HF Holidays News Alert –  29 July 2021

DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF JAPAN ON FOOT WITH HF HOLIDAYS

AN INCREDIBLE ITINERARY TAKING IN THE ULTRA-MODERN AND ANCIENT TRADITIONS OF JAPAN

SAVE UP TO £200* PER PERSON ON SELECTED DEPARTURES IN 2022

HF Holidays is getting ready to begin its great range of worldwide guided walking and sightseeing holidays which take guests to 'must see' destinations, with breath-taking itineraries and beyond.  With HF Holidays Guided Walking holidays guests experience the iconic trails and routes, as well as the sightseeing highlights. They also discover local insights into many aspects of culture and heritage with local Leaders, whose knowledge and experience only enhances an already memorable trip.

Japan is firmly front and centre in people's minds this summer. If there was a medal for cultural contrasts, then Japan would surely win it. It's a land where the ultra-modern rubs shoulders with ancient traditions which still hold true, where a peaceful temple can sit in the midst of a frantic city and office-suited residents pass kimono-wearing geisha in the blink of an eye. This juxtaposition makes any visit utterly fascinating.

There is so much to see and do but HF Holidays have put together a holiday which will give guests a great insight to some of the country's most captivating places. On an HF Holidays guided trip, guests are taken on a cultural adventure, which unveils the mysteries and contradictions that make up Japan. Now's the time to put plans in place to realise your 2022 travel dreams.

JAPAN GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

HF Holidays itinerary has many exciting highlights to experience and enjoy. Here are just a few of them.

UNCOVER TOKYO'S MANY SIDES

This trip will show the ultramodern city and how it sits cheek-by-jowl with its more tranquil, spiritual side. Guests can enjoy a bird's-eye view across the city from the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building and glimpse Mount Fuji in the distance. Contrast with the Meiji Shrine, located in a wooded area, which offers a tranquil escape from the frenetic city.

SEE SNOW MONKEYS BATHE IN HOT SPRINGS

Experience a traditional hot spring village nestled in the mountains of Nagano and see the Japanese macaques immerse themselves in the hot springs at Yudanaka. Sitting in the springs is now a part of their culture and they can be seen here all year round. Guests will get the chance to soak in an onsen hot tub at a traditional ryokan inn too.

TREK THE BEST-PRESERVED SECTIONS OF THE NAKASENDO PATH

The Nakasendo Path is an ancient trail that winds through the Japanese Alps. Walking from village to village through bamboo and cedar forest the walking route climbs through the hills to reach the Magome Pass. Stay in small family-run country inn (minshuku) the night and enjoy the peaceful setting.

DISCOVER THE SHRINES & TEMPLES OF NARA

Established in 710, Nara was Japan's first permanent capital. It is home to many stunning UNESCO-listed temples and shrines including Todai-ji Temple.  Local Leaders seek out attractions such as the enormous bronze Buddha statue, watch traditional mochi being made with sweet rice and ancient trails recorded in the Japanese version of the Domesday Book.

CROSS PATHS WITH A GEISHA

Discover Gion, Kyoto's best-known geisha district, on a walking tour and look to cross paths with geisha or maiko making their way through the narrow streets. It takes around six years of training to become a full geisha schooled in the art of conversation, dance and other practices.

Departures:  5 April, 10 May and 11 October 2022

Price: 10 nights from £5,359 per person including flights from London

Includes: Return Flights, 10 nights' accommodation, Half board from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure, less 1 dinner and plus 2 lunches. A full programme of guided walks led by an experienced local leader. All sightseeing and entrance fees. Travel by coach/minivan, train and public transport. Tips.

All holidays are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change. Prices based on two people sharing. Supplements may apply. Non-member fee: £30 per person.

For full itinerary details, please visit: Japan Guided Walking Holiday - HF Holidays

Terms & Conditions apply.  Subject to availability.  Prices correct at time of publishing and may change. For full T&Cs visit: www.hfholidays.co.uk/terms

ENDS –

Notes to Editor:

Contact: Hannah Garcia, PR & Partnerships, hannahgarcia@hfholidays.co.uk

• Prices correct at time of publishing and may change
• Founded in 1913, HF Holidays is the largest UK travel Co-operative Society.
• HF Holidays has 17 country houses in the UK's National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as independent hotels for overseas holidays. 
• Sociability is at the heart of every HF Holiday.
• Most HF walking holidays are led by a team of volunteer leaders
• HF holidays are ideal for solo travellers, couples or small groups.
• Families have an exclusive programme of holidays available, during the school holidays.
• Larger groups (8 or more people) such as groups of friends, large family groups, members of clubs /societies can enjoy special savings.
• Guests do not need to be a member of the HF Holidays Co-operative in order to join their holidays; all are welcome.
• HF Holidays are suitable for all fit and active adults including solo travellers, couples or small groups. There are also some dedicated UK holidays for families with children. Guests travel as part of larger group, making them a great way to meet and socialise with new people. Larger groups (8 or more people) such as groups of friends, large family groups, members of clubs /societies can enjoy special savings
• The HF Holidays Pathways Fund provides assisted holidays to those who could not otherwise afford one. In addition, since 1998, the fund has helped to protect and improve the countryside where HF Holidays' guests walk. This is achieved through generous donations from HF Holidays' members and guests.
• HF Holidays has a host of accolades under its belt including: Which? Recommended Provider for Escorted Tours 2018-2021 four consecutive years, Feefo Platinum Service Award in 2019, 2020 & 2021, British Travel Awards Silver Small Best Special Interest Holiday Company 2020,  Silver Travel Awards Best Activity Tour Operator 2020, AWTE Company of the Year 2019, Staycation Award for Family Friendly Venue 2019, Telegraph Travel Awards Runner Up 2019, voted Best Large Tour Operator by Guardian and Observer readers 2010-2014; and Best Large Short Break Operator 2011-2014.
• HF Holidays is committed to responsible tourism and is a member of ABTOT and ATOL protected. 
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