MOVIE MAGIC
BABEL’S COOL TOKYO

Acclaimed as one of the must-see films for 2007, Babel is already being heralded as a strong Oscar contender. The perfect movie for travel lovers, Babel was shot in four countries, Morocco, Mexico, USA and Japan, where Tokyo provided the only urban setting in the film. Tokyo really is as cool as it looks in Babel – check out the city’s heady mix of high-tech and ancient history, from the sushi and saki bars of Roppongi and Bladerunner-style skyscrapers of Ginza, to the tranquil Meiji Shrine. Far East specialist Magic of the Orient, offer 12-day holidays to Japan combining a city-stay in Tokyo with visits to Hiroshima, the island of Miyajima and Kyoto. Tours depart London Heathrow daily.

Flying in and out of the capital Tokyo, Magic of the Orient uses a mix of road and rail travel to explore this fascinating country. A stay in bustling Tokyo offers high-tech, with the Sony Building at its epi-centre, ancient history, from the Imperial Palace to the Meiji Shrine and even its very own ‘Eiffel Tower’, the Tokyo Tower (13 metres higher than the French structure, it is the world’s tallest self-supporting steel tower). An essential side trip to historic Nikko is also made, visiting the Toshogu Shrine, built in the 17th century for the 1st Shogun of Japan, and Kegon Waterfall, one of Japan’s finest waterfalls at over 100 metres high. Mount Fuji (3,776 metres) is next, Japan’s defining symbol, where from the ‘5th station’ (weather permitting) guests enjoy far-reaching panoramic views. Make a contemplative journey to Hiroshima’s A-bomb building and the spiritual core of the city, the Memorial Peace Park. See the 5-tier pagodas on the beautiful island of Miyajima, staying overnight in a traditional Japanese Ryokan. Explore the charming old cobblestone streets of Kyoto’s Gion District, realm of the Geisha. Fast-track back to Tokyo on the bullet train for some last minute shopping before the journey home.

The holiday costs from £1,395 p/p including transfers, accommodation in both western-style hotels and more traditional and fun Japanese Ryokan Inns, some meals and all rail and ferry fares.
International flights are not included but are available through Magic of the Orient.