Various shoguns or military rulers dominated Japan until the mid nineteenth century, with the emperor as a mere figurehead. The most prominent of these families was the Tokugawa family, which ruled Japan from 1603 for over 250 years. The capital was switched to Edo (later Tokyo) from Kyoto. The last shogun surrendered his power to the emperor in 1868 after a short civil war.
Most of Tokyo's buildings post-date 1945 as the original wooden structures were destroyed by US air force fire bombs. A popular site is therefore the wooden Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate with its red lantern dominating the entrance to the Temple of Senso-ji.
Hiroshima has been rebuilt after the tragic first use of an atomic bomb in 1945. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum commemorate the 140,000 people who either perished outright or from radiation over the years.
Kyoto, on the other hand, was struck from the list of targets for the atomic bomb and was replaced by Nagasaki. Thankfully, it was also spared conventional bombing, so it is one for the few cities with many significant pre-war buildings. Among these is the 400 year old Buddhist temple of Kiyomizu-dera.
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Key Study Areas
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Location Click here to view map
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History Excursions
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Our best value sample itinerary from £1998
8 Days to Japan
Day 1:
Depart London on an overnight flight to Tokyo Narita International Airport.
Day 2:
Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your accommodation. In the afternoon take a guided sightseeing tour of Tokyo; Visit Tokyo Tower, and the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 3:
Depart from your accommodation for a guided sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Visit the Kaminarimon, Asakusa, and Nakamise Dori, continue to the Sumo Hall Ryogoku and visit the Sumo Museum and the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 4:
Depart from Tokyo, and take the high speed bullet train to Hiroshima (approx 4 hours). Arrive at Hiroshima and transfer to your accommodation. Overnight in Hiroshima.
Day 5:
Spend the morning taking a tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and Itsukushima Shrine. Overnight in Hiroshima.
Day 6:
Depart Hiroshima; take the high speed bullet train to Kyoto. Visit Nijo Castle and, Kiyomizudera. Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 7:
Check out of your accommodation, spend the morning at leisure, in the afternoon take the high speed bullet train to Tokyo. Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 8:
Transfer to Tokyo Airport to connect with your return flight to the UK. Arrive back in the UK the same day.
