Gardens & Sights of Japan

Depart this afternoon on our overnight flight to Osaka. 

Upon arrival in Osaka we will be met by our local guide before being transferred to our hotel in Kyoto. A welcome dinner with your group is included at a local restaurant.

We start today with a visit to one of the most famous gardens in Japan at the Ryoanji Temple, enjoy the peace of its renowned rock and gravel garden before a walk around the grounds of the temple with our local guide. Then a visit to the magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) and the surrounding ‘strolling’ garden. Cherry trees in full blossom dominate the landscape at this time of year. Free time for lunch in downtown Kyoto in Teramachi, the first opportunity to see the wonderful small shops and restaurants in this historical street. 

This afternoon we visit Nijo Castle, the magnificent former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Explore this remarkable 17th-century complex, renowned for its elegant architecture, richly decorated interiors and beautifully maintained gardens.

Our final visit today is to Heian Shrine, an impressive Shinto shrine inspired by Kyoto's former Imperial Palace and surrounded by peaceful gardens.
 

This evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Frances will be delighted to recommend or accompany guests to one of Kyoto's many outstanding restaurants—a service she will happily offer on each free evening throughout the tour.

Today we travel to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital during the 8th century and a city rich in history and cultural treasures.
We visit Todaiji Temple, home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddhas housed within one of the world's largest wooden buildings. We then stroll through the famous Deer Park, where friendly deer roam freely, before visiting Kasuga Taisha Shrine, celebrated for its thousands of traditional stone and bronze lanterns

This afternoon we will have free time to enjoy lunch and explore Nara before returning to Kyoto. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with time to relax, visit Kyoto's parks and gardens or enjoy some shopping. Frances will once again be happy to recommend or accompany guests to dinner.

Today is free to enjoy at your own pace or alternatively Frances will be delighted if you would join her on alternative excursions. One would be to the Philospher’s Walk, a pedestrian path that follows the canal in Kyoto. It was named after the influential 20th-century Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro who used it for daily meditation. It passes a number of temples and shrines, small shops and cafes. She will also be visiting other temples and gardens as well as interesting shops in this historic old town.

Another day to enjoy the wonders of Kyoto. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Imperial Palace Garden close to our hotel or one of the other many gardens or visit a museum or gallery.  Alternatively, Frances will be delighted if you would join her on an excursion to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

In the early evening, take a walk through the old traditional streets in the Gion district to see the Geishas and Maikos being transported to their parties and concerts.
 

This morning we board Japan's world-famous bullet train for a scenic journey to Odawara.
On arrival we explore the beautiful Hakone National Park by coach, beginning with a visit to the outstanding Hakone Open-Air Museum, where remarkable sculptures are displayed among beautifully landscaped gardens.

Later, enjoy a relaxing cruise on scenic Lake Ashi, surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery.
Our hotel is nestled in the mountains, offering wonderful views and, weather permitting, unforgettable vistas of Mount Fuji.

This evening we gather for a traditional Japanese banquet dinner, with the opportunity afterwards to experience the hotel's outdoor hot spring baths (onsen).
 

Travelling through beautiful coastal scenery, we arrive in the historic seaside town of Kamakura, once the political centre of medieval Japan.

We visit Kotoku-in Temple to admire the famous Great Buddha, Japan's second-largest bronze Buddha statue, before continuing to Hase Temple, renowned for its beautiful gardens and impressive eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
After free time to browse the lively shops and cafés of Komachi Street, we visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura's most important Shinto shrine and an enduring symbol of the city's samurai heritage.

Later this afternoon we continue by coach to Tokyo, where we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.
 

Our day begins at the Imperial Palace Plaza, surrounded by moats, gardens and impressive stone walls, and home to Japan's Imperial Family.
Afterwards, enjoy free time in Ginza, Tokyo's elegant shopping district, with time for lunch or shopping at your leisure.
 

This afternoon we visit Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo's oldest and most beautiful gardens, featuring miniature landscapes inspired by famous Japanese and Chinese scenery.
Our final visit is to Hamarikyu Gardens, a peaceful oasis of traditional ponds, teahouses and landscaped gardens set against Tokyo's dramatic modern skyline.

This evening is free, with Frances available to recommend or accompany guests to a local restaurant.
 

Today offers a fascinating insight into Japan's traditional culture.

We visit one of Japan's renowned bonsai gardens before enjoying demonstrations of Ikebana, the elegant art of Japanese flower arranging, followed by a traditional tea ceremony.

This afternoon we explore the historic district of Asakusa, home to Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji. Enjoy free time to wander among traditional craft shops, local street food stalls and lively shopping streets that preserve the atmosphere of old Tokyo.

We then visit Ueno Park, famous for its museums, beautiful open spaces and Japan's first zoological garden.

This evening we celebrate our wonderful journey with a farewell dinner in a Tokyo restaurant.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to experience Tokyo as you wish.

Frances will be happy to suggest places to visit, whether you'd like to take a cruise on Tokyo Bay, visit Tokyo Tower, explore world-class art galleries or simply enjoy the city's vibrant neighbourhoods at your own pace.
 

Enjoy your final day in Tokyo with time for sightseeing, relaxing or some last-minute shopping before a late hotel checkout.
This evening we transfer to the airport for our overnight flight home.

Arrive back in Dublin this morning with wonderful memories of an unforgettable journey through Japan.