Ancient & Modern Japan

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 Small group
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Discover Japan’s temples, lively cities and tranquil mountains

Ancient wooden temples, raked-gravel Zen gardens and chanting Buddhist monks juxtaposed with space-age towers, neon lights and bullet trains; Japan’s captivating blend of old and new is legendary. As we explore the southern and western stretches of Honshu, Japan’s largest island, we discover the country’s unique culture amongst the serene shrines and gardens of Nara and Kyoto and the rarely visited mountainous heartland of castles and spas. Our last stop is the vast and futuristic capital city of Tokyo: sprawling, inimitably busy, welcoming and extraordinary.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Spot mysterious geishas in Kyoto’s Gion district
  • Experience cherry blossom season or beautiful autumn colours
  • Take the incredible high speed ‘bullet train’
  • Explore temples in Kyoto and discover futuristic Tokyo

Itinerary 

AOP Map

Day 1

Start Kyoto

The trip starts in Kyoto, an atmospheric city set amidst beautiful hills.

Day 2

Visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji temple and Nijo castle; followed by Nishiki Market and historic Gion

Day 3

Day trip to Nara, ancient capital of Japan. Visit impressive UNESCO temples including Toda-ji, housing the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha

Day 4

Free day in Kyoto; relax in one of the many zen gardens, walk the popular Philosopher Path or experience a traditional tea ceremony

Day 5

Day trip to Hiroshima; visit Peace Memorial Park and the pretty island of Miyajima

Day 6

Travel from Kyoto to Takayama, a traditional old town set amid the ‘Japanese Alps’; visit the Hida Folk Village

Day 7

Orientation tour in Takayama and free day to explore its peaceful shrines and temples

Day 8

On to the mediaeval village of Tsumago; short leisurely walk on the Nakasendo trail; train to Matsumoto

Day 9

Visit the famous Matsumoto Castle and travel by train to spa town of Yudanaka; soak in a hot spring

Day 10

See the famous Snow Monkeys before travelling by train to Tokyo; evening orientation tour

Day 11

Optional trip to Hakone or to the lovely seaside town of Kamakura

Day 12

A full day city tour of Tokyo including the Senso-ji Temple

Day 13

Free day for further exploration; optional karaoke farewell night

Day 14

End Tokyo

KEY INFORMATION

  • 10 nights hotels and 3 nights ryokans/minshukus (traditional Japanese guesthouses)
  • 14 days land only / 16 days flight inclusive
  • Sightseeing on foot and 2 short day walks
  • Group normally 6 to 18, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
  • Travel by train, bus, metro, ferry and private minibus
  • Special cherry blossom and autumn colours departures
  • Countries visited: Japan

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • All accommodation
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
  • Group arrival transfer (for group flight)
  • Free departure transfer by shuttle service (must be booked in advance before trip commences with Exodus and is subject to availability)
  • Japan Rail Pass

Images courtesy of Exodus Travel 

EXT – AOP

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