UK
USA
Latest News
Tuesday, 5th May 2015
New ‘Luxury Japan' with InsideJapan Tours
Travel in style this year on a brand-new and exclusive 'Luxury Japan' small-group tour, with InsideJapan Tours Explore Japan's spectacular and classic sights, accompanied by a senior InsideJapan Tours' guide plus knowledgeable tour leaders, who will ensure invaluable insight into the country and unrivalled access into incredible attractions and extraordinary events. Relax in five-star hotels, taste top-quality cuisine, and enjoy an array of private and cultural experiences, tailor-made to the group's interests.
The tour begins and ends in Tokyo, Japan's vibrant capital, where you spend two nights at the five-star deluxe Palace Hotel. Enjoy the cityscape of glittering skyscrapers and the Imperial Palace Gardens right from the balcony of your opulent hotel room. Join a French saké professional for an exquisite meal, an entertaining tasting experience, and a detailed talk on nihonshu ( saké production). Stroll through the busy streets accompanied by a knowledgeable private guide, and discover the inside stories surrounding the bright lights.
On day three, journey south-west on a private coach to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Established in 1936, it was one of the first national parks in Japan. Look around the open-air museum, admire the beautiful botanical gardens and visit Hakone's famous Shinto shrine. Spend two nights at Gora Kaden, one of Japan's most select ryokans (traditional inns) with Mount Fuji as an impressive back-drop. There, make the most of omotenashi - the incredible Japanese hospitality - with a traditional multi-course dinner ( kaiseki ), exquisite décor and a chance to soak in the inn's private hot-spring baths.
Day five means travelling away from Mount Fuji on the Shinkansen bullet train to spend two days in Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital and city of culture. Join an expert guide for a walking tour of Gion, Kyoto's famous Geisha district. Take a rickshaw to visit Arashiyama (an area on the western outskirts of Kyoto) and be awed by Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, a classical Zen Buddhist temple. Spend time in Sanj?sangen-d? temple, and admire the 1001 Kannon statues, before watching a traditional tea ceremony performance and attending an exclusive garden party at Kodaiji Gesshin-in Temple, dressed in a traditional kimono and accompanied by some of Kyoto's famous Geisha and trainee Maiko.
Stop off in Kanazawa on day eight, a garden city boasting many historical attractions - restored residences and historic districts - as well as modern museums. Wander through a beautifully preserved Samurai house and visit a gold-leaf workshop, before retiring to Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, the tallest hotel in Hokuriku. On day nine, gaze at the magnificent Kanazawa Castle, and be beguiled by the 11.4 acres of Kenrokuen Garden, located in central Kanazawa. The Maeda family, who ruled the Kaga Clan in feudal times, have maintained the garden from generation to generation, and it is now regarded as one of the most beautiful feudal lords' gardens in Japan, due to its size and splendour. Later, board the new Shinkansen Gran Class and ride to the mountain resort of Karuizawa, known as the holiday retreat of Japan's elite. The following day, learn how to make soba noodles with a professional chef, visit the dramatic Mount Asama volcano and the beautiful Shiraito Falls, plus the upmarket Ginza shopping district, before spending the night in Hoshinoya, a secluded mountainside hot springs spa resort.
Return to Tokyo on day 11, for a final night at the elegant high-rise Park Hyatt - immortalised by Scarlet Johansson and Bill Murray in the multi-award-winning film, Lost in Translation. Occupying the top 14 floors of Shinjuku Park Tower, the hotel is an elegant oasis of space and calm. Savour a crisp glass of champagne as you gaze across Tokyo, the Kanto Plain, and onwards to Mount Fuji.
A 'Luxury Japan' small-group tour (max. 12 people), which incorporates a cruise across Lake Ashi, an evening walking tour of Kyoto, and a visit to Omi-cho Market in Kanazawa with a local restaurateur, costs from £8,900 pp (two sharing) and includes 11 nights' full-board accommodation in five-star deluxe lodging, first-class rail travel and private minibus transfers, the full-time services of a knowledgeable tour guide, private guiding in Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa, a drinks reception on the first and last night, plus much more. International flights extra.
For further information about InsideJapan Tours, please go to www.insidejapantours.com or speak to an expert on 0117 370 9733.
ENDS: 30 April 2015
NOTE TO EDITORS : Launched in 2000, InsideJapan Tours is a small, dedicated team of specialists, all of whom have first-hand experience of living, working and travelling in Japan. The company offers a range of original, affordable packages for small groups and independent travellers. InsideJapan Tours has offices in the UK, Japan and America. It is a member of AITO, and is fully bonded via ABTOT and ATOL. InsideJapan is part of InsideAsia Tours Ltd, an award-winning travel company offering group tours, tailored travel and cultural experiences across Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma. Also within the group are InsideVietnam Tours (www.insidevietnamtours.com) and InsideBurma Tours ( www.insideburmatours.com ).
Press: Issued on behalf of InsideJapan Tours by Rosie Barcroft, Travel PR, tel. 020 8891 4440, email [email protected] or [email protected]. For more details, please contact James Mundy, PR Manager, tel. 0117 370 9733, email [email protected].
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
