Classic Japan This classic itinerary highlights the very best of Japan. From the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo to the peaceful temples and shrines of Kyoto, you'll experience all the contrasts of Japan in two busy yet balanced weeks. Spend time in traditional accommodation, delve into recent history in Hiroshima and then finish your trip relaxing in a hot spring bath in the Hakone National Park, home to the iconic Mount Fuji. Day 1Fly overnight from London to Tokyo. Day 2Arrive in Tokyo. Day 3Explore Tokyo at your own pace, including the Tsukiji fish market and Senso- ji Temple. Day 4Visit Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to spectacular shrines. Day 5Take the train to the rural village of Tsumago and in the afternoon walk along part of the historic Nakasendo Highway. Day 6Travel by bullet train west to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum. Day 7Cross by ferry to the scenic Miyajima Island for the day. Day 8Take the bullet train to Kyoto and in the afternoon you'll be taken to a local home to participate in a cultural activity or cookery class. Day 9Explore Kyoto's many fascinating shrines, temples and gardens. Day 10Visit nearby Nara, home to the great Todai- ji Buddha. In the evening take a stroll around the geisha district with a local guide. Day 11Travel by train to the Hakone National Park. The afternoon is at leisure. Day 12Explore Hakone. Day 13Return to Tokyo for a final day at leisure. Day 14Transfer to the airport and fly back to the UK, arriving on the same day. Hiroshima & Miyajima Beneath an arched cenotaph in Hiroshima's Memorial Park a flame burns, waiting to be extinguished once the world is finally rid of nuclear weapons. Close by, thousands of paper cranes, a symbol of health and longevity, are spread in silent protest around the poignant Children's Peace Memorial. But the modern city is fully revitalised after the tragedies of World War II, and it is easy to explore its lively and energetic core. A short ferry ride from Hiroshima is the peaceful island of Miyajima, renowned for the great red ' floating' toriigate set in the picturesque Itsukushima Bay. Considered by the Japanese to be one of their ' three great sights', Miyajima is a must for any visitor to this part of the country. Western Honshu Sited conveniently along the main bullet train line between Kyoto and Hiroshima, a wealth of traditional towns and picturesque fishing villages make fascinating pauses on your journey. Himeji boasts the elegant Shirasagi- jo ' White Egret' castle, considered Japan's finest; Okayama is home to the top- rated Korakuen Garden, and at Kurashiki the historic canal- side Bikan district is ideal for an hour or two's relaxation, while admiring the golden koi and watching the world go by. Head for the northern coast of Western Honshu and you find yourself in a more traditional and less-visited Japan. The old Samurai quarters and ruined castles of Tsuwano and Hagi, the superb Museum of Art at Matsue, and the fishing villages of the Tango Peninsula all fully justify a visit. With public transport more infrequent, we recommend that you pick up a rental car to discover this little- visited corner of Honshu. 18 Tailoring your trip The itineraries shown are designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and are routes that work particularly well. We can use these as a basis to plan your trip or can design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Japan specialists to start planning your itinerary. Telephone: 01993 838 210 Getting around Due to airline routings, most trips start and end at Tokyo's Narita airport where you are met and assisted with your onward transfer. Most itineraries will include travel on the extensive Japanese public transportation system and any trains, buses or ferries that feature on your trip will be covered either by the cost effective Japan Rail Pass or by separate tickets purchased for you in advance of travel. Using public transport in Japan is straight- forward, with most stations having bilingual signs and announcements made in both Japanese and English. More detail on specific journeys and how to use trains, buses and taxis is detailed in your pre- departure final itinerary pack. Taxis are commonplace in cities and are useful for short journeys or to find your bearings. Being metered, you won't find yourself haggling over the price of your journey. Away from the classic routes, a hire car may be the most practical option and English language maps, along with a satellite navigation system will be provided in your rental car. When to go ? ? The best time to travel. ? A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of. ~ Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year. ? Travel is not recommended. Japan has four distinct seasons and being in the northern hemisphere these are roughly the same as U. K seasons. In central Japan winters are mostly cool and sunny, with heavy snowfall from December to April in the Japan Alps. Summer between June and September is hot and humid, with showers. Spring and autumn are by far the best times to visit central Japan. Time difference: GMT+ 9 hours Flight time from UK: 12 hours Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up- to- date guideline prices for your trip to Japan on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans. JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec ~ ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ~ ? ? ? ? ? ? ~ View of atomic bomb dome, Hiroshima Sunset over Miyajima Island Hiroshima Kyoto Tokyo Hakone Tsumago

Suggested itineraries Ultimate Japan This comprehensive 22 day itinerary allows an in- depth exploration of the best that mainland Japan has to offer. Day 1Fly overnight from London to Tokyo. Day 2Arrive in Tokyo. Day 3Explore Tokyo at your own pace. Day 4Visit Nikko'sToshogu Shrine complex and Lake Chuzenji. Day 5See Tokyo's more traditional side. Day 6Make your way toTsumago to walk along the historic Nakasendo Highway. Day 7Visit the castle town of Matsumoto and later, travel through the Japanese Alps to Takayama. Day 8Explore Takayama. Day 9Travel to Kanazawa via the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago. Day 10Explore Kanazawa, including Kenrokuen Garden. Day 11Travel by train to Hiroshima. Day 12Visit the evocative Peace Park and Memorial Museum. Day 13Cross the Inland Sea to Miyajima Island. Later, visit the small town of Iwakuni. Day 14Travel on to Kyoto and take part in a traditional tea ceremony or cookery class. Day 15Explore Kyoto at your own pace. Day 16Take in the quiet gardens of Kyoto. In the evening take a stroll around the Gion district with your local guide. Day 17Visit nearby Fushimi- Inari Shrine. Later, continue to Nara to see the Todai- ji Buddha. Day 18Travel to Mount Koya. You spend the night in temple lodgings. Day 19Explore Mount Koya. Take the train to the Hakone National Park. Day 20Explore the National Park. Day 21Return to Tokyo. Day 22Fly from Tokyo to the UK. Coastal Japan The quiet fishing and artisan towns that dot the western coast of Japan provide a very different experience in Japan. Car hire is a necessity but driving allows total freedom to explore the coastal scenery along the way. A highlight of the trip will be the impressive sand dunes near Tottori and the castle at Matsue. Day 1Fly overnight from London to Tokyo. Day 2Arrive in Tokyo. Day 3Explore Tokyo at your own pace. Day 4Take the bullet train to Kyoto and explore the city's myriad of temples and shrines in the afternoon. Day 5This morning take the opportunity to try your hand at origami or calligraphy before visiting nearby Nara and the Todai- ji Temple in the afternoon. Day 6Take the train to Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three most scenic spots. Admire the view over the coast before picking up your hire car and driving west to Tottori. Day 7Explore the Tottori coast by car, including the sand dunes. Day 8Drive to Matsue by car, stopping off to see Mount Daisen. Explore Matsue, including the castle. Day 9Travel by train from Matsue to Hagi, a small pottery town. The afternoon is at leisure. Day 10Transfer to Tsuwano from Hagi by train to see the castle, samurai quarters and many koi carp filled ponds. Day 11Take the train to Hiroshima. Explore the evocative Peace Park and Memorial Museum. Day 12Visit the scenic Miyajima Island, another of Japan's most scenic spots, to see the ' floating' toriishrine gate. Day 13Take the bullet train to Tokyo and spend the afternoon at leisure. Day 14Return to the airport and fly back to the UK, arriving the same day. www. audleytravel. com/ japan ? 01993 838 210 ? Central Japan19 Alpine Explorer The central Japan Alps region is one of the most beautiful in the country. From May to October walking, hiking and outdoor activities can be enjoyed, whilst the winter brings ample opportunity for skiing and snowboarding. Day 1Fly overnight from London to Tokyo. Day 2Arrive in Tokyo. Day 3Explore the varied sights of Tokyo at your own pace. Day 4Travel to the small hot springtown of Yudanaka by train to see the playful snow monkeys. Day 5Visit nearby Obuse, a quiet artisan town. Day 6Take the train to Matsumoto and then travel by local bus to Kamikochi. Day 7Do some light walking or more serious hiking in and around Kamikochi. Day 8Return to Matsumoto today to explore the city, including the Crow Castle. Day 9Traverse the Alps across the Tateyama- Kurobe Alpine Route. You spend the evening in Murodo, around halfway along the route. Day 10Walk in the area and then continue on the route to Kanazawa. Day 11Explore Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa's samurai and geisha districts. Day 12Take the express train to Kyoto. Try a traditional activity of your choice, such as calligraphy or flower arranging. Day 13Explore Kyoto at your own pace and in the evening take a walk around the geisha quarters with your local guide. Day 14Visit nearby Hiei- zan to see the temples perched high up in the hills. Day 15Return to Tokyo by bullet train. Day 16Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. Tokyo Hiroshima Kyoto Tsumago Hakone Kanazawa Takayama Mt Koya Tokyo Kyoto Kanazawa Matsumoto Murodo KamikochiYudanaka Tokyo Hiroshima Kyoto MatsueTottori Hagi Tsuwano