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- Japan, Laterally Because I’ve always wanted to...
In a Nutshell...
Day 1 - Arrive at Narita International Airport. Palace Hotel.
Day 2 - Tokyo. Palace Hotel.
Day 3 - Tokyo. Palace Hotel.
Day 4 - Transfer from Tokyo to Sado Island. Azuma Hotel.
Day 5 - Activities in Sado Island. Azuma Hotel.
Day 6 - Activities in Sado Island. Azuma Hotel.
Day 7 - Transfer to Hakone. Gora Kadan.
Day 8 - Hakone. Gora Kadan.
Day 9 - Hakone - Takayama. Hotel Associa Takayama Resort.
Day 10 - Takayama - Kanazawa. Hotel Nikko.
Day 11 - Kanazawa- Kyoto. Hyatt Regency.
Day 12 - Kyoto. Hyatt Regency.
Day 13 - Kyoto. Hyatt Regency.
Day 14 - Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto. Tawaraya Hotel.
Day 15 - Kyoto. Tawaraya Hotel.
Day 16 - Kyoto - Koyasan. Ichijo-in Temple.
Day 17 - Koyasan - Miyajima. Ryokan Iwaso.
Day 18 - Miyajima. Ryokan Iwaso.
Day 19 - Myajima - Kumamoto. Hotel Nikko.
Day 20 - Kumamoto - Mount Aso - Kumamoto. Hotel Nikko.
Day 21 - Kumamoto - Taketomi. Hoshinoya.
Day 22 - Taketomi. Hoshinoya.
Day 23 - Taketomi at leisure. Hoshinoya.
Day 24 - Taketomi at leisure. Hoshinoya.
Day 25 - Taketomi - Tokyo. Palace Hotel.
Day 26 - Departure and arrival in the UK.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
Tokyo
Sado Island
Hakone
Takayama
Kanazawa
Kyoto
Koyasan
Myajima
Kumamoto
Taketomi
Your Recommended Itinerary...
Day 1 - Arrival in Tokyo
Your flight XXX arrives at Narita International Airport. After clearing immigration, you’ll
be meet and driven to your hotel in Tokyo.
Following a chance to freshen up after your flight, to give you everything you need to
travel confidently in Japan – from walking maps to phrase sheets to good advice – one
of our Tokyo staff members will meet you in the lobby of your hotel for your orientation session.
Accommodation: Palace Hotel, Deluxe King Room with Balcony (45sqm).
Meals: None.
Day 2 - Tokyo
You will be met at your hotel after breakfast by your guide and you will have a private
car at your disposal today as well.
Spend the morning at the Meiji-jingū (Tokyo’s largest and most important shrine),
where we highly recommend the Inner Gardens which are older than the shrine and
are said to have been designed by the Meiji Emperor for his wife. Strolling through the
trendy nearby districts of Harajuku – known for its weekend culture of cosplayers,
Omotesando – an excellent place for people watching and high fashion, and Shibuya
with its famous crossing makes an interesting contrast to the traditional shrine, and
allows you to really get a taste of modern Tokyo.
From there we suggest heading on to the bright lights of Shinjuku, where we particularly recommend the view from the Metropolitan Building’s 45th floor observatories.
End the day enjoying the excellent local nightlife.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 3 - Tokyo
Start the day with a tour of the fascinating Tsukiji Fish Market. You will be met at your
hotel again this morning and will be taken by taxi to the meeting point for the tour.
Your tour will include both the Inner and Outer markets and will end with a lunch of
the freshest sushi imaginable.
This afternoon you will once again be with your guide. From Tsukiji market, stroll to
the nearby Hamarikyu Gardens which was once the site of a Shogun’s villa. We recommend the bitter whipped green matcha tea at the Nakajima teahouse. After your stroll,
take the waterbus along the Sumida River to Asakusa for the Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest
and most important temple. The area around the temple is busy and festive with stalls
selling a variety of souvenirs and snacks. End the day by exploring the electronics paradise of Akihabara.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 4 - Tokyo - Sado Island
Take the bullet train from Tokyo to Niigata and then a taxi on to Niigata Port for the
high speed ferry.
After arriving at Ryotsu Port on Sado Island, pick up your rental car and continue on to
your ryokan. Relax and enjoy the hot spring baths before a traditional Japanese dinner
and a spectacular view of the sunset from your room.
Accommodation: Azuma Hotel, Sunset View Room.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 5- Sado Island
Spend the day exploring south west Sado, firstly with a visit to Sado Taiko Centre for a
Taiko drumming experience and to hear about the incredible Kodo drummers.
After lunch with the Kodo staff, you can visit the old fishing village Shukunegi and the
astonishing museum with its a full size merchant sailing vessel.
If time permits you may wish to visit the Gold mines near Aikawa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 6- Sado Island
Drive along the north coast taking in the stunning scenery on your way to Ryotsu port.
A walk up on top of Ohno-game (Big field turtle) gives spectacular views towards
Futatsu-game (Two-turtle) islands. If there is time you can drive up one of the mountain roads on North Sado for stunning panoramic views over the island.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Day 7- Sado Island - Hakone
This morning you will return your hire car and take the ferry back to Niigata. From there
you will take the bullet train and connecting mountain train to Hakone in the hills surrounding Mount Fuji. Hakone is most famous for its peaceful lake, steaming hot springs,
and above all, for its views of Mount Fuji.
Enjoy the onsen baths, views of the forested hills, and the spectacular kaiseki cuisine
which is one of the main joys of ryokan accommodation.
After checking in to your ryokan, we suggest that you spend the afternoon visiting the
excellent Open Air Museum, which houses an impressive array of international art including over 300 works by Picasso alone. We highly recommend taking advantage of
the hot spring foot bath to rejuvenate your tired feet (you’ll want to take a handkerchief
or a small towel to dry off with).
Accommodation: Gora Kadan, Japanese Style Room with outdoor hot spring bath .
Day 8 - Hakone
After breakfast, set out to take the circular tour of the Hakone area, by mountain train,
funicular railway, cable car, and boat. Weather permitting there are great views of
Mount Fuji from the cable car and from Lake Ashi. For the best views and thinnest
crowds, we recommend an early start.
The Boiling Valley itself is fascinating, and we suggest you give yourself a while to explore the geothermic area on foot. The black-shelled onsen-cooked eggs, reputedly
give long life, and make a tasty snack. You can choose to return by boat across the
lake.
Or, if you’re feeling energetic, the old cobbled Tōkaidō Road to Hakone-Yumoto can be
walked in full in an afternoon. The walk takes approximately four hours from Moto Hakone to Hakone-Yumoto. The road passes through several villages, and the ancient
Amazake-jaya is a good place to try amazake – a barely alcoholic, sweet and warming
drink much loved in Japan (although it is perhaps an acquired taste).
Accommodation: Gora Kadan, Japanese Style Room with outdoor hot spring bath .
Day 9 - Hakone - Takayama
This morning make your way back to Odawara station and then take the bullet train to
Nagoya where you will change again for the express train which will take you to Takayama.
Takayama, tucked into the forested foothills of Japan’s Central Alps, has an enduring
legacy of woodworking: many of its skilled carpenters were once employed by emperors to build Kyoto and Nara’s architectural gems. Now a smart modern town, it maintains its traditional heart of old merchant houses and peaceful temples, and remains
famous for its old inns and sake breweries.
Start the afternoon at Takayama Jinya, an Edo Period government complex. Originally
built in 1615, it is the only building left of its kind. Move on to the San-machi Suji area
of wooden merchant houses, many of which are now museums. We particularly recommend the Takayama Yatai Kaikan (festival float museum) which houses the superb
yatai between festivals. The old town is full of sake breweries, which can be identified
by the cedar balls hanging outside. Although special tasting events are only available
over the winter months, all breweries will willingly loan you an o-choko (the traditional
small sake cup) to taste their wares for a few hundred yen.
Accommodation: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, Deluxe Twin Room (46sqm) .
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 10 - Takayama - Kanazawa
This morning you will head to Kanazawa and leave your bags at your hotel. Start your
exploration in Teramachi, a collection of temples, the most famous of which is the Ninja Temple. There are guided tours which must be reserved in advance. Nearby the
Kutani Kosen Gama Kiln still makes highly decorated functional pottery, and you can
visit the workshop and see how the traditional ceramics are made here.
In the afternoon visit Higashi Chaya-gai, one of Japan’s best preserved geisha districts.
The old wooden buildings are a wonderful place to feel transported back centuries.
Some of the traditional buildings are open as museums, and it is also here that you can
visit the gold-leaf workshop which produces so much of Kanazawa’s most famous product.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko, Luxe Floor Deluxe Double Room (44sqm).
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 11 - Kanazawa- Kyoto
This morning you will take the express train to Kyoto, the most traditional of all Japan’s
major cities. On arrival at Kyoto Station make your way to your hotel to leave your
bags, then you will be met by your Kyoto guide and you will set out to see some of the
famous sights in the North West of the city. You’ll be visiting the iconic Golden Pavilion
and Ryoanji Zen Garden, Japan’s first, and arguably best, kare-sansui (dry landscape)
garden. The garden is a masterpiece of Zen art, consisting of white raked gravel and
fifteen stones, of which only fourteen can be seen at any one time. Before ending the
day, you will visit nearby Ninnaji Temple, which houses one of Kyoto’s loveliest gardens
and is one of Kyoto's UNESCO world heritage sites.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency, Deluxe Corner King Room (46sqm) .
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 12 - Kyoto
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and go to Gion, where you should be able to
catch sight of some of Kyoto’s apprentice geisha on their way to lessons. From there,
you will be taken on to Nijo Castle, the former home of the Shogun and famed for its
lovely gardens and ‘nightingale’ floors. Later, you will continue to Yasaka-jinja Shrine
and into Maruyama Park, where the path will lead you past Kōdai-ji Temple and on to
Kiyomizu Temple, which looks out over the city from the hillside. In addition to the
three streams of clear water, believed to promote health, longevity, and scholastic success, the temple precincts house Shinto shrines dedicated to love, and many hopefuls
come to try to walk, eyes closed, between the “love stones”.
There is plenty of time to see things at a leisurely pace and get some souvenirs on the
way.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 13 – Kyoto
This morning you will be picked up by a taxi from your hotel and taken to the teahouse
where you will be able to experience a tea ceremony and learn how to wear a kimono.
This afternoon, why not head to Arashiyama in the west of Kyoto. It is most famous for
its bamboo groves and river bridge. While walking is an excellent option, you can also
hire bicycles and explore further afield – Sagano is particularly delightful.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 14 - Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto
A day trip to Nara for the impressive giant bronze Buddha – Japan’s largest – housed
in the famous all-wood Tōdai-ji temple. Walk through Nara-kōen Park, which is home
to very friendly local deer who will follow you hoping for tasty treats! The Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which dates from Nara’s time as the capital of Japan, is also located in the
park and is well worth a visit. We also recommend visiting the lovely Isui-en Strolling
Gardens, where you can watch the carp and wander amongst the plum, cherry, and
maple trees.
Spend the evening in the company of two geisha, known for their skills in conversation and the arts. Your guide will be with you to ensure that everyone can communicate smoothly..
Accommodation: Tawaraya Hotel, Japanese Style Room.
Day 15 - Kyoto
As this is your final day in Kyoto we recommend taking the time to choose some
unique souvenirs and if you are feeling energetic, why not stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, which follows a cherry-lined canal for two miles between two of Kyoto's
most significant temples, Ginkaku-ji and Nanzenji Temple.
Nanzenji’s kare-sansui (dry landscape) garden of crushed rocks and shrubs with a
backdrop of ‘borrowed’ scenery from the nearby hillside is said to be designed by the
noted designer and tea ceremony master Kobori Enshu. Nanzen-ji’s garden is most
spectacular when viewed with the November backdrop of autumn leaves.
There are many other lovely (and less frequented) temples and peaceful Zen gardens
just off the path, ready for you to discover.
Accommodation: Tawaraya Hotel, Japanese Style Room.
Day 16 - Kyoto - Koyasan
Head off to the depths of the mountains for the World Heritage protected temples at
Mount Kōya. You will have a half-day guided tour of the area. We highly recommend
visiting the austere Kongobuji temple, the traditional centre of Shingon teaching. The
sect’s founder, Kūkai, is enshrined at the Okunoin temple, which is surrounded by the
peaceful and sometimes surreal Okunoin cemetery, Japan’s largest. The Garan has an
interesting pagoda, and the smaller temples are also well worth exploring if you have
time.
You’ll spend the night at one of the many temples which provide lodgings for pilgrims
visiting the mountain, and can immerse yourself in temple life with an incredible traditional vegetarian meal, and by joining the monks at early morning prayers.
Accommodation: Ichijo-in, Japanese Style Room with bath.
Day 17 - Koyasan - Miyajima
After morning prayers and breakfast you will start your journey to Hiroshima. When
you arrive at Hiroshima if you have time before it gets dark, spend a moving few
hours visiting the Peace Park and Memorial Dome. The spacious park is full of memo-
rials dedicated to those who lost their lives on August the 6th 1945, as well as those
who later succumbed to diseases, and is also home to the famous Atomic Bomb
Dome.The paper cranes found everywhere represent solidarity with these victims and
an on-going prayer for world peace.
Afterwards take a short train or taxi ride to Miyajima-guchi station for the ferry over to
the sacred island of Miyajima, and enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing at your ryokan.
Accommodation: Ryokan Iwaso, Hanare with private bath.
Day 18- Myajima
After breakfast, you will be met by your Hiroshima based guide and you will set out to
explore Miyajima. You’ll see Itsukushima Shrine, built out over the water, as a spiritual
threshold that separates the sacred island from the profane outer world. With its large
torii gate standing nearby, it forms the iconic image of Miyajima.
You’ll also see the five-tiered Pagoda, and Daisho-in, Miyajima’s main temple. To finish
take the cable car (or hike) to the peak of Mount Misen for stunning views across the
island studded Inland Sea.
Deer wander freely on the island, and are traditionally believed to be messengers of the
gods. While technically wild, they are fond of any kind of treats - they will happily eat
your rail pass, so please keep it tucked away safely while you’re on the island!.
Accommodation: Ryokan Iwaso, Hanare with private bath.
Day 19 - Myajima - Kumamoto
Today you will take the ferry from Miyajima back to Hiroshima and from there you will
take the bullet train south to Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu. Head to your hotel
and leave your bags before you begin your sightseeing in the city. Explore Kumamoto
castle, before visiting the nearby former Hosokawa residence, once home to the area's
powerful ruling clan. Kumamoto's Suizenji-Jōjuen gardens are a fascinating example of
a Japanese landscape garden, complete with a miniature Mount Fuji..
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko, Deluxe Double Room (41sqm)
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 20 - Kumamoto - Mount Aso - Kumamoto
Today your Kyushu guide will meet you at your hotel.
You will have a private car at your disposal all day today. You will drive through
Kyushu’s “Land of Fire” to Mount Aso for spectacular views of the active volcano and
massive caldera. Peaking at some 1500m above sea level, Mount Aso is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. The present caldera was formed as a result of eruptions occurring over 90,000–300,000 years ago, and is now home to city Aso as well as
other towns and villages. Its rising fumes remind visitors of the awesome natural forces
at work below ground, while its green-blue bubbling waters are a sight to see. The
views are incredible and have a host of myths legends attached.
It is possible to get close to the actual crater, at Nakadake, though there are plenty of
other things to see on the way. The volcano gases here are noxious but are constantly
monitored (as is the volcano itself) to protect visitors, however if you have any respiratory issues please choose another destination. It is worth stopping regularly to catch
the panoramic views of the valley and its beautiful patchwork of rice fields. The short
helicopter trips offered give incredible views when the weather is good.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko, Deluxe Double Room (41sqm)
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 21 - Kumamoto - Taketomi
You will take a domestic flight from Fukuoka Airport to Naha in Okinawa, where you
will transfer to another aeroplane which will take you to Ishigaki. You will take a taxi to
the nearby port for the short 15 minute ferry across to Taketomi where you will be
met for the short drive to Hoshinoya.
Spend the evening relaxing.
Accommodation: Hoshinoya, Gajoni Villa Suite
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 22 - Taketomi
Enjoy a day at leisure on this semi-tropical paradise. The whole island is a national
park. Temperatures for much of the year are quite high making it perfect for swimming, but even when it is a little cooler, you can explore this barely inhabited island by
bicycle, see the beautiful butterflies, take a buffalo pulled cart ride or take a diving
tour. The ryokan can also organise a variety of craft experiences to help you delve a
little deeper into the culture of Okinawa.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 23-24 - Taketomi
At leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 25 - Taketomi - Tokyo
First, take the ferry from Taketomi to Ishigaki. Then take a taxi from the port to the
airport for your domestic flight back to Tokyo. You will be met at Haneda Airport by
private car and driven to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Tokyo..
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 26 - Departure
A private car and driver will meet you outside your hotel. You will be driven to Narita
International Airport for your flight home. We suggest you arrive at the airport extraearly, which will give you time to pick up any final souvenirs at the excellent array of
shops after check-in.
Accommodation: None.
Meals: Breakfast.
Laterally sleeping...
Palace Hotel, Tokyo
The Palace Hotel enjoys one of Tokyo’s most prestigious addresses, right next to the
central Imperial Palace.
This might be the most recent luxury hotel to open in Tokyo, but it has a long history:
Initially founded in 1947, the hotel reopened in May 2012 after a complete refurbishment taking three years.
The selection of restaurants here is particularly good – the management’s ambition is
to collect as many Michelin stars as possible! Japan’s first Evian Spa is worth a visit
too.
Azuma Hotel, Sado Island
This hotel is located on the coast in Nanuaua Kaihin, a national park. Looking over
the Sea of Japan, you get marvelous views of the sunset. You can stroll to the coast
along a promenade in the 23,000 square meter garden.
The hotel is renowned for its seafood kaiseki dinners.
Gora Kadan, Hakone
This exclusive Hakone Ryokan has a great reputation, blending modern comforts with
traditional Japanese Ryokan aesthetics and service. It is a member of Relais & Chateaux, a French federation of independent luxury properties.
The traditional Japanese cuisine is as good as it gets, but western style breakfasts are
also offered. The Ryokan’s own natural hot spring water fills the various hot spring
baths, or onsen. All rooms have private baths outdoors, or with a view, but the more
traditional single sex communal onsen are also highly recommended.
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, Takayama
Set amidst the southwest of Takayama city in the Takayama highlands, Hotel Associa
Takayama Resort soars 640 meters above sea level. All of its 290 spacious rooms and
suites command superb and unobstructed views of the northern Japanese Alps. Hotel
Associa Takayama Resort prides itself in providing the finest accommodation in the
city. Hotel Associa Takayama Resort is also the first hotel in Takayama to have its own
hot spring bath.
...sleeping Laterally
Hotel Nikko, Kanazawa
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa combines an elegant European atmosphere with the beauty of
the four seasons. Being the tallest hotel in the Hokuriku area it features world-class
views in an idyllic location.
After a day of sight-seeing in an unbeatable location, enjoy a meal in one of the
unique restaurants of the hotel, or simply sit back in the comfort of your hotel room
accommodations and drink in the views as you enjoy a cocktail or two.
Hyatt Regency, Kyoto
Billing itself as Kyoto’s most luxurious hotel, the Hyatt Regency opened its stylish
doors in 2006.
Just minutes from JR Kyoto Station, the Hyatt Regency is located in the heart of the
richly cultural Higashiyama area, amidst the famous Chishakuin, Sanjusangendo and
Yogenin Temples.
With rooms blending Japanese and Western luxury, the Hyatt Regency excels at comfort, and brings already high levels of Japanese service to new levels for their guests.
Tawaraya Ryokan
Traditional Ryokan Inn, established in the 1700s, run by same family for 11 generations; housed in building dating from 1820. This hostelry numbers among the most
famous ryokan in Japan along with Hiiragiya across the street. With a 300-year history
(though actually rebuilt 175 years ago), the august hotel boasts a guest list ranging
from Hitchcock and Leonard Bernstein to Nureyev and the present king of Sweden.
Ichijo-in Temple
Near the centre of Koya-san’s temples, Ichijo-in is located at the heart of Shingon
Buddhism, making for a unique overnight experience. A number of the temple’s 37
rooms are newly refurbished, and all are comfortable and Zen-like.
The dinner of fresh, seasonal shojin-ryori, or Buddhist cuisine, is considered to be one
of the best on Koya- san.
Prayers are held early in the morning, but the experience should not be missed!
Laterally sleeping...
Ryokan Iwaso, Myajima
Situated in a picturesque part of Momijidani Park, the stylish luxury ryokan Iwaso has
among their guest list members of the Japanese royal family.
Each comfortable room boasts creative design, such as flame shape windows, openwork screens, latticework and alcove posts.
The Wakamiya Hot Spring, named after the field surrounding it, offers the gentle water for the onsen baths, transported through nearby primeval forests.
Nikko Hotel, Kunamoto
Located in the middle of the town, Nikko Kumamoto hotel is within walking distance of
the famous Kumamoto castle. With 191 rooms and 6 restaurants available for business and leisure travelers to enjoy. Hotel Nikko Kumamoto also features the largest
banquet room in the city, which can be used for various events, such as business conventions and weddings.
The Nitty Gritty...
What’s Included...

All accommodation on a twin/double share basis with private facilities

Breakfast throughout, other meals as specified

Private excursions and transfers including entrance fees

English speaking guides on excursions

Domestic economy flights - 20kg luggage allowance
What’s Not Included...

Items of a personal nature - phone calls, laundry, minibar etc

Gratuities & Porterage

Early check-in / late check-out

Departure taxes

Excess baggage fees

Beverages during meals

Insurance cover

Visas
...Yours Laterally
Our mission is simple...
To stretch your imagination thereby helping you to fulfil some of your travel
dreams, simply… "Because I've always wanted to".
laterallife specialises in...
Executive Sabbaticals
Complex itineraries worldwide
Creative Honeymoons
Milestone birthdays & anniversaries
Family reunions
Not so small print…
laterallife will do all possible to confirm arrangements as per the agreed itinerary.
In the event of any change we will notify you at once with a suitable alternative.
The total trip price may change due to variables beyond our control such as force
majeure, weather conditions, political conditions and events. When you are ontrip, you will be provided with 24 hour emergency contacts both in the country
you are visiting and at laterallife in the UK. Our full terms and conditions in large
legible print are on our website.
Contact Me...
laterallife Region Specialist: Steve Wilson
1-5 Offord Street, London N1 1DH
W: www.laterallife.com
E: [email protected] T: 0207 607 1943 M: 07746 370062

to view Japan trip ideas

Transcription

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