Tokaido Trail 2005: 9 nights classic Japan tour for £950 / £1805

The Tokaido Trail for 2005 will begin and end in Japan’s vibrant capital Tokyo where you can enjoy the many contrasts of this exciting city. The tour has also been upgraded to include a 7 day Japan Rail Pass and an excursion day from Kyoto, allowing you to check out any one of a number of extra destinations. We will be spending the first couple of nights in Asakusa, an area of the city which is dominated by the atmospheric Senso-ji temple whilst at the end of the tour we will be based in the exciting Shinjuku district where a plethora of neon, restaurants, bars and shopping awaits.

From Tokyo the tour will move on along the route of the old Tokaido Highway (now traversed by the bullet train) taking in the old capitals of Kamakura and Kyoto and the mountainous hot-spring resort of Hakone along the way. In Kamakura we will stay in a locally run pension style hotel and enjoy an artfully presented and tasty “kaiseki” dinner whilst in Hakone we’ll enjoy a stay in a Japanese style guesthouse where relaxing hot-spring baths await. And, if we are lucky with the weather, then a glimpse of the often elusive Mt Fuji may be on the itinerary too!

The penultimate stop on the itinerary will be Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heartland where you’ll find an exciting array of temples, shrines and gardens. Hidden treasures lie around nearly every corner as Japan's rich culture of Buddhism and Shinto can be experienced at close quarters, offering a window into a very different past. Kyoto is of course most famous for its Geisha, and our unique tour of the Gion district will give you the chance to catch a glimpse of a Geisha in her traditional home.

On your third day in Kyoto you have the option of spending more time in this fascinating city or of taking an excursion using the included 7 day JR rail pass. This will give you the chance to visit Hiroshima, Himeji Castle, the Nagoya Expo world showcase or indeed anywhere within day-tripping distance of the old capital! Your tour leader will be more than happy to assist you in planning your special day.

A ride back to Tokyo on the super-fast bullet train completes what will truly be an unforgettable experience of Japan ancient and modern. This is the classic Japan tour.

Along the trail we will also be staying traditional style in Hakone, the beautiful mountainous hotspring area situated almost in the shadow of the sacred Mt. Fuji, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy some of Japan's natural beauty.

With a stop in historic Kamakura, including a wonderful 'kaiseki' dinner, and a ride on the super-fast 'Shinkansen' (Bullet Train), the Tokaido Trail offers an unforgetable experience of Japan ancient and modern. This is the classic Japan tour.

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 or best of all, a rucksack, are most appropriate for this tour. Clothes washing machines are available in Tokyo and Hakone for a small fee.

Accommodation: The hotels in Tokyo and Kamakura and the ryokan in Kyoto are equipped with full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet). The Fuji Hakone Guest House has its own natural hot-spring baths and shower which can be used privately but does not have baths or toilets attached to the rooms.

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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