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Description
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As the name suggests, we have designed this plan in a way that you experience many elements of Traditional Japanese culture, with the ultimate highlight on a Tropical island in the south western part of Japan, Amami Ooshima. The tour begins and ends in Tokyo, the exciting and none stop capital city. As with all our tours, you will be met on Day 2 by a local guide who will show you the sites you have in mind, along with orientation on getting around. On Day 3 you will move to Hakone, near the foot of Mt Fuji - Japans iconic and perfectly volcanic cone shaped mountain. Overnight at a traditional Ryokan (Japanese style hotel) with dinner and hot springs included on both nights. Hakone offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities for English speaking tourists from riding the cablecar (gondola) across a mountain to cruising on Lake Ashi on the pirate ship. Instructions will be provided on where and what to do. You will also be given a Two-Day Hakone Free Pass which allows free entrance and rides on most transport. After two peaceful nights near the giant Fuji-san, you will start making your way West to Kurashiki, a pretty town located in Okayama Prefecture. The journey takes approximately 4 hours using the Shinkansen (bullet trains) so we recommend you leave early morning to arrive at a reasonable hour for some city sightseeing. Kurashiki is favoured by most because of its quaint and traditional canalside buildings; its delightful bridges that arch over the winding canals; its black-tiled warehouses that are quite typical in traditional Japan for storing rice brought by the rich farmers and its interesting collection of museums. The atmosphere is calm and refreshing adding a nice touch of culture to your trip thus far. The next day hop on the shinkansen once again bound for Hiroshima. We recommend skipping the Peace Park in Hiroshima until tomorrow to get a full day out on Miyajima Island, or more widely known in Japan as Itsuku-shima. The main attraction on this island are the dramatic floating toriiEgates visible soon after you board the ferry from Hiroshima mainland. Considered to be one of the countries "best three views", Itsukushima Shrine is a 1,400 year Shinto holy place constructed in water. You will spend one night on this island at a traditional Ryokan, with dinner and hot springs at your leisure. The next day move back to Hiroshima taking a trip on the tram to the overwhelming A-Bomb Dome and Peace Park Museum. Your next three nights will be in the ancient capital Kyoto. To give you a chance to meet other tourists, we have included a morning or afternoon seated tour. By this stage you may be eager to meet foreigners and speak English to natives. The ultimate highlight in Kyoto will be meeting a Maiko (young geisha), an opportunity that only a special few can take part in along with an authentic tea ceremony. See Wonders of the West Tour for more details on this day out (page 18). After three days of total tradition in Kyoto, its time to wind down on the tropical Amami Ooshima. Amami has a mild sub tropical climate all year round and is home to some unusual flora and fauna, crystal clear waters, and rare Amami black rabbits. You can choose to go trekking in the rain forest with a local naturalist or go canoeing on the forested mangrove lake, both equally enjoyable, even if not the outdoor type. Your local guide will drive you through scenic mountain and coastal courses, with breath taking views, sure to make you want to stay!! Your final 2 nights are back in Tokyo to enjoy some last minute shopping and crazy nightlife in the Roppongi area. If you have time for 2 more days, we recommend adding Takayama to your trip. This can be added before you stay in Kyoto, or before Kurashiki. |
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Tour Prices
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Standard Twin from 2,378
Standard Single from 2,920 ____________________________ Superior Twin from 2,890 Superior Single from 3,959 |
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Standard Hotels |
TOKYO (2) : The B Akasaka (Western Style) |
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| Superior Hotels (4*) |
TOKYO (2) : Keio Plaza Hotel (Western Style) |
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| Sightseeing Highlights |
Tokyo - Ginza, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Odaiba, Rainbow Bridge, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tsukuji Fish Market, Museums, Contemporary Art & Infrastructure |
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| What's Included |
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| Transport |
Bullet Train, Local Train, Cable Car, Boat, On Foot | |||||||||||||||||
| Comments |
Available all year round. Prices may vary depending on season. Hotels are subject to availability at time of booking. |
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