9 Day Classical Japan

Including Return Airfares with Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines

Tokyo Hakone Mt Fuji Toyohashi Kyoto Nara Osaka

www.inspiringvacations.com.au From $2,799 pp twin share

Book Now

Departure Dates

2019 12 March 26 March 2 April Surcharge +$200 p.p 9 April Surcharge +$200 p.p 16 April Surcharge +$200 p.p 23 April Surcharge +$200 p.p 14 May 21 May 28 May 4 June 11 June 16 July 27 August Day 1 3 September 10 September Australia Tokyo 17 September 24 September Board your international flight and get ready for an 8 October 15 October unbelieveable trip to Japan. Upon arrival, you will be 22 October transferred to your hotel by shuttle. 29 October 5 November 12 November Please note: Some flights might depart the night 19 November before. 26 November

Hotel: 4 ★ Tokyo Dome or similar

“Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” Wendell Berry Day 2 Tokyo

After breakfast, you will visit the beautiful capital city of Tokyo for a city tour. The tour will include a visit to the outside of the Tokyo Tower. This iconic structure was first opened in 1958 and stands at 333 metres high. Then you will stop at the Imperial Palace, otherwise known as Edo Castle, which was constructed in 1457. You will also visit the beautiful Rainbow Bridge, located at Tokyo Bay. You will then head to Asakusa Kannon Temple, also known as Sensoji Temple, a Buddhist temple built in the 7th century and the oldest temple in Japan. The tour will conclude with a trip to the famous Nakamise shopping street, where you can find traditional Japanese food

Hotel: 4 ★ Tokyo Dome or similar Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Tokyo Asahi Brewery Owakudani Hakone

After breakfast we travel to the Asahi Brewery, one of Japan's internationally famous beer makers. Here, witness the beer making process and even enjoy a tasting session. Continue on to Owakudani volcano in the lush Hakone region. Owakudani is a volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and hot springs, from here we have an uninterrupted views of Mount Fuji. From here we enjoy a ride on the iconic Hakone ropeway, a series of cable cars around the volcanic grounds below. We then visit Hakone Heiwa Park before enjoying a seafood buffet barbecue including fresh abalone and a show. Afterwards, return to your traditional Japanese style hotel and enjoy the relaxing hot spring before retiring to your authentic tatami mat room.

Hotel: 3★ Ito Sun Hatoya Hotel Shizuoka or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4 Mount Fuji Oshino-Hakai Kakegawa City Toyohashi

Today, we begin with the Fuji Visitors centre located on the edge of an old lava flow from Mount Fuji called Kemmarubi. At the visitors centre you can learn about the history of past eruptions, local fauna and flora and the Japanese culture surrounding the sacred mountain. There is also a special viewing platform giving you a spectacular vantage point. We then continue to Oshino, a small village situated near eight ponds feed by the melt water of Mt Fuji that filters down the mountain through porous layers of lava for over 80 years, resulting in very clear spring water that is revered by the locals. After lunch, we drive to Kakegawa City where we’ll taste authentic Japanese Green tea before boarding the ultra-modern Shinkansen (Bullet train) to Toyohashi.

Hotel: 4★ Loisir Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 5 Toyohashi Kiyomizu Temple Kyoto Area (Otsu)

After breakfast, we continue our drive to the ancient capital, Kyoto. Steeped in history and authentically Japanese, Kyoto is revered by tourists and locals alike. The city was the country’s imperial capital for more than 1000 years and famous for its array of temples, palaces and one of the last authentic cities where Geisha’s reside in the central Gion district. On arrival we visit the Kiyomizu Temple a UNESCO buddhist temple from the 7th century. On the journey to the temple you will walk through a beautiful shopping district where souvenirs, Kyoto ceramics, Japanese Mochi and snacks can be purchased. Enjoy free time at leisure upon checking in to your hotel. Tonight's hotel is located in Otsu, 9 minutes by Japan's ultra-efficent rail system to Kyoto.

Hotel: 4★ Biwako Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Kyoto Area (Otsu)

Enjoy a free day at leisure in Kyoto to explore at your own pace.

Optional tour: Visit Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavillion, Arashiyama Bamboo Forrest and enjoy a traditional kimono show at the Nishijin Textile Gallery. In the evening, you will conclude the optional tour with a visit to the Nishiki Market, famous for its unique Japanese cuisine. Includes lunch.

Hotel: 4★ Biwako Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast

“Life is a magical journey, so travel endlessly to unfold its profound and heart touching beauty.” Debasish Mridha Day 7 Day 8 Kyoto Nara Osaka Osaka Australia

After breakfast we head to Nara, home to Today you will be transferred to Kansai over 1,200 deer, considered in Shinto to be International Airport by airport shuttle for messengers of the gods. Visit the Todaiji your flight home. Temple which houses the great bronze buddha and the Kasuga Taisha shrine Meals: Breakfast before leaving for Osaka, known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty Day 9 street food. Visit Osaka Castle, one of Australia Japan's key landmarks that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Arrive home today. We hope you have sixteenth century. We also visit famous enjoy your inspiring trip to Japan! Dotonbori area, a lively entertainment district known for its soaring illuminated Book Now billboards, restaurants & theaters. A farewell dinner tonight will be enjoyed at a local Visit restuarant before returning to the hotel. www.inspiringvacations.com.au