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TOUR DOSSIER Hidden Treasures of Japan TOUR DOSSIER Unique Japan Tours P a g e | 1 IRELAND: +353 (0)1 6787008 | UK: +44 (0)20-3239-2519 | USA: +1 (347) 688-3952 Skype: uniquejapantours / Website: www.uniquejapantours.com / Email: [email protected] TOUR DOSSIER Hidden Treasures of Japan “Welcome to the start of your Unique Japan Journey! Our team and I are really looking forward to planning your trip to Japan. Hidden Treasures of Japan was designed to give travellers a better understanding of Japan’s religious and spiritual background, its beautiful most sacred sites, artistic show pieces, all often over looked on regular tourist trails. By joining this tour, you will have a clearer picture of Japan’s ancient history – how it transitioned from being an oriental mystery to a master of modern art and architecture. Learn more about how Japanese people think, behave, and appreciate their natural surroundings and ancient treasures that are significant to the traditions and mindset of the people today. Many of the places visited on this tour may not be found on regular routes, and for this reason, make it a really unique adventure. I am happy to receive any quetsions you might have about this tour so please get in touch!” Darina Slattery, Unique Japan Tours, Managing Director & Tour Creator Email: [email protected] Please quote the following reference when contacting us: Hidden Treasures of Japan We can be reached on any of these numbers: IRL: +353 (0)1 6787008 (9am – 5.30pm) UK: +44 (0)20-3239-2519 (9am – 5.30pm) USA: +1 347-688-3952 (8am – 3pm) Email: [email protected] Unique Japan Tours P a g e | 2 IRELAND: +353 (0)1 6787008 | UK: +44 (0)20-3239-2519 | USA: +1 (347) 688-3952 Skype: uniquejapantours / Website: www.uniquejapantours.com / Email: [email protected] TOUR DOSSIER Hidden Treasures of Japan CONTENTS 1. Why Choose Unique Japan Tours? ....................................................................... 4 2. Tour Route & Departure Dates ............................................................................. 5 3. Tour Itinerary ...................................................................................................... 6 4. Destination Highlights ........................................................................................ 11 5. Tour Prices & Inclusions ..................................................................................... 16 6. What about our luggage? .................................................................................. 17 7. Complimentary Services .................................................................................... 18 8. Ready to BOOK! ................................................................................................. 18 9. Small Group Tours Checklist ............................................................................... 19 Unique Japan Tours P a g e | 3 IRELAND: +353 (0)1 6787008 | UK: +44 (0)20-3239-2519 | USA: +1 (347) 688-3952 Skype: uniquejapantours / Website: www.uniquejapantours.com / Email: [email protected] TOUR DOSSIER Hidden Treasures of Japan 1. Why Choose Unique Japan Tours? 1. FULLY BONDED – FINANCIAL PROTECTION Unique Japan Tours is a member of Total Payment Protection who fully guarantee and protect financial transactions between you and Unique Japan Tours. Your tour is fully protected no matter what country you are paying from. Full details of this will be clearly explained in our terms and conditions. 2. Small Groups with NO MINIMUM NUMBER POLICY Our groups have always been intimate in size. We prefer quality over quantity. For that reason, our average group size averages at 8-12 people (maximum 16 guaranteed). Since our tours started in 2007, and unlike many other operators out there, we have never cancelled a tour because of insufficient numbers. If we get less than the minimum number to run a tour (currently set at 6 people), don’t worry. We have years of experience designing a semi-escorted version of the same tour. The only difference to you will be instead of having a full- time tour leader throughout, you will be met on arrival at each destination by local guides and assistants - almost like your own private tour!! [See Inclusions on Page 14] 3. Local Team with 24/7 Emergency Helpline Our local company UJT Services G.K. [also owned by Unique Japan Tours], will oversee all operations of your trip from start to finish. Our team in Tokyo are busy working behind the scenes ensuring each tour runs smoothly, in real time! So, rest assured, no matter what your problem may be, we will be with you all the way. While on our small group tours, your tour leader &/or local guides will be your key contacts for any emergencies. 4. 22 Years Experience in Japan Our founder, Darina Slattery, first visited Japan in 1998, where she studied at Tokyo’s Meiji Gakuiin University. Today, she leads a team of Japan travel experts, working with hundreds of local suppliers in Japan directly, and selling tours to Japan globally. This invaluable knowledge and vast network of connections has resulted us being able to create the most amazing itineraries for people. All our tours are tried and tested ensuring our clients gain time, memories, & savings while on your trip. 5. OUR CREW – JAPAN TRAVEL EXPERTS Our work ethic is family & customer focused. We are a team of Japan travel experts located in Tokyo, London & Dublin. Our clients come from all over the world so you can expect diversity in the group which always adds a bit of colour! Let’s Zoom/Skype/Chat our way to finding you the best tour that suits you and your travel partners. We find speaking to you in person will save everyone time while ensuring you get the best tour suitable for you. Unique Japan Tours P a g e | 4 IRELAND: +353 (0)1 6787008 | UK: +44 (0)20-3239-2519 | USA: +1 (347) 688-3952 Skype: uniquejapantours / Website: www.uniquejapantours.com / Email: [email protected] TOUR DOSSIER Hidden Treasures of Japan 2. Tour Route & Departure Dates Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days “A tour created to capture the essence of Japan’s soul, beauty and heritage” On Hidden Treasure of Japan, immerse yourself in Japan’s ancient past and contrasting present. Visit some of its oldest and most magnificent temples and shrines. Enjoy the contrasting Naoshima Island, home to some of Japan’s most innovative and artistic architecture and design. Experience its religious roots first hand as you become acquainted with the monks of Koyasan and grandours of the great Ise Shrine. Glide through the stunning Iya Valley and Ritsurin Garden. The perfect tour for those in search of a far greater and richer travel experience. If you are visiting Japan for the first time, be prepared for complete immersion into Japanese culture and traditions with plenty of off-the-beaten track locations in between the excitement in Tokyo & Kyoto. If you have been to Japan before, you will appreciate these places even more. 2022 Departures 2021 Departures - February 10 – 22 (Magical Winter) (Aoba Matsuri, Mt Koya) - June 09 – 21 - March 30 – April 11 (Cherry Blossom Favourite) - July 14 – 26* (Pre-Olympic Season) - June 09 - 21 (Aoba Matsuri at Koyasan) - August 08 – 20* (Olympics, Rousoku (Candle) Festival - July 14 – 26 (Summer Season) at Koyasan, & Awa Odori Dance Festival Tokushima) - August 08 – 20* (Rousoku (Candle) Festival at Koyasan & - (Sumo Special) September 18 – 30 Awa Odori Dance Festival Tokushima) - October 23 – November 04 (Autumn Foliage) - September 18 – 30 (Sumo Special) - December 28 – January 09, 2022 (New Years Day at - November 08 – 20 (Autumn Foliage) Sacred Ise Grand Shrine) - December 28 – January 09 (New Years day at Sacred Ise Grand Shrine) (*) Supplement applies – see website for exact prices Unique Japan Tours P a g e | 5 IRELAND: +353 (0)1 6787008 | UK: +44 (0)20-3239-2519 | USA: +1 (347) 688-3952 Skype: uniquejapantours / Website: www.uniquejapantours.com / Email: [email protected] TOUR DOSSIER Hidden Treasures of Japan 3. Tour Itinerary Itinerary in Brief Accommodation & Meals Arrive in Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport Met on arrival by our airport transfer staff and taken to your hotel DAY 1 W usually meet our fellow explorers 6pm in the hotel lobby. So try to Tokyo arrive by at least 2pm on this day to make it on time for orientation. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your tour leader who will go through the tour in detail and answer any questions you will have. Breakfast at your hotel ✪ TOKYO CITY SIGHTSEEING ✪ 3 Nights Tokyo WITH LOCAL GUIDE 09.00 – 17:00 Enjoy a full-day private guided tour of Tokyo City DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS: Shibuya Excel Tokyu Tokyo • Hamarikyu Garden (or similar city centre 4*) • Tsukiji Outer market • Lunch (Pay locally) • Asakusa Sensoji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Arcade • Edo Museum or Skytree (Museum is closed Mondays) Breakfast Daily You will have the evening to spend at your leisure. Your guide will be + happy to advise you of the best places to go after dark! Welcome Dinner on Day 1 Breakfast at your hotel Free day in Tokyo DAY 3 Optional Activities and Tours: Tokyo Kamakura & Yokohama Day Trip Tokyo Disney Resort / Studio Ghibli / Sumo Tournament (May & Sep) (Tickets available upon request). Unique Japan Tours P a g e | 6 IRELAND: +353 (0)1 6787008 | UK: +44 (0)20-3239-2519 | USA: +1 (347) 688-3952 Skype: uniquejapantours / Website: www.uniquejapantours.com / Email: [email protected] TOUR DOSSIER Hidden Treasures of Japan After breakfast, we will take our first ride on the bullet train as far as