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Japan Panorama – Takayama Festival (Spring) - Your Itinerary
15 days
From: £4295
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What's included:
- Scheduled flights, including all UK and overseas airport taxes and applicable fuel surcharges
- The services of an experienced local Tour Manager/Guide in Japan, who takes care of all the tipping on your behalf
- Private air-conditioned vehicles, exclusive to the Bales group, plus scheduled express train
- Sightseeing as detailed, including entrance fees
- Modern first class hotels plus 1 night in a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan)
- Meals as specified
- Average group size 20 passengers
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Day 1
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 Day 1
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Depart London Heathrow this afternoon flying Emirates Airlines to Dubai (6 hours 50 minutes). Please note that other regional airports are available (Gatwick, Birmingham are at no extra cost or Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow for a small supplement - all subject to availability).
Meals: Inflight
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Day 2
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 Day 2
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In Dubai connect to the onwards flight to Kyoto (9 hours 10 minutes). On arrival in Kyoto this evening, your Tour Manager will escort you to the ANA Hotel, Kyoto where you will be staying for 3 nights (standard room).
Meals: Inflight
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Day 3
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 Day 3
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Sightseeing in Kyoto includes Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Temple, Ryoanji Rock Garden, Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle. A walk around the Gion area of Kyoto gives the opportunity to see the famous geishas and maikos rushing through the streets to attend their evening performances. There is the option to attend the Miyako Odori or cherry blossom dance held between 1 – 30 April each year in Kyoto. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to attend the show.
Meals: B & L
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Day 4
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 Day 4
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Full day excursion to Nara to see the Deer Park, Todajij Temple and Kasuga Shrine, including a traditional tea ceremony and a Japanese Tempura lunch.
Meals: B & L
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Day 5
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 Day 5
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Before departing Kyoto this morning visit the Fushimi Inari shrine where some scenes of the film, “Memoirs of a Geisha” were recorded. Also visit the Gekkeikan Okura sake museum. Depart Kyoto on board the Bullet Train to Hiroshima (1 hour 30 minutes) before taking the local train and ferry to Miyajima Island. Overnight at the Iwaso Ryokan. There is some free time to enjoy the beauty of Miyajima Island and perhaps take a walk to the nearby park.
Meals: B & D
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Day 6
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 Day 6
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After breakfast enjoy a walking tour to enjoy the beauty of Miyajima Island with visits to the Itsukushima Shrine and Momijidani Park. Return to the mainland and begin a tour of Hiroshima, including the poignant and powerful Peace Park, A-bomb Museum and the Shukukeien Gardens. Arrive at the Rihga Royal Hotel for your overnight stay. Dinner will be at a local restaurant tonight with the chance to try a traditional dish known as Okonomiyaki.
Meals: B & D
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Day 7
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 Day 7
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In the morning travelling first by Bullet Train and then by Express Train, you will head for Kanazawa (600 km/4 hours 30 minutes). An afternoon tour of the city takes in the beautiful landscapes of the Kenrokuen Gardens and a former Samurai House, now an interesting museum. Arrive at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel where you will be staying overnight (standard room).
Meals: B
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Day 8
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 Day 8
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Driving to Shirakawago explore something of its captivating old farm houses, taking in the traditional architectural style of the Gasshozukuri houses including a visit Gokayama Village. Arrive into Takayama (150 KM/full day including sightseeing stops). Overnight at the Hotel Associa Takayama Resort (standard room). This departure coincides with one of Japan’s most celebrated ‘matsuri’ (festivals). During this time the town changes magically as flags and lanterns decorate local houses and majestic floats and ancient puppets are paraded through the streets. This evening will be spent watching the display of festival floats lit up.
Meals: B
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Day 9
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 Day 9
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A walking tour of Takayama this morning takes in the Takayama Festival procession to see the floats being paraded through the streets of the town. Later visit more of Takayama including the Miyagawa market, and the beautifully preserved ambience of its old town. To add to the festivity today in a National Holiday in Japan.
Meals: B & D
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Day 10
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 Day 10
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Departing Takayama head to the magnificent setting of Mount Fuji. Depart by Express Train and then Bullet Train (454 KM/4 hours) to arrive at Mishima. Enjoy a visit to Hakone and take a boat ride on Lake Ashi before heading to the Hakone Palace Hotel for an overnight stay. You may wish to enjoy the hot springs at your hotel before having a western style dinner at the hotel.
Meals: B & D
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Day 11
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 Day 11
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This morning take a cable car ride to visit the sulphurous hot springs at Owakudani for which Hakone is famous. Travelling via Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji’s 5th station and enjoy some spectacular views of the landscape. Continue to Tokyo (full day including sightseeing) for 3 nights at the Keio Plaza Hotel (superior room).
Meals: B & D
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Day 12
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 Day 12
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Morning tour of Japan’s vibrant capital visiting the site of the Imperial Palace, the Buddhist temple of Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon) and the famous Ginza district.
Meals: B
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Day 13
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 Day 13
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Full day’s excursion to Nikko, by train and coach, to visit the famous Toshugo Shrine and Rinoji Temple. Return to Tokyo late this afternoon.
Meals: B
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Day 14
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Day 14
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The day is at leisure in Tokyo to explore on your own accord or perhaps do some last shopping. The public transport is very efficient and your tour manager will be able to make suggestions and provide maps. Please note check out time at the hotel is at midday unless you pre-book a late check out. A shared hospitality room will be provided for all clients to freshen up before the airport transfer. Leave by coach for Narita Airport at around 18:00 hrs. Fly with Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai (11 hours 30 minutes).
Meals: B
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Day 15
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 Day 15
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In Dubai connect to the onwards Emirates flight to Heathrow (7 hours 30 minutes), or other UK regional airport.
Meals: Inflight
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