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APT Japanese Cherry Blossom & Gardens - 15 days
Visit Japan to discover their gardens and culture while enjoying Japanese culinary delights. In 2007 we explore Japanese gardens in peak Cherry Blossom season. In 2008 we enjoy spectacular autumn foliage in the same gardens.
Day 1 Fri. Osaka. A local guide and Botanica Escort will take you to your nearby hotel.
Stay: Osaka, ANA Gate Hotel.
Day 2 Sat. Okayama.
We venture south to Himeji Castle and its Kokoen Garden. The spectacular Himeji, a World Heritage site, has survived in its original form since 1609. It features nine different gardens including a tea garden where you’ll enjoy a green tea in the ceremonial tea house. Continue to Okayama and enjoy a traditional Shabu Shabu dinner.
Two Night Stay: Okayama, Granvia Hotel.
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Day 3 Sun. Takamatsu.
Today we tour the stunning city of Takamatsu on Shikoku, the smallest of the four main Japanese islands. Journey over the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and visit Ritsurin Park, a 350-year-old stroll-type garden famous for magnificent spring and autumn colours. We also see the Chrysanthemum-Moon Pavilion and visit Kinashi Bonsai Town and Shikoku Mura Village.
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Day 4 Mon. Korakuen, Kyoto.
Absorb the tranquillity in Korakuen Garden before heading to Kyoto and Nanzenji Temple with its stunning rock gardens. Finish the day with a tour of the Gion District and an evening Cherry Blossom viewing (subject to bloom, Mar. departure only) or night lights tour (Oct. departure only).
Four Night Stay: Kyoto, Granvia Hotel.
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Day 5 Tue. Kyoto.
Enjoy a visit to the Western Kyoto gardens, including Nijo Castle, Daisenin Temple, Kinkakuji, Ninnaji and the rock garden masterpiece – Ryoanji.
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Day 6 Wed. Nara, Mt Yoshino.
Visit the world’s largest wooden building, the Todaiji Temple as part of a full day in Nara and Mt Yoshino. We also take in the lovely Manyo Botanical Gardens, the Chikurin Temple and Gunpoen Garden.
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Day 7 Thur. Higashiyama, Katsura Imperial Villa.
Spend some time in Higashiyama on a private visit to the 17th century Katsura Imperial Villa, before experiencing Sanjusangendo Hall and Tofukuji Temple. The evening is free for your leisure.
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Day 8 Fri. Arashiyama, Gifu.
Farewell the majestic Kyoto as we explore the Arashiyama area, including the Bamboo Forest, Saihoji and Tenryuji. Then we head to Gifu, via the town of Inuyama with its Urakuen Tea garden and Joan tea house, a national treasure that was built in 1618.
Stay: Gifu, Miyako Hotel.
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Day 9 Sat. Gifu, Kanazawa.
Yoro Park and The Site of Reversible Destiny is the destination this morning. Wander through a quirky experiment in garden landscape and design, then visit the Gassho Open Air Museum. Tonight we sample a rare Uanazawa delicacy, Jibuni which is a duck and vegetable stew.
Two Night Stay: Kanazawa, ANA Hotel.
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Day 10 Sun. Kanazawa.
Spend some of this morning in Kenrokuen, meaning literally ‘Garden of Six Subclimates’, which reflects Chinese theory on the six attributes that make a perfect garden. Form your own opinion, then visit the old quarter of Higashi-Saya-Gai, before spending the afternoon at your leisure.
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Day 11 Mon. Hikone, Tokyo.
Before we board the Bullet Train to Tokyo, stop at Hikone Castle and Genkyu-en Garden. Centred in Chisen-kaiyu style around a pond, this 17th century garden comprises an array of colours. Enjoy a night time city panorama from atop Tokyo tower.
Four Night Stay: Tokyo, Akasaka Prince Hotel.
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Day 12 Tue. Kairakuen, Saitama.
Marvel at over 100 varieties of plum tree on a full-day tour of Kairakuen Garden in Mito. Return to Tokyo via the Bonsai Village in Saitama City.
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Day 13 Wed. Tokyo Sights and Gardens.
A morning of sightseeing at Meiji Shrine including the Inner, Rikugien and Imperial Palace East gardens. The afternoon is at leisure, perhaps go shopping or take in the sights.
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Day 14 Thur. Kamakura, Yokohama.
A full day tour takes in the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, the Great Buddha and other attractions.
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Day 15 Fri. Tokyo.
At Asakusa visit Kaminari Gate, Sennoji Temple and Nakamise Arcade, before a Sumida River ferry cruise to the Hamarikkyu Gardens. Then we head to Narita for your flight home.
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For more information or to book call your holiday centre consultants on 1300296543 |
