TRAVEL IS CALLING. LET’S GO EXPLORE – JAPAN 2023

DISCOVERING JAPAN
12 DAYS FROM $7,995* PP TWIN SHARE

• 11 nights in premium accommodation
• Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort
• 15 meals – 11 breakfasts and 4 dinners
• Enjoy a ‘Romancecar’ train journey to Hakone and visit the snow-capped Mt Fuji
• Venture to Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’, an impressive five-storey fortress
• Enjoy a guided walking tour through Miyagawa markets, Takayama Jinya and Sannomachi Street
• Cruise to the World Heritage-listed Miyajima Island
• Glimpse the colourful kimonos of Kyoto’s geisha and enjoy a traditional evening meal in Kyoto
• Wander through the towering bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Discover the wonders of Japan on a premium holiday with Travelmarvel. Travel by rail and road from Tokyo to Osaka, visiting snow-capped Mt Fuji, Hiroshima and Kyoto among other iconic destinations.

Day 1. Arrive Tokyo Welcome to Tokyo. Transfer to your hotel where a Welcome Dinner gives you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort. Two Nights: Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel. D

Day 2. Tokyo A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to Hamarikyu Garden. Next it’s on to the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine and the famous Shibuya Crossing before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure. B

Day 3. Tokyo, Hakone Today, make the journey to Odawara by train, travelling in a ‘Romancecar’ on the picturesque narrow-gauge line. Continue on to Owakudani volcanic valley and enjoy a tour of its active sulphur vents and hot springs before taking a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the Togendai station, nestled on the shores of the tranquil Lake Ashi. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the lake before continuing to

your hotel for the evening. Stay: Hakone Hotel (or similar). BD

Day 4. Mt Fuji, Matsumoto This morning, travel to Mt Fuji, Japan’s most distinctive landmark. Driving along the foot of the famous mountain, disembark at the Mt Fuji Visitor Centre to learn more about the country’s tallest volcano. Continue to Mt Fuji’s Fifth Station where, if the sun is shining, you will be able to see the snowcapped peak. Later, it’s on to Matsumoto to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stay: Matsumoto, Buena Vista Hotel (or similar). B

Day 5. Matsumoto, Takayama First thing today, visit a miso factory to find out how this Japanese staple is made. After you will venture to Matsumoto Castle, an impressive five-storey fortress. This striking castle goes by another name, ‘Crow Castle’, because of its black exterior. En route to Takayama, visit Hida Folk Village, a beautiful open-air museum of historic farmhouses offering a glimpse into Japan’s fascinating past. Arrive in the picturesque town of Takayama, set atop brilliant hills. Stay: Takayama, Associa Hotel. B

Day 6. Takayama, Nagoya, Hiroshima This morning, join a guided walking tour to see

sights including Miyagawa markets, Takayama Jinya and Sannomachi Street. Later, set off on a journey on the Hida Train to Nagoya, continuing onwards by bullet train to Hiroshima. Two Nights: Hiroshima, Granvia Hotel. B

Day 7. Hiroshima, Miyajima Island Today, travel by train and ferry to Miyajima Island. Translated as ‘Shrine Island’, the wooded island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine. During your time here you’ll enjoy a walking tour and see cheeky wild deer. Enjoy free time to discover more before returning to Hiroshima. B

Day 8. Hiroshima, Kyoto This morning, visit Hiroshima’s World Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome Museum. Afterwards, travel by bullet train to Kyoto. There, indulge in a traditional Japanese dinner at a local restaurant, renowned for using delicious and fresh produce. Later, wander the streets of the famous Gion district and keep watch for one of the many beautiful geiko and maiko. Three Nights: Kyoto, Righa Royal Hotel. BD

Day 9. Kyoto Venture to some of Kyoto’s beautiful formal gardens to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony this morning. Afterwards, take

a tour of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks including Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto Railway Museum, and Kiyomizu Temple. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. B

Day 10. Kyoto, Nara Today you’ll enjoy a day trip to Nara. See Todai-ji Temple and its Great Buddha, and Nigatsu-do Shrine. Later, stroll through Nara’s famous Deer Park, home to over 1,200 wild deer which freely roam the park, grazing on the spacious lawns. While you’re in Nara, the birthplace of sake, it seems fitting that you also visit a sake brewery and savour a tasting. B

Day 11. Kyoto, Osaka After a visit to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, continue on to Osaka and visit the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building. Continue on to the lively Dotonbori District. Celebrate your final evening with a Farewell Dinner. Stay: Osaka, Sheraton Miyako. BD

Day 12. Depart Osaka Transfer to Osaka airport after breakfast for your onward flight. B