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Uncover the cultural highlights of Japan on this 8 day trip
The trip starts this afternoon in the futuristic capital of Tokyo. Later this afternoon, there will be a group welcome meeting with your tour leader followed by an optional group dinner in the evening and casual tour around Shinjuku, the famous nightlife district of Tokyo!
Today we utilise Tokyo's efficient metro system and enjoy a full day tour of the city. We start the day with an early morning visit to Meiji Shrine. Tokyo’s most famous shrine is dedicated to the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji while the park that surrounds the shrine is a forest of some 120,000 trees of 365 different species, making you forget that you are in the world’s largest city. Outside of Meiji Shrine is Harajuku, the shopping haven for all fashionistas and the popular meeting place for teenagers who are usually in eccentric clothing. The landmark of Harajuku is Takeshita Street, a 400-meter long alley filled with boutiques, shops, and cafes. Neighbouring Harajuku is Omotesando, commonly referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysee. This broad, tree-lined avenue features a number of fashion flagship stores designed by internationally renowned architects like TOD’s Omotesando, designed by Toyo Ito. From Omotesando, we can take the metro to Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most famous upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment districts. It is said that 1sqm of land in Ginza is worth over 10 million yen (€ 90,000)! Our last stop Asakusa, is Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district and home to Senso-ji Temple which is the city’s oldest Buddhist temple. The streets around Senso-ji feature many traditional shops that sell Japanese crafts and souvenirs and are a delight to wander through. Please note that the order of activities and areas visited today in Tokyo may change depending on the weather conditions and other factors. Your tour leader will provide full details of the schedule during the initial trip briefing.
After breakfast we bid farewell to Tokyo and travel by train (approx. 2 hours) to beautiful Nikko, famous for its towering cedar trees and the UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Toshogu Shrine. Upon arrival we set out to visit a few of Nikko's most popular sites. The Shinkyo Bridge is one of the most iconic sights and landmarks of Nikko. This bright, vermillion bridge spans a river on the outskirts of the main shrine complex, and is, aside from Toshogu Shrine, the most photographed attraction in Nikko. Often featured in traditional Japanese art prints known as /ukiyoe/, it is considered to be one of Japan’s top three most beautiful bridges, and is photogenic in all seasons. No visit to Nikko would be complete without a visit the the Toshogu Shrine, which was built as a mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate who ruled Japan for over 250 years. This lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen Shinto and Buddhist buildings located in a beautiful forest setting. We spend the night in Nikko in a traditional style guesthouse.
Today we set out on a longer journey (approx. 4.5 hours) west to the historical former capital of Japan, Kyoto by local train and shinkansen. As we will arrive in Kyoto after 14:00, we can enjoy a bento lunch on the train. After checking into our hotel, we visit the Nishiki Market, where we embark on a tour that will delight your senses. Here we walk the narrow, mile-long Nishiki covered food markets, where you’ll find many interesting food shops to explore. This is a great opportunity to learn about local Japanese produce and snap some photos of goods you won’t find back home. Some of the shops give out or sell samples, so make sure to keep some space in your stomach! The late afternoon is the best time to visit the Gion District – also known as the “Geisha District” for being one of the city’s hanamachi (flower towns) where Geisha live and work. The highlight of the area is Hanami-koji, the most popular street in Gion where lavish teahouses and machiya (old houses) are lined up. Usually in the early evening you may have a chance to catch a glimpse of a Geiko or Maiko in the streets on the way to her engagement, if you are lucky!
Today, along with your tour leader, enjoy an exploration of the highlights of Kyoto whilst using the comprehensive bus and metro systems to visit some of Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites. The tour starts with an early morning visit to one of the most unusual Shinto shrines in Japan. Fushimi Inari is composed of thousands of vermilion torii gates following trails inside the forests of Mt Inari. The Shrine, also featured in “Memoirs of a Geisha”, is very famous for the impressive contrast and mystical atmosphere created by the colours of the Torii and those of the surrounding nature. Next on our schedule is Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s richest areas for sightseeing, Arashiyama contains some of the area’s most stunning scenery. Starting at Togetsukyo Bridge, one of Arashiyama’s most recognizable landmarks, we make our way to the bamboo forest path on the west side of the river before stopping at Nonomiya Shrine. After a lunch break we continue to the serene Ryoan-ji Temple, which is famous for its well-maintained rock garden and known to be the Myoshinji School of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. Just a short distance from Ryoan-ji is the stunning golden pavilion collectively known as Kinkaku-ji Temple. The temple grounds are relatively smaller than that of most temples and shrines found in Kyoto but what is undoubtedly impressive is the pavilion that is completely covered in handmade gold leaves.
Following breakfast, we move further west by shinkansen (bullet train) to the city of Hiroshima (approx. 3 hours). Along the way we will break our journey for a visit to one of the most beautiful and most famous castles of Japan, Himeji Castle. Also called “Shirasagi-jo” (the White Heron Castle) or “Hakuro-jo” (the White Egret Castle) by some of the locals, Himeji Castle resembles a white bird in flight due to its white exterior and distinctive roof design. After visiting the castle, we pick up lunch to enjoy on the train and continue our way to Hiroshima. Perhaps more than any city in the world, Hiroshima is famous for one moment in history; on 6 August 1945, it became the first target of an atomic bomb. However, Hiroshima has risen phoenix-like from its ashes, and rebuilt itself as one of Japan's most laid back and vibrant cities, full of wide boulevards and museums and famous for its great food and friendly, welcoming people. This afternoon we visit the Peace Memorial Museum for a sobering reminder of the events of 1945 before experiencing the surrounding Peace Park, where the atmosphere is one of hope and peace. Tonight we spend the night in Hiroshima.
This morning, we take a short trip by ferry to Miyajima, a famous wooded island located in the Inland Sea near Hiroshima. Here you will find perhaps the most photographed site in Japan - The Floating Torii Gate. Please note, whilst the ‘floating’ tori of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine is currently undergoing renovation works, we still recommend a visit to this enchanting island. Deer are roaming freely on this lovely island where we spend some time at leisure before we make our way by shinkansen (approx. 2.5 hours) to our final destination on our tour of Japan, Osaka. The 2nd largest metropolitan area in Japan, Osaka has a very distinct and vibrant character, the locals are colourfu. l and lively and are known to work hard and play hard. Osaka is also known as the shopping, dining and nightlife capital of Japan. A good place to buy some last souvenirs and enjoy a last dinner together with your fellow travellers or sing a song in a karaoke box before heading home!
The tour ends this morning after breakfast for land only clients. If you have a late flight or are staying longer, you tour leader will be happy to give suggestions for your sightseeing plans.
* 6 nights hotels and 1 night traditional guesthouse
* 8 days land only/ 9 days flight inclusive
* Sightseeing on foot and public transport
* Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Travel by train, local bus, metro and ferry
* Cherry blossom and Autumn colour departures
All breakfasts and 1 dinner included.
Japanese cuisine is usually one of the main highlights of any trip to Japan.
It is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes which are usually
prepared with seasonal ingredients. Seafood is very is common, and it
usually comes grilled or deep fried. Sushi and sashimi aside, other staple
dishes include Soba, Ramen or Udon noodles, Sukiyaki (meat, fish and
vegetables cooked in broth) and Yakiniku (grilled meat).
When food is not included, your leader will always be on hand to recommend
the best local eateries and arrange some group meals for a full immersion in
Japan's varied and excellent cuisine.
Please note that in Japan the availability of certain specialised products
for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free, strict vegetarian (no fish/seafood)
or vegan is minimal or non-existent. The group meals arranged by the tour
leader will be in traditional eateries where the choices of vegan dishes may
be limited to simple salads or boiled rice. However in Kyoto and Tokyo a
number of vegan restaurants are available. It may also be a good idea to
bring with you some foodstuffs that you normally consume, or to supplement
meals with snacks purchased in the local convenience stores.
* 6 nights hotels and 1 night traditional guesthouse
* 8 days land only/ 9 days flight inclusive
* Sightseeing on foot and public transport
* Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
* Travel by train, local bus, metro and ferry
* Cherry blossom and Autumn colour departures
*Activity Level 3- Moderate*
This is an 8 day cultural trip, which attempts to encompass the main cultural
and iconic highlights of Japan.
You will walk mostly in cities and towns and although not strenuous, the
amount of walking each day is considerable and fast-paced (good comfortable
walking shoes are required). Some temples and shrines will be visited during
the trip, most of which are built on hillsides. This will mean ascending and
descending lots of steps so a good level of fitness in essential.
All transport will be by public transport and mainly trains which are
extremely efficient. Therefore, it is essential that all group members are
punctual to ensure we do not miss any of the scheduled services.
Some of the distances covered are long but trains are very comfortable making
the journey pleasant. Please be aware that we will be carrying our luggage
with us on the trains when moving locations, so please be prepared for this.
There may be a possibility to organise a luggage courier service (additional
cost) to have your main luggage transferred between locations which your
leader can advise locally at the start of the tour.
Please note that the order of activities in Tokyo and Kyoto may change
depending on the weather conditions and other factors. Your tour leader
will provide full details of the schedule during the initial trip briefing.
AOQ: Hotels and traditional style guesthouse
In Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka, our hotels are centrally located with
excellent modern facilities and English speaking staff. Please note, in
Japan, western hotel room sizes in standard hotels are normally smaller in
size and if requesting a double bed, please be advised that these can be
smaller in size than western double bed sizes so couples may prefer twin
beds.
For one night during the trip in Nikko, we stay in a traditional
inn/guesthouse where we are able to get a close feel for the timeless rhythms
and customs of the Japanese countryside. Ryokans and minshukus, whilst
comfortable and full of local character, do not run along the same lines as
western hotels and do all have their own unique style; some are more like
Japanese B&B's (minshukus) with a homestay/guesthouse feel and guests make
their own Japanese style beds up, whilst others are managed more like a
standard hotel (typical ryokans) with bedding made up for guests. Rooms do
not generally have private facilities and bedding is usually in the Japanese
style with thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor. Rooms
are always doubles or twin-share but bathrooms and showers are generally
communal. Please be advised, whilst females and males will have access to
separate gender specific bathrooms, inside showering and bathing facilities
can lack the level of privacy you would be used to in a western style shared
bathroom.
Please note that free Wi-Fi is available at every hotel.
*2021 departures*
Please be advised that the below accommodations are just a list of the
standard hotels used for 2021 departures. However, there may be some
departures where groups stay at different hotels of a similar standard and
quality.
Tokyo (2 nights): Dormy Inn Kodenmacho
Nikko (1 night): Nikko Green Hotel Natsukashiya Fuwari or Turtle Inn Nikko
Kyoto (2 nights): Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi
Hiroshima (1 night): Hotel New Hiroden
Osaka (1 night): Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba
*Onsen (Japanese public bath)*
For many visitors to Japan the onsen is a somewhat unfamiliar territory. An
onsen is a Japanese hot spring and the bathing facilities and inns frequently
situated around them. The combination of a strict bathing etiquette, that
nudity is involved and compulsory, and that the water temperature is often
hotter than most Jacuzzis can cause some reluctance for first timers.
However, once the courage is mustered, you may discover that a dip in an
onsen is likely to become one of the highlights of your visit to Japan. You
may have the opportunity to try a public onsen throughout the trip. Please be
aware you may be refused entry if you have large and visible tattoos.
*Single supplements*
Single supplements can be pre-booked for 6 nights only (not available 1 night
in Nikko).
In Nikko single supplements are not available and rooming is based on twin
share (sharing with another group member of the same sex).
Please be advised single supplements are limited and is payable at the time
of booking and subject to availability. In Japan, often single supplements
can be accommodated in either an actual single and/or double for sole use
room in hotels.
We use a mixture of local and International leaders who are all experienced
in leading International groups and have an in-depth knowledge of the
country.
All breakfasts and 1 dinner included.
Japanese cuisine is usually one of the main highlights of any trip to Japan.
It is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes which are usually
prepared with seasonal ingredients. Seafood is very is common, and it
usually comes grilled or deep fried. Sushi and sashimi aside, other staple
dishes include Soba, Ramen or Udon noodles, Sukiyaki (meat, fish and
vegetables cooked in broth) and Yakiniku (grilled meat).
When food is not included, your leader will always be on hand to recommend
the best local eateries and arrange some group meals for a full immersion in
Japan's varied and excellent cuisine.
Please note that in Japan the availability of certain specialised products
for restricted diets, e.g. gluten-free, strict vegetarian (no fish/seafood)
or vegan is minimal or non-existent. The group meals arranged by the tour
leader will be in traditional eateries where the choices of vegan dishes may
be limited to simple salads or boiled rice. However in Kyoto and Tokyo a
number of vegan restaurants are available. It may also be a good idea to
bring with you some foodstuffs that you normally consume, or to supplement
meals with snacks purchased in the local convenience stores.
Transport will be by train, metro, local bus and ferry. It is worth
mentioning that the trains in Japan are both highly efficient and very
comfortable.
*Japan Rail Pass*
The tour makes use of a 7-day Japanese Rail Pass, the cost of which is
included in the price and is purchased by Exodus before departure. If you are
planning to extend your trip and wish to extend or purchase an additional
pass, please contact our Customer Operations team for information and costs.
In the unlikely event that you are a holder of a Japan Business or Residence
visa please note that you will not be eligible to use the Japan Rail Pass.
Please contact the Exodus Office if this applies to you.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 9 Days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of British Airlines (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Tokyo in the evening of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Clients who are booked on the group flight to Tokyo will be met by the tour
leader and take a shared arrival shuttle transfer to the hotel.
If you are not arriving on the group flight from London, it is possible to
have a free arrival shared shuttle service from Haneda or Narita Airports to
the trip start hotel. If you wish to utilise this free shared shuttle arrival
transfer service, this *must *be requested and confirmed at least 1 month
before departure with our customer operations team. If you do not take join
(or miss) the group flight arrival shared transfer or don't request a free
arrival transfer before the trip commences, you must make your own way to the
start hotel at your own expense.
Private transfers are not available on this trip.
Further information will be provided in the final joining instructions, which
will be sent to you 2 to 3 weeks before departure.
Japan has four very distinct seasons. Our aim has been to avoid the extremely
cold winters and humid summers and settle for the more pleasant climes of
spring and autumn. In Tokyo, September and October are warm, maximum
temperatures are 26ºC and minimum 12ºC. September is likely to be the
warmer of the two and there is a likelihood of rain. April is cooler with
temperatures possibly going as low as 7ºC with a high of 17ºC. Kyoto is
very similar climatically to Tokyo but the higher up into the mountains we
venture, the colder it will become with nights being especially cold,
particularly in March and November.
* Casual clothing is all that is required. Outside of business situations
Japanese are very relaxed about dress so formal attire is unnecessary. On
both spring and autumn departures it is possible that some of the nights
outside the main cities may be surprisingly cold, so it would be wise to
bring a jumper, gloves and/or warm jacket and warm trousers.
* As there is a lot of walking involved in this trip, a comfortable pair of
walking shoes is a requirement. Ideally these should be easy to put on and
take off for the fairly regular occasions when shoes must be removed
before entering homes or temples.
* We suggest a strong holdall or suitcase (ideally with wheels) for your
main luggage plus a reasonably sized, easy-to-carry daypack.
* Refillable water bottle (1-2 litre capacity). Tap water in Japan is safe
to drink and taking a refillable water bottle will help reduce waste!
*Bringing Medication into Japan for Personal Use *
It is illegal to bring into Japan some over-the-counter medicines commonly
used in the UK and western countries, including inhalers and some allergy and
sinus medications. Specifically, products that contain stimulants (medicines
that contain Pseudoephedrine, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers),
or Codeine are prohibited. For more information, please contact your nearest
Japan Embassy.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
Apart from the breakfasts and 1 dinner included in Nikko, food is not
included in the price. You should allow around GBP 30-35 (USD 38-45) a day to
cover the cost of food and drink. It is possible to eat more cheaply than
this, or to spend considerably more, depending on the standard of restaurant
chosen.
A certain amount should be allowed for optional entrance fees and bus/taxi
fares not included in the itinerary. The cost of these will of course vary
according to individual preferences but a figure of around GBP 60/ USD 75 is
reasonable.
*Optional Excursions*
Please note that sumo can be watched only during the official tournaments
which are held every year. In Tokyo these take place in January, May and
September. Tickets sell out months in advance, so we recommend for clients to
try and secure these tickets directly online and as far in advance as
possible. if you are visiting Tokyo when the tournaments are held and would
like to go, to secure tickets, please check out the information on prices
and dates at
http://sumo.pia.jp/en/%20"
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"http://sumo.pia.jp/en/
Tipping locals for services is not expected or required in Japan, so you do
not need to budget for tipping in restaurants or hotels - don't be surprised
if your money is returned if you do try to leave a tip.
However, if you feel that your leader has performed well over the course of
your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services - the
amount you give is entirely personal and at each individual's discretion, but
we suggest as a rough guide of GBP 2-3 per day is a good starting point.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (limited availability & on request). Only available
for 6 nights, not available 1 night in Nikko.
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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