Japan

Begin our tour by taking a non-stop Virgin Atlantic or British Airways flight from London Heathrow for Tokyo

Arrive in the morning, met by the Cultural Tours representative and transferred to the Hotel Grand Palace(or similar). Rest of the day will be at leisure.

The Tokyo sightseeing tour commences with a drive past the National Diet Building, the Japanese Parliamentary buildings. The tour will stop at the beautiful Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji was the first emperor of modern Japan. Next there will be a stop at the Tokyo Tower where the best views of the cityscape can be enjoyed. The Imperial East Gardens are next on the agenda as the tour comes to an end in the Ginza Shopping District where you will have some free time to enjoy Japans favourite pastimes of shopping. (B)

Travel by coach to Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this area is famous for hot springs, outdoor activities, natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji. Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among locals and visitors. The drive to the 4500ft level of Mt Fuji passes through lovely scenery where lunch will be taken at a local restaurant. In the afternoon there will be a visit to the Owakudani Valley. Sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers can be experienced on a walk in the area. Eggs boiled in the hot springs are said to prolong one's life by seven years and are readily available for sale. The afternoon finishes with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Ashi. Transfer to the Palace Hakone Hotel (or similar). Evening at leisure, you may wish to try a traditional Japanese Hot Spring located in the hotel. (B,L)

Transfer to the station where you will take the famous Bullet Train to Kyoto. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Hotel New Hankyu, which, is a short walk from the train station. Lunch will be served at the hotel before departing by coach to Nara. Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. This is a city full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. The tour visits Todaiji ("Great Eastern Temple") one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The tour also visits the Kasuga Shrine in the Deer Park. The shrine is famous for its many lanterns. Return to Kyoto. (B,L)

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. Over the centuries, many wars and fires destroyed Kyoto, but due to its historic value, the city was not chosen as a target of air raids during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today, and roughly one out of four of Japan's national treasures can be found in Kyoto. The tour visits the Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple with its magnificent Golden Pavilion and the Old Imperial Palace finishing at the Kyoto Handicraft Centre where there will be time to do some shopping before taking the free bus back to the hotel. (B)

At leisure in Kyoto. (B)

Return from Kyoto by Bullet Train to Tokyo. On arrival make your way back to the Grand Palace Hotel (10 min taxi ride). Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Transfer to the airport for the return Virgin Atlantic or British Airways flight to London. Afternoon arrival into London Heathrow. (B)