Holiday in Japan

country:	Japan
trip type:	A small group adventure
departures:	Departs selected dates throughout the year
price:	From £1185 (14 days) excluding flights. Local payment Yen 22000 (approx £97). We can arrange flights from the UK. All departure dates are guaranteed

read 2 travellers reviews

Japan holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

14 days Tokyo to Kyoto
Tokyo, bullet train, Nikko, national parks, traditional guesthouses, Hiroshima, Kyoto

Ever welcoming and always fascinating, Japan is a world of beauty and intrigue just waiting to be discovered. A land of ancient gods, austere traditions and groundbreaking technology, Japan combines new with old, innovation with tradition and frenetic energy with soothing calm.

Experience the best that this diverse country has to offer from rural panoramas through a bullet train window to a sublime soak in an outdoor 'onsen' or the excitement of Tokyo's latest craze.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1-2:	Tokyo. Beneath the neon lights, high-tech gadgetry and crowded suburbs is a city steeped in ancient traditions and cultures. Visit Ueno Park where cherry blossoms provide a beautiful backdrop to various museums or head into the upmarket district of Ginza for a dose of retail opulence.
Day 3:	Nikko. Arguably Japan's leading shrine centre, Nikko houses several sacred sites including the resting places of the Tokugawa shoguns. If ornate architecture and multicoloured carvings are not your thing, the cedar tree-populated Mt Nakimushi offers a pleasant hiking alternative.
Day 4-5:	Hakone. Relax on a boat cruise across Lake Ashino-ko before enjoying picturesque views of the region on our cable car ride over the surrounding mountains. Do not miss the chance to soak in an outdoor 'onsen', while food-lovers might want to try a sulphur-boiled egg.
Day 6-7:	Takayama. With its sake breweries, traditional inns and art galleries, Takayama is a delightful little town nestled in the Japanese Alps. Check out the Hida Folk Village for a glimpse of traditional life among the thatched-roof houses and practicing artisans.
Day 8-10:	Hiroshima. This reborn city has a vibrant energy that belies its tragic history. The A-Bomb Dome and Peace Museum make for a moving experience, as does the famous floating 'torii' of Miyajima's grand Itsukushima-jinja shrine.
Day 11-14:	Kyoto. Gain an insight into feudal Japan at Himeji-Jo Castle en route to Kyoto, where a visit to the magnificent gold-plated Kinkaku-ji Temple should not be missed. Finish up with a tour of the geisha district of Gion before saying 'sayonara' to the Land of the Rising Sun.

travellers' tales

Really enjoyed visiting the ethnic minority villages in Sapa - our tour leader Hue enabled us to visit the villagers and take part in their new year celebrations. (more)

small group adventure holiday

This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more)

Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!

highly commended

This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.

how this holiday makes a difference

This trip is a fantastic introduction to a wonderful country that contrasts modern development with traditional beliefs. A key feature of this trip is immersion into the Japanese culture.

Throughout the trip most of the accommodation is in minshuku or ryokan. These are traditional local style inns, often a part of a family's house. They are small and quaint, built in the Japanese style with tatami (straw mat) floors. Intrepid leaders will educate travellers as to how best respect the local customs and preserve the delicate tatami floors while staying in these places (refer to trip dossier for information on packing - wheeled suitcases are not suitable). In true Japanese style travellers sleep on futons on the floor.

Groups learn about the spiritual side of Japanese life through temple visits. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural environment.

The trip includes a stay in Hiroshima where travellers can meet with survivors and learn about the impacts of the tragic event that occurred here.

Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people.

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'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left).

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