Autumn colours of A 14 day escorted tour of the Gardens, Temples & Cities of Japan 12th to 25th November 2019 and Mount Fuji

apan is a fascinating country with a unique heritage, ancient traditions and culture J juxtaposed with the ultra-modern sprawling metropolises of the world’s most advanced technological civilisation. Our escorted overland tour has been designed to Shirakawago Kanazawa give in-depth view of a relatively small area, combining both modern and traditional Takayama JAPAN Tokyo Japan and timed for this most magical time of year when the landscapes burst into Osaka Nara colour with the arrival of the autumn leaves. We begin our exploration with the bright neon lights of Tokyo where the mesmerizing cityscape of skyscrapers is interspersed with ancient temples and scenic gardens before making the short journey to Hakone to enjoy the famous hot springs and views across Lake Ashinoko of nearby Mount Fuji. We will also visit Takayama to explore the historic sites, including the hillside temples of this beautiful mountain region before continuing on to the ancient castle town of Kanazawa, home to artisans who produce some of Japan’s most celebrated pottery, lacquerware and silks. Here we will visit the colourful Omicho Market to see local life in action and stroll through Kenroku-en Gardens, justifiably classified as one of Japan’s most beautiful landscaped gardens. Our final days will be spent in atmospheric Kyoto, this former imperial capital is Japan’s cultural treasure house with an astonishing 1600 Buddhist temples, 400 shrines, a trio of palaces and dozens of gardens and museums.

our view The Itinerary Japan has been one of our most popular spring destinations for many years Day 1 London to Tokyo, Japan. the hotel and enjoy an afternoon “but it was on a recent trip I made to the country that I was fortunate to Fly by scheduled flight. at leisure to explore independently witness the wonderful autumn colours. The leaves of the maple trees and before we enjoy dinner tonight in a ginkgo trees turn red and yellow presenting beautiful scenery at every turn. Day 2 Tokyo. Arrive this morning local restaurant. (B, D) We have therefore devised this tour to combine many of the highlights and transfer to the Keio Plaza of the country, from temples and gardens to local culture and food with, Hotel for our two night stay. The Day 4 Tokyo & Hakone. After we hope, the additional benefit of seeing these sites enhanced by the remainder of the day is at leisure breakfast in the hotel we will make changing seasonal colours. to acclimatise before we meet our our way to the Meiji Shrine which

” fellow travellers this evening for a is dedicated to the deified spirit Paul Mildon, Head of Planning & Operations welcome dinner in the hotel. (D) of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese A morning tour will weddings. Surrounded by over Meiji Shrine Garden Day 3 Tokyo. include time in Asakusa, Tokyo’s 100,000 trees, Meiji is an oasis of “old town”. Visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s serenity and spirituality in a city oldest temple and spend time in that never sleeps. We will then visit Nakamise, a shopping street that the Nezu Museum which exhibits has been providing temple visitors an excellent collection of Japanese with a variety of traditional, local and East Asian art. Hidden away snacks and tourist souvenirs for in its spacious forest-like garden centuries. Continue to the Kiyosumi you will find ponds, stone lanterns Garden, designated as a National and several tea houses. After lunch Place of Scenic Beauty in Tokyo, we will start our journey to Hakone which has been designed in the where we hope to get a glimpse of Kaiyu-rinsen style as a strolling Mount Fuji. Enjoy some free time garden. Take time to walk around after checking into our hotel, the the central pond and see the Hakone Konwakien Ten-yu, before stones which have been brought meeting for dinner this evening. here from all over Japan. Return to (B, L, D)

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Shirakawago village Kenroku-en Garden

Sensoji Temple

Day 5 Hakone. Our morning tour Day 7 Takayama. Drive this lunch here before continuing House, a traditional Japanese will start at the Hakone Shrine. This morning to Takayama Jinya, to Kanazawa. After checking home with tea-ceremony room, was very popular also known as the Historical into Hotel Nikko we have a free an interior courtyard garden and among Samurai during the twelfth Government House which is the afternoon and evening. Tonight, artefacts from the Edo period. century and is hidden away in a only surviving government office if conditions permit, you may After some free time we will meet dense forest. In fact, the shrine is so building from the Edo period. wish to visit the Kenroku-en for dinner in the hotel. (B, L, D) well hidden that it would be easy to Takayama Jinya now serves as Garden which are floodlit from miss were it not for its magnificent a museum where you will find mid-November each year. The Day 10 Kanazawa to Kyoto. gates. After our visit we will well-preserved conference and red and yellow branches and Transfer to the train station board boats to cross Lake Ashi, an interrogation rooms with old leaves together with yukitsuri after breakfast for our journey enormous volcanic crater created tatami floors and some century- ropes, installed to protect the to Kyoto. A lunchbox will be by an eruption over 3000 years old artefacts. After lunch at the trees from the snow in winter, lit provided on the train before ago. In Togendai we will take the hotel we will visit Shiroyama up in the dark create a fantastic we arrive in the early afternoon. cable car towards Owakudani, Park, a wooded hill that overlooks atmosphere. (B, L) On arrival we make our way to located on an active volcano and the town. We will see the statue Nijo Castle which was built by where we can join a series of walks dedicated to Kanamori Nagachika Day 9 Kanazawa. Our first stop the founder of the Tokugawa to the steam vents and bubbling as well as the Shorenji Temple. today is the Omicho Market Shogunate as the Kyoto pools. Return to the hotel for an There will be the option to take a which has been in the centre of residence of the Shogun and is afternoon at leisure and perhaps, more strenuous walk into the forest Kanazawa for nearly 300 years. surrounded by stunning gardens. if the colours have arrived, visit or simply enjoy the autumn colours. The market is home to more The ornamental building was the nearby Sekirakuen Gardens or End the day at the Higashiyama than 200 stalls selling all sorts of completed in 1603 and is Goya Park independently. Meet Temple Area, a peaceful group of fresh produce and, as Kanazawa well-known for its Momoyama this evening for dinner in the hotel. temples on a slightly elevated hill is located on the coast, you architecture, decorated (B, D) area in the eastern part of town. may wish to sample some of the sliding doors, and ‘chirping’ The walk around the temples is a fresh local seafood. After lunch nightingale floors. Continue to Day 6 Hakone & Takayama. After pleasant stroll that will allow the we will continue to Kenroku-en the Philosopher’s Path which is breakfast in the hotel we will chance to enjoy both the historical Garden which is classified as one a pleasant stone path through check out and make our way to sites and the beautiful nature that of Japan’s three most beautiful the northern part of Kyoto’s Odawara station where we board a surrounds them. (B, L) gardens. The blooming times Higashiyama district. The path Shinkansen bullet train to Nagoya. were carefully considered during gets its name due to Nishida From Nagoya we change to a Day 8 Shirakawago & Kanazawa. its creation meaning the garden Kitaro, one of Japan’s most Limited Express Hida Wideview On our way to Kanazawa we will remains interesting all year round, famous philosophers, who was train for one of the most scenic train visit the village of Shirakawago especially in autumn as the maple said to practice meditation while journeys in Japan, winding our way located in the mountains of trees change colour. Kenroku-en walking this route on his daily through tall mountains and stunning the Shogawa River Valley that literally translates to “Garden of commute to Kyoto University. gorges to Takayama. A lunch box stretch from Gifu all the way to the six sublimities”. According There are many small temples will be provided on the train as Toyama prefecture. It is famous to ancient east-Asian landscape and shrines to stop off at along we watch the colours outside the for its traditional gassho-zukuri theory, the garden possesses all the walk. Continue to the Kyoto windows. On arrival check into Hotel farmhouses, some of which are six essential attributes that make Tokyu Hotel for check in and Associa Takayama Resort and enjoy more than 250 years old and a perfect garden. Our day ends some free time before dinner is some free time before meeting for were declared a UNESCO World at the Nagamachi district where served in the hotel this evening. dinner tonight. (B, L, D) Heritage Site in 1995. We will enjoy we will visit the Nomura Samurai (B, L, D) Kenroku-en Garden Kinkakuji Temple

Bamboo groves, Kyoto

Tea ceremony, Kyoto

Takamura Red Torii gates, Fushimi Inari shrine

Day 11 Kyoto. We have a full day Nonomiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine of a Geisha”, this shrine is known Zen Buddhism. The Master will also to discover Kyoto. Our first call where in ancient times, unmarried for its thousands of red torii gates tell you the meaning behind each will be Kinkakuji, also known as imperial princesses stayed for a leading up and through the sacred movement involved in the making the Golden Pavilion, which was year or more to purify themselves forest of Mount Inari. (B, L) and serving of the tea, as well as originally built as a retirement villa and is referenced in numerous the equipment involved. After some for the Shogun. After the death works of literature, most notably in Day 13 Kyoto. This morning is free time in Gion, the Geisha district, we of Shogun Yoshimitsu it became the world’s first novel: The Tale of for independent exploration. In the will enjoy a traditional Maiko dinner a Buddhist Temple at his request, Genji. (B, L) late afternoon we will partake in a at a local restaurant. (B, D) with its top two floors completely tea ceremony at a small temple. covered in gold leaf. Continue Day 12 Nara. After breakfast in the The Tea Master will give a full Day 14 Osaka to London. Transfer to the Ryoanji Zen temple, a hotel we will drive to nearby Nara. explanation of Japanese tea as this morning to Osaka for our UNESCO World Heritage Site During the eighth century Nara well as the tea ceremony itself, its scheduled flight to London. Arrive widely known for its rock garden. was Japan’s capital for 74 years and long history and relationship with this afternoon. (B) The garden is considered one of many of the temples and shrines the finest surviving examples of built at that time still stand today. kare-sensui (dry-landscape), where Visit Todaiji temple, one of the larger rock formations are arranged world’s largest wooden structures amidst a sea of pebbles that are and home to Japan’s largest Prices per person Based on double occupancy raked into linear patterns to aid Buddha. The park surrounding the meditation. After lunch we will visit temple is called Nara Park, but is Twin £6995 Single £8795 Tenryuji Temple. Ranked among referred to by many as “Deer Park” Kyoto’s five great Zen temples, due to the large population of Tenryuji is the largest and most more than one thousand tame deer PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights impressive temple in Arashiyama. who freely roam the streets and will hotel accommodation as described • Breakfast, lunch & dinner as Founded in 1339 at the start of bow their heads in exchange for indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) • Excursions • English the Muromachi Period, the temple a treat. Next stop is Nara’s most speaking local guide • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities is now considered important celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha. • Transfers. cultural property and ranked by Established in 768 AD the shrine is Not Included: Travel insurance, visa. UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. dedicated to the deity tasked with Group Size: We are limiting the group size to a maximum of In addition to its temple buildings, the protection of the city and is 24 participants. there are beautiful gardens with famous for its hundreds of bronze walking paths. On the way to and stone lanterns which have Please note: The autumn colours are a natural phenomena and sightings Nonomiya Shrine the path will been donated by worshipers over are not guaranteed. We have timed our journey to meet the lead us through Arashiyama’s the years. After lunch we return to traditional times for the changing colours in Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa famous bamboo groves, which are Kyoto and the Fushimi Inari Shrine. and Kyoto however it may be too early to see the colours in Tokyo. unlike any other place in Japan. Featured in the movie “Memoirs

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Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo Two nights

Located just a five minute walk from Shinjuku Station in the heart of Tokyo’s shopping and entertainment district, the Keio Plaza is ideally situated to explore this bustling metropolis. Each room offers wonderful views of the city and includes Wi-Fi, L’Occitane toiletries and complimentary bottles of water. Facilities include an outdoor pool and fitness room whilst meals can be enjoyed in one of the twelve on-site restaurants. Choose to enjoy Japanese meals of tempura, sushi and teppan-yaki or alternatively try Chinese, Korean, French or Italian cuisine. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Art Lounge and maybe end the day with a drink at the Aurora Sky Lounge on the 45th floor with panoramic views of the city.

Hakone Konwakien Ten-yu, Hakone Two nights

Opened in April 2017, Hakone Kowakien offers Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring and western style beds. The property boasts views of Tonomine, Myojogatake and Mount Asama. All rooms have air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, minibar, refrigerator, electric kettle, Wi-Fi, bath amenities and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy a lounge, shops, on-site gardens and terrace as well as a swimming pool, spa lounge and sauna. There is also an open air “infinity hot spring” to relax and soak in the views. There is an on-site bar and lounge, the perfect place for afternoon tea or an after dinner drink and a selection of Japanese-style restaurants to choose from. Guests will have a choice of Japanese or Western breakfast.

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, Takayama Two nights

Located in the Japanese Alps, Hotel Associa Takayama Resort offers rooms with spectacular mountain views and the facilities include a sauna, massage rooms and tennis courts. Guests can unwind in indoor and outdoor hot spring baths with spectacular nature views or maybe enjoy a treatment at Spa Phyton. The cosy bedrooms overlook the Japanese Alps and are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, free tea/coffee and complimentary Wi-Fi. Japanese and western style breakfast is served in the restaurant Rosiere overlooking the Northern Alps. There are four restaurants offering Japanese specialities and French cuisine is served at Rosiere. Drinks can be enjoyed at Cafe Scenery and Bar Estmare. 230119_S wo nights Featuring panoramic views, eight dining options and shops, Nikko Kanazawa is conveniently Train of JR Kanazawa located right in front located are All rooms Station in the city centre. beautiful views offering above the 17th floor, rooms The spacious air-conditioned of the city. toiletries, include Wi-Fi, TV, a flat-screen making facilities and a tea and coffee hairdryer, is a choice of Japanese safe. Each morning there La Plage restaurant breakfast. buffet or Western with cuisine fantastic from views French offers the 30th floor and Benkei serves sushi beside is also a Chinese There a Japanese garden. and a bar on-site. restaurant Hotel Nikko, Kanazawa T Cover image: Pagoda, Higashiyama. 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. available on request. and are booking conditions apply to all reservations Our current +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | noble-caledonia.co.uk Tokyo skyline Tokyo Situated a short drive from the central railway Situated a short drive from Hotel is conveniently station, Tokyu Kyoto The modern rooms the city. located to explore comfort pillows and a satellite have Tempur LCD TV whilst Wi-Fi is available throughout and air-conditioned are All rooms the property. and tea and include a fridge, safe, hairdryer making facilities. Guests can make use coffee and enjoy drinks at of theor simply relax gym Open for in the waterfall courtyard. The Terrace all day dining all meals, the newly renovated and Japanese dishes. Kazahana serves Western local Kyoto cuisine Kitamise features Tankuma while Chinese cuisine is available at Star Hill. Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto Four nights