Page 5 - Demo

www.noble-caledonia.co.uk beautiful gardens with walking paths. On the way to Nonomiya Shrine the path will lead us through the famous Arashiyama bamboo groves which are unlike any other in Japan. Nonomiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine where in ancient times, unmarried imperial princesses would stay for a year or more to purify themselves and is referenced in numerous works of literature, most notably in the world%u2019s first novel: the Tale of Genji. After lunch we will visit Nijo Castle, which was built by the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate as the Kyoto residence of the Shogun and is surrounded by stunning gardens. The ornamental building was completed in 1603 and is well known for its Monoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and %u2018chirping%u2019 nightingale floors. This evening will be at leisure. (B, L)Day 12 Kyoto to Matsumoto. This morning we will board the famous Japanese Shinkansen Bullet Train and travel to Nagoya where we will change trains for the city of Matsumoto, nestled at the foot of the Japanese Alps. The journey will take us through winding valleys with snow-covered mountains on either side. On arrival in Matsumoto, we will enjoy its famous soba noodles for lunch. Afterwards we will visit Matsumoto Castle, the city%u2019s most famous icon which dates back to the late 16th century. Unusually for a Japanese castle it is not built on elevated ground and is one of the countries remaining original castles. For those who do not mind a few steps and heights, the sixth floor offer beautiful panoramic views of the Japanese Alps and the city. The final visit of the day will be the Matsumoto City Museum of Art which has a wonderful collection of works by the contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama who is known for her bright and vivid pieces including the %u2018Pumpkin%u2019 on Naoshima Island. Check in to our hotel for a two night stay and dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)Day 13 Jigokudani & Obuse. After breakfast we will travel by coach to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. After an uphill walk through the snow covered forest we will arrive at the hot springs where we hope to see these famous Japanese macaques taking a bath. The monkeys live in large social groups and its likely you will encounter them along the path to the hot springs though being accustomed to humans they almost completely ignore Twin%u00a39495Twin for sole use:%u00a310295PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancyPRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel %u2022 13 nights hotel accommodation (three nights in Tokyo, two nights in Kushiro, four nights in Sapporo, two nights in Kyoto & two nights in Matsumoto) %u2022 Meals as indicated inclusive of drinks with lunch & dinner (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) %u2022 Excursions with English speaking local guides %u2022 Noble Caledonia Tour Manager %u2022 Gratuities %u2022 Transfers.Not Included: Travel insurance.Please note:We have timed our journey to meet the traditional times for snowfall but it cannot be guaranteed. For the visit to Jigokundani Snow Monkey Park, although it is highly likely that the monkeys will be present, we cannot guarantee any wildlife sightings or the amount of monkeys you will see as they are wild animals and come and go into to forests as they please. exploringTo best enjoy this tour, travellers should have a good level of mobility as the majority of the sightseeing is undertaken on foot over a range of terrains including cobblestones, woodland paths and there are a number of steps at temples and shrines. Due to the time of year we expect there will be heavy snowfall, especially in Hokkaido, and so pavements and paths may be covered in snow and ice. Waterproof footwear with grips is recommended. Nijo Castle, outer moatYakushi-do of Joko-ji Temple, Obuse VillageJapanese snow monkeys, Jigokudani Parkvisitors preferring to lounge in the pool or play with each other. Heading downhill and out of the forest, lunch will be at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we will visit the charming town of Obuse, with its traditional wooden houses, stores and streets. The town is famous for its delicious chestnuts and as the home of Hokusai, the famous painter and printmaker from the Edo period. There will be chance to visit his museum as well as explore some of the %u2018Open Gardens%u2019 that the local residents participate in. We will return to Matsumoto and the evening is at leisure. (B, L)Day 14 Matsumoto to Tokyo. This morning we will transfer to the train station for our train to Tokyo. On arrival we will have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Tokyo City View observation deck at the Mori Tower. We will check into our hotel this afternoon for an overnight stay. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure and in the evening we will meet for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)Day 15 Tokyo to London. This morning we transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to London. (B)Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto