Japan Imperial Discovery 2018 1
Itinerary Day 3: Tokyo Our first full day is a walking tour of Tokyo. The capital is a huge metropolitan area, without a real city centre. It is a collection of districts each with individual character. Our journey takes us from Tokyo along the historic Nakasendo Path to the cultural capital of Kyoto. With a stay in the Hakone National Park in the area of Mount Fuji, we see ancient traditions and the ultramodern combined in this fascinating country. As well as seeing some of the highlights, this holiday introduces parts of Japan seldom visited by tourists. Pass through small post-towns and lovely mountain scenery with a multiday walk on a path through the Japanese Alps, combined with staying in traditional inns (ryokan and minshuku) for a taste of authentic Japan. Day 1: Depart the UK Day 2: Tokyo On arrival at Narita airport we are met by our local leader and transfer to central Tokyo (approximately 90-120 minutes subject to traffic conditions). Accommodation: Shiba Park Hotel, (2 nights) Tokyo. (Meals included: dinner) As we walk we see ultramodern Tokyo: neon lights, busy stations with trains running like clockwork, four-way pedestrian crossings, boutiques, grand department stores and the quirky young arts scene. We visit Ginza district, home to elegant department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Matsuya. Enjoy window-shopping at traditional craft shops, or at the food sections of these department stores. Then enjoy a bird s-eye view of Tokyo from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. Tokyo does have a more tranquil and spiritual side, which we discover on our walk through the city today. We visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji, the first Emperor of modern Japan, and his consort Empress Shoken. The Meiji period of Japan signified the end of Japan s isolation and the beginning of its modernisation to become a world power. This is a Shinto shrine, reflecting one Japan's two major religions. 2
It is located in a lovely wooded area next to Yoyogi Park. This very traditional setting stands side by side with the trendsetting, fashionable, modern neighbourhood of Harajuku. (Meals included: breakfast, dinner) Day 4: To Yudanaka Onsen, for a visit to the Snow Monkeys Our journey through rural Japan begins with a drive from Tokyo to this traditional hot spring village, nestled in the mountains of Nagano about three hours northwest of the capital. There is a walk (total distance 3.6 miles/5.8km with negligible ascent and descent) to visit the Snow Monkeys. Day 5: Nakasendo Path to Tsumago This morning we travel into rural Japan and the remote Kiso valley. Nearby are the Japanese Alps, an area of high peaks and volcanoes, fertile valleys, mountain and ski resorts and traditional villages. Over the next two days we walk by day from village to village, staying in small, family-run country inns (minshuku). Our luggage will be sent ahead to Kyoto, allowing us to carry just a light daypack on the trails. The Japanese short tail monkeys started coming here to warm themselves in the outdoor hot springs fifty years ago and a local lodge owner, feeling sorry for them in the cold winters, built them their own bath. (Bus from Tokyo to Yudanaka Onsen - 4 hours 30 minutes on the bus. There are multiple comfort stops en route as well). Our accommodation in nearby Yudanaka is a long-established ryokan. Accommodation: Biyu no yado, Yudanaka Onsen (1 night), Nagano Prefecture. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch,dinner) We start near Nagiso one of the 11 post-towns along the Kiso valley section of the Nakasendo. Post-towns were resting places, where travellers could find accommodation and food as they walked between Kyoto and Edo (as Tokyo was then called). We walk to the charming post town of Tsumago (total distance 3.75 miles/6km with 650ft/200m ascent 130ft/40m descent). Tsumago is possibly the best preserved of the post-towns. Only 40 years ago it was falling into disrepair, but through the concerted effort of its residents it has been saved and restored. Our lodgings will be an atmospheric traditional minshuku. Please note that in the group will be split between two small inns. Maruya and Tsutamuraya O-Tsumago, Kisogun, Nagano Prefecture. (Bus from 3
Yudanaka Onsen to Nagiso - approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (this is the actual time on the bus - there is an additional hour lunch stop en route and some breaks) (Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner) delightful walk beside a canal in eastern Kyoto lined with cherry trees. We ll enjoy an afternoon walk in Gion, Kyoto s geisha district. If luck is with us, we may see a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) making her way through the narrow streets. Day 6: Nakasendo Path To Magome We are treated to a lovely walk to Magome (5 miles/8km, ascent 1,200ft/370m, descent 590ft/180m, 3 hours). After climbing over Magome Pass, we arrive in the small village of Magome. We then continue on by bus, train and bullet train via Nagoya to Kyoto, the western end of the Nakasendo Path. Our luggage will be waiting for us at the hotel in Kyoto. (20 minutes by bus from Magome to Nakatsugawa, and approximately 2 hourse by train from Nakatsugawa via Nagoya to Kyoto). Accommodation: Kyoto Royal Hotel and Spa Hotel (4 nights) Day 8: Kyoto In the morning, we visit the Myoshin-Ji temple complex-a real hidden gem of Kyoto. We then continue on to Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, surrounded by a Japanese garden, and originally built by the Ashikaga Shogun at the end of the 14th century. (Meals included: breakfast, dinner) Day 7: To Kyoto Kyoto was the capital of Japan from the 8th century until 1868 when it was moved to Edo (now Tokyo). It was spared much of the bombing that was inflicted on Tokyo and other cities in World War II and, whilst it is quite a large city, Kyoto has more historic buildings and gardens than most other Japanese cities and towns, which has resulted in the listing of the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, we ll enjoy a walk along the Philosopher s Pathway, a We will then visit Ryoan-ji, with its famous rock garden of raked gravel and 15 moss-covered boulders. It is not possible to see all 15 boulders at once from any place in the garden. It is said that if you can see all 15 you have achieved enlightenment. 4
(Kyoto - transfers within the city - approximately 1-2 hours total) (Meals included: breakfast, dinner) Day 9: Kyoto bullet trains have only limited space for luggage, our luggage will be sent ahead today to Tokyo, so you will need to pack overnight items for the nights in Hakone. Today is free to explore Kyoto. Your leader will be happy to help with suggestions for places to visit. (Meals included: breakfast) Day 10: To Hakone Leaving Kyoto, we ride the bullet train (2 hours on the bullet train from Kyoto to Odawara, Bus from Odawara to Hakone - 40 minutes) and travel by coach to Hakone, a traditional hot spring town near Mount Fuji. After checking in at our hotel, we walk to the Hakone Check-Point Museum, the checkpoint for travellers to Edo (Tokyo) in the feudal period (until 1868). There will be time to explore independently before dinner. Accommodation: Hakone Yama, Hakone, Hakone Hotel, The Prince Hakone or La Foret Hakone Gora (2 nights) (Meals included: breakfast, dinner) Day 11: To Hakone National Park Hakone was a stop along another of Japan s old highways, the Tokaido, and is steeped in history. Situated next to Lake Ashi-no-ko, well placed for excellent views of Mount Fuji, there is a wide variety of walking nearby. As the We have a full day in Hakone, including a walk along the suginamiki, a trail lined with Japanese cedar trees, to the Motohakone port on Lake Ashinoko. If the workshop is open, we may be able to see a demonstration of traditional Japanese parquetry. We will also walk a portion of the old Tokaido highway, or East Sea Road, which was the alternative to the Nakasendo for travellers in the feudal period who did not wish to travel 5
through the mountains on their way from Kyoto to Tokyo. There is an ascent with some steep sections for around two hours, between Hatajuku and Motohakone, stopping for lunch along the way. We will arrive back at our hotel midafternoon and there will be free time before dinner. (Distance 3 miles/4.5km, ascent 1,400ft/420m). Portions of the walk include areas with loose and uneven stones and steps. (Meals included: breakfast, dinner) Day 12: Hakone & Tokyo This morning we take a boat across Lake Ashi-no-ko, a caldera lake formed between the inner and outer ranges of the Hakone volcanoes. Weather permitting we will have great views of Mount Fuji. Accommodation: Shiba Park Hotel (1 night), Tokyo. (Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner) Day 13: Departure day (Bus from Tokyo to Narita Airport - approximately 90 minutes ( dependent on traffic) with traffic this can be as much as 2 hours) Optional Nikko Extension Day 13: Travel to Nikko Today, make your way to the Tobu Asakusa station to board your train for Nikko. Your guide on your Imperial Japan tour will advise on how to make your own way to the train and will give you your tickets for your airport transfer at the end of the extension. We suggest you leave your bags at the hotel in Tokyo and travel with a smaller backpack. On arrival in Nikko, you will be met by your local expert guide who will introduce you to the magnificent sights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, we travel through the Hakone volcanic ranges. We take a walk to Owakudani, where the volcanic fumaroles bubble up, and then on to our lunch spot on the other side of the mountain. After lunch we ll take the bus back to Tokyo. (Bus from Hakone to Tokyo - approximately 3 hours (This includes time on the coach sightseeing in the Hakone area) Nikko is an historic town set against a stunning backdrop of wooded hills and national parklands, which have been sacred to the Japanese for 1,200 years. The extravagantly ornate buildings are now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are a must-see of the area, and we will discover the Toshogu Shrine, the temple of Futarasan and Rinno-ji temple. Accommodation: Japanese Style Inn, Nikko area (2 nights) (Meals included: dinner) Day 14: Walking in Oku Nikko 6
Your local guide will take you on a walk through the Senjogahara marshlands of the picturesque Oku Nikko area, an area of outstanding natural beauty in the mountainous north of Nikko. We will enjoy 3-4 hours of gentle walking with negligible ascent and descent. The marshlands of the area are home to rich array of wild plants and birds and are overlooked by the peaks of Oku Nikko. (Meals included: breakfast, dinner) Day 15: Travel to Tokyo In the morning, return by train to Tokyo and continue your independent discoveries of the city. For the modern side of Tokyo, you could leave the train at the Tokyo Skytree station and visit this recently built observation tower for a bird s eye view of the city. To explore Tokyo s traditional side, you could also visit nearby Asakusa, which still retains the flavour of Edo. We also recommend Senso-ji temple, nestled behind the enormous red lantern of Kaminarimon gate. Nakamise-dori, the promenade leading between the gate and the temple, is lined with shops specialising in traditional crafts, souvenirs, and snacks. Accommodation: Western-style hotel, Tokyo (Meals included: breakfast) Day 16: Depart Tokyo (Meals included: breakfast) 7
Accommodation The following types of accommodation are used on this tour: Hotel (Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone) Modern western-style hotels are used in Tokyo. The rooms are generally smaller than equivalent hotels in the West. All have en-suite facilities, airconditioning, TV and fridges in rooms. Ryokan (Yudanaka Onsen) Ryokan are traditional Japanese-style inns, though these may be in a modern building. The rooms are in the Japanese style with tatami (straw) matting and futons laid out in the evening by the ryokan staff. Evening meals are served together usually in the dining room, and are exquisitely prepared multi-course meals. The ryokan has its own onsen, natural hot spring baths (communal, but divided by sex). You can relax in large bathrooms, indoor and outdoor, completely hidden from other parts of the facility. Guests are given cotton yukata robes to wear around the ryokan, so they will not need formal dinner wear. All rooms except 3 have en-suite (shower and toilet). We will allocate the rooms randomly. Minshuku (Tsumago) Minshuku are family-run Japanesestyle guest houses. The rooms are Japanese style with tatami mats and futons laid out in the evening. The buildings are 200-year-old historical machiya former merchants houses, restored. Guest rooms do not have en suite bathrooms, however communal bathing and washing areas are a short walk from each room. The group may be split between two minshuku in Narai. Breakfast and dinner are in the dining area. Guests will be given cotton yukata robes which they can use around the inn. Minshuku have smaller rooms and the service is less formal than ryokan, but you are assured a very personal welcome and a very traditional Japanese experience. Single rooms Single rooms are available in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone. Single rooms are not normally available in the Japanese style accommodations and participants will be asked to share a room with a member of the group of the same sex. In Tokyo we stay at the Shiba Park Hotel, a 3 star hotel with a good range of facilities. It is well located in central Tokyo. Nearby is Shiba Park, the Tokyo Tower, and the lovely Hama Rikyu Garden, a pleasant oasis in the city on the edge of the bay, looking over to the impressive Rainbow Bridge. http://en.shibaparkhotel.com/ On the Nakasendo Path we stay in ryokan (Yudanaka) and minshuku (Tsumago). The rooms in the inns are always traditional with tatami (straw) matting and futons. 8
At the ryokan these are laid out in the evening. At minshuku you may lay these out yourselves. Rooms are not usually en-suite. Bathing facilities may be shared. Meals at your accommodations are set meals, usually served in a common dining room, often showcasing regional produce and specialties. Most meals, you will be dining on Japanese cuisine. Yukata (simple cotton kimono) are provided at each accommodation, and you can wear this during your stay in the Japanese style accommodation both indoors and outdoors. They may also be worn as pyjamas. This will allow you to pack lightly for the walking sections. Soap and shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, and a towel are always available at any accommodations. Hairdryers are provided in the regular hotels and in the public bathrooms in Ryokan. They are usually available in some minshuku, too. Bathing at the inns may be in communal bath rooms segregated by gender. Bathing suits may not be worn in the baths or hot springs. In Kyoto we stay at the Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa, in a modern 4-star city centre hotel with a range of facilities, in a very convenient location close to restaurants, shops and the train station. The hotel is conveniently located to walk or travel by public transport to Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Ginkakuji Temple and the Imperial Palace. The rooms are modern, comfortable and brightly furnished. www.ishinhotels.com/kyoto-royal/en In Hakone, accommodation will differ based on departure dates. The April departure will stay at the Hakone Yama, the May and November departures are at the Hakone Hotel, the Price Hakone Ashinoko for the September departure and La Foret Hakone Gorg for October. Each of these is a 4-star western style hotel with facilities including a number of restaurants and open air hot spring spa (onsen). The Hakone hotel has an excellent location on the shores of the picturesque Lake Ashi with views towards Mount Fuji from the grounds. 9
Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. Suggested Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. All details correct at time of writing (Revised Apr 2017). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking & accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Towel Accommodations will provide towels however you may wish to bring a smaller towel to dry off in wet or warm weather. Light gloves (for guests on the November departure taking the Nikko extension) Torch Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) to carry overnight items a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains. This holiday includes some 10
light backpacking when you will be without your main luggage Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Luggage will be sent ahead by courier on two occasions (Yudanaka to Kyoto, Kyoto to Tokyo). You will be without your main luggage on 4 nights, so please prepare an overnight daypack to carry your overnight items. You will be carrying them during the day on the walking sections so we do recommend a backpack/rucksack. Please note we only include the baggage delivery for one bag or suitcase per person. Extra bags may be sent subject to a charge payable locally for each transfer of approximately 1500-2000 yen per bag per transfer. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for the duration of the stay. Visas are not required for UK, Australian, Canadian and US passport holders. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Tetanus vaccinations are recommended. The use or possession of some common prescription and over-thecounter medicines is banned under Japan s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. This includes Vicks inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems and even some mild painkillers like those containing codeine. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance. If in any doubt, check with the nearest 11
Japanese Embassy or Consulate before you travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. We encourage clients to sample the full range of food provided by the inns on our tours whenever possible. The inns are proud of their set menus, which usually consist of a multitude of carefully-balanced and painstakinglyproduced dishes. If you are travelling with others, you can easily swap dishes between you at mealtimes so that each member of your party eats what they like best. Inns are usually happy to provide meat-free meals if we request them at the time of booking. We can also request meals which are meat-free and without fish and seafood, though fish and seafood feature heavily in the standard Japanese diet. If requesting meals without fish and seafood, please tell us if you can still accept soups and sauces containing the traditional fish stock called dashi. It is hard for the inns to produce meals without dashi and choices for vegans are limited. For those with an allergy to wheat gluten, eating in Japan can be problematic. Soy sauce and miso (used in miso soup) contain gluten. While tofu does not contain gluten, it often is served with soy sauce. Many inns will do their best to cater for special diets, but requests must be submitted at the time of booking. It may not be possible to accommodate requests made afterwards. Please understand that some smaller inns may not have the facilities necessary to cook for those with special diets. Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew 12
Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your leader or local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the HF Holidays leader or local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you 13
Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 119 (ambulance and fire) or 110 (police). Please then call our emergency number (see page 10) and let us know there is a problem. Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. Climate Japan lies on a similar latitude to France and Southern Canada, but has a temperate climate due to its maritime influences. Summers tend to be hot, wet and humid, with cold and clear winters. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when temperatures are usually mild with sunny days, although there can be some rain. Temperatures in the mountains are generally cooler than the cities and plains. Local currency & money matters Japanese Yen ( ). Japan is a cashbased society and it is safe to carry around cash. ATMs accepting foreign cards are rare outside Tokyo. The best option is to purchase Japanese Yen cash before you leave home, or on arrival at the airport in Japan. Traveller s cheques are not advised. How much money to bring You will need to have cash to pay for meals which are not included in your tour, drinks with meals, snacks and any gifts you wish to buy. We recommend JPY 5,000 per day. Please make sure you have this at the start of your tour. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet Japan 2015 Christopher Goto-Jones Modern Japan: A Very Short Introduction 2009 Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Electricity 100V, flat 2 pin plugs. You will need a transformer and plug adapter for your electronics. Please note that items may take longer to charge or may operate more slowly. Japanese electrical outlets accept plugs with two flat prongs, similar to a North American plug. Group size The group size is maximum 18 guests plus local leader/s GMT/UTC +9 hours Time difference HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 14