Ancient & Modern Japan

The trip starts in Kyoto, an atmospheric city set amidst beautiful hills. 

With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of

Japan's cultural heritage and remains undoubtedly one of the most fascinating

cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese towns, it escaped the ravages of

both the Second World War and modern urban development, thereby keeping

intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan.



Today, we have an introductory tour of the city. Starting with a visit

to the famous Golden Temple of Kinkakuji, built in 1397 as a summer villa

for the shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga and immortalised in Mishima Yukio's novel,

'The Golden Pavilion'. We then visit the Ryoanji temple, home to Japan's

most famous and iconic rock garden, before moving onto the impressive Nijo

castle, built in 1603 as a residence for the Tokugawa shoguns.



At lunch we will head back to central Kyoto for a stroll at the famous

Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen', which specialises in all things

food related and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto

specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Those

who wish may opt to take a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants in

the area or rest at the hotel.



Later in the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to walk around historic

Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Packed with bars, restaurants and

traditional teahouses, Gion is at its most atmospheric in the early evening,

when the lanterns are lit and apprentice geisha will flit about the back

streets on their way to their appointments.

Today we make a day trip to Japan's ancient capital, Nara (approx. 1hr each

way). With eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it's second only to Kyoto as a

repository of Japan's cultural legacy. Our walking tour includes a visit to

the most iconic temples and shrines, including the Todaiji Great Buddha

temple. Built in 752 by the Emperor Shomu this enormous 15 meter tall bronze

Buddha is housed in what is reputed to be the largest wooden building in the

world. We also spend time in the Nara Koen park, famous for its large numbers

of overfed and slightly unruly deer, and visit the attractive Kasuga Shinto

shrine, before returning to Kyoto in the late afternoon.

Today is a free day for individual sightseeing. With so much to see and do in

Kyoto it can be difficult to know where to begin. Our advice is to start with

a very early visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto's most important Shinto

shrine and famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle

a network of trails behind its main buildings. Getting there before the

crowds at sunrise is the secret for a magical experience.



The rest of the day could be spent exploring one of the several well

established and easy-to-follow walking tours that take in many interesting

sights. The eastern part of Kyoto is particularly rich in temples and

gardens, and one can spend the day in this area, perhaps strolling along the

tree-lined canal known as the Philosophers' Path and taking time out for

contemplation in one of the many intriguing Zen gardens that dot the

hillsides.



Another day-trip to consider would be to Arashiyama, a pleasant tourist

district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular

destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its

natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom

and autumn colour seasons.



If you are interested in Japanese arts and cultural activities, there is also

the option of visiting a cultural show to see some of Japan's ancient

traditions such as the tea ceremony and Japanese theatre (these can be

arranged locally by your tour leader and subject to availability).

Today is our first experience of Japan's shinkansen (bullet train) as we

speed our way to Hiroshima for the day (approx. 2hrs each way). Once in

Hiroshima, we make a short excursion by local tram and ferry to the beautiful

island of Miyajima; famous for the 'floating' tori (Shinto gate) of the

Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. At high tide, when set against the backdrop of Mt

Misen, this tori makes for one of the most beautiful and photogenic sights in

Japan. Please note, whilst the ‘floating’ tori of Itsukushima-jinja

Shrine is currently undergoing renovation works, we still recommend a visit

to this enchanting island as part of the day trip to Hiroshima.



In the afternoon we spend time at the A-Bomb museum and the Peace Memorial

Park in Hiroshima, both monuments to the fateful day in August 1945 when the

city was selected as the target for the world's first wartime use of the

atomic bomb. In the park burns a symbolic flame that will only be

extinguished when the last nuclear weapon on earth has been destroyed. We

depart Hiroshima late afternoon arriving back at our hotel in Kyoto in the

evening.

Travelling by train through forested valleys we make our way this morning to

the peaceful and attractive old town of Takayama (approx. 4 hrs) nestling

sleepily in the centre of the majestic Hida Mountains. We spend two nights

here and have plenty of time to appreciate the charm and ambience of this

delightful place. In the afternoon we visit the Hida Folk Village, an

interesting outdoor museum of traditional rural architecture set in pleasant

landscaped gardens, located a short walk from our accommodation. We stay in a

traditional Japanese style accommodation where we have the opportunity to

experience the Japanese lifestyle and hospitality (please refer to the

accommodation section for more information).

With over a dozen museums and galleries to suit all interests and several

well-kept temples and parks, there are plenty of ways to spend a relaxing day

in Takayama. We start with a short orientation tour around the morning market

held daily along the banks of the Miyagawa River in the centre of town. Here

amidst the friendly farmers with their familiar, and not so familiar,

agricultural produce it is also possible to find some interesting souvenirs.

Not so far away and of particular interest is the well-preserved collection

of streets known as Sannomachi, where the many wooden built shops,

restaurants and sake breweries give the area a mediaeval feel. For an insight

into the life of medieval Japanese officials and the way they dealt (often

not so compassionately) with those in their charge, a visit to the old

Government House of Takayama-jinya is recommended. The remainder of the day

is free to explore the town at your own pace: we recommend taking a stroll

along the temple-line path called the Higashiyama Walkway and visit the

several temples and attractions created by the mediaeval warlord, Kanamori

Nagachika (1524-1600), who longed for Kyoto.

Today we travel by express and local trains to the historic castle town of

Matsumoto (approx. 4hrs). Enroute, we visit the mediaeval village of Tsumago

that has changed little from its heyday as a post town in the Edo period.

This is the best preserved of the many staging posts along the old Nakasendo

Way, which fulfils the same role it did in centuries past - offering food and

refuge to travellers. Those who wish can join the leader for an optional 1hr

walk through peaceful forest trails, starting by the Odaki and Medaki

waterfalls and finishing in Tsumago. We reach Matsumoto late afternoon where

we have time to relax and perhaps take a leisurely stroll after dinner to see

the impressive castle by night.

This morning we visit the impressive Matsumoto castle. Founded in 1504, this

castle, otherwise known as Crow Castle due to its black colour, is one of the

two best preserved in Japan, most others having been destroyed following the

Meiji Restoration. Its imposing six story donjon has been designated a

national treasure. Please note that the castle preserves its original

interior and structure, with very tall steps and steep staircases which some

might find difficult to ascend and descend. We return to Matsumoto train

station for our afternoon journey (approx. 3hrs) to the relaxing spa town of

Yudanaka, which boasts some fantastic natural hot springs, where we spend a

night in another Japanese-style accommodation.*

*

As well as being home to some of Japan's best hot springs, the small spa-town

of Yudanaka is mainly famous for being the gateway to the famous Jigokudani

Onsen or 'Snow Monkey Park'. Here, the indigenous macaque monkeys have

discovered the benefits of descending from the hills to soak and play in hot

baths - observing their behaviour up close is fascinating! This is the only

tribe of monkeys anywhere in the world to bath in hot springs for warmth. The

sight is most spectacular in winter, when snow covers the grounds and the hot

steam creates some amazing visual effects but despite the name, the so called

'snow monkeys' actually inhabit the area year-round. To reach the park we

walk for approx. 20-25 mins on an easy forest trail and we will have approx.

1hr free to admire and photograph these entertaining creatures.



No visit to Japan would be complete without a trip to Tokyo. This afternoon,

we travel from Yudanaka to the capital by bullet train (approx. 4hrs),

arriving in the early evening. On arrival in Tokyo we'll transfer to our

hotel and start exploring the bright lights of the big city at night.

For those wishing to see still more of this wonderful country, today is the

last day of your Japan Rail Pass, entitling you to free train journeys to

many destinations. One popular day-trip amongst tourists and Japanese alike

looking for a break from Tokyo is Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu

National Park, less than 1hr and 30 mins by train. Famous for hot springs,

natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji, Hakone area also encompasses

Lake Ashi, which can be toured by boat.



Another alternative blissful escape from the city is the coastal town of

Kamakura, offering numerous temples, shrines, historical monuments as well as

panoramic hiking trails.



For those not wishing to leave Tokyo, this day is free to soak up the

atmosphere of this truly astounding city. Whilst being perhaps the most 

energetic and futuristic city in the world, for a capital, Tokyo still

remains a remarkably friendly, safe, manageable and delightful place to

visit.

Today we have a guided tour of Tokyo. Making use of the city's highly

efficient tube system we can visit some of Tokyo's main attractions including

Ueno (depending on season) and the lively Senso-ji Temple in the old

entertainment district of Asakusa. We will also visit one of the city's parks

or gardens which become especially spectacular during cherry blossom and

autumn season. There is also some free time to discover other attractions at

your own pace. For those with a head for heights we recommend an optional

visit to the iconic Skytree Tower for breathtaking views of the city. With a

height of 634 meters, it is the tallest building in Japan and the second

tallest structure in the world at the time of its completion. In the evening,

the possibilities for entertainment are almost limitless with Tokyo's

nightlife as exciting as anywhere in Asia.

Today has been left free for further individual exploration of Tokyo. Worth

visiting is the Meiji Shrine; surrounded by tranquil forest, this Shinto

shrine is one of the most popular in Japan and combines traditional Japanese

architecture with love for the nature. Or for those interested in culture or

shopping, there are limitless opportunities with districts like Ginza,

Harajuku and Shinjuku catering for all tastes and needs! Your leader will be

on hand to advise how best to maximise your free day in Tokyo.



* *

The tour ends this morning for land only client.



 Clients who are booked on the group flights to London will be transferred

to Tokyo Narita Airport in the evening. If you are not travelling on the

group flight, it is possible to have a free shuttle service departure

transfer to Narita or Haneda Airports. Please contact our Operations team

for more information or to request this. Please note, the free shared

shuttle departure transfer *must* be requested in advance with Exodus before

departure if you wish to utilise this service (all requests are subject to

availability and must be confirmed before departure). It is not possible to

request this service once a trip has commenced.