- Japan, Laterally -

Because I’ve always wanted to...

In a Nutshell...

Day 1 - Arrive at Narita International Airport. Palace Hotel.

Day 2 - Tokyo. Palace Hotel.

Day 3 - Tokyo. Palace Hotel.

Day 4 - Transfer from Tokyo to Sado Island. Azuma Hotel.

Day 5 - Activities in Sado Island. Azuma Hotel.

Day 6 - Activities in Sado Island. Azuma Hotel.

Day 7 - Transfer to Hakone. Gora Kadan.

Day 8 - Hakone. Gora Kadan.

Day 9 - Hakone - Takayama. Hotel Associa Takayama Resort.

Day 10 - Takayama - Kanazawa. Hotel Nikko.

Day 11 - Kanazawa- Kyoto. Hyatt Regency.

Day 12 - Kyoto. Hyatt Regency.

Day 13 - Kyoto. Hyatt Regency.

Day 14 - Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto. Tawaraya Hotel.

Day 15 - Kyoto. Tawaraya Hotel.

Day 16 - Kyoto - Koyasan. Ichijo-in Temple.

Day 17 - Koyasan - Miyajima. Ryokan Iwaso.

Day 18 - Miyajima. Ryokan Iwaso.

Day 19 - Myajima - Kumamoto. Hotel Nikko.

Day 20 - Kumamoto - Mount Aso - Kumamoto. Hotel Nikko.

Day 21 - Kumamoto - Taketomi. Hoshinoya.

Day 22 - Taketomi. Hoshinoya.

Day 23 - Taketomi at leisure. Hoshinoya.

Day 24 - Taketomi at leisure. Hoshinoya.

Day 25 - Taketomi - Tokyo. Palace Hotel.

Day 26 - Departure and arrival in the UK.

A. Tokyo

B. Sado Island C. Hakone

D. Takayama E. Kanazawa

F. Kyoto

G. Koyasan H. Myajima

I. Kumamoto J. Taketomi

Your Recommended Itinerary...

Day 1 - Arrival in Tokyo Your flight XXX arrives at Narita International Airport. After clearing immigration, you’ll

be meet and driven to your hotel in Tokyo.

Following a chance to freshen up after your flight, to give you everything you need to

travel confidently in Japan – from walking maps to phrase sheets to good advice – one of our Tokyo staff members will meet you in the lobby of your hotel for your orienta-

tion session. Accommodation: Palace Hotel, Deluxe King Room with Balcony (45sqm).

Meals: None.

Day 2 - Tokyo

You will be met at your hotel after breakfast by your guide and you will have a private car at your disposal today as well.

Spend the morning at the Meiji-jingū (Tokyo’s largest and most important shrine), where we highly recommend the Inner Gardens which are older than the shrine and

are said to have been designed by the Meiji Emperor for his wife. Strolling through the trendy nearby districts of Harajuku – known for its weekend culture of cosplayers,

Omotesando – an excellent place for people watching and high fashion, and Shibuya with its famous crossing makes an interesting contrast to the traditional shrine, and

allows you to really get a taste of modern Tokyo.

From there we suggest heading on to the bright lights of Shinjuku, where we particu-larly recommend the view from the Metropolitan Building’s 45th floor observatories.

End the day enjoying the excellent local nightlife. Accommodation: Palace Hotel, Deluxe King Room with Balcony (45sqm).

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3 - Tokyo

Start the day with a tour of the fascinating Tsukiji Fish Market. You will be met at your hotel again this morning and will be taken by taxi to the meeting point for the tour.

Your tour will include both the Inner and Outer markets and will end with a lunch of

the freshest sushi imaginable. This afternoon you will once again be with your guide. From Tsukiji market, stroll to

the nearby Hamarikyu Gardens which was once the site of a Shogun’s villa. We recom-mend the bitter whipped green matcha tea at the Nakajima teahouse. After your stroll,

take the waterbus along the Sumida River to Asakusa for the Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most important temple. The area around the temple is busy and festive with stalls

selling a variety of souvenirs and snacks. End the day by exploring the electronics par-

adise of Akihabara. Accommodation: Palace Hotel, Deluxe King Room with Balcony (45sqm).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 4 - Tokyo - Sado Island Take the bullet train from Tokyo to Niigata and then a taxi on to Niigata Port for the

high speed ferry.

After arriving at Ryotsu Port on Sado Island, pick up your rental car and continue on to

your ryokan. Relax and enjoy the hot spring baths before a traditional Japanese dinner and a spectacular view of the sunset from your room.

Accommodation: Azuma Hotel, Sunset View Room. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 5- Sado Island

Spend the day exploring south west Sado, firstly with a visit to Sado Taiko Centre for a

Taiko drumming experience and to hear about the incredible Kodo drummers. After lunch with the Kodo staff, you can visit the old fishing village Shukunegi and the

astonishing museum with its a full size merchant sailing vessel. If time permits you may wish to visit the Gold mines near Aikawa.

Accommodation: Azuma Hotel, Sunset View Room.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6- Sado Island Drive along the north coast taking in the stunning scenery on your way to Ryotsu port.

A walk up on top of Ohno-game (Big field turtle) gives spectacular views towards Futatsu-game (Two-turtle) islands. If there is time you can drive up one of the moun-

tain roads on North Sado for stunning panoramic views over the island.

Accommodation: Azuma Hotel, Sunset View Room. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 7- Sado Island - Hakone

This morning you will return your hire car and take the ferry back to Niigata. From there

you will take the bullet train and connecting mountain train to Hakone in the hills sur-rounding Mount Fuji. Hakone is most famous for its peaceful lake, steaming hot springs,

and above all, for its views of Mount Fuji.

Enjoy the onsen baths, views of the forested hills, and the spectacular kaiseki cuisine

which is one of the main joys of ryokan accommodation.

After checking in to your ryokan, we suggest that you spend the afternoon visiting the excellent Open Air Museum, which houses an impressive array of international art in-

cluding over 300 works by Picasso alone. We highly recommend taking advantage of the hot spring foot bath to rejuvenate your tired feet (you’ll want to take a handkerchief

or a small towel to dry off with).

Accommodation: Gora Kadan, Japanese Style Room with outdoor hot spring bath . Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 8 - Hakone

After breakfast, set out to take the circular tour of the Hakone area, by mountain train, funicular railway, cable car, and boat. Weather permitting there are great views of

Mount Fuji from the cable car and from Lake Ashi. For the best views and thinnest crowds, we recommend an early start.

The Boiling Valley itself is fascinating, and we suggest you give yourself a while to ex-

plore the geothermic area on foot. The black-shelled onsen-cooked eggs, reputedly give long life, and make a tasty snack. You can choose to return by boat across the

lake.

Or, if you’re feeling energetic, the old cobbled Tōkaidō Road to Hakone-Yumoto can be walked in full in an afternoon. The walk takes approximately four hours from Moto Ha-

kone to Hakone-Yumoto. The road passes through several villages, and the ancient

Amazake-jaya is a good place to try amazake – a barely alcoholic, sweet and warming drink much loved in Japan (although it is perhaps an acquired taste).

Accommodation: Gora Kadan, Japanese Style Room with outdoor hot spring bath . Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 9 - Hakone - Takayama This morning make your way back to Odawara station and then take the bullet train to

Nagoya where you will change again for the express train which will take you to Taka-yama.

Takayama, tucked into the forested foothills of Japan’s Central Alps, has an enduring legacy of woodworking: many of its skilled carpenters were once employed by emper-

ors to build Kyoto and Nara’s architectural gems. Now a smart modern town, it main-tains its traditional heart of old merchant houses and peaceful temples, and remains

famous for its old inns and sake breweries.

Start the afternoon at Takayama Jinya, an Edo Period government complex. Originally

built in 1615, it is the only building left of its kind. Move on to the San-machi Suji area of wooden merchant houses, many of which are now museums. We particularly rec-

ommend the Takayama Yatai Kaikan (festival float museum) which houses the superb yatai between festivals. The old town is full of sake breweries, which can be identified

by the cedar balls hanging outside. Although special tasting events are only available

over the winter months, all breweries will willingly loan you an o-choko (the traditional small sake cup) to taste their wares for a few hundred yen.

Accommodation: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, Deluxe Twin Room (46sqm) . Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10 - Takayama - Kanazawa This morning you will head to Kanazawa and leave your bags at your hotel. Start your

exploration in Teramachi, a collection of temples, the most famous of which is the Nin-ja Temple. There are guided tours which must be reserved in advance. Nearby the

Kutani Kosen Gama Kiln still makes highly decorated functional pottery, and you can

visit the workshop and see how the traditional ceramics are made here.

In the afternoon visit Higashi Chaya-gai, one of Japan’s best preserved geisha districts. The old wooden buildings are a wonderful place to feel transported back centuries.

Some of the traditional buildings are open as museums, and it is also here that you can visit the gold-leaf workshop which produces so much of Kanazawa’s most famous prod-

uct.

Accommodation: Hotel Nikko, Luxe Floor Deluxe Double Room (44sqm). Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11 - Kanazawa- Kyoto

This morning you will take the express train to Kyoto, the most traditional of all Japan’s major cities. On arrival at Kyoto Station make your way to your hotel to leave your

bags, then you will be met by your Kyoto guide and you will set out to see some of the

famous sights in the North West of the city. You’ll be visiting the iconic Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji Zen Garden, Japan’s first, and arguably best, kare-sansui (dry landscape)

garden. The garden is a masterpiece of Zen art, consisting of white raked gravel and fifteen stones, of which only fourteen can be seen at any one time. Before ending the

day, you will visit nearby Ninnaji Temple, which houses one of Kyoto’s loveliest gardens

and is one of Kyoto's UNESCO world heritage sites. Accommodation: Hyatt Regency, Deluxe Corner King Room (46sqm) .

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12 - Kyoto After breakfast, you will meet your guide and go to Gion, where you should be able to

catch sight of some of Kyoto’s apprentice geisha on their way to lessons. From there,

you will be taken on to Nijo Castle, the former home of the Shogun and famed for its lovely gardens and ‘nightingale’ floors. Later, you will continue to Yasaka-jinja Shrine

and into Maruyama Park, where the path will lead you past Kōdai-ji Temple and on to Kiyomizu Temple, which looks out over the city from the hillside. In addition to the

three streams of clear water, believed to promote health, longevity, and scholastic suc-

cess, the temple precincts house Shinto shrines dedicated to love, and many hopefuls come to try to walk, eyes closed, between the “love stones”.

There is plenty of time to see things at a leisurely pace and get some souvenirs on the way.

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency, Deluxe Corner King Room (46sqm) .

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 13 – Kyoto This morning you will be picked up by a taxi from your hotel and taken to the teahouse

where you will be able to experience a tea ceremony and learn how to wear a kimono. This afternoon, why not head to Arashiyama in the west of Kyoto. It is most famous for

its bamboo groves and river bridge. While walking is an excellent option, you can also

hire bicycles and explore further afield – Sagano is particularly delightful. Accommodation: Hyatt Regency, Deluxe Corner King Room (46sqm) .

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 14 - Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto

A day trip to Nara for the impressive giant bronze Buddha – Japan’s largest – housed in the famous all-wood Tōdai-ji temple. Walk through Nara-kōen Park, which is home

to very friendly local deer who will follow you hoping for tasty treats! The Kasuga Tai-sha Shrine, which dates from Nara’s time as the capital of Japan, is also located in the

park and is well worth a visit. We also recommend visiting the lovely Isui-en Strolling

Gardens, where you can watch the carp and wander amongst the plum, cherry, and maple trees.

Spend the evening in the company of two geisha, known for their skills in conversa-tion and the arts. Your guide will be with you to ensure that everyone can communi-

cate smoothly.. Accommodation: Tawaraya Hotel, Japanese Style Room.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 15 - Kyoto

As this is your final day in Kyoto we recommend taking the time to choose some unique souvenirs and if you are feeling energetic, why not stroll along the Philoso-

pher’s Path, which follows a cherry-lined canal for two miles between two of Kyoto's

most significant temples, Ginkaku-ji and Nanzenji Temple. Nanzenji’s kare-sansui (dry landscape) garden of crushed rocks and shrubs with a

backdrop of ‘borrowed’ scenery from the nearby hillside is said to be designed by the noted designer and tea ceremony master Kobori Enshu. Nanzen-ji’s garden is most

spectacular when viewed with the November backdrop of autumn leaves. There are many other lovely (and less frequented) temples and peaceful Zen gardens

just off the path, ready for you to discover.

Accommodation: Tawaraya Hotel, Japanese Style Room. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 16 - Kyoto - Koyasan

Head off to the depths of the mountains for the World Heritage protected temples at

Mount Kōya. You will have a half-day guided tour of the area. We highly recommend visiting the austere Kongobuji temple, the traditional centre of Shingon teaching. The

sect’s founder, Kūkai, is enshrined at the Okunoin temple, which is surrounded by the peaceful and sometimes surreal Okunoin cemetery, Japan’s largest. The Garan has an

interesting pagoda, and the smaller temples are also well worth exploring if you have

time. You’ll spend the night at one of the many temples which provide lodgings for pilgrims

visiting the mountain, and can immerse yourself in temple life with an incredible tradi-tional vegetarian meal, and by joining the monks at early morning prayers.

Accommodation: Ichijo-in, Japanese Style Room with bath. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 17 - Koyasan - Miyajima After morning prayers and breakfast you will start your journey to Hiroshima. When

you arrive at Hiroshima if you have time before it gets dark, spend a moving few hours visiting the Peace Park and Memorial Dome. The spacious park is full of memo-

rials dedicated to those who lost their lives on August the 6th 1945, as well as those

who later succumbed to diseases, and is also home to the famous Atomic Bomb Dome.The paper cranes found everywhere represent solidarity with these victims and

an on-going prayer for world peace. Afterwards take a short train or taxi ride to Miyajima-guchi station for the ferry over to

the sacred island of Miyajima, and enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing at your ryokan.

Accommodation: Ryokan Iwaso, Hanare with private bath. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 18- Myajima

After breakfast, you will be met by your Hiroshima based guide and you will set out to explore Miyajima. You’ll see Itsukushima Shrine, built out over the water, as a spiritual

threshold that separates the sacred island from the profane outer world. With its large

torii gate standing nearby, it forms the iconic image of Miyajima. You’ll also see the five-tiered Pagoda, and Daisho-in, Miyajima’s main temple. To finish

take the cable car (or hike) to the peak of Mount Misen for stunning views across the island studded Inland Sea.

Deer wander freely on the island, and are traditionally believed to be messengers of the

gods. While technically wild, they are fond of any kind of treats - they will happily eat your rail pass, so please keep it tucked away safely while you’re on the island!.

Accommodation: Ryokan Iwaso, Hanare with private bath. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 19 - Myajima - Kumamoto

Today you will take the ferry from Miyajima back to Hiroshima and from there you will

take the bullet train south to Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu. Head to your hotel and leave your bags before you begin your sightseeing in the city. Explore Kumamoto

castle, before visiting the nearby former Hosokawa residence, once home to the area's powerful ruling clan. Kumamoto's Suizenji-Jōjuen gardens are a fascinating example of

a Japanese landscape garden, complete with a miniature Mount Fuji..

Accommodation: Hotel Nikko, Deluxe Double Room (41sqm) Meals: Breakfast.

Day 20 - Kumamoto - Mount Aso - Kumamoto

Today your Kyushu guide will meet you at your hotel.

You will have a private car at your disposal all day today. You will drive through Kyushu’s “Land of Fire” to Mount Aso for spectacular views of the active volcano and

massive caldera. Peaking at some 1500m above sea level, Mount Aso is one of the larg-est active volcanoes in the world. The present caldera was formed as a result of erup-

tions occurring over 90,000–300,000 years ago, and is now home to city Aso as well as other towns and villages. Its rising fumes remind visitors of the awesome natural forces

at work below ground, while its green-blue bubbling waters are a sight to see. The

views are incredible and have a host of myths legends attached.

It is possible to get close to the actual crater, at Nakadake, though there are plenty of other things to see on the way. The volcano gases here are noxious but are constantly

monitored (as is the volcano itself) to protect visitors, however if you have any respira-

tory issues please choose another destination. It is worth stopping regularly to catch the panoramic views of the valley and its beautiful patchwork of rice fields. The short

helicopter trips offered give incredible views when the weather is good. Accommodation: Hotel Nikko, Deluxe Double Room (41sqm)

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 21 - Kumamoto - Taketomi

You will take a domestic flight from Fukuoka Airport to Naha in Okinawa, where you will transfer to another aeroplane which will take you to Ishigaki. You will take a taxi to

the nearby port for the short 15 minute ferry across to Taketomi where you will be met for the short drive to Hoshinoya.

Spend the evening relaxing.

Accommodation: Hoshinoya, Gajoni Villa Suite Meals: Breakfast.

Day 22 - Taketomi

Enjoy a day at leisure on this semi-tropical paradise. The whole island is a national

park. Temperatures for much of the year are quite high making it perfect for swim-ming, but even when it is a little cooler, you can explore this barely inhabited island by

bicycle, see the beautiful butterflies, take a buffalo pulled cart ride or take a diving tour. The ryokan can also organise a variety of craft experiences to help you delve a

little deeper into the culture of Okinawa. Accommodation: Hoshinoya, Gajoni Villa Suite

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 23-24 - Taketomi

At leisure. Accommodation: Hoshinoya, Gajoni Villa Suite

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 25 - Taketomi - Tokyo

First, take the ferry from Taketomi to Ishigaki. Then take a taxi from the port to the airport for your domestic flight back to Tokyo. You will be met at Haneda Airport by

private car and driven to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Tokyo..

Accommodation: Palace Hotel, Deluxe King Room with Balcony (45sqm). Meals: Breakfast.

Day 26 - Departure

A private car and driver will meet you outside your hotel. You will be driven to Narita International Airport for your flight home. We suggest you arrive at the airport extra-

early, which will give you time to pick up any final souvenirs at the excellent array of

shops after check-in. Accommodation: None.

Meals: Breakfast.

Laterally sleeping...

Palace Hotel, Tokyo

The Palace Hotel enjoys one of Tokyo’s most prestigious addresses, right next to the central Imperial Palace.

This might be the most recent luxury hotel to open in Tokyo, but it has a long history: Initially founded in 1947, the hotel reopened in May 2012 after a complete refurbish-

ment taking three years.

The selection of restaurants here is particularly good – the management’s ambition is to collect as many Michelin stars as possible! Japan’s first Evian Spa is worth a visit

too.

Azuma Hotel, Sado Island

This hotel is located on the coast in Nanuaua Kaihin, a national park. Looking over the Sea of Japan, you get marvelous views of the sunset. You can stroll to the coast

along a promenade in the 23,000 square meter garden.

The hotel is renowned for its seafood kaiseki dinners.

Gora Kadan, Hakone

This exclusive Hakone Ryokan has a great reputation, blending modern comforts with traditional Japanese Ryokan aesthetics and service. It is a member of Relais & Cha-

teaux, a French federation of independent luxury properties. The traditional Japanese cuisine is as good as it gets, but western style breakfasts are

also offered. The Ryokan’s own natural hot spring water fills the various hot spring

baths, or onsen. All rooms have private baths outdoors, or with a view, but the more traditional single sex communal onsen are also highly recommended.

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, Takayama

Set amidst the southwest of Takayama city in the Takayama highlands, Hotel Associa Takayama Resort soars 640 meters above sea level. All of its 290 spacious rooms and

suites command superb and unobstructed views of the northern Japanese Alps. Hotel Associa Takayama Resort prides itself in providing the finest accommodation in the

city. Hotel Associa Takayama Resort is also the first hotel in Takayama to have its own

hot spring bath.

...sleeping Laterally

Hotel Nikko, Kanazawa

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa combines an elegant European atmosphere with the beauty of the four seasons. Being the tallest hotel in the Hokuriku area it features world-class

views in an idyllic location. After a day of sight-seeing in an unbeatable location, enjoy a meal in one of the

unique restaurants of the hotel, or simply sit back in the comfort of your hotel room

accommodations and drink in the views as you enjoy a cocktail or two.

Hyatt Regency, Kyoto Billing itself as Kyoto’s most luxurious hotel, the Hyatt Regency opened its stylish

doors in 2006. Just minutes from JR Kyoto Station, the Hyatt Regency is located in the heart of the

richly cultural Higashiyama area, amidst the famous Chishakuin, Sanjusangendo and

Yogenin Temples. With rooms blending Japanese and Western luxury, the Hyatt Regency excels at com-

fort, and brings already high levels of Japanese service to new levels for their guests.

Tawaraya Ryokan

Traditional Ryokan Inn, established in the 1700s, run by same family for 11 genera-tions; housed in building dating from 1820. This hostelry numbers among the most

famous ryokan in Japan along with Hiiragiya across the street. With a 300-year history (though actually rebuilt 175 years ago), the august hotel boasts a guest list ranging

from Hitchcock and Leonard Bernstein to Nureyev and the present king of Sweden.

Ichijo-in Temple

Near the centre of Koya-san’s temples, Ichijo-in is located at the heart of Shingon Buddhism, making for a unique overnight experience. A number of the temple’s 37

rooms are newly refurbished, and all are comfortable and Zen-like. The dinner of fresh, seasonal shojin-ryori, or Buddhist cuisine, is considered to be one

of the best on Koya- san.

Prayers are held early in the morning, but the experience should not be missed!

Laterally sleeping...

Ryokan Iwaso, Myajima

Situated in a picturesque part of Momijidani Park, the stylish luxury ryokan Iwaso has among their guest list members of the Japanese royal family.

Each comfortable room boasts creative design, such as flame shape windows, open-work screens, latticework and alcove posts.

The Wakamiya Hot Spring, named after the field surrounding it, offers the gentle wa-

ter for the onsen baths, transported through nearby primeval forests.

Nikko Hotel, Kunamoto

Located in the middle of the town, Nikko Kumamoto hotel is within walking distance of the famous Kumamoto castle. With 191 rooms and 6 restaurants available for busi-

ness and leisure travelers to enjoy. Hotel Nikko Kumamoto also features the largest banquet room in the city, which can be used for various events, such as business con-

ventions and weddings.

The Nitty Gritty...

What’s Included... All accommodation on a twin/double share basis with private facilities

Breakfast throughout, other meals as specified

Private excursions and transfers including entrance fees

English speaking guides on excursions

Domestic economy flights - 20kg luggage allowance

What’s Not Included...

Items of a personal nature - phone calls, laundry, minibar etc

Gratuities & Porterage

Early check-in / late check-out

Departure taxes

Excess baggage fees

Beverages during meals

Insurance cover

Visas

...Yours Laterally

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dreams, simply… "Because I've always wanted to".

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Contact Me...

laterallife Region Specialist: Steve Wilson 1-5 Offord Street, London N1 1DH W: www.laterallife.com

E: stevewilson@laterallife.com T: 0207 607 1943 M: 07746 370062