JAPAN Inspiration Gallery 11 Japan
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Hiroshima and Miyajima

Hiroshima is renowned for its phoenix city status and has truly risen from the ashes, with tree-lined boulevards, friendly locals and tram system which lend a laid-back European feel. This cosmopolitan vibrancy astonishes many on arrival bearing in mind its tragic history, which is paid homage to by the beautifully orchestrated Memorial Peace Park.

The lively city is home to a bustling Downtown, great nightlife and a thriving food scene – try Hiroshima’s speciality, 'okonomiyaki' (a savoury pancake), a surprisingly delicious and skilfully cooked snack, cooked right in front of you on a hot plate. The Peace Park comprises an evocative museum, the Atomic bomb-damaged dome and various moving memorial sites, and the memory of the children who were affected here is immortalised by a vast origami-style crane, sitting high on a beautiful landmark.

As well as being a sombre and sobering reminder of 1945, and ultimately spreading a plea to end nuclear combat, the Memorial Peace Park focuses on the future and stresses the importance of human nature’s positives, togetherness and compassion, so a visit here is not wholly disheartening. The Memorial site’s central dome is, of course, moving in any season but is especially poignant when viewed between the cherry blossoms in spring. In the nearby Shukkei-en, one of our favourite gardens, you may catch herons landing in the water between ornamental bridges.

Picturesque Miyajima, home to the iconic floating red 'torii' gate, is a short train and ferry journey away from Hiroshima. As soon the sacred Itsukushima shrine comes into view from the ferry deck, it’s no wonder that it’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site and famed for being one of Japan's three most beautiful views. This landmark is truly astounding in the throes of golden evening light at high tide, when the iridescent water glows around it. A tranquil atmosphere emanates from the traditional stone lanterns, as well as the surrounding rural landscape, in which deer peacefully stroll along the seashore.

With many hiking routes and spectacular views around the sleepy island’s rolling hills, it is the perfect destination for keen walkers. If experiencing traditional Japanese culture sounds tempting, one could stay at a ryokan here to luxuriate in a natural hot spring and enjoy a gourmet 'kaiseki' meal.

Hiroshima has an array of useful transportation hubs, with bullet train access around Japan and a local airport. We recommend flying via Tokyo for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of Mount Fuji!

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Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

Client Testimonials

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
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We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

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