Essence of the Orient

On your first day you set out to explore the fascinating city of Tokyo setting off by subway and local bus for a flying tour of Tokyo’s main sights. The fish market at Tsukiji is a fascinating, if a little smelly, place to start your tour. Then you will visit the Imperial Palace. Here you’ll see the classic view of the Nijubashi (double bridge), the moat and part of the Palace buildings in the background. Then take a tour of the Honda showroom including a demonstration of a Asimo robot. Finally see the Asekusa Kannon Temple.

This evening is free. If you wish you can take the subway to sample some night-life in Shinjuku district, with its constant crowds, extraordinary modern architecture and bright lights - the epitome of modern city living. (B)

Today you will do the so-called Hakone Circuit; you’ll get a pass which allows you to travel by funicular railway, cable car, lake steamer and train to cover the area. There’s something for everyone here: Hakone has an excellent open-air museum of modern sculpture, but one of the main attractions is the volcanic area of Owakudani, with its sulphur pools which emit foul-smelling, but supposedly beneficial, gases. Try one of the hard boiled eggs, which are turned black by the water, they are alleged to prolong your life. If the weather is fine, you’ll get sublime views from Lake Ashino-ko of the icy cone of Fuji-san; Japan’s definitive mountain broods serenely on the skyline.

From Odarawa station you catch a train to Nagoya, from where you board the express train to Nakatsugawa then the local train to Nagiso. The whole journey will take about three hours, before taking a taxi to Tsumago fo overnight nights at a traditional Japanese ryokan.

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese hotel, where the owners take pride in preserving the atmosphere and history of the building, which is usually wood. A garden is also a common feature. You will stay in a Japanese-style room on a futon, which will be comfortable enough (but don’t expect modern conveniences!) and tonight you will enjoy a traditional style home-cooked meal.

Tsutamuraya Ryokan - 1 night (BD)

Today you take a tram to Miyajima-guchi (approx. 30 minutes) and board the ferry for the short 10 minute crossing to Itsuku-shima (also known as Miya-jima) island - officially designated (the Japanese just love lists…) as one of the ‘Three Most Scenic Places in Japan’. The renowned bright scarlet torii gate rises directly out of the ocean. Dating from 1168, this 16m high, 24m wide structure stands at the mouth of a small bay so that any boat entering the bay would have to pass through it. The island is dominated by Mt. Misen; depending on the time you could walk up (it takes a couple of hours). After your visit you return to Hiroshima. (B)

Today you can rise early and participate in a traditional early morning prayer ceremony at dawn, then enjoy a vegetarian breakfast. Then you make a walking tour around Mt Koya(2800ft) visiting Kongobuji Temple and Okuno Inn Shrine. Later transfer to Mt Koya station by local bus and catch the Nankai express train (approx 30 mins) to Namba where you transfer to Shin Osaka station and take the bullet train to Koyoto (approx 15 mins). On arrival it's a short distance to walk to your hotel. 

The charms of the former imperial capital of Kyoto are discreetly hidden, and your stay will reveal some of the finest temples, shrines, palaces and gardens in the country. You have the whole plenty of time to explore - though you could easily spend a week in Kyoto without getting bored!

Explore the city by local bus visiting Heian Shrine and the Kiyomizu Temple – this temple being one of the most famous landmarks of the city thanks to its role within the realms of Buddhism, and reached by a narrow trail dotted with traditional Japanese shops. Its location is scenic - atop a hill, with a waterfall below and the area is dotted with numerous other temples and shrines! You’ll also visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Temple), which is almost entirely covered with gold foil, and is one of the most famous landmarks of Kyoto. Plus the Ryoanji Temple with its rock garden. This evening you have great fun at a Japanese cooking lesson at Old Kyoto House.  The following morning you jump onto bicycles to explore the old town. The afternoon is free for your own activities - or maybe some more cycling. 

New Miyako Hotel - 3 nights (Bx3, D on Day 10)