March 2014 Japan Tour Spring

Transcription

1 Page 1 / 11 March 2014 Japan Tour Spring Kansai & Okayama Districts RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY JAPANESE TEA EXPERIENCE IN MUDGEERABA (GOLD COAST HINTERLAND) WHEN YOU BOOK. BOOK SOON TO AVOID RISING ACCOMMODATION COSTS! 10 nights, 11 days including 9 full days and 2 part days in Japan Hikone Castle Photo credit: Japan National Tourist Organization In this tour you will enjoy the following experiences (Yes we can also include your preferences!): The big city thrills in Osaka. Experience how high density urban environments work. See amazing spaces and shops. A wealth of choice for restaurants and cafes. Historic Kyoto ringed by hills and mountains and home to much of Japan's traditions. There is so much to see here that we keep coming back. A variety of cuisine and dining experiences. Modern and historical exhibits of culture, arts and crafts. Shopping from high-tech browsing to unique souvenirs. Cutting edge and traditional architecture. Natural beauty of the mountains and coastlines, and the rivers and canals. Cherry Blossoms depending on the weather may be visible in some areas. A very special destination: Inujima a small island in the Inland Sea with high class architecture and art projects, sponsored by the Benesse Corporation. Learn aspects of Japanese Language and customs.

2 Page 2 / 11 Maps Location Map Itinerary Map

3 Page 3 / 11 Itinerary Saturday 15/3/14 Day 1: Osaka Flight Brisbane > Osaka Depending on flights and pricing, there maybe a stopover break in an Asian hub airport. Overnight: In Transit Express train from Osaka Airport Sunday 16/3/14 Day 2: Osaka > Kyoto Arrive Osaka before Lunch. Transfer by Rapid Service train to Kyoto. Half day introduction to Kyoto in the station precinct. The station building itself, designed by Hiroshi Hara, is a very unique series of spaces worth exploring, including a roof top terrace for those first views of Kyoto city. Overnight: Kyoto Kyoto Station building Monday - Wednesday 17/3/14 Days 3-5: Kyoto & District Various destinations to visit during the 3 full days in Kyoto. A Kansai area pass gives pre-paid options for travel and admission discounts over 3 days (included). Arashiyama (by tram) Higashiyama (bus & walk) Katsura (advance booking on arrival in Kyoto) Higashiyama - historical street scene Kyoto in general see: Hikone Castle: Overnights: Kyoto Thursday 20/3/14 Day 6: Kyoto > Okayama The first journey by super express Shinkansen. Free time to explore Okayama. Overnight: Okayama Japan Rail West Shinkansen

4 Page 4 / 11 Friday 21/3/14 Day 7: Okayama > Inujima > Okayama This day return trip to the small island Inujima (Dog Island) in the inland sea will be a special highlight. The Inujima Seirensho Art Museum is a former copper refinery converted by tastefully incorporating an art gallery into the ruins. Inujima museum, on the inland sea Scattered across the small, peaceful village are the five galleries of the Inujima Art House Project. All areas accessible by walking, as the island is only small. More information Overnight: Okayama Saturday 22/3/14 Day 8: Kurashiki Explore Kurashiki near Okayama art museums, historic storehouses beside a canal, Kenzo Tange's modern brutalist Kurashiki town hall. Canal Area : Overnight: Okayama Historic canalside building - Kurashiki Sunday 23/3/14 Day 9: Okayama > Osaka Another Shinkansen journey, but with option to stop-over along the way eg at Kobe, on of the few original ports for trade with other countries when Japan was opening up. KitanoCho is a district of Kobe that retains western influenced buildings from that era. Overnight: Osaka Kitano Cho, one of several sights in Kobe Monday 24/3/14 Day 10: Osaka Free Day in Osaka for shopping and sightseeing, or a day return trip to Nara an ancient Capital of Japan (before Kyoto). Osaka Nara Overnight: Osaka Neon lights in Shinsaibashi, vibrant shopping district Osaka

5 Page 5 / 11 Tuesday 25/3/14 Day 11: Osaka > Brisbane Last minute shopping and prepare for departure. Overnight flight, arriving Brisbane 26/3/14 Dog clothing & accessories shop, Osaka Group size Tour group size of 3 5 guests. Tour is confirmed once 3 guests confirm. Pre-departure There will be a pre-departure group activity, such as Japanese Tea Experience in the hills of the Mudgeeraba Valley. Pricing and Notes Prices not firm till booked Tour Cost Component Price PP Price PP 4 3 $438 $583 $1,300 $1,300 Payable at time of Booking Tour $1,738 $1,883 Payable February 2014 for hotels, travel, attraction admission and escort fees in Japan (meals excluded). Total Cost $1,874 $2,045 $3,611 $3,929 No of Guests Tour Booking Fee (includes insurance and SIM card for smartphone) Air Flights discretionary limit to be charged to your credit card 1 Notes Contact 1 Passport required. Visa not required for Australian Passport holders entering Japan Guests may join the tour in Osaka, if they wish to travel to Japan independently contact us for details. Out of pocket: Meals: allow $50 ~ 75 / day or $550 ~ 850 for the 11 days. Souvenirs, gifts, alcohol at your discretion. Group communication Included: appropriate data only sim card to install into your android or iphone to provide internet access via Japan's excellent 3G network for free Skype or Viber voice calls, messaging and s avoids high comms costs. All costs are subject to fluctuations until paid exchange rate, inflation, availability etc. Money in Japan Credit or Debit cards in the Mastercard or Visa network can be used in all Post Office ATMs to withdraw cash, but may not be recognised elsewhere or incur high fees. Generally, it is best to carry cash (Yen) to pay for out of pocket purchases. Accommodation Three star western style hotels, single, twin or double rooms with compact ensuite bathroom. James Stephenson jim@jimsjapan.com.au Unless otherwise arranged beforehand

6 Page 6 / 11 Variations Jims Japan can arrange the following variations: Stay at a Japanese Style Inn (Ryokan or Minshuku) including traditional breakfast and dinner. Add approx $ per person per night Extend the tour add approx $250 per person per day Sample Air Itinerary Checked baggage 20kg, meals included. Refund fee AUD180, changes permitted with a fee at AUD60.

7 Page 7 / 11 Sample Hotels KYOTO Hotel My Stay Kyoto Room Facilities: Safety Deposit Box, Air Conditioning, Trouser Press, Desk, Shower, Bath, Hairdryer, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Slippers, Pay-per-view Channels, Telephone, Flatscreen TV, Refrigerator, Electric Kettle Room Size: 25 m² OKAYAMA Central Hotel Okayama Room Facilities: Air Conditioning, Desk, Heating, Shower, Bath, Hairdryer, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Slippers, Pay-per-view Channels, Flatscreen TV, Refrigerator, Electric Kettle, Wake Up Service, Alarm Clock Room Size: 13 m² OSAKA Hotel Il Grande Umeda Room Facilities: Air Conditioning, Iron, Trouser Press, Shower, Bath, Hairdryer, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Pay-per-view Channels, Telephone, Satellite Channels, Cable Channels, Refrigerator, Electric Kettle, Wake Up Service Room Size: 13 m²

8 Page 8 / 11 Land Travel & Attractions DAY TRAVEL / ATTRACTION TIME COST (JPY) 2 KIX > Kyoto : Nankai Kyoto Access ticket (Kawaramachi) 110 min 1,500 3, 4, 5 Kansai Thru Pass all transport + entry discounts 5,000 General allowance for entry fees 4,800 Hikone Castle, garden and Museum 1,000 6 Kyoto > Okayama : Shinkansen super express train 65 min 7,650 7 Okayama > Inujima Okayama > Saidaiji (train) 20 min 230 Saidaiji > Hoden port (bus) 60 min 500 Hoden port > Inujima Ferry 10 min 300 Return trip 90 min 1,030 Inujima Seirensho Art Museum and Art House Project 8 2,000 Okayama > Kurashiki (train) 16 min 320 (return) 16 min 320 Admissions various museums (excl Ohara) 9 Okayama > Osaka (Shinkansen) 10 Osaka transport and admission 1 Day Pass 11 Osaka > KIX 1, min 2, min Total JPY Exchange Rate Total AUD Updated 3/01/2014 6,060 1,500 36, $424

9 Page 9 / 11 Group Travel Insurance - 1Cover For full policy go to

10 Page 10 / 11 Booking Form Guest 1 First Name Family Name Date of Birth Passport No address Best number to call Postal address Special Requirements (we will advise if these requirements can be met: a) at no additional cost, b) at additional cost, or c) not able to be met Guest 2 First Name Family Name Date of Birth Passport No address Best number to call Postal address Special Requirements (we will advise if these requirements can be met: a) at no additional cost, b) at additional cost, or c) not able to be met I/We hereby wish to Book a place / places in this tour, and accept the Conditions setout below. I/We authorise James Stephenson to make bookings on my/our behalf on retail on-line booking sites. I/We am/are satisfied with the cover in the group travel comprehensive insurance policy (refer policy information above). I/We understand that our place on the Tour is secured once the Tour Booking Fee has been made, and undertake to make payment on or before 30th November Further, sufficient funds will be available in my/our nominated credit card account to pay up to the discretionary limit for air flights.... Signature(s) & Date

11 Page 11 / 11 CONDITIONS Payments: At time of booking this tour: Tour Booking Fee To be paid by EFT bank transfer to a separate travel account: BankMecu BSB ACCT James Peter Stephenson Air Flights Unless otherwise arranged, flights will be booked and paid for 7 days after booking the tour via Expedia - Each individual or family unit will be requested to open an Expedia account and log information including credit card details. Once the flights have been paid for, the account can be closed. James Stephenson will be the Travel Arranger under Expedia's booking system. Flight fares can change daily, so if there is an increase at time of booking to above the discretional limit, you will be contacted by telephone for further instructions before payment is made. Tour Escort, Accommodation, Land Travel & Attraction fees Tour escort Fee is payable 30 days before departure by EFT bank transfer to BankMecu BSB ACCT James Peter Stephenson All other costs are payable in Japan, in JPY currency. You can choose to carry the currency and hand it over at the time the expense accrues, or arrange for prior payment to Jims Japan. Refunds: Cooling Off Air fare Bookings and payment will be made 7 days after Tour Booking Fee has been processed. Until Air Flights have been booked and paid, the Tour Booking Fee is refundable, minus transaction fee $ per person. Air Travel Fee: Refer to refund policy for the Air Carrier booked Accommodation Fee: Cancellation with no fee is possible up to 1 month prior to departure Tour Booking and Tour Escort fees: Not refundable after air flights are booked, unless a replacement guest is found for any guest cancelling. Land Travel and Attraction Fees: refer providers generally not refundable or impracticable to seek refunds. Refer to Travel Insurance Policy for your options to be compensated for any unforeseen eventualities.