Japanese Holiday Recommendation

[bazzard]

Recommendation for low/moderate exercise, not too energetic holiday to Japan in April for single person. Budget in region of £5,000. Keen on cultural/craft activities, but also participating in the usual experiences, such as tea ceremonies, hot springs, Hiroshima, Mount Fuji, traditional ryokan inn, bullet train, zen garden, sumo wrestling. Realise that I can't do all of this! I do not want to travel independently, so a group tour, with tour leader is needed. At least 3* or more hotel accommodation required. Prefer inclusive meals, but possibly not available for this price. Have looked at many brochures, with quite a few holidays excluding the flight. I am happy to arrange my own return flight.
Has anyone experienced a similar holiday in the last couple of years?

[shoota]

Don't forget the Bonsai Gardens.
And the Bonsai nurseries...

[237SJ]

If you're going in April, that is a good time to go to Kyoto

[bazzard]

The bonsai and rock gardens would be good too - thank you Shoota. Karaoke and sake rice wine - I will make my own arrangements!

[shoota]

In April you'll get the Kurume Azaleas in flower and possibly some early Satsuki Azaleas.
Beautiful.

[Captain2]

We based ourselves in Asakusa in the heart of Tokyo in a very good hotel (can't remember its name - wil have to ask the Good Lady). The transport system is second to none that I've travelled on and is relatively cheap. You can get to almost anywhere in the city really easily.
Must Do: The Royal Gardens (in April you may catch the cherry blossom season or the azaleas); Ueno Zoo; Mount Fiji via the shinkanzen is amazing.
You'll love it.

https://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/asakusa

[fjc19]

I went a few years ago with this company. They were marvellous.
I realise its a bit over budget though.
https://intojapan.co.uk/scheduled_tours/

[jno]

I've heard Collette praised, but haven't travelled with them myself

www.gocollette.com/en-gb/tours/asia/japan

[fjc19]

Wendy Woo also do tours to Japan and include meals.

[bazzard]

Thank you for your suggestions of places to visit. I am busy scribbling notes down of those. The firms suggested have been contacted and no doubt I will have the brochures very soon, so thanks for those too. The blossoms must be spectacular, as several of you have mentioned this. JFC19 - good to have a recommendation

[fjc19]

Oops sorry...that should read Wendy Wu.
Brain hibernating!!!

[bazzard]

Have picked up some ideas from the brochure FJC19, thank you

[Samuraisan]

Don't forget to get your Shinkansen /JR voucher ( do you call it that?) before you go to Japan. There is a special price for foreigners but you must buy it before you go.

[bazzard]

Good advice, Samuraisan. It is good to be organised.