Culture: A Taste of Everything

1. 1–2

   Days 1–2

   Depart London Arrive Tokyo

   Meal included: dinner

   Upon arrival in Tokyo, we will be met by our experienced Japanese tour guide before transferring to our hotel via train. After we have settled into our rooms and had the chance to freshen up, we will have a briefing before heading out for our first taste of Japanese cuisine. Known for fresh, highquality produce, mealtimes are a real highlight of the Japanese experience, as we try new foods to tantilise our taste buds, from sizzling yakitori to traditional ryokan.

2. 3

   Day 3

   Tokyo

   All meals included

   Today promises to be a jam-packed adventure! We will kick off our day with a visit to Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park in Odaiba. In the event of an earthquake in the Tokyo area, this centre will act as the headquarters of the disaster strategy response. However, day to day, the general public can visit to experience the recreation of a natural emergency.

   Next, we’ll visit the Earthquake Museum in Ikebukuro. Building on what we learnt earlier on in the morning, we will learn essential emergency skills covering everything from evacuating buildings engulfed in smoke to mastering the use of fire extinguishers. However, the most terrifying exercise of all is the earthquake simulator. Crafted to resemble a typical dining area, one of the museum’s rooms has been built over a machine that will create tremors and shakes. The instructor is able to choose different earthquakes from Japan’s history, so some are longer than others, some have ferocious shaking and others have deeper, longer shocks. After this eye-opening experience, our journey continues with a visit to Harajuku, a widely renowned district celebrated for its vibrant fashion scene. Here, lively colors and diverse styles converge to create a dynamic atmosphere. However, adjacent to Harajuku stands the tranquil Meiji Shrine, offering a striking contrast between the energetic world of fashion and the serene cultural backdrop. We will finish this busy day at Shibuya Crossing, the famous pedestrian crossing where wave upon wave of commuters make their daily journey home – a sea of humanity, in one of the world’s commercial hubs.

3. 4

   Day 4

   Disneyland Tokyo!

   All meals included

   Today we will be going to… Tokyo Disneyland! Tucked away in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, just a stone's throw from Tokyo, this expansive 115-acre theme park is a true marvel. Opening its gates on April 15, 1983, Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney Park constructed outside of the United States. Tokyo Disneyland promises an extraordinary experience in a setting that is both unique and distinctive. Whilst we'll have the chance to revisit beloved classics like Space Mountain, it’s a Small World, Peter Pan's Flight, and Thunder Mountain, Tokyo Disneyland boasts a collection of unique attractions that promise to add an extra layer of excitement to our visit. Today marks a once-in-alifetime opportunity to revel in the magic of one of the world's most renowned theme parks, all within a completely unique and different setting.

4. 5

   Day 5

   Odawara

   All meals included

   This morning, our journey takes us on a scenic train ride to Hakone, a renowned mountain resort situated approximately 2.5 hours away from Tokyo. If we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, providing an amazing backdrop to our adventure. Upon arrival, we’ll hop onto a boat for a short cruise on Lake Ashinoko, offering breathtaking views, followed by the ropeway ascent to Owakudani. Here we will see (and definitely smell), the many sulfuric hot springs that adorn the valley. At the end of the day, we’ll take a train back down the mountain to Odawara by the sea.

5. 6

   Day 6

   Kyoto

   All meals included

   No trip to Japan is complete without a trip on a world-renowned bullet train! This morning, we will make the two-hour journey to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, at speeds of up to 320kph; an amazing part of the adventure itself. Upon our arrival, we'll dive into the heart of Kyoto's culture, exploring the old town in the eastern part of the city. Our next destination is the iconic Kiyomizu Temple, where breathtaking views of the city await from above. As the day unfolds, we'll conclude with a stroll through the historic Gion neighborhood, renowned for its association with Geishas.

6. 7

   Day 7

   Nara

   All meals included

   Today we will make our way to Nara, one of the ancient capital cities of Japan. But first, we’ll make a stop at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its many Torii gates. A visit to this incredible shrine sets the stage for a day of spirituality. In Nara, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple, known for its colossal Buddha statue that stands testament to centuries of history. Adjacent to the temple lies Nara Park, a serene landscape where deer freely roam, adding a touch of natural charm to the city. At the end of the day, we will make our way back to Kyoto for the final evening.

7. 8

   Day 8

   Kyoto and Departure

   All meals included

   In the morning, we will pay a visit to Arashiyama in the western part of the city, celebrated for its Bamboo Grove. Following this, we will take a short hike up a hill where we will have the chance to see wild monkeys! We’ll also take a short hike up a hill where you can see wild monkeys.

   Afterwards, we’ll then head to the lively Nishiki Food Market, which specialises in all things’ food. From produce to cookware, this 400-year-old market is must-see in Kyoto. Following our visit to the market, we will head back to our hotel to grab our luggage and hop on the train to KIX airport.

8. 9

   Day 9

   Arrive London

   All meals included

   After an overnight flight, we will arrive back in the UK, after an incredible and unique trip.

Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.