Japan at Cherry Blossom Time
27 March-9 April 2009

An unforgettable tour during the Cherry Blossom season which combines the traditional temples and exquisite landscape of Japan, with ultra-modern conveniences such as the Bullet train. Enjoy the splendour of Mount Fuji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, the ancient former capital Nara and the breath-taking Shima-Hanto peninsula - home of cultured pearls

Itinerary
L= Lunch included, D= Dinner included

Days 1-2: UK-Tokyo.
Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Tokyo by scheduled direct service with Japan Airlines. On arrival you will be met and taken to Le Meridien Pacific Hotel in Tokyo for two nights. Enjoy a Welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)*

Day 3: Tokyo.
After breakfast, enjoy a full day’s city tour by private coach beginning with a visit to the grounds of the Imperial Palace. You then move on to serene Meiji Shrine and the nearby lively district of Harajuku. After lunch, you can wander the chic Omotesando Boulevard and browse the Oriental Bazaar for handicraft goods and souvenirs. (L)

Day 4: Tokyo.
Today you visit bustling Sensoji Temple in the downtown district of Asakusa. You then travel to Akihabara (“Electric City) where you have time to browse a multitude of electronic shops. In the afternoon you can unwind as you stroll through the lovely gardens of Hama Rikyu. (L)

Day 5: Tokyo-Hakone & Mt. Fuji.
After breakfast, you transfer to the lovely resort of Hakone, nestled in the foothills of Mount Fuji where you will spend one night at Ryuguden (a traditional Japanese ryokan or inn) complete with its own private hot springs. You’ll take a cable car over the peaks and valleys of Owakudani (“Big Boiling Valley”) and drive to beautiful Mount Fuji. A delicious traditional Japanese dinner is included at your ryokan.. Enjoy the hot springs after dinner. (D)

Day 6: Hakone-Ise.
After breakfast, you board the superb Bullet train and speed to Nagoya where you then transfer to a local train and go on to visit Ise Shrine - Japan's spiritual heartland and the home of the Sun Goddess. Continue on to the stunningly beautiful Shima-Hanto National Park. You’ll stay in the Park at the wonderful Shima-Kanko Hotel for one night which overlooks the rugged coastline. (D)

Day 7: Mikimoto Pearl Island-Kyoto.
Today you drive to Mikimoto Pearl Island where you can watch the ama (women divers) and tour the Pearl Museum. Make a brief stop at the famously romantic “wedded rocks” at Meoto-iwa. You then continue on to the cultural heart of Japan – Kyoto. You’ll stay at the Kyoto Royal Hotel for 4 nights.

Day 8: Kyoto
Today you’ll spend a full day visiting the sights of this city. You begin with the beautiful Temple and gardens of the Golden Pavilion. You can then experience the Zen Buddhist rock garden of Ryoan-ji. After lunch at the Kyoto Handicraft Centre, you visit the stunning Kiyomizu Temple perched on the slopes of a hillside. (L, D)

Day 9: Kyoto at leisure
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 10: Nara.
After breakfast, you’ll make an excursion by train to the nearby sleepy town of Nara where the highlight of the day is a visit to Todaiji Temple - the largest wooden building in the world, which contains the Great Buddha - Japan’s largest. Take a stroll in lovely Nara Park and feed the deer. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Day 11: Kyoto-Osaka.
After breakfast, you travel to Japan’s second city – Osaka, where you stay two nights at the lovely Rihga Royal Hotel. You’ll visit superb Osaka Castle and the superb Aquarium today. (D)

Day 12: Osaka.
Spend the day at leisure in this lively city. Alternatively, you can also join an optional day’s excursion by Bullet Train to the moving city of Hiroshima and the nearby island of Miyajima. Enjoy a Farewell dinner in the evening. (D)

Day 13: Osaka-UK.
Transfer by private coach to Kansai International Airport (Osaka) for your direct flight back to the UK.

TOUR DATE: 27 March-9 April 2009

• PRICE: to be confirmed soon
• TO BOOK NOW, CALL 020 7766 5267 OR EMAIL info@japanjourneys.co.uk
• SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: £575
• OPTIONAL TOUR PRICE: HIROSHIMA DAY TRIP £269 per person (includes lunch)
• FLIGHT UPGRADES: Business Class upgrade available from an additional £2,300 per person
• REGIONAL FLIGHT CONNECTIONS (all Economy Class): From £120 per person return from Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and Teeside
• To make a booking, a deposit of 10% per person is required.
• The balance of the price of the trip must be made 8 weeks prior to departure.

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Scheduled return non-stop Economy class flights with Japan Airlines
• 11 nights hotel accommodation at centrally located 4 and 5 Star Hotels and breakfast every morning
• 3 lunches and 5 dinners
• Bullet Train ticket
• Private air-conditioned coaches throughout
• Sightseeing and entrance fees to all temples, shrines, museums and other named attractions
• Services of a Japan Journeys Tour Guide throughout
• All hotel baggage handling for one piece of luggage per person

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:

• Travel Insurance (see below)
• Optional tours

We recommend that you are adequately insured as soon as you book your holiday.

INSURANCE

For insurance details click here for a full Summary of Cover offered by our Platinum level protection.

It is a condition of booking that you must have insurance cover at least equivalent to that described above. All insurance is arranged by the Travel Trust Association Ltd and Eclipse Of The Century Limited, who are independent intermediaries for selling general insurance.

TO BOOK NOW, CALL 020 7766 5267 OR EMAIL info@japanjourneys.co.uk