Essential Honshu: A classic Japan adventure - £1250 / $2375

Honshu has everything that a trip to Japan should include; the bright lights and confusion of Tokyo; Osaka, Japan's fashion and culinary heartland; former capital cities Kyoto, Nara, and Kamakura all with a unique ambience of past and present; and the awe-inspiring peaks of the Japan Alps.

Essential Honshu will bring all this to you and no doubt you'll discover plenty more yourself.

We'll start and finish in Tokyo giving you three nights to try and get to grips with this modern metropolis, a city of pulsating energy. In between you'll have the chance to experience the many different sides that combine to make Japan such a unique and fascinating country.

From the hi-tech speed and efficiency of the bullet train which will whisk you down to Osaka, to the serenity of Kyoto's Zen gardens; from the tops of sky-scrapers to the summit of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest and most sacred mountain; from the glowing neon nights of futuristic cities to the wondrous star filled skies above the Kamikochi national park.

Several nights in traditional inns (ryokan) in Kyoto, Takayama and Hakone complete this never to be forgotten adventure in the land of the rising sun. Our 2005 tours are sure to be every bit as good as 2004 and just as popular so please book soon to avoid missing out as these tours will sell out quickly.


Important Practical Information

Transport: Please note that all transfers are by public transport making use of Japan’s first-rate transport network. All the hotels and ryokan have been chosen for their location close to the nearest station. However, you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators. We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag with wheels or a rucksack are most appropriate for this tour. Clothes washing machines are available in Tokyo, Hakone and Osaka for a small fee.

Accommodation: The hotels in Tokyo, Kamakura and Osaka and the ryokan in Kyoto are equipped with full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet). The traditional Japanese Inn in Hakone has private-use communal facilities. The traditional inn in Takayama has shared single sex showers and large baths. Customers should note that in Kamikochi the only private washing facilities are pay showers. Bathing is at the communal bath house (Men and women are separate) or at the Kamikochi Onsen (hot-spring) Hotel. You will need your own towel in Kamikochi. We are also not able to provide single rooms in Kamikochi as we will be staying in log cabins where this is not an option. We may also ask single travellers to share a room (same sex share) in Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto and Takayama.

Early Check-in: Upon arrival you may well be tired after a long international flight. The hotel in Tokyo has a strictly 4pm check-in time. You will not be able to use your room before then unless you pay for an anytime check-in (£40 / $75 per person). If you feel you will need to use your room before 4pm please take up this option as it will be sure to make the start of your holiday more relaxing and pleasurable!

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