Japan Explorer. 13 Days Tokyo to Osaka/Tokyo. What's Not Included. Trip Highlights. What's Included

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Japan Explorer. 13 Days Tokyo to Osaka/Tokyo. What's Not Included. Trip Highlights. What's Included"

Shannon Cannon
5 years ago
Views:

13 Days Tokyo to Osaka/Tokyo SEMI INDEPENDENT: Discover the iconic sites of Japan s most famous cities and towns, starting in ultra-modern Tokyo to the culinary capital Osaka; marvel at the Great

harrowing history in this 13 day tour HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Tokyo - explore the historic district of Asakusa, stroll through the sumo district, walk across the famous Shibuya

1 13 Days Tokyo to Osaka/Tokyo SEMI INDEPENDENT: Discover the iconic sites of Japan s most famous cities and towns, starting in ultra-modern Tokyo to the culinary capital Osaka; marvel at the Great Buddha statue in Kamakura, discover the breath-taking scenery of Mt Fuji from Hakone NP and the picturesque island of Miyajima, enjoy ancient temples and tea houses in Kyoto and uncover Hiroshima s harrowing history in this 13 day tour HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Tokyo - explore the historic district of Asakusa, stroll through the sumo district, walk across the famous Shibuya crossing, discover the fashion hub of Harajuku and take in the bright lights of the business district of Shinjuku Daisen-in Temple learn the art of meditation with a lesson by a Buddhist monk Miyajima Island - enjoy the relaxed pace of life on this Japanese isle, discover the floating torii gate and marvel at the stunning Mt Misen Hiroshima uncover the city s tragic past at the Peace Memorial museum Kyoto walk through vermilion torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine Geishas' explore Kyoto s geisha district and witness live performance Hakone - admire views of iconic Mount Fuji and sample sulfuric black eggs Cooking Class - learn how to prepare authentic Japanese sushi with our hands-on cooking class Lake Ashi cross the lake on pirate ship Samurai learn the ancient art of samurai and witness live sword performance Kamakura marvel at the 45ft bronze Great Buddha statue Arashiyama hike through the famous bamboo forest and feed wild snow monkeys in Monkey Park What's Included 10 nights hostel dorm accommodation, 1 night traditional ryokan style, 1 night capsule hotel All transportation on public transport including JR Pass Escorted by a licensed English speaking Japanese tour guide Entrance fees to all included sites Sushi Making class in Tokyo Meditation Lesson in Daisen-In Temple in Kyoto Calligraphy Lesson in Kyoto Samurai demonstration and performance Train from Tokyo Kamakura and Kamakura Hakone Fuji Hakone National Park ropeway Cruise on Lake Ashi Bullet train from Hakone Kyoto & Hiroshima Osaka Live geisha performance Rafting on Hozugawa River in traditional wooden rafts Bike hire in Kyoto Train and ferry to Miyajima island and rope way to Mt Misen What's Not Included International flights and visas Airport transfers Laundry, drinks, items of a personal nature and any meals not included in the itinerary Optional activities DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 : Toyko - Senjoji Temple district After meeting our guide at the hostel, we re off to take in the city s most breath-taking view from the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building. Then, it s time to get our first taste of this buzzing metropolis at street level with a visit to Shinjuku. This is big city Tokyo going at full tilt: neon signs, shopping, karaoke bars, Izakaya-style pubs and a lifesized Godzilla statue looming over it all

After the buzz of the city, it s time for a dose of zen with a visit to the Sensou-ji temple in Asakusa. This is Tokyo s oldest Buddhist temple.

Time for an evening of relaxation at a Japanese-style bath house. The local Jakotsuyu has a huge variety of baths and saunas where you ll see salary-men unwinding from the day s excesses.

group, AKB48, after lunch. In the evening have a Made in Tokyo experience at one of Akihabara s infamous maid cafes. Then, for an action-packed end to the day, try your hand at real life Mariokart!

2 After the buzz of the city, it s time for a dose of zen with a visit to the Sensou-ji temple in Asakusa. This is Tokyo s oldest Buddhist temple. Watch people make offerings to Kannon, the goddess of compassion, wander through the contemplative garden and pick up some trinkets on the way out. Time for an evening of relaxation at a Japanese-style bath house. The local Jakotsuyu has a huge variety of baths and saunas where you ll see salary-men unwinding from the day s excesses. Day 2 : Akihabara district This morning we have time at leisure to explore before visiting Akihabara Japan s electric town and hub of Anime and Manga, and also home to Japan s most famous J-pop group, AKB48, after lunch. In the evening have a Made in Tokyo experience at one of Akihabara s infamous maid cafes. Then, for an action-packed end to the day, try your hand at real life Mariokart! (6,000 JPY) It has to be seen to be believed! Day 3 : Tokyo - Sumo District & Edo Tokyo Musuem Start the day by visiting the area where the sumo wrestlers live and train. It s quite something! For lunch, we ll have the chance to eat like a sumo wrestler by trying one of their traditional meals. This area is also home to the fascinating Edo- Tokyo Museum where we can discover more about the history of this unique nation. The afternoon also sees another aspect of Japanese culture: samurai. Watch an awesome demonstration before trying out the ancient art with an expert guiding us. Don t try this at home! Ready to be astonished, amazed and confused? Join us on an optional trip to the Tokyo robot show! This dazzling performance is bizarre to say the least but it s an experience not to be missed! (7000 JPY). Day 4 : Tokyo - Imperial Palace, Harajuku & Shibuya Spend the morning wandering through the grandiose grounds of the Imperial Palace, marvelling at its ornate majesty. Then, it s another afternoon of traditional-modern contrast in the Harajuku area of the city. First stop is the Shinto shrine to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Wander through acres of forest until we reach the shrine to the Emperor that began Japan s transformation from feudal to modern society in the early 20th century. Then head to the Harajuku fashion district to see the fruits of the transformation started by Meiji. French maids, punks, goths, lolitas, technicolour hair anything goes in Harajuku. Stand back and watch or grab some hair dye and get involved! Later that afternoon we're off to Shibuya to see the controlled chaos of the world s most famous intersection. From the second floor of the station we ll watch the ebb and flow of Tokyo s humanity at each light change. Day 5 : Tokyo to Kamakura Tokyo Kamakura. After brunch in Tokyo, it s time to say goodbye to the capital and hop on a train to Kamakura Japan s medieval capital and home to the first shoguns. Check out some of the town s many ancient shrines and then head to Kotoku-in temple to marvel at the Great Buddha statue, which stands at nearly 45ft tall and is made of solid bronze. At sunset, relax on the beach with a few drinks at a beach-side bar or grab a surfboard and ride the waves. Tokyo - Kamakura (approx 1.5 hours) Overnight - Kamakura Day 6 : Kamakura to Hakone Kamakura Hakone. Start the day by taking the Hakone Ropeway, an epic cable car journey that stops at Oowakudani. On a clear day we can gaze at Mount Fuji in all its glory and sample black eggs, a local delicacy coloured by the sulfur water they re boiled in. Next up is beautiful Lake Ashi where we ll board a pirate ship! From the deck of this tripledecker man-of-war we ll cross the lake s clearblue waters and enjoy the stunning views. In the afternoon, experience an onsen. These gorgeous hot springs baths amidst the forest offer an ideal chance to unwind. Please note: People with tattoos will not be allowed to use the onsen Kamakura - Hakone (approx 1.5 hours) Overnight - Hakone Day 7 : Hakone to Kyoto Hakone Kyoto. Grab our first bullet train from the mountains to Kyoto and spend the afternoon wandering around the stunning Kiyomizu Temple after ambling through the hillside streets on the way to the temple. This will leave plenty of time to experience Kyoto in the evening. The city is famous for its history, temples, shrines and, of course, geishas. But it also has a large student population and thriving music scene. Kawaramuchi is a good place to start. There are hostess bars, jazz clubs and plenty of Izakaya pubs. For something quintessentially Kyoto you can wander through Pontocho alley, full of lanterns and intimate wood-panelled restaurants. Quietly sip on sake and look out for geishas wandering past

Then it's time to hike through Arashiyama bamboo forest on the Western outskirts of Kyoto. After getting lost in the maze of bamboo paths and shrines, head across to the Arashiyama Monkey Park.

It s the most important of the city s five great zen temples. The temple s gardens are the real show-stopper.

Look up at the dragon s eyes in the mural on the ceiling - they ll follow you everywhere! In the evening it s karaoke time - for an additional fee! (3000 JPY).

3 Hakone - Kyoto (approx 3.5 hours) Overnight - Kyoto Day 8 : Arashiyama Hills & Monkey Park Day 9 : Kyoto Overnight - Hiroshima Day 11 : Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Miyajima Island Start the morning with a two hour boat trip down the Hozugawa River. In our traditional wooden rafts driven by guides we ll cruise through rocky ravines and experience the rush of rapids as you meander through the Arashiyama Hills (Weather dependent). Then it's time to hike through Arashiyama bamboo forest on the Western outskirts of Kyoto. After getting lost in the maze of bamboo paths and shrines, head across to the Arashiyama Monkey Park. It s a tough climb up, but at the top we can feed monkeys or simply enjoy the panorama of Kyoto below. Later, we take a look around the Tenryu-ji temple. It s the most important of the city s five great zen temples. The temple s gardens are the real show-stopper. Designed in the 14th century, they have survived the fires and wars that damaged the buildings and have remained in pristine condition for centuries. Make sure to also check out the Dharma Hall. Look up at the dragon s eyes in the mural on the ceiling - they ll follow you everywhere! In the evening it s karaoke time - for an additional fee! (3000 JPY). Overnight - Kyoto Spend the morning relaxing or venture over to the Philosopher s path and explore the temples there. If you are all templed-out check out the International Manga Museum. This afternoon independently catch a train to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a major Shinto shrine complex in wooded hills. To get onto the beautiful hiking trails at the back of the complex we ll pass through corridors of thousands of bright red gates. Return to Kyoto for an evening at leisure. Overnight - Kyoto Day 10 : Kyoto to Hiroshima Kyoto Hiroshima. It s an early start to see one of the iconic images of Kyoto: the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji temple. Walk around the lake and prepare to be mesmerised by the shimmering golden reflection of the pavilion on the water. Then, it's time to discover your inner peace with a Buddhist monk taking us on a journey of tranquility in a city temple. This afternoon jump on a bike and cycle to the Imperial Palace. There are lots of beautiful buildings amidst the grounds and it the perfect final stop in this most magical of cities. This evening we head west on a bullet train to Hiroshima to continue the journey. Kyoto - Hiroshima (approx 2.5 hours) At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, we find out how this city came to suffer the consequences of the world s first atomic bomb, and how the city is now the standard bearer for a peaceful and nuclear-free world. This afternoon, after a short ferry trip to Miyajima Island we ll reach the Itsukushima Shrine. To avoid angering the gods on the island, the main temple buildings were built on stilts on the shores of the island. Pass through the corridors and look down at the ocean beneath our feet. Just offshore we will see an enormous torii gate standing in the sea. At low tide it can be reached on foot. Ascend the ropeway, through the forest, for marvelous, watery vistas of the visually stunning island. Overnight - Hiroshima Day 12 : Hiroshima to Osaka Hiroshima Osaka. Another bullet train will take us to Osaka, our final destination. We ll arrive in time for lunch in the Namba or Shinsaibashi area. After enjoying our fill of yakitori, Takoyaki, kushikatsu or whatever takes our fancy, it s a short train ride to Osaka Castle. We then have time to wander around the rampart walls that rise above the enormous moat, get lost in the park and then check out the nine-level donjon

4 Then it s time for shenanigans in Shinsaibashi and the Dotonbori riverfront. For the ultimate Japanese shopping experience, dive into the covered shopping arcade at Shinsaibashi. See who can be the Arcade Challenge champion before we then walk through Dotonbori and prepare to be blasted by neon. The eating, drinking, gaming and clubbing options around Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi are endless! Hiroshima - Osaka (approx 2.5 hours) Overnight - Osaka Day 13 : Osaka/Tokyo Our adventure comes to an end this morning. After hotel check-out it s time to catch the train to the airport. Or take the bullet train back to Tokyo to carry on your travels or head home. Airport transfers and additional nights accommodation can be arranged for an additional fee if you're not quite ready to go home. Osaka - Tokyo (approx 4 hours) Our partners This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers who booked through different operators, not solely On The Go. The sightseeing group may vary in size from 2 18 persons. Joining Arrangements Please note arrival transfers are not included and you will need to make your own way to the hostel on day 1 to meet your tour guide & group. Meeting Point: Tokyo House Inn Tokyo House Inn Hostel 1 Chome Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo , Japan Tel: (+81) Meeting Time: 10:00 Emergency contact: End This Tour in Tokyo You can opt to end your tour in Tokyo. On day 13 you will travel by train from Osaka to Tokyo, using your JR pass, where you will catch your connecting train or flight, or if you wish we can arrange a night s accommodation for an additional fee. Please note that you will be travelling unescorted on day 13 and will need to make your own way to/from the train station. If you would like to extend your stay and end your tour in Tokyo, please let us know at time of booking. A supplement applies. Accommodation The accommodation on this tour is mixed hostel dorm room accommodation. All rooms are clean, air-conditioned (or have fans) and offer internet and washing machines as well as bar and lounging facilities onsite. This accommodation is generally suited for travellers on a budget and looking to meet new people. There is an option to upgrade to private rooms for an additional fee. All accommodation is included from the arrival day until check out time on the final day of the tour however there is an option to extend your stay and book additional post night accommodation. Guides & Groups This is a semi-independent tour and you will travel from place to place unaccompanied on public transport and meet the local guide at each new destination that will conduct your sightseeing arrangements in this location. Our longest group tour in Japan is our Epic Japan Adventure 19 day tour. All other group tours that we offer are sectors of this larger tour. As such on your holiday you may have travellers join you part way through your tour or end their holiday when you continue on. Time keeping Punctuality is very important throughout the tour and you will usually be given a time to meet your tour leader and the rest of the group in reception. In the event that you miss the meeting time you will have to make your own way to where the group are, this will be at your own expense. Delays can occur on the trips, although they are rare we recommend you do not book onward travel too close to the end of the tour to allow time for delays. We take no responsibility for any missed flights or additional expenses if the group arrives late to the departure city. Food One of the best things about visiting any country is sampling its cuisine and during your stay in Japan you ll probably be wishing to do just that. Many Japanese restaurants specialise in one particular type of food. Sushi is of course the most famous dish, but Japanese food does not stop with raw fish; other specialities include teriyaki (marinated beef/chicken/fish seared on a hot plate), sukiyaki (thin slices of beef, bean curd and vegetables cooked in soy sauce and then dipped in egg), and tempura (deep fried sea-food and vegetables). If everything so far sounds a bit meat and fish orientated don't be alarmed - there are vegetarian options in Japan. Try the wonderful zaru soba (buck-wheat noodles served cold), a bowl of Udon (thicker noodles) in a mountain vegetable soup, tofu steak or a vegetable okonomiyaki (savoury pancake). If you are feeling adventurous you could try natto, this is a sticky and slightly smelly concoction made of fermented soya beans. If you want a more general selection, then the best place to go is an Izakaya (Japanese pub) where you will find an extensive and pretty cheap choice of food and drink. Izakaya often offer tabehodai or nomihodai - for a set price you get an hour or two to eat or drink as much as you like. Choosing exactly what to eat is made easier by well illustrated menus or plastic food displays at the doorway just point and see what you get. In major cities you will also find plenty of Western-style restaurants. Each region of Japan also has its own speciality foods, unique to or particularly famous in that one area of the country. These are nearly always made from locally produced ingredients. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - 4 -

5 Japan Country Guide Visas UK, AUS, NZ, USA and CAN passport holders do not require a visa at present to enter Japan for touristic purposes for a stay of up to 90 days. South African passport holders can obtain a visa prior to arrival for touristic purposes, for a stay of up to 90 days. A full passport with two full blank pages and at least 6 months validity beyond date of exit from Japan upon entrance is essential. Please check your personal visa requirements with your embassy if you are from another country. Water is safe to drink in all areas of Japan. Currency The official currency in Japan is Japanese Yen (JPY). Most major currencies can be exchanged at the airport. Please bring JPY with you from home or exchange your preferred currency to JPY at the airport. Traveller s cheques can be exchanged in major banks, larger hotels and some duty free shops. While credit cards are becoming increasingly popular in Japan, they are not commonly used for making purchases as in western countries so you are best to pay in cash where possible. Kyoto - Karaoke Evening inc Drinks JPY 2100 Tokyo - Bathhouse Entry JPY 460 Tokyo - Chanko Nabe Wrestlers Lunch & Sumo Performance JPY 10,900 Tokyo - Real-life Mario Kart Experience JPY 9500 Tokyo - Robot Show JPY 8000 Tokyo - Sumo Wrestlers Training Grounds Entrance JPY 8000 Please double-check all visa requirements with the Japan embassy at least one month before travel as the above is intended as a guide. Please Note: Visa information is subject to change. Contact your nearest Japanese Embassy for the most up to date information. Climate Weather conditions vary in Japan depending on location and time of year. Typically summers are hot and humid, whilst winters are significantly colder - especially in the mountains, with a dry climate and light snowfall. Spring and Autumn offer warm days and cool nights, making this a wonderful time to explore the highlights of Japan. June is considered the rainy season with hot and muggy weather. Temperatures do vary depending on the region, so be sure to check in advance when travelling to the far north or far south of Japan. Health While Japan is considered safe make sure you are up to date on routine vaccinations; it is also recommended to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Japanese B Encephalitis. Japan does have mosquitoes in the summer months, but Malaria is not a problem in Japan. If you are allergic to bites from mosquitoes please take appropriate precautions; anti-mosquito sprays and creams are widely available in Japan or you could bring your own from home. Avoid cash machines at banks as these do not normally accept foreign-issued cards. Instead use the Post Office cash machines from which you will be able to take out money using Visa cards, MasterCard, Cirrus or Maestro. Note that Post Offices may only be open during office hours Mon to Fri. Convenience store chain 7- Eleven will have ATMs in almost all of its stores which will accept most foreign-issued credit and debit cards. Japan is a mainly cash using country, so it is recommended to bring a healthy amount of cash with you to get started (around JPY 50,000), not USD or other currencies which are only easily changeable at the airport. While credit card usage is increasing, be prepared to use cash. Time & Voltage Time: Japan is 9 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings. Voltage: In Japan the standard voltage is different from other regions of the world at 100V, and power outlets accept a flat 2-pin plug (similar to North American outlets). To cover all bases, it is best to pack an international travel adaptor! OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Japan Kamakura - Surfboard rental (per day) JPY

Japan Explorer 13 Days Tokyo to Osaka/Tokyo

Japan Explorer 13 Days Tokyo to Osaka/Tokyo 13 Days Tokyo to Osaka/Tokyo SEMI INDEPENDENT: Discover the iconic sites of Japan s most famous cities and towns, starting in ultra-modern Tokyo to the culinary capital Osaka; marvel at the Great Buddha