Program specially designed for Toursmart Japan: 28 March 8 April 2019

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Lawrence Osborne
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Program specially designed for Toursmart Japan: 28 March 8 April 2019 Program: Tokyo Hakone Takayama Shirakawago Takayama Kanazawa Kyoto Hiroshima Miyajima Osaka Kobe Osaka Thu, 28 Mar Tokyo - Hotel

Keio Plaza Your accommodation in Tokyo is for 02 nights in Hotel including breakfast Fri, 29 Mar Tokyo - Hotel Keio Plaza (B/L/D) This morning, embark on a day tour of this bustling and energetic

1 Program specially designed for Toursmart Japan: 28 March 8 April 2019 Program: Tokyo Hakone Takayama Shirakawago Takayama Kanazawa Kyoto Hiroshima Miyajima Osaka Kobe Osaka Thu, 28 Mar Tokyo - Hotel Keio Plaza (D) Depart Auckland Airport on Air New Zealand Arrive in Tokyo On arrival at Tokyo Airport, after completing Immigration and Customs formalities, you will be met and transferred to Hotel Keio Plaza Your accommodation in Tokyo is for 02 nights in Hotel including breakfast Fri, 29 Mar Tokyo - Hotel Keio Plaza (B/L/D) This morning, embark on a day tour of this bustling and energetic city. Visit the Imperial Palace which is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, and the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks. Meiji Shrine is Tokyo s most famous shrine, dedicated to the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji, and the park that surrounds the shrine is a forest of some 120,000 trees of 365 different species. The shrine is a popular site for Japanese Weddings if you are lucky you may see a bride and groom dressed in traditional Shinto wedding attire.

Head to Asakusa and visit Sensoji the oldest temple in the city. Enter this 7th Century Buddhist temple by passing through the Thunder Gate, indicated by a massive red lantern.

Take in the atmosphere of the temple, and be sure to look up at the beautiful ceiling murals. Then trip down to Kappabashi Kitchen street for a full introduction to Japan s unique culinary scene.

2 Head to Asakusa and visit Sensoji the oldest temple in the city. Enter this 7th Century Buddhist temple by passing through the Thunder Gate, indicated by a massive red lantern. Walk along Nakamise Street, a centuries old souvenir street of 96 shop stalls, do some shopping for that perfect souvenir or pick up a local delicacy as there s plenty of scrumptious snacks too. Take in the atmosphere of the temple, and be sure to look up at the beautiful ceiling murals. Then trip down to Kappabashi Kitchen street for a full introduction to Japan s unique culinary scene. This fascinating street, between Ueno and Asakusa, is lined with shops devoted to all manner of kitchen appliances and restaurant wares. From the professional chef knives to plastic display foods and more, you ll find everything you need to set up your own Japanese restaurant with your new found skills. NOTE: Baggage will be transported separately from Tokyo to Takayama. Please arrange a small bag for 1 night in Hakone. Sat, 30 Mar Tokyo Hakone Hotel Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika (B/L/D) This day begins by your tour from Tokyo by gliding past Japanese scenery on the comfortable coach. Cruise up to Mount Fuji s 5th station, the entrance to the highest peak in Japan, and enjoy the view from an altitude of 2,300 metres. Then you ll head to the beautiful Hakone National Park and ride the Guinness World Recordsetting ropeway all the way up Mt. Owakudani, soaring over sulphurous fumes emanating from hot springs and rivers in this volcanic area. At the top, try the famous hardboiled egg, cooked at the source of the springs and add seven years to your life, according to local lore! Cruise on a majestic replica pirate ship across Ashinoko Lake, formed by a volcanic eruption over 3000 years ago! Keep an eye out for a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, but keep in mind that he is notoriously shy and needs a clear day to be seen in full splendour. Then, return to your accommodation. Your accommodation in Hakone is for 01 night in Hotel including breakfast This evening, change into your yukata, or lightweight kimono, for a sumptuous kaiseki dinner. Taste the refinement of Japanese heritage during this opulent multi-course meal, the epitome of Japanese cuisine. Sun, 31 Mar Hakone Takayama Hotel Hida Hotel Plaza (B/D) This morning, at an appointed time you will be collected from your Hotel and transferred to Hakone Station to board train to Takayama. (Grab a bento box at the station for lunch before getting on the train Pay directly) Depart from Hakone by train Arrive in Takayama

On arrival at Takayama Station, you will explore the town of Takayama on foot visiting one of the town s many sake breweries for a taste of the high quality local brew, before settling into your

Your accommodation in Takayama is for 02 nights in Hotel including breakfast Mon, 01 Apr Takayama Shirakawago Takayama Hotel Hida Hotel Plaza (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will meet your guide at your

3 On arrival at Takayama Station, you will explore the town of Takayama on foot visiting one of the town s many sake breweries for a taste of the high quality local brew, before settling into your ryokan for the night and enjoying a soak in your onsen. Your accommodation in Takayama is for 02 nights in Hotel including breakfast Mon, 01 Apr Takayama Shirakawago Takayama Hotel Hida Hotel Plaza (B/L/D) After breakfast, you will meet your guide at your hotel and take a stroll to the Miyagawa morning market on foot, where locals come to sell artisanal goods and fresh produce. Try some of the region s delicious fruit and vegetables. Mid-morning, take a half day tour to Shirakawago via a private vehicle, nestled in remote mountains along the Shogawa River Valley. Arrive in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit some of the centuries-old traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses up close. Designed to look like hands in prayer, these farmhouses can withstand heavy snowfalls in the winter and have spacious attics for cultivating silk worms. Make your way back to your hotel in Takayama. NOTE: Baggage will be transported separately from Takayama to Kyoto. Please arrange a small bag for 1 night in Kanazawa. Tue, 02 Apr Takayama Kanazawa Hotel ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa (B/D) This morning, at an appointed time you will be collected from your Hotel and transferred to Takayama Station to board train to Kanazawa via Toyama Depart from Takayama by train Arrive in Toyama On arrival at Toyama Station, please proceed to board connecting Bullet train to Kanazawa Depart from Toyama by Bullet train Arrive in Kanazawa Upon arrival at the Kanazawa Station, visit famous Omicho Market by a private vehicle and take a break for lunch on your own. Then visit the merchant district of Owaricho before heading to the Kanazawa Castle Park. Wander around the castle remains and then onto Kenrokuen, one of Japan s top three gardens. Finish up in the Higashi Chaya District, one of the three, well-preserved chaya districts in Kanazawa. A chaya, or tea house, is the traditional location where geishas entertain their guests with traditional song and dance. There s also a Hakuza, a shop selling Kanazawa s specialty - gold leaf products, with an inner tearoom covered with gold! Your accommodation in Kanazawa is for 01 night in Hotel including breakfast

Wed, 03 Apr Kanazawa Kyoto New Miyako Hotel (B/D) This morning, at an appointed time you will be collected from your Hotel and transferred to Kanazawa Station to board train to Kyoto (Grab a bento

by a private vehicle. For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan s first capital, and became the centre of power.

Start off your adventure in this historic area at the jawdropping Todaiji Temple, the world s largest wooden building.

4 Wed, 03 Apr Kanazawa Kyoto New Miyako Hotel (B/D) This morning, at an appointed time you will be collected from your Hotel and transferred to Kanazawa Station to board train to Kyoto (Grab a bento box at the station for lunch before getting on the train Pay directly) Depart from Kanazawa by bullet train Arrive in Kyoto Upon arrival, you will head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nara with by a private vehicle. For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan s first capital, and became the centre of power. Nara is home to some of the most impressive and ancient historical landmarks in the country. Start off your adventure in this historic area at the jawdropping Todaiji Temple, the world s largest wooden building. Enter the enormous wooden gateway, towering over 25 meters high and fashioned from 800 year old trees, passing the guardian king statues of the temple. Take in the stunning complex grounds, as you gaze upon this impressive structure. Next, head inside to see the world s largest bronze Buddha statue enveloped in a golden halo. Next, head off to Nara's most celebrated shrine, the bright and beautiful Kasuga Taisha. This grand Shinto shrine was established in 768 AD, when four deities were invited to live here. Kasuga Taisha is not only ancient, but architecturally stunning with bright vermillion buildings and halls surrounded by Nara s beautiful woods. Be sure to walk through the hallways which house hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshipers over the centuries. Now, before returning to Kyoto, take a wander through Nara Park. One of the oldest parks in Japan, over a thousand tamed yet wild deer freely roam its grounds. Considered in Shintoism to be sacred messengers of the gods, the deer are still protected as national treasures and they call this park home. Stroll through deer park as the locals call it, as you take in the quaint yet ancient charm of the grounds. Your accommodation in Kyoto is for 02 nights in Hotel including breakfast Thu, 04 Apr Kyoto Hotel New Miyako Hotel (B/L/D) Today, enjoy a tour of the former imperial capital with your guide by a private vehicle to visit some of its iconic World Heritage Sites. Travel to Nijo Castle, built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate. Observe the momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and chirping nightingale floors as you stroll through the palace grounds. Venture onwards to Ryoan-ji, the site of Japan's most famous rock garden. Get a glimpse of Zen Buddhist tradition as you gaze onto the precisely arranged stones. Sit back on the patio and consider the significance of this meditative spot, before you head to Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion. Originally a retirement villa for the Shogun, Kinkakuji is now a Buddhist temple and one of the most famous sights in all of Kyoto. In the afternoon, enjoy Cherry Blossom Dance a huge sakura-themed performance by the geisha and maiko of Kyoto with over 140 years of history.

Marvel at its unique architecture, built without the use of nails or any kind of joiners.

5 In the afternoon, enjoy a guided stroll in Kyoto s most charming district, Higashiyama. Begin with Kiyomizu Temple, taking in the incredible vistas of the city from the 13-meter high veranda jutting out from the main hall. Marvel at its unique architecture, built without the use of nails or any kind of joiners. Descend, and wander around Higashiyama s busy lanes, enjoying the array of quaint shops selling souvenirs including Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets and pickles. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant near your hotel. NOTE: Baggage will be transported separately from Kyoto to Osaka. Please arrange a small bag for 1 night in Hiroshima. Fri, 05 Apr Kyoto Hiroshima Hotel Ganvia Hiroshima (B/L/D) This early morning, at an appointed time you will be collected from your Hotel and transferred to Kyoto Station to board train to Hiroshima Depart from Kyoto by bullet train Arrive in Hiroshima Upon arrival, guide will take you to The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is located at the centre of Hiroshima City by a private vehicle. The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building served as a location to promote Hiroshima's industries. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standing, and remains so today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the A-Bomb Dome is a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past. Get a bird s eye view of the Peace Park from the new Orizuru Tower. On a clear day you can see all the way to Miyajima so both world heritage sites in Hiroshima can be viewed from here. **Note: The Peace Memorial Museum is currently undergoing renovations, during which only one of the museum's two buildings will be open to visitors and the number of exhibits will be reduced. The renovations are scheduled to be completed by spring 2019** Your accommodation in Hiroshima is for 01 night in Hotel including breakfast Sat, 06 Apr Hiroshima Miyajima Osaka Hotel Granvia Osaka (B/L/D) Miyajima Island is the popular name of Itsuku-shima Island, situated in Hatsukaichi City in southwestern Hiroshima. It is a scenic site in which the mountains, sea, and red shrine buildings blend together in harmony, and the entire island is designated as a historic site. Your day start with Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, located in Miyajima, Hatsukaichi City in southwestern Hiroshima, is a unique shrine that looks as if it is floating in the sea. It boasts of a solemn and gorgeous architectural beauty in the shinden-style, the palace style popular around the 10th century. The main shrine with its red pillars and white walls, along with the symbol of Miyajima, the O-torii Gate in the sea, create a wonderful contrast with the dark green woods and deep blue sea. It was inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage Site in After the tour, you will be transferred to Hiroshima Station to board train to Osaka

Depart from Hiroshima by bullet train Arrive in Osaka On arrival at Osaka train station, you will be transferred to Hotel Your accommodation in Osaka is for 02 nights in Hotel including breakfast

6 Depart from Hiroshima by bullet train Arrive in Osaka On arrival at Osaka train station, you will be transferred to Hotel Your accommodation in Osaka is for 02 nights in Hotel including breakfast Sun, 07 Apr Osaka Kobe Osaka Hotel Granvia Osaka (B/L/D) Today enjoy an excursion to Kobe. Kobe Harbor Land is a shopping and entertainment district in Kobe s port area, close to Kobe Station. The district offers a wide range of cafes, shops, restaurants, and amusements for all ages. Next to Kobe Harbor Land is the Meriken Park, where you can find the iconic Kobe Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kitano is a district in the northern part of the city, where many foreign merchants and diplomats settled after the port of Kobe was opened to foreign trade in the second half of the 19th century. The old western villas give this area an particular European atmosphere. Move back into the orient with a visit to Nankinmachi, the Chinatown of Kobe. This vibrant area was built and developed by Chinese merchants who resided near the port of Kobe and is famous for its shopping and dining district, which are packed with shops, restaurant and food stands. Next, head to the Nada district and choose among several sake breweries you can visit. At the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum you can learn about the sake brewing process and taste some sake at the museum shop. Before returning to Osaka, take the ropeway to Mt. Rokko Observatory, where you have stunning views over Kobe and Osaka Bay. Mon, 08 Apr Osaka (B) Today at an appointed time you will be collected from your Hotel and transferred to Kansai Airport to connect your onward flight Tues, 09 April Depart from Osaka by flight with Air New Zealand Arrive Auckland Airport ******** End of an Exotic program ********* Price Based on 16 passengers: Twin or Double Share $ per person Single Supplement $3, per person extra Premium and Business Class may not be available on all flights Airfare Upgrades subject to availability: Premium Economy price on request or Business price on request Meals mentioned above: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner All flight times mentioned above are local, subject to change by airlines without prior intimation. It is advisable to check the scheduled flight departure time at least 3 days prior to your travel. Please check with our ground operators locally to reconfirm your return travel schedule well in advance.

JAPAN BY TRAIN ESCORTED TOUR SEPTEMBER 2018 JAPAN BY RAIL 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY 日本へようこそ

JAPAN BY TRAIN ESCORTED TOUR SEPTEMBER 2018 JAPAN BY RAIL 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY 日本へようこそ JAPAN BY TRAIN ESCORTED TOUR 20 30 SEPTEMBER 2018 JAPAN BY RAIL 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY 日本へようこそ Nihon e yōkoso Welcome to Japan Over a period of many centuries, Japan has slowly developed from an ancient