings. Being metered,
you won’t find yourself haggling over the price of
your journey. Away from the classic routes, a hire
car may be the most practical option and English
language maps, along with a satellite navigation
system will be provided in your rental car.
When to go
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
~ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ~ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ~
✓✓ The best time to travel.
✓ A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.
~ Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.
✕ Travel is not recommended.
Japan has four distinct seasons and being in the
northern hemisphere these are roughly the same
as U.K seasons. In central Japan winters are
mostly cool and sunny, with heavy snowfall from
December to April in the Japan Alps. Summer
between June and September is hot and humid,
with showers. Spring and autumn are by far the
best times to visit central Japan.
Time difference: GMT+9 hours
Flight time from UK: 12 hours
Prices
We offer trips to cater for a wide range of
budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices
for your trip to Japan on our website, alternatively
please call our specialists to discuss your plans.
Classic Japan
This classic itinerary highlights the very best of
Japan. From the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo to
the peaceful temples and shrines of Kyoto, you’ll
experience all the contrasts of Japan in two busy
yet balanced weeks. Spend time in traditional
accommodation, delve into recent history in
Hiroshima and then finish your trip relaxing in a
hot spring bath in the Hakone National Park,
home to the iconic Mount Fuji.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Fly overnight from London to Tokyo.
Arrive in Tokyo.
Explore Tokyo at your own pace,
including the Tsukiji fish market and
Senso-ji Temple.
Visit Nikko, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site home to
spectacular shrines.
Take the train to the rural village
of Tsumago and in the afternoon
walk along part of the historic
Nakasendo Highway.
Travel by bullet train west to
Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park
and Memorial Museum.
Cross by ferry to the scenic Miyajima
Island for the day.
Take the bullet train to Kyoto and in
the afternoon you’ll be taken to a
local home to participate in a cultural
activity or cookery class.
Explore Kyoto’s many fascinating
shrines, temples and gardens.
Visit nearby Nara, home to the great
Todai-ji Buddha. In the evening take a
stroll around the geisha district with a
local guide.
Travel by train to the Hakone
National Park. The afternoon is
at leisure.
Explore Hakone.
Return to Tokyo for a final day
at leisure.
Transfer to the airport and fly back
to the UK, arriving on the same day.