+44 (0)20 8741 7390 One of the most enigmatic destinations on earth, Japan is a captivating mix of the old and the new. At times overwhelming, away from its cities you can find landscapes awash with a cultural legacy that has remained undiminished for generations. Travelling through the soaring Japan Alps, this remarkable journey takes you from the colour and chaos of its vibrant capital and deep into the heart of a truly timeless and fascinating country. Beginning in Tokyo you will have an opportunity to explore the city in the company of a local guide, before boarding the famous bullet train for the serene landscapes around Nikko. A chance to explore this spectacular natural treasure is then followed by a visit to Matsumoto, where you will find the famed Snow Monkeys of Jigokundani Park. Enjoying the hospitality of traditional, family run inns, the journey also takes in the remarkable gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawago and the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden. The climax of the adventure then sees you enjoying the abundant cultural treasures of Kyoto, the country s ancient capital and a city that is liberally scattered with a spectacular array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A fitting end to an extraordinary journey. Highlights: Enjoy a guided tour of the Japanese capital. Discover shimmering lakes and visit the famous Snow Monkeys of Matsumoto. Hike amongst the stunning volcanic landscapes of Nikko s national park. Visit the World Heritage gassho-zukuri houses in Shirakawago and stay at a traditional minshuku. Explore Kyoto s UNESCO treasures on a fascinating bike tour. TOUR INCLUDES 9 nights in hotels 1 night in a minshuku 1 night Ryokan 11 breakfasts and 1 dinner English meet and greet at the airport 7-Day Japan Rail Pass in ordinary class English-speaking guide for tour on 2 days Bus tickets on Matsumoto to Takayama, Takayama to Shirakawago, Shirakawago to Kanazawa
*Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: ARRIVE TOKYO Arriving in the Japanese capital, you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. DAY 2: TOKYO Meeting up with your guide at the hotel this morning's excursions begin with a visit to Hamarikyu, one of the most visited gardens in Tokyo. After a chance to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at its attractive Nakajima-no-Ochaya teahouse, you'll then embark on a scenic river cruise to Asakusa, part of the city's historic old Geisha district and home to the Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. The tour ends with a visit to Meiji Jingu, one of Tokyo's most famous Shinto shrines. (B) DAY 3: TOKYO - NIKKO Departing through the Tokyo suburbs aboard the Shinkansen bullet train this morning, you'll head north through the Japanese countryside towards the town of Nikko. Translating as "sunlight", Nikko lies amongst the volcanic landscapes of a national park, surrounded by lakes, waterfalls and hot springs that are crisscrossed by a series of trails that snake across the plateau. Lake Chuzenji is considered particularly beautiful, especially when seen against the backdrop of the autumn colours. (B) DAY 4: NIKKO - MATSUMOTO Today's destination is the small castle town of Matsumoto, which sits amongst a landscape of rice fields, vineyards and wasabi farms that lie within the towering peaks of the great Japan Alps. Taking a stroll around the town this afternoon you can pay a visit to its impressive castle, one of the few remaining of the country's original fortresses. Distinguished by its black exterior and its red arched bridge, the castle's grounds are home to the beautifully preserved buildings of the Nakamachidori, the town's historic old merchant district. (B) DAY 5: MATSUMOTO A morning visit to neighbouring Yamanouchi provides the opportunity to visit Jigokundani Park, home to the famous Japanese macaques, or Snow Monkeys, that spend the colder months between December and April enjoying the comforts of the local hot springs. Be aware this visit will require some walking to get from the bus to the park, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. (B)
DAY 6: MATSUMOTO - TAKAYAMA Journeying high up into the Hida alpine region of Gifu today, your journey continues on towards the small town of Takayama. Negotiating the way through a series of mountain passes and past a collection of hot spring resorts, you'll arrive at your traditional Japanese ryokan inn later this morning. After a chance to settle in you'll have chance later to explore the rambling old streets of Takayama's Shitamachi district, where century-old merchants' houses share the landscape with sake breweries and food stalls selling Hida beef sushi. (B) DAY 7: TAKAYAMA - SHIRIKAWA GO After an opportunity to begin the day with a visit to the lively riverside market, you might like to then spend the rest of the morning exploring some of the many temples and shrines that lie scattered around Takayama. Another option is a visit to the town's famous Float Museum, before you depart by bus for Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its intricately designed gassho-zukuri farmhouses. This evening you will be staying in a traditional minshuku inn, which promises to be a singularly unique experience. (B) DAY 8: SHIRIKAWA GO - KANAZAWA Beginning with an early walk around the village provides the chance to enjoy this rural scene before the arrival of the tour groups, after which you'll depart by bus for Kanazawa. Once a thriving centre for culture and the arts, this castle town is home to the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, ranked as one of the top three anywhere in the country. The adjacent castle is also a designated National Cultural Asset, whilst the local restaurants in the Omicho Market are renowned for their sushi and fresh seafood. (B) DAY 9: KANZAWA - KYOTO Departing Kanzawa by express train today your journey takes you on to Kyoto next, Japan's cultural capital. A rich repository of shrines, gardens and temples, Kyoto can boast no fewer than 17 World Heritage Sites including the Kamo Shrines and Nijo Castle. After arriving at Kyoto's futuristic station, the rest of the day offers a chance to immerse yourself in the city's remarkable cultural splendour, with a walk from the Silver Temple along the Path of Philosophy to the 400-yearold Sanmon Gate. (B)
DAY 10: KYOTO In the company of your guide you will take a bike ride around Kyoto today, beginning with a visit to the Nishi Honga-ji Temple, one of the largest in the city. Heading on to Nijo Castle you then have an opportunity to explore one of Japan's most spectacular historic monuments before lunch. Continuing on to visit the Zen Buddhist temples of Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, the tour ends later this afternoon amongst the scenic splendour of Arashiyama, famed for its bamboo forest, huge temples and vibrant shops. (B) DAY 11: KYOTO A final full day in Kyoto provides the chance to do a little independent exploring, perhaps taking the opportunity to explore a little farther afield and visit nearby Nara. An ancient capital, located just a short train ride away from the city, Nara is home to a population of free ranging deer and the giant bronze Buddha of the Todai-ji Temple. (B) DAY 12: KYOTO - OSAKA Transferring to Osaka by train today, you may have a little time to explore the city before your onward flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION KANAZAWA KANAZAWA TOKYU Kanazawa Tokyu is among the most well situated properties for getting around and visiting the main sites in the city. The hotel is located in the heart of Kanazawa, just a 10 minute drive away from JR Kanazawa Station. Not only this, but the Samurai district and the city s famous garden and castle is within walking distance for guests. For those with a more modest budget and desire a blend of comfort and luxury, Tokyu will provide the ideal accommodation with its pleasing design and decoration. Divided across standard and luxury floors, the hotel features over 200 well-equipped rooms ranging in style and size. Each contains a TV, fridge, WiFi and telephone as well as all of the necessary bathroom amenities. Along with a daily buffet breakfast, Tokyu boasts 2 brilliant restaurants one is French and in a casual setting and one Japanese serving Kaga cuisine. Wedding halls, banquet halls, conference rooms and a beauty salon also feature in the hotel so that guests can enjoy the full experience. NIKKO HONKE BANKYU If you want to gain a truly, traditional Japanese experience then Honke Bankyu will provide just this. The building is registered as a historical monument, enabling guests to understand what it s like to stay in an old Japanese private residence. Built using wood and earthen walls, the hotel s interior runs along the river so those that stay can hear the water s murmur during the quiet. The guest-rooms are very Japanese in style and are well-equipped with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning futons, tatami mats and paper-sliding doors adding to the Zen atmosphere. Not only this, but luscious greenery can be seen from every room. A major highlight of this hotel is its Fujikara Spa, an open-air spa with the Yunishi River flowing right by. Honke Bankyu also hosts 3 private open-air baths if guests wish to relax in privacy and enjoy the riverside scenery. In the dining hall, guests are treated to delicious, local, charcoal-grilled meals using the finest ingredients which have been sourced from the mountains. TAKAYAMA HONJIN HIRANOYA KACHOAN The location of this hotel is perfect for guests looking to explore Takyama as it is situated near the Jinya morning market area which is one of the biggest in Japan. Also nearby is the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village which is also a popular attraction. Guests are treated with especially warm hospitality at the Honjin Haranoya Kachoan and have the opportunity to stay in comfy, Japanese-style rooms. The guest rooms have a relaxing ambience and all feature flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, WiFi and more. The on-site restaurant is an added luxury as authentic Japanese meals are served for breakfast and dinner and can be eaten privately also. The ingredients have been carefully selected from local sources to ensure the finest of dining. This accommodation includes a gender-segregated hotspring too. TOKYO
PARK HOTEL Situated in the Ginza area of the city, the four star Park Hotel offers up an elegant blend of modern comforts and Japanese style. Each generously appointed room offers outward facing views across the Shiodome and Shimbashi districts and comes with a range of amenities and comforts, including en suite bathrooms, WiFi and TVs. Conveniently located close to the Hamarikyu Gardens it is ideally situated for exploring the modern and historic parts of the city, whilst the area directly surrounding the hotel is home to some of the city s finest restaurants and bars. The hotel itself can also boast a choice of fine dining options, with a Michelin star French restaurant and a more traditional Japanese menu on offer. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com