JAPAN
Japan is a country filled with an array of exceptional scenic and cultural wonders. Tokyo, the country’s modern capital, is the best place to begin your exploration. Once a humble fishing village, this eclectic city beautifully blends century-old traditions with urban culture. Perhaps combine a break in Tokyo with a visit to the majestic Mount Fuji, Japan’s impressive natural icon, or journey to the picturesque Hakone National Park for a calming alternative to city life. For a unique experience, springtime provides a display of delicate pale pink cherry blossoms throughout the country’s natural parks and gardens. Historically known as ‘Hana No Miyako’, Kyoto,was Japan’s flowering capital for over 1,000 years. This city is rich in both culture and religion and provides a wealth of traditional architecture and fine art. An unforgettable journey on the famed Shinkansen, or Bullet Train, between Tokyo and Kyoto will leave lasting memories. Japan’s second city, Osaka, is located south of Kyoto. This urban port town is known as the gourmet capital of the country.
Sea of Japan
Tokyo Hakone
JAPAN
Kyoto Osaka
Mt Fuji
Pacific Ocean
TRAVEL TIPS
Customs & Etiquette: Japanese culture tends to be reserved with the majority of customs based on regional practices. Bowing is one the county’s most important and well-known customs. Bending at the waist, basic bows are performed with the back straight and the hands at the side for men and clasped in the lap for women, with eyes facing down. The longer and deeper the bow, the stronger the respect expressed. Currency: Japanese Yen Dining: Japan’s well-known cuisine is as varied as the country itself, with fish and vegetables as essential ingredients. The larger cities offer a wide choice of dining options including international cuisine but no visit to Japan would be complete without trying one of the many types of Sushi commonly found in the west of the country. Sake, traditional hot rice wine, has a distinctive flavour and Shochu, a strong aquavit, is an acquired taste. Language: Japanese. English is generally spoken in hotels, shops and restaurants in major cities. Religion: Shinto and Buddhism are most widely believed however most Japanese do follow more than one religion. Shopping: Japan boasts a wealth of enjoyable shopping experiences; from flea markets and open-air stalls to large ultra-modern shopping malls with designer stores. There really is something for everyone. Time: +9 Hours Vaccination Information: Tetanus, Polio and Malaria tablets are recommended for protection against disease. Requirements can change without notice, so we suggest that you consult your GP or one of the specialist vaccination centres for more detailed information. Visa Information: British Citizens do not require a visa for tourist stays less than 3 months. Please refer to Travel Tips & General Information for more details, see pages 118-119. Airline:
AIRLINE INFORMATION
UK Departure: London Heathrow London Heathrow Days of Operation Daily to Narita (Tokyo) Daily to Narita (Tokyo) and Osaka British Airways JAL
Accommodation & Excursions - Introduction to Japan
CLIMATE
Due to Japan’s geography, weather conditions can vary greatly from north to south. As a common rule, Japan’s seasons are the same as those in the UK. Typically mid-March to May and late September to November are considered the best times to travel due to milder temperatures, relatively low rainfall and clearer days. Late November to mid-March are typically cooler and the months of July and August are often warmer and humid.
TOKYO
35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 C 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 mm
Jan
Feb
Mar 64%
Apr 70%
May Jun 74% 79%
Jul 80%
Aug 79%
Sep 80%
Oct 76%
Nov 71%
Dec 84%
61% 60% Humidity
Average monthly temperature (C)
Average monthly rainfall (mm)
Mount Fuji
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TOKYO
Literally meaning eastern capital, Tokyo began as a humble fishing village and today blends century old traditions with an ultra modern and vibrant urban culture. The city’s prominent high-rise buildings with their exotic neon signs stand alongside the traditional Imperial-style architecture, elaborate ancient temples and ornate gardens, with bustling markets rubbing shoulders with high-tech shopping malls.
Imperial Palace Meiji Shrine State Guest House ANA INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL
Uneo District
Tokyo Station (for Bullet Train)
Akasaka District
Tokyo Tower
Ginza District
Kabukza Theatre
Tsukii Fish Market LE MERIDIEN PACIFIC HOTEL Palace Garden
Shinagawa Train Station
Hotels from £79
★★★★ ★★★★★
Scheduled transfers available from £50
Le Meridien Pacific Tokyo Hotel
Located in the beautiful, scenic area of Shinagawa and close to Shinagawa Train Station, this large hotel is just a short journey away from some of Tokyo's world-renowned shopping and entertainment hotspots, making it the perfect base for city exploration. Accommodation 954 air-conditioned rooms are spacious and comfortably furnished. Standard Rooms feature TV with a choice of in-house movies, hairdryer, fridge, tea/coffee making facilities, slippers and internet access. Room service is also available. Facilities The hotel offers a vast choice of restaurants in sophisticated settings. Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine at Oshima, visit Ro Lan to experience the subtle flavours of classical Cantonese cuisine or go to Piccolo Mondo for a wide selection of buffet food, served daily from early morning to midnight. You can enjoy spectacular live shows every evening in Blue Pacific, the hotel’s sky lounge located on the 30th floor. Alternatively, relax in Lobby Lounge and enjoy views of the exquisite Japanese garden. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool (open seasonally), a jogging track and gift shop.
ANA InterContinental Tokyo Hotel
This deluxe, stylish hotel boasts a fantastic location in the heart of Tokyo, only a short distance from some of Tokyo’s most renowned spots, such as Ginza, Roppongi and Shibuya where Tokyo’s urban landscape comes alive at night. With its first class service, endless dining options and easy access to the Tokyo Metro stations, this hotel makes the perfect base for city exploration. Accommodation 846 comfortable guest rooms are all elegantly furnished, offering guests serenity amidst modern sophistication. All rooms feature satellite TV, Internet access, fridge, iron, mini-bar, hairdryer and safe. 24-hour room service. Facilities Choose from a wide array of elegant restaurants and bars, from Sushi Kenzan, where you can enjoy Kenzan’s fresh seafood, to Teppanyaki Akasaka where you can experience the tantalising taste of top-grade Japanese beef. For traditional Japanese fare the Unkai Restaurant, with its views of a private garden, is the perfect choice. The Atrium Lounge, with its soft, calm atmosphere and surrounding water, greenery and natural light, is the ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing. Alternatively, why not enjoy an evening in the luxurious Champagne Bar or the sophisticated, Italian Renaissance-themed, Main Bar Da Vinci. Other facilities include a swimming pool, fitness room, salon and shopping arcade. Standard Room 3 Jan - 20 Mar 09 21 Mar - 6 Apr 09 7 Apr - 9 Oct 09 10 Oct - 7 Dec 09 8 Dec - 30 Dec 09 31 Dec 09 - 31 Mar 10 Twin £120 £127 £120 £127 £120 £127 Single £209 £216 £209 £216 £209 £216 Triple £95 £100 £95 £100 £95 £100
Tokyo City Tour
Visit Japan’s tallest manmade structure, the Tokyo Tower, which stands 333 metres tall, before visiting the fascinating Meiji Shrine complex. Located within this complex is the Shinto Shrine, built to a simple, classic design, surrounded by a beautiful forest and built to respect two influential historical Japanese figures, the Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Continue to the city’s Akasaka Palace, a former Imperial residence that functions today as the State Guest House, before seeing the beautiful Imperial Palace East Garden with its handsome gates and old guard towers Departures: Daily, year round, from Tokyo city hotels Duration: 4 hours Person: £26
Tokyo, Japan - Accommodation & Excursions
Discover Mount Fuji & Hakone
This stunning full-day tour will take you to see Japan’s famed Mount Fuji and the beautiful Hakone National Park. Journey from Tokyo by road and watch as the Atlantic Ocean and rural Japanese life passes you by. Take the spectacular Hakone cable car for panoramic views over the National Park and Mt Fuji before visiting the ancient volcanic crater of Owakudani. Your day concludes with a scenic cruise across peaceful Lake Ashi before returning by coach to Tokyo. Departures: Daily, year round except National Holidays, from Tokyo city hotels Duration: 7-8 hours Person: £73 (lunch not included)
Standard Room 3 Jan - 20 Mar 09 21 Mar - 6 Apr 09 7 Apr - 9 Oct 09 10 Oct - 7 Dec 09 8 Dec - 30 Dec 09 31 Dec 09 - 31 Mar 10
Twin £79 £87 £80 £87 £80 £87
Single £132 £140 £133 £140 £133 £140
Triple £65 £71 £65 £71 £65 £71
Free Child Policy (sharing): 11 years Prices are in £s per person per night, room only Prices for upgraded guestrooms available on request During special events & weekends, supplements may apply
Free Child Policy (sharing): 11 years Prices are in £s per person per night, room only Prices for upgraded guestrooms available on request During special events & weekends, supplements may apply
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