Japan by Rail. for the COLOURS of AUTUMN. HIGHLIGHTS of HONSHU. 30 th October 12 th November 2018 TOKYO SENDAI NIIGATA HAKONE KYOTO HIROSHIMA FUKUOKA

Transcription

1 Japan by Rail for the COLOURS of AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS of HONSHU 30 th October 12 th November 2018 TOKYO SENDAI NIIGATA HAKONE KYOTO HIROSHIMA FUKUOKA

2 OVERVIEW It s not hard to argue the merits of train travel, but to discover how far rail technology has come in the last two centuries you need look no further than Japan. Its excellent railway system is one of the world s most extensive and advanced, and train travel is unarguably the best way to explore this fascinating country. Speed, efficiency, comfort, convenience and a choice of spectacular destinations are hallmarks of travelling by train in Japan. Join Scott McGregor and discover the highlights of Japan s main island Honshu, on a dynamic journey. Beginning in the modern neon-lit capital of Tokyo, the famous bullet train takes you north to Sendai to explore the Matsushima Islands - first by boat, then on a special steam train to Niigata on the other side of the island through mountains, valleys and forests that are full of deciduous trees ablaze with autumn colours. The region around Mt Fuji is rich with natural beauty, volcanic drama and an extraordinary open-air art museum, accessed by the historic Tozan mountain railway. Iconic Kyoto is richly endowed with exquisite gardens, extraordinary temples and enthralling cultural treasures. Witness prosperous Hiroshima, a city with a moving history and legacy like no other from which boat cruises, steam trains and local expresses take you into colourful autumn-hued hills once more. Naturally, journeys are designed for you to experience the huge diversity of trains, tracks and railway technology in Japan. Along the way, visits will be made to several fine museums preserving Japan s rich railway history and to research centres where the next generations of bullet trains are being developed. Combining legendary food, fine hotels, spectacular scenery, and the fact that springtime will be upon us, you are in for a rare immersion in what there is to see and do when coasting around Japan in trains, large and small. WHY TRAVEL WITH US The joy of travelling is no longer confined to the destination the mode of travel is a large part of the experience. Railway Adventures offers a truly unique perspective on some of the world s most spectacular holiday destinations, with the assurance that the journey is just as magical and unforgettable as what is discovered at the end of the line. With us, you can confidently expect: Small group sizes a small number of passengers per trip guarantees an intimate experience with less time spent queuing, more time with your guide, and better access to sightseeing destinations. Unique itineraries each itinerary has been meticulously developed by a team with great cultural awareness and many years knowledge of each destination. You are guaranteed to experience the best that each destination has to offer. Authentic local experiences whether it s a little-known yet impressive steam railway, a small boutique hotel or an authentic restaurant, know that you will experience something special on our tours. Expert local guides and local operators we employ local guides to share their passion and knowledge of the places they call home, while our partners on the ground offer us support and backup all the way. Customer satisfaction our testimonials speak for themselves. Thousands have travelled with us over the years and many come back year after year, often bringing friends along! On our customer satisfaction ratings, over 97% would recommend us to others and/or travel with us again. Fully escorted our team of tour leaders is experienced and capable, entertaining and considerate, and together with our local guides, has your needs well covered. They will help with everything along the way, giving you the peace of mind to soak up your surroundings. And you ll find them jolly good company to boot! Scott McGregor MEET YOUR TOUR LEADER Scott McGregor has been in the media for over 30 years as an actor, presenter, writer and producer. Graduating from NIDA in 1979 he appeared in a wide range of stage, film and TV roles including the lead in the ABC s epic mini-series He has presented and hosted numerous prime-time ratings winners, including many years as the handyman on Better Homes and Gardens and Room for Improvement. Scott recently extended his many interests into the world of travel; he presented two series of his own Railway Adventures for Channels 10 and 7, and a number of programs for The History Channel. After more than a decade leading tours he decided to establish Railway Adventures in He also owns and operates Ruwenzori an Orient Express-inspired tourist retreat near Mudgee, NSW, on a peak of the Great Dividing Range. Queensland is also a favourite destination for Scott, where he has hosted many successful and acclaimed adventures.

3 HIGHLIGHTS Extensive rail travel using your JR Green Class (first class) Rail Pass, including numerous journeys on the iconic bullet Trains Travel by steam train on the famous heritage railways of Yamaguchi, Paleo, and Banetsu lines Journeys on the Sagano Forest Railway, Tozan Mountain Railway, regional expresses, subways and a vintage tram charter in Hiroshima Cruising around the Matsushima Islands, Arakawa River and across Hiroshima Bay to Miyajima Connections on major legs by luxury coach with separate luggage transport Paying homage to survivors at Hiroshima and Sendai Visiting historic temples, castles and cultural sites in Tokyo, Kyoto and Himeji Unsurpassed modern railway museums in Tokyo and Kyoto Fun at a sumo wrestling demonstration in Tokyo, the wacky fashions in Harajuku, and traditional Japanese sword making in Okayama Immersion in Japan s unique food culture at fine restaurants including two traditional full-course Japanese dinners, and a night with The Singing Chef in Sendai Multiple nights in handpicked, centrally-located hotels - mostly 5-star and all with TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence and travellers choice or top ratings Exploring the unique story of Meiji Mura historic village, complete with an original Frank Lloyd-Wright designed hotel and narrow gauge steam railway English speaking local guides and the services of your experienced Australian host. Niigata TOUR MAP Sendai Hiroshima Himeji Kyoto Hakone Tokyo Fukuoka Train Boat Coach HOW YOU WILL TRAVEL Being rail enthusiasts we know that the journey itself is often more important than the destination. Wherever possible we have sourced interesting and nostalgic rail journeys and other noteworthy modes of transport. Here is an example of what you will experience: Shinkansen, bullet train River Boat Cruise Paleo Express steam train

4 Day 1 Tuesday 30 October: MORNING ARRIVAL TOKYO Your hotel is located 3 minutes from the station, and is an easy ride after your early morning arrival. Drop your bags for later check-in, freshen up, and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the hotel s signature restaurant before a coach tour to Tokyo s most significant Shinto temple. The Meiji Shrine oozes history and is dedicated to the memory of Emperor Meiji, who ruled Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Adjacent to the majestic Meiji Shrine is Harajuku, Tokyo s fashion microcosm and the home of some of the wackiest fashion trends, where many of the world s most famous brands are on display. Savour a tempura lunch before a short walk back to our hotel, to check-in and relax for the afternoon. We regroup in the early evening for a 10-minute walk to a local micro-brewery, the setting for our celebratory Welcome Dinner. Overnight: Strings Intercontinental Hotel, Shinagawa (B, L, D) Day 2 Wednesday 31 October: TOKYO Today s exploration of Tokyo contrasts the old and new cities and of course we use Tokyo s incomparable rail network. We start by visiting the 634m Tokyo Sky Tree, recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world s tallest tower. Taking a high-speed elevator to the observation platform, you marvel at a panorama that gives instant perspective on the massive scale of Tokyo. We then jump straight into this city s heart by visiting Asakusa, the original village of Edo, from which modern-day Tokyo emerged over the past 400-plus years. Then a visit to Sensoji, the city s oldest Buddhist temple, followed by a stroll along Nakamise Arcade; this is a market street connecting the temple to the famed Kaminari Gate. After a sumo wrestler s lunch we continue our introduction to Japan s unique culture with an afternoon visit to the Edo Museum. The evening is at leisure. Overnight: Strings Intercontinental Hotel, Shinagawa (B, L) Day 3 Thursday 1 November: TOKYO You have options today of either exploring the city on your own or venturing with your guide to Japan s National Railway Museum located in Saitama City. The Museum showcases the evolution of railways in Japan - an impressively diverse collection of rolling stock from the steam, diesel and bullet train eras. The Museum is also home to a number of train driver simulators, and the Rooftop Garden & Café offers guests a chance to enjoy refreshments while watching bullet trains and local trains speed below. Those who would like to complement their Museum visit with something a little different will also have the option of visiting a famous bonsai garden nearby. Following this we return to the city, and enjoy a ride on the popular monorail that runs across the Rainbow Bridge to the new and vibrant area of Odaiba, renowned for its museums and cultural hubs including the iconic Fuji Television Building. In the evening you are free to independently explore the many delights of Tokyo. You may wish to join Scott for an informal social dinner nearby. Overnight: Strings Intercontinental Hotel, Shinagawa (B) Day 4 Friday 2 November: TOKYO - SENDAI Today we venture north to the city of Sendai, the major city most directly affected by the tsunami of 2011 yet still a vibrant commercial hub surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found anywhere in Japan. After a bullet train journey to Sendai, we enjoy a short tour of the city s highlights before embarking on a Pacific Coast cruise through a scattering of more than 200 exquisite pine-covered islands, which have secured Matsushima Bay s place amongst the three best scenic views in Japan. To top off the day s balance of railways and natural beauty, what could be better than a dash of food culture - provided by Sendai s Singing Chef at his famous Italian Restaurant, Palinka? Overnight: The Westin Hotel, Sendai (B, D) Day 5 Saturday 3 November: SENDAI - NIIGATA Today we cross the mountainous island of Honshu, journeying south on the Shinkansen line and then west on a local express, finally reaching the historic Samurai city of Aizu-Wakamatsu. From here we continue our exploration of Japan s rural trains on the Aizu Railway, heading almost directly south along the Kinu river valley to the seemingly innocuous station of Yunokami Onsen - now the only remaining operational gassho-zukuri (thatched roof) station in Japan. We have time to enjoy the station s ashi-yu (hot footbath) on the platform - a very Japanese approach to relaxing overworked feet. After this we board our luxury coach for a short ride to the beautifully preserved medieval trading post of Ouchi-juku, where we have free time for lunch. Returning to Aizu-Wakamatsu we board our first Japanese steam train, C-57 Engine no. 180, named Banetsu Monogatari (Tales of the Banetsu Line) and known affectionately as Kifujin (the Noble Lady). The afternoon journey crosses a wide plain and then follows a river valley, slicing through mountains to the rice and sake-producing stronghold of Niigata on the coast. We check into our hotel and later enjoy a dinner of Sado beef, one of Niigata s famous regional delicacies. Overnight: ANA Crowne Plaza, Niigata (B, D) Day 6 Sunday 4 November: NIIGATA - HAKONE Our first Sunday in Japan is dynamic. We leave our overnight base of Niigata by morning bullet train to reach Kumagaya, just 65kms north-west of Tokyo. Here we board another steam train, the Paleo Express, and enjoy a gentle 1.5 hour journey through the picturesque Chichibu area, heading slowly south-west in the direction of Mount Fuji. The Paleo Express steam train consists of four restored 12-Series carriages pulled by Engine no. C-58363, built in After disembarking from our train we enjoy a traditional boat ride on the Arakawa River, from which we can see the famous Iwadatami Rocks. We have time for lunch in Nagatoro before driving into the Yamanashi, the heartland of Japanese wine which, like the country s whiskeys, is fast gaining a worldwide reputation for quality. We tour a winery and, of course, take the chance to sample its produce before continuing south along the western side of Mount Fuji. The drive from north to south of Japan s most iconic landmark bolsters our appreciation of the gigantic scale of this mountain, well over 500m taller than any other peak in this mountainous country. Later in the afternoon we arrive at our ryokan-style hotel, with time to enjoy superb outdoor baths and a full-course Japanese dinner, in the blissful peace of the Fuji-Hakone National Park. Overnight: Tenyu Ryokan, Hakone (B, L,D) Itsukushima shrine

5 Day 7 Monday 5 November: HAKONE - KYOTO This morning we taxi to the famous Great Boiling Valley Owakudani area, where volcanic geysers fill the air 1,000m above sea level. After a walk along the mountainside, we take the Hakone Ropeway even higher over the very peak of Mount Kamiyama - part of the large Hakone Volcano, whose massive eruption created the amazing physical beauty of this place. Connecting directly onto the Hakone cable car and Tozan Mountain Railway, we continue to the Hakone Open Air Museum, a breathtaking display of the area s natural beauty as a backdrop for an expansive and high-quality collection of sculpture and art, highlighted by the remarkable Picasso Pavilion, with more than 100 pieces by the 20th century s most iconic artist. Return to the hotel for a teppanyaki lunch before continuing our journey down to the Pacific Coast, then westward by Shinkansen line to Japan s most treasured jewel, Kyoto. To start our stay in Kyoto, after checking-in, let s take a walk around the Station area, centred on the ultra-modern station & idiosyncratic Kyoto Tower, to our dinner location. Overnight: Granvia Kyoto (B, L, D) Day 8 Tuesday 6 November: KYOTO Our stay in Kyoto starts with the must-sees - Rokuonji Temple in the north of the city, and the famed Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, which beautifully embodies many principles of traditional Japanese architecture. From here we go to the Kyoto Railway Museum, recently opened in April 2016 on the site of the city s famous Umekoji Railway Park. The Museum s theme is railways revitalizing local communities, and was created to balance historical rail exhibits with a variety of interactive areas - intended to not only demonstrate but also educate visitors on advances in technology and safety. After lunch in a restaurant converted from traditional Kyoto machiya houses, we continue to the historical part of the city for an afternoon of strolling through its charming olde-worlde streets, and soaking up its stunning temple architecture. The final visit of the day is to Kiyomizu Temple, standing proudly above the historical city s Gion and Higashiyama districts. Kiyomizu offers the most immediate example of stunning craftsmanship at the heart of Kyoto s temples and shrines. In the late afternoon we enjoy free time in the charming Ninenzaka streets below Kiyomizu. Overnight: Granvia Kyoto (B, L) Day 9 Wednesday 7 November: KYOTO This morning we travel to the west of Kyoto to a part of the city most loved by Kyoto-ites, Arashiyama. The visit starts with a local train ride, followed by a scenic train journey on the Sagano Forest Railway along the Hozu river valley. Walking up from the station after a brief stop at a Shrine dedicated to hairdressers, we drop into Okochi Sanso Villa, once the home of one of Japan s most famous film stars of the early 20th century - a Japanese Charlie Chaplin. Here we enjoy green tea and Japanese cake in the tea house of its superb gardens. Our stroll continues through an enchanting bamboo grove, the scale of which is breathtaking, before returning to our hotel by train. Overnight: Granvia Kyoto (B) Day 10 Thursday 8 November: KYOTO - HIMEJI - HIROSHIMA Our day starts with a walk from our hotel through the station complex to the bullet train platforms, for a 1 hour ride to Himeji - a small city made famous as the home of Japan s finest castle, which is both a national treasure and World Heritage site. At Himeji station we board a coach for the day s visits, starting at the dazzling castle. From here we move out into the Japanese countryside and enjoy lunch before witnessing a demonstration of superb craftsmanship in a foundry, as a sword smith demonstrates how a traditional Japanese sword - universally recognised as the ultimate in sharpness and strength - is made. In the afternoon we continue by Shinkansen to Hiroshima and check into our centrally located hotel for the next 3 nights. Dinner this evening has a unique local theme - the regional delicacy Okonomiyaki! Overnight: Sheraton Hiroshima (B, L, D) Day 11 Friday 9 November: HIROSHIMA This morning we take a chartered and guided tour on a special vintage tram along some of Hiroshima s extensive tram network. Then learn about Hiroshima s unique place in history, as the first city in the world to be the target of an atomic bomb. This city and its name will forever be synonymous with that event. We walk through the incredibly moving Peace Park, paying visits to the Peace Bell, the Children s Peace Monument, and the A-Bomb Memorial Mound. Together they represent one of the most emotionally charged testimonials to human tragedy and endurance that one can experience. After a buffet lunch we take a ferry from central Hiroshima to the sacred island of Miyajima, for a deer-dodging walk through the island s central streets. We visit the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, a truly unique structure perched on the waterfront, whose famous red torii gates sit in the sea just off the island. We enjoy a walk through the lesser-known but almost equally impressive Daishoin, a temple perched on the side of Mount Misen. Later we return to the hotel, for an evening at your leisure. Overnight: Sheraton Hiroshima (B, L) Day 12 Saturday 10 November: HIROSHIMA - IWAKUNI YAMAGUCHI STEAM TRAIN Today we take a train to Iwakuni, disembarking there to board our private coach that takes us to the city s landmark (and another of Japan s glorious undiscovered highlights), the Kintaikyo Bridge - a truly amazing piece of timber architecture. We follow this with a local lunch of giant grilled chicken and gigantic rice-balls at another uniquely Japanese exemplar, IroriSanzoku restaurant. After lunch we drive to the charming town of Tsuwano, another of Japan`s off-the-beaten-track gems, with its white walls and red-tiled roofs adding splashes of vibrant colour to the peaceful and unspoiled townscape. Keep an eye out for carp swimming in aqueducts alongside the main street! At Tsuwano Station we board SL Yamaguchi, a steam engine that originally entered service in 1937, and has been lovingly restored to operate on the 2 hour journey between Tsuwano and the coastal city of Yamaguchi, passing through some of Japan s most breathtaking vistas. Returning to Hiroshima later in the day. Overnight: Sheraton Hiroshima (B, L) Day 13 Sunday 11 November: HIROSHIMA FUKUOKA - HIROSHIMA After a busy 10 days, enjoy free time this morning to relax and perhaps enjoy a walk or tram-ride around the now familiar and utterly endearing city of Hiroshima, possibly visiting the superb Shukkeien Gardens. In the afternoon we embark on our final westward journey, across the Kamon Straits by Shinkansen to Fukuoka, where we will enjoy the unique experience of attending the first day of the November Grand Sumo Tournament. As the standard of wrestlers gets better as the day goes on, we ll set-off from Hiroshima after lunch, reaching the Stadium in time for the last couple of hours of bouts, ending with the current yokozuna grand champions, the rock-stars of the Sumo World, fighting just before 6 pm and they re well worth the wait! After the Sumo, we ll stay on in Fukuoka for our celebratory farewell dinner together at a signature Shabu Shabu restaurant, before taking the hour-ride back to the comfort of our base in Hiroshima for our last overnight in Japan Overnight: Sheraton Hiroshima (B, D) Day 14 Monday 12 November: HIROSHIMA MEIJI MURA TOKYO (B) This morning we ll check-out and return to Tokyo, where our tour comes to an end. Those wishing to enjoy a quiet end to their stay can realax this morning and head to Tokyo around lunchtime, but for those not wanting to miss a thing, join Scott on one last visit to the special site of Meiji Village, outside Nagoya, on the way back to Tokyo. Taking Shinkansens to Nagoya, we ll board the local Meitetsu Line to Meiji-Mura, or Meiji Village. This village is a fascinating window into Japan s history at perhaps its most intriguing period, the start of the reign of Emperor Meiji in 1868, when Japan opened to western culture after 250-years of isolation. The Village offers the unique dimension of a steam-train ride, and its piece-de-resistance is a painstaking recreation of the lobby of Tokyo s Imperial Hotel, modern Japan s first meaningful experience of Western Architecture, designed by Frank Lloyd-Wright, and famously opened on 1st September, 1923, the date of the Great Kanto Earthquake which flattened almost all of Tokyo, though not, of course, Lloyd-Wright s new edifice. After the visit, we ll hit the tracks once again, heading back into Nagoya to take the Shinkansen up to Tokyo. Disembarking at Shinagawa Station, we ll complete the circle of our tour by returning very briefly to the Strings Hotel, our first port in Japan, only to pick-up our suitcases, before heading out by train to the airport for our flight home. You may also wish to extend your stay by settling into the hotel for more time in this wonderful city. Your JR Pass will still be active for another couple of days for hassle free exploration on your own.

6 Kiyomizu Temple PRICE Per person twin share... $10,485 Single supplement... $2,485 Deposit (per person)...$1000 at time of booking Final payment due by... 4 February 2018 INCLUSIONS Kyoto 13 nights accommodation in comfortable, centrally located 4-5 star hotels Meals as specified in the program Drinks with welcome and farewell dinners Luxury chartered coaches, with luggage transport throughout the tour Sightseeing with expert local guides giving comprehensive commentary 14 Day, Green Class (first), JR Rail Pass All excursions and entrance fees, to attractions as listed in the itinerary EXCLUSIONS Harajuku International flights Airport transfers on arrival and departure Meals and services not mentioned in itinerary Personal expenses such as drinks not mentioned in itinerary, phone calls, laundry services, camera fees where applicable Excursions listed in the brochure as optional and extra

7 SUGGESTED FLIGHTS We have suggested flights for this itinerary depending on your departure point from Australia, any preferred stopovers en-route and/or your planned pre- and posttour activities. We can also investigate your preferred airline and offer you a solution based on connection times and prices. Contact to discuss your options. HOW TO BOOK Download a booking form from our website and follow the easy steps to getting on board. Alternatively, contact Platinum Travel & Tours on or enquiries@platinumtravelcorp.com if you d prefer a form be sent to you. Complete the form and submit it, along with your $1000 pp deposit to secure your place on the tour. DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE We endeavour to have all the details of our tours correct at the time of printing. However, sometimes factors beyond our control may affect the final inclusions and prices. These factors may include, but not be limited to; significant fluctuations in currency exchange rates, individual hotel/restaurant decisions that may affect bookings; weather events forcing a change of itinerary; unexpected trackwork on rail lines, unexpected closure of site attractions and so forth. Therefore, items mentioned in the brochure such as quoted prices, hotels and inclusions are subject to change. If a change is imposed on us, we will endeavour to ensure the substitute is of the same quality that you ve paid for. TOUR PACE / LEVEL OF FITNESS: Our itineraries are designed to make the most of each destination, so a reasonable amount of activity is built into most days, which is why we call them adventures. Our philosophy is to offer you the best experience possible, while leaving you, our guest, the flexibility to pace yourself and choose how much or how little you want to do. Each Railway Adventures tour incorporates periods of free time for your own exploration and relaxation. While you don t need to be a gym junky, a reasonable level of fitness is required for most of our tours. The ability to manage your own luggage, get on and off all manner of trains and coaches, walk for extended periods, stand comfortably, and climb steps and stairs will ensure you get the maximum enjoyment from your adventure. ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS In addition to assisting with flight suggestions and bookings, we can also give you some ideas of what you could do before and after your Railway Adventure. We can also organise your all-important Travel Insurance for you. Call our office on if you would like to discuss options. TERMS AND CONDITIONS For more information on factors such as travel insurance requirements, fitness levels, fees and charges, tour cancellations, payment schedules and so on, please refer to our Terms and Conditions, which accompany the booking form. They can also be found on our website. WHERE YOU WILL STAY The properties we have selected have been hand-picked based on their location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Here s some of what you can expect on this tour: Granvia, Kyoto Tenyu Ryokan, Hakone Sheraton, Hiroshima Strings Intercontinental, Shinagawa

8 THE RAILWAY ADVENTURES STORY A passion for train travel can manifest itself in many ways. Founder and director of Railway Adventures, Scott McGregor, has made much of his obsession over the years. Travelling to boarding school on the Mudgee Mail gave me a sense of how an active social life and longdistance trains can be a good combination. Building a rural retreat out of a collection of vintage railway carriages in the early 1980s gave Scott a new perspective on rail heritage. During this time, he also operated his first tour The Antipodean Renaissance Express an experience he has never forgotten. Trading in vintage memorabilia and furniture sourced largely from the railways was also a source of great inspiration. Scott travelled far and wide trading and collecting for his Sydney shop, Off The Rails. Hosting a couple of TV documentary series about great train journeys paved the way for leading his own train journeys. Once just an enjoyable part-time hobby, getting paid to do what I love has, naturally enough, led to a more substantial commitment and ultimately the launch of Scott s own dedicated train travel and touring company. This tour is operated by Platinum Travel Corp in association with Scott McGregor s Railway Adventures. ATAS Accreditation No: A10597