My Itinerary

I am one
Who eats his breakfast,
Gazing at morning glories.

------Matsuo Bashô (松尾芭蕉)     

 

Overall description of the tour:

 http://www.insidejapantours.com/japan-small-group-tours/i-jpe/japan-enchantment-2013/

Day by Day Itinerary April 6-20, 2013...
 (You can click any of the day titles for info about the place.)

Day 1 Tokyo

Meals: Dinner

The tour begins today in Tokyo, Japan’s electric capital city. You’ll be arriving at Narita Airport and will be met by your tour leader who will escort you in to Tokyo. Many of our customers choose to come in a day or two early to get over jet-lag and get the most out of the tour. Whatever the case we will still have someone there to meet you up to 2 days before the tour. Our hotel is situated in the traditional Asakusa area of Tokyo, a short walk from the historic Sensoji temple and Kaminarimon gate. We stay at the Asakusa View - the best hotel in this area of Tokyo.

Day 2 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

After filling up at the hotel breakfast buffet, this morning we will be embarking on a full day tour of Tokyo. The day will begin with a stroll through Asakusa followed by a boat ride down the Sumida river to Hama-rikyu gardens, one of Tokyo's best and an oasis of calm and beauty. From here we will venture on by local train to Harajuku where the extensive precincts of Meiji Shrine are to be found just across the tracks from the latest in Japanese youth fashion. Lunch in Harajuku will be followed by a train ride to Shinjuku where we will take the short walk to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building for a 45th floor view of the metroplis! This will bring to a close the tour and you can either head back to the hotel or spend some more time out and about in Tokyo. Tonight dinner is not included so we recommend heading out and sampling some of the culinary delights on offer in city of fantastic food!

Day 3 Nikko

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

We will be moving on this morning by direct Ltd Express train to Nikko where we’ll have the chance to visit the splendid Tosho-gu shrine complex and the other World Heritage sights. Don’t miss the famous “see no evil” monkeys! Accommodation tonight is at a deluxe ryokan (Japanese style inn) complete with its own hot spring baths. Dinner is a sumptuous affair and is included this evening.

Day 4 Karuizawa

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel we will be embarking on a full day tour by our own private coach taking the scenic "Romantic Road" route where possible. First stop will be the national park surrounding Nikko. We’ll take the cable car up to Akechi-daira peak for some great views of Chuzen-ji lake before moving on to the lake itself and the 97 metre high Kegon-no-taki waterfalls. We will then continue on to Karuizawa, a lovely spa resort and a gateway to the Japanese Alps. Here we stay in a lovely western style hotel with breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5 Karuizawa

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

A full day in Karuizawa today, a great chance to explore the local area and do some gentle (or more strenuous if you wish) hiking or walking. We'll get to see some of the volcanic landscapes and views that this region is known for. Dinner will again be a gourmet treat at our hotel and don't forget to spare some time for a few dips in the restorative and relaxing hot spring baths!

Day 6 Nagano

Meals: Breakfast

The Shinkansen (bullet train) will whisk us on to Nagano in style and comfort today. Here we will have the opportunity to see the fantastic Zenko-ji temple as well as make a side trip to Yudanaka Onsen for the famous "snow monkeys" 

Day 7 Kanazawa

Meals: Breakfast

From Nagano it is on by Ltd Express train to the city of Kanazawa, home to Kenrokuen which is rated as one of Japan's top three gardens. Accommodation is at a first class hotel.

Day 8 Kanazawa

Meals: Breakfast

A full day in Kanazawa today and the chance to visit Kenrokuen gardens, the Samurai district and the Ninja temple. Kanazawa is also a cultural and craft centre of Japan and there are opportunities for tea ceremony, pottery, yuzen cloth dyeing and gold lacquer experiences if you wish.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 9 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Kyoto is just a short direct Ltd Express train ride away - look out for views of Lake Biwa en-route. In Kyoto we stay at the 5 star Granvia Hotel, in our opinion the best in the city. We will begin our exploration of this famous cultural capital of Japan in style with tickets included to see the famous Geisha dances and dinner included at a local restaurant tonight.

Day 10 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

A full day in Kyoto and a chance to visit some of the highlights of the city such as the Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu temple as well as some lesser known sights. You are sure to fall in love with Kyoto as you start to get to know this most famous and most cherished of Japan’s cities; the true home of Japanese history and culture.

Day 11 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

Today is our Excursion Day – a free day for you to use your JR Rail Pass (included in the tour price) to visit a destination of your choice. Popular choices include Hiroshima, Himeji Castle or Nara, an even older capital of Japan. You can of course opt to stay in Kyoto if you wish to explore more in the city.

Day 12 Hakone

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

We travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) again today on to Hakone National Park near Mt. Fuji. Accommodation in Hakone is at the beautiful Fujiya Hotel. As one of the first Western style hotels in Japan the Fujiya is a classic establishment with beautiful wooden interiors, spacious rooms and top level service all in a setting of outstanding natural beauty. This will be one of the accommodation highlights of the tour and a real treat! Today will be a good opportunity to visit the Hakone outdoor sculpture park. The collection of sculptures by such household names as Anthony Gormley and Henry Moore is set against a wonderful mountain backdrop. Dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant in Hakone.

Day 13 Hakone

Meals: Breakfast

A full day to explore Hakone. You will be able to use the included transport Free-Pass to travel around the area. You may like to take a short hike along what remains of the old Tokaido highway that used to be the major road linking Edo (modern day Tokyo) with Kyoto and Osaka or spend your day criss-crossing the mountains by cable-car from which, if the weather cooperates, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the majestic Mt. Fuji. There is an assortment of museums to visit and of course one of Hakone’s famous “trick boxes” would make for a great souvenir.

Day 14 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

We will transfer to Tokyo for our final night, staying amidst the bright lights of Shinjuku. You’ll have plenty of time to go gift shopping or perhaps check out some sights you missed at the start of the tour. This evening we have an included 'sayonnara' dinner - a great chance to reflect on your adventures and enjoy some more fantastic cuisine.

Day 15 Depart

Meals: Breakfast

It is that sad time when we all have to say our goodbyes and head our separate ways. Your ticket back to the airport is included. We wish you all the best for a safe journey home and hope that perhaps one day you will return to Japan for some more adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun.

 Spring departing—
the birds cry out

and the eyes of the fish

are full of tears

 ---Matsuo Bashô (松尾芭蕉)