Thursday, 23rd October
We depart Dublin at 09.40, fly to Amsterdam and on to Kansai airport in Osaka with KLM. Japan is 8 hours ahead.
Friday, 24th October
We arrive in Osaka and transfer by coach to our hotel in Kyoto. Time to rest or explore local area before dinner in a local restaurant together. D
Saturday, 25th October
Full sightseeing day in Kyoto, visiting the wonderful gardens of Kinkakuji Temple, Ryoanji Temple, Nijo Castle and Heian Shrine. B
Sunday, 26th October
Today we travel the short distance to Nara to visit Todaiji Temple and the great Buddha and Kasuga Shrine. Return to Kyoto early afternoon. B
Monday, 27th October
Free day to relax, explore the historic old town or to shop. B
Tuesday, 28th October
Transfer to Kyoto station and take the Bullet Train to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome and after lunch, Shukukei-en Garden. Dine as a group in local restaurant. Overnight in Hiroshima. BLD
Wednesday, 29th October
We travel by coach and ferry to Miyajima, the sacred island of the Sanyo coast, on which we visit Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan’s three most scenic sites. B
Thursday, 30th October
We depart Hiroshima and travel by Bullet train to Hakone, a national park and resort southeast of Mount Fuji. We travel through the Owakudani Valley and, from a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, view the stunning sight of Mount Fuji. Overnight in Hakone. BD
Friday, 31st October
On the way to Kamakura, we visit the Hakone Open Air Museum, fully designed and landscaped with gardens and sculptures. This fishing village, girded on three sides by steep wooded hills was the seat of Japan’s first military government in the 12th century. A day here takes in the Great Buddha, the gardens and temples of Hase Kannon and Tsuurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. We then transfer to our hotel in Tokyo to dine together. BD
Saturday, 1st November
Gardens visited today include the Imperial Palace East Garden, Rikugi-en Garden, Koishikawa Koraku-en Garden and Hamarokyu Garden. B
Sunday, 2nd November
A day to experience the traditional cultures of Japan. We visit Happo-en for Ikebana (flower-arranging) and Tea ceremony, the Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of the oldest areas of Tokyo and finally Ueno Park. B
Monday, 3rd November
Full free day at leisure to shop or explore other areas of Tokyo – our full assistance will be available to you.
Tuesday, 4th November
Transfer to Narita airport in Tokyo for our flight home to Dublin via Amsterdam arriving in Dublin at 18.20 hrs. B
Cost includes flights, all private coach transfers, all entrances and guides. Bed and breakfast in hotel and meals where mentioned.
Single Supplement: €550.00. Triple rooms available
Deposit: €500.00 – Payable to 'Bay Garden Tours'.
