Japan Explorer

An enchanting journey through Japan, combining the major centres of Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima with the stunning mountain landscapes and the well preserved highland cities of Kanazawa and Talayama.

The journey starts in the vibrant city of Tokyo with the option to visit the hot spings at Hakone or the Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine complex. Travel to Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan. Surrounded by spectacular alpine peaks and the Hakusan and Noto Peninsula National Parks, the city has well preserved traditional architectural and historic districts. Continue by train through the majestic central mountain range to Takayama, with its beautifully preserved old town featuring many Edo period buildings. After a stay in the ancient city of Kyoto with its exquisite temples and gardens, this tour ends in Hiroshima, a vibrant and attractive city risen from the ashes of war, with the option to visit the island of Miyajima with its Shinto shrine and giant 'floating' torii gate.

Sample itinerary:

Day 1: Depart London.  Days 2/4: Arrive Tokyo. Optional Tokyo, Hakone and Nikko sightseeing. Overnights The Peninsula.  Day 5: Train to Kanazawa. Overnight Kanazawa Hotel Nikko.  Days 6/7: Bus to Takayama. Overnights Hanaougi Bettei Liyama Ryokan. Optional Takayam sightseeing.  Days 8/10: Train to Kyoto. Optional tour to Nara. Overnights Hyatt Regency.  Days 11/12: Train to Hiroshima. Optional tour to Miyajima. Overnights ANA Crowne Plaza.  Day 13: Train to Osaka. Overnight Swiss Hotel Nankai Osaka.  Days 14/15: Fly to London.