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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Tokyo, Japan
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s exciting capital. Transfer to your hotel, located in the upscale Ginza district.
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel
Day 2: Tokyo – The Shrine of Meiji-Jingu
Visit the Imperial Palace Plaza and stroll the grounds of MeijiJingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, following your welcome briefi ng. Proceed to Asakusa Temple, pausing in the tiny shops of Nakamise-dori. Tonight, join fellow guests for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Tokyo – Glamorous Ginza
Take a guided tour of Ginza, a trendy neighbourhood brimming with designer boutiques, chic restaurants and art galleries. Your afternoon is at leisure to experience Tokyo’s many attractions.
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Tokyo – Wonderful Nikko National Park
The Japanese have a saying: “Don’t say kekko (wonderful) without seeing Nikko.” Today, travel overland to Nikko National Park in the mountains north of Tokyo and discover this lovely region. Visit the magnificently carved 17th-century Toshogu Shrine and take part in a special Shinto ceremony with a Shinto priest or miko (priestess).
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Hakone – Traditional Ryokan
Travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring resorts, and view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park. Cruise Lake Ashi and board a gondola on the Komagatake Ropeway for a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Tonight, enjoy the unparalleled service and kaiseki cuisine at Gôra Kadan, a top-rated ryokan (traditional inn).
Accommodation: Gôra Kadan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Kyoto – Bullet Train
Ride and a Lesson in Zen Ride Like a Local by bullet train for Kyoto, the epicentre of Japan’s cultural, spiritual and artistic heritage. Kyoto boasts more than 2,000 temples and shrines, 17 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Walk before the 1,001 statues of Kannon at Sanjusangendo Temple, visit Kodai-ji for a lesson in Zen meditation and take part in a tea ceremony. Tonight, relax at a local izakaya (Japanese pub).
Accommodation: Kyoto Hotel Okura
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: Kyoto to Nara – Gardens, Pavilions and Temples
Travel early this morning to contemplate the iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji and glittering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Next, visit ancient Nara, Japan’s first capital. Wander through Nara Park, home to over a thousand tame deer. Continue to eighth-century Todai-ji, a temple complex that contains the world’s largest wooden structure and the largest bronze Buddha in Japan. Later, return to Kyoto.
Accommodation: Kyoto Hotel Okura
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: Kyoto – Japanese Mingei Folk Art
This morning, visit Kiyomizu Temple and stand on its massive veranda for stunning city views. Th en stroll along Gojozaka Hills, an area known for its many pottery studios, on your way to the home and studio of the late Kawai Kanjiro, one of Kyoto’s most famous potters. Kanjiro’s beautiful, unusual home — redesigned to resemble a country house — is fi lled with his own creations and his personal collection. After a Japanese-style lunch, your aft ernoon is at leisure.
Accommodation Kyoto Hotel Okura
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Kyoto – A Glimpse into Geisha Culture
Take a guided walk through some of Kyoto’s Nishiki market on a lively Market Visit. Your afternoon is free to enjoy on your own, with abundant opportunities to shop for traditional arts and crafts, including textiles and ceramics. Tonight, toast your journey with a Scenic Sundowner followed by an exquisite kaiseki banquet that includes a Chef’s Table chat with the chef, where an attending geiko (as a geisha is known in Kyoto) and maiko dance, sing, pour sake and converse about their fascinating lives.
Accommodation Kyoto Hotel Okura
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Kyoto
Kyoto Transfer to Kansai or Itami Airport for your international flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Departures & Rates
Experience a taste of the real Japan in 2016 on this incredible 10 day tour with Abercrombie & Kent. Become immersed in the colourful and ancient culture of the Land of the Rising Sun with stays in Kyoto and Tokyo.
Journey Highlights
- Gain an in-depth perspective on Japanese culture with four-night stays in Tokyo and Kyoto, exploring diverse neighbourhoods and bustling markets on foot
- Ride Like a Local at 186 mph on a bullet train along the classic stretch past majestic Mount Fuji
- Participate in a Shinto ceremony in the ancient Toshogu Shrine, and capture the spirit of Japan with lessons in Zen meditation and the ancient art of the tea ceremony
- Savour Kyoto’s distinctive cuisine and traditions during an exclusive kaiseki banquet, with entertainment by a geiko and maiko (apprentice geisha)
- View the exalted flowering cherry tree or sakura, which typically blooms in spring
- Be among the few to stay at Gôra Kadan, one of the country’s most exclusive ryokans (traditional inns)
Rates
| Departure Dates | Tour Price From |
| 11Mar16 | US$8,995 |
| 25Mar16, 01Apr16 or 08Apr16 | US$9,295 |
| 15Apr16, 06May16, 13May16, 30Sep16, 07Oct16, 14Oct16 or 21Oct16 | US$8,995 |
Prices are per person, twin share and in USD. Single supplement fares available on request, pease ask one of our travel specialists or details. Minimum age is 10 years. First group event: welcome briefing at 8:30 a.m. on Day 2. Last group event: farewell dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Day 9. Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
