Introduction to Japan
Shut off from the outside
world for centuries, Japan
remains for many something
of a captivating enigma;
a unique blend of ancient
traditions, imperial grandeur
and 21st century innovation
that presents one of the most
extraordinary destinations
on earth. Set amidst the
azure waters of the Pacific
Ocean, against a backdrop
of volcanic mountain
landscapes that include the
iconic majesty of Mount Fuji,
it is a country of unforgettable
contradictions. From the
majestic heritage of its ancient
capital Kyoto, to the vibrant
bustling streets of Tokyo, it is a
land that has emerged as one
of Asia’s most powerful and
fascinating countries.
Instructions
Listed below are some of the options you can choose for a Tailor Made Holiday to Japan
To make an enquiry, select the options that interest you, and then click 'continue' to tell us more about what you would like to do
The following options are available as part of Bales Tailor made Holidays:
Places to see and things to do ― Tailor Made Luxury Holidays to Japan
HAKONE NATIONAL PARK - MOUNT FUJI
HAKONE NATIONAL PARK - MOUNT FUJI
The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is located less than 100 km
from Tokyo, making it a spectacular destination to be visited
as a day trip from the capital. Famed for its hot springs, the
glorious 5 lakes of Yamanaka-ko and the iconic splendour of
Mount Fuji, Japan’s sacred volcanic peak and surely one of
its most enduring images, it makes for a great day out on the
world famous Bullet train or a more leisurely overnight stay.Select this tailor made option
HIROSHIMA
HIROSHIMA
Set within a landscape of glittering islands and engaging
mountains, the city of Hiroshima is best known for the tragic
events of 6th August 1945, when it became the infamous
target of the first atomic bomb. Completely decimated, the
city emerged phoenix-like from the ashes to become a thriving
and engaging centre for peace, with a memorial museum
and park dedicated to the horrors of that fateful day.Select this tailor made option
KYOTO
KYOTO
Japan’s imperial capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto is a
city that can boast no fewer than 17 UNESCO World Heritage
Sites, including temples, shrines and a 17th century castle.
Considered by many to be Japan’s most captivating city, it
exudes the very essence of the ancient character of this most
unique of people and is the only major centre that managed
to escape relatively unscathed from the destruction of WWII.Select this tailor made option
MIYAJIMA ISLAND
MIYAJIMA ISLAND
Sacred to both the Buddhist and Shinto religions, the
holy island of Miyajima lies off the coast of Hiroshima,
amidst the waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Blanketed
in primeval forest this tiny island is a mecca for both
pilgrims and tourists alike, its 6th century Itsukushima
Shrine, being listed as a national treasure by both
UNESCO and the Japanese government. Regarded
by many as the most scenically beautiful setting in
Japan, the island is a haven for deer and monkeys
and from the summit of its sacred mountain the views
across the islands are simply spectacular. A ferry
operates a frequent service between Hiroshima and
the island taking just 20 minutes.Select this tailor made option
TOKYO
TOKYO
The most populous city in Japan (over 12 million people), Tokyo’s
reputation as one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan destinations is well
founded. Developing from a small fishing village it has become
the economic heart of Asia’s rampant resurgence and today
it is a vibrant fusion of fabulous glass and neon architecture,
traditional Shinto shrines and elegant gardens; a spectacular
vision of the future that still reveres the cultural trappings of the
past.Select this tailor made option
Places to stay ― Tailor Made Luxury Holidays to Japan
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IWASO RYOKAN MIYAJIMA ISLAND
IWASO RYOKAN MIYAJIMA ISLAND
Set in picturesque Momijidani Park, close to the
mountain cable car, this delightful ryokan is the most
famous on the island, constructed in the old style of
Japanese shrines and offering 42 traditional rooms
located in three elegant buildings. With the oldest of
these dating back some 80 years, Iwaso presents a
fusion of ingenious design and natural tranquillity, the
rooms a unique blend of traditional early 20th century
architecture. With a history and guest list of some note,
Iwaso offers service and style to match, with relaxing
hot springs, 12-course dinners and beautiful gardens
filled with cherry blossoms (in spring) that make this a
stay of some distinction.Select this tailor made option
RYOKAN
RYOKAN
Traditional Japanese hotels that
embody the very essence of
Japanese living, the ryokan affords the
visitor a remarkable insight into the
timeless grace and hospitality of this
unique country. Stopping in a typical
Japanese ryokan is a way of truly
experiencing the architecture, culture
and lifestyle of the real Japan. Staying
in rooms with tatami (straw mat) floors,
sleeping on futons and changing
into traditional yukata (robes),
presents a singularly original way of
soaking up the cultural atmosphere
of what, for many, is still a seemingly
unfathomable society.Select this tailor made option
Suggested itineraries ― Tailor Made Luxury Holidays to Japan
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CLASSIC JAPAN
CLASSIC JAPAN
Classic Japan
Tokyo (4 night) and Kyoto (4 nights)
All international flights as shown in economy class
Travel by Bullet Train between Tokyo and Kyoto
Choice of superior or luxury accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin room
Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Sightseeing as detailed below- a mixture of private and independent sightseeing and seat in bus excursions
Entrance fees for included sightseeing
All applicable U.K. and overseas airport taxes and current fuel surcharges
Daily departures throughout the year
One of the most enigmatic and mysterious countries, Japan is a dazzling fusion of ancient cultures and technological marvels that makes it one of the most unique destinations in the world. This journey combines the vibrant modern capital of Tokyo with the majestic heritage of the ancient capital of Kyoto.
DAY 1
Depart London Heathrow this evening, flying Japan Airlines non-stop to Tokyo.
DAY 2
Arriving in Tokyo, you will be met by a representative from NTA who will assist you with boarding the airport limousine bus to your hotel. Four nights at either the Park Hotel Tokyo (superior) or the Conrad Hotel (luxury).
DAY 3
Your sightseeing today will be with a private guide utilising the city’s extensive public transport system. Full day tour of the Japanese capital, taking in some of the highlights of one of Asia’s most vibrant cities, including the majesty of the Imperial Palace Plaza and the 7th century Asakusa Kannon Buddhist Temple, the oldest in the city. (B)
DAY 4
Full day seat in bus excursion to the northern town of Nikko, site of the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage setting of the Toshugo Shrine and Rinoji Temple. One of the country’s premier attractions, it has been a major pilgrimage site for both the Buddhist and Shinto religions for over a millennia. (B)
DAY 5
Full day seat in bus excursion to Hakone National Park. Visit the magnificent setting of Mount Fuji, travelling via Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji’s 5th station for some spectacular views of the landscape. You will also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashi, before returning to Tokyo. (B)
DAY 6
Either take a taxi or walk to the railway station and take the Bullet Train to Kyoto, Japan’s old Imperial capital and one of the country’s most beautiful cities. On arrival you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Four nights at either the Granvia Hotel (superior) or the Okura Hotel (deluxe). (B)
DAY 7
Your sightseeing today will be with a private guide utilising the city’s extensive public transport system. Kyoto is a city that exudes the very essence of Japanese culture. The capital for more than a thousand years, it is filled with many of the country’s oldest and most revered temples and shrines and boasts no fewer than 17 World Heritage Sites. You will visit the famous Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu Temple with its renowned Rock Garden, Ryoanji Temple and Nijo Castle. (B,L)
DAY 8
Morning at leisure. This afternoon join a seat in bus tour to Nara, the 8th century capital of Japan and a rich repository of Japanese culture. You will visit the gigantic bronze Buddha of the Todal-Ji (Great Eastern Temple), the world’s largest wooden building and a centre of worship for centuries, Kasuga Shrine and take a stroll through Deer Park. (B)
DAY 9
At leisure in Kyoto, home to the famous Geisha, the young girls trained to become traditional entertainers and versed in the arts of the country. (B)
DAY 10
You will be collected from your hotel this morning by an airport bus service for the transfer to Osaka airport for the Japan Airlines flight, non-stop, back to London, arriving in Heathrow later this afternoon. (B)Select this tailor made option
ESSENTIAL JAPAN
ESSENTIAL JAPAN
Essential Japan
Toyko (3 nights), Hakone National Park, Mount Fuji (1 night), Hiroshima (2 nights), Miyajima Island (1 night) and Kyoto (3 nights)
All international flights as shown in economy class
Train travel where specified
Choice of superior or luxury accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin room
Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Sightseeing as detailed below- a mixture of private and independent sightseeing and seat in bus excursions
Entrance fees for included sightseeing
All applicable U.K. and overseas airport taxes and current fuel surcharges
Daily departures throughout the year
One of the most enigmatic and mysterious countries, Japan is a dazzling fusion of ancient cultures and technological marvels that makes it one of the most unique destinations in the world. This comprehensive journey takes you from its vibrant modern capital, to the very heart of its cultural and religious traditions.
DAY 1
Depart London Heathrow this evening, flying Japan Airlines non-stop to Tokyo.
DAY 2
Arriving in Tokyo, you will be met by a representative from NTA who will assist you with boarding the airport limousine bus to your hotel. Three nights at either the Park Hotel Tokyo (superior) or the Conrad Hotel (luxury).
DAY 3
Your sightseeing today will be with a private guide utilising the city’s extensive public transport system. Full day tour of the Japanese capital, taking in some of the highlights of one of Asia’s most vibrant cities, including the majesty of the Imperial Palace Plaza and the 7th century Asakusa Kannon Buddhist Temple, the oldest in the city. (B)
DAY 4
Full day seat in bus excursion to the northern town of Nikko, site of the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage setting of the Toshugo Shrine and Rinoji Temple. One of the country’s premier attractions, it has been a major pilgrimage site for both the Buddhist and Shinto religions for over a millennia. (B)
DAY 5
Depart Tokyo this morning, taking a full day seat in bus excursion to Hakone National Park. Visit the magnificent setting of Mount Fuji, travelling via Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji’s 5th station for some spectacular views of the landscape. You will also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashi, before on completion of the tour, transferring to your hotel by pre-paid taxi for overnight. Overnight at either the Palace Hotel (superior) or the Hakone Prince Hotel (deluxe). (B)
DAY 6
This morning you will be transferred by private car to Odawara station in order to take the Bullet Train to Hiroshima. On arrival in Hiroshima either walk through the station complex to the Hotel Graniva (superior) or take a taxi the short distance to the Rihga Royal Hotel (deluxe). (B)
DAY 7
Day to explore Hiroshima at your own pace. Set within a landscape of glittering islands and engaging mountains, the city of Hiroshima is best known for the tragic events of 6th August 1945, when it became the infamous target of the first atomic bomb. Completely decimated, the city emerged phoenix-like from the ashes to become a thriving and engaging centre for peace, with a memorial museum and park dedicated to the horrors of that fateful day. The interesting Hiroshima castle is also worth a visit. (B)
DAY 8
Will the services of an English-speaking guide, today travel via tram and a short ferry crossing (20 minutes) to Miyajima Island and transfer to Iwaso ryokan. This is followed by sightseeing you’re your guide. Sacred to both the Buddhist and Shinto religions, the holy island of Miyajima lies off the coast of Hiroshima, amidst the waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Blanketed in primeval forest this tiny island is a mecca for both pilgrims and tourists alike, its 6th century Itsukushima Shrine, being listed as a national treasure by both UNESCO and the Japanese government. Regarded by many as the most scenically beautiful setting in Japan, the island is a haven for deer and monkeys and from the summit of its sacred mountain the views across the islands are simply spectacular.
DAY 9
Return to Hiroshima railway station and take the Bullet Train to Kyoto, Japan’s old Imperial capital and one of the country’s most beautiful cities. On arrival you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Three nights at either the Granvia Hotel (superior) or the Okura Hotel (deluxe). (B)
DAY 10
Your sightseeing today will be with a private guide utilising the city’s extensive public transport system. Kyoto is a city that exudes the very essence of Japanese culture. The capital for more than a thousand years, it is filled with many of the country’s oldest and most revered temples and shrines and boasts no fewer than 17 World Heritage Sites. You will visit the famous Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu Temple with its renowned Rock Garden, Ryoanji Temple and Nijo Castle. (B,L)
DAY 11
Morning at leisure. This afternoon join a seat in bus tour to Nara, the 8th century capital of Japan and a rich repository of Japanese culture. You will visit the gigantic bronze Buddha of the Todal-Ji (Great Eastern Temple), the world’s largest wooden building and a centre of worship for centuries, Kasuga Shrine and take a stroll through Deer Park. (B)
DAY 12
You will be collected from your hotel this morning by an airport bus service for the transfer to Osaka airport for the Japan Airlines flight, non-stop, back to London, arriving in Heathrow later this afternoon. (B)Select this tailor made option
ULTIMATE JAPAN
ULTIMATE JAPAN
Ultimate Japan
Tokyo (3 nights), Hakone National Park (1 night), Takayama (2 nights), Kanazawa (2 nights), Hiroshima (1 night), Miyajima Island (1 night) and Kyoto (3 nights)
All international flights as shown in economy class
Train travel where specified
Choice of superior or luxury accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin room
Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Sightseeing as detailed below- a mixture of private and independent sightseeing and seat in bus excursions
Entrance fees for included sightseeing
All applicable U.K. and overseas airport taxes and current fuel surcharges
Daily departures throughout the year
One of the most enigmatic and mysterious countries, Japan is a dazzling fusion of ancient cultures and technological marvels that makes it one of the most unique destinations in the world. This comprehensive journey takes you from its vibrant modern capital, to the very heart of its cultural and religious traditions.
DAY 1
Depart London Heathrow this evening, flying Japan Airlines non-stop to Tokyo.
DAY 2
Arriving in Tokyo, you will be met by a representative from NTA who will assist you with boarding the airport limousine bus to your hotel. Three nights at either the Park Hotel Tokyo (superior) or the Conrad Hotel (luxury).
DAY 3
Your sightseeing today will be with a private guide utilising the city’s extensive public transport system. Full day tour of the Japanese capital, taking in some of the highlights of one of Asia’s most vibrant cities, including the majesty of the Imperial Palace Plaza and the 7th century Asakusa Kannon Buddhist Temple, the oldest in the city. (B)
DAY 4
Day at leisure for further exploration at your own pace. Alternatively you may like to take a full day seat in bus excursion to the northern town of Nikko, site of the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage setting of the Toshugo Shrine and Rinoji Temple. One of the country’s premier attractions, it has been a major pilgrimage site for both the Buddhist and Shinto religions for over a millennia. (B)
DAY 5
Depart Tokyo this morning, taking a full day seat in bus excursion to Hakone National Park. Visit the magnificent setting of Mount Fuji, travelling via Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji’s 5th station for some spectacular views of the landscape. You will also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashi, before on completion of the tour, transferring to your hotel by pre-paid taxi for overnight. Overnight at either the Palace Hotel (superior) or the Hakone Prince Hotel (deluxe). (B)
DAY 6
This morning you will be transferred by private car to Odawara station in order to take the train, via Nagoya, to Takayama. In Takayama make you own way on foot or by a short taxi ride to either the the Hida Hotel Plaza or the Best Western Hotel. (B)
DAY 7
Takayama is a historical town ideal for exploring on foot and today is free to enjoy the beautifully preserved ambience of its old town do this at your own pace. Ichinomachi, Ninomachi and Sannomachi are three districts jointly referred to as Sanmachi, once the central merchant district of an old castle town. The old wooden houses standing side by side, now house museums, shops and galleries. Other attractions include the Festival Floats Museum with its permanent display of the floats used during the towns famous ‘matsuri’ held in April and October and the fascinating Miyagawa morning market. (B)
DAY 8
Return to the station and depart by scheduled bus to Shirakawago for the opportunity to explore something of its captivating old farm houses, taking in the traditional architectural style of the Gasshozukuri houses, before proceeding to Kanazawa. Walk to the ANA Hotel which is adjacent to the station for your 2 night stay. (B)
DAY 9
The day is free for independent exploration of Kanazawa. Highlights includes the beautiful landscapes of the Kenrokuen Gardens and a former Samurai House, now an interesting museum.
DAY 10
Departing by train this morning, head for Hiroshima. On arrival in Hiroshima either walk through the station complex to the Hotel Graniva (superior) or take a taxi the short distance to the Rihga Royal Hotel (deluxe). The afternoon is free to explore Hiroshima at your own pace. Set within a landscape of glittering islands and engaging mountains, the city of Hiroshima is best known for the tragic events of 6th August 1945, when it became the infamous target of the first atomic bomb. Completely decimated, the city emerged phoenix-like from the ashes to become a thriving and engaging centre for peace, with a memorial museum and park dedicated to the horrors of that fateful day. The interesting Hiroshima castle is also worth a visit. (B)
DAY 11
With the services of an English-speaking guide, today travel via tram and a short ferry crossing (20 minutes) to Miyajima Island and transfer to Iwaso ryokan. This is followed by sightseeing you’re your guide. Sacred to both the Buddhist and Shinto religions, the holy island of Miyajima lies off the coast of Hiroshima, amidst the waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Blanketed in primeval forest this tiny island is a mecca for both pilgrims and tourists alike, its 6th century Itsukushima Shrine, being listed as a national treasure by both UNESCO and the Japanese government. Regarded by many as the most scenically beautiful setting in Japan, the island is a haven for deer and monkeys and from the summit of its sacred mountain the views across the islands are simply spectacular.
DAY 12
Return to Hiroshima railway station and take the Bullet Train to Kyoto, Japan’s old Imperial capital and one of the country’s most beautiful cities. On arrival you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Three nights at either the Granvia Hotel (superior) or the Okura Hotel (deluxe). (B)
DAY 13
Your sightseeing today will be with a private guide utilising the city’s extensive public transport system. Kyoto is a city that exudes the very essence of Japanese culture. The capital for more than a thousand years, it is filled with many of the country’s oldest and most revered temples and shrines and boasts no fewer than 17 World Heritage Sites. You will visit the famous Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu Temple with its renowned Rock Garden, Ryoanji Temple and Nijo Castle. (B,L)
DAY 14
Morning at leisure. This afternoon join a seat in bus tour to Nara, the 8th century capital of Japan and a rich repository of Japanese culture. You will visit the gigantic bronze Buddha of the Todal-Ji (Great Eastern Temple), the world’s largest wooden building and a centre of worship for centuries, Kasuga Shrine and take a stroll through Deer Park. (B)
DAY 15
You will be collected from your hotel this morning by an airport bus service for the transfer to Osaka airport for the Japan Airlines flight, non-stop, back to London, arriving in Heathrow later this afternoon. (B)Select this tailor made option