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• Guaranteed departures on all advertised dates
• VIP door-to-door travel service
• Included travel insurance

Mount Fuji, the Bullet Train, sushi-making and samurai, as well as the vibrant colours of nature, feature in Saga Holidays’ new exploration of Japan.

Taking in shrines, temples, castles and museums, including one dedicated to the kimono, the 13-night Flowers and Festivals of Japan tour immerses a group of up to 25 guests into a rich heritage, against a backdrop of seasonal beauty – spectacular displays of cherry blossom in spring and the russet tones of maple and gingko trees in autumn.

Time in Tokyo features a sushi-making class, as well as visits to the upmarket shopping area the Imperial Palace Plaza, the seawater ponds and island teahouse of Hamarikyu Gardens, an emperor’s forest shrine, the fashionable Harajuku district, a river cruise to a 7^th-century Buddhist temple.

Some of the most remarkable views of the cherry blossom or autumn leaves are seen at Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, and in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, while another volcanic peak, Tamoyachidake, can be reached on the Hakkoda Ropeway cable car.

After the Bullet Train ride to the Hiraizumi region, guests visit the UNESCO-listed Chusonji Temple of Buddhism which includes the 12^th century Konjikido, a small hall covered inside and out, apart from the roof, in gold leaf. 

Further excursions include the impressive samurai residence Bukeyashiki, a museum dedicated to the Oga folklore of masked demonic figures, and the giant Hasshoku Centre fish market.

The stay in Kyoto includes a stroll across the Togetsukyo ‘Moon Crossing’ Bridge, visits to Tenryuji Temple and the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Zen temple, wandering in bamboo groves, and a deep underground encounter with the ‘warriors’ staffing the themed Ninja Kyoto restaurant, before the adventure closes with a tour of the city of Osaka.

For details call free on 0800 056 0464 or visit saga.co.uk/japan

13 nights from £4,399 per person on Mar 17 and Oct 23, 2019 with departures, timed to see either the Spring or Autumn colours.

Alternatively, 13 nights from £4649 on July 28, 2019 departure, which is timed to experience some of Japan’s most spectacular festivals.

Fly with Cathay Pacific from Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda, returning from Osaka Kansai International. Flights from Manchester available.

 Price includes VIP door-to-door chauffeur service, return flights, airport taxes, accommodation, Spring and Autumn departures include 16 meals and the Summer departure includes 18 meals – 2 extra dinners, porterage, tour manager, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if passenger has own insurance. 

Editors:

 Saga has created four ‘Time to’ holiday styles: Go for it, Stay & Explore, Discover and Unwind. Each style helps guests decide on a holiday that feels right for them. Flowers and Festivals of Japan is Discover (Pace 2).