Individual travel, group tours & excursions. Japan specialist since 1912

Transcription

1 Japan Individual travel, group tours & excursions Japan specialist since 1912

2 Mt. Fu ji CONTENTS Osak a ABOUT US 04 JAPAN 06 JAPAN RAIL PASS 08 EXCURSIONS 10 SELF-GUIDED TOURS Sapporo EXPLORE JAPAN BY RAIL 14 JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS 12 DAYS 15 JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS 16 DAYS 15 THE SEASONS 16 SPRING IN JAPAN 17 To kyo Aomori HOKKAIDO AUTUMN IN JAPAN 17 FAST AND ACTIVE 18 MODERN AND TRADITIONAL 19 CYCLE ON SHIKOKU 19 POP CULTURE 20 POP JAPAN! 21 Sendai KANSAI BANZAI! 21 OFF THE BEATEN TRACK 22 NORTH JAPAN (TOHOKU) 23 RUSTIC JAPAN 23 Kyot o Hiroshima Kanazawa Osaka Takayama Nagoya Mt. Fuji Nikko HONSHU KYUSHU 24 KYUSHU 11 DAYS 25 KYUSHU BY CAR 25 HOKKAIDO & OKINAWA 26 EXPLORE HOKKAIDO BY CAR 27 ISHIGAKI ISLAND, OKINAWA 27 WINTER SPORTS 28 NOZAWA ONSEN 29 Fukuoka Matsuyama ZAO 29 FURANO 29 Nagasaki Kumamoto GROUP TOURS SHIKOKU Nis eko ESSENTIAL JAPAN 33 CONTRASTS OF JAPAN 33 NORTH JAPAN END SAPPORO 35 NORTH JAPAN 35 OKINAWA KYUSHU WONDERS OF JAPAN 37 CENTRAL JAPAN 37 DISCOVER JAPAN 39 DISCOVER JAPAN COMPLETE 39 JAPAN TRAVEL 40 Okinawa Hi ros h im a Ni kko BOOKING CONDITIONS 42

3 JTB was founded in 1912 with the aim of inviting visitors to Japan from overseas and meeting their travel needs. Since that time, JTB has developed into a global specialist, not only for travel to Japan, but to various destinations. Now the JTB Group is a globally operating group with around 28,000 employees in 196 different companies. JTB itself has become the largest travel organisation in Asia. JTB provides travel services either directly or indirectly - for more than half of all holidays undertaken in Japan by overseas visitors. JTB s expertise in providing travellers with an unforgettable experience over and over again is entrusted to the thousands of professionals who specialize in their local markets. They form a bridge between Japan and travellers wordwide. ABOUT US Japanspecialist since 1912 Our Japan specialists are based in London. The team consists of both British and Japanese professionals with extensive knowledge about Japan. They have lived in the country and know it in depth, but also understand the needs and expectations of the UK traveller. This best of both worlds is part of the JTB mission to give every traveller a unique journey and to get acquainted with Japan s unique culture. JTB attaches great importance to long-term relationships with customers and business partners and always strives for the best result: Perfect moments, always! The Japan Tourist Bureau headquarters in source: Japan Travel Bureau Semicentennial History JTB Headquarters in

4 About Japan JAPAN Yokoso! Japan is a destination like no other the unique country not only leaves an unforgettable impression on who visit for the first time, but also ensures that people keep coming back. CENTURIES-OLD TRADITIONS AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY As an archipelago, Japan, with its centuries-old traditions, has developed its own culture, society and way of life. Art and religion show the clear influence of China and Korea, but have been refined and adapted to a unique Japanese pattern. This has ensured that daily activities such as writing, tea drinking and bathing, have become meaningful rituals for Japanese people - or even art forms. Japan is also a forerunner in technology and research in the field of robotics, infrastructure and consumer electronics. It is precisely this contrast between old traditions and modern life and technological development that makes Japan a unique destination. SEASONS Japan has very distinct and characteristic seasons. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit. And because the country extends so far from north to south there is a wide variation in climate and landscape, from the powder snow of the northern island of Hokkaido in winter, to the subtropical forests and beaches on Kyushu and Okinawa. JAPANESE CUISINE Japanese food is popular worldwide. But the real Japanese cuisine with fresh ingredients and the best regional specialties can only be tasted in the country itself. Japanese food is not limited to the well-known dishes like sushi, but comes in a whole variety from a bowl of noodles at a simple food stall to a luxurious set-course kaiseki menu in a five-star restaurant. HOSPITALITY Japan is a popular travel destination because the Japanese people offer a warm and hospitality welcome to visitors. Very often, locals who do not speak English will help overseas travellers by walking them all the way to where they want to go. This politeness and goodwill make Japan not only a pleasant country to visit but also one of the safest destinations in the world. ACCOMMODATION Most well-known international hotel chains have properties in Japan, and there are many Japanese hotel chains too, offering accommodation in western-style rooms. But a stay at a ryokan or Japanese inn is an experience not to be missed. Staying at a ryokan is a fascinating way to experience traditional Japanese culture and to escape from the hectic pace of daily life. Stay in a room with tatami mats and sleep on the futon mattress put out on the floor for you in the evening. Your accommodation usually includes Japanese dinner and breakfast. Japan has many areas famous for their onsen (natural hot springs); in those places, many ryokans have hot spring bathing facilities. 6 7

5 Japan Rail Pass JAPAN RAIL PASS Affordable and efficient travel through Japan! Unlimited train travel Cheaper than individual tickets Valid on the shinkansen The Japan Rail Pass is ideal for discovering Japan, using the country s efficient rail network. The nationwide rail pass offers unlimited travel on the Japan Rail (JR) network for 7, 14 or 21 days. Trains in Japan are safe, fast and always on time. Going by train is the most efficient way of travelling: the famous bullet train (shinkansen) connects all major cities and together with other express and local trains, provides a fast and reliable train service throughout the country. PRICE Single train ticket on the following route: Hiroshima Adult Ordinary class tickets 44,400 7-day Japan Rail Pass 29,110 DURATION CLASS PRICE 7 days 14 days 21 days REGIONAL PASSES Ordinary (2nd) class 29,110 Green (1st) class 38,880 Ordinary class 46,390 Green class 62,950 Ordinary class 59,350 Green class 81,870 The general Japan Rail Pass can be used on the JR network throughout Japan, but for a short stay in one of the local regions, a regional pass is a good option. JTB is an official point of sale for the full range of Regional Passes including the Kyushu, Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kansai Regional passes. CONVENIENT TO BUY, EASY TO USE The Japan Rail Pass is easy and quick to order online at japanspecialist.co.uk: we mail you the Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order by your chosen delivery method. Then take the Exchange Order to Japan and exchange it for the actual Rail Pass at one of the many Travel Service Centres around the country. See Japan by train! Buy online at: japanspecialist.co.uk/japan-rail-pass/ 8 9

6 Excursions EXCURSIONS See the sights For many years now, JTB s range of tours and excursions JTB Sunrise Tours have been one of the company s most successful products. Visit the most popular sights of Japan s major cities conveniently, by joining a group excursion with an English-speaking guide, transportation and entrance fees included. If you want to see the highlights but don t have much time, or you want to visit places which are difficult to reach as an individual traveller, JTB Sunrise tours offer the solution. Most excursions have pick up services from the major hotels in and. TOKYO FULL DAY A full-day excursion full of highlights such as Tower, a tea ceremony and a Japanesestyle lunch, Sumida River boat trip, downtown Asakusa, Ginza and the famous Nakamise shopping street. MT. FUJI & HAKONE FULL DAY Set off from by coach to the Fuji Hakone National Park, take the Mt Komagatake cable car for views of Mt Fuji, a cruise on Lake Ashi, and go up to the 5th station on Mt Fuji at an altitude of 2,300 metres. KYOTO & NARA FULL DAY While staying in, visit the historic sites of this former capital of the country, and nearby Nara: two traditional and elegant cities in a day. Visit imposing Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, the Imperial Palace and of course the famous Todaiji Temple and Nara Park. NIKKO FULL DAY The UNESCO World Heritage site of Nikko is located north of and is a well-known World Heritage site. The famous Toshogu Shrine stands in peaceful forests and mountains. TOKYO SUMO TOURNAMENT A sumo tournament takes place in three times a year (January, May, September). This ancient form of wrestling is deeply rooted in the Shinto religion, and holds a special place in Japanese culture. Visit with an English-speaking guide who is also a Sumo fan. BACK STREET CYCLING, KYOTO Cycle through the back streets of at a leisurely pace with an English-speaking guide, and discover a new side of the city that can t be seen on coach tours or walking tours. Enjoy sightseeing in traditional areas of the city including Miyagawacho and Gion, which are steeped in the traditional atmosphere of. View our full range at japanspecialist.co.uk/excursions/ or call us to find out more. Cycling Tour Project

7 SELF-GUIDED TOURS Our individual trips are specially made for the independent traveller who wants to enjoy Japan at their own pace. The itineraries have already been researched, so there is more time for you to discover, enjoy and experience without having to think about the basics. We take care of the accommodation, transportation such as the Japan Rail Pass, air tickets and excursions and you take the time to discover Japan! Be inspired by our suggestions for each destination and create your own journey. Before you travel, you will receive a detailed itinerary, useful tips and information about the region you are visiting. We specialize in customization, so if you want to modify our tour suggestion to suit your interests or budget, we can tailor-make your trip. Extension with extra nights in? Excursion in Takayama? Sumo tickets? No problem. All these extras make your Japan trip unique. Full or partial arrangements Customisation and expert advice Detailed travel schedule and useful tips EXPLORE JAPAN BY RAIL 14 JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS 12 DAYS 15 JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS 16 DAYS 15 THE SEASONS 16 SPRING IN JAPAN 17 AUTUMN IN JAPAN 17 FAST AND ACTIVE 18 MODERN AND TRADITIONAL 19 CYCLE ON SHIKOKU 19 POP CULTURE 20 POP JAPAN! 21 KANSAI BANZAI! 21 OFF THE BEATEN TRACK 22 NORTH JAPAN (TOHOKU) 23 RUSTIC JAPAN 23 KYUSHU 24 KYUSHU 11 DAYS 25 KYUSHU BY CAR 25 HOKKAIDO & OKINAWA 26 EXPORE HOKKAIDO BY CAR 27 ISHIGAKI ISLAND, OKINAWA 27 WINTER SPORTS 28 NOZAWA ONSEN 29 ZAO 29 FURANO 29 See our suggestions and details on our website: japanspecialist.co.uk/bespoke-japan-tours/ 12 13

8 Individual tours EXPLORE JAPAN BY RAIL Japan highlights 12 days from 1,069 pp Japan highlights 16 days from 1,679 pp Travel more, see more There is nothing like travelling by train in Japan. The Japan Rail network is extensive, efficient, safe and takes you to every destination in the country. Above all, the Bullet train or shinkansen is Japan s national pride and whisks you around the country safely and punctually at speeds of up to 200 mph. Hiroshima Miyajima Tsumago Osaka Matsumoto Nagasaki Hiroshima Miyajima Nara Osaka Kumamoto Kakunodate Hakone Nyuto Onsen Sendai Relax in a comfortable seat and enjoy the varied landscape as you travel to your next destination. Shinkansen trains differ in appearance according to the route, and even have different names such as Hikari (light), Tsubasa (wing), Yamabiko (echo) or Hibiki (sound) - based on natural phenomena. Specialist tips! The short ferry crossing from Miyajima-guchi to the island of Miyajima is covered by the Rail Pass! This 12-day trip will introduce you to all the highlights from to Hiroshima. Use the Japan Rail Pass, and experience Japan s famous Bullet train. Stay in Japan s major cities but also the smaller towns of Matsumoto and Tsumago on the Nakasendo trail. 1. Arrive Matsumoto 4. Tsumago (stay in a ryokan) 5. Tsumago Hiroshima 10. Hiroshima / Miyajima 11. Osaka (KIX Airport hotel) 12. Depart Includes: 11 nights accommodation with breakfast, incl. 2 nights at ryokan (Japanese inn) with dinner and breakfast, 14-day Japan Rail Pass, travel details and extra information. Excludes: flights, tours & personal expenses package/japan-highlights-12-days/ Stay longer in Japan and explore further, visiting the north as well as the south of the country. Besides popular destinations such as, and Hiroshima, visit lesser- known areas such as Akita and Sendai. These regions of northern Honshu are off the beaten track and often overlooked, but well worth the trip. Immerse yourself in Japan. 1. Arrive 2. Sendai 3. Sendai 4. Nyuto Onsen (stay in a ryokan) 5. Kakunodate 6. Hakone 7. Hakone / Nara Hiroshima 12. Hiroshima / Miyajima 13. Nagasaki 14. Kumamoto 15. Osaka (KIX Airport hotel) 16. Depart Includes: 15 nights accommodation with breakfast, incl.1 night at ryokan (Japanese inn) with dinner and breakfast, 14-day Japan Rail Pass, travel details and extra information Excludes: flights, tours & personal expenses package/japan-highlights-16-days/ Japan Rail Pass The Japan Rail Pass is a cost-effective rail pass for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. You can travel unlimited on almost all Japan Rail train services. Long-distance rail journeys can be very expensive especially for overseas visitors but saving money has never been easier. You can use the Shinkansen, local trains or even the famous Yamanote Loop Line in. Seat reservations are free with the Japan Rail Pass. Japanese perfection The secret of Japanese train punctuality is partly the technology, and partly the human factor. Average annual delays of the Shinkansen is a stunning 30 seconds! Due to the expertise and dedication of the train staff, intervals in the services are pared down to milliseconds. You can set your watch by them. It is a remarkable fact that the trains are cleaned within 10 minutes. Inspectors and technical teams check the trains daily. The Tokaido-shinkansen has had no fatal accidents in the last 50 years of operation

9 Individual tours THE SEASONS Nature s changes Spring in Japan 18 days from 1,898 pp Autumn in Japan 18 days from 1,992 pp Japan is a vast island country with very distinct seasons and climates: winters in the northern island of Hokkaido are extremely cold, while the islands of Okinawa have a sub-tropical climate. The main island of Honshu lies between these two extremes and therefore enjoys the changes brought by every season. The clear skies of winter are ideal for viewing colourful temples in the snow. Summer brings the sound of cicadas, and local people enjoy a variety of festivals up and down the country, many with fireworks. But spring and autumn show nature s changes in ways the Japanese themselves appreciate most: in March and April the trees in parks and gardens are full of blossom, while in October and November, the forests and woodland show their rich autumn colours. Sakura Sakura or cherry blossom is the symbol of spring and is a real event in Japan. The blossom has a special place in Japanese society, because their short flowering symbolizes the fragility, mortality and beauty of life. Sakura is a real Japanese phenomenon and is not forgotten in the face of commercialism, modern life and pop culture. Momiji Specialist tips! Matcha or green tea is the product of autumn. Almost everything is available with a matcha taste: ice cream, bapao sandwiches, pastries etc. What sakura is to spring, momiji (leaves changing colour) is to autumn. During the autumn months the Japanese landscape takes on a palette of red, orange and yellow. Viewing the leaves changing to their autumn colours has been a popular pastime for centuries, and countless travellers go to the most famous spots in the mountains or towns. The autumn begins mid-september in Hokkaido and travels south until the end of November. Fukuoka Hiroshima Miyajima Kanazawa Shirakawago Takayama Tsumago Magome This trip is ideal from the end of March until May. The spring is a great time to travel in Japan because of the pleasant temperatures - and the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossom that flowers from March until April (actual time differs in various parts of the country.) 1. Arrive Hakone with the Hakone Free Pass 5. Hakone 6. Tsumago 7. Tsumago / Magome, the old merchants route 8. Takayama 9. Takayama 10. Kanazawa 11. Kanazawa / Shirakawa-go Hiroshima 16. Hiroshima / Miyajima 17. Fukuoka 18. Depart Includes: 15 nights accommodation with breakfast, 2 nights in Japanese ryokan incl. dinner and breakfast (in Tsumago), 14-day Japan Rail Pass 2nd class, Hakone Free Pass (3 days), bus transfer Narita Airport, detailed itinerary, extra information. Excludes: flights, tours, personal expenses Hakone package/spring-in-japan/ Hiroshima Miyajima Kanazawa Osaka Takayama Shirakawago Take this trip anytime from late September to November to enjoy seeing Japan s woodland flushed with the rich colours of autumn. Of course, the trip is also beautiful during other periods. 1. Arrive Hakone with the Hakone Free Pass 5. Hakone 6. Matsumoto 7. Matsumoto 8. Takayama 9. Takayama / Shirakawa-go 10. Kanazawa 11. Kanazawa Hiroshima 16. Hiroshima 17. Osaka 18. Depart Includes: 15 nights accommodation with breakfast, 2 nights in Japanese ryokan incl. dinner and breakfast (in Takayama), 14-day Japan Rail Pass 2nd class, bus ticket Matsumoto-Takayama, detailed itinerary, extra information. Excludes: flights, tours, personal expenses More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/ tour_package/autumn-in-japan/ Matsumoto Hakone

10 Individual tours FAST AND ACTIVE Land of contrasts Modern & traditional 10 days from 1,038 pp Cycle on Shikoku 4 days from 295 pp If your time is limited, take an itinerary which covers the must see places.our Modern & Traditional trip covers the essentials highlighting Japan s unique contrast of old and new. Japan is the country par excellence when it comes to contrasts: in downtown small red shinto shrines nestle between skyscrapers, Buddhist monks ride scooters and kimono-clad ladies check their mobile phones on the metro. On a clear day you can see Mt. Fuji from Tower, in the centre of the city. Take the ultra-modern Bullet train to the historic city of Hiroshima and see the red gate of the Itsukushima Shrine standing in the sea. Specialist tips! Mt. Fuji can only be climbed during the months of July and August. During other months, travel to the 5th station of the mountain, at an altitude of around 2,300 metres. Nara Shirakawago Hakone Stay in the bustling metropolis of, with its buzzing entertainment areas, department stores and districts which each have their own unique character. Find peace and quiet in Hakone - a hot spring paradise and stay the night in a ryokan or traditional Japanese inn. Explore and visit nearby Nara, to see the historic temples and shrines and gardens of these former imperial capitals which have been beautifully preserved. 1. Arrive Hakone with Hakone Free Pass 6. Hakone 7. by shinkansen / Nara 10. Depart Includes: 9 nights accommodation with breakfast, 2 nights in a Japanese ryokan incl. dinner and breakfast, Hakone Free Pass (3 days, bus transfer Narita Airport, bus transfer Kansai Airport, Shinkansen ticket Odawara, detailed itinerary, extra information. Miyajima Hiroshima Matsuyama Ikuchi island Extend your Japan adventure with this bike trip. Travel from historic Hiroshima to Onomichi town, the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido Cycle Route (60 km). Spend the night halfway on Ikuchi Island in a traditional ryokan. Finish the cycling route the next day at Imabari, a castle town on the island of Shikoku. Then travel on to Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen - the oldest thermal spring in Japan. A ferry will take you back to Hiroshima the next day. 1. Hiroshima / Miyajima 2. Cycle tour / overnight on Ikuchi Island 3. Matsuyama 4. Ferry to Hiroshima Includes: 3 nights accommodation with breakfast (Ikuchi Island in a Japanese ryokan incl. dinner), ferry Matsuyama - Hiroshima Excludes: flights, tours, personal expenses, cycle hire (approx. 12 per day) and tolls (approx. 1.70). More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/ tour_package/cycle-on-shikoku/ Mt. Fuji and Hakone Mt. Fuji is a symmetrical cone-shaped volcano, and at a height of 3776 metres is the icon of Japan. For centuries the volcano has been an inspiration for artists, painters and writers, and is now inseparable from Japanese culture. You can enjoy Fuji-san in many ways: from the window of a bullet train, while enjoying a hot spring bath, or of course by standing on the mountain itself. Nearby Mt. Fuji is Hakone - part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park - famous for its hot springs, nature and views around Lake Ashi. Hakone is the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of. Cycling enthusiasts For an active sporting choice in your exploration of Japan, try the Shimanami Kaido: a 60 km-long way which connects the main island of Honshu with Shikoku bridging six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The road starts in historic Hiroshima and ends in the countryside of Shikoku. The route has spectacular views and is designed with cyclists in mind: the dedicated cycle path is well maintained, and cycle rental is possible on the spot. Excludes: flights, tours, personal expenses package/modern-and-traditional

11 Individual tours POP CULTURE Japanimation! POP Japan! 8 days from 639 pp Kansai BANZAI! 9 days Price on request Everyone knows Japan as the birthplace of anime, manga and video games. Classics such as Sailor Moon, Dragonball, Pokémon, Hello Kitty or Nintendo are popular worldwide. Japan could be said to be the birthplace of this kind of pop culture. The origins of comic strips or manga go back to 1900 when the manga illustration industry emerged. Manga are now Japanese style comics or graphic novels with different themes, for all ages, available all over Japan. Associated with manga are animated films (anime): think of the famous My Neighbor Totoro or Spirited Away from Studio Ghibli. Manga cafés & shopping Emily Lauren In a manga café (manga kissa), visitors can enjoy a drink and read the adventures of their favourite characters. The cafés also have private rooms where you can read in peace and quiet. Manga kissa can be found near train stations and they are often combined with internet cafés - where you can even stay all night for example, if you ve missed the last train. You can buy Japanese manga in most newsagents and bookshops but particularly at Denden Town (Osaka) and Akihabara in. Also see Nakano Broadway (anime specialty store), Pokemon Centers, the Ghibli Museum in and the International Manga Museum. Maid conventions & vistors Bureau Specialist tips! Visit a mandarake (secondhand manga and book shop). You can even get a complete series for about 10! As the name suggests, Maid Cafes are themed cafés where the waitresses are dressed like French maids. They serve cute snacks and drinks, chat and play cards or video games with customers. Maid cafes are fantasy places where fans of manga, anime and cosplay can experience the unique quirkiness of Japan s contemporary culture. Akihabara is the place to be! Osaka Nara is the heart of Japan s contemporary culture, with maid cafes, stores such as Don Qixote, and specialist shopping areas like Takeshita Dori for fashion, or Akihabara for gaming and electronics. is the treasurehouse of Japan and home of the International Manga Museum. Combine the two cities and enjoy manga and anime. 1. Arrive Nara / Osaka 8. Depart Includes: 6 nights accommodation with breakfast, shinkansen ticket -, 4-day Kansai Area Pass, detailed itinerary, extra information. Excludes: flights, tours, personal expenses package/pop-japan/ Osaka / Arashiyama Mt Koya The Kansai region, in central Japan, boasts a concentration of places to see., the cultural capital and known for its countless temples, shrines, geisha district of Gion, green matcha tea and the Inari shrine with its thousands of red torii gates; Nara with the largest buddha statue in Japan, and the deer park; Himeji Castle; Kobe and Osaka, both paradises for shopping, eating and entertainment; and Mt.Koya with its tranquil temple village. 1. Arrive / Arashiyama 5. Osaka 6. Osaka 7. Mt.Koya (overnight stay at temple) 8. Osaka 9. Depart Includes: 7 nights accommodation with breakfast, 1 night in a shukubo (monk s lodging) with vegetarian dinner and breakfast, bus transfer from/to Kansai Airport, Kansai Area Pass, detailed itinerary, extra information. Excludes: flights, tours, personal expenses package/kansai-banzai/

12 Individual tours OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Northeast Japan (Tohoku) & Shikoku The northeast of the main island of Honshu and the island of Shikoku in the south are relatively unknown, but worth discovering by the traveller who wants to see more of Japan. Tohoku is a beautiful region with vast countryside, tranquil lakes, hot springs, rice paddies and mountains, but also countless surprises. Mountains where hermits practice endurance to the elements, mystical snow monsters, temples carved into cliffs and even a volcanic landscape that is so unique that it is called the gateway to Buddhist hell. Shikoku shares this mysticism and is the basis of the Pilgrimage of 88 Temples where participants walk the trail between temples. In the middle of the island lies the Iya Valley full of ravines, flowing rivers and suspension bridges. Shikoku also houses the oldest bathhouse and Kabuki theatre in Japan. Shinto & Buddhism Shinto is Japan s oldest natural religion and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and traditions. The Shinto gods or kami are present everywhere, in the elements, mountains, trees, rivers and objects. They are worshipped in shrines recognised by their bright red gates and massive rope knots and at festivals. The Japanese visit shrines to pray for success, prosperity, health and happiness. Shinto and Buddhism exist side by side. Buddhism has been present in Japan since the 6th century and can be recognized by its temples, Zen gardens, altars and festivals. Mt. Koya Specialist tips! On a small budget, but want to see a lot? Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are often large complexes and require little or no entrance fees. The mystical Mt. Koya is located south of Osaka. It is the centre of Shingon Buddhism, and houses a remote temple village. The mountain is one of the best places in Japan for a temple stay. Experience the lifestyle of monks with their vegetarian cuisine, and join in morning prayer. Around fifty temples offer simple accommodation to travellers and pilgrims. North Japan (Tohoku) 16 days from 1,669 pp Kanazawa Osaka Nara Sado Kakunodate Nyuto Onsen Nikko Explore the northeast of Japan off the beaten track, and discover the untouched nature and beauty of this region. View waterfalls in Nikko, mountain temples in Yamagata, Sado Island, Kanazawa with its famous castle and traditional garden, and. 1. Arrive Nikko / Nikko National Park 4. Nikko and the Chuzenji Falls 5. Sendai / Matsushima 6. Sendai / Yamadera 7. Hiraizumi 8. Nyuto Onsen 9. Kakunodate 10. Niigata / Sado 11. Niigata / Sado 12. Kanazawa / Nara 16. Depart from Osaka Includes: 12 nights accommodation with breakfast, 3 nights in a Japanese ryokan incl. dinner and breakfast (Nyuto Onsen and Sado Island), 14-day Japan Rail Pass Ordinary class, return hydrofoil ferry between Niigata and Sado Island, detailed itinerary, extra information Excludes: flights, tours, personal expenses Hiraizumi Sendai package/north-japan/ Rustic Japan 13 days from 1,189 pp Hiroshima Matsuyama Naoshima Osaka Kobe Takamatsu Kotohira Tokushima Shikoku offers something different from Japan s other islands: an ancient Buddhist pilgrimage, original castles, rustic rural life, untouched villages and a scattering of small islands in Japan s Inland Sea. 1. Arrive Osaka / Kobe 2. Tokushima by bus 3. Takamatsu / Ritsurin Garden 4. Takamatsu / Naoshima Art Island 5. Kotohira / Iya Valley 6. Matsuyama 7. Matsuyama 8. Hiroshima by ferry / Nara 11. Mt. Koya / temple stay 12. Osaka 13. Depart from Osaka Includes: 9 nights accommodation with breakfast, 2 nights in a Japanese ryokan incl.dinner and breakfast (Matsuyama) and Mt. Koya temple stay incl. dinner and breakfast, 7-day Japan Rail Pass 2nd class, shuttlebus transfer Osaka Kobe, ferry ticket Matsuyama Hiroshima, detailed itinerary, extra information. Excludes: flights, tours, personal expenses Mt. Koya package/rustic-japan/ Nara 22 JNTO 23

13 Individual tours KYUSHU The Land of Fire Kyushu 11 days from 1,297 pp JNTO Kyushu by car 16 days from 1,849 pp Kyushu is Japan s main southern island, with an area about the size of the Netherlands. Although Japan has many volcanoes, Kyushu is truly the country s Land of Fire because of its active yet accessible volcanoes, and countless hot springs. Kyushu was an important trading gateway between Japan, Asia and a limited number of European countries such as the Netherlands. In addition to techniques in, for example, rice cultivation, ceramics, medicine and linguistics, the regional cuisine is also influenced by this contact with foreign countries. Hakata ramen (noodles in a creamy broth), mentaiko (spicy fish chicken marinated in peppers), chicken nanban (fried chicken covered in sweet vinegar and tartar sauce) and castella (Japanese sponge cake) are delicious examples of Kyushu s mixed cuisine! Taste these dishes in lively cities like Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Kumamoto and feel the natural warmth of Japan s beautiful south. Volcanoes Kyushu is characterized by a series of caldera volcanoes. The most famous are Mt.Aso, near Kumamoto - which actually consists of five volcanic peaks and Mt. Nakadake, for short walking day trips. On the southern coast, the magnificent stratovolcano of Sakurajima overlooks the nearby city of Kagoshima. Adventurous travelers who want a close-up of the volcano will not be disappointed. It is too dangerous to climb around the crater, but there are many vantage points within two hours walking distance. To the east of Nagasaki is Mt. Unzen, surrounded by a beautiful nature park. Visitors can take in a walk through the fascinating volcanic surroundings, and then relax at the hot springs. Onsen Specialist tips! On top of mountain Mt. Inasa in Nagasaki is the Fuku no Yu bathhouse. Sitting in the outdoor pool you have a breathtaking view over Nagasaki - one of Japan s million dollar views! Free shuttle buses go to the bathhouse and it takes only 20 minutes! JNTO A visit to an onsen (natural hot spring) is a must in Japan. Each region has its own collection of hot springs. The minerals in the water - as well as having healing properties have a relaxing effect on body and mind. Onsen can be found in public bathhouses, ryokans or even out in the unspoilt nature of Kyushu. Beppu in the northeast of Kyushu is Japan s onsen capital because of the large volumes of hot water welling up naturally from the springs. Beppu s so-called hells are famous, with water too hot for bathing, but suitable for boiling eggs!. Near Beppu is Yufuin, an onsen town with a unique atmosphere. Other onsen gems on Kyushu are Kurokawa, Unzen, Kirishima and Ibusuki. Nagasaki Kumamoto Kagoshima Ibusuki Fukuoka Beppu Yufuin Mt. Aso Visit all the highlights of Japan s southern island with the Kyushu Rail Pass. Start in the lively shopping capital of Fukuoka. Visit historic Nagasaki and Kumamoto. Admire Sakurajima from the coast of Kagoshima and try the beach sauna in Ibusuki. Explore the active volcano of Mt. Aso and enjoy the hot springs in Yufuin. Complete the circle by returning to Fukuoka. 1. Arrive Fukuoka 2. Fukuoka 3. Nagasaki Peace Park / atom bomb museum 4. Nagasaki Dejima / Glover Park 5. Kumamoto / Kumamoto Castle 6. Kagoshima / Sakurajima 7. Ibusuki / beachsauna 8. Mt. Aso 9. Yufuin 10. Beppu 11. Return to Fukuoka Includes: 7 nights accommodation with breakfast, 3 nights in Japanese ryokan incl. dinner and breakfast, 2 5-day Kyushu Rail Pass, detailed itinerary, extra information. Excludes: flights, tours, personal expenses package/kyushu/ Nagasaki Kumamoto Kagoshima Fukuoka Yabakei Kurokawa Onsen Takachiho Miyazaki Discover the unspoilt countryside of Kyushu with your own hire car. Explore by yourself - supported by our information and suggestions, and an English speaking in-car Satnav - the most beautiful areas that are difficult to reach by public transport. The roads are not busy: freedom, peace and nature are yours to enjoy on this journey. 1. Arrive Fukuoka 2. Fukuoka 3. Pick up hire car / Yabakei 4. Kurokawa Onsen 5. Kurokawa Onsen / Mt. Aso 6. Takachiho 7. Takachiho Gorge 8. Miyazaki 9. Miyazaki / Aoshima and Kirishima National Park 10. Kagoshima 11. Kagoshima / Sakurajima(volcano) and the sand saunas of Ibusuki 12. Kumamoto 13. Nagasaki 14. Nagasaki 15. Fukuoka 16. Return hire car at Fukuoka Includes: 12 nights accommodation with breakfast, 3 nights in Japanese ryokan incl. dinner and breakfast (Yabakei and Kurokawa Onsen), hire car (Toyota Corolla or similar) with English Satnav, detailed itinerary, extra information. Excludes: flights, tours, personal expenses package/kyushu-by-car/

14 Individual tours HOKKAIDO & OKINAWA Fire & Ice The main islands of Japan lie between two extreme climates: subarctic Hokkaido in the north and the subtropical archipelago of Okinawa in the south. Hokkaido is popular with nature lovers, winter sports enthusiasts and hikers because of the large areas of nature reserves, flower fields, volcanoes, caldera lakes, hot springs and powder snow. Although extremely cold in winter, Hokkaido has pleasant summers, ideal for exploring this natural wilderness. In the far south, the Okinawa islands have a subtropical climate, coral reefs and beaches, and are a popular destination for both domestic and foreign travellers. Formerly the Ryukyu kingdom, this group of islands shows the influences from Korea and China which are reflected in the local cuisine, customs, art and language. Okinawa has a strong culture of its own that is different from the rest of Japan. Ancient cultures Both islands have their own indigenous cultures: the Ainu in Hokkaido worship nature, and their beliefs and lifestyle are close to the natural world, an ecological life. Their way of life concentrates on the use of nature, and this is reflected on their clothing of natural materials. The Ryukyu culture of Okinawa shows influences of Korea and China as well as of mainland Japan. Traditional costumes are brightly coloured and local performing arts include the lion dance and other musical performances. The cuisine is a mix of local vegetables, tofu, pork, special buckwheat noodles and Okinawa-style tacos. Wildlife Specialist tips! From the port of Naha (capital of Okinawa), ferries leave almost daily to (uninhabited) islands in the neighbourhood. A gem is Zamami - with idyllic beaches and a whale viewing point. The landscape of Hokkaido offers ideal habitats for brown bears, owls, foxes, deer, falcons and majestic cranes. Many of the animal species are endangered, and can only be seen and admired in the national parks and nature reserves of Hokkaido. The snorkeling paradise of Okinawa and its waters are home to whales, turtles, spider crabs and beautiful coral reefs. Explore Hokkaido by car 8 days from 965 pp Sapporo Sounkyou Shiretoko Kushiro Areas of stunning natural beauty to explore are Daisetsuzan National Park, the remote Shiretoko-Hanto peninsula, Kushiro Marshland the home of redcrowned cranes - and Shikotsu-Toya National Park with its volcanoes and lakes. There are also a lot of hot springs with the opportunity to relax and enjoy bathing Japanese-style. Explore by yourself - supported by an English speaking in-car Satnav - the most beautiful areas that are difficult to reach by public transport. 1. Arrive Sapporo 2. Sapporo 3. Sounkyou 4. Sounkyou / Daizetsu National Park 5. Shiretoko 6. Shiretoko 7. Kushiro Shitsugen National Park 8. Return Includes: 7 nights accommodation with breakfast, hire car (Toyota Corolla or similar) with English Satnav, detailed itinerary, extra information. Excludes: international and domestic flights, tours, personal expenses package/hokkaido/ Ishigaki Island, Okinawa 5 days from 809 pp Ishigaki Naha Okinawa The best choice for an extension to your Japan trip. The Okinawa island archipelago is a subtropical paradise where you can enjoy beach life, luxury and relaxation. There are many possibilities for snorkeling, scuba diving, health and spa facilities. Reach Ishigaki on a short domestic flight from Okinawa (Naha). 1. Flight Okinawa Ishigaki 2-4. Ishigaki Island 5. Flight Ishigaki - Okinawa Includes: 4 nights accommodation at Fusaki Resort, Ishigaki with breakfast. Domestic return flight between Naha and Ishigaki Excludes: international flights, tours, personal expenses, transport on Ishigaki package/okinawa/

15 Winter sports WINTER SPORTS The major winter sports resorts in Hokkaido have been popular with the Australian market for several years, so English is spoken at many hotels, restaurant and ski shops. They can be reached by domestic flight from or Osaka to Hokkaido s gateway city of Sapporo, and regular coach services to the the resort areas. The ski towns of the Japan Alps have the advantage of being on Japan s main island of Honshu, with easy access from by train. Here we suggest three sample packages, to both Hokkaido and Honshu. Japan s powder snow is second to none. Enjoy Japan s snow! With its reliable falls of powder snow December March, Japan offers great opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. Equiment hire is readily available in the resorts, and hotels in certain areas have hot spring bathing facilities too. Nozawa Onsen 8 days from 928 pp Zao 8 days from 1,080 pp Furano 8 days from 999 pp Furano Nozawa Onsen Zao Onsen 1. Arrive Haneda, train to Nagano, and local bus to Nozawa Onsen 2-5. Enjoy winter sports in Nozawa Onsen 6. Transfer by coach and train to Depart Includes: 7 nights accommodation incl. breakfast, JR East pass (5 days flexi), transfer by airport limousine bus Haneda Airport return, ski pass 5 days. Excludes: flights, travel insurance, personal expenses More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/ tour_package/nozawa/ 1. Arrive Haneda, train to Yamagata, and local bus to Zao Onsen 2-5. Enjoy winter sports in Zao Onsen 6. Transfer by coach and train to Depart Includes: 7 nights accommodation incl. breakfast, JR East pass (5 days flexi), transfer by airport limousine bus Haneda Airport return, ski pass 5 days. Excludes: flights, travel insurance, personal expenses More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/ tour_package/zao/ 1. Domestic flight Haneda to Asahikawa Airport, Hokkaido Resort Liner to Furano 2-5. Enjoy winter sports at Furano 6. Hokkaido Resort Liner to Asahikawa Airport for domestic flight to Haneda Depart Includes: Includes: 7 nights accommodation incl. breakfast, return transfer Haneda Airport, return transfer Asahikawa Airport Furano by Hokkaido Resort Liner, domestic flight Haneda Asahikawa return, ski pass 5 days. Excludes: flights, travel insurance, personal expenses More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/ tour_package/furano/

16 GROUP TOURS Complete escorted group tours 4-star hotels Guaranteed departures Combinable tour modules Book individually International group Our group tours are specially made for the traveller who likes to feels that the journey is taken care of down to the last detail. Finding out for yourself how you get from A to B, where you will eat that evening or get entrance tickets - in an unfamiliar language - are things of the past. Take a seat in a comfortable coach and enjoy the Japanese landscape passing by: the whole journey is organized for you. Our group tours offer 10 unique routes all over Japan and more than 1500 departures have been operated since the start of the programme. The carefully-planned routes are unique and flexible. Travelling by coach means that you can stop off at authentic villages, breathtaking views and places which are hard to reach by public transport. So you get not only the highlights, but also the hidden treasures of Japan. Every day is special, with varying combinations of cultural attractions, interesting excursions, leisure time and of course lunch and/ or dinner so you can enjoy Japanese cuisine. The best part is that you can decide in advance whether you want to follow the whole route, or just a part (it is even possible to join for just one day!). Meet an international travel group and get to know travellers from other countries, led by English-speaking tour guides. All trips have guaranteed departure! So you don t have to wait to see if the group reaches the minimum size. And there are departures all year round. Combine your full or partial group tour with your own individual journey, however it suits you best. Do you want to join the group tour as soon as you arrive in Japan? A private transfer can be arranged for you from the airport on arrival. Travelling alone? No problem! You have the option of a single room, or choose to share a room with another group member of the same gender. Children, travellers over 65, repeaters or honeymooners receive a discount. For advice on which route best suits your needs, please contact one of our travel consultants without obligation or see details on our website: japanspecialist.co.uk/group-tours/ These group tours are operated by Europamundo, a member of the JTB Group. For specific conditions of Europamundo group tours, please see japanspecialist.co.uk/group-tours/ europamundo-conditions ESSENTIAL JAPAN 33 CONTRASTS OF JAPAN 33 NORTH JAPAN END SAPPORO 35 NORTH JAPAN 35 WONDERS OF JAPAN 37 CENTRAL JAPAN 37 DISCOVER JAPAN 13 DAYS 39 DISCOVER JAPAN 15 DAYS

17 Group tours SHORT & SWEET, & MODERN AND TRADITIONAL JAPAN GROUP TOURS Essential Japan 7 days 1,485 pp (twin) 455 (single) Nagoya Nara Osaka Mt.Fuji Contrasts of Japan 9 days 1,945 pp (twin), 599 (single) Hiroshima Miyajima Himeji Okayama Kuarashiki Nara/ Osaka Nagoya Mt.Fuji : Shibuya crossing Hiroshima: Miyajima Specialist tips! Take a seat in a famous café in a bookshop at the Shibuya Crossing. If you are lucky, there are places near the window on the 2nd floor for a good view from above. Miyajima is spectacular during low and high tide. Therefore, take a whole afternoon out for it! Short and sweet! Experience the essential highlights of both modern and traditional Japan in a week. 1. Meet & Greet and transfer to hotel 2. / Shibuya / Akihabara / Asakusa / Sumo Stadium 3. Kawaguchiko / 5 Lake Ashi / 2305m up Mt. Fuji / overnight in ryokan 4. Iyashi no Sato Nenba / Shiraito Falls / Nagoya 5. / Fushimi Inari shrine / Golden Pavilion / Gion 6. Nara / Osaka 7. End of the group tour in Osaka Departures: 2-5 per month (see website) Includes: 6 nights accommodation in good midrange hotels, private coach touring with English-speaking guide, daily breakfast, airport transfer on arrival, transfer Shinjuku in / Dotonbori in Osaka, boat trip in Kawaguchiko, entrance fees, Mt. Tenjo cablecar, 2 lunch, 3 dinner. Excludes: flights, personal expenses More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/ group_tour/ essential-japan Extend your journey through the highlights of Japan by travelling even further west for a visit to Himeji, Miyajima and Hiroshima, treasures of western Japan. Experience even more intensely the contrast between modern and traditional Japan. 1. Meet & Greet and transfer to hotel 2. / Shibuya / Akihabara / Asakusa / Sumo Stadium 3. Kawaguchiko / 5 Lake Ashi / 2305m up Mt. Fuji / overnight in ryokan 4. Iyashi no Sato Nenba / Shiraito Falls / Nagoya 5. / Fushimi Inari shrine / Golden Pavilion / Gion 6. Nara / Osaka 7. Himeji Castle / Okayama 8. Kurashiki / Miyajima / Hiroshima 9. End of the group tour in Hiroshima (optional extension to possible) Departures: 2-5 per month (see website) Includes: 8 nights accommodation in good midrange hotels, private coach touring with English-speaking guide, daily breakfast, airport transfer on arrival, transfer Shinjuku in / Dotonbori in Osaka, boat trip in Kawaguchiko and Hiroshima/ Miyajima, entrance fees, cablecar on Mt. Tenjo and Mt. Shosha, 3 lunch and 4 dinner. You can t have missed it, it features in almost every report about Japan: the famous crossroads in where pedestrians invade the intersection from all sides in a spectacle of organized chaos. The crossing is in the lively district of Shibuya a popular shopping and entertainment district and centre for youth culture and trendy fashion. The intersection is surrounded by department stores, and giant TV screens showing interactive advertising and video clips. In this chaos stands the statue of the shibu inu dog named Hachiko - which according to the famous story, waited at Shibuya station for his owner, every day for seven years after his death. Now the statue is a famous meeting place in Shibuya. Less than an hour from the centre of Hiroshima is the holy island of Miyajima. It is instantly recognisable from the stately red torii gate in the sea. The view is spectacular. The island s actual name is Itsukushima referring to the shrine of the same name - but Miyajima or shrine-island is used more often. The island is characterized by small shopping streets, hiking and mountain trails and is known for the deer which roam free, considered as sacred. Excludes: flights, personal expenses More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/group_tour/ contrasts/

18 Group tours OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: MID- AND NORTH JAPAN GROUP TOURS North Japan end Sapporo 8 days 1,825 pp (twin), 559 (single) Otaru Hakodate Aomori Hiraizumi Sendai Nikko Sapporo Noboribetsu Morioka Matsushima North Japan 10 days 2,569 pp (twin), 709 (single) Noboribetsu Hakodate Otaru Sapporo Tomakomai Aomori Morioka Hiraizumi Yamadera Yonezawa/Aizuwakamatsu Sendai/Matsushima Nikko on Specialist tips! In the beginning of February it is Yuki Matsuri, Sapporo s famous Snow Festival. The city s main street is decorated with impressive snow and ice sculptures, steaming food stalls and even a snowboard ramp. A perfect end to your individual Japan trip: join a group tour to Tohoku, the virtually unknown north of the main island of Honshu. Be surprised by the overwhelming beauty of the northern island of Hokkaido! A multitude of nature reserves, flower fields, volcanoes, caldera lakes and hot springs make an unforgettable impression. 1. (airport transfer available) 2. / Shibuya / Akihabara / Asakusa /Sumo Stadium 3. Nikko / Sendai 4. Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Morioka / Zen ceremony 5. Hirosaki / Aomori / Hokkaido / Mt. Hakodate 6. Onuma / Noboribetsu / Sapporo 7. Sapporo / Otaru 8. Tour ends in Sapporo Departures: 2 per month (see website) Includes: 7 nights accommodation in good midrange hotels, private coach touring with English-speaking guide, daily breakfast, airport transfer on arrival, transfer Shinjuku in, entrance fees, Mt.Hakodate cablecar, ferry transfer to Hokkaido, 5 lunch and 1 dinner. Excludes: flights, personal expenses More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/group_tour/ north-japan-end-sapporo/ Extend your journey from Northern Japan and travel back to via the eastern route to discover more treasures of Hokkaido and Tohoku. A unique addition is the journey by sea from Hokkaido to Sendai! 1. Meet & Greet and transfer to hotel 2. / Shibuya / Akihabara / Asakusa /Sumo Stadium 3. Nikko / Sendai 4. Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Morioka / Zen ceremony 5. Hirosaki / Aomori / Hokkaido / Mt. Hakodate 6. Onuma / Noboribetsu / Sapporo 7. Sapporo / Otaru 8. Toyako Onsen / Tomakomai / night ferry to Sendai 9. Yamadera / Yonezawa 10. Aizuwakamatsu / Mito / tour ends in Departures: 2 per month (see website) Includes: 9 nights accommodation in good midrange hotels, private coach touring with English-speaking guide, daily breakfast, airport transfer on arrival, transfer Shinjuku in, entrance fees, cablecar at Mt.Hakodate and Mt. Usu, ferry transfer Hokkaido and Sendai, 7 lunch and 2 dinner. Excludes: flights, personal expenses More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/ group_tour/ north-japan/ Hokkaido: Otaru Near Sapporo, the capital of the northern island of Hokkaido, lies the small port town of Otaru. Because of its history as a trading port, this fishing town has a western appearance, with brick warehouses, former trading offices and canals. During the Snow Festival in February Otaru is decorated with lights and countless cute snowmen ranging from 20cm to 4 metres! Sendai: Matsushima On the coast of Sendai, an important base for discovering Tohoku in northern Japan, is one of the three most picturesque views of Japan: Matsushima Bay with its 200 islands covered with pine trees. A short cruise is a great way to see the islets and admire them from every angle

19 Group tours SURPRISINGLY DIFFERENT: EAST AND WEST JAPAN GROUP TOURS Wonders of Japan 11 days 2,505 pp (twin), 659 (single) Hiroshima Miyajima Matsuyama Okayama, Kuarashiki Himeji Nagoya Kobe Nara/Osaka Naruto Takamatsu Kotohira Mt.Fuji Central Japan 8 days 2,059 pp (twin), 589 (single) Nagano Matsumoto Tsumago Nagoya Kusatsu Mt.Fuji Nikko Specialist tips! The Fushimi Inari shrine is accessible day and night. At night, a walk between the gates is extra mysterious. This journey includes not only Japan s absolute must-see highlights, but also the beauty of less-visited parts of Japan such as the island of Shikoku. Visit the mountain village of Iyashi no Sato Nenba, the countryside of Shikoku and the famous old hot spring baths of Dogo Onsen. 1. Meet & Greet and transfer to hotel 2. / Shibuya / Akihabara / Asakusa / Sumo Stadium 3. Kawaguchiko / 5 Lake Ashi / 2305m up Mt. Fuji / overnight at ryokan 4. Iyashi no Sato Nenba / Shiraito Falls / Nagoya 5. / Fushimi Inari shrine / Golden Pavilion / Gion 6. Nara / Osaka 7. Himeji castle / Okayama 8. Kurashiki / Miyajima / Hiroshima 9. Matsuyama / Dogo Onsen 10. Kotohira / Takamatsu / Naruto 11. Kobe / Group tour ends in Osaka Departures: 2-4 per month (see website) Includes: Includes: 10 nights accommodation in good midrange hotels, private coach touring with English-speaking guide, daily breakfast, airport transfer on arrival, transfer Shinjuku in / Dotonbori in Osaka, boat excursion on Kawaguchiko, city tour of and, entrance fees, Mt. Tenjo cablecar / Matsuyama Castle/ Mt. Shosha, 5 lunch and 4 dinner. On this popular trip you can visit all the highlights of Central Japan in a short time. The journey takes in the diversity of Japan, from the busy metropolis of to the tranquil rural villages in the Japan Alps. Includes a stay at a ryokan - a traditional Japanese inn - with bath fed by natural hot spring water and a multi-course Japanese kaiseki dinner. 1. Meet & Greet and transfer to hotel 2. / Shibuya / Akihabara / Asakusa / Sumo Stadion 3. Kawaguchiko / Fuji 5 Lakes / 2305m up Mt. Fuji / overnight at a ryokan 4. Iyashi no Sato Nenba / Shiraito Falls / Nagoya 5. / Fushimi Inari shrine / Golden Pavilon / Gion 6. Tsumago / Matsumoto 7. Nagano / Jigokudani Monkey park / Kusatsu / Ikaho Onsen 8. Nikko / Toshogu Temple / Group tour ends in Departures: 2-4 per month (see website) Includes: Includes: 7 nights accommodation in good midrange hotels, private coach touring with English-speaking guide, daily breakfast, airport transfer on arrival, transfer Shinjuku in, boat excursion on Kawaguchiko, city tour in and, entrance fees, Mt.Tenjo cablecar, 3 lunches, 4 dinners. : Fushimi Inari shrine The red torii-gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine are iconic. The thousands of red gates, donated by local companies and organisations, follow the countless steps that meander up the mountain. The shrine honours Inari - the Shinto deity of rice and the harvest often depicted as a fox. Fushimi Inari is about 10 minutes from central and is a superb sight on a sunny day when the gates glow in their orange colour. The walk from the actual shrine to the top of the mountain takes about 3 hours: at around the halfway mark you are rewarded with a magnificent view of. Shikoku: Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen In the countryside of Shikoku, the smallest of the four main islands, is the town of Matsuyama with Japan s oldest bathouse: Dogo Onsen. The area is known for its many bathhouses and traditional ryokans. It is also one of the favorite destinations for the Imperial family. Dogo Onsen Honkan is the most special a wooden, public bathhouse dating from the 19e century. Because of its mysterious atmosphere, the bath-house seems to come straight out of a Ghibli film. Visitors can explore the town at their leisure clad in the light kimono known as a yukata. Excludes: flights, personal expenses More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/ group_tour/ wonders-of-japan/ Excludes: flights, personal expenses. More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/ group_tour/ central-japan/

20 Group tours Complete and different: FROM TOKYO TO THE JAPAN ALPS & HOKKAIDO GROUP TOURS Japan Alps: Tsumago South of the Japan Alps lies the old Nakasendo trade route. Tsumago is one of the best-preserved of the old trading posts on the route: it breathes the feudal Edo period. Because of the wooden houses, the lack of car traffic and aboveground cables to spoil the view, it s easy to imagine you have stepped back into older times. A walk from Tsumago to Magome - another trading post - or vice versa is highly recommended, and a stay in a traditional ryokan makes it complete. Nagano: Jigokudani Specialist tips! Combine your visit to Jigokudani with a stay in Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen: there is nothing like experiencing the real hot springs yourself. Jigokudani or hell valley is a name often used for valleys with volcanic activity: hot steam seeps from vents and fissures, creating a hellish scene. Special inhabitants of this particular valley in Nagano are the world-famous snow monkeys that come down during the winter months to soak in the hot springs. The monkeys are social animals and are very entertaining to watch. Discover Japan 13 days 3,079 pp (twin), 598 (single) Otaru Aomori Sapporo Noboribetsu Hakodate Morioka Hiraizumi Matsushima Sendai Nagano Matsumoto Nikko Tsumago Kusatsu Nagoya Mt.Fuji This is a group tour that allows you to discover all the main highlights such as, and the Japan Alps, but also introduces you to Tohoku, the virtually unknown north of the main island of Honshu, and the surprising beauty of the northern island of Hokkaido. 1. Meet & Greet and transfer to hotel 2. / Shibuya / Akihabara / Asakusa / Sumo Stadium 3. Kawaguchiko / Fuji 5 Lakes / 2305m up Mt. Fuji / overnight at ryokan 4. Iyashi no Sato Nenba / Shiraito Falls / Nagoya 5. / Fushimi Inari shrine / Golden Pavilon / Gion 6. Tsumago / Matsumoto 7. Nagano / Jigokudani Monkey park / Kusatsu / Ikaho Onsen 8. Nikko / Toshogu Temple /Sendai 9. Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Morioka / Zen ceremony 10. Hirosaki / Aomori / Hokkaido / Mt. Hakodate 11. Onuma / Noboribetsu / Sapporo 12. Sapporo / Otaru 13. Tour ends in Sapporo Departures: 2 per month (see website) Includes: 12 nights accommodation in good midrange hotels, private coach touring with English-speaking guide, daily breakfast, airport transfer on arrival, transfer Shinjuku in, boat excursion on Kawaguchiko /Matsushima/ Aomori-Hakodate, city tour of, and Sapporo, entrance fees, Cablecar at Mt. Tenjo/ Mt.Hakodate, 7 lunches and 4 dinners. Excludes: flights, personal expenses More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/ group_tour/ discover-japan/ Discover Japan 15 days 3,925 pp (twin), 1,015 (single ) Otaru Noboribetsu Hakodate Aomori Sapporo Tomakomai Morioka Hiraizumi Yamadera Aizuwakamatsu Nagano Kusatsu Sendai/Matsushima Matsumoto Nikko Tsumago Nagoya Mt.Fuji Extend your journey from Northern Japan and travel back to via the eastern route to discover more of Hokkaido and Tohoku. 1. Meet & Greet and transfer to hotel 2. / Shibuya / Akihabara / Asakusa / Sumo Stadium 3. Kawaguchiko / Fuji 5 Lakes / 2305m up Mt. Fuji / overnight in ryokan 4. Iyashi no Sato Nenba / Shiraito Watervallen / Nagoya 5. / Fushimi Inari shrine / Golden Pavilon / Gion 6. Tsumago / Matsumoto 7. Nagano / Jigokudani Moneky park / Kusatsu / Ikaho Onsen 8. Nikko / Toshogu Temple / Sendai 9. Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Morioka / Zen ceremony 10. Hirosaki / Aomori / Hokkaido / Mt. Hakodate 11. Onuma / Noboribetsu / Sapporo 12. Sapporo / Otaru 13. Toyako Onsen / Usu volcano / Tomakomai / night ferry to Sendai 14. Yamadera / Yonezawa 15. Aizuwakamatsu / Mito / Tour ends in Departures: 2 per month (see website) Includes: 14 nights accommodation in good midrange hotels, private coach touring with English-speaking guide, daily breakfast, airport transfer on arrival, transfer Shinjuku in, boat excursion Kawaguchiko/Matsushima/ Aomori-Hakodate/ Tomakomai-Sendai, city tour of, and Sapporo, entrance fees, cablecar at Mt.Tenjo/Mt.Hakodate/Mt.Usu, 9 lunches and 5 dinners. Excludes: flights, personal expenses More info: japanspecialist.co.uk/group_tour/ discover-japan-complete/

21 About Japan JAPAN TRAVEL SEASONS Flight time: 11 hours Time difference: 8 or 9 hours Health: vaccinations not necessary, Summers can be hot and humid with strong sun Best time to visit: April, May, early June, end of September, October, Novembe Emergency services: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance/fire), (emergency help in English) Spring: pleasant cherry blossoms at the end of March to beginning of April, Golden Week (first week of May) is high season Summer: very hot and high humidity, summer festivals / Obon (mid-august) is high season Autumn: pleasant autumn colors, mid-november is high season Winter: dry cold, snow, low season, many shops close 1-3 January PASSPORT/VISA European passport holders do not need a visa for Japan. The passport must be valid during the stay. When you enter Japan as a tourist you will receive a Temporary Visitor stamp that allows a stay of up to 90 days. This is the stamp you need in order to obtain the Japan Rail Pass. LANGUAGE The main language is Japanese and most people working in tourism and logistics speak reasonable English. Announcements on the shinkansen and other trains are made in both Japanese and English. Station names, bus stops, road signs, ticket machines and street names are bilingual. Taxi and bus drivers usually do not speak English so carry a card with the name of your hotel or a map of the location where you want to go. MOBILE PHONES Although 3 and 4G devices have coverage in Japan, the costs are high. It is possible to buy sim cards or phones at the airport. For data, renting a pocket WIFI router is a good option: this is much cheaper than roaming. WIFI hotspots are available at various locations, and hotels provide it in the lobby and sometimes in rooms too. MONEY Currency: Yen Japan is still very much a cash society and credit card payments are not universally accepted. Large department stores usually accept Mastercard / Visa / American Express, but restaurants and small shops do not. Always take sufficient cash with you. For example, cash can be withdrawn at ATMs (with Cirrus logo) from CitiBank, Japan Post offices or SevenEleven. Check with your bank whether your debit card is set to world. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and crime is minimal. Tipping is not done. ELECTRICITY The mains voltage is 110 Volts AC. Japanese plugs look like two flat pins. Do take any necessary transformer and a worldwide plug adapter. FOOD The Japanese eat out a lot, and in the cities there is an abundance of small local restaurants. These can also be found at the so-called food courts of department stores. They can be recognized by large display cases where plastic examples of dishes are displayed. Convenience stores or supermarkets are also good places to buy entire ready-to-eat meals. Popular dishes are: Bento: Lunchbox. Japanese food can often be eaten cold and is therefore easy to carry. Bento meals are available in almost every restaurant, station kiosks, supermarkets and in the shinkansen. Donburi: A bowl of steamed rice and various toppings such as fish, meat and vegetables. Okonomiyaki: Savory, thick pancakes. Ramen: Noodles in broth (chicken, meat etc.) with different toppings such as meat, tempura, seaweed, egg, onions etc. Sashimi: Thin slices of raw fish. Popular sashimi is salmon (sake), squid (ika), shrimp (ebi), tuna (maguro), mackerel (saba) and octopus (tako). Shabu Shabu: A dish where thinly-cut meat is cooked and simmered, often at the table by the diners themselves. Soba: Buckwheat noodles. Sukiyaki: Thinly sliced meat and vegetables fried on a hot plate. Takoyaki: Dough balls filled with pieces of octopus. Teishoku Lunch: A lunch set including miso soup, rice, pickled vegetables, meat or fish etc. Tempura: Deep-fried shrimps and / or vegetables. Teriyaki: Grilled meat, fish or chicken glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce. Udon: A thicker noodle served in a broth. Common toppings are onion, tempura or egg. Yakitori: Grilled chicken skewers

22 T & Cs BOOKING CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL Your contract is with JTB Europe Ltd., a member of ABTA. 1. YOUR HOLIDAY CONTRACT When you make a booking you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept on behalf of your party the terms of these booking conditions. A contract will exist as soon as we issue our confirmation invoice. This contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions, which are governed by English Law, and the jurisdiction of the English Courts. You may however choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you choose to do so. If you had not seen these terms and conditions when you made your booking and you are not happy to proceed with the booking now that you have seen them please return all documentation to us or to your travel agent, within 7 days of receiving these booking conditions. Your booking will be cancelled and your monies will be returned in full, provided you have not commenced your travel. This clause does not apply if your booking was made within 10 weeks of travel. 2. YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight-inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means to you and who to contact if things go wrong. We or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we not the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with the services bought or a suitable alternative (at no exra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. 3. ABTA As a Member of ABTA, we are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA s Code of Conduct. We can also offer you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of this contract. The scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered independently. It is a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you for costs. The upper limit on claims is 5,000 per person and 25,000 per booking form. The scheme doesn t apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. It can however deal with claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of 1,500 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. Your request for arbitration must be received by ABTA within eighteen months of the date of return from holiday. For injury and illness claims, you can request the ABTA Mediation Procedure and we have the option to agree to mediation. Further information on the Code and ABTA s assistance in resolving disputes can be found on 4. YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE 1. We reserve the right to alter the prices of any of the holidays shown in our brochure, pricelist or website. You will be advised of the current price of the holiday that you wish to book before your contract is confirmed. 2. We will require a deposit in order to confirm your travel arrangements. This will normally be 10% of the total amount, but the exact amount may depend on the arrangements you choose and the season in which you are travelling. For certain classes of air travel, for example, air tickets need to be issued within 3 days; during peak or festival periods, hotels may require ful pre-payment in order to confirm the reservation. We will advise you of the actual amount of deposit required at the time of booking. If you are booking within 60 days of departure, you must make full payment at the time of booking. 3. The price of your travel arrangements is fully guaranteed and will not be subject to any surcharges. 4. All monies you pay to the travel agent are held by him on behalf and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust at all times. This is subject to the agent s obligation to pay it to us for so long as we do not fail. If we fail, any money held at the time by the agent, or subsequently accepted from you by him, is and continues to be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation to pay that money to us. When you buy a holiday not including a flight, all monies paid to the travel agent are held by him on our behalf at all times. 5. IF YOU CHANGE YOUR REQUEST If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the person who made the booking or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of 25, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: certain travel arrangements (eg. Discounted air tickets) may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements. 6. IF YOU CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY You or any member of your party may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the person who made the booking or your travel agent on your behalf must be received at our offices. Since we incur costs in cancelling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown in clause 7. Note: if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. 7. IF WE CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY It is unlikely that we will have to make and changes to your travel arrangements, but we do plan the arrangements many months in advance. Occasionally, we may have to make changes and we reserve the right to do so at any time. Most of these changes will be minor and we will advise you or your travel agent of them at the earliest possible date. We also reserve the right in any circumstances to cancel your travel arrangements. For example, if the minimum number of clients required for a group travel arrangement is not reached, we may have to cancel it. However, we will not cancel your travel arrangements less than 8 weeks before your departure date, except for reasons of force majeure or failure by you to pay the final balance. If we are unable to provide the booked travel arrangements, you can either have a refund of all monies paid or accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us, if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of lower value). If it is necessary to cancel your travel arrangements, we will pay you compensation as set out in this clause. In accordance with EU Regulation 2111/2005 we are required to advise you of the actual carrier operating your flights/ connection flight/transfer. We do this by listing carriers to be used or likely to be used as follows: Japan Airlines or subsidiary company, All Nippon Airways or subsidiary, British Airways, Finnair, Asiaa Airlines, Emirates, Air France, Alitalia, Lufthansa. Any changes to the actual airline after you Period before departure within which notice of cancellation or major change is received by us or notified to you have received your tickets will be notified to you as soon as possible and in all cases at check-in or at the boarding gate. Such a change is deemed to be a minor change. Other examples of minor changes include alteration of your outward/return flights by less than 12 hours, changes to aircraft type, change of accommodation to another of the same standard. If we make a major change to your holiday, we will inform you or your travel agent as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure. You will have the choice of either accepting the change of arrangements, accepting an offer of alternative travel arrangements of comparable standard from us if available (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of lower value), or cancelling your holiday and receiving a full refund of all monies paid. In all cases, except where the major change arises due to reasons of force majeure, we will pay compensation as detailed above. 8. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT If you have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant supplier (eg. your hotelier) and/or our representative immediately who will endeavor to put things right. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please follow this up within 28 days of your return home by writing to our Customer Services Department at JTB Europe Ltd No.1 Farriers Yard 77 Fulham Palace Road London W6 8JA giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter concise and to the point. This will assist us to quickly identify your concerns and spped up our response to you. It is strongly recommended that you communicate any complaint to the supplier of the services in question as well as to our representative and complete a report without delay. If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint whilst you were in resort and this may affect your rights under this contract. Please also see clause 3 above on ABTA. 9. OUR LIABILITY TO YOU If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed by us or by our suppliers we will pay you appropriate compensation if this has affected the enjoyment of your travel arrangements. However we will not be liable where any failure in the performance of the contract is due to: you; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel arrangements and where the failure is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even If we make a major change to your holiday If we cancel your holiday Amount you will receive from us More than 60 days nil Deposit only Deposit only if all due care had been exercised; or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall. Our liability, except in cases involving death, injury or illness, shall be limited to a maximum of three times the cost of your travel arrangements. Our liability will also be limited in accordance with and/or in an identical manner to: a) The contractual terms of the companies that provice the transportation for your travel arrangements. These terms are incorporated into this contract; and b) Any relevant international convention, for example the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of compensation that you can claim for death, injury, delay to passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of any limitation of compensation in these or any conventions. You can ask for copies of the transport companies contractual terms, or the international conventions, from our offices at No.1Farriers Yard 77 Fulham Palace Road London W6 8JA, tel Under EU law (Regulation 261/2004) you have rights in some circumstances to refunds and/or compensation from your airline in cases of denied boarding, cancellation or delay to flights. Full details of these rights will be publicised at EU airports and will also be available from airlines. However reimbursement in such cases will not automatically entitle you to a refund of your holiday cost from us. Your right to a refund and/or compensation from us is set out in clause 6. If any payments to you are due from us, any payment made by you by the airline will be deducted. NB. This clause does not apply to any separate contracts that you may enter into for excursions or activities while on holiday. 10. PROMPT ASSISTANCE IN RESORT If the contract we have with you is not performed or is improperly performed as a result of failure attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services, or as a result of failures due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised, or an event which we or our suppliers, even with all due care, could not foresee or forestall, and you suffer an injury or other material loss, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is reasonable in the circumstances. If you cancel your holiday Amount of cancellation charge days inclusive % of tour price % of tour price days inclusive % of tour price % of tour price 14 day of departure % of tour price % of tour price 11. PASSPORT, VISA AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS Your specific passport and visa requirements, and other immigration requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm these with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport, visa or immigration requirements. 12. EXCURSIONS Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your package holiday provided by us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator. Our website and tour offering are our responsibility, as your tour operator. They are not issued on behalf of, and do not commit the airlines mentioned or any airline whose services are used in the course of your travel arrangements. Please note that in accordance with Air Navigation Orders in order to qualify for infant status, a a child must be under 2 years of age on the date of its return flight. ACCURACY We carefully check that the information given in our website or published literature about accommodation, itineraries etc., to ensure that it is correct to the best of our knowledge. However, there may be changes to flight timing and optional excursion itineraries may change as a result of local conditions. Circumstances such as these, or weather conditions, time of year etc., may cause some of the amenities described to be unavailable or different from those advertised in our website or published literature. We reserve the right to change any process, services or other particulars shown in this brochure at any time before we enter into a contract with you. If there is any change, we will notify you before we enter into a contract. All prices correct as at 01 August 2018, but are indicative from prices only. Please see our website for current from prices. The actual price for your trip will depend on availability of flights (if taken) for your particular dates of travel, and exchange rates

23 JTB Europe Ltd. No.1 Farriers Yard, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8JA Opening hours: Mon-Fri 09:00 17: