This visit has been designed to examine the fascinating art and culture of Japan, from its beginnings during the Nara period, through the rise and fall of the Shoguns into an era of modernisation and economic power. 

Explore the country's cultural heritage as it is reflected in the tranquillity of the Shinto, the great castles of the Samurai culture, the distinct architecture of the Edo period and today's modern way of life that exists in the skyscrapers of Shinjuku. Learn more of the delicate technique of the fine arts, the expressive drama of the Kabuki Theatre and the exquisite elegance of the tea ceremony.

Begin the journey with a three night stay in Tokyo where the time has been carefully scheduled to include such well-known sights as the Imperial Palace, but also to get off the beaten track a little and venture through "Shitamachi", a part of the city where the glorious past of the Edo culture still lives on. Enjoy a full day excursion to the small town of Nikko and visit the intricately carved Tōshō-gū Shrine complex, drive to the sacred Shinto shrine at Kamakura before travelling on to Hakone beautifully situated near the foot of Mount Fuji. 

Travel on Japan’s iconic Bullet Train to Hiroshima and visit the Atomic Dome and Memorial Peace Park, a thought-provoking testament to the horrors of nuclear annihilation. Continue by boat to the exquisitely beautiful island of Miyajima where the party will spend one night amidst the elegant surroundings of a traditional ryokan. Once the day visitors have returned to the mainland, Miyajima is a tranquil island and a lovely place to stroll around in the evening working up an appetite for a sumptuous kaiseki meal. Finish in Kyoto, a marvellous cornucopia of Japanese culture, history and tradition.

Highlights

• Enjoy a night amidst the relaxing surroundings of a traditional ryokan
• Visit the Kōraku-en, one of the three most important gardens in Japan
• Learn more of the delicate technique of the fine arts, the expressive drama of Kabuki theatre and the elegance of the tea ceremony

HISTORY AND CULTURE
ACTIVITY RATING: MEDIUM