Worldwide brochure 2022-2023

Hiroshima
Visit the A-Bomb Museum & Peace Memorial
Park • Carp Castle
Hiroshima needs no introduction as the first
city on Earth to be hit by an atomic bomb,
although these days Hiroshima is a young
and prospering city. The A-Bomb Museum &
Peace Memorial Park was built by the people
of the city to symbolise their wishes for
everlasting peace. It encompasses the Peace
Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph
and the Flame of Peace. The city’s castle,
sometimes called Carp Castle, was originally
constructed in 1589. Much of it was
dismantled following the Meiji Restoration,
leaving only the donjon (castle keep), the main
gates and turrets.
Hiroshima
Experiences in Japan
Tea ceremony, Kyoto
Experience an audience with a maiko
(apprentice geisha), who will entertain
you with dances and some traditional
games over afternoon tea. With a
translator on hand to assist, this
experience is an opportunity to gain an
understanding of this fascinating and
highly ritualised tradition.
Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi, Hakone National Park
Hakone National Park
Hakone Open-Air Museum • Lake cruises,
museums & hot springs
Located 100km south-west of Tokyo, Hakone
National Park is a picturesque landscape of
lakes, valleys and volcanoes. The park can
be visited on a day trip from Tokyo, while
an overnight stay allows more time for
exploration. Attractions include the Hakone
Tozan mountain railway, numerous hot
springs that provide thermal waters to many
of the bath houses and ryokans in the region,
and scenic cruises across Lake Ashi to
Hakone Botanical Garden. A cable car ride
up Mount Komagatake offers superb views
of Mount Fuji.
Kanazawa
Kenroku-en garden, Kanazawa
The beautiful garden of Kenroku-en •
Nagamachi district, home of the samurai
Kanazawa, on the west coast of Honshu island,
grew in importance from the 15th century,
when the Ikko and Maeda clans chose the
town for their headquarters and it came
to rival Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) in cultural
significance. The Nagamachi district at the
foot of Kanazawa Castle is where the
samurai (a military nobility) used to reside,
and it retains a historic atmosphere with its
remaining samurai mansions, earthen walls,
narrow lanes and canal. Kanazawa is also
notable for Kenroku-en, considered one of
Japan's most beautiful gardens.
Sumo stable visit, Tokyo
A visit to a sumo stable to see asageiko
(morning training) provides an insight
into the lives of sumo wrestlers and
the dedication that’s required to excel
in this sport. We can also arrange for
you to attend one of the large annual
tournaments held in Tokyo, Fukuoka,
Nagoya and Osaka.
Small-group food tours in Tokyo,
Kyoto, Hiroshima & Osaka
Discover where locals eat on an escorted
tour to a range of restaurants, teahouses,
bars and street stalls. Each city has its
own specialities, and these tours are a
wonderful opportunity to try them for
yourself and gain an understanding of the
importance of food to Japanese culture.
Ryokans of Japan
The origins of ryokan, traditional Japanese
inns, can be traced back to the Nara period
(710–784AD) as rest houses for travellers, with
a tradition of good food and hospitality that
continues today. Guestrooms are often simply
decorated, featuring tatami straw mats and
futon bedding, and a traditional multi-course
kaiseki dinner is usually included. Many have
onsen (hot spring) facilities, with shared or
private hot spring baths. Some ryokan are
located in the older, more traditional areas of
towns, while others are set within stunning
natural landscapes.
For more information or to book, contact us on 020 3930 5233 or speak to your travel agent
211