Luxury Japan, November 2009

This tour includes the best of everything Japan has to offer. It is designed for newcomers to Japan who want first class hotels and follows a leisurely pace starting with 3 full days in Kyoto and Nara. This is the season when the wooded mountains come ablaze with autumn colour.

Accordingly the tour starts with a visit to Kiyomizu Temple lit up in the evening to show off the wonderful autumn orange, and red foliage of the maple trees. The temple sits in the mountain side above Kyoto affording us fantastic night views of the city. We can also enjoy a nationwide festival, Shichigosan (literally 7-5-3), when 7, 5 and 3 year old children dress up in tiny kimonos and suits and visit the local temples for their blessing.

All the details in the schedule and hotel accommodation with be reconfirmed 60 days before departure.

Luxury Japan itinerary map

View larger map >>

Brief itinerary description

Day Schedule Main Transport Accommodation Meals
Nov 9th You'll be met on arrival in Japan and assisted with your transfer to Kyoto and then on to your hotel Coach Kyoto hotel B, L
Nov 10th The morning is spent at the Golden Temple and Ryoanji and from there we go to Arashiyama to stroll through the gigantic bamboo groves and temples by the Katsura River. Coach Kyoto hotel B
Nov 11th We visit Gion home of the geisha before a walking tour of the temples and shrines around Maruyama Park. In the evening we go up to the stilted Kiyomizudera to see the illuminated fiery autumn maple trees and enjoy the night views across and over Kyoto. Walking/Taxi
 Kyoto hotel B
Nov 12th We spend a full day in Nara deer Park, visiting Todaiji Temple and the shrines on the wooded hillside. We will have ample opportunity to see the Japanese children dressed up for Shichigosan in their beautiful miniature kimonos. Local train Kyoto hotel B
Nov 13th Our first ride on Shinkansen (bullet train) takes us west and to Beppu. Japan's most famous hot spring town. Experience the hospitality and fantastic traditional food in our Japanese Inn. Bullet train
 Yufuin Japanese Inn B, D
Nov 14th We visit Mount Aso taking our coach to the peak of the active volcano. From there we visit several vantage points to enjoy the spectacular views of the vast caldera surrounding it. Enjoy the hot spring baths in the evening before savouring the cuisine at our traditional accommodation. Coach Yufuin Japanese Inn B, D
Nov 15th You have another opportunity to enjoy a traditional breakfast before the train journey back east towards Hiroshima. In the afternoon we spend the afternoon visiting the Atomic Dome and Peace Park. Bullet train Hiroshima hotel B
Nov 16th A leisurely day is spent on Miyajima island, visiting the famous temple and torii gate, with time to walk up to the island peak or browse through the village and shops. Tram/Ferry/Taxi Hiroshima hotel B
Nov 17th We stop by Okayama and the famous Korakuen, one of Japan's three famous stroll gardens, on our way to Hakone. Bullet train
 Hakone hotel B
Nov 18th We have a day to enjoy the views of Mount Fuji. The 'Scenic' travel pass will allows us to take the cable car, tram and a steam boat ride on the lake. Tram/Cable Car/Steamer Hakone hotel B
Nov 19th We spend a few hours in Kamakura, visiting the giant buddha and enjoying views out to the Pacific Ocean, before our final destination, Tokyo. Bullet train
 Tokyo hotel B
Nov 20th We visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Asakusa Kannon, the Imperial Palace Gardens and shopping districts which could also be described as sightseeing, as we marvel at the advanced electronic 'toys' on offer. Metropolitan train Tokyo hotel B
Nov 21st An early morning at the Tokyo fish market before breakfast. After breakfast we visit trendy Shibuya and Yoyogi Park. For the rest of the day you have the choice of sightseeing or you can take time to have your own adventure and make the most of the final chance for shopping. Metropolitan train Tokyo hotel B
Nov 22nd After breakfast at the hotel, we escort you to Narita Airport and assist with check-in for the flight back to the States Coach   B, L

Back to top >>

Luxury Japan, November 2009 Tour Price and Booking Details

Please note that tour dates and prices will be confirmed approximately 10 months before departure.

Price per person: $6190
Single supplement $1790

*A single supplement is necessary for all single bookings

*Prices are valid for exchange rates exceeding $1 = 90 yen

Minimum number of people: 10
Maximum number of people: 16

The tour is guaranteed as soon as we receive 10 guaranteed bookings. In the unlikely event there are less than 10 confirmed bookings 60 days before departure the tour may be cancelled or offered to you with modified conditions.

Please note that there is a small chance that the price will change due to taxes or the pound - yen exchange rate (see above & booking conditions). However all prices are guaranteed from 60 days before departure.

Tour Dates: Monday November 9th, 2009 to Sunday November 22nd, 2009

Included in Tour Package Price

  • Assisance on arrival in Japan, throughout the tour, up to and including the end of the tour.
  • Emergency assistance from our Japan Office throughout tour
  • Local Japanese guides in addition to group escort above
  • All accommodation
    (total 13 nights in Japan)
  • All meals as shown on itinerary
    (total 13 breakfast, 0 lunch, 2 dinner)
  • All train travel in first class including the bullet train
  • All other transport except during free time as shown on itinerary
  • All entry fees and any other necessary fees and tips except during free time (Free time when you may need to pay some transport/entry fees on this tour is on the final full day in Tokyo)
  • Luggage courier service whenever changing tour location

Not included in the Tour Package Price

  • International flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals not listed on brief itinerary
  • Incidental costs such as personal laundry, drinks, snacks
  • Passport and other visa document fees
    (US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Japan)

Full tour details including confirmed hotels will be sent to you by 1st February 2009.

Optional extras

We will be happy to make a personal quote for any of the following:

  • Requests for additional services during the tour including theatre tickets
  • Additional accommodation or personal tours before or after the scheduled tour
  • The scheduled tour as listed without the international flights from the UK.
  • Any flight upgrades to premium economy, business or first class (one-way upgrades are possible)

Bookings

Bookings are confirmed by sending a signed and completed booking form which includes all participants and making the deposit payment of $1000 per person by credit card or international bank transfer.

Once we have received the booking form and the deposit payment has been cleared we will send you booking confirmation with tour details within 2 working days.

We can accept a provisional booking which hold a place on the tour. To keep a provisional booking we must receive a completed booking form within 7 days. This will be held until you confirm or cancel. If we contact you before that, you will be given at least 7 days to decide. If you wish to confirm we must receive your deposit as cleared funds within 14 days.

Total Payment Protection (topp) Policy cover:

An insurance policy has been arranged with Travel & General Insurance Company plc to protect customers' prepayments in the unlikely event of our financial failure.

These are paid in respect of:

  1. a refund of such prepayments for all arrangements in Japan if clients have not yet travelled
  2. making arrangements to enable the holiday to continue if clients have already travelled

Back to top >>