Japan ancient temples, zen gardens & mountain valleys

Japan
ancient temples,
zen gardens &
mountain valleys
Discover Japans ancient and cultural treasures
Japan 1

introduction
Amazing Wonders is an inspiring new travel guide, featuring a remarkable
collection of the most amazing destinations in the world with exceptional
hotels, restaurants and vital tips to help our readers plan a truly unique travel
experience.
There are so many wonders of the world, but only a few remarkable enough
to become an “Amazing Wonder” being accessible, safe, capable of visiting
without crowds, with distinctive hotels and offering more extraordinary
experiences within the same country.
Soon, our readers will be able to choose from 72 Amazing Wonders. Presented
across a fascinating matrix, spanning across 12 calendar months and 6 types
of wonder: Ancient, Natural, Cities, Beaches & Islands, Journeys, Adventure and
a Selection of All.
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To ensure our publications remain completely independent, we do not accept
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Confidential Pre-Launch Draft
Not to be copied or re-distributed
© Copyright Simon Miller 2015
Japan 3

Walk through historic lanes to
fascinating temples where faith,
myth and legend have created
Kyoto, one of the most alluring
cites of the world and former
capital of Japan for over ten
centuries

Japan
ancient temples,
zen gardens &
mountain valleys
Experience a wonderful seven-day scenic drive
amongst Japan’s rich mountainous countryside to
discover enchanting historic sights. Stay at traditional,
luxury ryokans and enjoy dressing in a kimono for
exquisitely presented kaiseki dinners
Japan 5

Your Journey
This fabulous experience of Japan is centred on
Kyoto, where faith, myth and legend have created
one of the most alluring and fascinating cites of
the world.
With so much to explore throughout Kyoto, your
journey starts and finishes in opposite areas of this
historic city; separated by a wonderful seven-day
scenic drive to discover Japan’s rich mountainous
countryside, fascinating towns and unspoilt villages.
All the hotels we have chosen are small, luxury
ryokans offering unique experiences from ancient
Japanese to contemporary Zen. You will rarely meet
other tourists at these enchanting one-off hotels,
far away from the crowds.
We have also discovered some of Kyoto’s best small
specialist restaurants that we believe will delight,
fascinate and charm you.
We have not included Tokyo, preferring to spend more
time appreciating and enjoying the appeal of Kyoto.
However, if you like frenetic, fashionable cities fly to
Tokyo and after a few days take a train to Kyoto for
the start this 14-day journey.
Recently researching, planning and perfecting
this Journey in person has reminded us of the
fascinations this unique country and its people
offer to fortunate visitors. We are sure you will
also appreciate this amazing experience.
Whilst in Kyoto, enjoy walking along our carefully
prepared selection of historic sites, chosen from an
amazing array of temples and shrines within this
cultural wonderland. Again, we’ll show you how to
keep you away from the crowds.
Japan 7

Discover
japanese ryocans
Traditional living at exquisite small hotels
historical kyoto
The charismatic, cultural capital of Japan
ancient temples, shrines
Amazing Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines
kiso valley & mount ontake
Richly wooded, mountainous river valleys
world heritage villages
Thatched ghasso houses in charming mountain villages

Enjoy
14 days
6 exquisite ryocan hotels $$ to $$$$$ / to
18 hours self-drive rental car
0 local flights
international flights
to and from kansai, osaka
Japan 9

When
March is the start of spring, with days becoming drier
and warmer.
Although peak period, early April is the best time
to visit Kyoto when the glorious cherry blossom is
flourishing. At this time the weather is warm and likely
be dry.
Autumn is also a glorious time to visit Kyoto, with the
maple trees turning a deep red and days comfortably
warm and mostly dry.
June brings heavy rains and July to September
months are uncomfortably hot and humid. December
to February is cold and wintery.

Arrive
Kansai International Airport (KIX) at Osaka is the nearest
international airport to Kyoto. There are several transfer
options between Kansia and Kyoto taking approximately
1h 40m by taxi, or 2 hours by bus or train. There is also
another, much smaller airport at Osaka, but less convenient
for access to Kyoto.
Los Angeles
New York
Beijing
Tokyo
Singapore
Dubai
12h 30m
17h 25m inc 1 stop
2h 45m
1h 15m
6h 15m
8h 50m
If you choose to fly to Tokyo and want to immediately transfer
by local flight to Kansia Airport, remember there are two large
international airports at Tokyo, so try to ensure any flight
connections are via the same Tokyo airport.
Alternatively, if you wish to visit Tokyo, when you are ready
to leave, take the famous bullet train, the fastest taking just
2h 16m from central Tokyo to Kyoto. For an excellent view
of Mount Fuji, select window seats on the right of the train
travelling westwards between Tokyo to Kyoto. Train times
http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/
Shh...
All these flights are to Kansai, a more convenient
arrival point for Kyoto than Tokyo.
London Heathrow to Kansai 13h 35m inc 1 stop with British
Airways/Finnair. www.britishairways.com
Japan 11

Sea of
Japan
B
Kiso Valley
Onsen towns
E
D
C
Shirakawa-go
villages
Takayama
Mount
Ontake
Kamazawa
Tokyo
Arashiyama
F
A
Historic Kyoto
Kansai
Airport

Day Travel Visit Hotels
1
Fly to Kansai International Airport, Osaka
Taxi 1h 30m to hotel. Or 1hr 50m by bus, or
train to Kyoto central station, then local taxi
to hotel
After arriving at Kyoto, enjoy walking from your hotel into the
nearby historic lanes of Gion and Shinbashi Bridge with Geisha
teahouses, charming restaurants and ancient wooden buildings
4nts Hotel Jeugiya Inn
Gion, Kyoto
historic kyoto
A
2
Half day
Taxi 12min to Fushimi Shrine
Walk 20min to Tofuku-ji Temple
Taxi 10min to Sanjusangen-do Temple
Taxi 10min to Jeugiya Inn
Afternoon
Walk 15min to Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre
Allow 2hrs to visit Fushimi Shrine
Allow 1hr to visit Tofuku-ji Temple 1hr visit
Allow 1h 30m to visit Sanjusangen-do Temple
If this seasonal show is being staged, book your theatre tickets for
the next day and continue to explore the local historic streets
3
Half day, early morning start
Taxi 10min to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Walk 10min to the lanes of Sannen- zaka and
Ninen-zaka
Walk 5min to Yasada Pagoda Walk 10min to
Kodai-ji Temple Walk 20min to Jeugiya Inn
Afternoon
Walk 15min to Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre,
subject to this seasonal show being staged
Allow 1hr to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Charming small lanes along Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka
Allow 1hr to visit Kodai-ji Temple
Allow 2hrs to see show, or 3hrs inc the Tea Ceremony
before the show
4
Half day, morning
Taxi 15min to Ginkaku-ji Temple Walk 15min
to Honen-in Temple
Taxi 15min return to Jeugiya Inn.
Half day, afternoon
Walk 12min to Chio-in Temple Walk 10min to
Shoren-in Temple Walk 20min to Jeugiya Inn
Allow 1h 30m to visit Ginkaku-ji Temple
Allow 1h 30m to visit Honen-in Temple
Allow 1h 30m to visit Chio-in Temple
Allow 1h 30m to visit Shoren-in Temple
5 Drive 4h 30m to Fukushima, Kiso Valley 2 historic post towns Tsumago- juko and Narai-juko
1nt Hotel Tsutaya
Fukushima
kiso valley
B
6
Drive 2hrs through valley Route 361, via
Mount Ontake to hotel Wanosato, nr Takayama
Mount Ontake,
Japan’s second largest mountain
2nts Hotel Wanosato
Nr Takayama
C
mount ontake &
historic takayama
7
Drive 15min to Takayama
& return to hotel Wanosato
Historic centre of Takayama
Japan 13

Day Travel Visit Hotels
1nt Hotel Tousuke no yu Fuiya
Onogun
D
8
Drive 3hrs to Shirakawa-go
Three World Heritage villages:
Ogamachi, Ainokura & Suganuma
shirakawa-go
villages
9
Drive 2hrs to Yamashiro Onsen
3nts Hotel Beniya Mukaya
Yamashiro Onsen
onsen towns
& kanawaza
E
10
Drive 30min around the small neighbouring
Onsen towns
Drive 40min to Tojinbo cliffs,
return to hotel Beniya Mukaya
Three local Onsen towns & coastal rocks at Tojinbo
11
Drive 1hr to Kawazaka,
return to hotel Beniya Mukaya
Kawazaka gardens, castle and speciality shops at Higashi Chaya
12
Drive 3h 15m to return rental car in east Kyoto
Taxi 25min to Arashiyama, west Kyoto,
15min boat to hotel Hoshinoya Kyoto
2nts Hotel Hoshinoya Kyoto
Arashiyma Valley
arashiyama,
west kyoto
F
13
Walk 15min to Senkoji Temple
Rickshaw ride 2hrs around Arahiyama, return
by boat to hotel Hoshinoya Kyoto
Senkoji Temple
Bamboo walk, moss garden, temples,
attractive lanes and craft shops
Taxi 1hr 30min to Kansai Airport
14
International flight home
Japan 15

4 nights Hotel Jeugiya Inn & Restaurant Gion Takuma
historic kyoto
Days 1 to 4
Visiting the historic and cultural sights of Kyoto is collectively one of our favourite Amazing
Wonders.
The historic capital of Japan for over ten centuries, famed for its legendary geisha
neighbourhood of wooden row houses, tiny canal side lanes, speciality shops, traditional
kaiseki restaurants and more captivating Buddhist temples with glorious gardens than you
could visit in a month.
Whilst not all the 1600 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are open to the public, with so
much to see within this cultural wonderland, choosing which to visit can be confusing. So,
to help you make the most of your time in Kyoto, we have carefully planned four enjoyable
walks to a fascinating selection the most important sights as well as smaller, charming
places that are often missed by the crowds.
Day 1
After arriving at Kyoto, enjoy walking from your hotel at Jeugiya Inn, to the nearby historic lanes
of Gion around the Shirakawa Canal and Shinbashi Bridge. See the original Gishela Tea Houses
with charming restaurants, craft and antique shops housed within ancient wooden buildings.
Don’t miss strolling one street back from the canal along the attractive Shirakawa Minamidori
lane.
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Kyoto 17

Jeugiya Inn
Perfectly situated in a quite street on the edge of Gion,
just a few moments from the historic heart of Kyoto’s
timbered houses. Also walking distance to many of the
east side temples and to the best restaurants and bars in
the centre of town. You will also be near the central bus
and train stations.
Jeugiya Inn offers just one special, very spacious, tworoomed
suite for up to four guests in the geisha quarter
of Gion, historic Kyoto. Your superb suite is completely
self contained with a luxury bathroom, separate toilet,
the latest fittings and all the comforts you could wish.
Recently built in traditional Japanese style,
providing totally private, self-contained ground floor
accommodation. Surrounded by two charming, totally
secluded ornamental gardens exclusively for your use,
a perfect retreat to relax and enjoy refreshments during
the day.
Jeugiya Inn is professionally managed by the charming
owners, the Muta family who live in a separate part of
the building with a small reception area to welcome you.
Seiichiro speaks excellent English and either he, his wife
Masumi, or son Bunici always try to greet you when you
return, constantly providing advice and assistance with
reservations to ensure you have everything you could
wish for.
We are sure you will fall in love with this delightfully
small, purpose-designed ryokan. A very special place,
with sky-high reviews, so we suggest you reserve their
only room well in advance and ideally prior to confirming
your flight reservations.
Dream
Lay on gorgeous, futon beds with soft linen, admire the
beautiful private views of your illuminated ornamental
gardens, or choose to close the traditional syoji screens
to rest.
Taste
By prior order, a wonderful breakfast will be prepared
for you. Enjoy other meals at the fabulous selection of
nearby restaurants that Seiichiro will help you select
and make reservations, some that are delightfully free
of tourists and can be hard to find!
Arrive
Although there are regular buses and trains running
from Kansia Airport to central Kyoto, it is far more
convenient to ask Jeugiya Inn, to send a local taxi to
collect you from the airport. Kyoto taxis cost less than
the airport taxis and have no difficulty in finding Jeugiya
Inn. A taxi prearranged by email with Jeugiya Inn is
likely to cost approximately JPY 17,000 including toll
charges, paid directly to the taxi and take about 1h 30m.
Alternatively, from central Tokyo, the quickest way to
Kyoto is by the JR Toukai Bullet Train, the fastest taking
just 2hr 15m to Kyoto Station.
If you arrive by train, or bus in Kyoto, generally taxi
drivers do not speak English, so print Jeugiya Inn’s
Japanese address and telephone number. If the taxi
driver has a problem he will telephone Jeugiya Inn to
ask for local directions.
Jeugiya Inn $$$$ |
246 Nakano-cho Higasiyama-ku
Kyoto, 605 0082
+81 (0)75 561 0865
www.jeugiya.jp
jeugiya@adagio.ocu.ne.jp
Either book direct by email, or via www.booking.com
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Kyoto 19

Kyoto 21

Day 2 Morning
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Taxi 12 minutes to Fushimi Inari-taisha, allow 2 hours to visit.
A photographic fantasyland and one of our favourite sites.
Wander through a magical wooded hillside of this alluring
Shinto shrine, adorned with 5000 orange-pillared torii gates
forming a never-ending collection of naturally illuminated
open air corridors - a fascinating experience.
The Fushimi corridors cover an extensive area on the eastern
edge of Kyoto and are freely open 24 hours a day without
queuing for a ticket. So although very popular, for these
reasons you are unlikely to encounter large crowds, making
this an ideal lazy morning start after your first night in Kyoto.
www.inari.jp Japanese only
Shh…
After discovering the fascinating Shinto shrine
during the day, try returning at night for another
aspect to this unique experience.
Tofuku-ji Temple
Walk 20 minutes to Tofuku-ji Temple, allow 1 hour to visit.
Large enjoyable gardens, surrounded by 24 temples including
a Zen Buddhist temple built in 1236 featuring enormous
naturally finished dark timber pillars and a Buddha statue
at the upper level accessed by ticket. Also see the oldest
original gate in Japan.
www.tofukuji.jp
Sanjusangen-do Temple
Taxi 10 minutes to Sanjusangen-do Temple, allow 1hr 30m
to visit. Set amongst relatively simple, landscaped grounds
with orange lacquered shrines, sits an enormous timber
Buddhist temple, built in 1164.
Featuring a spectacularly long viewing hall with 1000
golden Kannon statues standing on terraced steps behind
28 statues of important guardian deities such as the
Thunder God. At centre stage, the principal image of Kannon
dates to 1254, a huge Buddha statue coated in gold leaf, 3.3
metres tall surrounded by four Heavenly Kings.
www.sanjusangendo.jp Japanese only
Taxi 10 minutes, return to Jeugiya Inn.
Day 2 Afternoon
Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre
Walk 15 minutes to Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre, or if not
showing, visit one of the other theatres performing an
authentic geisha dance show. Choose your seats and book
tickets for the next day. When you are staying at the Jeugiya
Inn, ask for advice of timing for the best traditional shows.
Explore walking and exploring the charismatic local historic
streets, speciality shops and charming cafes.
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Kyoto 25

Day 3 Early morning start, half day
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Taxi 10 minutes to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, allow 1 hour to
visit.
An important World Cultural Heritage Site, built half way up
mount Otowa in 778, even before Kyoto became the capital of
Japan. The principal temple, set high up on huge timber stilts
with the main hall considered a national treasure.
www.kiyomizudera.or.jp
A very popular and busy place to visit, so arrive before
8.30am to avoid the crowds; gates open 7am.
Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka
Walk 10 minutes to Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zak, the
delightfully restored small lanes with historic timber
buildings, cute tea and coffee shops.
Yasada Pagoda
Walk 5 minutes to Yasada Pagoda, admire from outside.
Kodai-ji Temple
Walk 10 minutes to Kodai-ji Temple, allow 1 hour to visit.
A charming collection of buildings displays exquisite
craftsmanship with impeccable gardens offering many
areas of surprise and intrigue to enjoy. Walk along covered
terraces, timber bridges, through a bamboo forest to watch
the gardeners manicuring the immaculate grasses with
tweezers and hand scissors.
Established in 1605, several buildings remain original and
in excellently preserved condition. Designated an Important
Cultural Property by Japan’s Government. www.kodaiji.com
Shh...
This delightful temple is less well known and
normally not overcrowded, being another very
special place to discover and one of our definite
favourites. Walk 20 minutes, return to Jeugiya Inn
via the orange Yasaka-jinga Shrine.
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Kyoto 27

Day 3 Afternoon
Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre
Walk 15 minutes to Pontocho Kaburenjo Theatre, or one of
the other 5 theatres that may currently be preforming an
authentic geisha show, allow 2 hours for show, or 3 hours
with the Tea Ceremony. The geisha community stage annual
shows during high season periods only. They are fabulously
colourful events with traditional costumes, excellent live
musicians, singers and authentic geisha who feature in the
spectacular second half of the show. Before the performance,
you may wish to see the optional traditional geisha tea
ceremony, commercial but interesting.
www.geishaofjapan.com/travel/geisha-dances
Walk 20 minutes, return to Jeugiya Inn.
Shh...
This show is well worth a visit, especially on a wet
day. Although prior bookings are required, try to
choose the seats on the right hand raised balcony,
arranged in rows of just three seats. They have the
best views, especially near the inner edge of the
balcony facing the stage.
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Kyoto 29

Day 4 Morning
Ginkaku-ji Temple
Taxi 15 minutes to Ginkaku-ji Temple, allow 1hr 30m to
visit. The Zen Buddist temple of Shining Mercy is a World
Heritage Site and although busy, its one of our favourites to
visit. Try to arrive early.
A collection of temples and structures with philosophically
inspired Zen gardens. Featuring Ginshadan raked sand
layouts, Mount Fuji sand sculpture, ponds, miniature
streams and bamboo forest trail.
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkaku-ji
Honen-in Temple
Walk 15 minutes to Honen-in Temple, allow 1hr 30m to visit.
Walk along the along the charming riverside walk to this
secret, seemly untouched place of natural charm where
perhaps you will be the only visitor. Try not to miss this
intimate Zen garden with small Ginshadan sand designs,
sculptures, streams, ancient trees and more...
Taxi 15 minutes, return to Jeugiya Inn. Day 4 Afternoon
Chio-in Temple Walk 12 minutes to Chio-in Temple, allow
1hr 30m to visit.
A large, complex of rather austere, but elegant buildings,
the largest of which is undergoing major refurbishment due
to complete in 2019. Originally built in 1641 in the Irimoya
style with thatched roofs it is one of the most famous of its
type in Kyoto.
Although lacking charm and intimacy, this impressive site
displays many treasured artworks. In the O-Hajo temple,
comprising several rooms known as kohojo, these private
spaces were reserved for men of high importance, viewable
individually from the outer wooden corridor. As you walk
around the perimeter corridor, enjoy listening to the
creaking wooden floorboards that ‘chirp’ like nightingale
birds, designed to warn the occupants inside the kohojo of
approaching steps and possible danger. See also the biggest
bell in Japan weighing 70 tonnes!
www.chion-in.or.jp/e
Shoren-in Temple
Walk 10 minutes to Shoren-in Temple, allow 1hr 30m to visit.
One of the five Monzeki temples of Tendal in Kyoto, whose
head priests were originally from the imperial family. A
delightfully peaceful temple. Relaxing to visit with wonderful
interiors, glorious gardens and no crowds.
Gaze at the five giant, ancient campor trees; enjoy exploring
covered walkways to admire the immaculately preserved
rooms, many featuring artworks that include nation
treasures. Then wander around the charming, tranquil
gardens with enchanting ponds, koi carp, rocks, small
ornamental bridges and birds singing freely in this alluring
place. www.shorenin.com/english
Walk 20 minutes, return to Jeugiya Inn.
Shh...
This delightful temple is thankfully bypassed by tourist
groups who are led to the larger sites, but a favourite
for those fortunate enough to visit and currently with
no photography restrictions.

Shh...
Avoid the Imperial Palace. To visit inside the
Palace and gardens requires a complicated advance
reservation involving your passport. You will not
be free to walk alone and must join an arranged
tour with about 100 people! In our opinion, the
gardens are more interesting than the Palace, neither
of which is worth the trouble of pre booking and
joining overcrowded groups to visit.
Entertain
Hopefully you will be able to visit one of the traditional,
periodic geisha shows preformed by the geisha community,
only during peak season at theatres like the Pontocho
Kaburenjo Theatre. The dance shows are fabulously
colourful events with traditional costumes, excellent live
musicians, singers and beautiful authentic geisha dancing
– see our suggestion for day 3. When you are staying at the
Jeugiya Inn, ask for advice of timing of where a show is
being performed, or visit this web site www.geishaofjapan.
com/travel/geisha-dances/
If you would like to spend some time with a genuine geisha
in the hope of discovering some of the mystique that has
surrounded their centuries old traditions, the following
suggestions may be helpful.
Mitoko Restaurant By prior reservation, this restaurant will
arrange an authentic geisha, or maiko experience to join a
minimum of 4 people at your dinner for approximately half
an hour. Cost approximately 10,000 JPN per person including
dinner.
+81 (0)75 541 1111
www.gion-mitoko.jp
Gion Sakata A club offering a longer experience with a giesha
or maiko who will accompany you at dinner for approximately
one hour. Cost approximately 25,000 JPN per person including
3 courses Japanese dinner.
+81 (0)75 541 1111
www.gion-sakata.com
Tomio & Ichiriki Are both traditional houses that arrange
private geisha entertainment for wealthy people. For most, the
cost is likely to be prohibitive.
Arashiyama Alternatively, at the end of this journey, you will
visit Arashiyama where some excellent studios specialise in
dressing, making up and photographing you as a traditional
geisha. This is easily arranged at short notice when you stay at
hotel Hoshinoya Kyoto.
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Kyoto 33

Gion Takuma Restaurant
Hidden away in the historic centre, where little English
is spoken and you are unlikely to find other tourists,
a Japanese culinary treat awaits you. Cooked in front
of you, it is a delight to watch the specialist chefs
produce exemplary dishes, impeccably presented with
contemporary twists on traditional styles and tastes.
Menus are fixed and may include: sushi chimuki, sashimi
style salmon, tuna and shrimp; bean soup, Wagyo beef
and bamboo, takiawase eggplant, potato and carrot,
bonita tuna cooked by shabu-shabu, tempura fish, soba
noodles, ginger rice and mochi dessert.
The restaurant interiors are skilfully designed to blend
traditional and contemporary finishes in a comfortable
and interesting environment.
As this restaurant is not marketed to tourists and
mostly only speaks Japanese, ask Jeugiya Inn to make
your reservation, ideally for seats next to the window
overlooking the river.
Gion Takuma $$$$ |
78-3 Sueyoshi-cho Higashiyama-ku,
Kyoto, 605-0079
+81 (0)75 525 8187
Almost entirely Japanese speaking. No web site.
Prefer cash, but may accept popular credit cards.
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Kyoto 37

Tempura Endo Yasaka
Restaurant Moritaya
Enjoy an enchanting 15 minutes walk through the historic
streets of Gion and the gardens of the Yasui-kitamon-dori
temple to a quite street where you will discover Tempura
Endo Yasaka Restaurant. A beautifully presented,
comfortable restaurant centred on a long counter table
where the chefs cook a superb range of Japanese
tempura dishes in front of you. Few tourists discover this
excellent restaurant that you are sure to enjoy.
Our preferred seats 1 and 2 are at the end of the counter.
Ideally, chose a fine night to dine on the restaurant
terrace overlooking the Kamo River and enjoy top
quality Wagyo beef cooked at your table in the
traditional Japanese styles of sukiyaki, or shabu-shabu.
Restaurant Moritaya $$$ |
531 Osakama-cho, Kiyamachi-dori-Sanjo agaru,
Pontocho, Kyoto.
+81 (0)75 231 5118
Tempura Endo Yasaka $$$ |
566 Komatsu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
+81 (0)75 551 1488
www.gion-endo.com/english
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Kyoto 39

1 night Hotel Tsutaya
narai-juko & kiso valley
Day 5
Check out of Jeugiya Inn and taxi 15 minutes to collect a rental car, ideally from Toyota Rent a Car from the Gojo Ohashi office
branch, conveniently located to start your drive from the outside of central Kyoto, near to the start of Highway 1. While you are
staying at Jeugiya Inn, Seiichiro will be pleased to arrange your car rental booking. Remember to ask Seiichiro to book a car
fitted with a GPS Navigator with English translation.
After about 5 minutes drive from the Toyota’s Gojo Ohashi rent a car office in Kyoto, join Highway 1 heading northeast out of
Kyoto. Continue on Highway 1 and transfer to Highways 20 and 15 for approximately 2hr 30m. Leave Highway 15, onto Route 19
at Nakatsugawa into the Kiso Valley.
Soon after joining Route 19, if you have time, take a short detour on Route 256 to visit the historic post town of Tsumago-juko.
Continue northwards on Route 19 until you arrive in the small town of Fukushima where hotel Tsutaya, is easily found on the
left hand side of the main road. After checking in to your hotel, you may have time to drive 30 minutes northwards to visit the
attractive, historic post town Narai-juko.
Allow approximately 4hr 30m for the journey without stops, plus 2 hours to visit the two historic post towns Tsumago-juko and
Narai-juko.
Toyota Rent a Car
Branch: Gojo Ohashi. 22 Mieido-cho,
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8101
T +81 (0)75 342 0100.
Daily: 9am to 6pm
Ask Seiichiro at Jeugiya Inn to make your rental reservation.
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Narai-Juko & Kiso Valley 41

Narai-Juko & Kiso Valley 43

Hotel Tsutaya
A convenient hotel to rest overnight, located In the heart of the Kiso Valley. When you leave, you will be at the
beginning of the most beautiful lush green section of this mountainous valley with Mount Ontake nearby.
Although this modern, traditionally decorated ryokan is well appointed and comfortable with all the normal
facilities, the bedrooms are of older decoration and a little small. However, there is a good restaurant, easy to
find enroute and you may park outside.
Dream
Some rooms on the 5th floor have an open-air onsen bath with constant hot water with views overlooking the
mountain valley. From here, you can bathe before sleeping on a traditional Japanese futon in these simple, but
adequately appointed rooms.
Taste
Enjoy dining Japanese style. Dress in a kimono provided by the hotel, then remove your slippers to enter the
comfortable, traditionally decorated dining room. Dinner and breakfast is included as part of your room charge,
both are generous fixed menus that offer many courses of beautifully prepared plates covering a wide range of
Japanese delicacies. There is something for every palate, including some dishes you cook by small clay table
cookers.
Arrive Hotel Tsutaya, is easily found on the left hand side of the main road in the small town of Fukushima.
Kaidou Roman Onyado Tsutaya $$$ |
5162 Fukushima, Kiso-machi,
Kiso-gun Nagano 397-0001
+81 (0)26 422 2010
Coordinates 35.84991°N 137.69779°E
www.kiso-tutaya.com (Japanese only)
fly-to-the-moon@mopers.net
Book via www.japanican.com
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Narai-Juko & Kiso Valley 45

2 nights Hotel Wanosato
mount ontake &
historic takayama
Day 6 & 7
Day 6
Drive 2 hours through the beautiful valley on Route 361, via
Mount Ontake to hotel Wanosato, nr Takayama.
Mount Ontake Also known as Mount Kiso Ontake, at 3,067
meters is the second highest mountain in Japan after
Mount Fuji. The Ontake volcano has five crater lakes, with
Ni no Ike at 2,905 meters being the highest mountain lake
in Japan.
Ontake is a sacred mountain, where actors and artists have
used the mountain to follow ancient shamanistic practices,
becoming entranced achieve divine and creative inspiration
for their works.
Until 1979, it was thought that Ontake was inactive when
a series of explosive eruptions took place. Unexpectedly in
September 2014, during an extremely rare phenomenon,
the volcano erupted again, causing death and destruction.
Mount Ontake is clearly visible from a distance on Route
361, or you may wish to turn off the main road to take a
closer, cautious look.
Day 7
Drive 15 minutes to visit the historic centre of Takayama.
Takayama Meaning ‘tall mountain’. Here densely wooded
mountains surround rivers and steams, winding through the
valleys to the flat plains and rice fields
Takayama is a large town, popular with tourists for its
historic center with old merchant houses, small museums
and peaceful temples all adjacent to the river and central
bridge. Also in the centre of town, the attractive old timber
buildings in the San-machi Suiji district have many shops
displaying quality crafts and local goods from the region
such as sake, based on rice, an array of lacquered goods
using the local forests, and several charming cafes and
restaurants. There is also a daily morning market.
C
Mount Ontake & Historic Takayama 47

Mount Ontake & Historic Takayama 49

Hotel Wanosato
Deep in the mountainous countryside, at the bottom of
a densely wooded river valley, lays a luxury ryokan hidden
from the outside world but only a few minutes by car
from Takayama. Here you discover a glimpse of Japanese
country living in beautifully crafted 160 years old minka
house, a large traditional house of the local people with
thatched straw ‘gassho’ roofs. Gassho means praying
hands, reflecting the steep roof inclines that allow the
snow to fall off in winter.
When you arrive, a huge central open fire will greet and
surprise you. Soon you will discover many more delights
where the designers have used natural materials creatively
to produce an exceptional small hotel with superb dining.
Relax in Wanosato’s onsen and visit Takayama nearby.
A place where time passes you by and you start to clear
and open your mind.
Dream
While you are dining, your room will be transformed to an
intimate room for rest, prepared invitingly in Japanese style
with comfortable futons, quality linens and soft lighting. Lay
you head and listen to the only sound as the valley stream
creates a mesmerising whisper outside your window. 8
individually created rooms and suites. Pure escapism.

Taste
Dress in a Wansoto kimono for dinner and breakfast,
included as part of your room rate, lavishly and meticulously
prepared in Japanese tradition using many local
ingredients. The fixed menu-tasting dinner is served in
one of the private dining rooms, beautifully decorated with
warm colours, soft lighting and artistic touches that will
surprise and delight you. Many courses will continue to
appear, all creatively presented and offering many varied
taste experiences including sansai mountain vegetables,
wasakana river fish, Hida beef and locally distilled sake.
Arrive
From Route 361, just before reaching Takayama, turn off
in a southwesterly direction using the GPS navigator in the
car that should take you to the exact position of the hotel’s
discreet entrance. As a contingency, before you leave, use
GoogleMaps to plot and print the exact location of hotel
Wanosato.
Wanosato $$$$$ |
1682 Ichinomiya-machi, Takayama,
Gifu 509-3505
+ 81 (0)57 753 2321
www.wanosato.com
info@wanosato.com
Coordinates 36.07355°N 137.21076°E
Either book direct by email, or via www.booking.com
C
Mount Ontake & Historic Takayama 51

1 night Hotel Tousuke no yu Fuiya
shirakawa-go villages
Day 8
Within the regions of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, three
gassho style villages have been awarded World Heritage
status by UNESCO. All three villages are accessible within
30 minutes driving along Route 156.
Drive 3 hours to Shirakawa-go and visit the three World
Heritage villages: Ogamachi, Ainokura & Suganuma.
Stay at Tousuke no yu Fuiya in nearby village Onogun.
Ogimachi The largest village within the Shirakawa-go
region, receives 90% of all visitors. Lying at the base of a
wide valley with several original gassho house and newer
properties built to maintain the historic setting that spans a
long street. The setting is enhanced with high pine forested
hills and a glacier topped mountain in the distance. The
river runs alongside the village and helps irrigate the small
patches of rice fields. 1 hour is sufficient to enjoy looking
around the village, or longer if you wish to take lunch or
hike into the hills.
Suganuma Within the Gokayama region, is a smaller village
clustered attractively at the base of a similar valley setting.
Much fewer visitors and charming village without shops
make this a worthy visit.
Ainokura Also within the Gokayama region, furthest north
of the three villages. Perched mid way up the height of the
valley surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
D
Shirakawa-go Villages 53

Shirakawa-go Villages 55

Shirakawa-go Villages 57

Tousuke no yu Fuiya
A professionally built, newer style ryokan using traditional design detailing and natural materials. Close to the three World
Heritage gassho villages, in an area where there are very few hotels and mainly simple guest houses, Tousuke no yu Fuiya offers
an enjoyable, good value, very comfortable stay with friendly hospitality and excellent kitchen. Excellent value.
Dream
11 very comfortable, spacious rooms. 9 rooms in Japanese style with futon beds, 2 with western beds. All rooms have their own
WC and basin, but bathrooms are shared. Two excellent onsen with constant hot water, in secluded open air rooms surrounded
by rocks with views to the wooded gardens. These onsens are very enjoyable and can be used privately as a useful substitute to
being without an ensute bathroom.
Taste
Your room rate includes and excellent Japanese dinner and breakfast. Both are served, just for you in one of their intimate private
dining rooms.
Arrive
Drive 12 mins from Ogimachi village to Onogun. Tousuke no yu Fuiya is in the centre of Ongun village, located just behind the
main road.
Tousuke no yu Fuiya $$ |
325-1 Hirase Shiakawamura, Onogun, Gifu
+81 (0)57 695 2611 little English spoken
www.tousuke-fujiya.com
fujiya-kosaka@hidatakayama.ne.jp
Coordinates 36.17233°N 136.90492°E
Either book direct by email, or via
www.japaneseguesthouses.com
D
Shirakawa-go Villages 59

3 nights Hotel Beniya Mukaya
onsen towns, kanazawa
& tojinbo cliffs
Days 9 to 11
Yamashiro Onsen is one of three onsen villages famous for
their natural hot springs and public baths, located within
15 minutes drive of hotel Beniya Mukaya.
In addition to the public onsen baths, there are several
shops selling quality lacquer ware and pottery made in
the local factories with some collector items by renowned
designers. There is also a delightful riverside walk with
three interesting bridges.
Day 10
Yamanaka Onsen Drive 30 mins around three small
neighbouring Onsen towns, Yamanaka Onsen is the most
interesting with a delightful riverside walk across the three
interesting bridges.
Tojinbo coast Drive 40 mins to see the dramatic coastal
cliffs at Tojinbo.
The nearest coast is 20 minutes, a further 20 minutes drive
takes you to the landmark Tojinbo cliffs, jutting 25 metres
high into the sea with legends of suicides!
Day 9
Drive 3 hours on the Highways 14 and 359, passing
Kanazawa to hotel Beniya Mukaya at Yasashiro Onsen.
Alternatively, between hotel Tousuke no yu Fuiya at Onogun
and hotel Beniya Mukaya near Kaga, there is a spectacular
scenic route via the Hakusan Nation Park. However, this
route crosses high terrain and is usually closed due to snow
between October to June. If the road is open, it would be
safe to cross and experience wonderful views. The nearest
entrance to the Hakausan Park is at Super-Rindo, just 15
minutes drive up the mountain from Onogun. From here you
will be able to admire the views and check if the route is
open.
E
Onsen Towns, Kanazawa 61

Day 11
Kanazawa Drive 1 hour to Kanazawa where there is much to visit and enjoy for a full day. This large city is very popular with
tourists so try to arrive early in the morning. The Kenroku- en gardens are open from 7am.
Kenroku-en Gardens
Walk 5 minutes from the car park to Kenroku-en these beautiful gardens are some of the finest in Japan and well worth a visit.
This would be a good place to start before the crowds arrive, so leave your car at one of the adjacent car parks and walk from
here.
Grand Castle Walk
5 minutes to the Grand Castle Located adjacent to the Kenroku- en gardens with its own substantial park and dramatic facades
and high walls.
Higashi Chaya
Walk 20 minutes to Higashi Chaya a shoppers delight, created a sensitive restoration of the historic geisha tea house
area being the only area outside Kyoto that supported the old style training of geisha. Walk around the many
specialityshops and cafes within the original wooden geisha teahouses that make this area a legendary myth.
Open daily: 8am to 5pm, or 7am to 6pm during summer.
E
Onsen Towns, Kanazawa 63

E
Onsen Towns, Kanazawa 65

Onsen Towns, Kanazawa 67

Beniya Mukayu
One of Japan’s most exclusive ryokan hotels and a
long-standing member of Relais and Chateaux. Located near
the coast and three famous onsen towns where there are
several interesting places to shop, explore, or walk around.
Unashamedly contemporary, Zen designed with passion
and with leading architects and artworks to create a special
fusion of natural materials and perfectly formed spaces,
light and views. The service is impeccable, friendly and
effortlessly efficient. Here you can relax and enjoy the
facilities of your room, the library, luxury onsen and body
treatments, learn Japanese cooking, or the traditions of
kimonos and Japanese tea ceremonies.
Dream
Choose from 17 Japanese or Western rooms, all impeccably
designed in Zen style with private balconies, constant hot
water onsens, high quality fittings, luxury natural lotions and
all the comforts you could desire. Sleep amongst the softly
lit, natural materials and wake to the birds singing in the
wooded gardens, visible from your full height sliding glass
doors.
Arrive
Although located only about 4 minutes drive from the centre
of Yamashiro Onsen, Beniya Mukayu is not easy to find
being located high up via a small road that fails to suggest
the way towards an exclusive hotel. So, as back up to your
car’s navigator, pre program the mapping on your smart
phone and print a map with the location clearly pinpointed.
Beniya Mukayu $$$$$ |
55-1-3 Yamashiro Onsen, Kaga-city,
Ishikawa-Pref. 922-0242
+81 (0)76 177 1340
beniya@mukayu.com
www.mukayu.com
Coordinates 36.28918°N 136.36411°E
Either book direct by email,
or via www.relaischateaux.com
Taste
Dine in the contemporary, Zen inspired restaurant with full
width terrace overlooking the sunset illuminated wooded
gardens. From here, in the comfort of your hotel kimono, you
will be treated to perfectly presented, Japaneese tasting
experience. Such dishes may include: sushi magaro tuna,
hirame sashimi, kashiwa mochi leaf wrapped, hassrin
delicacies, Ebi-shinjo shrimp dumplings, Kegani crab, Noto
oyster, Wagyu beef steak, white miso soup, char grilled Ayu
fish. Alternatively, with advance notice, you can discuss your
preferred menu. Breakfasts are either Japanese or Western
as you chose.
E
Onsen Towns, Kanazawa 69

2 nights Hotel Hoshinoya Kyoto
arashiyama, west kyoto
Days 12 to 14
To celebrate the end of your wonderful journey, return to
enjoy the opposite side of Kyoto at Arashiyama. Here, on the
western side of Kyoto, lays a charming riverside district.
Pretty streets and lanes with many tempting speciality craft
and food shops adjoin the wide river spanned by two bridge
and framed by the steep wooded valley beyond. There are
also some fascinating historic and cultural sites that will
continue to surprise and delight you.
Day 12
Drive 3h 15m to on Highways: 8, 61, 12 the Hokuriku
Expressway, and 1. Return your rental car to the same
Toyota branch near Highway 1.
Taxi 20 minutes from the car rental office to Arashiyama,
west Kyoto. Take a taxi to Togetsukyo Bridge at Arashiyama
using directions in English and Japanese printed out from
hotel Hoshinoya’s web site to give to the taxi driver. Arrive at
the first boat landing area on the south side of Togetsukyo
Bridge where you will find Hoshinoya’s reception building
and private boat service to their hotel.
Day 13 Morning
Senkoji Temple Walk 15 minutes to Senkoji Temple, allow
1 hour to visit and contemplate. You may like to start the
day by climbing a 15 minutes hike up the steep valley
behind your hotel, taking you to the delightful Senkoji
Temple. Several little details make this a small, but
endearing visit with stunning views towards the valley and
beyond to Kyoto city.
Day 13 Early lunch and afternoon
Arashiyama 15 minutes by hotel boat for a short journey
to the Togestsu-kyo bridge. From here you can explore the
attractive Arashiyama town. There are many attractive areas
to visit but they are spread out over nearby hills that for
some may be tiring to walk. So consider a rickshaw to visit
the temples, attractive lanes and shops around Arashiyama.
Rickshaw ride 2 hours rickshaw, or bicycle ride from
Togestsu-kyo bridge. There are many rickshaws, offering
a 2 hours service that will take you comfortably and
effortlessly to a selection of the sights
Although a little extravagant, the rickshaw is a fabulous
way to complete your experience of Japan. If you decide
to take a rickshaw ride, we suggest you start at 2pm and
ask to finish at 4pm by Tenryuji Temple. This is an ideal
time to enter Tenryuiji when it becomes quieter during
the final hour before closing. To travel the same tour of
Arashiyama, a less expensive alternative to a rickshaw is to
rent bicycles. Ask your hotel for information on both options,
they will also provide you with a good map.
The following is our suggestion of the best way to spend an
afternoon in Arashiyama.
F
Arashiyama, West Kyoto 71

Path of Bamboo Even larger bamboos than the previous
bamboo forests you will have seen during this journey.
Seiryji Temple View by rickshaw from the outside.
Gioji Temple An enchanting moss garden. Not large scale,
but an absolutely magical setting with a special feel that we
expect will surprise and delight you during your brief walk
around and perhaps a chance to hear the birds sing.
Shh...
Fortunately, Gioji Temple is a wonderful site but
unable to be accessed by coaches, so there are no crowds
to spoil your enjoyment of this mystical secret moss
garden.
Nison-in Temple Viewed by rickshaw from the outside.
Tenryuji Temple Allow 1 hour to visit after rickshaw
ride. Ideally, you will arrive at this important World
Heritage Site near to 4pm. By this time, the crowds will
be leaving and you will be able to enjoy the gardens and
reflective pond for an hour before closing.
www.tenryuji.com
Day 14
15 minutes by hotel boat to Togestsu-kyo bridge.
Taxi 1hr 40m to Kansai Airport, Osaka.
Return flight home.
Adashino-nenbutsuji Temple Another surprise! Featuring
hundreds of ancient statue stones set alongside a cemetery.
Shh...
Happily, Adashino-nenbutsuji Temple is another
special place overlooked by the tourist crowds.
F
Arashiyama, West Kyoto 73

Arashiyama, West Kyoto 75

Arashiyama, West Kyoto 77

Hoshinoya Kyoto, Aryshiyama, West Kyoto
To complete your journey, this luxury ryokan hideaway is
chosen for its special riverside location, set to the edge of
a mountainous valley, on the west side of Kyoto. From the
heart of Arashiyama, you will arrive in fifteen minutes by
hotel boat, to this idyllic hideaway hotel. A perfect retreat
from which to visit the opposite side of Kyoto.
Completely refurbished in 2010, all the bedrooms are
generously large suites with inspiring design details
blending Japanese tatami floors and syoji screens with
contemporary styling, atmospheric lighting and some
dramatic wall finishes. The latest bathroom fittings, deep
wooden furo bath and music system help to provide
every comfort you could expect in your room.
Dream
All 25 bedrooms are suites of different sizes and layout,
each with views of the Oigawa river and forested valley.
Futon style beds are large and comfortable with high
quality linen, music and soft lighting for you to create
your own intimate environment.
Taste
The hotel offers two options, in room dining or their
highly priced restaurant. The Hoshinoya’s restaurant is
not particularly special and appears overpriced. So, as
the suites all offer generous dining areas with excellent
views, room service dining is an enjoyable option for at
least one night. Amongst the wide range of restaurants
in Arashiyama, the Boruta restaurant offers excellent
teppanaki cooking at your table.
Arrive
From Beniya Mukayu at Yamashiro Onsen, take the
Highway 8, Highway 61 and Highway 12 named
Hokuriku Express to Highway 1 into Kyoto where you
return to your rental car office. The drive takes about
3hr 15min and the toll costs over 4000 JPY. Take a taxi
to Togetsukyo Bridge at Arashiyama using directions
printed out from hotel Hoshinoya’s web site in Japanese
to give to the taxi driver. You need to arrive at the first
boat landing area on the south side of Togetsukyo
Bridge where you will find Hoshinoya’s small reception
building and private boat service to their hotel.
Depart
While you are staying at hotel Hoshinoya, they will
arrange a taxi to take you to Kansai Airport for your
return flight home, or where ever else you may transfer
to.
Hoshinoya Kyoto $$$$$ |
Accessible by hotel boat, from:
Togetsukobashi Bridge
Arashiyama, West Kyoto.
+81 (0)50 3786 0066
central reservations 8am to 9pm local time.
reserve_kyoto@hoshinoya.com
www.hoshinoyakyoto.jp
Coordinates 35.01612°N 135.66692°E
Book direct with hotel.
F
Arashiyama, West Kyoto 79

Safety
General All the areas visited within our route of Japan are considered safe by Government advisory web sites, but if you
believe the situation may have changed, before you make your reservations check your country’s Foreign Travel Advice
web site.
Roads Roads are all well built and constantly used with daily traffic. There is a reassuringly strong police presence with
many new police cars covering all areas. As with any country there are risks, but we consider these to be low in the
regularly visited areas. Special care should be taken at night and as with any unfamiliar country we suggest against
driving at night. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Walking As with any country there are risks, but the areas recommended within our route all feel very safe and a pleasure
to explore. But with any city, you should be diligent and take special care at night.
Taxis Ask the concierge at your hotel for tips on taking local taxis.
Food Purified water and purified ice are used extensively throughout the hotel and restaurant industry making restaurants
generally safe for the preparation of all foods. It is not safe to drink the tap water anywhere in Japan.

Inspire
Online www.ancient-world-mysteries.com and www.visitmexico.com
Read
Yucatan & Mayan Mexico by Cadogan Guides.
The Lost Cities of the Mayas – The Life, Art and Discoveries of Frederick Catherwood.
The Maya – The World’s Greatest Civilisations: The History and Culture of the Maya by Charles River Editors.
More 81

Image Credits
Page 2
Chichen Itza. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
Page 4
(left) Metropolitan Cathedral and President’s Palace in Zocalo,
Center of Mexico City Mexico Sunrise. Copyright 2015 Bill Perry
Used under license from Shutterstock.com
(right) Chichen Itza. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
Page 5
(left) Park benches, the cathedral and colorful buildings in San Francisco de Campeche, Mexico.
Copyright 2015 Jo Ann Snover
Used under license from Shutterstock.com
(right) Celestun, Yucatan, Mexique. Eté 2011 is licensed under CC BY 2.0 - http://commons.
wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Celestun,_Yucatan,_Mexique_2011.jpg
Page 6
(left) El Castillo (The Kukulkan Temple) of Chichen Itza, mayan pyramid in Yucatan, Mexico.
Copyright 2015 Jose Ignacio Soto Used under license from Shutterstock.com
(right) Flamingos, Celestún by Gildardo Sánchez is licensed under CC BY 2.0 - https://www.flickr.
com/photos/77997130@N00/11686133383/
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(left) Chichen Itza. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
(right) Horseback Riding Countryside.
Copyright 2015 Rancho Las Cascadas
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Independcia Column by Jose Francisco Del Valle Mojica
is licensed under CC BY 2.0 -https://www.flickr.com/photos/pacomexico/5403242751
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(top left) ¿Oootra vez? by Eneas De Troya is licensed under CC BY 2.0 -
https://www.flickr.com/photos/99479626@N00/2290156408
(top right) Celestun. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
(bottom right) Colonial architecture in Campeche (Mexico) Copyright 2015 Noradoa. Used under
license from Shutterstock.com
(bottom left) Horseback Riding Countryside. Copyright 2015 Rancho Las Cascadas
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(top left) Mexico City. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
(top right) Excursions-San-Angel 6. Copyright 2015 Rancho Las Cascadas
(middle left) Excursions-Mexico-City 6. Copyright 2015 Rancho Las Cascadas
(middle right) Soumaya 02262 by Omar Bárcena is licensed under CC BY 2.0 - https://www.
flickr.com/photos/51186333@N00/5613174541/
(bottom left) Museo Frida Kahlo by Caricato da Hic et nunc is licensed under CC BY 2.0 - http://
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(bottom right) Freda Kahlo Museo. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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(left) La mexicaneidad by Eneas De Troya is licensed under CC BY 2.0 -
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(right) Condesa Roma MC. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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Pictures taken in Mexico City. Copyright 2015 Gerardo Borbolla
Used under license from Shutterstock.com
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Hotel Condesa DF by Undine Pröhl Copyright 2015 - www.undineprohl.com
Page 19
Copyright 2015 Restaurante Biko - www.biko.com.mx
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Chichen Itza. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
Page 22
Pyramid of Kukulkan, Chichen Itza, shot under the full moon during a special light show.
Copyright 2015 Chris Mullins. Used under license from Shutterstock.com
(bottom left) Chichen Itza light show. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
(bottom right) Chichen Itza light show. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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(top) Chichen Itza Detail. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
(bottom) Chichen Itza Detail. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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(left) Chichen Itza Detail. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
(right) Chichen Itza Detail. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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(left) Copyright 2015 by Chichen Itza Lodge
(right) Chichen Itza Lodge. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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Anicent mayan pyramid in Uxmal, Mexico Copyright 2015 f9photos
Used under license from Shutterstock.com
Uxmal detail. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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(left) DSC00133a detail. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
(right) DSC00129b detail. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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The Flycatcher Inn. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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Sunset at the beach in Celestun mexico night sky evening Spirit oceans panorama. Copyright
2015 doromonic. Under license from Shutterstock
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(left) DSC00336 celestun biosphere reserve.
Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
(right) DSC00442 celestun biosphere reserve.
Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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Copyright 2015 Hotel Xixim - www.hotelxixim.com
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(left) Copyright 2015 Hotel Xixim
(right) Hotel Xixim. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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parquejuarez-carmen1. Copyright 2015 Rancho Las Cascadas
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Mariachi on the streets of colonial Campeche city, Mexico. Copyright 2015 javarman. Used under
license from Shutterstock.com
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Copyright 2015 Hotel Casa Don Gustavo
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Copyright 2015 Hotel Casa Don Gustavo
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Palenque. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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Copyright 2015 Hotel Piedra de Agua
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Ride Panoramic View. Copyright 2015 Rancho Las Cascades
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(right) Tepotzotlan RancoLCascades e. Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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Copyright 2015 Rancho Las Cascades
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Copyright 2015 by Simon Miller
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Copyright 2015 Rancho Las Cascades

Credits 83

About the Author
simon miller
Simon was born and educated in England and lives in the Oxfordshire countryside
near London.
Early in his career he formed a successful design group and expanded the business for
18 years before selling the company.
From 2002, Simon devoted his planning skills to travel independently around the world,
touring 62 countries across every continent on the globe in search for exceptional
destinations and distinctive hotels.
To pursue his three passions for design, travel and planning, Simon established
Amazing Wonders to create and illustrate a collection of outstanding journeys to some
of the world’s greatest destinations.
The inspirational travel guide will be freely available online and published in a series
of fabulous books, containing all the information to enable readers to easily plan and
directly book their own personalised journeys to the world’s Amazing Wonders.
Simon intends that Amazing Wonders will establish a charitable foundation to help
protect endangered animals in neglected areas of the world.
“We look forward to making many new friends across the world who share our passion
for delivering outstanding guest experiences.”
Simon Miller
Amazing Wonders

Credits 85

Japan
ancient temples,
zen gardens &
mountain valleys
Amazing Wonders is an inspiring new travel guide, featuring a remarkable collection
of the most amazing destinations in the world with exceptional hotels, restaurants
and vital tips to help our readers plan a truly unique travel experience.
There are so many wonders of the world, but only a few remarkable enough to
become an “Amazing Wonder” being accessible, safe, capable of visiting without
crowds, with distinctive hotels and offering more extraordinary experiences within
the same country.
Soon, our readers will be able to choose from 72 Amazing Wonders. Presented
across a fascinating matrix, spanning across 12 calendar months and 6 types of
wonder: Ancient, Natural, Cities, Beaches & Islands, Journeys, Adventure and a
Selection of All. Available to view either online, or via a collection of six glorious
travel books.
www.amazingwonders.com