Early November Schedule
Saturday 26th October Tokyo: We meet you at Narita airport and transfer
to Tokyo. Options for the day depend on your time of arrival but for the
first day we keep the tour fairly low-key including things like dinner at a
local restaurant, seeing some of the city (afternoon and/or evening) or just
sleep if you are jetlagged.
Sunday 27th October Tokyo: tart the day with a visit to Asukusa
Kaminarimon ("Thunder gate"), Hozomon and pagoda. An array of stalls lines
Nakamise Street and the approach to Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo.
Heading to Ueno provides good options and variety for lunch adjacent to the
expansive Ueno Park. The park also contains several museums (including Tokyo
National Museum) and the beautiful Tōshō-gū shine that enshrines the first
Shōgun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Finishing our visit in Ueno we include a walk
through the old style market of Ameya-Yokocho with its many varied stalls and
small shops including many located under the railway tracks
Monday 28th October Tokyo to Aomori: Utilising the high-speed
shinkansen we head to the northern part of Honshu (the main island of Japan) for
the seasonal autumn colours. There will be time during the afternoon to
see Wa Rasse, a museum celebrating the summer Nebuta festival, or the floating
car ferry museum in the port area.
Tuesday 29th October Aomori: With a full day available we
journey to the nearby city of Hirosaki to visit the nearby town of Hirosaki,
famous for its castle and park. The main feature of the town is the
castle park with 2600 cherry trees (for the fall colours) and the botanic
gardens.
Wednesday 30th October Aomori to Sendai: Take the shinkansen to
Sendai. The afternoon provides an opportunity to visit Matsushima Bay, one
of the three "views of Japan". Activities for the day include a cruise around
the bay with its many beautiful pine-tree covered islands (we then go to Fukuura
Island), and also for the caves carved into the approach to the temple Zuigan-ji.
The caves were used for memorial services and as a cinerarium to house the ashes
of the deceased.
Thursday 31st October Sendai to Nagano: From Sendai there is a simple
shinkansen trip to the outskirts of Tokyo and then up to the mountain city of
Nagano. In the early afternoon we visit Zenko-ji temple, founded in the
7th century and houses the first Buddhist image in Japan (552CE).
Optional is to stay at a
traditional Japanese inn including onsen (mineral spring baths) and local foods
prepared on-site this is an opportunity to sample a smaller/rural location in
Japan. There is a small castle (fort) on the hill behind the ryokan that gives
great views across the valley and mountains around the area. We arrange
Geisha entertainment during the evening meal (music and dancing performance).
Friday 1st November Nagano: A day trip to visit the famous "snow monkeys" at Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Saturday 2nd November: Nagano to Kanazawa: A short shinkansen trip to Kanazawa (''Little Kyoto'').
An opportunity for a lunch of fresh sushi at Omi-cho market before visiting the famous Kenrokuen Garden and
Kanazawa castle. Additional options include the 21st Museum of Contemporary art
or some of the local temples.
Sunday 3rd November: Kanazawa to Takayama: Travel to Toyama and then
local train into the Japanese Alps to the onsen (hot spring) mountain town of
Takayama. Explore the town's historic buildings, shops and museums on foot.
Monday 4th November Takayama: A free morning to explore the town, check the
local markets or visit one of the different museums or temples scattered around
the town. After lunch head to the world heritage site of Shirakawa-go (a half
day bus trip) with its unique steep thatched-roofed houses.
Tuesday 5th November Takayama to Hiroshima Completing the scenic
journey through the mountains to Nagoya and then the shinkansen to Hiroshima.
The afternoon is available to visit the Peace Park and Museum in Hiroshima city.
Wednesday 6th November Hiroshima: A full day in Hiroshima allows time
to visit and explore Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine are the location of
the famous "floating" torii gate, accessed by a short local train and ferry
ride. Depending on fitness and inclination we can use the ropeway and head to
the top of Mount Misen. The walk back down the mountain provides some good
viewing and vantage points.
An optional for the start of the day is to visit Iwakuni and the famous
Kintaikyo Bridge. Beyond the bridge is an interesting array of local attractions
including the white snake museum, Kikko shrine and a selection of older style
buildings and gardens.
Thursday 7th November Hiroshima to Kyoto: The trip from Hiroshima
takes around two hours with an arrival into Kyoto around mid-day. We begin our sightseeing at Inari Fushimi Shinto
shrine (famous for its 10,000 vermillion torii gates). Given time/inclination we
can visit one of the other nearby attractions in the eastern side of the city
such as Sanjusangendo that has 1,000 hand carved statues, or the Kyoto National
Museum.
Friday 8th November Kyoto: Start the day by visiting the 'golden
pavilion' Kinkaku-ji, travel to the north east of the city and then Nijo Castle
before heading to the Heian Shrine and gardens. During the afternoon head to the
Arashiyama district, to view the autumn leaves during the evening and enjoy the
view across the Katsura River. Also enjoy the nearby Sagano bamboo grove.
Saturday 9th November Kyoto: Day trip to the World Heritage Site at
Nara. At Nara there is both Todai-ji temple (with the world's largest bronze
Buddha), and Kagusa Shinto shrine. There are sacred deer roaming the park and
excellent souvenir shops on the walk to Todai-ji.
Sunday 10th November Kyoto to Tokyo: Transfer back to Tokyo and
Narita (or Osaka/Kansai, the actual transfer details will depends on the
departure airport).
Late November Autumn Leaf Viewing Tour
Saturday 16th November Tokyo: We meet you at the
airport (Narita or Haneda) and transfer to your hotel in Tokyo. Options
for the day depend on your time of arrival but for the first day we keep the
tour fairly low-key including things like dinner at a local restaurant, seeing some of
the city (afternoon and/or evening) or just sleep if you are jetlagged.
Sunday 17th November Tokyo: Visit Asukusa Kaminarimon (thunder
gate), Hozomon and pagoda. An array
of stalls lines the entrance to this shrine (Nakamise Street) providing a wide
range of souvenirs and snacks on the approach to Sensoji Temple. In the
afternoon visit one or more of the famous neighbourhood areas of Shibuya,
Shinjuku, Ginza.
Monday 18th November Tokyo to Takayama: Travel
by Shinkansen and then local train to the onsen (hot spring) mountain town of Takayama. Use
the afternoon for a relaxing onsen bath or explore some of this old-style
mountain town.
Tuesday 19th November Takayama: During the morning explore the
town's historic buildings, morning market and shops on foot and/or visit the
festival floats exhibition hall. The afternoon is reserved for a 1/2 day bus tour
that visits the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go with its old traditional "A
frame" farmhouses. Dinner time is an ideal
opportunity to sample the famous Hida Beef.
Wednesday 20th November Takayama to Kyoto: Taking the WideView Hida
train down the scenic Kiso valley to Nagano and then a short shinkansen ride to
the historic previous capital of Japan. In the afternoon enjoy sightseeing at
Inari Fushimi Shinto shrine (10,000 torii gates).
Thursday 21st November Kyoto: Visit the beautiful Arashiyama
district for viewing the autumn
leaves and enjoy the view across the Katsura River and the nearby Sagano
bamboo grove. After spending time in Arashiyama, head to
the "Golden
Pavilion" Kinkaku-ji in the north-west of the city. Returning to the
centre of Kyoto exploring the 400 year old covered Nishiki Market.
Friday 22nd November Kyoto: Start the day at Nijo Castle before heading to
the Heian Shrine and gardens. During the evening visit Kodai-ji
temple for the autumn leaf illumination. The temple complex includes a Zen
garden, bamboo forest and interesting artisan shops.
Saturday 23rd November Kyoto to Hiroshima: Heading south from
Kyoto, take the shinkansen to Hiroshima. The afternoon is available to
visit the Peace Park and Museum in Hiroshima city and the rebuilt Hiroshima
Castle (the castle includes a samurai museum).
Sunday 24th November Hiroshima: A full day in Hiroshima allows time to
visit and explore Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine are the location of the
famous "floating" torii gate, accessed by a short local train and ferry ride.
Depending on fitness and inclination we can use the ropeway and head to the top
of Mount Misen. The walk back down the mountain provides some good viewing
and vantage points.
An optional for the start of the day is to visit Iwakuni and the famous
Kintaikyo Bridge. Beyond the bridge is an interesting array of local attractions
including the white snake museum, Kikko shrine and a selection of older style
buildings and gardens.
Monday 25th November Hiroshima to Osaka: Head to Osaka the second
largest city of Japan. From the hotel it is a short walk across the moat
bridge to visit
the castle and grounds. During the evening head to the Dotonbori
district.
Tuesday 26th November Osaka: Day trip to the world heritage site at
Nara. At Nara there are both Todai-ji temple (with the world's largest
bronze Buddha), and Kagusa Shinto shrine. Sacred deer roam the park and
temple/shrine areas.
Wednesday 27th November Osaka to Kanazawa: Completing the trip
across the main island take the "Thunderbird" express train to
Kanazawa. Visit the famous Kenrokuen Garden and
Kanazawa castle. Enjoy local cuisine including fresh sushi and
sashimi at the Omicho food market.
Thursday 28th November December Kanazawa to Nagano: Departing from
Kanazawa head back into the Japanese Alps to Nagano. In the early
afternoon we visit Zenko-ji temple, founded in the 7th century and houses the
first Buddhist image in Japan (552CE).
Optional is to stay at a
traditional Japanese inn including onsen (mineral spring baths) and local foods
prepared on-site this is an opportunity to sample a smaller/rural location in
Japan. There is a small castle (fort) on the hill behind the ryokan that gives
great views across the valley and mountains around the area. We arrange Geisha
entertainment during the evening meal (music and dancing performance).
Friday 29th November Nagano: After breakfast, head to Nagano
station and take the express bus to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Depending on the weather it
could be cold (maybe snow). There is a walk of approximately 2km to the "snow
monkeys".
For those not wanting to see the monkeys there is an option to visit the Togakushi Shrine in the forest to the north-west of Nagano with its impressive tree lined approach.
Saturday 30th November Nagano to Tokyo: Transfer back to Tokyo by
shinkansen. A visit to Harajuku
and the Meiji Shrine, an important focal point of the city commemorating the
Emperor and a significant change in the structure of Japan.
Also in this area is Yoyogi Park, a popular place for people to spend
time on weekends.
Sunday 1st December Tokyo: Last day in Tokyo and transfers back to
Narita or Haneda.
Price Inclusions/exclusions
The tour
the price for the sixteen day (accommodation for fifteen nights) is from JPY645,000 per person share twin/double.
For solo travellers (one person, without a shared room), the cost of
accommodation is unable to be shared, but we have a policy to limit the extra
cost and have priced our tour for a single person at JPY795,000.
The price includes:
- Our tour service, including a dedicated guide for the duration of your
tour. That includes a meet&greet at the airport and transfers to the hotel in
Tokyo.
- Accommodation, averaging 4* - 5* properties and usually including
breakfast. We aim to book superior rooms to give additional space
and comfort during your trip.
- Transport, all train travel, subways, and transfers. Taxis are also covered
during the day for our sightseeing as well as the occasional bus connection.
(Not flights to/from Japan.)
- Entrance fees for temples, shrines, castles, parks, gardens, and museums.
These are listed in your agreed tour schedule.
- Evening meals at ryokan (Japanese inn) accommodation are normally
included as well as breakfast. In general, we do not include lunch and
dinner meals because Japan has a huge range of foods and we prefer not to
restrict options, especially when food is a significant part Japan.
Exclusions are generally items such as theatre performances, sporting or
other special events, theme parks, lunch and evening meals, snacks/drinks and
other incidental costs such as hotel room service/laundry.
Bookings and Inquiries
If you are interested in joining this tour, please contact us or email us
directly at
admin@japancustomtours.co.nz.
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