UNCOVER JAPAN From hot springs to sushi, uncover the secrets of Japan LONDON OFFICE +44 (0)20 7022 6560 NEW YORK OFFICE +1 (212) 370-8468 HONG KONG OFFICE +852 3752 2076 DUBAI OFFICE +971 4 437 6802 SINGAPORE OFFICE +65 6511 1190 INDIA OFFICE +91 9560020632 LOS ANGELES OFFICE +13239385500 AUSTRALIA OFFICE +61 (0)3 9252 3827
info@quintessentiallytravel.com OVERVIEW Japan offers unparalleled luxury journeys not only those visiting Japan for the first-time, but also for discerning travellers who wish to explore the country in depth. Take a glimpse into the bustling metropolis of Tokyo before experiencing traditional Japanese hospitality in Hakone: relax in a hot spring bath surrounded by nature and sample the best of Japanese gastronomy. Finally, feel the ambiance of ancient times in Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, filled with serene Temples, peaceful gardens and remnants of a glorious past. DAYS 1-3 3 nights in Palace Hotel Tokyo After arriving at Narita International Airport, you will be transferred in a private vehicle to the Palace Hotel in the center of Tokyo. A landmark of Tokyo s luxury hotels since the end of WWII, the Palace Hotel Tokyo has reopened its doors at one of Tokyo s prestigious address next to the moat of the Imperial Palace. After an evening relaxing at your hotel, your adventure begins. The next morning, you will be taken to Tsukiji morning market, the largest wholesale fish markets of the world, importing a diversity of seafood from 60 countries on six continents. Start strolling around the outer-market before entering the actual wholesale market, where you will see fish & seafood being prepared & sold and be able to sample the freshest sushi. After this early and busy gastronomic experience, transfer to Asakusa one of Tokyo oldest and well preserved districts. Walk along the Nakamise dori merchant street, dating back to the Edo period when the temple s neighbours were given special right to open their shops in the approach to the temple and arrive at the Sensoji Temple, with its huge lantern. Your guide will show you the small streets where you can still feel the presence of Ancient Japan. After lunch, we would like to introduce you to a private Japanese cultural experience, in the intimate setting of a modern Traditional Japanese Arts school, usually catering to Japanese adults who wish to learn the traditional arts. The world renowned tea ceremony is one of Japan's traditional cultural practices, and is the name given to a synthetic art that encompasses not only the making of tea, but also tea-room architecture, the appreciation of tea utensils and bowls and Zen Buddhism. The following day, you will leave for Nikko, starting from the Toshogu, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. See fabulous carvings of the mausoleum in beautiful mountain setting before heading to Lake Chuzenji, a stunning lake with forested shores at the foot of the sacred volcano Mt. Nantai. The lake is said to have been formed by lava flows of the presently dormant volcano several thousand years ago. Your final stop will be to view the magnificent Kegon Falls, one of Japan s three highest waterfalls, with smaller waterfalls situated behind and to the sides of Kegon Waterfalls, leaking through the many cracks between the mountain and the lava flows.
DAY 4-5 2 nights in Gora Kadan This morning your guide will take you to Kamakura, the ancient capital of Minamoto no Yoritomo in the 12th Century. Visit the Hase-dera temple to admire the Kannon and move on to Kotokuin temple to admire the great Buddha of Kamakura. After Lunch, transfer to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the symbolic shrine of the old capital city, Kamakura. A number of people come to visit this historic shrine every day. The origin of the shrine goes back to the year 1180, when the Shogun Minamoto-no-Yoritomo, who established the Kamakura Shogunate to rule Japan, constructed the shrine pavilions at the current location. From Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, which played a major role in the construction of the city of Kamakura, you can take the stairs up to the main hall where you can view Kamakura with the ocean in the background. In the afternoon, transfer to Hakone, located a volcanic national park near Mt. Fuji, the tallest and most famous mountain in Japan. Here you will find your charming Ryokan, Gora Kadan. Originally a resort house for relatives of the Imperial family, Gora Kadan is now one of Japan s most famous and high-end traditional luxury Inn. In this peaceful resort and in the understated luxurious comfort of your room, take a relaxing break and soak yourself in a private open-air hot-spring bath. This evening, a gourmet Japanese Kaiseki Dinner will be served in the privacy of your room. On the 5th day of your trip, enjoy a relaxed and hearty breakfast and meet your private guide. First, visit the unique Hakone Open Air Museum. Appreciate the balance of nature and art: a variety of sculptures on its spacious grounds in perfect harmony with picturesque views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Take a look at various indoor galleries including a sizable Picasso Collection, consisting of paintings, prints, sculptures and ceramic creations before returning to your Ryokan to enjoy your private hot-spring bath. DAYS 6-7 3 nights in The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto Today will be your first experience of the famous bullet train which will take you to Kyoto. Start at Nijo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo shogunate. Particularly interesting are the Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and wooden floors that squeak like when walking on them a revolutionary security measure against intruders. Your next stop will be the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) temple, built in 1397 and the serene Ryoan-ji temple, prominent for its rock garden comprised of nothing but clay walls, raked sand and fifteen rocks. The following day, continue to explore charming Kyoto. Start your visit at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple originally founded in 798. Its magnificent views of the city from its main hall attract visitors throughout Japan. A nice and relaxing stroll will take you through the old neighbourhood of Sannenzaka which used to be the favoured route of pilgrims before reaching Kiyomizudera. It is now lined with little shops and cafés. Take your time to try delicious delicacies on the way. Along the 'Higashiyama Path, which connects the Yasaka Shrine with the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodaiji Temple is a temple of the Rinzai (Pure Land) school of Zen Buddhism and was founded during the Momoyama-period, by the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the powerful general who unified Japan at the end of the 16th century. Kodaiji is interesting, not only for its formal gardens, including artificial mountains garden and dry rock garden, but also a bamboo grove leading to two famous teahouses and the splendid Maki-e. Reach Yasakajinja shrine which is one of Kyoto s most famous Shrine, particularly for travelers. Enter the peaceful
grounds and witness the multiple offerings made by local people & businesses. You may also witness or even experience a ceremony performed by the Shrine s maidens. Enjoy Lunch in nearby Gion and discover the numerous interesting shops offering great shopping opportunities. Depending on your centers of interest, your guide will hand-pick the most appropriate places. The Geisha district of Gion is famed for the preservation of its traditional architecture and traditional entertainment presented by graceful Geiko, which literally means women of art. During its golden age in the first half of 19th century, more than 3000 Geikos worked in some 700 teahouses in Gion. DAY 8 This morning at 9:00am, meet your private guide and your driver for a visit of Arashiyama, surrounded by nature and providing a welcome break from the city s hustle. Start at the Tenryu-ji Temple. This famous Zen Buddhist temple is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of Rinzai Zen sect and part of World Cultural Heritage monuments. It has an excellent garden with a pond stroll that was laid out by a garden designer of genius. From here, take a relaxing stroll around the Bamboo Forests, designated as one of the three most beautiful bamboo forests in Japan. Here, the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind is nice to listen to and gives a peaceful atmosphere. Arrive at Okochi Sanso, a splendid mountain retreat, previously occupied by Ōkōchi Denjirō, a silent screen actor. Take a leisurely walk through the villa's beautiful gardens in each season and savor the fine views of Kyoto city in a distance. Continue to the Adashino Nembutsuji temple where you will find 8,000 stone Buddha and pagodas. The area was originally a cremation ground, with stone grave makers dating from Heian period. Adashino means fragile, expressing the fragility of human lives. DAYS 9-10 1 night in Park Hyatt Tokyo This morning, it is time to leave Kyoto as you board the bullet train back to Tokyo. We suggest you visit the National Art Center, interesting both for its architectural design and exhibits and continue your exploration of trendy Tokyo with the busy streets of Omotesando and Aoyama, lined with fashionable shops and architectural wonders such as Tod s, Dior and the famous Prada boutique it is a great area to stroll around before saying goodbye to Japan. QT INSIDER Japan offers unparalleled luxury journeys not only those visiting Japan for the first-time, but also for discerning travellers who wish to explore the country in depth. Take a glimpse into the bustling metropolis of Tokyo before experiencing traditional Japanese hospitality in Hakone: relax in a hot spring bath surrounded by nature and sample the best of Japanese gastronomy. Finally, feel the ambiance of ancient times in Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, filled with serene Temples, peaceful gardens and remnants of a glorious past.
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