Riviera Travel Best of Japan

• 11 night’s accommodation
• Daily breakfast and three meals
• Direct flights from London Heathrow
• All taxes
• Services of a Riviera tour manager
• All touring as mentioned
• All Entrance fees

• See the famous sights of Tokyo including the Meiji shrine, Omotesando Street, fashion-setting Harajuku and the Akihabara electronic town
• Enjoy astonishing views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi and the hot-spring, mountain spa resort of Hakone
• Travel at 189 mph on the incomparable high-speed bullet trains
• Reflect on the horrors of war at Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum
• Explore Kyoto on a guided tour, experiencing the former imperial capital and the essence of traditional Japan
• Discover the ‘Way of Tea’ with a Japanese tea ceremony
• Discover Nara, Japan’s first capital with its huge bronze Buddha, on a guided tour
• Opportunity to learn origami, traditional flower arranging or Japanese cooking

Day 1 – Departure

You arrive at the airport for your overnight direct flight to Tokyo.

Day 2 – Arrival In Tokyo

On our arrival, we transfer to our hotel, the excellent four-star superior New Otani, for three nights with breakfast. Perfectly located in the heart of Tokyo, close to the Japanese parliament, the nearest metro stop is just a couple of minutes’ walk allowing you explore at ease (all station names are given in English).

Day 3 – Tokyo

This morning we commence the exploration of Japan’s capital and largest city. At first glance, Tokyo might seem similar to other great Asian cities like Singapore or Shanghai, with its gleaming glass skyscrapers and busy, fashionable shops. Our first stop is the famous Shinto Meiji shrine, dedicated to one of its past emperors. Set in outstandingly lush parkland, this is a working religious site where you may be lucky enough to see a typical Japanese marriage underway. Then we move on to some of Tokyo’s most renowned quarters, including Omotesando Street, Tokyo’s ‘Rodeo Drive’, full of luxury brand shops.

Day 4 – Tokyo

This morning we visit Tokyo’s Asakusa district. Full of traditional small houses and shops, it’s a unique insight into the Tokyo of a hundred years ago. We will then transfer by boat down the Sumida River to Ginza, widely recognised as one of the world’s most luxurious shopping destinations. It’s brimming with ultra-modern department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffee houses. Your afternoon is free to shop, explore, or perhaps indulge in some fascinating people-watching.

Day 5 – Mount Fuji & Hakone

Saying goodbye to Tokyo we drive towards Mount Fuji, probably Japan’s most instantly recognisable sight. Fringed by thick forests and a crescent-shaped ring of shimmering lakes, we are presented with one of the world’s greatest and most spectacular views. We visit two of these beautiful lakes to give you the best chance of appreciating and enjoying the stunning panorama from two different angles – and some of life’s most amazing photo opportunities. Our first stop is at Lake Kawaguchi, well known to the Japanese but as yet undiscovered by most foreign visitors.

Day 6 – Bullet Train

This morning we travel to Hiroshima on Japan’s iconic gleaming white bullet train. With reclining seats, plenty of legroom, air conditioned comfort and speeds up to 189 mph, this is an incomparable way to travel. Arriving at lunchtime, we’re on our way to one of the country’s most distinctive views on the nearby small island of Miyajima. A huge red ‘Torii’ gate sits just offshore; widely celebrated, at high tide it appears to float between the sea and sky.

Day 7 – Hiroshima

There’s a sobering reminder of the horrors of war this morning as we visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum, displaying the remains of the only building to survive the atomic bomb blast of August 1945. The city has been completely rebuilt and there are no signs left of the devastation of that fateful day.

Day 8 – Kyoto

Leaving Hiroshima by coach, we head towards the old imperial capital of Kyoto. En route we’ll visit the superb Korakuen garden at Okayama – built in 1700 and renowned as one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens, with lawns, lakes, wooden bridges and shrines and teahouses!

Day 9: Kyoto

This morning is one of the real highlights of the tour as we explore some of the overwhelming treasures of Japan’s most revered city. First is the spectacular and beautiful Golden Pavilion, dating from the classical Muromachi age of Japanese temple design, perfectly overlooking its lake and garden. The whole of the upper floors, covered in gold leaf, glow in the morning light with an almost blinding intensity.

Day 10 – Nara

Capital city before Kyoto, Nara is just a few miles south. Firstly we see one of the country’s most iconic shrines, made from thousands of red Torii gates forming two extraordinary vermilion-coloured wooden tunnels up a hillside. Arriving at Nara you’ll be greeted by the dozens of tame deer considered for centuries to be messengers of the gods. The main sight though is the amazing Todai-ji temple, astonishingly the world’s largest wooden structure.

Day 11 – Free Day In Kyoto

You’re free today to explore and discover the many delights and attractions of Kyoto. There are still more enchanting temples to see – like the 15th century Silver Pavilion and the even older Eikando temple, marvels of architectural and garden design within an easy walk of each other along the charming Philosopher’s Path. Other delightful options are a lesson in origami, dressing as a geisha or learning to cook a typical Japanese meal.

Day 12 – Bullet Train

After a last free morning at leisure, we take our bullet train to Tokyo staying overnight at the four-star Excel Tokyu near the airport.

Day 13 – Return Flight

We fly directly back to the UK, arriving later the same day, with memories of an incomparable tour full of the most extraordinary insights and experiences that Japan has to offer.

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

The four-star superior centrally-located New Otani Hotel is one of Tokyo’s most established hotels, having been opened in time for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics

Hakone Hotel, Hakone

The four-star Prince Hakone Hotel is perfectly located right on the southern shore of Lake Ashi, offering wonderful uninterrupted views.

RIHGA Royal Hotel, Hiroshima

The four-star RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima is centrally located in the heart of Hiroshima, within walking distance to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle.

Century Hotel, Kyoto

The four-star Kyoto Century Hotel is located right in  the centre of Kyoto’s bustling shopping and entertainment area and close to Kyoto Station.

Excel Tokyu, Tokyo

The four-star Excel Tokyu is located a short drive from Haneda airport and ideal for a relaxing last night before your flight home next morning.

Fact File

• Currency: Yen
• Flight Time: Approx.  14 hours
• Language: Japanese
• Time Zone: GMT+9
• Country: Japan
• Continent: Asia

Visa Information

UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Japan however must have a valid passport.

*All transfer times listed here are approximate