 Japan: land of the rising sun itineraryDay 1 Join the overnight flight direct to Tokyo. Day 2 Morning arrival in Tokyo where you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay. Day 3 Today we include a city tour, designed to provide a great introduction and to help you get your bearings. Highlights include the Asakusa Kaman Temple, Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace, regarded as the heart and soul of the city. The rest of the day is free. Day 4 We have a day at leisure in Tokyo today. Alternatively you might like to explore more of Japan and join our excellent optional xcursion to Nikko where you can see Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine complex, made famous by its ‘see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ monkey carvings. Day 5 We depart Tokyo this morning and begin our journey to Kyoto, by Shinkansen, the Bullet Train. En route we will visit sacred Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and recognised as one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world. Upon arrival in Kyoto we will transfer to your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay. Day 6 Today we include a wonderful full-day tour of Nara and Kyoto, with lunch. First we will visit Nara, where you can discover a wide selection of historic treasures, including the giant Todaiji Temple, which houses Japan’s largest Buddha statue (Daibutsu). The delightful Horyuji Temple is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the world’s largest wooden building. After an included lunch we will return to Kyoto. Hundreds of spectacular temples, stunning shrines and dreamy gardens present a near-perfect image of the old Japan. Kyoto is also home of the geisha, young girls who entertain guests through a number of traditional Japanese arts. In Kyoto we will visit the truly impressive Nijo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa shogun, and the magical Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion as it is covered in gold leaf. Day 7 Today you are at leisure to enjoy Kyoto, or you might like to join our excellent full-day optional excursion to Hiroshima and the island of Miyajima. Learn about the tragic events of 6th August 1945, and see the Torii Gate, the symbol of Japan, rising from the sea. Day 8 Today we will transfer to Osaka for a half-day sightseeing tour, visiting wonderful attractions such as Osaka Castle, Minami shopping area and the floating garden observatory. Overnight in Osaka. Day 9 This morning we must bid farewell and transfer to Osaka airport in time for the return flight to the UK. 
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