Audley in Central Japan The majority of our trips are based in central Japan, as all the major sights can be easily accessed and travelling around them is relatively straight- forward. To help you get the best out of your time in central Japan we plan your trip to match your interests and can combine the well- known highlights of the region with more unusual experiences such as taking part in a tea ceremony with the ladies of the Women's Association of Kyoto. In most instances exploration is under your own steam but we provide detailed notes to assist you in your travels. Where private guiding is an option we choose from a small group of excellent national and local guides, many of whom have escorted the Japan team members on tours around Tokyo and Kyoto on research trips. Accommodation Accommodation in this part of Japan is mixed, from western- style business hotels through to charming family- run inns, and we pride ourselves on being able to recommend a variety of types of hand- picked accommodation during your stay. Find out more For suggested itineraries and practical information about travel in central Japan, please see page 18- 19. www. audleytravel. com Interactive maps and features, further suggested itineraries, accommodation, climate information and articles written by our specialists. Discuss your plans with our Japan specialists 01993 838 210 ? Tokyo Delve into the hustle and bustle of Japan's energetic and contrasting capital city, from smoky temples to towering skyscrapers. Kyoto's heritage Search out ancient temples, peaceful gardens and elusive geisha. Miyajima Island See the sun go down over the iconic ' floating' toriigate. 3 2 1 Japan Alps Take in fresh mountain air and the region's river, valley and mountain scenery. Tsumago For a slice of bygone Japan, visit this quiet village in the unspoilt Kiso Valley. Yudanaka Onsen Observe the playful snow monkeys bathing in the hot spring waters. 4 6 5 Mount Koya Take the funicular railway up to Mount Koya for some Zen contemplation. Nikko The UNESCO World Heritage Site has spectacular temple and lakeside scenery. Kanazawa Home to Kenrokuen Garden, one of the finest examples of landscaped gardens in Japan. 9 8 7 Central Japan7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 98 Kyoto Temple at duskSnow monkey, Yudanaka The Japan Alps Duncan and Izumi Flett, local Kyoto guides Tuna auction, Tsukiji fish market, Tokyo

tailored around any aspect that interests you, from visiting the modern architecture of Roppongi, to stopping in at the Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation on Odaiba island, shopping in the boutiques of the quieter yet up- and- coming districts of Daikanyama or Ebisu, or simply taking in a mixture of everything. The city also holds countless attractions for younger visitors, including celebrated anime director Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli Museum, Tokyo Disneyland and numerous karaoke booths. Tokyo can be bewildering at first, shocking at times and confusing at others, but we ensure that you are well prepared to take it all in and really make the most of your time here. You will leave Tokyo amazed and in awe, your senses awash with colours and contrasts, noises and smells. Tokyo is simply unforgettable. Tokyo Take an evening stroll through the Shinjuku district of Tokyo and every preconceived image of modern Japan will be there to greet you; the thronging crowds decked out in the wildest fashions, towering skyscrapers, flashing neon, and all the noise and excitement of what is perhaps the world's ultimate metropolis. Shinjuku is Tokyo, but so are the smoky Senso- ji Temple in Asakusa and the green oasis of Meiji- jingu Shrine. Japan's capital is a city of countless sub- centres, each with its own distinct atmosphere. Tokyo is best explored over a number of days, covering several areas over the course of a day. Staying near the circular JR Yamanote train line allows convenient access to most major sights, which can be seen either on an organised private tour or independently, using the comprehensive notes that will be provided for you. Tokyo holds something for everyone and your stay can be 8 Shibuya district, Tokyo Young women in kimono, Akihabara district Park view room, Peninsula Tokyo 24 hours in Tokyo An ideal first day in Tokyo would start with an early sushi breakfast at the world- renowned Tsukiji fish market. The raucous tuna auctions begin at the crack of dawn and draw in hundreds of visitors, buyers and traders each morning. Later, explore the Imperial Palace Gardens and Tokyo Tower, continue on to Senso- ji Temple and the Hamarikyu Gardens and perhaps finish with a cruise along Tokyo Bay to Odaiba. In the evening, plunge into the extravagance of the shopping and entertainment districts of Shibuya and Ginza, finishing with dinner at one of the countless restaurants to suit every palate and budget. For longer stays in Tokyo there is plenty more to amuse and entertain. Imperial Palace, Tokyo