Empire of the Sun(Trip #59880)

Tour Overview

Japan is an exciting destination, with a wonderful blend of ancient history and modern technology, but can be expensive for visitors. This tour includes all the essentials for your visit to Japan without adding expensive frills. We look after the travel and accommodation and you need only think about how best to enjoy your time.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1, TOKYO
Arrival day.

Day 2, TOKYO
Morning orientation tour.

Day 3, TAKAYAMA
Board the famous ‘Bullet train’ for the first time. Disembark in Nagoya and journey into the Japan Alps, far from the modern life of Tokyo.

Day 4, TAKAYAMA
A full day to explore this beautiful landscape. Discover traces of a feudal past of thatched houses and rice fields. Optional bike ride.

Day 5, KYOTO
Depart early for Kyoto, former Imperial Capital of Japan and home of the country’s most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life.

Day 6, KYOTO
You have a full free day to discover the Zen gardens, huge wooden temples, pagodas and shrines.

Day 7, HIMEJI – NAGASAKI
Travel to the Mount Fuji regionIn the morning we visit the impressive Himeji Castle. Continue to Nagasaki for the night.

Day 8, NAGASAKI
A full day to explore this exciting city. Opportunity to visit the Glover Gardens, Dutch Museum, Chinatown or take a harbour cruise.

Day 9, KYUSHU HOT SPRINGS
We travel across Kyushu to the hot spring resorts of the east coast.

Day 10, YUFUIN
Optional mountain walks in the stunning scenery around Mt. Yufuin.

Day 11, HIROSHIMA – MIYAJIMA
Travel by train to Hiroshima for a morning visit. Continue by ferry to Miyajima, a lovely small island which is ideal for walking or cycling. See the famous ‘floating’ Tori Gate.

Day 12, MIYAJIMA - MT FUJI
Travel to the Mount Fuji region..

Day 13, Mt. FUJI
Today we commence our climb of Mt. Fuji. We break the trek by spending the night on the mountain at the 7th station. (The climb is dependent upon weather conditions.)

Day 14, Mt. FUJI – TOKYO
Continue to the summit of Mt. Fuji and then return to Tokyo.

Day 15, TOKYO
Tour ends.

Notes
ITINERAY CHANGE: Mt Fuji is only open from 01 July - 31 August. Outside of these dates the group will stay in Nara and Tokyo for the nights of day 12 and day 13 respectively. The tour leader will arrange additional excursions as appropriate.
RAIL PASS: A 14-day Japan Rail Pass is included in the cost of this tour. If you wish to travel independently after the tour, we can arrange for a 21-day pass instead. Please ask us for more details.