Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Cultural Treasures of Japan
(12 days, Tokyo Japan - Osaka, 2012)
This 12 day tour of Japan explores some it’s most prized cultural treasures as you travel from Tokyo to Osaka, including Mt Fuji National Park, Hiroshima and Kyoto.
Your 12 day journey through Japan begins in the nation’s capital, Tokyo where you will enjoy a walk through the private gardens of Hama-Rikyu, take a cruise on the Sumida River and visit Sensoji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city. You will also visit the famous Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the late Emperor, and located in a beautiful forest of more than 12,000 trees.
From Tokyo you will travel to the Nikko National Park and see its collection of World Heritage-listed gilded shrines and temples, before continuing on to Mt Fuji National Park and boarding the switchback train, which zigzags through the mountains giving amazing views of the surrounding valleys. You will also enjoy a cable car ride for a birds-eye view of the lakes and peaks and take a cruise on Lake Ashi. Your next stop is Takayama, a previously inaccessible town with its own unique culture, and where you can visit the local markets.
You will then travel to Hiroshima along one of the most scenic rail journeys in Japan, winding your way through tall mountains and stunning gorges. Hiroshima, perhaps more than any other city in the world, is famous for one moment in time and you will visit the Peace Park and Museum.
Leaving Hiroshima, you will travel through Miyajima on your way to your final destination, Kyoto where you will enjoy a guided tour of Japan’s ancient and cultural capital and home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples, including 17 World Heritage-listed sites. You will also explore Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion, Royanji Temple and its Zen Garden, and Nijo Castle.
- 11 night land tour
- 3 nights Tokyo
- 3 nights Kyoto
- Shinkansen Bullet Train
- All-Inclusive Touring
- Authentic cultural experiences
- Scenic FreeChoice activities INCLUDED
- Scenic Enrich - highlight experiences allowing you to live the destination not just travel through
- Three night stay at Grand Hyatt, Tokyo
- Two night stay at Hyatt Regency Hakone, Mt Fuji
- Three night stay at Hyatt Regency, Kyoto
- Shinkansen Bullet train journeys
- Small Group Touring
- Professional Tour Director
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Airport Transfers
- ALL TIPPING, GRATUITIES AND PORTERAGE INCLUDED
Included Scenic Enrich
- Dine on delicious Japanese cuisine onboard an old fashioned houseboat whilst cruising Tokyo Bay
Included Scenic Free Choice
- In Tokyo, enter the Ryogoku, the home of Sumo and learn about Japan’s national sport; or venture into the world’s biggest fish market at Tsukiji and experience sushi at its freshest; or enjoy a guided walk through Yanaka, maze of traditional streets with original shops and restaurant shops
- In Kyoto, learn the art of a Tea ceremony and visit the Sake Museum and learn more about Japan’s national drink; or take a guided walk through a market and enjoy a cooking class; or explore more of Kyoto’s beautiful ancient Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and peaceful gardens
Included Scenic Dining
- 27 meals including 11 Full Buffet Breakfasts (FB), 8 Lunches (L), 3 Highlight Dinners (HD) and 5 Dinners (D)
Included Scenic Special Stays
- The Grand Hyatt in Tokyo is located close to the famous Ginza district
- The Hyatt Regency Hakone offers an onsite Onsen and stunning views
- The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is located in a traditional and historic neighbourhood
Included Scenic Highlights
- In Tokyo explore beautiful gardens, ancient temples and cruise the Sumida River
- Encounter the fashion conscious people at Tokyo’s Champs Elysee and Harajuku
- Visit Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site and discover ancient shrines and temples
- Marvel at the beautiful Kegon Waterfall, considered the most beautiful in Japan
- Take in the amazing views of Mt Fuji as you travel up the ropeway and cruise Lake Ashi
- Explore the historic area of Takayama’s old town with its old wooden buildings
- In Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, discover the traditional thatched farmhouses
- Remember and reflect Hiroshima’s history with a visit to the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome.
- On Miyajima Island be spellbound by the beautiful “Floating” Tori Gate
- Experience Kyoto the cultural capital and immerse yourself in the many temples, shrines and gardens
- Travel to Nara and visit Todaiji, the largest wooden structure in the world
- Sit back and relax as you are transported by Japan’s fastest bullet train, the Shinkansen
Day 1: Tokyo
(HD)
Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! On arrival you will be met and transferred* to your hotel. Settle in or take a stroll and explore the nearby Ginza district or wander through the Roppongi Hills complex, the large urban cultural centre which is part of the Hotel. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers, for an Included Teppanyaki dinner in the hotel, a perfect start to a wonderful holiday.
Three Night Special Stay: Tokyo
Three Night Special Stay: Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
(FB,L,HD)
This morning enjoy your Included tour of this bustling city. Start with a walk through the private gardens of Hama-Rikyu followed by an Included tea ceremony on a small island in the gardens. Take your Included cruise on the Sumida River for a different angle of Tokyo before visiting Sensoji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city. After your Included lunch head to Tokyo’s famous Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the late Emperor in a beautiful forest of more than 120,000 trees! Leaving this tranquil setting behind, you will take a stroll through Harajuku, a fashion mecca for youth, then to Tokyo’s Champs-Elysee with its flagship fashion stores designed by internationally renowned architects. SCENIC ENRICH dinner tonight will be a very special authentic Japanese experience as you set sail on a yakatabune, an old-fashioned houseboat, and enjoy the night views of the city skyline from Tokyo Bay whilst dining on delicious tempura and other Japanese cuisine.
Day 3: Tokyo - Nikko National Park - Tokyo
(FB,L)
Discover why all Japanese want to visit this beautiful site at least once in their lifetime on this full day Included tour of Nikko. See its fine collection of UNESCO World Heritage listed gilded shrines and temples. In the mountains above the park, spend time beholding the natural beauty of Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon Waterfalls.
Day 4: Tokyo - Mt Fuji National Park
(FB,D)
This morning enjoy your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity choose from: (1) learn about sumo wrestling with a visit to a Ryogoku or; (2) venture into the world’s biggest fish market at Tsukiji and experience sushi at its freshest; or (3) enjoy a guided walk through Yanaka, a maze of streets with traditional shops and restaurants. In the afternoon you will travel to Hakone National Park, the gateway to Mt Fuji. The small town of Hakone is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and after this evenings Included sumptuous Kaiseki, multi course Japanese meal, there will be time to soak and relax in an onsen within the hotel.
Two Night Special Stay: Mt Fuji National Park
Two Night Special Stay: Mt Fuji National Park
Day 5: Mt Fuji National Park
(FB,L,D)
Included this morning step on board the switchback train that zigzags through the mountains giving amazing views of the surrounding valleys before an Included cable car ride for a birds-eye view of the lakes and peaks and followed with an Included cruise on Lake Ashi. Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to glimpse Mt Fuji but remember she is notoriously shy! This evening you will head to an Izakaya, a typical Japanese bar for an Included dinner of local Japanese tapas-style food.
Day 6: Mt Fuji National Park - Takayama
(FB,L,D)
Travel north and take in the fresh mountain air of the alpine region. Included today you will discover the beautifully preserved old town of Takayama which, previously inaccessible, has developed its own unique culture. On arrival you will have time to relax before an Included dinner in the hotel’s signature French restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Takayama
Two Night Stay: Takayama
Day 7: Takayama
(FB,L)
Included This morning wander through the historic area of the old town filled with old wooden buildings and visit the local market to taste some of the region’s delicious fruit and vegetables. Then travel to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for traditional farmhouses, constructed to resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer, some more than 250 years old.
Day 8: Takayama - Hiroshima
(FB,L,D)
Included today is one of the most scenic rail journeys in Japan, winding your way through tall mountains and stunning gorges. On arrival into Nagoya board the world famous Shinkansen bullet train and travel to Hiroshima. Perhaps more than any other city in the world, Hiroshima is famous for one moment in history and this afternoon you will have time to reflect and remember this on your Included visit to the Peace Park and Museum. Included this evening you will dine on a famous Hiroshima variant of Okonomiyaki, a Japanese style pizza.
Overnight Stay: Hiroshima
Overnight Stay: Hiroshima
Day 9: Hiroshima - Miyajima - Kyoto
(FB,L,D)
This morning, an Included quick train ride and short ferry trip will take you to Miyajima Island, where you will encounter perhaps the most photographed site in Japan – The Floating Tori Gate, dating back to the 6th century. After exploring Miyajima and its many shrines and temples take an Included journey on the bullet train to Kyoto.
Three Night Special Stay: Kyoto
Three Night Special Stay: Kyoto
Day 10: Kyoto
(FB,L)
Today take a full day Included guided tour of Kyoto, Japan’s ancient and cultural capital and home to an astonishing 2000 shrines and temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion, Royanji Temple and its Zen Garden, and Nijo Castle.
Day 11: Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
(FB,HD)
Included this morning visit Nara, home to Japan’s original emperors and its capital for 74 years in the 8th century, where you will visit the Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building with fine sculptures and a huge bronze Buddha. Return to Kyoto for your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity choose from: (1) visit the Sake Museum to learn more about Japan’s national drink followed by an intimate tea ceremony in a Japanese home; or (2) take a guided walk through the Nishiki market and enjoy a cooking class; or (3) explore more of Kyoto’s beautiful ancient Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and peaceful gardens. This evening enjoy your Included farewell dinner in the fabulous Oriental Garden surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Day 12: Kyoto
(FB)
After breakfast you will be transferred to Kansai airport (Osaka) for your onward flight or homebound flight (flight not included).
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
