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Tailor made holidays in Japan

country:Japan
departures:We offer a complete tailor made service allowing you to decide when you go, where you stay and what to do.
price:From £2655 (16 days) including flights from the UK. Price includes private transfers, accommodation and meals where indicated. This trip can also be booked without flights. Prices shown are per person based on 2 people sharing
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the amazing things you'll be doing
This holiday combines the best of Japan, from the ancient traditions to the mountainous wildlife. Begin in Japans exciting and colourful capital, before setting off on Japans efficient network of train and bus. Enjoy spectacular trekking past Mount Fuji while bear watching in Matsumoto. Drink tea in the old Geisha districts and whale watching in Japans beautiful marine parks.

Best time to go: Japan really is a year round destination, however the warmer, rainier months are from June to October. October to June tend to be cool and dry.
day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:Meet & greet and Ltd Express to Shinjuku station
Day 2-3:Free time to explore Tokyo
Day 4:Train from Shinjuku to Matsumoto. Bear viewing tour.
Day 5:Return to Matsumoto
Day 6:Travel by bus to Takayama (Takayama Bus Stn)
Day 7:Day at leisure
Day 8:Takayama to Kanazawa via Shirakawago
Day 9:Train from Kanazawa to Kaga Onsen and on to Awazu Onsen
Day 10:Train to Kyoto Geisha district walking tour
Day 11:Free day Kyoto
Day 12:Excursion day from Kyoto
Day 13:Train from Kyoto to Kushimoto
Day 14:Whale watching trip
Day 15:Train from Kushimoto to Tennoji and on to Osaka
Day 16:Train from Osaka station to Osaka Kansai airport
travellers' tales
Ryokan stay in Hakone was the most memorable part. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
Japan has so much to offer and this trip is a great mix of Japanese tradition and modern western culture. It is an opportunity to learn about ancient customs and spiritual tranquillity and be astounded by the vast landscape and natural wildlife in Japan.

The accommodation on this tour is a variety of small locally run western hotels and Japanese style properties, such as Minshuku and Ryokan. Experience how the locals sleep on futons and enjoy delicious home cooked meals. The transport methods we use are all local buses and trains, which are Japanese owned, reducing our carbon footprints in the sky. Our guides are local wherever possible and brimming with knowledge, supporting local employment.

The tour starts in Tokyo, giving you an opportunity to try local foods and indulge in the mix of future technology and ancient traditions. Then travel into the countryside by express train to Matsumoto for some alpine trekking and views of Mt Fuji. Learn about bear conflicts during your hike.

Other highlights of the tour include visiting Takayama’s river market for an opportunity to buy local farm produce, flowers and crafts, which will contribute to the local economy. In Kanazawa refresh in a teahouse, or explore the gardens and geisha districts by local transport. Spend a night in Hoshi Ryokan, the oldest Ryokan in the world, operated by the same family for 46 generations, over 1,300 years. Visit the heritage sights of Kyoto and join Peter Macintosh, a long-term resident, on a walking tour.

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