Hidden Japan:
12 nights Japan discovery
from £1400 / $2730

NEW SPRING DATE ADDED DUE TO DEMAND

Day 1: Arrive Osaka Kansai Airport transfer to Kyoto - meals: dinner
The tour group convenes in Kyoto. The best airport to arrive into is the nearby Osaka Kansai Airport. For those of you arriving here your tour Buddy will come to the airport to meet you and escort you into Kyoto and onto our hotel in the centre of town. Many of our customers choose to arrive a day early (your Buddy will still be available to meet you at the airport) in order to get over jet-lag and get the most out of the tour.
The first night's dinner is on us at a local restaurant. Please note though, that depending on arrival times this dinner may be delayed until the following evening.

Day 2: Kyoto - meals: breakfast
Breakfast is included at the hotel this morning – and indeed every morning of the tour. After breakfast, your tour Buddy will be leading a tour around Kyoto – or feel free to do your own thing if you wish. The options in Kyoto are numerous with some of Japan’s best museums, gardens, temples and shrines – or perhaps you’d like take a trip down white waters of the Hozu River on a traditional boat! Don't worry though, there is nothing too fearsome on this beautiful journey through the deep cut valley.

Day 3: Mt. Koya - meals: breakfast and dinner
After breakfast we will move on to Mt. Koya. It is a very scenic journey today but quite long so we will send on our bags to Tokushima and prepare overnight bags (this service is included in the tour price). The journey takes us through the outskirts of Kyoto and then south through the rural lands of Yamato – the birthplace of Japanese culture. We’ll finish off with a short cable car journey up to Mt. Koya our home for the night. Here we stay in a fascinating temple lodgings complete with authentic vegetarian meals – an unforgettable experience. This afternoon we’ll have some time to explore the fascinating shrines and temples around our lodgings or try some of the hikes in the surrounding hills.

Day 4: Tokushima - meals: breakfast
An early start today for morning prayers – it’s a fascinating experience but don’t worry, you don’t have to join! We’ll then move on leisurely by train and ferry to the city of Tokushima, access point for Shikoku, Japan’s fourth and most rural island. We’ll arrive mid-afternoon and have time to enjoy views of the city from nearby Mt. Bizan. Accommodation is at a good grade western style hotel.

Day 5: Tokushima - meals: breakfast
A full day today to check out the sights in town including Akane-en tea house, Senshukaku garden and the Awa Yashiki where you can see the local puppet theatre performed. You’ll also have the chance to check out the famous Naruto Whirlpools – a dramatic natural phenomenon created by the strength of the tide.

Day 6: Kotohira - meals: breakfast and dinner
After breakfast we’ll be moving on to Kotohira, taking a scenic train journey to this rural town. We are staying at a top grade ryokan here with its own hot spring baths and gourmet meals included. This afternoon you’ll have the chance to climb the steps of Kompira-san, one of Japan’s most important shrines – at the top you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the whole area.

Day 7: Kotohira - meals: breakfast and dinner
We’ll be joining a bus tour through the magnificent Iya valley today. Our retro “bonnet bus” will take us to one of the famous Kazura Bashi (vine bridges) and we’ll also enjoy a boat ride through one of the gorges. Lunch is included in the tour and on our return we’ll enjoy hot spring baths and another feast at our ryokan.

Day 8: Matsuyama - meals: breakfast
After breakfast we’ll take another scenic rail journey on to Matsuyama – a castle town most famous for its hot spring bath house which is one the oldest in Japan. After visiting Dogo Onsen we’ll take a look at the castle and surrounding park. This evening you are free to eat out and explore the bustling city.

Day 9: Hiroshima - meals: breakfast and dinner
Today we take a ferry across the stunning inland sea to Hiroshima where we are staying at another lovely Japanese style inn. This afternoon we’ll have time to check out the Peace Park and museum before taking dinner at our ryokan.


Day 10: Hiroshima - meals: breakfast
A full day in Hiroshima today and the chance to take a day trip to nearby Miyajima island. Miyajima is home to the Itsukushima shrine which is famous as one of the Nihon Sankei or top three sights of Japan! The so-called “floating” Torii gate is a truly magnificent sight whilst the views from Mt. Misen are spectacular. There is also some great hiking to be done on the island if you wish – and if the weather is good, beaches to enjoy. This evening will be free to explore Hiroshima – perhaps a chance to try some of the city’s famous Okonomiyaki savoury pancakes?

Day 11: Himeji - meals: breakfast
Today it's on by bullet train to Himeji, home to Japan’s best original castle. We’ll explore the castle and its grounds and perhaps also take a look at the mountain-top Shoshazan temple – used in the filming of the Blockbuster movie, The Last Samurai.

Day 12: Kyoto - meals: breakfast
The bullet train will take us on to Kyoto today for a last night’s stay in this fascinating city. Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s best craft shops and there’ll be plenty of time for souvenir shopping as well as the chance to fit in some extra sightseeing if you wish! If you want to get some views of the city there are also some great walking routes in the surrounding hills.
This is the final day of the tour so we hope that you might join with your Buddy for a farewell meal in the evening. A chance for one last night of good food before heading home.

Day 13: Sayonara! - meals: breakfast
Sadly the tour is over and we all have to say our farewells and go our separate ways. Your transfer ticket back to Osaka Kansai airport is included and your Buddy will check out the times for you to make sure you're in good time for your flight home.

Important Practical InformationTransport:
Please note that all transfers are by public transport making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. All the hotels and ryokan have been chosen for their location close to the nearest station. We have included a luggage transfer from Kyoto to Tokushima so you will need an overnight bag for your stay in Mt. Koya. For the other transfers you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators. We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag or best of all, a rucksack, are most appropriate for this tour. Clothes washing machines are available in Matsuyama and Himeji.

Accommodation:
The hotels in Kyoto, Tokushima, Matsuyama and Himeji are equipped with full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet). The traditional Japanese Inns in Kotohira and Hiroshima also have full en-suite facilities. In Koya-san we are staying at a temple lodging and the facilities are a little more basic – baths are shared (single sex) and toilets are not attached to the rooms. We may ask single travellers to share a room (same sex share) in Koya-san, Kotohira and Hiroshima.

Start Dates 2006:
Sat 1st April - 6 PLACES
Mon 2nd Oct - 6 PLACES

WhaWhat's Included:t's Included:
All accommodation in Japan as detailed
All transport between destinations in Japan including airport transfers on arrival and departure
Breakfast everyday either at the hotel or a nearby restaurant
5 top quality evening meals
Full day touring in the Kotohira Region
Full time services of your tour 'Buddy'

What's NOT included:
International Flights
Local transport (buses, subway's taxis) at any destination accept for that covered by the transport 'Free-Pass' which we will be providing in Hakone
Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip