WW23-24 Brochure updated for Yumpu
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Hiroshima<br />
Visit the A-Bomb Museum & Peace Memorial<br />
Park • Carp Castle<br />
Hiroshima needs no introduction, as the<br />
first city on Earth to be hit by an atomic<br />
bomb, although these days it is a young and<br />
prospering city. The A-Bomb Museum & Peace<br />
Memorial Park was built by the people of the<br />
city to symbolise their wishes <strong>for</strong> everlasting<br />
peace. It encompasses the Peace Memorial<br />
Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph and the<br />
Flame of Peace. The city’s castle, sometimes<br />
called Carp Castle, was originally constructed<br />
in 1589. Much of it was dismantled following<br />
the Meiji Restoration, leaving only the donjon<br />
(castle keep), the main gates and turrets.<br />
Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park<br />
Experiences in Japan<br />
Tea ceremony, Kyoto<br />
Experience an audience with a maiko<br />
(apprentice geisha), who will entertain<br />
you with dances and some traditional<br />
games over afternoon tea. With a<br />
translator on hand to assist, this<br />
experience is an opportunity to gain an<br />
understanding of this fascinating and<br />
highly ritualised tradition.<br />
Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi, Hakone National Park<br />
Hakone National Park<br />
Hakone Open-Air Museum • Lake cruises,<br />
museums & hot springs<br />
Located 100km south-west of Tokyo, Hakone<br />
National Park is a picturesque landscape of<br />
lakes, valleys and volcanoes. The park can<br />
be visited on a day trip from Tokyo, while<br />
an overnight stay allows more time <strong>for</strong><br />
exploration. Attractions include the Hakone<br />
Tozan mountain railway, numerous hot<br />
springs that provide thermal waters to many<br />
of the bath houses and ryokans in the region,<br />
and scenic cruises across Lake Ashi to<br />
Hakone Botanical Garden. A cable-car ride<br />
up Mount Komagatake offers superb views<br />
of Mount Fuji.<br />
Kanazawa<br />
Kenroku-en garden, Kanazawa<br />
The beautiful garden of Kenroku-en •<br />
Nagamachi district, home of the samurai<br />
Kanazawa, on the west coast of Honshu island,<br />
grew in importance from the 15th century,<br />
when the Ikko and Maeda clans chose the<br />
town <strong>for</strong> their headquarters and it came<br />
to rival Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) in cultural<br />
significance. The Nagamachi district at the<br />
foot of Kanazawa Castle is where the<br />
samurai (a military nobility) used to reside,<br />
and it retains a historic atmosphere with its<br />
remaining samurai mansions, earthen walls,<br />
narrow lanes and canal. Kanazawa is also<br />
notable <strong>for</strong> Kenroku-en, considered one of<br />
Japan's most beautiful gardens.<br />
Sumo stable visit, Tokyo<br />
A visit to a sumo stable to see asageiko<br />
(morning training) provides an insight<br />
into the lives of sumo wrestlers and<br />
the dedication that’s required to excel<br />
in this sport. We can also arrange <strong>for</strong><br />
you to attend one of the large annual<br />
tournaments held in Tokyo, Fukuoka,<br />
Nagoya and Osaka.<br />
Small-group food tours in Tokyo,<br />
Kyoto, Hiroshima & Osaka<br />
Discover where locals eat on an escorted<br />
tour to a range of restaurants, teahouses,<br />
bars and street stalls. Each city has its<br />
own specialities, and these tours are a<br />
wonderful opportunity to try them <strong>for</strong><br />
yourself and gain an understanding of the<br />
importance of food to Japanese culture.<br />
Ryokans of Japan<br />
The origins of ryokan, traditional Japanese<br />
inns, can be traced back to the Nara period<br />
(710–784AD) as rest houses <strong>for</strong> travellers, with<br />
a tradition of good food and hospitality that<br />
continues today. Guestrooms are often simply<br />
decorated, featuring tatami straw mats and<br />
futon bedding, and a traditional multi-course<br />
kaiseki dinner is usually included. Many have<br />
onsen (hot spring) facilities, with shared or<br />
private hot spring baths. Some ryokan are<br />
located in the older, more traditional areas of<br />
towns, while others are set within stunning<br />
natural landscapes.<br />
For more in<strong>for</strong>mation or to book, contact us on 020 3930 5233 or speak to your travel agent<br />
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