Essence of Japan

Overview:

Ancient and ultra-modern sit shoulder to shoulder in Japan. Over two weeks, we’ll experience both, exploring high-paced cities, hushed shrines and temples, and serene gardens. We’ll attend a traditional tea ceremony, learn a little about geisha and samurai culture, catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, and whizz between cities on the sleek, slick Shinkansen (bullet train). We travel in spring, when cherry blossoms and hydrangea bloom, and autumn, when maple trees are a blaze of fiery red and orange.

What’s Included:

• 12 nights in hotels and 1 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)
• International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow. Supplements may apply from other airports
• 13 meals: 12 breakfasts (days 3-14), 1 lunch (day 4)
• 17 excursions and visits

Excursions and Visits Include:

• City tours of Tokyo, Kanazawa (including Kenroku-en Garden), and Kyoto
• Mount Fuji Visitor Centre
• Visits to Matsumoto Castle, Shirakawago Village, Miyajima Island, and Nara (including Todaiji Temple and Nara Park)
• Sake tasting at a traditional brewery
• Walking tours of Takayama and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
• Three journeys on the bullet train
• Traditional tea ceremony
• Lake Ashi cruise
• Cable car to the Owakudani Valley and hot springs

Plus:

• Portable audio headset system on excursions
• Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service
• Titan tour manager and local guide
• Travel in destination by coach
• Porterage

Itinerary

Days 1-2: Tokyo

Arrive in Shinjuku, a futuristic neighborhood in central Tokyo. The next day, explore Tokyo with a local guide, learn about the city’s traditions, and visit landmarks such as the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple.

Day 3: Tokyo to Matsumoto

Today, travel to Matsumoto, passing the iconic Mount Fuji en route. Look out for the volcano’s image reflected on the waters of Lake Jawaguchi.

Days 4-5: Matsumoto to Takayama

This morning, visit the striking Matsumoto Castle. Wander through the cherry blossom garden and sample sake in a traditional brewery before continuing to Takayama, situated in the Japanese Alps. The following day, explore this characterful town on a guided walking tour.

Day 6: Takayama to Kanazawa

En route to Kanazawa, visit the World Heritage Shirakawa-go Village. Enjoy a tour of Kanazawa’s lively Omicho Market and Higashi Chayagai, the ‘teahouse district’.

Day 7: Kanazawa to Hiroshima

Further explore the historic castle town this morning, stopping at the Kenroku-en Garden, before traveling in comfort and speed via bullet train to Hiroshima.

Day 8: Hiroshima

Catch a ferry over to Miyajima Island to admire the Itsukushima Shrine and its torii gate. Back in Hiroshima, take a walking tour around the Peace Memorial Museum and Park to learn of the city’s important history.

Day 9: Hiroshima to Kyoto

Today, travel to Nara, a former capital of Japan. Visit the Todaiji temple and feed the deer in Nara Park before arriving in Kyoto. This evening, explore the Gion area; Japan’s famous geisha district.

Day 10: Kyoto

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Kyoto’s temples and shrines before discovering Nijo Castle. The afternoon is free to explore this amazing cultural capital at your leisure.

Day 11: Kyoto to Mishima

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony before traveling to Mishima, where, on a clear day, you can spot views of Mount Fuji from your room.

Days 12-13: Mishima to Tokyo

Take a boat ride across Lake Ashinoko and ride a cable car into the snow-capped mountains of Hakone National Park. After a night in Tokyo, your tour comes to an end.