JAPAN - Getting to know the Land of the Rising Sun
Walking and train tour of Honshu Island.
Mount Fuji, taken in the
spring with the cherry blossom out.
Japan, with its history of Samurai and great warriors, and now with its reputation for high tech industry has always been an enigma. The only way to try and understand this land is to visit it and stay in one of the traditional Ryokan or Inn which is similar to ‘bed and breakfast’ ideal, but with the formality of ceremony which accompanies most things Japanese.
The tea ceremony is another example where the stiff formality makes the simple art of making a cup of tea last up to 20 minutes and was designed to allow the drinker time to relax and enjoy the drink and not, like the Europeans, where coffee or tea is usually taken whilst moving around.
This tour is as part of a group, up to 12 persons, with some walking and quite a few train and bus journeys. So that you really mix in with the locals as they travel about the countryside.
Trip map 
Accommodation.
Traditional inns (10 nights), hotels (3 nights). Most accommodation has shared
bathroom facilities.
Transport.
Bus, bullet train, tram, express train, cable car, ferry, walking.
All travellers must arrive with a 14 day Japan Rail pass, which Concorde Travel can supply, cost is 45,100yen (approx. $US375) depending on exchange rates. Your group leader will assist in validating your pass on Day 2 of the trip. The pass can be used on Day 14 to travel to Tokyo or Osaka airports for your international flights. Please note the Japan Rail pass is only valid for 3 months after issue.
Spending money.
There
are no meals included on this trip. You will need to allow enough money for the
following: US$200 for meals. Money for drinks and shopping. An amount for
additional sightseeing US$60. An additional US$100 as an ‘emergency' fund, to
be used where circumstances (e.g. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to
our planned route. This is a rare occurrence! Departure tax from Tokyo - Narita
is Yen 2040, Osaka- Kansai is Yen 2650 and from Nagoya it is free. This may be
included on your ticket when you purchase it.
Travel insurance.
Travel insurance is compulsory, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation and personal liability. We also strongly recommend that the policy also covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Luggage.
We cannot emphasise enough the need to pack lightly as you will be carrying your own luggage while travelling on public transport. Train stations have a lot of stairs, and our travel connections are often made at a quick pace. Suitcases are not practical for travelling in Japan this way.
Activities included.
Entry Tosho-gu Shrine - Nikko; transport pass in Hakone; Hida Folk Village - Takayama; Himeji Castle entry; Kinkaku Ji Temple, Nijo Castle and Ryoan Ji Temple entries in Kyoto.
Your fellow travelers.
As you travel as part of a Group you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe, also, some of the frustrations, of travelling as part of a group. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
The group leader.
These group trips are accompanied by a group leader. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Your leader is available from 12 midday on arrival day until 12 midday on departure day.
Meals.
Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of
eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and
with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though
generally food is cheap. As a rule groups tend to eat together to enable you to
taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no
obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest
favourite restaurants during your trip.
What to take.
You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay under 10kg / 22lb). It is in your own interest as you are expected to carry your own luggage for up to 15-20 minutes at a time. Train stations are quite complex and usually require a lot of stair climbing, especially when doing a quick transfer from train to train. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. Suitcases are very difficult to manoeuver around train platforms and the narrow staircases and are not suitable. A refillable water bottle is a great idea. The water in Japan is safe to drink and there are lots of taps around to refill your bottle.
Laundry.
Most inns in Japan have washing machines available for your use at a nominal
charge. Washing detergent is not provided.
Check list.
Travel documents: passport, visa, travel
insurance, air-tickets, voucher
Health requirements arranged. Money: travellers cheques/cash, money pouch,
First Aid kit and personal medical requirements. day pack to carry your
personal needs during the day, alarm clock and torch/flashlight warm clothes
(Oct to May) raincoat or umbrella
comfortable walking shoes, ear plugs can be useful if you are a light
sleeper
Day 1 Depart Hong Kong for Tokyo.
Arrive Tokyo, check into Kinuya Hotel
Tokyo.
You can arrive at our joining point hotel at any time today, as there are no planned activities. Please note that check-in time at our joining point hotel is not until 1.00 pm. Your leader will contact you to arrange a group meeting for the evening of day 1 followed by dinner.
Takeshita Street in Tokyo.
Tokyo is the dynamic modern hub of an ancient land. The contradictions are everywhere, as high-tech gadgetry and neon lights are an integral part of life for a population steeped in tradition. As we spend only one night in Tokyo, we suggest you arrive a few days prior to the starting day of your trip in order to extend exploration of this dynamic city. We recommend visiting Ueno Park for its galleries and museums, Senso-ji temple or the sumo stables.
Days 2-3 Nikko
Nikko Toshugo Shrine.
This morning we visit the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace
before heading into th
e famous shopping district of Ginza where you have the
option of attending a performance of Kabuki. Travelling out of Tokyo (approx. 2
hrs) we can appreciate the unique countryside that makes Japan such a fabulous
destination. Nikko has been a sacred site since the middle of the 8th Century
and the shrines and temples dotted throughout the area are inspiring evidence
of this. A visit to Toshu-gu Shrine in particular is highly recommended. The
best way to get to know Nikko is to simply explore at your own pace.
Days 4-5 Hakone.
In the hot spring
region of Hakone, we take a boat across Lake Ashino-ko
followed by a pictures
que
cable car journey over the surrounding mountains (approx. 2-3 hrs). We may be
lucky to sneak a peak at a postcard view of Mt. Fuji
looming in the distance. Mt Fuji is very shy though; so getting a glimpse is not guaranteed.
For those who are keen, bathing in the outdoor onsens is a real highlight for
the area. Remember that no clothes or swimming costumes are allowed in the hot
springs - time to shed those inhibitions!
Days 6-7 Takayama.
Travelling by
Shinkansen (bullet train) is an absolute buzz as we reach speeds of up to 270
km per hour! Needless to say, we get to Takayama very quickly (approx. 4 hrs).
Takayama is famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the outdoor
museum of the Hida Folk village. There is free time to explore the many folk
art galleries, local markets, museums or just wander the streets of this
delightful little town nestled amongst the Japanese Alps. One option is to hire
a bicycle to get around this peaceful town.
Days 8-10 Hiroshima.
Hiroshima is a
bustling metropolis with a tragic history (approx. 5 hrs from Takayama
by train). We have free time to visit
the ruins of the A- Dome building, one of eleven structures (pictured below) left partially standing after
the nuclear bomb blast on 6th August 1945, left as a horrifying reminder of the
destruction of nuclear war. Around its perimeter is the
peace park with monuments and a museum dedicated to Hiroshima and international
peace. You can spend an afternoon at the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating'
Torii Gate and the grand Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Watch out for the
inquisitive and eternally hungry deer that roam the streets of Miyajima.
Days 11-14 Kyoto.
We travel on to Kyoto via Himeji-jo
Castle (pictured
right), a sight to behold. Built in 1580, this five
storey castle is not only a fantastic example of amazing architecture, but a
great insight into ancient life in Japan. From Hiroshima to Kimeji-jo is
approx. 1 hr, and then it's a further 1 hr on to Kyoto.Once in Kyoto there is
just so much to do, with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens. The
magnificent gold-plated Kinkaku-ji Temple should not be missed; nor should a
cultural performance at Gion Corner (optional). We can spend a day at Nara,
home of Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and home to a
16m high Buddha. Kyoto is also a great place to get 'lost' in - walk the
streets and soak in the wonderful atmosphere. The city's lively nightlife
provides plenty of options for our final evening. There is so much to do in and
around Kyoto you might choose to extend your stay here. You can depart Kyoto at
any time on day 14. We recommend you use your JR rail pass to get back to
Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya airports for departure.
COSTS
The price for this tour is US$1,805 per person, this for the land content only and excludes the airfares and train fares, these will be priced separately.
Price Includes:-
Ø Tour with English speaking guide.
Ø Hotel or guest houses as itemized.
Ø Transfers between hotel/guest house and station where indicated.
Price Excludes:-
Ø Air tickets, Airport Tax and Airport security Charges.
Ø Train Pass for Japan Railways (approx. $US375).
Ø Japan Visa, if required,
Ø Personal expenses for meals, drinks etc.
Prices are subject to change, by the airline or operator, without notice.