Cultural Japan

Description

Tokyo 4 nights
Kanazawa 3 nights
Kyoto 4 nights
Hakone 3 nights

✈️UK to Tokyo – 4 Nights.  This fascinating itinerary starts in Tokyo, the dynamic capital of Japan where you’ll have four nights to delve into the city’s diverse areas including Shibuya with its iconic pedestrian crossing and the cultural treasures of Asakusa, home to the world-renowned Senso-Ji temple.  Make sure you savour the bustling ambiance of Tsukiji Fish Market and if you’re a fan of Disney, head to Tokyo Disneyland, located just outside the city.

🚆Tokyo to Kanazawa – 3 Nights:  From Tokyo, you’ll board the Shinkansen (bullet train) to the city of Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan coast.  One of the main attractions of Kanazawa is its Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s most immaculate and breath-taking traditional gardens where you can stroll through the meticulously landscaped ponds, bridges and seasonal flowers. Also, explore the preserved samurai district of Nagamachi where narrow streets are lined with traditional earthen walls, samurai residences, and wooden gateways.  Nearly all of Japan’s gold leaf is made in Kanazawa and you’ll find it everywhere – whether it’s sprinkled on cakes and floating on coffees!  You can also join a gold leaf workshop where you can learn how to apply the delicate metal sheets yourself.

🚆Kanazawa to Kyoto:  You’ll continue your journey on the bullet train to Kyoto. Here you can explore ancient temples and shrines, including the iconic Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine with its famous torii gates. Stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and experience a traditional tea ceremony.

🚆Hakone – 3 Nights:  Your final destination will be Hakone, a picturesque town that is celebrated for its rejuvenating hot springs, or onsen, which are scattered throughout the region. These geothermal wonders are renowned for their therapeutic qualities, and the onsen experience often includes immersing yourself in an open-air bath, where you can relax amid lush greenery or in the beauty of snow-capped mountains during winter. Hakone also offers excellent vantage points for admiring Mount Fuji, for example taking a boat cruise across Lake Ashi, a blue lake formed 3000 years ago, where you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes and, on clear days, be treated to a wonderful view of Mount Fuji. Also take the Hakone Ropeway, a cable car which whisks you high above the region, for fantastic views.

✈️Hakone to UK:  We’ll take you to the airport for your return flight home; with fabulous memories of the diverse places you’ve visited.