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Join us... for Japan's Cherry Blossoms
Exclusive Silver Travel Advisor Tour
Explore the icons of Japan. Discover the delights of vibrant Tokyo, the ultimate futuristic cityscape; admire breathtaking Mount Fuji the icon of Japan; soak up Japan’s ancient history in Kyoto and its more sobering recent past in Hiroshima. Our exclusive small group tour of Japan ticks all the boxes, and then some. And what better time to visit than Cherry Blossom season where the streets and cities are alive with the glorious colours of Sakura. Such is the joy of the season; the Japanese have a name for the pastime of enjoying the blossom – hanami – literally meaning ‘flower viewing’.
This fully hosted 12-day trip, in partnership with Wendy Wu Tours, is exclusive to Silver Travel Advisor customers with options for double, twin and solo accommodation, so whether you are travelling as a couple, with friends or on your own, we welcome you to join us.
Read on for all the details, and if you have any questions our Silver Travel Advisors are on hand to provide more information: call 0800 412 5678.
Why choose Silver Travel Advisor and Wendy Wu Tours?
Personal service
We take a personal approach to ensure we understand your requirements.
Experts
Wendy Wu are the experts in travel throughout Asia, while Silver Travel Advisor are the experts in travel for the over 50s.
Service you can trust
With extensive experience, you can trust us to deliver the service you expect.
Financial protection
With ATOL protection and membership of ABTA, you know your holiday with us is secure.
Itinerary
Day 1
Sunday 24 March 2024
Depart the UK
Fly in style with Emirates from your regional airport bound for Tokyo.
Day 2
Monday 25 March 2024
Tokyo
On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. One of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Famous for its modernity, neon-lit landscape and towering skyscrapers, it is also home to sprawling parkland, peaceful shrines and temples, and lovingly tended gardens. Tokyo has great manga pop culture, fashion and high-tech trends.
- Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo
- Meals: Dinner
Day 3
Tuesday 26 March 2024
Tokyo
Meet with our English-speaking guide ready to enjoy a Tokyo Full Day Tour by private coach. We’ll visit Sensoji Temple, the Nakamise shopping street, and Kokyo Gaien (outside of Imperial Palace). A real highlight of the day is a sushi making class where you’ll learn how to create some of Japan’s favourite bite size delicacies – and of course sample your creations at the end – delicious.
- Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4
Wednesday 27 March 2024
Tokyo
Once again we’ll embark on a Tokyo Full Day Tour by private coach with our English-speaking guide. Today we’ll cover the Meiji Jingu Shrine, Omotesando and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. We’ll also spend time exploring the famous Harajuku district, a buzzing area bursting with colourful street art and quirky clothing stores and trendy bars – it’s one of Tokyo’s must-see areas and one you won’t forget.
- Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5
Thursday 28 March 2024
Tokyo – Hakone
Today we’ll transfer by private coach to Hakone. Hakone is a natural nature wonderland and is famous for its hot springs, outdoor pursuits and the view of the nearby Mount Fuji. It is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is less than 100km from Tokyo. Aside from the natural beauty Hakone provides, it is also blessed with interesting historical sites. Visits and activities today include the Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani and a Lake Ashi private cruise.
- Accommodation: Hakone Yumoto Fujiya Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6
Friday 29 March 2024
Hakone – Takayama
This morning we’ll take a drive to Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto Castle and take a trip to a wasabi farm to learn more about the traditional Japanese condiment. We then continue on to Takayama, where on arrival the rest of the day is at leisure. Due to its previously inaccessible location nestled high in the mountainous Hida alpine region, this beautifully preserved town was cut off from the rest of Japan, allowing it to develop its own unique culture. Takayama is an intimate, leisurely place and even the very centre of the town has a quiet, rustic charm.
- Accommodation: Takayama Ouan
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7
Saturday 30 March 2024
Takayama
We’ll get to really explore Takayama today on a Full Day Walking Tour. We’ll visit the Miyagawa Morning Market which is held on the banks of the Miya River and is a great spot to pick up a local snack or traditional gifts such as chopsticks and sarabobo dolls. We’ll also visit Jinya, an old government building and now museum, and wander the streets of Sanmachi Historic District lined with old merchant houses, shops and restaurants.
Accommodation: Takayama Ouan
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8
Sunday 31 March 2024
Takayama – Kanazawa
Today we’ll transfer by private coach to Kanazawa, with a stop in Shirakawago along the way. Local authorities have brought over a hundred traditional structures from throughout the region here, so taking a wander through Ogimachi is almost like walking through a postcard. Marvel at the picturesque scenery rich with history, before then continuing our journey to Kanazawa. Kanazawa is an important city in its region, and boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts, as well as modern museums. But Kanazawa’s unchallenged main attraction is Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s “three best landscape gardens” and by many considered the most beautiful of them all.
- Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9
Monday 1 April 2024
Kanazawa – Hiroshima
As we continue our journey we’ll make a stop at Himeji Castle, a picturesque complex perched high on a hilltop and one of the country’s very first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This afternoon we’ll move on to Hiroshima which is located in the southwestern part of the Japanese islands and is rich in the natural beauty surrounded by the Inland Sea and the Chugoku Mountains. Hiroshima is known as the first city in history to be targeted by a nuclear weapon when an atomic bomb was dropped on the city in 1945, near the end of World War 2.
- Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Hotel Hiroshima
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10
Tuesday 2 April 2024
Hiroshima – Kyoto
A Full Day Tour today takes in two key activities – Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial. The Itsukushima Shrine is most widely known for is floating torii gate which is built over water and seemingly floats at high tide. It’s a photo moment you won’t want to miss. Next on today’s itinerary we’ll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, which houses the only still standing structure near the hypocentre of the first atomic bomb. Today the site reminds us of the tragic cost of war and the importance of peace. We’ll then tick off another iconic highlight of Japan – travelling on the Shinkansen train, otherwise known as the bullet train, as we transfer from Hiroshima to Kyoto.
- Accommodation: The Royal Park Kyoto Sanjo
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11
Wednesday 3 April 2024
Kyoto
Kyoto is the nation’s cultural capital with 2,000 religious buildings, including 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, as well as palaces, gardens and associated architecture, it is one of the best preserved cities in Japan with 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Today we’ll embark on a Full Day Private Tour taking in sights including Kinkakuji Temple, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu Temple and Heian Jingu.
- Accommodation: The Royal Park Kyoto Sanjo
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12
Thursday 4 April 2024
Return to the UK
Our journey comes to an end and we bid farewell to Japan and return to the UK.
- Meals: Breakfast, and those provided on the flight
Price
Deposit: £350pp
Monthly direct debit available
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Your tour includes:
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Silver Travel Advisor host
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Professional, private guides with local knowledge and experience
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Private driver and transport in each destination
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Accommodation as described
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Transfers, guiding, entrance fees and evening entertainment as described
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Meals as per the itinerary
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International and domestic flights
Speak to an advisor
