Tokyo City Break

One of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Famous for its cutting-edge modernity, neon-lit landscape and towering skyscrapers, it is also home to sprawling parklands, peaceful shrines and temples, and lovingly tended gardens. Despite its love affair with manga
pop culture, fashion, high-tech trends and conspicuous consumption, below the surface is a city embedded in ancient heritage. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples stand close to skyscrapers as a reminder of a more contemplative time and at the heart of the hyperactive centre lies the serene Imperial Palace – home of the ruling emperor – providing a tangible
link to the city’s ancient past. Behind the shopping, entertainment and commercial emporia are the quaint wooden houses, private gardens with meticulously clipped bonsai trees, and the calming Hamarikyu Gardens. The city’s reputation as a costly metropolis is ill conceived and visitors can take advantage of the inexpensive izakaya bars and neighborhood cafes that serve delicious noodles and rice dishes.

On arrival at Narita Airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your driver who will assist you with the included shared transfer to your hotel (60 – 90 minutes).

The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

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Take a day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide, making use of Tokyo’s comprehensive and user friendly public transport system. The day begins with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Take a walk down Omotesando shopping street, a broad tree lined avenue home to the flagship stores of the world’s top fashion brands. Then you will head across town to Asakusa where you can soak in the atmosphere of old-time Tokyo. Afterwards, you will visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. A boat cruise on the Sumida River passing under 12 bridges will take you to Hamarikyu Garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers – a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. There, you can stop for a cup of steaming matcha and Japanese sweets at a tea house on the island of the park’s lake.

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Hakone is a natural wonderland and is famous for its hot springs, outdoor pursuits and the view of the nearby Mount Fuji. It is part of the Fuji Hakone-Izu National Park and is less than 100-km from Tokyo, providing a popular weekend destination for city residents keen to escape the frenzy of the capital. Besides the towering mountains, lakes and views of Mount Fuji, it is also blessed with charming historical sites. Beautiful Hakone has just about everything a vacationer could wish for.

Today leave Tokyo behind as you journey to Hakone, the gateway to Mt Fuji and surrounding national park. Your local guide for the day will accompany you on the journey there.

To explore the National Park, you can take advantage of the numerous forms of transport on offer. First, you'll make your way by road to Choanji Temple. This quiet, littleknown corner of the area has a history stretching back to the 14th Century and features pleasant walking trails threading through a quiet grove. What makes this temple unique is the two hundred plus "rakan" statues (statues of Buddhist desciples) scattered across its grounds. It is one of the most extensive and unique collection of rakan in Japan and it is easy to get lost in the whimsical, human like quirks of each statue.

Next, you will travel by water. Jumping on a stylish cruise boat, you will glide across Lake Ashi. You will be able to see Mt Fuji from the lake if the weather is clear. You'll next make your way up the Komagatake Ropeway. Again, if the weather is on your side, you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji on the right-hand side of the ropeway. The ropeway takes you to the summit of Mt Komagatake, from which you can see amazing panoramic views of Lake Ashi, Hakone and Mt Fuji if you are lucky. Heading down the ropeway, you will pick up a cruise again across to Sekisho-Ato, which was once part of Hakone's old town.

After lunch (not included) and a stop by a local craft shop selling puzzle boxes, a local speciality, you will explore the area as those hundreds of years ago will have done-- on foot! You and your guide will head to one of the few original stretches of the Tokaido Road that ran from Tokyo to Kyoto. Much of it is now main road and railway lines, but this 500m stretch preserves the original tall cedar trees and some of the old paving stones. The walk is very flat and takes just about 20 - 30 minutes to complete depending on your fitness level. Be advised that the trail can be a little boggy if the weather is or has recently been wet so waterproof footwear is advised.

Note: Throughout the day you will have the chance to get a glimpse of Mt Fuji, however please keep in mind that she is a notoriously shy mountain and it needs to be a clear day. Please wear waterproof, comfortable footwear for the short Tokaido Road walk.

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Your day is free until your included shared transfer to Narita Airport (60-90 minutes)

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