General

DAY 1: Depart for Japan

Depart from London Heathrow Airport on your preferred airport on your scheduled flight to Tokyo. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey.

DAY 2: Arrive in Tokyo

Welcome to Japan.

Upon arrival at Haneda International Airport Tokyo, Japan’s the bustling capital of “The Land of the Rising Sun”, clear immigration, collect your luggage and follow sign for Exit. Watch out for our English speaking guide who will be holding a placard ‘Welcome Cobra Holidays’ on it. He will greet you and transfer you to our hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Dinner                                                                                                   Overnight: Tokyo

DAY 3: Tokyo City Tour

Today we proceed for city tour of Tokyo visiting a number of the main highlights of this magnificent City. The tour includes a visit to the Tokyo Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views across the city from the observation tower. We proceed to the peaceful picturesque setting of the Meiji Shrine, set in thick woodland and considered to be one of the finest examples of Shinto Architecture. Next we drive by the ‘Akasaka Guest House’ for a photo opportunity. The Guest House is a magnificent ‘Western Style Palace’ built in the Baroque Architectural style. We then drive alongside the imposing National Diet Building, which is home to the Japanese House of Parliament.

Our tour continues across Tokyo to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Enjoy a pleasant walk in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, which is filled with scenic and historic beauty. (Alternatively for tours on Monday & Friday & when the garden is closed, we will visit the Imperial Palace plaza and famous Double Bridge instead). Our tour will continue with a drive and stroll along Ginza high street, the famous shopping area of Tokyo. The tour disbands in Ginza, giving you a great opportunity for shopping.

Later we board our Sumida River Cruise boat and visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple & Nakamise shopping street.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                                Overnight: Tokyo

DAY 4: Tokyo City Tour – Tokyo – Kamakura – Tokyo

After breakfast, proceed for full day tour to Kamakura.

En-route we visit the famous Shimbuya Crossing the busiest Zebra crossing in Shibuya (Tokyo).

The phenomenon gave rise to its nickname “scramble,” as pedestrians cross from all directions. Shibuya Crossing walks the line between manic chaos and perfect synchronization. It is located in front of the Shibuya Station Hachikō exit and stops vehicles in all directions to allow pedestrians to inundate the entire intersection. The statue of Hachikō, a dog, between the station and the intersection, is a common meeting place and almost always crowded.

Get a taste for the beautiful landscapes and serene religious monuments outside Tokyo as you visit the city of Kamakura and Enoshima on this guided day trip. Visit Kotoku-in Temple featuring the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu) is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which stands on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 11.4 meters, it has long been the second tallest bronze Buddha in Japan

Enjoy green tea ceremony at Jomyo-ji Temple overlooking a rock garden.

You’ll learn about Japan’s long history before returning to Tokyo.

In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                                Overnight: Tokyo

DAY 5: Tokyo – Mt. Fuji – Hakone

We board our deluxe coach and drive to the 5th station on Mount Fuji. Along the way you will enjoy the scenery of rural Japan, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and mountainous peaks. From our vantage point on the 5th station on MT Fuji, we will enjoy spectacular views (weather permitting).

Afternoon – we proceed to Hakone for a cruise on Lake Ashi, which is set in serene natural beauty. Weather permitting, spectacular views of Mount Fuji can be seen silhouetted in the lake. Following the cruise we take the Komagatake cable car which provides the opportunity to see the magnificent volcanic Hakone mountain range below.

We will then travel to the Owakudani Boiling Valley where you will see ancient volcanic craters with sulfurous fumes and clouds of steam spiraling from crevasses across the mountain side giving a truly mystical image. Later we visit the recently restored Hakone Sekisho, which was an important check point established by the Tokugawa shogun.

Check in hotel and experience hot springs indoor baths for ultimate relaxation. Please bring suitable swim wear.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                                Overnight: Hakone

 Note:

1. To make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer your large luggage (1 piece per person) from Tokyo directly to Osaka.
2. Please pack an overnight bag hand carrier for 2 nights to take with you on the Bullet Train to Hakone & Hiroshima, whilst your main luggage is transferred to Osaka

 DAY 6: Hakone – Nagoya – Toyota Car Museum

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Odawara Station to board the Bullet Train Shinkansen for Nagoya.

On arrival at Nagoya station, we proceed to the city of Toyota, less than one hour east of central Nagoya to visit Toyota cars Kaikan Museum, where Toyota displays its new models and technologies to the public and periodically holds robot shows.

After lunch proceed to visit The SCMAGLEV and Railway Park. It offers many simulators that are fun for kids and adults alike, and visitors can also enjoy the largest diorama in Japan.

Then travel to Hiroshima by Bullet Train Shinkansen.

On arrival transfer to your hotel for check-in.

In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                        Overnight: Hiroshima

DAY 7: Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima

After breakfast we transfer to Nagoya Station to depart for Hiroshima by JR Limited Express Train and JR Bullet Train.

Upon arrival we proceed to visit the Peace Memorial Park to see the Flame of Peace, continually burning 24 hours a day  to symbolize the hope for worldwide peace, and surrounding area, including the A-bomb Dome and Museum.

In the afternoon after lunch, we transfer to Miyajimaguchi, where we board a ferry to Miyajima Island otherwise known as Itsukushima or Divine Island.

Visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known worldwide for its floating Red Torii Gate rising majestically out of the sea. The stunning Shinto Shrine and Torii Gate are unique as they are constructed over the sea with each building in the complex connected by a series of walkways.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                    Overnight: Hiroshima

DAY 8: Hiroshima – Kobe – Jain Temple – Kyoto

Today after breakfast, we meet our English speaking guide, board our coach and transfer to Kobe. On arrival in Kobe, see the Himeji Castle (from outside), and proceed to visit the Bhagwan Mahavirswami temple (in Kitano-Cho) in Japan. Continue with our tour to take a cable car to the top of Mount Rokko, followed by visit to most famous sights in the city like the Ikuta Shrine and Kobe Port Tower.

Later depart for Kyoto. On arrival we walk in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district; visit the shops, restaurants and tea houses where Geisha entertain.

Later check in to your hotel in Kyoto for overnight. (Receive luggage)

In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                                Overnight: Kyoto

DAY 09: Kyoto – Osaka

Today after breakfast, we proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Kyoto city.

We visit the Bamboo Forest, or Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or Sagano Bamboo Forest, a natural forest of bamboo in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan.

We visit to the celebrated gold-gilded Kinkakuji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion’ surrounded by trees and nestled on a reflective pond.

Then visit to Nijo Castle, former residence of the Tokugawa Shogun built in 1603. Nijo Castle is noted for its Ornate interior and ‘nightingale floor’ designed to sing when stepped upon to warn of Ninja assassins. Visit the Kyoto Imperial palace.

In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                                Overnight: Osaka

DAY 10: Osaka – Nara – Osaka

Today after breakfast, we meet our English speaking guide, board our coach and transfer to Nara. On arrival In Nara we enjoy a sight-seeing tour which includes visiting the home of the impressive Todaiji temple Daibutsu(Great Buddha) bronze statue in the world’s largest wooden building, rising over 50 feet high.

We visit Kiyomizu-dera, otherwise known as the ‘Temple of the Pure Water Spring’, is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan

Continue to Nara Park to see over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. Encounter wild deer up close while walking through Nara Park, a rarity in Japan and worldwide.

Next we visit the famous and beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine which features hanging 3,000 bronze and stone lanterns.

Enjoy shopping at Nara Nagomikan the largest souvenir shop in Nara.

In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                                Overnight: Osaka

DAY 11: Osaka – City Tour

After breakfast, we board our coach and proceed for sightseeing tour of Osaka city, which begins with a visit to the dramatic Osaka Castle(from outside)  built as a display of power in the 16th century, strategically looming over the surrounding park and moat.

We visit the Umeda sky building(twin tower), to enjoy panoramic views of Osaka at the Floating Garden Observatory at the top of the Umeda Sky Building, which is also popular among international travellers for its unique architecture.

Then we board the Osaka Aqua Liner (60 minutes cruise), and enjoy seeing the seasonal scenery with a cruise along the Ogawa River aboard the Aqua Liner water bus. See a view of the famous places and historic spots of Osaka from the river.

Continue to the Kuromon Market, an Osaka landmark, with vendors selling fresh food and fast-food Japanese-style. Stop for lunch, or just try the tasty snacks.

Then, free time to wander along the Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori shopping streets with an array of fabulous selection of fashionable boutiques.

In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                                Overnight: Osaka

DAY 12: Osaka via Tokyo – Flight to London

After breakfast free time at leisure, later we say Sa-yo-na-ra and depart for Osaka Kansai International Airport to board your flight for London Heathrow Airport.

Meals: Breakfast                      

Upon arrival at London Heathrow Airport, follow signs for arrival/baggage claim, clear immigration, collect baggage and follow sign for EXIT.

Note:

• Return flight – If your flight departs in the morning, you will arrive in U.K. on the same day.
• Return flight – If your flight departs in the afternoon / evening, you will arrive in U.K. on the next day.

** Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful holiday. **