Imagine a place of immense beauty and diversity; where embedded in everyone’s DNA is a culture of “mindfulness of others”, respect (for everything), along with innate generosity and kindness; a place where everything works – perfectly; where honesty and safety are the order of the day; where ancient history and cutting edge modernity exist side by side; where the food is amazing. This “Utopia” is Japan – and to visit is one of life’s great pleasures.
This is a country Anne and Barry know well, and love and, our annual 14-day tour each November, is a perfect opportunity to join a small group of travellers as we showcase the attractions of Kyoto, Hiroshima and Miyajima, before an immersive extended stay in Tokyo where the days are a blend of conventional touring, and leisurely neighbourhood discovery – all surrounded by the beauty of Autumn.
Our guests love the special meals we enjoy together, and the unexpected delights along the way as we truly immerse and “dig a little deeper” into the daily lives of the fascinating Japanese people. They also especially love ending the tour, with an extended luxury hotel stay in Tokyo.
Day 1 | Arrive Kyoto
Arrival at Osaka's Kansai Airport, and transfer to Kyoto, a journey of a little under 2 hours. Our hotel is located within the modern railway complex, and will be our home for four nights. Spend your afternoon discovering the myriad shops, and restaurants on our doorstep, and marvel at the building itself.
Meet your hosts and fellow guests for an evening welcome drink and get-together.
Overnight Granvia Hotel Kyoto
Day 2 | Kyoto
Today we will enjoy a full-day private coach tour of Kyoto, visiting the city's key temples and gardens - including the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, the Ryoanji Zen Garden, Nijo Castle, and the fabulous wooden temple of Kiyomizudera. In the evening we will take a short taxi ride, for a casual meal, and a stroll the pretty streets in the ancient Gion district, at dusk. Aside from the pretty canal, ancient shophouses and beautiful streetscape, we are likely to see Geiko (Geisha) stepping out to work.
Overnight Granvia Hotel Kyoto
Day 3 | Kyoto
Today, our private coach and guide will take us to where the city meets the mountains for an exciting ride on the Hozugawa River, and the beautiful district of Arashimaya. This area is also home to the ancient (and much photographed) Sagano Bamboo forest, with its immense centuries old, lush groves. We will then cross town, and visit the quite beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine with its famous vermillion torii gates - 5000 of them - winding their way to the top of the mountain.
Climbing optional!
In the evening we will once again, step out to further explore this beguiling city.
Overnight Granvia Hotel Kyoto
Day 4 | Kyoto
Today is yours to enjoy Kyoto at leisure. Anne will be on hand with some suggestions to fill your day. The Philospher's Walk in the northern part of the city is a superb way to spend a couple of hours. The stone path follows a pretty stream, and is lined with sakura trees. There are many pretty old buildings to see, and the occasional "off-path" temple and shrine. There are also plenty of cafes along the way. The fabulous Nishiki Food Market in central Kyoto is a must, a wonderful mixture of fish, and dry goods, sake, wines, and kitchen cooking gadgets, all in one of Kyoto's long under-cover arcades: a visit here is a one of great interest, and discovery.
You may decide to take a short train trip to nearby Nara - established as Japan's first capital in the year 710.
Today it is a compact city less than an hour from Kyoto, with a number of renowned World Heritage listed sites, led by the amazing Todaiji wooden temple housing a giant Buddha. The surrounding park is home to nearly 1200 sacred deer which roam freely and, as a symbol of the city, have been designated a national treasure.
Overnight Granvia Hotel Kyoto
Day 5 | Hiroshima
This morning, we depart Kyoto for Hiroshima - just 2 hours 40 mins by Shinkansen (bullet train). Upon arrival we will walk to our hotel which is adjacent to the station complex, and where our luggage will be waiting.
Hiroshima is situated on a river delta, with pretty waterways regularly dissecting this prosperous, contemporary city. The Atomic Bomb Dome, the adjacent Peace Park, and Museum, are within easy reach of the station, on the historic tram network, and we will spend the remainder of the day exploring this poignant reminder of the tragic event of 6 August 1945.
In the evening we will find a restaurant serving the famous local dish - Okonomiyake (Hiroshima style).
Overnight Granvia Hotel Hiroshima
Day 6 | Hiroshima
This morning we will take a suburban train to the station at Miyajima-guchi, from where we will cross the road and take a local ferry across to the beautiful island of Miyajima where the day is yours to explore the famous Itsukushima Shrine, and the instantly recognisable giant torii gate in the sea.
At the time of our visit, the Autumn foliage should be at its peak, with the Momijidani Park, at the foot of Mt Misen; its trees dating back to the Edo period, a marvelous viewing spot. This is also an excellent time to take a short forest walk and enjoy the ropeway (cable car) ride up the mountain. Given we have all day to spend in this magical place, there will be an opportunity, at low tide, to walk out to, and around, the torii gate. - a "must do" experience.
Overnight Granvia Hotel Hiroshima
Day 7 | Tokyo
This morning we will take breakfast in the station, and stock up for a train "picnic" as we depart for Tokyo on the Shinkansen - a journey of a little over 5 hours. Upon arrival at Tokyo Station, we will change to a local train for the short distance to our base at Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's 23 "city wards"; a vast commercial, shopping, and entertainment district centered on the railway station - the busiest in the world. Our home from home - the Keio Plaza Hotel - was the first skyscraper in the district, and indeed Japan's first high rise hotel. Our rooms are on the very special club floor, with room lounge access. Our luggage will be waiting for us.
Overnight The Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 8 | Tokyo
This morning we will continue our orientation with a private morning city sights tour featuring the Imperial Palace Garden and Moat, Akihabara Electric Town, the ancient Senso-ji Temple (the oldest Buddhist temple) in Tokyo, with the wonderful Nakamise Street in front.
In the afternoon we will enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River, enjoying yet another surprising perspective on this amazing city.
A fun ride on a driverless train completes today's adventure.
Afterwards, as on all our evenings, there are myriad reasons to step out to see the lights, or take in the vibrant nightlife scene which is on our doorstep. The Golden Gai bar district is popular with visitors, as are robot restaurants, and many themed cafes. Shinjuku pulsates with every imaginable form of evening entertainment.
Overnight The Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 9 | Tokyo
This morning we take a suburban train to Nippori from where we will stroll through the sweet little "village" of Yanaka, only minutes, yet a world away from the surrounding metropolis. Close to the station is an old cemetery dating back several hundred years. The Kyou-ji temple with its pretty garden, is entered through gates pock-marked by musket fire from the civil war of 1868.
We will wander further down the main village street, which is lined with all kinds of sweet little shops, selling everything from woven baskets, to kimonos and accessories. A stop at the street market is a great opportunity to sample popular local food. We will then wander through a residential neighbourhood until we reach nearby Ueno Park which, aside from being a beautiful open space, is Tokyo's most important cultural centre; home to many key museums and galleries.
Our day's touring will end here for those wishing to linger, or back at the hotel, for those wishing to return to Shinjuku. Tonight we will enjoy a memorable meal together.
Overnight The Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 10 | Tokyo
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Anne will be on hand to provide suggestions, and directions to beautiful galleries, specialty shops, and more interesting neighbourhoods. You may wish to visit one of many Chrysanthemum shows which are convened at this time of year.
Overnight The Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 11 | Tokyo
It's Sunday, and no visit to Tokyo is complete without a weekend excursion to nearby Harajuku and Yoyogi Park, both of which are good for comic relief before or after a visit to the beautiful serene Meiji Shrine which is adjacent.
You can expect to see everything from hip hop dancers, Elvis impersonators, and scores of teens living their fantasies via Cosplay, to hilarious dog parks. In a city where living space is at a premium, Tokyo's vast parks and gardens are an important venue for club meetings, music practice and all kinds of recreational activities. A short walk away is the deliciously named Takeshita Dori in Harajuku, home of Tokyo's famous Cosplay shops - fun and amusement guaranteed.
Our home in Shinjuku is a short train ride, or a longer walk away- perhaps via the amazing Shibuya Crossing, and the nearby statue of the famous little dog - Hachiko. Tonight's dinners is included.
Overnight The Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 12 | Tokyo
Today we will leave the city taking a day excursion to the Fuji Five Lakes, a highland area at the base of Mt Fuji, outside of Tokyo, and an ideal viewing spot – weather permitting of course! The much photographed Chureito Pagoda provides a great vantage point for the beautiful surrounding scenery.
Overnight The Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 13 | Tokyo
Today our neighbourhood excursion will be to Nihonbashi, one of Tokyo's oldest commercial districts. It is also the 'zero point' from which all distances to/from Tokyo are measured. The 400 year old Mitsukoshi Department Store remains, and the district is also home to the Bank of Japan headquarters and the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Our route back to Shinjuku is via the fabulous Tokyo Station housed in an enormous red brick building said to be modelled on the station in Amsterdam. You may wish to linger longer here and explore this city within a city. There are hundreds of restaurants in "kitchen street", and every kind of souvenir in "character street", plus wonderful department stores where you can visit the food halls, marvel at the goods on offer - and equally - the enthusiastic counter staff, and exquisite packaging which comes with every purchase, however small.
Day 14 | Tokyo
This morning is yours to enjoy. You may wish to stroll to the nearby Shinjuku Goen established in 1772. One of many designated national gardens, this is a truly beautiful oasis of tranquility within this busy city.
Especially beautiful in Autumn, it is a perfect place to end the organised portion of our tour, and reflect on the beautiful things we have seen, and the fun we've had. Alternatively the food halls and stores surrounding our hotel are sure to be popular for last minute purchases. Our farewell luncheon will be in the New York Grill at the nearby Park Hyatt Hotel, famously portrayed in the movie "Lost in Translation".
Afterwards, we will visit the fabulous Ginza District at dusk. Home of beautiful neon lights, and amazing shop windows, this is a beautiful and iconic part of Tokyo.
Overnight The Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 15 | Tokyo
Homeward bound.
Departure transfers are provided for all our guests departing today, and Anne will be on hand to co-ordinate.
Overnight The Keio Plaza Hotel
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