E X C L U S I V E U L T I M A T E T O U R O F J A P A N

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1 E X C L U S I V E T O U R U L T I M A T E T O U R O F J A P A N Thu 18th October - Sat 27th October 2018

2 T O U R D E S C R I P T I O N Trip Details: Tour Begins: Thursday 18th October 2018 Tour Ends: Saturday 27th October 2018 Period: 10 Days/9 Nights Included: - 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners - 9 Nights accommodation Western or Japanese ryokans - Transfers, tours & entrance fees as per itinerary - Private escort/guide in Japan Not Included: - International & domestic flights Price: $5150 per person - (Single Supplement extra $1000) Subject to exchange rate. Please visit our website at for current rates. Highlights: This special "Ultimate Tour of Japan" immerses you in Southern Japan's rich natural beauty and deeprooted history of the samurai. You'll feast on local cuisine, experience a unique hospitality, and enjoy a wide variety of historical sites key to this region. See the largest fireworks competition in Western Japan Luxuriate in hot springs bathing in onsens and local Japanese inns. View the breathtaking beauty of Mount Aso's volcanic caldera up-close Stroll though colourful Japanese gardens of Kumamoto, after partaking in a traditional tea ceremony Feel the warmth of the local hospitality and cuisine unique to the area at the home of samurai descendants. B o o k t o d a y a t : w w w. j a p a n h o l i d a y s. c o m. a u

3 Day 1 Thursday, 18th October Arrive at Tokyo/Haneda International Airport where you ll clear Customs and proceed to the Royal Park Haneda Hotel right in the International terminal on the second level. (Note: Final flight, arrival and hotel accommodation may be subject to change.) Accommodation: Royal Park Haneda Hotel, International Terminal Day 2 Friday, 19th October After a breakfast buffet, take airport shuttle to Haneda Domestic terminal for a short flight to Kagoshima. There, you ll be met by your Japan Holidays tour guide. Lunch is at a local restaurant, after which we visit an important historical site guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Japan s Underground Imperial Navy Command Post This dark enclave of tunnels conjures up the final months of WW II in vivid form. As firebombs rained down from above, Japan s elite military leaders plotted, trained and tracked troops and kamikaze pilots, from take-off to their final radar signal. Human-propelled torpedo boats were commissioned, silently gliding to their targets. Authentic Japanese Dance Performance Tonight, you ll enjoy a captivating performance of Nihon buyo, traditional Japanese moves evolved over 400 years, incorporating dance, pantomine and colourful costumes to tell folk tales. Enjoy a Japanese ryokan stay with relaxing onsen at the hotel. Accommodation : Suiranrou Ryokan

4 Day 3 Saturday, 20th October We check out after breakfast for a day s site-seeing of shrines, swords and ceremonies, with an explosive climax at our destination! Aoi Aso Shrine Now a National Treasure, this intricately decorated Shinto shrine dates from 806 A.D. The site includes several pavilions, together which reflect unique architectural treatment and designs from medieval Japan. Samurai Performance Silent but deadly samurai swords slice the air in a mesmerizing display of skill and nerve as shown by Taisha-ryu warriors at the Shrine. Tea Ceremony Immerse yourself in the timeless tradition of a Japanese tea ceremony at the Tateyama Tea Shop, where you ll learn the proper way to prepare, serve and enjoy green tea. More than a tea house, this is a 140-yearold legacy. Steam Locomotive Hitoyoshi After lunch at Cafe Kura overlooking Hitoyoshi City, you ll enjoy panoramic views along the Kuma River on this exquisitely-appointed steam train from a bygone era, and arrive in style at our destination, Yatsushiro City. Yatsushiro Fireworks Competition This is the only national competition, featuring 30 pyro-technicians competing for the ultimate fireworks explosion of color, shape and form. Bento box dinners will be handed out, although you may not want to tear your eyes away from the show! Accommodation: Yatsushiro Grand Hotel Day 4 Sunday, 21st October We travel to Kumamoto City for a day of historical attractions and shopping. Jyosai En Cultural Center Experience Kumamoto s remarkable history through a unique virtual reality exhibit that brings to life the castle, clans and conflict of the region. Kumamoto Castle Built by Lord Kato Kiyomasa in 1607, the castle was heavily damaged in the April 2016 earthquake. We ll stroll the grounds and learn about the castle s prominence in Kumamoto s history as well as ongoing reconstruction efforts. Lunch: Satisfy your craving for local fare at the popular buffet at Ginnan in Kumamoto. Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Craft Center Enjoy shopping for a wide range of traditional Japanese goods, including bamboo, woodworking, pottery, textiles, gourmet knives, souvenirs and delectable food items. Tsuruya Department Store Get a taste of city shopping at this renowned store, known for a wide array of household goods and clothing. Accommodation : Hotel Nikko Kumamoto (2 nights)

5 Day 5 Monday, 22nd October After buffet breakfast at the hotel, we ll enjoy a contrast of serene gardens, stark volcanic landscape, and ancient shrine all in one day. Suizenji Japanese Garden A magical tour in miniature of the 53 post stations of the Tokaido is arrayed in this beautiful, story-book garden. Nakadake Active Volcano Weather and nature permitting, we ll check out Mt. Naka, an active crater, where you may see first-hand why Kumamoto is known as The Land of Fire and Water. New Kusasenri Restaurant lunch is a local hotplate treat: Yoganyaki Steak, which is tender, low-fat beef grilled over charcoal. Aso Shrine This beloved 2,200-year-old shrine was damaged in the 2016 earthquake, but is now undergoing restoration of its Romon Gate and Haiden offering hall. Water tasting Who knew that spring waters offer complex flavors unique to the area? We ll sample this refreshing brew at several shops. Day 6 Tuesday, 23rd October Today we travel into the past to Gokanosho, the very cauldron of conflict between warring samurai clans. Gokanosho Dubbed Land of the Last Samurai, Gokanosho is hidden in the secluded forests of Kumamoto Prefecture. Villages here are home to the Heike clan s fugitive legend. Redolent with roaring waterfalls, dramatic suspension bridges and mysterious forests, the beauty of Gokanosho is an experience that will pierce your soul and fill your senses with indelible memories! Far off the beaten path of typical tours, Gokanosho is a rare treat for tourists, with breathtaking views enjoyed by a privileged few. Sendan Totodo Waterfall and Suspension Bridges We take a walk in the lush forest to the Sendan Totodo Waterfall, which cascades down steep ravines and gushes into rocky pools below. We then cross a few suspension bridges that link remote pockets of forest villages, each one offering a stunning view into deep ravines and streambeds far below. Heike-so Minshuku Your life may be forever changed spending just a single night at this traditional, remote inn. The Heike-so transports you back to an era in which travelers trekked from outpost to outpost, luxuriating at rustic inns that provided sumptuous meals and a relaxing bath at the end of the day. Your room here will be in the traditional Japanese style, but the hospitality and culinary experience is unforgettably world-class. Kaiseki Dinner Expect a sumptuous feast around open fire pits; the local moonshine is not to be missed! Accommodation: Heike-So Minshuku

6 Day 7 Wednesday, 24th October After an expansive Japanese breakfast, we take a leisurely, half-day drive from the forests of Gokanosho to Amakusa in Kumamoto, where the mountains meet the ocean with spectacular scenery. Five Bridges of Amakusa Known for its pearl culture, the islands connected via these picturesque bridges resemble a strand of beautiful pearls. Honda Pearl Center Indulge in exquisite pearls or find the perfect gift at the Honda Pearl shop in Amakusa, a family-run jewelry store that s been in business more than half a century. Amakusa Christian Museum The ultra-modern architecture of this museum belies the long history of Christianity in Amakusa, which dates from Exhibits include the secret, sacred objects carried by Amakusa s hidden Christians to avoid persecution. World Heritage churches After lunch, we ll tour more historical sites including World Heritage listed churches of Amakusa. Accommodation: Santa Coming Hotel Day 8 Thursday, 25th October An exciting day of castles, conflict and kaiseki is sure to touch all of your senses. Hara Castle Ruins Here, a fierce battle took place in 1637, in which tens of thousands of Christians were slaughtered under royal decree, after they rebelled against draconian laws. Mt. Fugen Volcanic Museum When this volcano erupted unexpectedly in 1991, it took the lives of 43 scientists, journalists, film makers and photographers. We learn more about the underlying geology in the exhibits here followed by lunch. Shimabara Castle Resembling a beautiful wedding cake in its appearance, this castle required exorbitant taxes for its completion, leading to the Shimabara Rebellion in the 17th century, followed by the prohibition of Christianity. Today, this major tourist attraction offers multiple floors with fascinating exhibits, stunning views at the top, and the opportunity to don either a warrior s armor or lovely kimono for a memorable photo keepsake! Kaiseki dinner After relaxing in a soothing onsen here, you ll feast at a multi-course meal while lounging in a comfortable yukata at this unique hotel with traditional Japanese-style rooms. Accommodation: Yumei Hotel

7 Day 9 Friday, 26th October Our final day of site-seeing takes us to Nagasaki, a city steeped in tragedy, but now resolved to ensure a lasting legacy for peace. Nagasaki Peace Park and Nuclear Bomb Museum Commemorating the nuclear bombing of Nagasaki and death of 75,000 citizens an event of horrific consequence and destruction this quiet, contemplative park will resonate with your conscience long afterwards. Urakami Cathedral Completed in 1925 to honor the Christian martyrs of the Edo-era rebellion, this cathedral was completely destroyed in the bombing of Nagasaki. Later rebuilt, the new cathedral stands near the old toppled belfry, as testament to the devastating event. Takashi Nagai s House Takashi Nagai was a physician, radiology pioneer, convert to Roman Catholicism, and a survivor of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. The poignant book, A Song for Nagasaki describes Dr. Nagai s personal struggle with leukemia following radiation poisoning, and his philosophy of forgiveness and acceptance to fellow-suvivors. 26 Martyrs Museum and Monument In 1597, 26 Catholic priests and converts were crucified after being marched across hundreds of kilometers in a show against Christianity. The tragedy was further compounded by its implications on trade wars between Spain and Portugal, as both countries raced to dominate Japan s lucrative trade route. Accommodation: JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki Day 10 Saturday, 27th October After breakfast and checking out, we depart Nagasaki for Fukuoka and your flight home. *** End of Tour - Sayonara! *** OPTIONAL EXTENSION TOURS AVAILABLE PLEASE ENQUIRE

8 About Japan Holidays Our team of travel specialists are experts on Japan. Their language proficiency and in-depth knowledge of customs, locations and how to get around effortlessly is unsurpassed by many travel companies. This expertise has been honed by living in Japan or through repeated visits. You ll enjoy peace of mind with our specialists managing every detail of your tour, from transportation and dining to accommodation. Japan Holidays is supported by an office in Japan, staffed with local experts who are available to assist you if needed while in Japan. Contact us Call: Website: Address: P.O. Box 1175, Kingscliff NSW 2487 Australia