Travel from East to West over eight nights and discover Kyoto as the Yin to Tokyo\u2019s Yang. Yes, there are temples, and yes, Japan is packed full of tradition. But it\u2019s also moving quickly, and that’s why we love it. Once you\u2019ve explored the manic exuberance of Tokyo we\u2019ll whisk you off to the cultural homeland of the country, the city of Kyoto. Here is where you will explore ancient golden temples, spot graceful Geishas going about their daily life, and be amazed by Kyoto\u2019s peaceful yet opulent vibe that runs throughout the streets of the city. After soaking up Kyoto\u2019s glorious culture head to the surrounding bamboo forests where you\u2019ll be bedding down in a traditional Ryokan for a chance to step back in time to ancient Japan.<\/p>\n
Once your feet touch down on Japanese turf you will be met and escorted by private car to your first hotel – a three-night stay at the luxurious Palace Hotel Tokyo. With the only Evian Spa in Japan it would be rude to not oblige and refresh yourself after the long-haul. Once rejuvenated it\u2019s your chance to wander through the National Museum or take a stroll in the hustle and bustle of the Ginza business district. Tokyo is walkable so take advantage of it, it\u2019s a great way to gather your bearings and get lost in the atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Over the next two days take the opportunity to engross yourself in the city. You can visit the West side of the capital, explore the Sword Museum, walk to the Meiji Jingu shrine and continue on until you reach Omotesando fashion district (your chance to invest in a kimono, or three?). Spend the afternoon visiting the Nezu Art Museum or the Imperial Palace East Garden.<\/p>\n
On the third day we\u2019ll pick you up from the lobby of your hotel where we\u2019ll take you to Tsukiji fish market. By then your taste buds will be bursting, so we\u2019ll sort this out by introducing you to a Sushi lesson with your guide. By the end of it you will be able to tell the difference between your Nigiri to your Norimaki.<\/p>\n
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Here at Black Tomato we love to do all things iconic, so it\u2019s time to jump on the Bullet Train to Kyoto – the highlight of our Japanese sojourn. Once you\u2019ve arrived in the cultural heart of Japan we\u2019ll whisk you off to awe at the impressive Golden Temple. A tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto house will be awaiting then head on and explore the historical Nijo Castle.<\/p>\n
Kyoto is an abundance of culture so mix things up and venture to the Nishiki market, appropriately named \u2018Kyoto\u2019s Kitchen\u2019. With more than 100 shops and restaurants covering five blocks, if you can bring yourself to leave the sweet smells and vibrant colours, cross the bridge to the Gion Geisha district where you can observe graceful Geishas – or Geiko as they’re known in Kyoto –\u00a0decked out in their enviable kimonos. Head towards Maruyama Park and Yasaka Pagoda when you get the chance and venture along the ceramic course before ending your afternoon at Kiyomizudera Panoramic Temple.<\/p>\n
After exploring the\u00a0heritage-packed city\u00a0of Kyoto it’s time to head out to the surrounding countryside where we’ll have something\u00a0 pretty special in store for you. For the next two nights you\u2019ll hole up in the culturally enriched and luxurious Hoshinoya Ryokan. The most beautiful retreat in Kyoto, here you can step back in time and experience elements of Japanese and Kyoto culture and customs that few get to see. Hidden amidst the striking bamboo forest close to the banks of the river this traditional Japanese style of inn or Ryokan dates back to the Edo period, and a unique insight into the regions past. Slip on a pair of Geta (Japanese clogs) and explore the traditional gardens where you\u2019ll find the ‘karesansui’ (dry landscape garden) style, where hills and rivers are depicted without using water. Spend your days here admiring the picturesque architecture or explore the bamboo forests before taking a trip up the river where you can really be at one with your surrounds.<\/p>\n
The following day\u00a0hop on a boat trip to Arashiyama Pier where your guide will be waiting for you. A picture perfect opportunity to snap away at your remarkable surroundings, you\u2019ll then jump in a car and head to the northern part of the Kyoto Prefecture where you\u2019ll discover one of the last thatched farm districts of Japan. From here your journey back to the retreat through the mountainous terrain will showcase Kyoto’s spectacular landscape.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Travel from East to West over eight nights and discover Kyoto as the Yin to Tokyo\u2019s Yang. Yes, there are temples, and yes, Japan is packed full of tradition. But it\u2019s also moving quickly, and that’s why we love it. Once you\u2019ve explored the manic exuberance of Tokyo we\u2019ll whisk you off to the cultural […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":101059,"featured_media":284288,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1456],"tags":[],"country":["Japan"],"class_list":["post-185321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us","country-japan","month-april","month-march","month-may","month-november","month-october","type-experience","feeling-challenged","feeling-contentment","need-to-discover","need-to-challenge","what-culture","who-couple","who-solo"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n