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A MESSAGE FROM THE OWNER

Irasshaimase!!* Welcome to Samurai Tours!!

We invite you to spend some time in this section of our web site to learn more about us and who we are.

Japan has something for everyone, whatever your interests. Tranquil mountain top temples and shrines, large neon-lit cities buzzing with an energy that will sweep you away, soothing hot spring baths, idyllic gardens, speeding bullet trains, soaring mountain peaks, welcoming, friendly, helpful people, and of course, the fantastic food.

As a Japan travel specialist we offer a wide range of Japan travel services. You can travel with the peace of mind knowing that you’ll have the full back-up from our English-speaking office staff at our fully-licensed and bonded travel agency in Japan (Kyoto Prefecture Travel Agency License ID #3-576) to make sure every aspect of your trip goes according to plan. Drawing on the meaning of Samurai, which is “to serve”, we emphasize the honor of serving you. Let us show you our side of Japan!!

Mike Roberts, Owner, Samurai Tours

*Irasshaimase means Welcome. Customers entering stores, restaurants or other places of business all over Japan are met with enthusiastic cries of Irasshaimase!!

OUR PHILOSOPHY

“We recognize travel enlightens and promotes tolerance. Our mission is to offer well- balanced, educational, culturally-broadening, and most importantly, fun tours that inspire and inform.” The Samurai Tours Mission Statement

Our Philosophy

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Our goal is to allow our tour members to travel as “temporary Japanese” to break down as many barriers to the lifestyle, customs and traditions as possible to allow the maximum cultural exposure and experience. On our escorted tours, we prefer to use traditional, Japanese-style ryokans for lodging. These unique Japanese accommodations provide a unique Japanese experience. Whenever possible, we prefer to stay in smaller, more intimate family-run ryokans that are off-limits to larger groups. Many of the ryokans we stay in have as few as 10 to 15 rooms and are located on quiet, narrow side streets. Their owners take tremendous pride in their facilities, service and cuisine. Whenever we do use hotels, we prefer to use smaller, local hotels primarily used by the Japanese that blend in with the surrounding neighborhood, rather than the larger chain hotels catering to western tourists. We carefully select ryokans and hotels in the middle of the sights and culture that are within walking distance of what you came to see. This saves you time and money, and gives you lots of independence. All of the ryokans and hotels, with the exception of the Buddhist temple on Koya-san, have en-suite bathrooms. The bathrooms will include a bath/shower combination, sink and toilet, while the Buddhist temple has shared bath and toilet facilities “down the hall.” We use only public transportation (with the exception of our new Rail and Drive tours where we use a convenient combination of public transportation and 8-seat vans chartered for the tour gruop). We use the same trains, subways, buses, taxis and ferries that millions of Japanese use every day. By traveling this way, you will get much closer to the people and culture you traveled thousands of miles to discover rather than seeing Japan through the window of a tour bus. And no trip to Japan is complete without at least one ride on the Shinkansens (bullet trains). We prefer to eat in smaller, more intimate restaurants. There are probably more restaurants per capita in Japan than anywhere else in the world. Because of space limitations in Japan, many of these restaurants only have a small counter and/or a couple of tables that are (again) off-limits to larger groups. We feel food is an important part of traveling. One of the biggest misconceptions of Japan is that the Japanese only eat sushi. Nothing could be further from the truth. Japanese food is very diverse, and varies region-by-region. We introduce our tour members to the many different types of foods, and we always try to include at least one Kaiseki- style dinner on each tour. Known as the gourmet-style cooking in Japan, Kaiseki dinners are another essential Japanese experience that cannot be missed. No one likes to pack and unpack every day. Our tour itineraries minimize the number of “one-night stands.” By staying multiple nights at one location, you become more familiar and comfortable with a destination, and are better-rested, and more energized. An appropriate amount of free time is built into the itineraries for you to follow your own curiosity and interests. We do also offer optional tours during your free time on many of our tours should you prefer to join. We also design our tours with the assumption that you will return to Japan someday. This means we don’t try to see everything, necessitating hurrying from sight-to-sight, wearing everyone out. Our intent is to make our tours “quality” over “quantity.” We include many well-balanced cultural extras in our escorted tours such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy lessons, geisha walking tours and meeting a Maiko, an apprentice geisha. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable Samurai Tours and local Japanese tour guides are well versed in Japanese culture, history, art and architecture and will bring Japan alive with their insights.

Our Values

Culture: Our tours are tailored to break down as many barriers to the lifestyle, customs and traditions as possible to allow the maximum cultural exposure and experience.

Enjoyment: We strive to create a fun, informative and enthusiastic tour-environment our tour members look forward to participating in each day.

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Quality: We are committed to continuously and proactively improving the quality of our services by constantly enhancing existing tours and developing new tours.

Value: We offer tours with the best combination of quality and price.

Honesty and Integrity: All business is conducted in a forthright and trustworthy manner, and all business practices will be consistent with our Mission and Values.

WHY CHOOSE SAMURAI TOURS?

We specialize in Japan 1 Samurai Tours only provides tours to Japan, allowing us to focus on our itineraries in order to provide a quality tour experience.

Small, Friendly Groups 2 On our escorted tour Packages, our groups are never bigger (and often smaller) than 16 travelers. Small groups allow us to stay in memorable, centrally located, family-run lodging and to sightsee and dine where larger groups can only dream of going.“Traveling small” also gives our groups a congenial atmosphere. Because of the way we organize our tours, and the way we travel, we tend to attract friendlier, more flexible and fun-loving people for our tours. If you are interested in learning about Japan, its culture, people and want to have a great time, you will fit right in.

Great Guides 3 The quality of your tour guides can make or break your travel experience. You want a guide who is 100% focused on bringing you the best of Japan. The common way for a tour company to have a low “sticker price” is to pay guides little or nothing, and encourage them to pull in shopping kickbacks as personal income. We pay our guides full salaries, and prohibit them from accepting kickbacks. This means your guide is motivated to give you the best travel experience possible – not earn extra income through shopping.We also work with English- speaking Japanese guides where indicated in the itinerary detail. We have found this is important because it will give you an outlook on Japan from a Japanese point-of-view and allows you to meet one-on-one with a local and ask questions you may not be able to ask someone you just met on the street. (We have also found that many of our tour participants have struck-up friendships with our local guides, and many of them keep in touch on a regular basis.)

Value. 4 There is more to “price” than meets the eye. Our tours include:More Sightseeing: Prices include all group sightseeing and activities listed in detail with every tour description.

More Meals: Experiencing Japan’s great cooking is every bit as important as sightseeing, so all breakfasts and approximately half of your lunches and dinners are included. It’s a sensible balance that satisfies your dining expectations, protects your budget, yet gives you the freedom to discover plenty of other edible delights on your own.

Peace of Mind: With our included tour cancellation/interruption protection coverage, your travel investment is protected.

Customer Service 5

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Travelers who have been to Japan can tell you that customer service is very important in Japan. Everybody comes home with their own personal stories about someone in Japan who went way out of their way be helpful. In order to make our tours more “Japanese,” all of the employees and guides at Samurai Tours are committed to going the extra distance to make your Japan experience more enjoyable.

Guaranteed Prices 6 The tour price listed on our website and in our tour catalog is exactly what you’ll pay, even if inflation or a drop in the dollar-to-yen exchange rate increases operating costs. This may sound like common sense, but many tour companies reserve the right to increase your final payment (in fine print, of course). Samurai Tours has never done this, and we never will. Period.

We Have Our Own Travel Agency in Japan 7 Most foreign tour operators operating tours in Japan subcontract with Japanese travel agencies. Because we have our own travel agency (Kyoto-fu Chijitoroku Ryokogyo 3-576/Japanese Travel Agency License: Kyoto Prefecture #3-576) it allows us to be more adaptable to the ever-changing travel environment in Japan and gives us better quality control. Because of our local presence, we are able to adapt and adjust to the ever- changing travel environment in Japan. And other Japanese travel agencies tend to design tours in the manner that the Japanese prefer tours, which means whirlwind, non-stop tours that never allow enough time anywhere to see anything.

BEST OF JAPAN INDEPENDENT PACKAGE 14 Days 13 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Takayama, Koya-san, Osaka, Himeji, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Kyoto

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Tour Overview More than any other country, the Japanese have managed to integrate ancient traditions and bleeding-edge technology harmoniously into their daily lives. With the perfect mix of new and old, and our most popular itinerary, this well-rounded tour has something for everyone.

In the best that Japan has to offer, you’ll enjoy a colorful mix of large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, quaint and traditional Takayama, the religious center of Koya-san, the ancient shrines and temples of Kyoto, the testament to peace of Hiroshima, and more.

You’ll stay overnight at a mountain-top Buddhist temple where Buddhist monks will serve you meals of Shojin Ryori (the traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), attend prayer services at the temple early the next morning, and much, much more. You’ll visit Tokyo where the sheer energy will carry you away. From the Hakone area, you will get a view of the iconic Mt. Fuji (weather permitting).

You’ll explore Takayama where the locals have managed to maintain its traditional charm and where time seems to stand still. Finally, you’ll tour Kyoto. Kyoto with its Geishas dressed in their colorful kimonos and its narrow, cobblestone- paved alleys evokes the very image of Japan. A walk through Kyoto is a walk through over 1,000 years of Japanese history.

Starting from $3,179 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Tokyo Osaka Kamakura Himeji Hakone Miyajima Island Takayama Hiroshima Kyoto Koya-san

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive Tokyo

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Date Line. You will gain the day back when you fly home. You will be welcomed at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours representative who will help you with your rail pass exchange, obtain your limousine bus ticket into Tokyo, and assist with boarding the bus to your hotel in Tokyo. No meals included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Tokyo

After breakfast, the licensed, English-speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel/ryokan. The guided tour will start with traveling to Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower in the center of Tokyo. At 332.9 metres (1,092 ft), it is the second-tallest structure in Japan. The structure is an Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice tower with a main observatory at 150 meters that is reached via elevator or a 600-step staircase. Thanks to the tower’s central location, the observatory offers an interesting view of the city despite being only at a relatively moderate height. Afterwards we will travel to the famous Ginza district. Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. Before continuing we will stop for a Kushiage lunch (fried meat and vegetables on bamboo skewers). Next we will travel to the nearby Asakusa area. Here we will tour the Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple and the Asakusa Shrine where you will learn about Buddhist and Shinto Japanese religious practices. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 3 Tokyo

Today is free to explore Tokyo. We recommend starting the day by traveling to Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market. It is estimated that 20% of all the fish caught in the world pass through this market. There are two parts to the Tsukiji Market- the inner market and the outer market. The inner market is for wholesale business and the outer market is for retail. There are so many more exciting places to visit in Tokyo. You may want to go shopping for that perfect souvenir, visit the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the Japanese emperor of the 19th century, or wander through the trendy Shibuya or Harajuku districts where you will more than likely see interesting and far-out fashions. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Kamakura, Hakone Yumoto Onsen

Before checking out, you will transfer your main luggage to Takayama, and will be traveling to Hakone and Takayama

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with overnight bags only. You will travel by local trains to the ancient city of Kamakura, the former capital of Japan in the 13th century. You can visit Hase-dera temple, originally established in the 8th century which houses a famous Kannon statue made from wood and gold leaf, and also has a commanding view of the nearby ocean. Next you can visit Kotokuin, the home of the famous Kamakura Great Buddha. This 40-foot tall bronze statue of Buddha, built in the 13th century is an icon of Japan. Later in the afternoon, you will travel by local trains to Hakone Yumoto onsen. Here you can rest and relax the in thermally-heated mineral waters of the bath at the ryokan. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Hakone, Takayama

After checking out, you will tour the Hakone area. Hakone is famous for its natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Be sure to stop at the Owakudani. Owakudani offers magnificent views of Mount Fuji in what is still an active volcanic region. Here at Owakudani, you will have free time to explore the thermally-heated pools and mud pots. You can try one of the “black eggs” which are eggs hard-boiled in the thermally-heated mineral waters. It is said that if you eat one of these eggs it will add seven years to your life (it is probably said by the people who sell the eggs). Late in the afternoon, you will travel by local train, bullet train and express train to Takayama. Takayama, in the middle of the Japan Alps, with its traditional inns, shops, and sake breweries, has managed to retain its traditional charm. After checking in you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants specializing in Hida Beef. Hida Beef is the same thing as the more famous Kobe Beef. You will retrieve your main luggage from your hotel in Takayama. Breakfast at the ryokan is included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Takayama

We recommend starting the morning at the farmers market strolling past the vegetable stands and stalls selling herbs, pickles, and souvenirs, sampling the numerous options as you go. In the afternoon, the choices for what to do are abundant. You can explore the Takayama Jinya, visit the many temples, see numerous shrines and museums, rummage through antique shops, or relax at one of sake breweries. You may also take the bus to the Hida-no-Sato Open Air Museum with its traditional, thatched-roof homes from the surrounding area, or visit the Yatai Kaikan, a museum chronicling the famous festival held every April and October in Takayama. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Takayama, Koya-san

Before checking out, you will transfer your main luggage to Osaka. You will board an express train and Shinkansen bound for Osaka, and continue on to Koya-san by train and funicular. Koya-san is the world headquarters of the Shingon school of Esoteric Buddhism. Kobo Daishi, considered by many to be the most influential religious person in Japanese history, established a religious community here in the year 816. After checking into your shukubo (Buddhist temple lodging), you are free to roam and visit one of the 110 temples in the area, wander through the nearby ghostly cemetery at the famous Okuno-in temple, or just rest in the garden at the shukubo. Your dinner of shojin-ryori

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(traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine – no meat, fish, onions or garlic) will be served. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the temple included.

Travel: 7 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Koya-san, Osaka

Very early in the morning, you can attend o-inori (Buddhist prayer service). After the prayer service, a shojin-ryori breakfast is served. Following breakfast you can tour the Garan and Kongobu-ji Temples, or wander through the huge cemetery leading up to the Okuno-in Temple, where Kobo Daishi is buried. Many Japanese still believe that Kobo Daishi is not dead, but merely in a very advanced state of meditation, waiting to awaken at the appropriate time. In the afternoon, you will travel by funicular and train back to the city of Osaka. In the evening, you can enjoy the famous South Osaka entertainment districts of Dotombori, Shin-Sekai and Namba. You will retrieve your main luggage from your hotel in Osaka. Breakfast at the temple is included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 9 Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima (optional Miyajima Island upgrade)

Before leaving in the morning, you will transfer your main luggage to Kyoto. On your way from Osaka to Hiroshima you can tour the Himeji Castle, a significant piece of architecture from the Feudal Period. Built about 400 years ago, Himeji Castle is one of the largest and oldest original castles, and is one of only four castles designated as a national treasure and is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, you will travel by Shinkansen to Hiroshima, or you can choose to upgrade to the Miyajima Island option and travel by ferry across the bay where you will stay on the island. Breakfast at the hotel is included (dinner at the ryokan included for the upgrade option).

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 10 Miyajima Island

Today you will visit Miyajima Island, considered by the Japanese to be one of the three most beautiful spots in Japan. You can ride the cable car to the top of the mountain on Miyajima Island, visit the Itsukushima-jinja shrine which was built in its present form in 1168, or just take in the beauty and ambiance of Miyajima Island while enjoying grilled oysters, the island’s specialty. Breakfast at the hotel/ryokan included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 11 Hiroshima, Kyoto

In the morning you can tour the Peace Memorial Museum and the Peace Memorial Park, both sobering testaments to the dropping of the A-bomb on August 6, 1945. In the afternoon, you will travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) to the city of Kyoto. For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden

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houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the paving stones, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks, and a tea master warming water and making tea. You will retrieve your main luggage from the hotel in Kyoto. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 12 Kyoto

Today is free to explore Kyoto on your own. Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto today is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history. Here you can visit Kinkaku-ji. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s, as well as Japan’s, most recognizable attractions. The gleaming building covered in gold leaf seems to float on the aptly named Mirror Pond, especially on a sunny day. If you would like, visit Nijo Castle next. Built in 1603, it was the Kyoto home of Tokugawa Ieayasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun. The ostentatious style of construction was intended as a demonstration of Ieyasu’s prestige, and to signal the demise of the emperor’s power. The finest artists of the day filled the castle with delicate transom woodcarvings and paintings by the Kano School on sliding doors. One of the castle’s most intriguing features is the so-called “nightingale” floors. To protect the Shogun from real or imagined enemies, these floorboards creak when stepped on. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 13 Kyoto

Today we suggest you travel by train to the nearby city of Fushimi, one of the largest sake producing regions of Japan. Here you can visit the Fushimi Inari shrine. This Shinto Shrine, established in the 8th century, is famous for the long tunnels of vermilion torii gates straddling a network of trails leading to the top of the heavily forested Mt. Inari. Next, you can visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple. Kiyomizu-dera literally translates to “Pure Water Temple”. For centuries, visitors and pilgrims have climbed the hill to the temple standing on a steep hillside with fine views of the city of Kyoto. Supported by 139 pillars, the temple juts out over the valley. Finding the courage to set out on a daring, new adventure is likened to “taking a leap from the veranda of Kiyomizu”. From Kiyomizu, you can walk through the Higashiyama District of Kyoto. This area of narrow, cobblestone alleys with its numerous shops and restaurants is truly enjoyable and relaxing. Next, walk to the famous Gion Geisha District. Here, you will see where the Geisha live and work. You may even see one on their way to one of their appointments. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 14 Depart

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It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will take the express train to the Kansai International Airport (Osaka), or return to Narita Airport (Tokyo) by Shinkansen and express train for your flight back home (if you are flying out of Narita Airport, be sure to schedule a flight after 15:00)

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotels or ryokans including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (click the upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hakone Yumoto: Japanese-style ryokan such as Hakone Tenseien Takayama: Modern Japanese-style hotel such as Takayama Ouan Koya-san: Japanese-style Buddhist Temple such as Shojoshinin Temple Osaka: Western-style hotel such as Namba Oriental Hotel Hiroshima: Western-style hotel such as Hotel New Hiroden Kyoto: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kyoto

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging 14 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Meeting service at the airport (for Narita Airport arrivals only) Airport transfers 8 Hours of guiding service from a licensed, English-speaking guide Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times SUICA card pre-loaded with 2,500 Yen to be used on the subways in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and the streetcars in Hiroshima (2,500 Yen will allow as many as 7 or 8 trips depending on the length of the trips) Nankai Koya-san World Heritage Tickets (includes round-trip reserved seats on the express trains to and from Koya- san, round trip cable car tickets and bus passes on Koya-san Hakone Free Passes for travel in and around Hakone Yumoto Onsen Breakfast every day Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more once you arrive Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. Baggage transfers take one full day and night, so you will travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 2,500 Yen)

What’s Not Included

Airfare is not included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees

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Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals (except where noted) Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Takayama

Takayama Standard Ryokan Similar to Asunaro

Takayama Luxury Ryokan w/ Similar to Hiranoya Honjin Bekkan dinner

Osaka

Osaka Luxury Hotel Similar to Marriott Miyako

Hiroshima

Hiroshima Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Granvia Hiroshima

2 Night Stay on Miyajima Island (replaces Hiroshima)

Miyajima Standard Ryokan w/ Similar to Kawaguchi dinner

Miyajima Luxury Ryokan w/ Similar to Miyarikyu dinner

Kyoto

Kyoto Budget Ryokan Similar to Heianbo Ryokan

Kyoto Standard Ryokan Similar to Wajun Kaikan

Kyoto Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Granvia

Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Similar to Kohro Ryokan or Gion Hatanaka

Green Car Rail Pass Upgrade

14 Day Green Car Rail Pass $164

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Tour Map

BEST OF JAPAN ECONOMY INDEPENDENT 13 Days 12 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Kyoto

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Tour Overview More than any other country, the Japanese have managed to integrate ancient traditions and bleeding-edge technology harmoniously into their daily lives. With the perfect mix of new and old, this well-rounded tour has something for everyone.

In the best that Japan has to offer you’ll enjoy a colorful mix of historical beauty and modern excitement. Experience large cities like Tokyo, complimented by quaint and traditional Takayama and Shirakawa-go. You’ll also enjoy the ambiance and solitude of Miyajima Island, the ancient shrines and temples of Kyoto, the testament to peace of Hiroshima, and the natural beauty of Hakone, and much more!

Starting from $2,946 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Tokyo Shirakawago Kanazawa Kamakura Hakone Hiroshima Takayama Miyajima Island Kyoto

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive Tokyo

You will be welcomed at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours representative who will help you with your rail pass exchange, obtain your limousine bus ticket into Tokyo, and assist with boarding the bus to your hotel in Tokyo. No meals included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Tokyo

After breakfast, the licensed, English-speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel/ryokan. The guided tour will start with traveling to Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower in the center of Tokyo. At 332.9 metres (1,092 ft), it is the second-tallest structure in Japan. The structure is an Eiffel Tower-inspired lattice tower with a main observatory at 150 meters that is reached via elevator or a 600-step staircase. Thanks to the tower’s central location, the observatory offers an interesting view of the city despite being only at a relatively moderate height. Afterwards we will travel to the famous Ginza district. Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. Before continuing we will stop for a Kushiage lunch (fried meat and vegetables on bamboo skewers). Next we will travel to the nearby Asakusa area. Here we will tour the Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple and the Asakusa Shrine where you will learn about Buddhist and Shinto Japanese religious practices. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Heavy

DAY 3 Tokyo

We recommend starting the day by traveling to Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market. It is estimated that 20% of all the fish caught in the world pass through this market. There are two parts to the Tsukiji Market- the inner market and the outer market. The inner market is for wholesale business and the outer market is for retail. There are so many more exciting places to visit in Tokyo. You may want to go shopping for that perfect souvenir, visit the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the Japanese emperor of the 19th century, or wander through the trendy Shibuya or Harajuku districts where you will more than likely see interesting and far-out fashions. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone Yumoto Onsen

Before checking out you will transfer your main luggage to Takayama, and will be traveling to Hakone and Takayama with overnight bags only. You will travel by local trains to the ancient city of Kamakura, the former capital of Japan in the 13th century. You can visit Hase-dera temple, originally established in the 8th century which houses a famous

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Kannon statue made from wood and gold leaf, and also has a commanding view of the nearby ocean. Next you can visit Kotokuin, the home of the famous Kamakura Great Buddha. This 40-foot tall bronze statue of Buddha, built in the 13th century is an icon of Japan. Later in the afternoon, you will travel by local trains to Hakone Yumoto Onsen. Here you can rest and relax the in thermally-heated mineral waters of the bath at the ryokan. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 5 Hakone, Takayama

After checking out, you can tour the Hakone area. Hakone is famous for its natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Be sure to stop at the Owakudani. Owakudani offers magnificent views of Mount Fuji in what is still an active volcanic region. Here at Owakudani, you will have free time to explore the thermally-heated pools and mud pots. You can try one of the “black eggs” which are eggs hard-boiled in the thermally-heated mineral waters. It is said that if you eat one of these eggs it will add seven years to your life (it is probably said by the people who sell the eggs). Late in the afternoon you will travel by local train, bullet train, and express train to Takayama. Takayama, in the middle of the Japan Alps, with its traditional inns, shops, and sake breweries, has managed to retain its traditional charm. After checking in you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants specializing in Hida Beef. Hida Beef is the same thing as the more famous Kobe Beef. You will retrieve your main luggage from your hotel in Takayama. Breakfast at the ryokan is included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 6 Takayama

We recommend starting the morning at the farmers market strolling past the vegetable stands and stalls selling herbs, pickles, and souvenirs, sampling the numerous options as you go. In the afternoon, the choices for what to do are abundant. You can explore the Takayama Jinya, visit the many temples, see numerous shrines and museums, rummage through antique shops, or relax at one of sake breweries. You may also take the bus to the Hida-no-Sato Open Air Museum with its traditional, thatched-roof homes from the surrounding area, or visit the Yatai Kaikan, a museum chronicling the famous festival held every April and October in Takayama. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

After breakfast, you will take a highway bus to the valley of Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is the home of many Gassho-zukuri (Praying Hand) style homes, which have been moved there from the surrounding area. These homes were first used as far back as the 18th century and are still being used today. You can tour the open-air museum where you can explore 25 of these traditional farmhouses, or just enjoy the small village atmosphere of Shirakawa- go. In the afternoon you will take another bus to the city of Kanazawa. Kanazawa, located on the northern coast of Japan, was once controlled by one of the wealthiest families in Japan, the Maeda Clan. They were admirers and sponsors of many traditional arts, and these arts flourished under their sponsorship. Many of these arts are still being practiced today in Kanazawa. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

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Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 8 Kanazawa

We recommend starting your day touring the Kenrokuen Garden. This garden is considered to be one of the three best gardens in Japan and was initially constructed in the 17th century. After enjoying the garden, you can tour the Kanazawa Handicrafts Museum to learn how the local Kanazawa handicrafts are made, then venture to the Naga- machi Samurai District. This area of Kanazawa, located at the foot of Kanazawa Castle, was the residential district for the samurai serving the castle. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. Here, you can also tour the Nomura House. The Nomura family was a high-ranking retainer for the Maeda family. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant are included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 9 Kanazawa, Hiroshima

After breakfast you will travel to Hiroshima where you can tour the Peace Memorial Museum and the Peace Memorial Park, which are both sobering testaments to the dropping of the A-bomb on August 6, 1945. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 10 Miyajima Island

Today you will visit Miyajima Island, considered by the Japanese to be one of the most beautiful spots in Japan. You can ride the cable car to the top of the mountain on Miyajima Island, visit the Itsukushima-jinja shrine which was built in its present form in 1168, or just take in the beauty and ambiance of Miyajima Island while enjoying grilled oysters, the island’s specialty. Breakfast at the hotel/ryokan included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 11 Hiroshima, Kyoto

Today you will travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) to the city of Kyoto. For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the paving stones, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks, and a tea master warming water and making tea. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 12 Kyoto

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Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto today is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history. Here you can visit Kinkaku-ji. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable attractions. The gleaming building covered in gold leaf seems to float on the aptly named Mirror Pond, especially on a sunny day. If you would like, you can visit Nijo Castle next. Built in 1603, it was the Kyoto home of Tokugawa Ieayasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun. The ostentatious style of construction was intended as a demonstration of Ieyasu’s prestige, and to signal the demise of the emperor’s power. The finest artists of the day filled the castle with delicate transom woodcarvings and paintings by the Kano School on sliding doors. One of the castle’s most intriguing features is the so-called “nightingale” floors. To protect the Shogun from real or imagined enemies, these floorboards creak when stepped on. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 13 Depart

It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will take the express train to the Kansai International Airport (Osaka), or return to Narita Airport (Tokyo) by Shinkansen and express train for your flight back home (if you are flying out of Narita Airport, be sure to schedule a flight after 15:00).

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotels or ryokans including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (click the upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hakone Yumoto: Japanese-style ryokan such as Hakone Tenseien Takayama: Modern Japanese-style hotel such as Takayama Ouan Kanazawa: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kanazawa Hiroshima: Western-style hotel such as Hotel New Hiroden Kyoto: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kyoto

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging 14 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass Nohi Bus tickets to Shirakawago and Kanazawa English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Meeting service at the airport (for Narita Airport arrivals only) Airport transfers 8 Hours of guiding service from a licensed, English-speaking guide Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times SUCIA card pre-loaded with 2,500 Yen to be used on the subways in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and the streetcars in Hiroshima (2,500 Yen will allow as many as 7 or 8 trips depending on the length of the trips) Hakone Free Passes for travel in and around Hakone Yumoto Onsen Breakfast every day Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more once you arrive Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. Baggage transfers take one full day and night, so you will travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 2,500 Yen)

What’s Not Included

Airfare is not included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Baggage transfer fees

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Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals (except where noted) Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Takayama

Takayama Standard Ryokan Similar to Asunaro

Takayama Standard Ryokan Similar to Hiranoya Honjin Bekkan w/dinner

Takayama Luxury Hotel Similar to Associa Takayama Resort

Kanazawa

Kanazawa Standard Ryokan Similar to Sumiyoshiya Ryokan

Kanzawa Luxury Ryokan Similar to Chaya Ryokan

Kanzawa Luxury Hotel Similar to ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kanazawa

Hiroshima

Hiroshima Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Granvia Hiroshima

2 Night Stay on Miyajima Island (replaces Hiroshima)

Miyajima Standard Ryokan w/ Similar to Kawaguchi dinner

Miyajima Luxury Ryokan w/ Similar to Miyarikyu dinner

Kyoto

Kyoto Budget Ryokan Similar to Heianbo Ryokan

Kyoto Standard Ryokan Similar to Wajun Kaikan

Kyoto Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Granvia

Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Similar to Kohro Ryokan or Gion Hatanaka

Green Car Rail Pass Upgrade

14 Day Green Car Rail Pass $164

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Tour Map

BEST OF JAPAN 22 DAY INDEPENDENT PACKAGE 22 Days 21 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Takayama, Kyoto, Koya-san, Himeji, Takamatsu, Kotohira, Matsuyama, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Sapporo, Shiraoi, Noboribestu Onsen, Hakodate, Sendai, Matsushima, Nikko

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Tour Overview If you don’t want to miss anything in Japan, then this is the tour for you. From Sapporo to Nagasaki, you will enjoy the best Japan has to offer including some of Japan’s best onsens, gardens, castles, natural scenic areas, historical districts, temples and shrines, cultural activities and much, much more in a tour that will create travel memories to last a lifetime.

You’ll stay overnight at a mountaintop Buddhist temple where Buddhist monks will serve you meals of shojin ryori (the traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) and attend prayer services at the temple early the next morning, climb to the top of a samurai castle, stroll through farmer’s markets, see where the geisha live and work, stay overnight on beautiful and quiet Miyajima Island, soak in the thermally-heated mineral waters at some of Japan’s best onsens and admire sacred Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), the icon of Japan.

You’ll enjoy Tokyo where the sheer energy level will sweep you away, and Sapporo, host to the 1972 Winter Olympics with its many, fine restaurants, explore the morning market of Hakodate, where you can have the local specialties of crab, sea urchin or squid prepared for you for breakfast, and learn about Japan’s original inhabitants, the Ainu, whose culture almost disappeared until recent efforts of restoration. You will walk around the rim of an active volcano, enjoy Matsushima, considered to be one of three most scenic places in Japan, visit the sobering testament to peace of Hiroshima and the ostentatious over-the-top shrines and temples of Nikko. The rural, mountainous island of Shikoku will charm you with its natural beauty, and the island of Kyushu with the history-filled city of Nagasaki will surprise you with its diversity.

Starting from $5,486 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Tokyo Matsuyama Kamakura Miyajima Island Hakone Hiroshima Nagasaki Takayama Kyoto Sapporo Koya-san Shiraoi Himeji Noboribestu Onsen Takamatsu Hakodate Sendai Kotohira Matsushima

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Nikko

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive Tokyo

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Dateline, and gain the day back when you fly home. After clearing customs and immigration (which can take up to an hour and a half due to increased tourism to Japan), you will be met at Tokyo’s Narita airport by a Samurai Tours guide. The guide will then purchase a limousine bus ticket for you and help you board the bus to the hotel. After checking in, the evening is free. No meals are included.

Travel: 1-1/4 Hours; Walking: Light

DAY 2 Tokyo

After breakfast, the licensed, English-speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your accommodations. The guided tour will start with traveling to Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower in the center of Tokyo. At 332.9 metres (1,092 ft), it is the second-tallest structure in Japan. The structure is an Eiffel Tower- inspired lattice tower, with a main observatory at 150 meters that is reached via elevator or a 600-step staircase. Thanks to the tower’s central location, the observatory offers an interesting view of the city despite being only at a relatively moderate height. Afterwards, we will travel to the famous Ginza district, the most expensive real estate in the world. Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. Before continuing we will first stop for a lunch of Kushiage (fried meat and vegetables on bamboo skewers). Next we will travel to the nearby Asakusa area. Here we will tour the Nakamise- dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple and the Asakusa Shrine where you will learn about Buddhist and Shinto Japanese religious practices. We will return to the hotel, where we will go through the train tickets for the rest of the tour. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy

DAY 3 Tokyo, Hakone Yumoto Onsen

Before checking out, you will transfer your main luggage to Takayama, and will be traveling to Hakone and Takayama with an overnight bag only. The morning can be spent exploring Tokyo’s Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum, or anything else you may have missed yesterday. Later in the afternoon, you will travel by local trains to Hakone Yumoto Onsen. Here you can rest and relax the in thermally-heated mineral waters of the bath at the ryokan, or go on a hike to discover the natural beauty of Japan. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Hakone, Takayama

After checking out, you will tour the Hakone area. Hakone is famous for its natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Be sure to stop at the Owakudani. Owakudani offers magnificent views of Mount Fuji in

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what is still an active volcanic region. Here at Owakudani, you will have free time to explore the thermally-heated pools and mud pots. You can try one of the ‘black eggs’, which are eggs hard-boiled in the thermally-heated mineral waters. It is said if you eat one of these eggs, it will add seven years to your life (it is probably said by the people who sell the eggs). Late in the afternoon, you will leave Hakone by local train, bullet train and express train to Takayama. Takayama, in the middle of the Japan Alps, with its traditional inns, shops, and sake breweries, has managed to retain its traditional charm. After checking in, you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants specializing in Hida Beef. Hida Beef is the same thing as the more famous Kobe Beef. You can retrieve your main luggage from your accommodation when you check in. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Takayama

Start the morning at the farmer’s market strolling past the vegetable stands and stalls selling herbs, pickles, and souvenirs, sampling the numerous options as you go. Or visit the Takayama Jinya, the governing office of this area since the 17th century. In the afternoon, the choices for what to do are abundant. You can roam and explore Takayama, visit the many temples, shrines and museums, rummage through antique shops, or relax at one of sake breweries. Take the bus to the Hida-no-Sato Open Air Museum with its traditional, thatched-roof homes from the surrounding area. Or visit the Yatai Kaikan, a museum chronicling the famous festival held every April and October in Takayama. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Takayama, Kyoto

In the morning you will transfer your main luggage to Kyoto then travel by express train and Shinkansen (bullet train) to the city of Kyoto. For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the paving stones, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks, and a tea master deliberately warming water and making tea. Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto today is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history. Here you can visit Kinkaku-ji. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s, as well as Japan’s, most recognizable attractions. The gleaming building covered in gold leaf seems to float on the aptly named Mirror Pond, especially on a sunny day. If you would like, visit Nijo Castle next. Built in 1603, it was the Kyoto home of Tokugawa Ieayasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun. The ostentatious style of construction was intended as a demonstration of Ieyasu’s prestige, and to signal the demise of the emperor’s power. The finest artists of the day filled the castle with delicate transom woodcarvings and paintings by the Kano School on sliding doors. One of the castle’s most intriguing features is the so-called “nightingale” floors. To protect the Shogun from real or imagined enemies, these floorboards creak when stepped on. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Kyoto

Today is free to tour the Kyoto area on your own. We suggest you travel by train to the nearby city of Fushimi, one of

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the largest sake producing regions of Japan. Here you can visit the Fushimi Inari shrine. This Shinto Shrine, established in the 8th century, is famous for the long tunnels of vermilion torii gates straddling a network of trails leading to the top of the heavily forested Mt. Inari. Next, you can visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple. Kiyomizu- dera literally translates to “Pure Water Temple”. For centuries, visitors and pilgrims have climbed the hill to the temple standing on a steep hillside with fine views of the city of Kyoto. Supported by 139 pillars, the temple juts out over the valley. Finding the courage to set out on a daring, new adventure is likened to “taking a leap from the veranda of Kiyomizu”. From Kiyomizu, you can walk through the Higashiyama District of Kyoto. This area of narrow, cobblestone alleys with its numerous shops and restaurants is truly enjoyable and relaxing. Next, walk to the famous Gion Geisha District. Here, you will see where the Geisha live and work. You may even see one on their way to one of their appointments. Your main luggage will arrive at the hotel while you are out. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Kyoto, Koya-san

After you send your main luggage to Takamatsu and have breakfast you will board an express train to Osaka, and then continue to Koya-san by train and funicular. Koya-san, the world headquarters of the Shingon School of Esoteric Buddhism, was established in the year 816 by Kobo Daishi, considered by many to be the most influential religious person in Japanese history. Drop off your luggage, check into your shukubo (Buddhist temple lodging), and the afternoon is free to explore Koya-san. You can wander through the huge cemetery leading up to the Okuno-in temple. Kobo Daishi is buried at this temple, and many Japanese still believe that he is not dead, but merely in a very advanced state of meditation, waiting to awaken at the appropriate time. Next you many want to explore the Garan Temple complex. Don’t forget that your dinner of shojin-ryori (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine – no meat, fish, onions or garlic) will be served by the Buddhist Monks from the temple. After dinner you are free to roam and visit one of the 110 temples in the area or just rest in the garden at the shukubo. Breakfast at the hotel and Shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) dinner at the temple included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 9 Koyasan, Himeji, Takamatsu

Early in the morning, you can attend a Buddhist prayer service held at the temple. Then, after a vegetarian breakfast, you will travel back to Osaka, and continue by Shinkansen to Himeji where you will tour Himeji Castle. Built about 400 years ago, it is one of the oldest and largest of the remaining original castles in Japan. It is only one of four castles in Japan that has been designated as a National Treasure and has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After touring the castle, you will continue to Takamatsu by Shinkansen and express train. The sprawling city of Takamatsu is located on the northern shore of Shikoku, the smallest, the least populated and least visited of the four major islands of Japan. Despite a relaxed atmosphere, Takamatsu hums with an urban energy. Walking down the city’s wide, sunlit boulevards or numerous covered shopping arcades you will find funky shops, artsy cafes and exciting nightlife. Pick up your main luggage from the hotel when you check in. Shojin-ryori breakfast at the temple included.

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: TBD

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DAY 10 Takamatsu

Today is a free day in Takamatsu. After sending your main luggage to Matsuyama we suggest you visit Ritsurin Garden, thought by many to be one of best gardens in Japan. This garden was designed by the local feudal lord family and took over 100 years to create. The more than 1,400 twisted and contorted pines set this garden apart from other gardens. Next you can travel by street car to the nearby city of Kotohira, to visit the Kompira Shrine. Kompira Shrine is the main shrine of multiple Kompira shrines found around Japan that are dedicated to sailors and seafaring. Located on the wooded slope of Mount Zozu in Kotohira, the approach to Kompirasan is an arduous series of 785 stone steps. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 11 Takamatsu, Matsuyama

After breakfast you will travel by express train to the city of Matsuyama. We suggest starting the afternoon at Matsuyama Castle. Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. It is located on Mt. Katsu, a steep hill in the city center providing visitors to the castle with a bird’s eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. The castle was constructed between 1602 and 1628. The current three storied castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five storied one was destroyed by lightening. In the evening, you can visit the famous Dogo Onsen. It is thought this was the first onsen in Japan, and the history of the onsen goes back 1,000 years. The current main onsen building was built in 1894, and includes a bath reserved exclusively for visiting Emperors. Pickup your main luggage from the hotel when you check in. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 12 Matsuyama, Miyajima Island

In the morning you will transfer your main luggage to Nagasaki. Then we would suggest touring the nearby temple of Ishiteji. This temple is one of the 88 temples (#51) on the Shikoku pilgrimage. Ishiteji is known for its Niomon Gate, a designated national treasure. The main hall and pagoda are also designated important cultural properties, and all of the structures exhibit the typical architecture style of the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). In the afternoon, you will travel by high-speed ferries to Miyajima Island. The Japanese proclaim Miyajima Island to be one of the top three scenic sights in Japan. The evening is a great time to enjoy the solitude and ambiance of the island after a delicious Kaiseki-style dinner at the ryokan. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 13 Miyajima Island

The entire day is a free day to enjoy Miyajiima Island. You can ride the cable car to the top of the mountain on Miyajima Island, or visit the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine which was built in its present form in 1168. Or just stroll around the island while enjoying grilled oysters, the island’s specialty. Breakfast and Kaiseki-style dinner at the ryokan included.

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Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 14 Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Nagasaki

You will travel by ferry and train to the city of Hiroshima. Here you can visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, both sobering monuments to the tragic event on August 6, 1945. Late in the afternoon you will travel to Nagasaki on the island of Kyushu where your main luggage will be waiting for you. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 15 Nagasaki

We would suggest starting the day by visiting Dejima. Dejima was a man-made island in the port of Nagasaki constructed in 1636. A few years later, the Dutch trading factory was moved to Dejima. The Dutch workers, the only remaining Westerners allowed in the country, were restricted to Dejima during Japan’s two centuries of isolation. Today, Dejima is no longer an island, as the surrounding area has been reclaimed during the 20th century. However, a number of Dejima’s historical structures have been reconstructed, including various residences, warehouses, walls and gates. There are many displays in these buildings documenting the daily life of the Dutch residents. Next, we suggest touring Glover Garden. Glover Garden is an open air museum, exhibiting mansions of former Western residents of Nagasaki. It is located on the hill where Western merchants settled down after the end of Japan’s era of seclusion in the second half of the 19th century. You can also enjoy a panorama of the city from the garden. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 16 Nagasaki, Sapporo

The entire day is a travel day. After sending your main luggage to Hakodate you will be traveling by air to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city and host of the 1972 Winter Olympics. After arriving, we suggest you visit the JR Sapporo Tower where you will be able to get a bird’s eye view of Sapporo. In the evening, we recommend enjoying dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden, located in the original Sapporo Beer brewery, where you can try the local specialty of grilled lamb, cooked yourself at the table. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 8 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 17 Sapporo, Noboribetsu Onsen

After breakfast you can visit the Old Hokkaido Government Building. Affectionately known by the locals as “Red Bricks” (akarenga in Japanese), it was built in 1911 and has been designated as an Important Cultural Asset. Next, we would recommend visiting the Clock Tower, the symbol of Sapporo. The building was constructed in 1878 as a drill hall of the Sapporo Agricultural College. The American-made clock was added in 1881. In the afternoon you will travel to Noboribetsu Onsen, one of the most popular and famous hot spring resorts in Japan. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan included.

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Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 18 Noboribetsu Onsen, Hakodate

The morning is free to explore Noboribetsu Onsen, including the Jigoku-dani (Hell Valley) and the other geothermal activity in the area. In the afternoon, you will travel to the city of Hakodate. Hakodate was one of the first cities open to the West after the Meiji Restoration. In the evening you can take a cable car to the top of Mt. Hakodate where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate’s night lights. Pick up your main luggage when checking into the hotel. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 19 Hakodate, Sendai

First thing, you will transfer your main luggage to Tokyo. Early in the morning we suggest visiting the Hakodate Morning Market, where the sellers can prepare the specialties of Hakodate (crab, sea urchin and squid) fresh from their stalls for breakfast. Next, you can visit the Goryo-Kaku, Japan’s first western-style fort. Built in 1864 by the Tokugawa Shogunate in the shape of a five-pointed star, it was designed to trap attackers in a deadly crossfire. You can climb to the top of the Goryo-kaku tower next to the fort, providing a view of the fort and the surrounding city. We would then suggest touring the Moto-machi historic area. This is where many of the westerners who lived in Hakodate lived at the end of the 19th century. Overlooking the western bay at the foot of Mount Hakodate, there are numerous sloping streets lined with 19th century churches, consulates, shops and homes of the foreigners who first opened this area of Japan to commerce. In the afternoon, you will travel to the city of Sendai. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 20 Sendai

Today is a free day in Sendai. We would suggest you tour Matsushima. Matsushima, near Sendai, is known as one of Japan’s three most scenic areas, and has been visited by numerous dignitaries over the years including the famous Haiku poet Basho who wrote a very famous poem about Matsuhsima published in the late 17th century. First, you can take a sightseeing boat that will navigate between the 260 small islands sculpted by the waves and covered with pine trees. During the cruise, you can see how Matsushima got its name (Matsu means pine and shima means island). After the cruise, we would suggest visiting the Kanran-tei Pavilion given to the Date feudal lord family of Sendai by Toyotomi Hideyoshi which was used for moon viewing and tea ceremonies. Here you can enjoy the view while sampling green-powder tea and sweets. We would also suggest visiting Zuigan-ji Temple. Originally founded by the Tendai Buddhism sect in 828, the current buildings were built by the Date feudal lord family in 1606. Here, along the entrance to the temple, we will find the numerous Buddha statues carved by hand into the rocky-cliff face by Buddhist monks to show their dedication. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

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DAY 21 Sendai, Nikko, Tokyo

In the morning you will travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) and local train to Nikko, where the Tosho-gu Shrine is located. This shrine – built by Tokugawa Iemitsu – is a dedication to his grandfather, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. (James Clavell’s fictional Shogun in his novel Shogun was based on this person.) One of the most elaborate monuments in Japan, no expense was spared in this shrine’s construction. After touring Nikko, you will travel by local train and Shinkansen to Tokyo. Pick up your main luggage when you check into the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 4-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 22 Return Home

It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will travel to the airport by express train to Narita or local train to Haneda to catch your flight home. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions

Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (Click the Upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hakone Yumoto Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Hakone Tenseien Takayama: Western-style hotel such as Takayama Ouan Kyoto: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kyoto Koya-san: Japanese-style Buddhist Temple such as Shojoshinin Temple Takamatsu: Western-style hotel such as Tokyu REI Takamatsu Matsuyama: Western-style hotel such as Mielparque Matsuyama Miyajima Island: Japanese-style ryokan such as Kawaguchi Nagasaki: Japanese-style ryokan such as Sakamotoya Ryokan Sapporo: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Sapporo Noboribetsu Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Daiichi Takimotokan Hakodate: Western-style hotel such as Hakodate Comfort Hotel Sendai: Western-style hotel such as Garden Palace Sendai

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging 21 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Meeting service at the airport Airport transfers (Narita or Haneda Airports) 8 Hours of Guiding Service from a licensed, English-speaking guide Lodging each night Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times SUCIA card pre-charged with 2,500 Yen to be used on the subways in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and the streetcars in Hiroshima (2,500 Yen will allow as many as 7 or 8 trips depending on the length of the trips Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (Click the Upgrades tab to view available Upgrade Options) Flight from Nagasaki to Sapporo (New Chitose Airport) Nankai Koya-san World Heritage Tickets (includes round-trip reserved seats on the express trains to and from Koya- san, round trip cable car tickets and bus passes on Koya-san Two day “Hakone Free Pass” allowing unlimited travel around Hakone Breakfast every day Lunch with guide (day 2)

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Dinner in Koyasan (day 8) Dinners on Miyajima Island (day 12 & 13) Dinner in Noboribetsu Onsen (day 17) Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive. Baggage transfer forms (We will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen.)

What’s Not Included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals Baggage transfer fees (the fees are typically 1,250 to 1.750 yen per bag) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Takayama

Takayama Standard Ryokan Similar to Asunaro

Takayama Luxury Ryokan w/ Similar to Hiranoya Honjin Bekkan dinner

Kyoto

Kyoto Budget Ryokan Similar to Heianbo Ryokan

Kyoto Standard Ryokan Similar to Wajun Kaikan

Kyoto Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Granvia

Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Similar to Kohro Ryokan or Gion Hatanaka

Miyajima Island

Miyajima Luxury Ryokan w/ Similar to Miyarikyu dinner

Nagasaki

Nagasaki Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel New Nagasaki

Sapporo

Sapporo Budget Ryokan Similar to Nakamuraya Ryokan

Sapporo Luxury Hotel Similar to Cross Hotel Sapporo

Hakodate

Hakodate Luxury Ryokan w/ Similar to Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei dinner

Rail Pass

21 Day Green Car Rail Pass This allows you to use the “Green” or 1st class cars when available

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Tour Map

CENTRAL JAPAN INDEPENDENT PACKAGE 11 Days 10 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto

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Tour Overview Between the imperial city of Kyoto, and the shogun’s city of Tokyo, lies Central Japan. This area of Japan epitomizes the extremes and contradictions of Japan today. The densely populated coastal belt city of Tokyo is a stark contrast with the beautiful natural scenery of the mountainous central area. Though readily accessible, central Japan is still remote enough to have retained traditional lifestyles and architecture.

Central Japan is a slow-paced region that has it all, without the crowds. You will experience the huge megalopolis of Tokyo where the sheer energy level of the city will sweep you away. The quaint town of Takayama invites exploration with its farmers markets and Sanmachi-suji district, consisting of merchant homes dating back to the 16th century. The old farmhouses at Shirakawa-go will give you a glimpse of the way of life in 17th-century rural Japan, and Kanazawa has one of Japan’s best gardens. You will also have the opportunity to explore the ancient shrines and temples of Kyoto, and exquisite cultural experiences.

Starting from $2,647 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Takayama Tokyo Kamakura Shirakawa-go Hakone Kanazawa Kyoto

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive in Japan

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Date Line. You will gain the day back when you fly home. You will be welcomed at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours representative who will help you with your rail pass exchange, obtain your limousine bus ticket into Tokyo, and assist with boarding the bus to your hotel in Tokyo. No meals included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Tokyo

After breakfast, the licensed, English-speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your accommodations. The guided tour will start with traveling to Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower in the center of Tokyo. At 332.9 metres (1,092 ft), it is the second-tallest structure in Japan. The structure is an Eiffel Tower- inspired lattice tower, with a main observatory at 150 meters that is reached via elevator or a 600-step staircase. Thanks to the tower’s central location, the observatory offers an interesting view of the city despite being only at a relatively moderate height. Afterwards, we will travel to the famous Ginza district, the most expensive real estate in the world. Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. Before continuing we will stop for a lunch of Kushiage (fried meat and vegetables on bamboo skewers). Next, we will travel to the nearby Asakusa area where we will tour the Nakamise- dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple, and the Asakusa Shrine where you will learn about Buddhist and Shinto Japanese religious practices. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 3 Tokyo

Today is free to explore Tokyo. We recommend starting the day by traveling to Tsukiji Market, the world’s largest fish market. It is estimated that 20% of all the fish caught in the world pass through this market. There are two parts to the Tsukiji Market- the inner market and the outer market. The inner market is for wholesale business and the outer market is for retail. There are so many more exciting places to visit in Tokyo. You may want to go shopping for that perfect souvenir, visit the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the Japanese emperor of the 19th century, or wander through the trendy Shibuya or Harajuku districts where you will more than likely see interesting and far-out fashions. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone Yumoto Onsen

Before checking out, you will transfer your main luggage to Takayama, and will be traveling to Hakone and Takayama

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with overnight bags only. You will travel by local trains to the ancient city of Kamakura, the former capital of Japan in the 13th century. You can visit Hase-dera temple, originally established in the 8th century which houses a famous Kannon statue made from wood and gold leaf, and also has a commanding view of the nearby ocean. Next you can visit Kotokuin, the home of the famous Kamakura Great Buddha. This 40-foot tall bronze statue of Buddha, built in the 13th century is an icon of Japan. Later in the afternoon, you will travel by local trains to Hakone Yumoto onsen. Here you can rest and relax the in thermally-heated mineral waters of the bath at the ryokan. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Hakone, Takayama

After checking out, you will tour the Hakone area. Hakone is famous for its natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Be sure to stop at the Owakudani. Owakudani offers magnificent views of Mount Fuji in what is still an active volcanic region. Here at Owakudani, you will have free time to explore the thermally-heated pools and mud pots. You can try one of the “black eggs” which are eggs hard-boiled in the thermally-heated mineral waters. It is said that if you eat one of these eggs it will add seven years to your life (it is probably said by the people who sell the eggs). Late in the afternoon, you will travel by local train, bullet train and express train to Takayama. Takayama, in the middle of the Japan Alps, with its traditional inns, shops, and sake breweries, has managed to retain its traditional charm. After checking in you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants specializing in Hida Beef. Hida Beef is the same thing as the more famous Kobe Beef. You will retrieve your main luggage from your hotel in Takayama. Breakfast at the ryokan is included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Takayama

We recommend starting the morning at the farmers market strolling past the vegetable stands and stalls selling herbs, pickles, and souvenirs, sampling the numerous options as you go. In the afternoon, the choices for what to do are abundant. You can explore the Takayama Jinya, visit the many temples, see numerous shrines and museums, rummage through antique shops, or relax at one of sake breweries. You may also take the bus to the Hida-no-Sato Open Air Museum with its traditional, thatched-roof homes from the surrounding area, or visit the Yatai Kaikan, a museum chronicling the famous festival held every April and October in Takayama. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

After breakfast, you will take a highway bus to the valley of Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is the home of many Gassho-zukuri (Praying Hand) style homes, which have been moved here from the surrounding area. These homes were first used as far back as the 18th century and are still being used today. You can tour the open-air museum where you can explore 25 of these traditional farmhouses, or just enjoy the small village atmosphere of Shirakawa- go. In the afternoon you will take another bus to the city of Kanazawa. Kanazawa, located on the northern coast of Japan, was once controlled by one of the wealthiest families in Japan, the Maeda Clan. They were admirers and

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sponsors of many traditional arts, and these arts flourished under their sponsorship. Many of these arts are still being practiced today in Kanazawa. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Kanazawa, Kyoto

We recommend starting the day by touring the Kenrokuen Garden. This garden is considered to be one of the three best gardens in Japan and was initially constructed in the 17th century. After enjoying the garden, you can tour the Kanazawa Handicrafts Museum to learn how the local Kanazawa handicrafts are made. We also suggest visiting the Kutani Pottery Kiln, where you can watch artisans making the local Kutani pottery, or the Naga-machi District which was the former living quarters of the samurai that served the local warlord in Kanazawa as far back as the 17th century. You may want to visit the Saihitsuan Yuzen Silk Center where you can observe demonstrations of Yuzen silk painting, a centuries-old technique used for decorating kimonos, or visit the Higashi-no-Kuruwa pleasure quarter, an active geisha district. Later in the afternoon you will travel by train to Kyoto. Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto today is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history. Kyoto is endowed with an almost overwhelming legacy of ancient Buddhist temples, majestic palaces, and gardens of every size and description. For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the paved stones, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks, and a tea master warming water and making tea. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 9 Kyoto

Today is free to explore Kyoto on your own. Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. Here you can visit Kinkaku-ji. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s, as well as Japan’s, most recognizable attractions. The gleaming building covered in gold leaf seems to float on the aptly named Mirror Pond, especially on a sunny day. If you would like, visit Nijo Castle next. Built in 1603, it was the Kyoto home of Tokugawa Ieayasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun. The ostentatious style of construction was intended as a demonstration of Ieyasu’s prestige, and to signal the demise of the emperor’s power. The finest artists of the day filled the castle with delicate transom woodcarvings and paintings by the Kano School on sliding doors. One of the castle’s most intriguing features is the so-called “nightingale” floors. To protect the Shogun from real or imagined enemies, these floorboards creak when stepped on. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 10 Kyoto

Today we suggest you travel by train to the nearby city of Fushimi, one of the largest sake producing regions of Japan. Here you can visit the Fushimi Inari shrine. This Shinto Shrine, established in the 8th century, is famous for the long tunnels of vermilion torii gates straddling a network of trails leading to the top of the heavily forested Mt. Inari. Next, you can visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple. Kiyomizu-dera literally translates to “Pure Water Temple”.

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For centuries, visitors and pilgrims have climbed the hill to the temple standing on a steep hillside with fine views of the city of Kyoto. Supported by 139 pillars, the temple juts out over the valley. Finding the courage to set out on a daring, new adventure is likened to “taking a leap from the veranda of Kiyomizu”. From Kiyomizu, you can walk through the Higashiyama District of Kyoto. This area of narrow, cobblestone alleys with its numerous shops and restaurants is truly enjoyable and relaxing. Next, walk to the famous Gion Geisha District. Here, you will see where the Geisha live and work. You may even see one on their way to one of their appointments. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 11 Depart

It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will take the express train to the Kansai International Airport (Osaka), or return to Narita Airport (Tokyo) by Shinkansen and express train for your flight back home (if you are flying out of Narita Airport, be sure to schedule a flight after 15:00). Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (click the upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hakone Yumoto Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Hakone Tenseien Takayama: Western-style hotel such as Takayama Ouan Kanazawa: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kanazawa Kyoto: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kyoto

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging 7 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Meeting service at the airport (only available for arrivals at Narita Airport) Airport transfers 8 Hours with a licensed, English-speaking guide Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times SUICA Card pre-loaded with 2,500 yen for the subways in Tokyo and Kyoto and for trains to Kamakura and Hakone Breakfast every day 2 day Hakone Free passes allowing unlimited travel around Hakone Nohi Bus Tickets for your travel to Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 2,500 Yen)

What’s Not Included All airfare Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals (except where noted) Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted)

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A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Takayama

Takayama Standard Ryokan Similar to Asunaro

Takayama Standard Ryokan Similar to Hiranoya Honjin Bekkan w/dinner

Takayama Luxury Hotel Similar to Associa Takayama Resort

Kanazawa

Kanazawa Standard Ryokan Similar to Sumiyoshiya Ryokan

Kanzawa Luxury Ryokan Similar to Chaya Ryokan

Kanzawa Luxury Hotel Similar to ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kanazawa

Kyoto

Kyoto Budget Ryokan Similar to Heianbo Ryokan

Kyoto Standard Ryokan Similar to Wajun Kaikan

Kyoto Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Granvia

Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Similar to Kohro Ryokan or Gion Hatanaka

Green Car Rail Pass Upgrade

14 Day Green Car Rail Pass $164

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Tour Map

WINTER WONDERLAND INDEPENDENT PACKAGE 14 Days 13 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Sapporo, Abashiri, Kushiro, Nagano, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto

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Tour Overview The weather outside may be frightful, but touring Japan in winter is delightful. After you see how beautiful Japan is blanketed in snow, you’ll be saying “Let is snow, let it snow, let it snow.”

When you add the unique opportunities that only Japan winters offer with the small crowds, the result is an unforgettable travel experience. In the best that Japanese winters have to offer, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through the ice sculptures at the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival; feast on all-you-can-eat grilled lamb and beer at the Sapporo Beer Garden; slash through the ice flows in a ice-breaker boat in the infamous prison town of Abashiri; contemplate the nearly-extinct Japanese Red-Crested cranes, revered by the Japanese; visit with the “snow monkeys” while they rest in thermally-heated mineral water to stay warm; explore quaint Takayama; visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go with its many snow-covered, thatched-roof gassho-zukuri (praying hand) homes; stroll through one of the best gardens in Japan made even better covered with snow; and much, much more!

Starting from $3,248 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Jigokudani Monkey Park Tokyo Sapporo Takayama Abashiri Shirakawa-go Kushiro Kanazawa Nagano Kyoto

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive in Tokyo, Travel to Sapporo

You will lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Dateline, and gain the day back when you fly home. After clearing customs and immigration (which can take up to an hour and a half due to increased tourism to Japan), you will be met at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours meeting staff. The staff will then help you exchange your JR Rail Pass, send your main luggage ahead to Abashiri, and escort you to the domestic terminal. Then you will fly to New Chitose Airport and take an express train to Sapporo. No meals included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Sapporo

After breakfast you will meet with the licensed, English-speaking guide who will escort you around Sapporo. There is no pre-defined itinerary, as the guide will adjust the itinerary based on your preferences and interests. You can visit the JR Sapporo Tower where you will be able to get a bird’s eye view of Sapporo, the largest city on Hokkaido and the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics. You may want to tour the Hokkaido Historical Museum where you can discover the rich history of Hokkaido, including Hokkaido’s original inhabitants, the Ainu. Here you can discover how the taming of the wilds of Hokkaido was very similar to the settling of the American West. You can choose to explore the Hokkaido Historical Village Open Air Museum where many buildings from around Hokkaido, both modern and traditional, have been relocated. Perhaps tour the original Sapporo Beer Brewery and sample the many freshly- brewed beers, or visit the Sapporo Botanical Garden, established in 1886 by Hokkaido University, and a wonderful place for a picnic lunch. In the garden you will find a small preserved virgin forest which shows how Sapporo once looked, as well as a small alpine garden and greenhouse. In the evening, you can have dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden, located next to the original Sapporo Beer brewery where you can try the local specialty of grilled lamb, cooked yourself at the table. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch with the guide is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 3 Sapporo, Abashiri

Today you will travel by express train to the city of Abashiri on the northeastern coast of Hokkaido. Abashiri is known as the site of the Abashiri Prison, a Meiji-era facility used for the incarceration of political prisoners. The old prison has been turned into a museum, and as a result Abashiri has become a popular tourist destination. Pick up your main luggage from the hotel when you check in. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan included.

Travel: 5-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Abashiri, Kushiro

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In the morning you will transfer your main luggage to Nagano and travel to Kushiro and Nagano with an overnight bag only. Today is free to explore parts of Abashiri that you missed yesterday. We recommend visiting the Ice Flow Museum or the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum. Every winter, ice flows from Russia collide with northeastern Hokkaido. These museums document the science behind the ice flows and also introduce some of the animal life living below the ice. We would also suggest experiencing an Abashiri Ice Flow Cruise where you can board an ice breaker boat to get a close-up view of the ice flow that clogs the Abashiri harbor every winter. Later in the afternoon you will travel by train to Kushiro. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Kushiro

Today is a free day to tour Kushiro on your own. We suggest starting the day by taking a bus to the nearby Akan International Crane Preserve in the Kushiro Marshland. Cranes are thought to live a thousand years, so they hold a special place in Japanese culture. The Japanese Red-Crested cranes at one time were on the brink of extinction, but with the help of a few dedicated groups, their numbers have been increasing. In the summer, when food is readily available and the cranes are nesting, they retreat deep into the surrounding marshland where they can’t be seen. However, in the winter, they can be found near the viewing points on the edge of the marshland. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Kushiro, Nagano

Today is all travel. You will fly from Kushiro to Haneda Airport (Tokyo), then travel by local train and Shinkansen to Nagano. Pick up your main luggage when you check into the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 6 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Jigokudani Monkey Park

Today you will delight in the famous snow monkeys of Japan. These monkeys are world-famous for using the hot spring baths located in and around Yukanaka Onsen. The red-faced snow monkeys are only found in Japan, and during the winter the monkeys enjoy using the baths to stay warm. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 8 Nagano, Takayama

Today you will send your main luggage ahead to Kanazawa. You will travel to Takayama and Kanazawa with an overnight bag only. Takayama is a quaint town located in the middle of the Japan Alps, and has managed to maintain traditional Japanese charm with its small inns, shops, and sake breweries. After checking in you can stroll around the Sanmachisuji District, an area of merchant homes dating back to the late 16th century. The evening is free to enjoy

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one of the many nearby Hida Beef (more commonly known as Kobe Beef) restaurants. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 9 Takayama

Today is free to explore the wonders of Takayama. We would suggest spending the morning at the farmer’s market, strolling past the vegetable stands and stalls selling herbs, pickles, and souvenirs. You will be able to sample numerous options as you go. You can also tour the Takayama-jinya which was the governing office of Takayama and the surrounding area since the early 17th century. We recommend using the afternoon to explore the many temples and shrines, museums, rummaging through antique shops, or relaxing at one of sake breweries. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 10 Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

You will start the day traveling by bus to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A number of “gassho-zukuri” style homes have been relocated to Shirakawa-go from surrounding locations. “Gassho-zukuri” literally translates to “praying hands home”, and is a fitting description of these thatched-roof A-frame style homes which are well-suited for the large amounts of snow this area of Japan receives. We suggest visiting the Shirakawa-go Open Air Museum where you can get a glimpse into the hard lives of 18th century Japanese farmers. You may also want to visit the observation area where you will have a chance to view Shirakawa-go from above. Later in the afternoon you will travel by bus to the city of Kanazawa, and will retrieve your main luggage from the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 11 Kanazawa

Today is a free day to explore Kanazawa. Located near the northwestern coast of the Japan Sea, Kanazawa receives a tremendous amount of snow. In the morning we recommend touring the Kenrokuen Garden, considered by the Japanese to be one of the three best gardens in Japan. The garden takes on a completely different perspective when it is covered in snow. You can also visit the Nagamachi and Chaya Districts where you will feel like you are stepping back in time to the historic Samurai era with the preserved homes and restaurants. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 12 Kanazawa, Kyoto

In the morning you will transfer your main luggage to Kansai Airport. You will travel to Kyoto and Kansai with an overnight bag only. Today you will travel by express train to Kyoto. Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in

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many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history. For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the paved stones, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks, and a tea master warming water and making tea. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 13 Kyoto

Today you are free to tour Kyoto on your own. We recommend starting the day at the nearby Fushimi Inari Shrine. This Shinto shrine was established in the 8th century, and is dedicated to Inari, the Goddess of Cereal (Rice). Spread out over the expansive hillside location are more than 10,000 vermillion-colored torii gates, donated by thankful followers and the local sake breweries. These torii gates form kilometers-long tunnels of vermillion winding through the quiet woods and past many smaller shrines. Next, you can visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Kiyomizu-dera literally translates to “Pure Water Temple”. For centuries visitors and pilgrims have climbed the hill to Kiyomizu-dera standing on a steep hillside with fine views of the city. Supported in part by 139 pillars, the temple juts out over the valley. Finding the courage to set out on a daring, new adventure is likened to “taking a leap from the veranda of Kiyomizu.” Below the temple is the Sound of Feathers waterfall, believed to be the name source of the temple. Water from this spring is drunk from long-handled cups, and thought to prevent illness, make the drinker wiser, or add years to life expectancy. But you have to choose one. It is considered greedy to drink all three. Next, you can explore the narrow, cobblestone-paved streets and alleys of the Higashiyama District and travel to the Gion Geisha district. Here you can see where the Geisha and Maiko live and work. You may even see one on the way to one of their appointments. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 14 Depart

It’s time to say Sayonara (Goodbye). You will travel by express train to the Kansai International Airport, just outside Osaka. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions

Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (click the upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Sapporo: Western-style hotel such as Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo Abashiri: Japanese-style ryokan such as Hotel Abashirikoso Kushiro: Western-style hotel such as Lavista Kushirogawa Hotel Nagano: Western-style hotel such as Chisun Grand Nagano Takayama: Western-style hotel such as Takayama Ouan Kanazawa: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kanazawa Kyoto: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kyoto

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging 14 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Meeting service at the airport Airport transfers 8 Hours of Guiding Service from a licensed, English-speaking guide Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times Nohi Bus Tickets to cover your travel to Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa Flight from Narita Airport to Sapporo Airport Flight from Kushiro Airport to Haneda Airport Breakfast every day Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive. Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen)

What’s Not Included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals (except where noted)

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Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Sapporo

Sapporo Budget Ryokan Similar to Nakamuraya Ryokan

Sapporo Luxury Hotel Similar to Cross Hotel Sapporo

Abashiri

Abashiri Luxury Ryokan w/ dinner Similar to Hokuten No Oka Lake Abashiri Tsuruga Resort

Takayama

Takayama Luxury Ryokan w/dinner Similar to Hiranoya Honjin Bekkan

Takayama Luxury Hotel Similar to Associa Takayama Resort

Takayama Standard Ryokan Similar to Asunaro

Kanazawa

Kanazawa Luxury Hotel Similar to ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel

Kanazawa Luxury Ryokan w/dinner Similar to Chaya Ryokan

Kyoto

Kyoto Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Granvia

Kyoto Standard Ryokan Similar to Wajun Kaikan

Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Similar to Kohro Ryokan

Kyoto Luxury Ryokan w/dinner Similar to Gion Hatanaka

Green Car Rail Pass Upgrade

14 Day Green Car Rail Pass $164

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Tour Map

BEST OF JAPAN ADVENTURE INDEPENDENT 17 Days 16 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Nikko, Magome, Tsumago, Jigoku-dani Snow Monkey Park, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Koya- san, Osaka, Himeji, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Kyoto

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Tour Overview This fast-paced, well-rounded tour is for those who crave adventure and want to make the most of their time in Japan. If you are looking for a hike or two, different modes of transportation, and a highly active adventure, this is the tour for you! Discovering the new and exploring the old is what makes this tour the trip of a lifetime.

Get ready for an exciting adventure as you explore 14 destinations in 17 days. You’ll enjoy the dramatic contrast of large cities, lively alleyways, quaint mountain towns, historic hikes, and everything in between.

Hiking the Nakasendo Trail from Magome to Tsumago, and discovering where the wild snow monkeys bathe in Nagano will offer a sense of wonderment and awe as they display the beauty of Japan. The ancient shrines and temples of Kyoto, the religious center of Koya-san, and the traditional charm of Takayama will leave you craving more. You will experience the energy and spirit that drive the large cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Best of all, you will take your tastebuds on a whirlwind adventure as you discover the taste and zest of local cuisine on Miyajima Island, the street food in Osaka, and local specialties in traditional ryokans.

This tour is fast-paced and made for those who seek adventure and excitement. Japan has much to offer, so come experience a little bit of everything!

Starting from $3,678 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Tokyo Kanazawa Nikko Koya-san Magome Osaka Tsumago Himeji Miyajima Island Jigoku-dani Snow Monkey Park Takayama Hiroshima Shirakawa-go Kyoto

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive Tokyo

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Date Line. You will gain the day back when you fly home. You will be welcomed at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours representative who will help you with your rail pass exchange, obtain your limousine bus ticket into Tokyo, and assist with boarding the bus to your hotel in Tokyo.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Tokyo

After breakfast, the licensed, English-speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your accommodations. The guided tour will start with traveling to Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower in the center of Tokyo. At 332.9 metres (1,092 ft), it is the second-tallest structure in Japan. The structure is an Eiffel Tower- inspired lattice tower with a main observatory at 150 meters that is reached via elevator or a 600-step staircase. Thanks to the tower’s central location, the observatory offers an interesting view of the city despite being only at a relatively moderate height. Afterwards we will travel to the famous Ginza district, the most expensive real estate in the world. Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. Before continuing we will first stop for a lunch of Kushiage (fried meat and vegetables on bamboo skewers). Next we will travel to the nearby Asakusa area. Here we will tour the Nakamise- dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple and the Asakusa Shrine where you will learn about Buddhist and Shinto Japanese religious practices. We will return to the hotel where we will go through the train tickets for the rest of the tour. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 3 Tokyo, Nikko

You have the option to continue touring Tokyo, or travel to the mountain town of Nikko on your own using your JR Rail Pass. You will travel to Nikko by Shinkansen (bullet train) and express train where the Tosho-gu Shrine is located. This shrine – built by Tokugawa Iemitsu – is a dedication to his grandfather, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (James Clavell’s fictional Shogun in his novel Shogun was based on this person). It is one of the most elaborate monuments in Japan, as no expense was spared in this shrine’s construction. You can also visit Rinnoji, Toshogu and Taiyuin before returning to Tokyo for the night.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Tokyo, Magome

Today you will be traveling by Shinkansen (bullet train), express train, and bus to the city of Magome. Magome and

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Tsumago were once major stops on the Nakasendo, a major highway through the Japan Alps built in the late 16th century. After the Tokkaido Highway was built in the early 17th century near the coast, Magome, Tsumago and the other towns along this highway became ghost towns. Tremendous efforts have been made recently to rebuild the memory and feel of these old settlements. After arriving in Magome, you will be free to explore. We would suggest touring the Toson Memorial Musuem which documents the life of the writer Shimazaki Toson who became well-known in Japan writing about the city of Magome.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Magome, Tsumago

After breakfast at the ryokan, you can have your overnight bags delivered from Magome to Tsumago (you will walk with day bags only), and then walk the 5 miles from Magome to Tsumago along the route of the old Nakasendo Highway. The old highway winds through quaint neighborhoods, old forests, and along mountain streams and waterfalls as it makes its way to the historic city of Tsumago. There are even sections of the original highway still remaining. (For those who are unable to walk this far, you can take the bus either from Magome to Tsumago, or there is a bus available from the half-way point of the walk to Tsumago). All of the electrical and utility lines have been removed and placed underground in Tsumago causing you to feel like you truly stepped into 17th- century Japan. Tsumago is also often used for filming period movies and television shows, revealing the unique beauty that it portrays. We suggest touring the Wakihonjin Okuya where the retainers of the feudal lord’s party would stay, and the Honjin, where the feudal lords would stay.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy

DAY 6 Tsumago, Snow Monkey Park, Takayama

Today you will travel by express train and bus to Jigokudani Monkey Park where you will delight in the famous “snow monkeys” of Japan. These monkeys are world-famous for using the hot springs baths located in and around Yukanaka Onsen. The Red-Faced “snow monkeys” are only found in Japan, and during the winter the monkeys enjoy using the baths to stay warm, just like people. In the afternoon you will travel by bus, Shinkansen, and express train to Takayama.

Travel: 6-1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 7 Takayama

Start the morning at the farmer’s market strolling past the vegetable stands and stalls selling herbs, pickles, and souvenirs, sampling the numerous options as you go; or visit the Takayama Jinya, the governing office of this area since the 17th century. In the afternoon, the choices for what to do are abundant. You can roam Takayama by visiting the many temples, exploring shrines and museums, rummaging through antique shops, or relaxing at one of the sake breweries. Take the bus to the Hida-no-Sato Open Air Museum with its traditional, thatched-roof homes from the surrounding area; or visit the Yatai Kaikan, a museum chronicling the famous festival held every April and October in Takayama.

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Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa

Today you will travel by bus to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A number of “gassho-zukuri” style homes have been relocated to Shirakawa-go from surrounding locations. “Gassho-zukuri” literally translates to “praying hands home”, and is a fitting description of these thatched-roof A-frame style homes which are well-suited for the large amounts of snow this area of Japan receives. We suggest visiting the Shirakawa-go Open Air Museum where you can get a glimpse into the hard lives of 18th century Japanese farmers. You may also want to visit the observation area where you will have a chance to view Shirakawa-go from above. Later in the afternoon you will travel by bus to the city of Kanazawa.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: Light

DAY 9 Kanazawa

We suggest beginning the day touring the Kenrokuen Garden. This garden is considered to be one of the three best gardens in Japan and was initially constructed in the 17th century. After enjoying the garden, you can tour the Kanazawa Handicrafts Museum to learn how the local Kanazawa handicrafts are made, and then explore the Nagamachi District. This is where the Samurai who worked at the nearby Kanazawa lived. At the Nagamachi District, you can tour the Nomura House. The Nomura Family was a high-ranking retainer for the Maeda Family, the feudal lord family who ruled Kanazawa and the surrounding area during the Edo Period.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 10 Kanazawa, Koya-san

You will board an express train and Shinkansen bound for Osaka, and continue on to Koya-san by train and funicular. Koya-san is the world headquarters of the Shingon school of Esoteric Buddhism. Kobo Daishi, considered by many to be the most influential religious person in Japanese history, established a religious community here in the year 816. After checking into your shukubo (Buddhist temple lodging), you are free to roam and visit one of the 110 temples in the area, wander through the nearby ghostly cemetery at the famous Okuno-in temple, or just rest in the garden at the shukubo. Your dinner of shojin-ryori (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine – no meat, fish, onions or garlic) will be served.

Travel: 7 Hours; Walking: Light

DAY 11 Koya-san, Osaka

Very early in the morning, you can attend o-inori (Buddhist prayer services). After the prayer service, a shojin-ryori breakfast is served. Following breakfast you can tour the Garan and Kongobu-ji Temples, or wander through the huge cemetery leading up to the Okuno-in temple where Kobo Daishi is buried. Many Japanese still believe that Kobo Daishi is not dead, but merely in a very advanced state of meditation, waiting to awaken at the appropriate time. In

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the afternoon, you will travel by funicular and train back to the city of Osaka. In the evening, you can enjoy the famous South Osaka entertainment districts of Dotombori, Shin-Sekai and Namba.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: Light

DAY 12 Osaka, Himeji, Miyajima

On your way from Osaka to Miyajima, you will tour the Himeji Castle, a significant piece of architecture from the Feudal Period, built in 1333. In the afternoon, you will travel by Shinkansen to Hiroshima, then by local train and ferry to Miyajima Island.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: Light

DAY 13 Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island is considered by the Japanese to be one of the three most beautiful spots in Japan. You can ride the cable car to the top of the mountain, visit the Itsukushima-jinja shrine which was built in its present form in 1168, or just take in the beauty and ambiance of Miyajima Island while enjoying grilled oysters, the island’s specialty.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 14 Miyajima, Hiroshima, Kyoto

In the morning you will take the ferry back to the mainland, then a local train to Hiroshima. There you can tour the Peace Memorial Museum and the Peace Memorial Park, both sobering testaments to the dropping of the A-bomb on August 6, 1945. In the afternoon, you will travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) to the city of Kyoto. For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the paving stones, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks, and a tea master deliberately warming water and making tea.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: Light

DAY 15 Kyoto

Free day to explore Kyoto on your own.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 16 Kyoto

Free day to explore Kyoto on your own.

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Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 17 Depart

It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will take the express train to the Kansai International Airport just outside Osaka for your flight back home (if you are flying out of Narita Airport, be sure to schedule a flight after 15:00).

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (Click the Upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel Magome: Japanese-style ryokan such as Iroribata Tsumago: Japanese-style ryokan such as Matsushiroya Takayama: Western-style hotel such as Takayama Ouan Kanazawa: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kanazawa Koya-san: Japanese-style Buddhist Temple such as Shojoshinin Temple Osaka: Western-style hotel such as Namba Oriental Hotel Miyajima Island: Japanese-style ryokan such as Kawaguchi Kyoto: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kyoto

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging 14 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Meeting service at the airport (Narita Airport only) Airport transfers 8 Hours of guiding service from a licensed, English-speaking guide Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times SUCIA card pre-charged with 2,500 Yen to be used on the subways in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and the streetcars in Hiroshima (2,500 Yen will allow as many as 7 or 8 trips depending on the length of the trips) Nankai Koya-san World Heritage Tickets (includes round-trip reserved seats on the express trains to and from Koya- san, round trip cable car tickets and bus passes on Koya-san Nohi Bus Tickets to cover transportation to Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa Reserved seat train ticket to cover the express train from Kyoto to Kansai Airport Breakfast every day Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive. Baggage transfer forms (We will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen.)

What’s Not Included

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Airfare is not included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals (except where noted) Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Takayama

Takayama Standard Ryokan Similar to Asunaro

Takayama Luxury Ryokan w/ Similar to Hiranoya Honjin Bekkan dinner

Kanazawa

Kanazawa Luxury Hotel Similar to ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa

Kanazawa Luxury Ryokan Similar to Chaya Ryokan

Osaka

Osaka Luxury Hotel Similar to Marriott Miyako

Miyajima Island

Miyajima Luxury Ryokan w/ Similar to Miyarikyu dinner

Kyoto

Kyoto Budget Ryokan Similar to Heianbo Ryokan

Kyoto Standard Ryokan Similar to Wajun Kaikan

Kyoto Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Granvia

Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Similar to Kohro Ryokan or Gion Hatanaka

Green Car Rail Pass Upgrade

14 Day Green Car Rail Pass $164

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Tour Map

BEST OF JAPAN ALPS INDEPENDENT 15 Days 14 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Magome, Tsumago, Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Hirayu Onsen, Shin Hotaka, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Toyama, Tateyama, Nagano, Snow Monkey Park

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Tour Overview Soaring mountain peaks, open-air hot springs, lush forests, quaint mountain villages and a slow pace make this central alpine area a great escape. Hidden away in its rural and remote valleys are many of Japan’s best-preserved post towns, farm hamlets, and traces of the old urban culture. Combined with its beautiful natural scenery, these features make this area one of the most rewarding in Japan to visit.

The Japan Alps epitomizes the extremes and contradictions of Japan today. The densely populated coastal belt region, including the megalopolis cities of Tokyo and Osaka, is a stark contrast with the beautiful natural scenery of the mountainous central region. Though readily accessible, the Japan Alps are still remote enough to have retained traditional lifestyles and architecture.

The Japan Alps is a slow-paced region that has it all, without the crowds. The castle town of Matsumoto, with its striking “Crow Castle” is sure to please with its numerous 17th-century warehouses. You will feel like you have stepped back into 16th-century Japan in the small, mountain village of Tsumago. The stunningly beautiful mountain valley of Kamikochi has some of the best hiking in Japan. The quaint town of Takayama with its farmer’s markets invites exploration. The old farmhouses at Shirakawa-go will give you a glimpse of the way of life in 17th-century rural Japan. Visit with the famous Japanese Snow Monkeys as they bathe in the outdoor baths. And Hirayu Onsen has some of the best outdoor baths in Japan.

*This tour is not available from mid November to May due to weather related transportation closures.*

Starting from $3,299 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Tokyo Takayama Magome Shirakawago Tsumago Kanazawa Toyama Matsumoto Kamikochi Tateyama Hirayu Onsen Nagano Shin Hotaka Snow Monkey Park

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive Tokyo

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Dateline, and gain the day back when you fly home. After clearing customs and immigration (which can take up to an hour and a half due to increased tourism to Japan), you will be met at Tokyo’s Narita airport by a Samurai Tours meeting assistant. The guide will then purchase a limousine bus ticket for you and help you board the bus to the hotel. No meals are included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Light

DAY 2 Tokyo guided day

After breakfast, the licensed, English-speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your accommodations. The guided tour will start with traveling to Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower in the center of Tokyo. At 332.9 metres (1,092 ft), it is the second-tallest structure in Japan. The structure is an Eiffel Tower- inspired lattice tower, with a main observatory at 150 meters that is reached via elevator or a 600-step staircase. Thanks to the tower’s central location, the observatory offers an interesting view of the city despite being only at a relatively moderate height. Afterwards, we will travel to the famous Ginza district, the most expensive real estate in the world. Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. Before continuing we will first stop for a lunch of Kushiage (fried meat and vegetables on bamboo skewers). Next we will travel to the nearby Asakusa area. Here we will tour the Nakamise- dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple and the Asakusa Shrine where you will learn about Buddhist and Shinto Japanese religious practices. We will return to the hotel, where we will go through the train tickets for the rest of the tour. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy

DAY 3 Tokyo, Magome

Before leaving Tokyo, you will need to prepare your luggage to transfer to Matsumoto. You will start the day by traveling by Shinkansen (bullet train), express train and bus to the city of Magome. Magome and Tsumago were once major stops on the Nakasendo, a major highway through the Japan Alps built in the late 16th century. After the Tokkaido Highway was built in the early 17th century near the coast, Magome, Tsumago and the other towns along this highway became ghost towns. Tremendous efforts have been made recently to rebuild the memory and feel of these old settlements. After arriving in Magome and checking in, you can tour the Toson Memorial Musuem which documents the life of the writer Shimazaki Toson who became well-known in Japan writing about the city of Magome. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the town of Magome. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan included.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: Light

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DAY 4 Walk along the Nakasendo Trail to Tsumago

After breakfast at the ryokan, you can arrange to have your overnight bags delivered from Magome to Tsumago (you will walk with day bags only), and you can walk the 5 miles from Magome to Tsumago along the route of the old Nakasendo highway. The old highway winds through quaint neighborhoods, old forests, along mountain streams and waterfalls as it makes its way to the historic city of Tsumago. There are even sections of the original highway still remaining. (For those who are unable to walk this far, you can take the bus either from Magome to Tsumago, or there is a bus available from the half-way point of the walk to Tsumago.) All of the electrical and utility lines have been removed and placed underground in Tsumago. You will feel like you truly stepped into 17th- century Japan and Tsumago is often used for filming period movies and television shows. You can tour the Wakihonjin Okuya where the retainers of the feudal lord’s party would stay, and the Honjin, where the feudal lords would stay. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the picturesque and charming village of Tsumago before checking into your ryokan. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokan is included.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy

DAY 5 Tsumago, Matsumoto

After breakfast at the ryokan, you travel by express train to Matsumoto. From the moment you step off the train and hear the announcement “Matsumotooooo,” you will recognize you are someplace special. Matsumoto is unique because of its many beautiful Edo-period (17th-to-19th-century) Kura (warehouses) with their striking black-and-white contrasting latticework. Today these warehouses house restaurants and shops. You can also tour the famous Matsumoto Castle. This beautiful castle is also known as Crow Castle because of its stark black walls. The castle was first built in 1504 and remodeled into its current form at the turn of the 17th century. Climbing to the top of the main tower, you will have a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding mountains. Breakfast at the ryokan included. You will retrieve your main luggage from the hotel in Matsumoto.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 6 Matsumoto, Kamikochi

Before leaving the hotel, you will need to prepare your main luggage to be sent to Takayama. In the morning you can visit the nearby Daio Wasabi Farm. Here you can learn more about this Japanese condiment staple, while enjoying the many foods flavored with wasabi including ice cream. The farm is also famous for its river that flows though the farm with many watermills. The river appeared in the 1990 film, Dreams, by Akira Kurosawa in a segment called the “Village of the Watermills.” In the afternoon, we travel to Kamikochi by train and bus along an incomparable scenic route. Kamikochi, in the middle of the beautiful Chubu-Sangaku National Park, is only open from late-April until October because of the almost 30-feet of snow that falls in this area of Japan during the winter. As you approach Kamikochi, the valley opens onto a row of towering mountains, with the icy Azusa River flowing through the middle of the valley. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan are included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 7 Kamikochi

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The day is free to relax and enjoy the beauty of Kamikochi. There are numerous gentle trails in the valley, and many trails leading to the surrounding mountains for the more adventurous. Breakfast and Kaiseki-style dinner at the ryokan are included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Kamikochi, Shin Hotaka, Takayama

After breakfast, you travel by bus to Shin Hotaka Onsen, where, weather permitting, you can enjoy the scenery from the Shin Hotaka Ropeway. From the top of the ropeway at 2,200 meters (about 7,000 feet), you can get a beautiful view of the surrounding Japan Alps. After the ropeway, you can continue by bus to Takayama. Takayama, in the middle of the Japan Alps, with its traditional inns, shops, and sake breweries, has managed to retain its traditional charm. Breakfast at the ryokan is included. You will retrieve your main luggage from the hotel in Takayama.

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: Light

DAY 9 Takayama

In the morning you can stroll through the farmer’s market, sampling the numerous options from vegetable stands and stalls selling herbs, pickles, and souvenirs. After that, you can tour the Takayama-jinya, which was the governing office of Takayama and the surrounding area since the early 17th century. You can also visit the San-machi-suji district, consisting of merchant homes dating back to the 16th century. For dinner, you can eat at one of the many nearby Hida Beef restaurants. (Hida Beef is the same thing as the more famous Kobe Beef.) The rest of the day is free to roam and explore Takayama. Visit the many temples, shrines and museums, rummage through antique shops, or relax at one of the sake breweries. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: Medium

DAY 10 Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

Before leaving the hotel, you will need to prepare your main luggage to be sent to Toyama. Today you travel to the valley of Shirakawa-go by bus. Shirakawa-go is the home of many Gassho-zukuri (Praying Hand) style homes, which have been moved here from the surrounding area. These homes were first used as far back as the 18th century and are still being used today. You can tour the Shirakawa-go Open Air Museum where 25 buildings from the surrounding area have been relocated. After visiting the Shirakawa-go Observation Deck, where you will have an opportunity to view the village of Shirakawa-go from above and some free time to explore Shirakawago on your own, you will continue on by another bus to Kanazawa. You will travel with overnight bags to Shirakawago, Kanazawa and Toyama. Breakfast at the ryokan is included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 11 Kanazawa, Toyama

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You can begin the day touring the Kenrokuen Garden. This garden is considered to be one of the three best gardens in Japan and was initially constructed in the 17th century. After enjoying the garden, you can tour the Kanazawa Handicrafts Museum to learn how the local Kanazawa handicrafts are made. After lunch you can tour the Nagamachi District where the Samurai who worked at the nearby castle lived. At the Nagamachi District, you can tour the Nomura House. The Nomura Family was a high-ranking retainer for the Maeda Family, the feudal lord family who ruled Kanazawa and the surrounding area during the Edo Period. Later in the day you travel by express train to the city of Toyama, the gateway to Tateyama. Breakfast at the ryokan is included. You will retrieve your main luggage from the hotel in Toyama.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 12 Toyama, Tateyama, Alpine Route

Before leaving the hotel, you will need to prepare your main luggage to be sent to Nagano. You will be traveling by numerous modes of transportation into the Chubu Sangaku National Park. Here you will get a chance (weather permitting) for a view of the Tateyama mountain range. You will also have some time to go hiking around the alpine area above the treeline. Here you will not only enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains but the many alpine flowers as well, or you can just relax and enjoy the view. Breakfast and dinner at the hotel is included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 13 Tateyama Alpine Route, Nagano

Today you can finish the Tateyama Alpine Route. Along the way, you will have opportunities for short hikes. In the late afternoon, you will finish the trek across the Tateyama mountain range by taking the train to Nagano. Breakfast at the hotel is included. You will retrieve your main luggage from the hotel in Nagano.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 14 Snow Monkey Park

After breakfast, you will travel by bus to the Snow Monkey Park. Here, at the Jigoku-dani (Hell Valley), you will delight in the world famous “snow monkeys” of Japan. The Red-Faced “snow monkeys” are only found in Japan, and during the entire year, the monkeys enjoy using the thermally-heated mineral water baths. You will return by bus to the city of Nagano where you can visit Zenkoji, one of the most important and popular temples in Japan. It is said that the first Buddha statue brought to Japan is stored at Zenkoji. The original statue cannot be seen, but a copy of the statue is put on display every six years. The next time it can be seen will be in 2021. The large main hall of the temple was constructed in the early 18th century. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: Heavy

DAY 15 Depart

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It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will take a Shinkansen and express train to Tokyo’s Narita Airport for your flight back home. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (Click the Upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel Magome: Japanese-style ryokan such as Iroribata Tsumago: Japanese-style ryokan such as Matsushiroya Matsumoto: Western-style hotel such as Hotel Kagetsu Kamikochi: Japanese-style ryokan such as Hotel Shirakabaso Takayama: Western-style hotel such as Takayama Ouan Kanazawa: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kanazawa Toyama: Western-style hotel such as Oarks Canal Park Hotel Toyama Tateyama: Western-style hotel such as Hotel Tateyama Nagano: Western-style hotel such as Nagano Metropolitan Hotel

Meeting Service at Tokyo’s Narita Airport upon arrival Addresses, phone numbers and maps of all accommodations in both Japanese and English Train tickets for the following segments: Shinagawa – Nagoya Nagoya – Nakatsugawa Nagiso – Matsumoto Matsumoto – Hataka Hataka – Matsumoto Kanazawa – Toyama Nagano – Tokyo Tokyo – Narita

Nohi Bus tickets for the following segments: Takayama to Shirakawago Shirakawago to Kanazawa

JR Alpine Route Tickets SUCIA card pre-loaded with 2,500 Yen for the local trains and subways in Tokyo Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen) 8 Hours with a licensed, English-speaking Japanese guide on the first full day in Japan (Day 2 of the Itinerary) Emergency contact number in Japan Airport transfers

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Detailed, easy-to-follow directions from city to city to take the worry out of travel in Japan Suggested train schedules Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 150 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive.

What’s Not Included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals (except where noted) Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Takayama

Takayama Standard Ryokan Similar to Asunaro

Takayama Luxury Ryokan w/ Similar to Hiranoya Honjin Bekkan dinner

Kanazawa

Kanazawa Standard Ryokan Similar to Sumiyoshiya Ryokan

Kanzawa Luxury Ryokan Similar to Chaya Ryokan

Kanzawa Luxury Hotel Similar to ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kanazawa

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Tour Map

HOKKAIDO INDEPENDENT PACKAGE 14 Days 13 Nights

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Destinations Sapporo, Abashiri, Genseikaen, Shiretoko, Lake Akan, Sounkyo Onsen, Biei, Noboribetsu Onsen, Lake Toya, Hakodate, Tokyo

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Tour Overview The northernmost of the main islands, Hokkaido is Japan’s last frontier. It is a natural wonderland of mountain ranges, deep caldera lakes, active volcanoes, numerous thermally-heated mineral springs and virgin forests. The attitudes of the inhabitants are akin to those of the pioneers of the American West, but still unmistakably Japanese.

Although Hokkaido comprises about 20% of the total land area of Japan, it only accounts for 5% of the nation’s population. Hokkaido is a natural wonderland of mountain ranges, deep caldera lakes, active volcanoes, numerous thermally-heated mineral springs and virgin forests.

You’ll enjoy Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city and host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, with its many fine restaurants and the secluded beauty of the Shiretoko National Park. You will have the opportunity to explore the soaring mountain ranges of Sounkyo Gorge in the middle of the beautiful Daisetsuzan National Park; visit Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Japan’s largest and most popular hot springs resorts; and walk along the rim of an active volcano at Lake Toya. Explore the morning market of Hakodate where you can try the local specialties of crab, sea urchin or squid, and learn about Hokkaido’s original inhabitants, the Ainu, whose culture almost disappeared until recent efforts of restoration. You will also be able visit the Akan International Crane Center where research is being done to bring the cranes back from the brink of extinction.

Available March through November

Starting from $2,999 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Sapporo Sounkyo Onsen Abashiri Biei Genseikaen Noboribetsu Onsen Shiretoko Lake Toya Lake Akan Hakodate Tokyo

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive in Sapporo

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Date Line. You will gain the day back when you fly home. Arrive at New Chitose Airport. You will travel on your own by local train to Sapporo. No meals included.

Travel: 3/4 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Sapporo

After breakfast, you will meet with the licensed, English-speaking guide who will have your baggage transfer forms, train tickets, and JR Hokkaido 4 Day Flex Pass vouchers. The guide will assist you with the exchange of your JR 4 Day Flex Pass, and transferring your main luggage to Abashiri. You will then tour Sapporo with the guide. There is no pre-defined itinerary, as the guide will adjust the itinerary based on your preferences and interests. You can visit the JR Sapporo Tower where you will be able to get a bird’s eye view of Sapporo, the largest city on Hokkaido and the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics. You may want to tour the Hokkaido Historical Museum where you can discover the rich history of Hokkaido, including Hokkaido’s original inhabitants, the Ainu. Here you can discover how the taming of the wilds of Hokkaido was very similar to the settling of the American West. You can choose to explore the Hokkaido Historical Village Open Air Museum where many buildings from around Hokkaido, both modern and traditional, have been relocated. Perhaps tour the original Sapporo Beer Brewery and sample the many freshly-brewed beers, or visit the Sapporo Botanical Garden, established in 1886 by Hokkaido University, and a wonderful place for a picnic lunch. In the garden you will find a small preserved virgin forest which shows how Sapporo once looked, as well as a small alpine garden and greenhouse. In the evening, you can have dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden, located next to the original Sapporo Beer brewery where you can try the local specialty of grilled lamb, cooked yourself at the table. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch with the guide is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 3 Sapporo, Abashiri

Today you will travel by express train to Abashiri where you will pick up your rental car. After checking in and retrieving your main luggage, you can enjoy the baths overlooking Lake Abashiri before you have dinner. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan included.

Travel: 6 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Abashiri, Shiretoko

Today is free to explore Abashiri on your own. We recommend starting the day by touring the Abashiri Prison Museum. Abashri Prison was initially constructed in the late 19th century, but the prison gained national fame through yakuza movies in the 1960’s, and became known as the Alkatraz of Japan. The museum illustrates the daily life of

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prisoners and has more than a dozen buildings and structures from the old prison. You can also visit the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples where you will get your first exposure to the Ainu culture, as well as other similar cultures of the northern hemisphere. If you are traveling in the wintertime you can also visit the Ryuhyo Drift Ice Museum. Every winter ice flows from Russia collide with northeastern Hokkaido. This museum documents science behind the ice flows and also introduces some of the animal life living below the ice. After spending time in Abashiri, you will drive to Shiretoko, stopping at Genseikaen on your way. The Genseikaen natural flower garden with its carpet of colorful flowers is located in the sand hills facing the Sea of Okhotsk, and is part of the Abashiri National Park. Here you will be able to stroll among the sand hills and flowers, and even along the beach. To finish the day, you will will continue your drive to Utoro Onsen, the gateway to Shiretoko National Park, where you will be staying for the next two nights. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokans included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Shiretoko National Park

Today is free to explore the remote and beautiful Shiretoko National Park. Shiretoko is an ancient Ainu word meaning “edge of the world”. Here you can board a sightseeing boat for a scenic cruise along the coast of the Shiretoko peninsula where you will see the 300-foot rocky cliffs bordering the ocean with cascading waterfalls, and a snowy mountain range as a backdrop. You can also drive around the park for some excellent short hikes with scenic beauty and abundant wildlife including deer, bear, and foxes. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokans included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Shiretoko, Akan-ko

Today you will drive to Akan-ko (Lake Akan). Along the way you can stop at Bihoro Pass where you can get a bird’s eye view of a large caldera lake (weather permitting, of course). You can also stop at Lake Kussharo, where you can dig down into the sandy beach to find thermally-heated sand, or just relax in one of the hot, mineral water foot baths. After that, you can visit Iozan with its many sulfur vents coated yellow from the years of exposure to the steam. You can also stop at Lake Masshu, considered by many to be one of Japan’s most beautiful lakes because of its clear, deep-blue water. After arriving at Akan-ko and checking in, you can attend an authentic Ainu Dance Demonstration at the Ainu Village. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokans included.

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Akan-ko

Today is free to enjoy scenic Akan-ko. You can take a sightseeing boat cruise around Akan-ko where you will stop to see Marimo, the unique globe-shaped algae that only grows in Akan-ko. We also suggest visiting the Ainu Village with its many souvenir shops and restaurants selling authentic Ainu cuisine. You can also drive to the nearby Akan International Crane Center. Cranes are thought to live a thousand years, so they hold a special place in Japanese culture. It was once thought that the cranes were extinct, however a handful were found about 60 years ago, and locals have made great efforts to bring them back from the brink of extinction. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokans included.

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Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Akan-ko, Sounkyo Onsen

Today you will drive to Sounkyo Onsen. Sounkyo Onsen is located in a scenic narrow gorge that is flanked by 100- meter high forested cliffs. Before arriving in Sounkyo Onsen, you can first stop at Ginga no Taki and Ryusei no Taki waterfalls, cascading down the cliffs. After arriving at Sounkyo Onsen, we suggest taking the gondola and chairlift to the top where, weather permitting, you will get an excellent view of Kurodake (the volcano) and the surrounding mountain peaks and ranges. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokans included.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 9 Sounkyo Onsen, Biei, Noboribetsu Onsen

In the morning you will drive to the Biei District of Hokkaido (not open in the winter) where you can visit Farm Tomita. Here you will be able to enjoy the vast flower fields and lavender gardens, and try specialty sweets like lavender ice cream. After touring the Biei District you will drive to Noboribetsu Onsen where you will drop off the rental car. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 4-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 10 Noboribetsu Onsen

Today is free to explore the Noboribetsu Onsen area. You can enjoy the many hot springs, or walk around Jigokudani (Hell Valley) where you will find many steam vents and thermally heated pools and small geysers. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 11 Noboribetsu Onsen, Toya-ko

Before leaving Noboribetsu you will prepare your luggage to transfer to Tokyo and will travel with an overnight bag only. You will travel by express train and bus to Lake Toya, one of the largest and deepest volcanic caldera lakes in Japan. After checking in to the ryokan, we recommend visiting Usu-zan and Showa-shin-zan, both active volcanoes located at Lake Toya. You can take a cable car to the top of Usu-zan which last erupted in 2000. Here you can walk around the rim of the volcano through the barren, moon-like landscape. Afterwards, we recommend exploring Showa- shin-zan. In 1944, a surprised wheat farmer found Showa-shin-zan growing out of his field instead of wheat, and it has been growing larger ever since then. You may also want to visit the nearby Lake Toya Volcanic Museum. Amazingly, when Usu-zan last erupted in 2000, no one was killed. But there was a lot of damage from the eruption, and much of it is preserved at the museum and illustrates the sheer power of geothermal activity, and documents the volcano’s turbulent history. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokans included.

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Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 12 Toya-ko, Hakodate

After breakfast, you will travel by bus and express train to Hakodate. Hakodate was one of the first cities in Japan open to foreigners after the Meiji Restoration. After arriving in Hakodate, we recommend visiting the Goryo-Kaku, Japan’s first western-style fort. Built in 1864 by the Tokugawa Shogunate in the shape of a five-pointed star, it was designed to trap attackers in a deadly crossfire. You can also climb to the top of the Goryo-kaku tower next door to the fort, providing a view of the fort and the surrounding city. You can also visit the Moto-machi historic area. Overlooking the western bay at the foot of Mount Hakodate, there are numerous sloping streets lined with 19th century churches, consulates, shops and homes of the foreigners who first opened this area of Japan to commerce. In the evening, we recommend taking a cable car to the top of Mt. Hakodate where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate’s night lights. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 13 Hakodate, Tokyo

In the morning you can visit the Hakodate Morning Market, where the sellers can prepare the specialties of Hakodate (crab, sea urchin and squid) fresh from their stalls for breakfast. In the afternoon you will board the new Hokkaido Shinkansen to return to Tokyo. You will retrieve your main luggage from the hotel in the evening. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 5-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 14 Depart

It’s time to say Sayonara (Goodbye). You will travel by express train to Narita Airport where you will fly home. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions

Accommodations in standard, 3-star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (see the upgrades page for available upgrade options) Sapporo: Western style hotel such as Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo Abashiri: Japanese style ryokan such as Hotel Abashirikoso Shiretoko: Japanese style ryokan such as Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel Akan-ko: Japanese style ryokan such as New Akan Hotel Sounkyo Onsen: Japanese style ryokan such as Northern Lodge Noboribetsu Onsen: Japanese style ryokan such as Daiichi Takimotokan Toya-ko: Japanese style ryokan such as Sansui Hotel Hakodate: Western style hotel such as Hakodate Comfort Hotel Tokyo: Western style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel

JR Hokkaido 4-Day Flexible Pass Train ticket from Shinagawa Station to Narita Airport 7-Day Car Rental, including CDW coverage Addresses, phone numbers and maps of accommodations in both Japanese and English 8 hours with a licensed, English-speaking Japanese guide in Sapporo Emergency contact number in Japan Detailed, easy-to-follow directions from city to city Recommended train schedule including optional trains 2-3 hours before and 2-3 hours after the recommended trains Electronic version of itinerary Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen) A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 150 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive.

What’s Not Included

Airfare is NOT included. If you need assistance with airfare to/from Sapporo, please contact us Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals

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Baggage transfer fees (the fees are typically 1,250 to 1.750 yen per bag) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Sapporo

Sapporo Budget Ryokan Similar to Nakamuraya Ryokan

Sapporo Luxury Hotel Similar to Cross Hotel Sapporo

Hakodate

Hakodate Luxury Ryokan w/ dinner Similar to Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei

Hakodate Luxury Hotel Similar to Hakodate Danshaku Club Hotel and Resorts

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Green Car Rail Pass Upgrade

JR Hokkaido 4-Day Flexible Green $99 Car Rail Pass

14 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass (Can be used to travel to Hokkaido)

14 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass $329

14 Day Green Car JR Rail Pass (Can be used to travel to Hokkaido)

14 Day Green Car JR Rail Pass $534

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Tour Map

BEST OF HOKKAIDO AND TOHOKU INDEPENDENT TOUR

15 Days 14 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Sapporo, Otaru, Noboribetsu Onsen, Hakodate, Aomori, Hiraizumi, Sendai, Matsushima, Yamadera, Aizu- Wakamatsu, Ouchijuku, Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko

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Tour Overview The northernmost of the main islands, Hokkaido, is Japan’s last frontier. It is a natural wonderland of mountain ranges, deep caldera lakes, active volcanoes, numerous thermally-heated mineral springs, and virgin forests. The attitudes of the inhabitants are akin to those of the pioneers of the American West, but still unmistakably Japanese. Tohoku is the northern part of Honshu, the main island of the Japanese archipelago. It is known as a remote and scenic region, and for its numerous traditional onsens, lakes, mountains, high quality rice, and welcoming people. You will enjoy exploring Tohoku’s rich cultural heritage and history, and the beautiful scenery that it has to offer.

Among the Japanese, Hokkaido has become synonymous with sensational food, stunning scenery, and some of the best onsens in Japan.

You will enjoy Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city and host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, with its many fine restaurants. You will have the opportunity to explore the morning market of Hakodate where you can try the local specialties of crab, sea urchin, or squid prepared for you. Here you can learn about Hokkaido’s original inhabitants, the Ainu, whose culture almost disappeared until recent efforts of restoration.

Tohoku may share the main island of Honshu, but it is a world apart from the crowded and busy south. The mountain villages are more remote, the forests more untamed, the traditional onsens more secluded, and the people friendlier. Better yet, Samurai history lives on in Aizu Wakamatsu, a castle town with a long Samurai tradition.

You can climb the 1,000 steps to Yamadera, a mountainside temple founded in the 9th century. You will have the opportunity to visit Chusonji, another temple established in the 9th century. Here you can find the Konjikido, built in 1124, and like Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto it is completely covered in gold leaf. You will enjoy the natural beauty of Matsushima, ranked as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Lastly, you will visit Nikko, one of the most elaborate shrines in Japan dedicated to the memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first of the Tokugawa Shoguns who ruled Japan for more than 250 years.

Starting from $3,533 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Tokyo Aomori Sapporo Hiraizumi Otaru Sendai Noboribetsu Onsen Matsushima Yamadera Hakodate

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Aizu-Wakamatsu Kinugawa Onsen Ouchijuku Nikko

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive in Tokyo

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Dateline, and gain the day back when you fly home. You will be met at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours meeting staff who will help you board the shuttle bus to the hotel next to the airport. After checking into the hotel, the evening is free. No meals are included.

Travel: 1/4 Hours; Walking: Light

DAY 2 Tokyo, Sapporo

After breakfast, you will take the shuttle bus to Narita Airport and fly to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, and then take a local train into Sapporo, the largest city on Hokkaido and the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics. The evening is free to explore Sapporo. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 3 Sapporo

After breakfast you will meet with the licensed, English-speaking guide who will escort you around Sapporo. There is no pre-defined itinerary, as the guide will adjust the itinerary based on your preferences and interests. You can visit the JR Sapporo Tower where you will be able to get a bird’s eye view of Sapporo, while getting your bearings at the same time. You can tour the Hokkaido Historical Museum where you will discover the rich history of Hokkaido, including Hokkaido’s original inhabitants, the Ainu. Here you can discover how the taming of the wilds of Hokkaido was very similar to the settling of the American West. You may wish to explore the Hokkaido Historical Village open air museum where many buildings from around Hokkaido, both modern and traditional, have been relocated. You can tour the original Sapporo Beer brewery, and sample the many freshly-brewed beers, or visit the Sapporo Botanical Garden, established in 1886 by Hokkaido University, and a wonderful place for a picnic lunch. In the garden, you will find a small, preserved virgin forest which shows how Sapporo once looked, as well as a small alpine garden and greenhouse. Or you can time your tour to be in town during the Sapporo Snow Festival! In the evening, you can have dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden, located next to the original Sapporo Beer brewery, where you can try the local specialty of grilled lamb, cooked yourself at the table. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch with the guide included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Sapporo, Otaru

Today you will take a day trip to Otaru which once served as a major trade and fishing port. You can stroll through the beautiful canal area lined with Meiji period warehouses, and the Sakaimichi street with its Music Box Museum and Glass workshops. The area was restored in the 1980s when the warehouses were transformed into museums, shops, and restaurants. Breakfast at the hotel included.

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Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Sapporo, Noboribetsu Onsen

Before checking out you will transfer your main luggage to Hakodate, and will be traveling to Noboribetsu Onsen and Hakodate with an overnight bag only. The morning is free to enjoy Sapporo before traveling by express train and bus to Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most popular onsens. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan are included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Noboribetsu Onsen

The day is free to explore the Noboribetsu area. Enjoy the many hot springs or walk around the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) where you will find many steam vents, thermally heated pools, and small geysers. You may also just want to relax and enjoy one of the 17 separate baths at the ryokan! Breakfast and dinner at the ryokan included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Noboribetsu Onsen, Hakodate

After breakfast you will travel to Hakodate. Hakodate was one of the first cities in Japan open to foreigners after the Meiji Restoration. After arriving in Hakodate we suggest visiting the Goryo-Kaku, Japan’s first western-style fort. Built in 1864 by the Tokugawa Shogunate in the shape of a five-pointed star, it was designed to trap attackers in a deadly crossfire. You can go to the top of the Goryo-kaku tower next door to the fort, providing a view of the fort and the surrounding city. We also recommend visiting the Moto-machi historic area. Overlooking the western bay at the foot of Mount Hakodate, there are numerous sloping streets lined with 19th century churches, consulates, shops, and homes of the foreigners who first opened this area of Japan to commerce. In the evening, we suggest taking a cable car to the top of Mt. Hakodate where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate’s night lights. You will retrieve your main luggage from the hotel in the evening. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Hakodate, Aomori

In the morning you will prepare your luggage to be transferred to Sendai, and will travel to Aomori, Hiraizumi, and Sendai with an overnight bag only. We suggest you begin the day at the Hakodate Morning Market where fresh seafood such as crabs (kani), salmon eggs (ikura), sea urchin (uni), and fresh produce are sold. Many restaurants can be found in the market area, offering fresh seafood breakfasts/lunches, such as uni-ikura domburi. Next you will take an express train and Shinkansen (bullet train) to the city of Aomori in northern Tohoku. Here you can stop at the Nebuta Warasse Museum, dedicated to the city’s famous Nebuta Matsuri (Nebuta Festival) held every year in early August. The Nebuta Warasse Museum attempts to capture the spirit of the festival and gives visitors a taste of its lively atmosphere, history, and traditions. We recommend eating lunch at the museum’s restaurant that offers many

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local foods. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 9 Aomori, Hiraizumi, Sendai

After breakfast you will continue your adventure by taking a Shinkansen (bullet train) and local train to Hiraizumi. During the Heian Period, the Fujiwara family was the most powerful family in Japan after the Imperial family. In 1105, Hiraizumi was chosen as the seat of the northern branch of the Fujiwara family. The city steadily grew in cultural sophistication and political power, and even came to rival Kyoto. However, in 1189, Hiraizumi was destroyed by Minamoto Yoritomo, the man who would go on to become Japan’s first Shogun (Yoritomo was looking for his brother and rival Yoshitsune who was given refuge by the Fujiwara family). The city never recovered its former prominence, but it still has some of the Tohoku region’s most historic and cultural properties. Hiraizumi’s most famous attraction, Chusonji, was established in 850 as a temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The temple came to prominence in 1105 when the Fujiwara family moved to Hiraizumi. At its peak the temple consisted of a large network of dozens of buildings. With the fall of the Fujiwara at the end of the 12th century, Chusonji likewise suffered so that now only two buildings from that era are left remaining. One of these is the Konjikido. Similar to Kyoto’s famous Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Konjikido is completely covered in gold. It was built in 1124, and is considered to be so important that it is kept inside a protective building. Konjikido was the first antiquity in Japan designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Konjikido also serves as a mausoleum for three leaders of the 12th century Fujiwara family. Later in the afternoon you will travel to Sendai and retrieve your main luggage from the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 10 Sendai, Matsushima

Today you will take a day trip to Matsushima, starting with a local train to Hon-Shiogame Station. From here you can board a boat for a cruise around Matsushima Bay that will eventually take you to Matsushima. For hundreds of years, Matsushima has been celebrated as one of the Japan’s three most scenic view along with Miyajima Island and Amanohashidate. Matsushima Bay has more than 200 small islands covered with pine trees, and the best way to see these is by boat. After arriving at Matsushima, we suggest touring Zuiganji. Zuiganji was a former Tendai sect temple founded in 828, but later changed to a Zen temple in the 13th century. After years of decline, Zuiganji was restored to prominence by the feudal lord, Date Masamune, who rebuilt it as his family temple in 1609. You can then visit Godaido which was originally built in 807 and contains five statues which were enshrined there by the same priest who founded Zuiganji. The statues are displayed to the public only once every 33 years, and were last displayed in 2006. The present building is a 1604 reconstruction by Date Masamune. We recommend finishing your day by enjoying tea and sweets at Kanrantei, a Momoyama-style tea house originally built in Kyoto by Toyotomi Hideyoshi who gave it to Date Masamune for his service. Date’s son eventually moved it to its current location on a hill overlooking Matsushima Bay. You will return to Sendai by local train. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 11 Sendai, Yamadera, Aizu Wakamatsu

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Before checking out you will transfer your main luggage to Aizu Wakamatsu, and travel to Yamadera and Aizu Wakamatsu with an overnight bag only. You will start the day by traveling to Yamadera, a scenic temple located in the mountains northeast of Yamagata City. The temple grounds extend high up a steep mountainside (the name Yamadera literally translates to “mountain temple”) from where there are scenic views overlooking the valley below. The temple was created over a thousand years ago in 860 as a temple of the Tendai sect. Later in the afternoon you will travel to Aizu-Wakamatsu. Aizu Wakamatsu is a former castle town with a long Samurai tradition. Breakfast at the hotel included.

PLEASE NOTE: There are between 800 to 1,000 steps at Yamadera. If you are not able to climb this many steps, there are many shops near the temple.

Travel: 4-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 12 Aizu Wakamatsu

Today is a free day in Aizu Wakamatsu. We recommend exploring the city by the local city loop bus, starting at the Tsuruga Castle. Tusruga Castle was originally built in 1384. However, it was destroyed after the Boshin War of 1868, a rebellion against the newly formed Meiji government by Samurai still loyal to the Tokugawa Shogunate. Tsuruga Castle was one of the last strongholds of the Boshin War. The castle was rebuilt as a concrete reconstruction in the 1960s. In renovation works completed in 2011, the colors of the roof tiles were changed from grey to the original red tiles. The inside of the castle houses a museum with displays about the history of the castle and the Samurai lifestyle. Next, we recommend vising the Suehiro Brewery. It is one of the largest and most famous sake producers in Tohoku. Founded in 1850, it has been a family-owned business for eight generations. Suehiro’s sake is famous throughout Japan and annually wins domestic and international awards. Suehiro Brewery is the official sake supplier of Toshogu Shrine in Nikko and some sumo and kabuki events, and has been featured in a number of movies and TV dramas. Suehiro Brewery is open to visitors and offers hourly guided tours. The tour includes a walk through the brewing areas with explanations of the sake making process, a small museum with displays of the brewery’s history and the history of sake making, and a visit to the factory store with a tasting bar where you can sample from and buy nearly their entire product line. At the end of the tour you can stop at the cafe that features original deserts which incorporate sake in their recipes, developed by the owner’s wife. The sake jelly and sake infused cakes are refreshing and recommended. We suggest ending the day at Iimoriyama. After the fall of the shogunate in 1867, forces still loyal to the shogun were concentrated in Tokoku. They attempted to resist the new government, but suffered a decisive defeat of Tsuruga Castle in 1868. Looking out from Iimoriyama Hill, a group of young soldiers called the Byakkotai (White Tiger Corps) saw their castle engulfed in flames and committed seppuku (more commonly know as hara-kiri). The twenty soldiers, aged 14 to 16, had made a grave error. The castle had not actually been taken. The flames they had seen were from outside the castle walls. Nevertheless, the story of their loyalty and devotion has become well known in Japan, and numerous movie and manga adaptations have been made about them. You will retrieve your main luggage when you return to the ryokan. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 13 Aizu Wakamatsu, Outchijuku, Kinugawa Onsen

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Before leaving for the day you will transfer your main luggage to Tokyo, and will travel to Ouchijuku, Kinugawa Onsen, and Nikko with an overnight bag only. After breakfast you will travel by local train to Ouchijuku. Ouchijuku is a former post town along the Aizu-Nisei Kaito trade route, which connected Aizu with Nikko during the Edo Period. Restrictions set by the shogunate required travelers to make their long journeys on foot, and as a result post towns developed along the route to provide travelers with food, accommodations, and rest. Ouchijuku has since been restored to look as it did in the Edo Period with telephone and electrical wires buried. The unpaved main street is lined with thick thatched roof buildings which house shops, restaurants, and inns. You will continue on by express train to Kinugawa Onsen where you will stay overnight. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 14 Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko, Tokyo

After breakfast you will travel by local trains to Nikko. In the past, Nikko was the center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries before Toshogu Shrine was built in the early Edo Period. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years between the years of 1603 and 1868. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan where simplicity has been stressed in shrine architecture. In addition to touring Toshogu Shrine, we also recommend touring Rinnoji and Taiyuinbyo. Rinnoji is Nikko’s most important temple, and was founded by Shodo Shonan, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century. The temple’s main building houses 3 large gold lacquered wooden statues of Amida, Senju-Kannon (Kannon with a thousand arms), and Bato Kannon (Kannon with a horse head). The three statues are regarded as Buddhist manifestations of Nikko’s three Shinto mountain deities which are enshrined at the nearby Futarasan Shrine. Taiyuinbyo is the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu. Iemitsu’s lavish mausoleum complex resembles Toshogu Shrine in its layout and architecture, but it was intentionally built somewhat more modestly than Toshogu due to Iemitsu’s deep respect for his grandfather. Later in the afternoon you will travel by local train and Shinkansen to Tokyo where you will spend your last night. You will retrieve your main luggage after checking into the hotel. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 15 Depart

It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will take the express train to Narita Airport for your flight back home. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Light

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (click the upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel Sapporo: Western-style hotel such as Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo Noboribetsu Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Daiichi Takimotokan Hakodate: Western-style hotel such as Loisir Hotel Hakodate Aomori: Western-style hotel such as Hotel Sunroute Aomori Sendai: Western-style hotel such as Garden Palace Sendai Aizu Wakamatsu: Japanese-style ryokan such as Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki Kinugawa Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Kinugawa Onsen Hotel

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging 14 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Meeting service at the airport (only available for NRT arrivals) Airport transfers 8 Hours of guiding service from a licensed, English-speaking guide Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times Flight from NRT to Sapporo SUICA Card pre-loaded with 2,500 Yen for local trains and subways, and for the trains to Nikko Breakfast every day Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 2,500 Yen)

What’s Not Included

Airfare to/from Japan is not included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals (except where noted)

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Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Sapporo

Sapporo Budget Ryokan Similar to Nakamuraya Ryokan

Sapporo Luxury Hotel Similar to Cross Hotel Sapporo

Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu Luxury Ryokan Similar to Bourou Noguchi Noboribetsu Ryokan

Noboribetsu Luxury Hotel Similar to Noboribetsu Grand Hotel

Hakodate

Hakodate Luxury Ryokan w/ Similar to Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei dinner

Aomori

Aomori Standard Ryokan Similar to Kaisenkaku Ryokan

Sendai

Sendai Luxury Hotel Similar to The Westin Sendai

Green Car Rail Pass Upgrade

14 Day Green Car Rail Pass $164

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Tour Map

BEST OF SHIKOKU AND KYUSHU INDEPENDENT 15 Days 14 Nights

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Destinations Osaka , Tokushima, Megijima, Takamatsu, Kochi, Matsuyama, Beppu, Usuki, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Yoshinoharikoen

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Tour Overview With its mild climate, tranquil gardens, famous hot springs, active volcanoes, historic castles, beautiful countryside and warm-hearted people, this part of Japan offers a dramatic experience that will create travel memories for a lifetime.

The rural mountainous island of Shikoku will charm you with its natural beauty, mild climate, laid-back atmosphere and friendly people. It is the smallest of the four major islands of Japan, and is also the one least visited by foreigners, although this tranquil island offers elements of traditional Japan that are hard to find elsewhere. For more than 1,000 years, Shikoku has been the focus of “henro” (pilgrims) following in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi (the 9th century Buddhist monk who helped to change Japanese religion forever) in their ever-elusive search for enlightenment.

Kyushu, the third largest and southern-most island of Japan, was at one time the most important gateway into Japan for foreigners. But at the same time, according to Japanese legend, it was from Kyushu that the first Japanese emperor, Kimmu, began his campaign to unify Japan. Kyushu is therefore considered to be the cradle of the Japanese civilization. With its grumbling volcanoes, steaming hot springs, rugged mountains, and relaxed and uncomplicated atmosphere, Kyushu is not to be missed.

You will follow in the footsteps of Kobo Daishi, the 9th century Buddhist monk, visiting numerous important religious centers in Japan including the birthplace of Kobo Daishi, Kotohira Shrine, a favorite destination of pilgrims for hundreds of years. You will bathe in some of Japan’s oldest and most famous onsens; climb to the top of Japan’s largest Samurai castles; visit some of Japan’s best gardens; and tour Nagasaki, once the only gateway to Japan for foreigners; and much, much more!

Starting from $2,899 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Osaka Matsuyama Tokushima Beppu Megijima Usuki Takamatsu Kagoshima Kochi Nagasaki Yoshinoharikoen

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive in Osaka

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Date Line, and will gain the day back when you fly home. After clearing Customs and Immigration (which can take up to three hours due to increased tourism in Japan) you will be met at Tokyo’s Osaka Kansai Airport by a meeting service. The meeting service will help with your transfer to Osaka. No meals included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Light

DAY 2 Osaka, Tokushima

After breakfast you will meet with your licensed and local, english speaking guide for a half day tour of Osaka. Weather it’s visiting the Osaka Castle, getting in some first class shopping, seeing the famous Ebisubashi Bridge, or exploring stunning local temples, the guide will tailor the itinerary to your tastes. For lunch, we recommend experiencing some of the local ramen Osaka is known for. After lunch the guide will send you on your way and you will be traveling to Tokushima on the island of Shikoku by bus. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant are included.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 3 Tokushima

In addition to the Awa Odori festival held each year in mid-August, Tokushima is famous as the start and the end of the 88 Sacred Temples Pilgrimage. These 88 temples were founded by Kobo Daishi, one of the most influential Buddhist Monks in Japanese history. The route of this pilgrimage takes one all the way around the island of Shikoku. If you are walking the entire route, as was done for hundreds of years, the pilgrimage would take about two months. Today, tour buses whisk pilgrims around the entire route in about two weeks. Today you can be a “henro” (pilgrim) for a day by following a section of the pilgrimage and visiting a few of the 88 temples on your path to enlightenment. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Tokushima, Takamatsu, Megijima

After breakfast, you will travel to Takamatsu on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea. After dropping off your luggage you will take a short ferry to the island of Megijima. Megijima is associated with Onigashima, the Ogre Island from the popular Momotaro legend in which a small boy visited the island to fight its resident ogres. The cave where the ogres lived can be found near the top of the highest mountain. It is thought the cave was created by Chinese pirates nearly a thousand years ago. There is also an observation deck where you can get a commanding view of the surrounding Seto Inland Sea and the numerous small islands in the area. Megijima is also one of the venues for the Setouchi

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Triennale art festival and features several artwork-turned homes and a few other art pieces on permanent display. Megijima’s atmospheric village of old wooden houses and narrow lanes is located around the ferry terminal and is protected by high stone walls. You will return to Takamatsu by ferry where you will stay for the night. Breakfast at the hotel included. Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Takamatsu

Today is free to tour Takamatsu on your own. We suggest starting the day by touring Ritsurin Koen. This is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, taking more than one hundred years to create. Here you can also take a short break to enjoy green tea and sweets in a peaceful teahouse overlooking a koi-filled pond. Then we suggest you travel to the nearby city of Kotohira. Here you can visit Konpira Shrine, one of Japan’s most famous Shinto Shrines. Kompirasan is the main shrine of the multiple Kompira shrines found around Japan that are dedicated to sailors and seafaring. Located on the wooded slope of Mount Zozu in Kotohira, the approach to Kompirasan is an series of 785 stone steps. For many centuries Kompirasan has been revered as a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism, until it was officially declared a Shinto shrine in the beginning of the Meiji Period during government efforts to separate the two religions. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Takamatsu, Kochi

After breakfast you will travel to Kochi on the southern coast of Shikoku. You can visit Kochi Castle, one of only twelve castles in Japan that is still completely intact. Later, we suggest going to Mount Godaisan where you can visit Chikurenji Temple, one of the 88 temples (#31) along the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The temple grounds also contain a beautiful 5-story pagoda. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Kochi

Today is a free day to enjoy Kochi. We recommend visiting Kochi Castle, one of only 12 remaining original castles in Japan. Enjoy beautiful Katsurahama Beach, or explore the covered shopping streets in downtown Kochi. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Kochi, Matsuyama

If today is Sunday we suggest staying in Kochi for the Sunday Morning Market. The Sunday Market is an open-air market that has continued for more than 300 years since the Edo period. The market is held on one lane of a main street which extends all the way from the Otemon main gate of Kochi Castle. It runs from the early morning to evening of every Sunday with about 500 stalls lining the street. If it’s not Sunday, we suggest you travel to

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Matsuyama mid day where you can tour the temple of Ishiteji. This temple is one of the 88 temples (#51) on the Shikoku pilgrimage. Ishiteji is known for its Niomon Gate, a designated national treasure. The main hall and pagoda are also designated important cultural properties, and all of the structures exhibit the typical architecture style of the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 9 Matsuyama, Beppu

In the morning we suggest touring Matsuyama Castle,one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. It is located on Mt. Katsu, a steep hill in the city center providing visitors to the castle with a bird’s eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. The castle was constructed between 1602 and 1628. The current three-story castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five-story one was destroyed by lightning. You will later continue on to the city of Beppu on the island of Kyushu. The city of Beppu is one of the largest, if not the largest onsen (hot springs resort) in Japan. There are thousands of small therapeutic baths with mineral-laden water or thermally-heated sand baths that can steam, boil, or poach vitality into aching muscles and weary travelers. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan are included.

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 10 Beppu, Usuki

Today is free to tour Beppu on your own. We recommend starting the day by touring the famous Beppu “Hells.” The boiling mud forming concentric circles as it oozes through the ground and the colors of the ponds of this “hell-on- earth” are sure to fascinate and entertain. In the afternoon you have the option of traveling by train to the nearby city of Usuki. Here you will find 60 Buddha statues that were carved into the soft stone cliffs. These statues were carved during 12th to 14th centuries, and have been designated as National Treasures. You will return to Beppu by train. The evening is free to enjoy the hot springs or visit the Takegawara Onsen. Built in 1879, it is Beppu’s most famous onsen and offers both sand and regular hot spring baths in an atmosphere of the past. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokan are included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 11 Beppu, Kagoshima

After breakfast you will travel to Kagoshima. We suggest starting your tour of Kagoshima by visiting the Senganen Garden. Senganen Garden is a Japanese style stroll garden located along the coast of Kagoshima Bay. The most striking feature of the garden is its use of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay as borrowed scenery. The garden also includes small ponds, streams, shrines and a bamboo cave. The garden was constructed in 1658 by the Shimazu clan, one of Japan’s wealthiest and most powerful feudal clans during the Edo Period. The Shimazu clan ruled the Satsuma domain (present day Kagoshima) for almost 700 years. After the Edo Period, they continued to be influential as some of the earliest adopters of western science and technology. At the center of the garden stands the Iso Residence. After the end of the Edo Period, the Iso Residence became the main residence of the Shimazu family. You can then visit the small Shoko Shuseikan Museum located next to the garden which originally served as one of

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the earliest western style machinery factories in Japan. Today it contains exhibits about the culture and maritime activities of the Shimizu clan and the early factory and machines which contributed to Japan’s modernization in the 1800s. We recommend continuing your tour of Kagoshima with a visit to Shiroyama Park, located on Mount Shiroyama. The mountain formerly served as the site of Kagoshima Castle (Shiroyama literally translates to “castle mountain”). From the Shiroyama Observatory you can enjoy beautiful views of downtown Kagoshima, Kagoshima Bay, and Sakurajima. Breakfast at the ryokan is included.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 12 Kagoshima, Nagasaki

Today you will travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) and express train to the city of Nagasaki. After arriving in Nagasaki, we suggest you have lunch and then visit the Dejima area. Dejima was a man-made island in the port of Nagasaki constructed in 1636. A few years later the Dutch trading factory was moved to Dejima. The Dutch workers, the only remaining Westerners allowed in the country, were restricted to Dejima during Japan’s two centuries of isolation. Today Dejima is no longer an island, as the surrounding area had been reclaimed during the 20th century. However, a number of Dejima’s historical structures have been reconstructed, including various residences, warehouses, walls and gates. There are many displays in these buildings documenting the daily life of the Dutch residents. Next, you can tour Glover Gardens. Glover Garden is an open-air museum exhibiting mansions of former western residents of Nagasaki. It is located on the hill where western merchants settled down after the end of Japan’s era of seclusion in the second half of the 19th century. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the garden. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 13 Nagasaki

Today is a free day to enjoy everything Nagasaki has to offer. You can visit the Nagasaki Peace Park and Museum which commemorates the atomic bombing of Nagasaki of August 9, 1945 which destroyed wide parts of the city and killed tens of thousands of inhabitants. The park is home to the massive Peace Statue as well as various other memorials. A monument around a black pillar marks the atomic explosion’s epicenter in the nearby Hypocenter Park and stores the name list of the bomb victims. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 14 Nagasaki, Yoshinogarikoen, Osaka

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Today you will return to Osaka by express train and Shinkansen (bullet train). Along the way you will stop at Yoshinogarikoen Historical Park. The park contains a reconstructed village of the Yayoi Period (3rd Century BC to 3rd Century AD). Archaeological records were carefully studied to recreate the life and culture from this time. In its day, the original village was one of Japan’s largest. After touring the park you will travel to Osaka where you will spend your last night. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 15 Depart

It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will take the express train to the Kansai International Airport, just outside Osaka. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (click the upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Osaka: Western-style hotel such as Namba Oriental Hotel Tokushima: Western-style hotel such as Hotel Sunroute Tokushima Takamatsu: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Takamatsu Kochi: Western-style hotel such as Hotel Takasago Matsuyama: Wetsern-style hotel such as Matsuyama Tokyu REI Hotel Beppu: Japanese-style ryokan such as Umikaoru Yado Hotel New Matsumi Kagoshima: Western-style hotel such as Kagoshima Tokyu REI Hotel Nagasaki: Japanese-style ryokan such as Sakamotoya Ryokan

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging 14 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan MK Taxi from Kansai Airport to Osaka hotel 4 Hours of guiding service from a licensed, English-speaking guide Lodging each night Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times Breakfast every day Lunch on day 2 Dinner 2 nights (ryokan availability may affect this inclusion) Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive. Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen)

What’s Not Included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) Ferry from Wakayama to Tokushima Ferry from Yawatahama to Beppu Baggage transfer fees

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All admission fees (except where noted) Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Osaka

Osaka Luxury Hotel Similar to Marriott Miyako

Takamatsu

Takamatsu Hotel Upgrade Similar to JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu

Takamatsu Luxury Ryokan w/ dinner Similar to Ishiakari No Yakata Hanajyukai

Kochi

Kochi Upgrade Hotel Similar to Hotel Nikko Kochi Asahi Royal

Kochi Upgrade Ryokan w/ dinner Similar to Sansuien

Matsuyama

Matsuyama Luxury Ryokan w/ dinner Similar to Hana Yuzuki

Beppu

Beppu Luxury Ryokan w/ dinner Similar to Hotel Shiragiku

Kagoshima

Kagoshima Upgrade Hotel Similar to Kagoshima Sun Royal Hotel

Nagasaki

Nagasaki Luxury Upgrade Similar to Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotel and Resorts

Nagasaki Luxury Ryokan w/ dinner Similar to Nisshokan Bettei Koyotei

Green Car Rail Pass Upgrade

14 Day Green Car Rail Pass $164

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Tour Map

KUMANO KODO HIGHLIGHTS INDEPENDENT PACKAGE

8 Days 7 Nights

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Destinations Kyoto, Kawayu Onsen, Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route, Hongu Taisha, Oyunohara, Yunomine Onsen, Shingu, Kii- Katsuura Onsen, Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha, Nachi Waterfall

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Tour Overview Kumano has long been considered the heart and soul of Japanese spirituality, and has been blessed with a rich and cultural heritage. Friendly locals, soothing hot springs and delicious cuisine saturate this unique area. It is the perfect destination for those searching for an active, off-the-beaten-path, culturally immersive Japanese experience.

For more than 1000 years people from all levels of society have made the difficult pilgrimage along the Kumano Kodo. The walk itself was an integral part of the pilgrimage process as they undertook rigorous religious rites of worship and purification along the way. The goal of the pilgrimage was simple: to visit and pay respects at the Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and the Nachi Taisha, also known as the Kumano Sanzan. As the origins of the Kumano Pilgrimage were a combination of Buddhism, Shinto, Shinto mythology and nature worship, the reasons for performing the pilgrimage were very complex.

The foundations of the pilgrimage were established 1,000 years ago when retired emperors and aristocrats from Kyoto’s Imperial Court started making the 600 mile (800 kilometer) journey in large numbers. Today, walking the ancient Kumano Kodo is an excellent way to experience the unique cultural landscape of Kumano’s spiritual countryside. We will follow in the footsteps of those ancient pilgrims from Kyoto as we trace the history and heritage of the Kumano pilgrimage.

What This Tour Is and Is Not

This tour is not a trekking tour. Instead, it provides a high-level overview of the pilgrimage, including the most important destinations related to the pilgrimage. The tour includes three walks along the most important and famous sections of the pilgrimage. The longest of these is about 7km, or about 5 miles (mostly downhill) (½ of this walk is over pavement, and the other half is dirt trails). The second walk is about 5 km (3 miles), all paved and flat, but there is a steep stone staircase to Kamikura Shrine. The third walk is only about 3 km (about 2 miles), and on pavement, but there are numerous steps going up for the first half of the walk. The second half is downhill.

Starting from $2,098 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Kyoto Yunomine Onsen Kawayu Onsen Shingu Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route Kii-Katsuura Onsen Daimonzaka Hongu Taisha Nachi Taisha Oyunohara

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Nachi Waterfall

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive Kansai, travel to Kyoto

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Date Line. You will gain the day back when you fly home. You will check into the MK Shuttle kiosk as you exit Customs and travel to your Kyoto hotel by MK Shuttle. No meals included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Kyoto

After breakfast, you will meet the licensed, English-speaking guide in the lobby of the hotel. We will start the day by touring Ryoan-ji, a famous Zen temple belonging to the Myoshin-ji school of Buddhism. The garden consists of a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks laid out in small groups on patches of moss. An interesting feature of the garden’s design is that from any vantage point at least one of the rocks is always hidden from the viewer. Next we will visit Kinkaku-ji. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable attractions. The gleaming building covered in gold leaf seems to float on the aptly named Mirror Pond, especially on a sunny day. Following lunch, we will participate in an authentic tea ceremony. The regimented discipline of the tea ceremony has been practiced for more than 400 years, and at one time was considered mandatory for Samurai as an aid to train the mind. You will even have an opportunity to make your own tea. To finish the tour we will visit Nijo Castle. Built in 1603, it was the Kyoto home of Tokugawa Ieayasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun. The ostentatious style of construction was intended as a demonstration of Ieyasu’s prestige, and to signal the demise of the emperor’s power. The finest artists of the day filled the castle with delicate transom woodcarvings and paintings by the Kano School on sliding doors. One of the castle’s most intriguing features is the so-called “nightingale” floors. To protect the Shogun from real or imagined enemies, these floorboards creak when stepped on. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 3 Kyoto, Kawayu Onsen

After breakfast you will begin your journey tracing the footsteps of pilgrims from Kyoto 1,000 years ago. You will be taking more modern and safer modes of transportation to Kawayu Onsen where you will be staying overnight. Kawayu Onsen is unique in that during the winter months you can enjoy an outdoor bath dug into the sand banks of the Oto River. Your ryokan, while not in the sand banks, does have outdoor baths next to the river. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan are included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Walk along the Nakahechi Pilgrimage Trail

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Today is the first day of your pilgrimage. In the morning you will take a bus to Hosshinmon-oji. The Hosshinmon-oji was one of the five most important Oji along the Kumano Kodo because it was considered the entry into the sacred area around the Hongu Shrine (Oji were important places of worship along the Kumano Kodo). You will walk the 7 km (5 miles) to the Hongu Taisha Shrine. The first half of the walk is through small villages, but the second half of the walk is through a secluded, forested area. At the Hongu Taisha, the first shrine of the Kumano Sanzan, you can tour the shrine and pay your respects to the Kumano deities. Before continuing, you can stop at the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center where you can rest and learn more about the fascinating history of the Kumano Kodo. Later, you can continue your pilgrimage to the nearby Oyunohara. This was the original location of the Hongu Taisha until 1889, when the shrine was destroyed by a flood and moved to its present location on higher ground. All of the pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo lead to the Oyunohara. You can then walk the short, but steep, Dainichi-goe Trail (2.6 km or 2 miles) to Yunomine Onsen, or if you would prefer you can take a bus. Here you can bathe in the Tsuboyu bath, the only bath designated as a UNESCO World Heritage. Pilgrims have performed hot water purification rituals in this bath for more than 1,000 years to prepare for their visit to the Hongu Taisha. You will return to your ryokan by bus where you can soothe away the sore muscles in the baths. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokan are included.

Travel: 3/4 Hours; Walking: Heavy

DAY 5 Shingu, Kii-Katsuura

In the morning you will take a short bus ride to the boat dock where you will take a boat cruise along the Kumano River to the city of Shingu. In the past, it was common to travel from the Hongu Taisha to the Hayatama Taisha by boat along the Kumano River. From the boat dock in Shingu you can walk to the Hayatama Shrine. While the shrine’s current buildings are relatively new, the shrine has been located in its current location since at least the 12th century. Excavations in the area have unearthed religious artifacts from the 3rd century, indicating the area has been a site of worship even longer. The 800-year old tree located on the grounds highlights the area’s tradition of nature worship. You can also visit the nearby Gotobiki-iwa, a gigantic rock located halfway up the slope of Gongen Mountain. Kamikura Jinja, a small shrine located at the base of this monolith is a truly unique experience. It is said that the gods descended to earth by stepping on this large stone. From there you will travel by train to the city of Kii-Katsuura where you will stay overnight in a ryokan with unique baths in seaside caves. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokans are included.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 6 Daimonzaka, Nachi Taisha and Nachi Waterfall

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Today you will visit Nachi Taisha, the third of the Kumano Sanzan. You will take a bus to the base of the Diamonzaka, a 2 km (1 mile) cobblestoned staircase. The Daimonzaka winds its way through huge cedar trees that are as old as 800 years from the valley bottom to the Nachi Taisha Shrine. The Nachi Taisha Shrine is perhaps the most dramatic shrine in Japan. It is located high on a hillside with impressive views of the 133 meter (about 435 feet) tall Nachi-no- Otaki waterfall, Japan’s tallest waterfall. This waterfall was the original religious focus of the area, and was venerated by the earliest Japanese people. Even today it is hard not to be impressed by the power and the beauty of the falls. You will return to your ryokan in Kii-Katsuura where you can once again rest in the seaside baths. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokan are included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 7 Kii-Katsuura, Kyoto

After breakfast you will return to Kyoto by express trains where you will check into your hotel for the evening. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore Kyoto on your own. Breakfast at the ryokan is included.

Travel: 4-1/2 Hours; Walking: None

DAY 8 Fly Home

It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will travel by MK Shuttle to the Kansai Airport where you will fly home.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions

Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (click the upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Kyoto: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kyoto Kawayu Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Kawayu Midoriya Kii-Katsuura: Japanese-style hotel such as Hotel Urashima-Sanjokan

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging Reserved seat tickets on the following: Express train from Kyoto to Kii-Tanabe Express train from Shingu to Kii-Katsuura Express train from Kii-Katsuura to Kyoto

Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times Shuttle to and from Kansai Airport and the Kyoto hotel 8 Hours of Guiding Service from a licensed, English-speaking guide English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Kawabune Kumano River Boat Cruise to Shingu (not available Dec 1 – Feb -28) Included Meals Breakfast every day at hotels/ryokans Lunch on day 2 with guide Dinner 4 nights

Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive. Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen)

What’s Not Included All bus fares Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted)

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Desserts at any included meals Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Kyoto

Kyoto Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Granvia

Kyoto Standard Ryokan Similar to Wajun Kaikan

Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Similar to Kohro Ryokan

Kyoto Luxury Ryokan w/dinner Similar to Gion Hatanaka

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Tour Map

JAPAN ALPS WINTER INDEPENDENT MINI TOUR 8 Days 7 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Matsumoto, Hirayu/Okuhida, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Yudanaka/Shibu Onsens, Snow Monkey Park

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Tour Overview Outdoor hot spring onsens, warm sake, snow-covered mountain peaks, and quaint mountain villages make the Japan Alps the place to be for a winter getaway. Add the unique outdoor activities only possible in the winter, and you have a travel experience that will create lifelong memories.

The Japan Alps is a slow-paced region that has it all, without the crowds. Though readily accessible, the Japan Alps are still remote enough to have retained traditional lifestyles and architecture. When you add the unique opportunities that only Japan winters offer with the small crowds, the result is an unforgettable travel experience. The castle town of Matsumoto with its striking “Crow Castle” is sure to please, along with numerous 17th-century warehouses. The quaint town of Takayama with its sake breweries invites exploration. The old farmhouses at Shirakawa-go will give you a glimpse of the way of life in 17th-century rural Japan. Visit the famous Japanese Snow Monkeys as they bathe in the outdoor baths, and enjoy some of the best outdoor baths in Japan while visiting Hirayu Onsen.

Starting from $2,062 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Shirakawago Tokyo Matsumoto Kanazawa Hirayu/Okuhida Yudanaka/Shibu Onsens Takayama Snow Monkey Park

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive in Tokyo

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Date Line. You will gain the day back when you fly home. You will be welcomed at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours representative who will help you with your rail pass exchange, obtaining your limousine bus ticket into Tokyo, and assisting with boarding the bus to your hotel in Tokyo.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Tokyo, Matsumoto, Hirayu Onsen

After breakfast you will travel by Shinkansen and express train to Matsumoto. From the moment you step off the train and hear the announcement “Matsumotooooo” you will recognize that you are some place special. We would suggest first visiting the famous Matsumoto Castle. This beautiful castle is also known as Crow Castle because of its stark black walls. The castle was first built in 1504 and remodeled into its current form at the turn of the 17th century. From the top of the main tower you will have a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding mountains. After touring Matsumoto Castle you will travel to the town of Hirayu in Okuhida. Okuhida is famous for its hot springs, and especially for its rotemburo (outdoor baths) with views of the surrounding Northern Japan Alps. Hirayu is the oldest and largest of Okuhida’s onsen towns, and is said to have been discovered in the 1560s by Takeda Shingen. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the onsens after checking into the ryokan.

Travel: 4-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 3 Hirayu/Okuhida

Today is a free day to explore Hirayu and the Okuhida region. You can take this day to go skiing, take a snowshoe tour, or venture up the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway. The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway is one of Japan’s most unique ropeways with one of the largest elevation gains in the country (over 1,000 meters). It climbs up the side of the Hotaka Mountain Range, which includes Oku-Hotakedake, Japan’s third highest peak. The ropeway’s most distinguishing feature is its double decker gondola cars, the first of their kind in Japan, which offer excellent views of the Okuhida Region.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Hirayu Onsen, Takayama

After breakfast at the ryokan you will travel to the nearby town of Takayama. Takayama, in the middle of the Japan Alps, with its traditional inns, shops, and sake breweries, has managed to retain its traditional charm. We recommend starting your visit to Takayama by strolling through the farmer’s markets as you sample the numerous options from vegetable stands and stalls selling herbs, pickles, and souvenirs. Next, you can tour the Takayama-jinya which has

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been the governing office of Takayama and the surrounding area since the early 17th century. Later, you can visit the Sanmachi-suji district consisting of merchant homes dating back to the 16th century, visit the many temples, shrines and museums, rummage through antique shops, or relax at one of the sake breweries.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa

After breakfast you will take a public highway bus to the valley of Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is the home of many Gassho-zukuri (Praying Hand) style homes which have been moved here from the surrounding area. These homes were first used as long ago as the 18th century and are still being used today. They are built to withstand the tremendous amounts of snow this area of Japan receives. You will stop for a short time to explore some of these traditional farmhouses. You will then catch another public bus to the city of Kanazawa. Kanazawa, located on the northern coast of Japan, was once controlled by one of the wealthiest families in Japan, the Maeda Clan. They were admirers and sponsors of many traditional arts, and these arts flourished under their sponsorship. Many of these arts are still being practiced today in Kanazawa.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Kanazawa, Yudanaka

After breakfast we suggest touring the Kenrokuen Garden. This garden is considered to be one of the three best gardens in Japan, and was initially constructed in the 17th century. After enjoying the garden we will tour the Kanazawa Handicrafts Museum to learn how the local Kanazawa handicrafts are made. Later on we recommend touring the Naga-machi Samurai District. This area of Kanazawa, located at the foot of Kanazawa Castle, was the residential district for the samurai serving the castle. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes, and water canals. You can also visit the Nomura House where the Nomura family, a high-ranking retainer for the Maeda family, resided. After touring Kanazawa you will travel to Yudanaka Onsen where you will spend the night.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Snow Monkey Park, Tokyo

After breakfast you will travel to the Snow Monkey Park. Here, at the Jigoku-dani (Hell Valley), you will delight in the world famous “snow monkeys” of Japan. The Red-Faced “snow monkeys” are only found in Japan, and enjoy using the thermally-heated mineral water baths all year long. After visiting the snow monkeys you will return to Tokyo by express train and Shinkansen.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Depart

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It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will travel to Narita Airport by express train, or to Haneda Airport to catch your flight home.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (Click the Upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hirayu Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Hirayukan Takayama: Western-style hotel such as Takayama Ouan Kanazawa: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kanazawa Yudanaka: Japanese-style ryokan such as Hotel Shirogane

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging 7 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Meeting service at the airport Train tickets to and from Nagano and Yudanaka Nohi bus tickets on the following segments: Matsumoto to Hirayu Hirayu to Takayama Takayama to Shirakawago Shirakawago to Kanazawa

Airport transfers Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times Breakfast every day Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive. Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen)

What’s Not Included

Airfare is not included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted)

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Desserts at any included meals (except where noted) Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Takayama

Takayama Standard Ryokan Similar to Asunaro

Takayama Luxury Ryokan w/ Similar to Hiranoya Honjin Bekkan dinner

Kanazawa

Kanazawa Luxury Hotel Similar to ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kanazawa

Kanazawa Luxury Ryokan Similar to Chaya Ryokan

Green Car Rail Pass Upgrade

14 Day Green Car Rail Pass $96

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Tour Map

NORTHERN TOHOKU AND WESTERN HOKKAIDO INDEPENDENT WINTER MINI TOUR

8 Days 7 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Zao Onsen, Nyuto Onsen, Kakunodate, Akita, Aomori, Hakodate, Noboribetsu Onsen, Sapporo

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Tour Overview Leave behind the busy, modern city of Tokyo as you slowly travel further and further north exploring all that Northern Tohoku and Western Hokkaido have to offer. Tohoku is the northern part of Honshu, the main island of of the Japanese archipelago. Tohoku is known as a remote and scenic region, and for its numerous traditional onsens and welcoming and friendly people. You will end up on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. Among the Japanese, Hokkaido has become synonymous with sensational food, stunning scenery and some of the best onsens in the country. These areas are blessed with natural scenery, but when you add snow to these already slower-paced regions, you get a beautiful and relaxing visit.

Northern Tokoku and Western Hokkaido are rich in history and traditional Japanese culture. Touring these areas in the wintertime gives you the opportunity to really experience this history and culture. Smaller crowds, world famous onsens, warm sake, and savory foods will enrich your experience. In Zao Onsen you will have the opportunity to participate in winter sports and see the famous “snow monsters” both during the day and lit up at night. Relax in the hot springs at traditional Nyuto Onsen, and travel to the former castle town of Kakunodate. Journey along the coast on the Resort Shirakami before arriving at Hakadote where you will be amazed by its enchanting night view, all before arriving at Noboribetsu Onsen with its world famous hot springs. The tour will end in Sapporo, the largest city on Hokkaido and the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics.

Starting from $1,729 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Tokyo Akita Zao Onsen Aomori Nyuto Onsen Hakodate Kakunodate Noboribetsu Onsen Sapporo

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive in Tokyo

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Date Line. You will gain the day back when you fly home. You will be welcomed at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours representative who will help you with your rail pass exchange, obtain your limousine bus ticket into Tokyo, and assist with boarding the bus to your hotel in Tokyo.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Tokyo, Zao Onsen

Today, your main luggage will be transferred to Zao Onsen. After breakfast you will travel to Zao Onsen. Zao Onsen sits at an altitude of about 900 meters (3,000 feet) on the slopes of Mount Zao, an active volcano. During the winter months, Zao is one of Japan’s leading ski resorts. Zao Onsen’s trees become glazed with ice, making them into “snow monsters”. After checking into the ryokan you can go to the snow monster lighting to see these “creatures” lit up at night.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 3 Zao Onsen

Today is a free day in Zao Onsen. Use this day to go skiing, take a snowshoe tour, or check out the snow monsters. Retrieve your main luggage at the ryokan.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Zao Onsen, Nyuto Onsen

Transfer your main luggage to Akita. Today you will travel by train and public highway bus to Nyuto Onsen. Nyuto Onsen is a collection of mostly traditional and rustic onsen ryokan in the mountains of eastern Akita Prefecture. The name Nyuto Onsen means “nipple hot spring” and comes from the suggestive shape of nearby Mount Nyuto rather than the milky/cloudy appearance of the area’s hot spring water.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Nyuto Onsen, Kakunodate, Akita

After breakfast you will travel by Shinkansen to Kakunodate. Kakunodate is a former castle town, and while the castle no longer exists, the samurai tradition is still strong. Today, the samurai district has some of the best preserved

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examples of samurai homes anywhere in Japan. You will have the opportunity to tour two homes: the Aoyogi and the Ishiguro. The Aoyogi home is the largest in Kakunodate, and includes multiple buildings with musuem collections documenting the samurai traditions and history in Kakunodate. The area open to visitors at the Ishiguro home is limited because the Ishiguro family still maintains a residence there. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Denshokan Museum. This museum has numerous local arts and handicrafts on display, the most prominent being items made from cherry tree bark. During the cold winter months, the samurai would earn extra income by making these items. You will then depart Kakunodate and travel to Akita by train. You will retrieve your main luggage after checking into the hotel.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Akita, Aomori, Hakodate

Today you will transfer your main luggage to Noboribetsu Onsen. After breakfast you will travel to Aomori by Resort Shirakami. The Resort Shirakami is a sightseeing train along the scenic coastline in northern Japan. Since the train goes through the Tsugaru Peninsula, Tsugaru Shamisen players will board the train for part of the trip. After arriving in Aomori, we recommend stopping at the Nebuta Warasse Museum, dedicated to the city’s famous Nebuta Matsuri (Nebuta Festival) held every year in early August. The Nebuta Warasse Museum attempts to capture the spirit of the festival and gives visitors a taste of its lively atmosphere, history, and traditions. From here you will travel to Hakodate. Hakodate was one of the first cities open to the West after the Meiji Restoration. In the evening we suggest taking a cable car to the top of Mt. Hakodate where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate’s night lights, or walk through the Motomachi District of Hakodate to enjoy the nightime lightup.

Travel: 7-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Hakodate, Noboribetsu Onsen

Early in the morning we recommend visiting the Hakodate Morning Market where the sellers can prepare the specialties of Hakodate (crab, sea urchin, and squid) fresh from their stalls for breakfast. You will then travel to Noboribetsu Onsen, one of the most popular and famous hot spring resorts in Japan. After arriving at Noboribetsu Onsen and picking up your main luggage, you will have free time to explore places like the Jigoku-dani (Hell Valley) and the other geothermal activity in the area. You will also have time to relax in one of the many hot springs in Noboribetsu Onsen.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Noboribetsu Onsen, Sapporo

After breakfast you will have some free time in Noboribetsu Onsen. In the afternoon you will travel by express train to Sapporo. After arriving in Sapporo you will continue around Japan on your own, or fly home.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (Click the Upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel Zao Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Zao Omiya Ryokan Nyuto Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Ookama Onsen Ryokan Akita: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Akita Hakodate: Western-style hotel such as Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate Noboribetsu Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Daiichi Takimotokan

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging 7 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Meeting service at the airport Airport transfers Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times Breakfast every day Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive. Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen)

What’s Not Included

Airfare is not included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals (except where noted) Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) Ski rentals and lift tickets A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Hakodate

Hakodate Standard Similar to Yunokawa Prince Nagisatei Ryokan

Green Car Rail Pass Upgrade

14 Day Green Car Rail $96 Pass

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Tour Map

NORTHERN TOHOKU AND WESTERN HOKKAIDO INDEPENDENT SUMMER MINI TOUR

8 Days 7 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Aizu-Wakamatsu, Nyuto Onsen, Kakunodate, Akita, Aomori, Hakodate, Noboribetsu Onsen, Sapporo

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Tour Overview Leave behind the busy, modern city of Tokyo as you slowly travel further and further north exploring all that Northern Tohoku and Western Hokkaido have to offer. Tohoku is the northern part of Honshu, the main island of of the Japanese archipelago. Tohoku is known as a remote and scenic region, for its numerous traditional onsens, and welcoming and friendly people. You will end up on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. Among the Japanese, Hokkaido has become synonymous with sensational food, stunning scenery and some of the best onsens in Japan.

Northern Tokoku and Western Hokkaido are rich in history and traditional Japanese culture. In Aizu-Wakamatsu you will have the opportunity to explore an old Samurai city full of history and tradition. Relax in the hot springs at traditional Nyuto Onsen and travel to the former castle town of Kakunodate. Journey along the coast on the Resort Shirakami before arriving at Hakadote where you will be amazed by its enchanting night view, all before arriving at Noboribetsu Onsen with its world famous hot springs. The tour will end in Sapporo, the largest city on Hokkaido and the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics.

Starting from $1,867 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Tokyo Akita Aizu-Wakamatsu Aomori Nyuto Onsen Hakodate Kakunodate Noboribetsu Onsen Sapporo

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive in Tokyo

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Date Line. You will gain the day back when you fly home. You will be welcomed at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours representative who will help you with your rail pass exchange, obtain your limousine bus ticket into Tokyo, and assist with boarding the bus to your hotel in Tokyo.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Tokyo, Aizu-Wakamatsu

Today you will transfer your main luggage to Aizu-Wakamatsu. After breakfast you will travel by Shinkansen and local train to Aizu-Wakamatsu. Aizu Wakamatsu is a former castle town with a long Samurai tradition. After arriving at Aizu Wakamatsu and dropping off your luggage, we recommend visiting the Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Mansion). This was the home of an important Samurai, and therefore is very large with dozens of different rooms and sections including gardens, guest rooms, a tea house, an archery range, and a rice mill.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 3 Aizu-Wakamatsu

Today you can further explore the Samurai city of Aizu Wakamatsu. We recommend starting at the Samurai School where the children of the Samurai attended. Next, you can visit Tsuruga Castle, originally built in 1384. However, it was destroyed by Samurai still loyal to the Tokugawa Shogunate after the Boshin War of 1868, a rebellion against the newly formed Meiji government. Tsuruga Castle was one of the last strongholds of the Boshin War. The castle was rebuilt as a concrete reconstruction in the 1960s, and in renovation works completed in 2011 the color of the roof tiles were changed from grey to the original red tiles. The inside of the castle houses a museum with displays depicting the history of the castle and the Samurai lifestyle. Next, we recommend visiting the Suehiro Brewery, one of the largest and most famous sake producers in Tohoku. Founded in 1850, it has been a family-owned business for eight generations. Suehiro’s sake is famous throughout Japan and annually wins domestic and international awards. Suehiro Brewery is the official sake supplier of Toshogu Shrine in Nikko and some sumo and kabuki events, and has been featured in a number of movies and TV dramas. It is open to visitors and offers hourly guided tours. The tour includes a walk through the brewing areas with explanations of the sake making process, a small museum with displays of the brewery’s history and the history of sake making, and a visit to the factory store with a tasting bar where you can sample from and buy nearly their entire product line. At the end of the tour you can stop at the cafe that features original desserts which incorporate sake in their recipes. The desserts are developed by the owner’s wife. The sake jelly and sake infused cakes are refreshing and recommended. You will retrieve your main luggage from the ryokan in the evening.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

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DAY 4 Aizu-Wakamatsu, Nyuto Onsen

Today you will transfer your main luggage to Akita. After breakfast you will travel by train and public highway bus to Nyuto Onsen. Nyuto Onsen is a collection of mostly traditional and rustic onsen ryokan in the mountains of eastern Akita Prefecture. The name Nyuto Onsen means “nipple hot spring” and comes from the suggestive shape of nearby Mount Nyuto rather than the milky/cloudy appearance of the area’s hot spring water.

Travel: 4-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Nyuto Onsen, Kakunodate, Akita

After breakfast you will travel by Shinkansen to Kakunodate. Kakunodate is a former castle town, and while the castle no longer exists, the samurai tradition is still strong. Today, the samurai district has some of the best preserved examples of samurai homes anywhere in Japan. You will have the opportunity to tour two homes: the Aoyogi and the Ishiguro. The Aoyogi home is the largest in Kakunodate, and includes multiple buildings with musuem collections documenting the samurai traditions and history in Kakunodate. The area open to visitors at the Ishiguro home is limited because the Ishiguro family still maintains a residence there. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Denshokan Museum. This museum has numerous local arts and handicrafts on display, the most prominent being items made from cherry tree bark. During the cold winter months, the samurai would earn extra income by making these items. You will then depart Kakunodate and travel to Akita by train. You will retrieve your main luggage after checking into the hotel.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Akita, Aomori, Hakodate

Today you will transfer your main luggage to Noboribetsu Onsen. After breakfast you will travel to Aomori by Resort Shirakami. The Resort Shirakami is a sightseeing train along the scenic coastline in northern Japan. Since the train goes through the Tsugaru Peninsula, Tsugaru Shamisen players will board the train for part of the trip. After arriving in Aomori, we recommend stopping at the Nebuta Warasse Museum, dedicated to the city’s famous Nebuta Matsuri (Nebuta Festival) held every year in early August. The Nebuta Warasse Museum attempts to capture the spirit of the festival and gives visitors a taste of its lively atmosphere, history, and traditions. From here you will travel to Hakodate. Hakodate was one of the first cities open to the West after the Meiji Restoration. In the evening we suggest taking a cable car to the top of Mt. Hakodate where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate’s night lights, or walk through the Motomachi District of Hakodate to enjoy the nightime lightup.

Travel: 7-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Hakodate, Noboribetsu Onsen

Early in the morning we recommend visiting the Hakodate Morning Market where the sellers can prepare the specialties of Hakodate (crab, sea urchin, and squid) fresh from their stalls for breakfast. You will then travel to Noboribetsu Onsen, one of the most popular and famous hot spring resorts in Japan. After arriving at Noboribetsu Onsen and picking up your main luggage, you will have free time to explore places like the Jigoku-dani (Hell Valley)

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and the other geothermal activity in the area. You will also have time to relax in one of the many hot springs in Noboribetsu Onsen.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Noboribetsu Onsen, Sapporo

After breakfast you will have some free time in Noboribetsu Onsen. In the afternoon you will travel by express train to Sapporo. After arriving in Sapporo you will continue around Japan on your own, or fly home.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (Click the Upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel Aizu-Wakamatsu: Japanese-style ryokan such as Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki Nyuto Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Ookama Onsen Ryokan Akita: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Akita Hakodate: Western-style hotel such as Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate Noboribetsu Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Daiichi Takimotokan

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging 7 Day Ordinary Car JR Rail Pass English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Meeting service at the airport Airport transfers Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times Breakfast every day Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive. Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen)

What’s Not Included

Airfare is not included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals (except where noted) Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Hakodate

Hakodate Standard Similar to Yunokawa Prince Nagisatei Ryokan

Green Car Rail Pass Upgrade

7 Day Green Car Rail Pass $96

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Tour Map

EASTERN HOKKAIDO INDEPENDENT MINI TOUR 8 Days 7 Nights

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Destinations Sapporo, Sounkyo Onsen, Akanko, Abashiri, Shiretoko

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Tour Overview Among the Japanese, Hokkaido has become synonymous with sensational food, stunning scenery, and some of the best onsens in Japan. As the rest of the country heats up in the summer months, Hokkaido stays warm and temperate, ideal for hiking or relaxing by the crystal-clear waters of the island’s many caldera lakes. In the wintertime, the abundance of scenery offered in Eastern Hokkaido is enhanced when covered in pristine white snow, which has given plenty of opportunities for entertainment and winter sports in the area.

After arriving in Sapporo, you will travel to Sounkyo Onsen where you will have your first opportunity to experience traditional outdoor onsens. In the winter months you will experience the beauty that snow brings to Sounkyo Onsen. In the summer months you will have the opportunity to hike in the Daisetsuzan National Park. You will then travel to Akanko, a destination offering an abundance of winter and summer sports and entertainment, as well as the cultural experience of the Ainu Village. After visiting the International Crane Center in Akanko, you will go to the northeastern coast of Japan and visit Abashiri. In the winter you will be able to board an Ice Flow Cruise before going on to the quiet town of Utoro Onsen, the gateway to Shiretoko. A snowshoe tour in the winter, or a hiking tour in the summer of Shiretoko Goko will help you experience the tranquility and serenity of the area before departing back to Sapporo where the tour will end.

Starting from $1,692 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Sapporo Akanko Sounkyo Onsen Abashiri Shiretoko

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Sapporo

You will be staying overnight in the city of Sapporo. You will travel on your own to Sapporo and check into the hotel. We will mail your train tickets, bus tickets, and baggage transfer forms to your hotel.

Travel: 3/4 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Sapporo, Sounkyo Onsen

After breakfast you will travel by train to Kamikawa, and from Kamikawa you will travel by local public bus to Sounkyo Onsen. Sounkyo Onsen is a hot spring resort town in the north part of Daisetsuzan National Park. This quaint village town is located in a scenic, narrow gorge that is flanked by 100 meter high forested cliffs. After you check into the ryokan we suggest boarding the Kurodake Ropeway which will take you to higher parts of the Daisetsuzan National Park where you can explore the narrow gorge that is flanked by 100 meter high forested cliffs. You will have the opportunity to hike around the area and experience Sounkyo Onsen’s cascading waterfall that flows in the summertime and freezes in the wintertime.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 3 Sounkyo Onsen, Akanko

After breakfast you will travel by local public bus to Akanko. In addition to lakefront vistas and hot springs, Akanko is known for two things: marimo, a rare kind of algae that forms oddly perfect spheres, and its Ainu Village. We recommend taking advantage of the many activities Akanko has to offer. In the winter you can enjoy snowmobiling, skiing, or ice fishing. In the summer you can hike, fish, or take a sightseeing boat cruise around the area. We also suggest taking time to visit the Ainu Village with its many souvenir shops and authentic Ainu restaurant, or attending an Ainu Dance Demonstration at the Ainu Village.

Travel: 3-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Akanko

Today is a free day to explore Akanko. We suggest visiting the Akan International Crane Center where you will learn about the Red-Crowned Crane, indigenous to this area of Japan. It was once thought that the cranes were extinct, however, about 50 years ago, a few cranes were found and extensive efforts were made to bring them back from the brink of extinction. While much work remains to be done, the crane population has stabilized and is even growing.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

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DAY 5 Akanko, Abashiri

After eating breakfast at the ryokan, you will travel by local public bus to Kitami. Upon arrival in Kitami, you will board a train to Abashiri. Abashiri, on the northeastern coast of Hokkaido, is known for the drift ice on its coast in wintertime. We recommend visiting the Ryuhyo (Drift Ice) Museum in the winter, or the Northern Peoples Museum in the summer.

Travel: 2-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Abashiri, Shiretoko

If you are traveling in the wintertime, you will have the opportunity to board an ice-breaker boat where you can get a close-up view of the ice flow that clogs the Abashiri harbor every winter as the boat breaks its way through the ice flow. In the summertime you can visit the Abashiri Prison Museum to learn how the inmates lived, and the role Abashiri Prison played in the history of Hokkaido. In the afternoon you will travel by bus to Shiretoko, located in the remote and beautiful Shiretoko National Park. Shiretoko is an ancient Ainu word meaning ‘edge of the world’. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife including deer, bear, and fox.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Shiretoko

This day is free to experience the beauty of Shiretoko on your own. During the winter, you can take a snowshoe tour to explore the Shiretoko Goko Lakes area, or warm up in the onsens at the ryokan before dinner. In the summertime you can take a hiking tour or a boat cruise tour along the Shiretoko coastline with its 100 meter lava rock cliffs and waterfalls. You may even see seals and dolphins!

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Shiretoko, New Chitose Airport

In the morning you will travel by bus to Membanbetsu Airport where you will fly to Sapporo Chitose Airport. After arriving at Sapporo Chitose Airport, you will continue around Japan on your own, or travel home.

Travel: 7 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotels including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (Click the Upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Sapporo: Western-style hotel such as Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo Sounkyo Onsen: Japanese-style ryokan such as Northern Lodge Akanko: Japanese-style ryokan such as New Akan Hotel Abashiri: Japanese-style ryokan such as Hotel Abashirikoso Shiretoko: Japanese-style ryokan such as Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times Reserved seat train tickets on the following segments: Sapporo to Asahikawa Kitami to Abashiri

Bus reservations on the following segments: Sounkyo Onsen to Lake Akan Lake Akan to Kitami

Drift Ice Sightseeing Cruise (winter only) Flight from Memanbetsu Airport to New Chitose Airport Breakfast every day Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive. Baggage transfer forms (We will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen.)

What’s Not Included

Airfare to/from Sapporo is not included (only the flight from Memanbetsu Airport to New Chitose Airport is included) Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted)

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Desserts at any included meals (except where noted) Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Sapporo

Sapporo Budget Ryokan Similar to Nakamuraya Ryokan

Sapporo Luxury Hotel Similar to Cross Hotel Sapporo

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Tour Map

BEST OF KYOTO AND BEYOND INDEPENDENT PACKAGE

8 Days 7 Nights

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Destinations Kyoto, Himeji , Nara

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Tour Overview Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto today is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history.

Kyoto is endowed with an almost overwhelming legacy of ancient Buddhist temples, majestic palaces, and gardens of every size and description. For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the paving stones, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks, and a tea master deliberately warming water and making tea.

You may even meet a “maiko” (geisha-in-training) face-to-face, climb to the top of a Samurai castle, participate in an authentic tea ceremony, copy a Buddhist Sutra in the middle of one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, marvel at the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue built in the 8th century, and much, much more.

Starting from $1,984 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Tea Ceremony Kyoto Nijo Castle Kinkakuji(Golden Pavilion) Himeji Nishiki Food Market Nara

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive in Osaka

After clearing customs and immigrations, you will check in at the MK Taxi counter where you will travel by shuttle to your Kyoto hotel. No meals are included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Kyoto

After breakfast, you will meet the licensed, English-speaking guide in the lobby of the hotel. We will start the day by touring Ryoan-ji, a famous Zen temple belonging to the Myoshin-ji school of Buddhism. The garden consists of a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks laid out in small groups on patches of moss. An interesting feature of the garden’s design is that from any vantage point at least one of the rocks is always hidden from the viewer. Next we will visit Kinkaku-ji. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable attractions. The gleaming building covered in gold leaf seems to float on the aptly named Mirror Pond, especially on a sunny day. Following lunch, we will participate in an authentic tea ceremony. The regimented discipline of the tea ceremony has been practiced for more than 400 years, and at one time was considered mandatory for Samurai as an aid to train the mind. You will even have an opportunity to make your own tea. To finish the tour we will visit Nijo Castle. Built in 1603, it was the Kyoto home of Tokugawa Ieayasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun. The ostentatious style of construction was intended as a demonstration of Ieyasu’s prestige, and to signal the demise of the emperor’s power. The finest artists of the day filled the castle with delicate transom woodcarvings and paintings by the Kano School on sliding doors. One of the castle’s most intriguing features is the so-called “nightingale” floors. To protect the Shogun from real or imagined enemies, these floorboards creak when stepped on. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Heavy

DAY 3 Fushimi Inari

After breakfast, we recommend taking the train to the nearby city of Fushimi, one of the largest sake producing regions of Japan. Here you can visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine. This Shinto Shrine, established in the 8th century, is famous for the long tunnels of vermilion torii gates straddling a network of trails leading to the top of the heavily forested Mt. Inari. Nearby you can travel to the Higashiyama District. This area of narrow, cobblestone alleys with its temples, shrines, numerous shops and restaurants is truly enjoyable and relaxing, and is a great place to stop for lunch. The rest of the day can be spent exploring other areas of Kyoto such as the Gion Shrine or the Gion Geisha District. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 4 Arashiyama

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Today would be a great day to travel by train to the nearby town of Arashiyama. Once a favorite relaxation spot of the Emperors, Arashiyama is located on the hillsides bordering the banks of the Katsura River northwest of Kyoto. You can visit the bamboo gardens which Arashiyama is famous for, located just outside the north gate of Tenryu-ji. This dense bamboo forest with its rows upon rows of long, ringed, smooth stems, provides a feeling of composure and tranquility. The sound of the wind blowing through the bamboo, the stems knocking against each other, and the rustling of the leaves is revered in Japan. Next, you can visit Tenryu-ji Temple. Tenryu-ji is part of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, and was originally built in 1339 on the former site of Emperor Go-Daigo’s villa. A priest once had a dream of a dragon rising from the nearby river, hence the name which means “Heavenly Dragon”. The garden represents a transition between earlier pond gardens and the karesansui (dry landscape) gardens that later became popular in Zen temples. The focus of the garden is a pond that lies at the base of the hills rising to Mount Arashi, which is incorporated in to the design of the garden in the earliest known example of borrowed scenery (shakkei). At the far end of the pond are two rock groupings. These rock groupings are orientated on a vertical alignment, which was a departure from the horizontal alignments in earlier gardens. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Himeji

Today you will take a Shinkansen (bullet train) to the nearby city of Himeji. Himeji Castle, also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely considered Japan’s most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds. The castle is both a national treasure and a world heritage site. Unlike many other Japanese castles, it was never destroyed by war, earthquake or fire, and survives to this day as one of the country’s twelve original castles. The castle recently underwent extensive renovation over several years and was fully re-opened to the public in March 2015. Himeji Castle lies in a strategic point along the western approach to the former capital city of Kyoto. The first fortifications built on the site were completed in the 1400s, and were gradually enlarged over the centuries by the various clans who ruled over the region. The castle complex as it survives today is over 400 years old and was completed in 1609. It comprises over eighty buildings spread across multiple baileys, which are connected by a series of gates and winding paths. After touring the castle, you can visit the nearby Kokoen Garden. Kokoen is a relatively recently constructed Japanese style garden, which was opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lord’s west residence (Nishi-Oyashiki). It consists of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period. Among these gardens is the garden of the lord’s residence which features a pond with a waterfall, a tea garden where visitors can enjoy green tea in a tea ceremony house, a pine tree garden, a bamboo garden, and a flower garden. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Nara

Today you can take a train to the original capital of Japan, Nara. Nara was the capital of Japan in the 8th century before it was moved to Kyoto. We recommend beginning your visit at the Kasuga Shrine. This shrine was first established in the 8th century, and was completely rebuilt every 20 years according to Shinto tradition until the 19th century. There are thousands of stone lanterns lining the entrance to the shrine. You can even walk through Nara Park on your way to Todai-ji where you will run into the famous Nara deer. These deer have been here since the 7th century, and roam at their free will protected by Buddhist traditions. Todai-ji is the largest wooden building in the world, and houses the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. In the late afternoon, we recommend traveling back

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to Kyoto to the Gion Geisha district where you can walk around and see where the Geisha and Maiko live and work. You may even see one on their way to an appointment. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Kyoto

Today is a totally free day to discover Kyoto on your own. You can visit Daitoku-ji, a temple including an extensive complex of 24 subtemples belonging to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. The original temple was established in 1319, but fires during the Onin Civil War destroyed all of the buildings. Most of the buildings you see today were built under the patronage of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the late 16th century. A few of the subtemples are open to the public, and certainly worth seeing. Later you can visit Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion. It was built in 1474 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who sought to emulate the golden Kinkaku-ji commissioned by his grandfather Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Like Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji was originally built to serve as a place of rest and solitude for the Shogun. We also recommend visiting Kiyomizu-dera, literally translating to “Pure Water Temple”. For centuries visitors and pilgrims have climbed the hill to Kiyomizu-dera standing on a steep hillside with fine views of the city. Supported in part by 139 pillars, the temple juts out over the valley. Finding the courage to set out on a daring, new adventure is likened to “taking a leap from the veranda of Kiyomizu”. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Depart

It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will take the express train to the Kansai International Airport (Osaka), or travel to Narita Airport (Tokyo) by Shinkansen and express train for your flight back home (if you are flying out of Narita Airport, be sure to schedule a flight after 15:00).

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3 Star hotel including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (click the upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Kyoto: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kyoto

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging Reserved seat reservations instructions for tickets on the following segments: Shinkansen to and from Himeji Express train from Kyoto to Kansai Airport

English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan MK Shuttle from Kansai Airport to Kyoto hotel 8 Hours of guiding service from a licensed, English-speaking guide Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times SUCIA card pre-loaded with 2,500 yen for local trains/subways/buses around Kyoto Breakfast every day Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive.

What’s Not Included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees (except where noted) Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Kyoto

Kyoto Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Granvia Kyoto Station

Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Similar to Izuyasu Ryokan

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Tour Map

BEST OF TOKYO AND BEYOND INDEPENDENT PACKAGE

8 Days 7 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Nikko, Kamakura

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Tour Overview To the uninitiated, Tokyo may seem like a whirlwind of people and traffic. Yet, behind the ordered chaos lie remnants of a very different past.

Tokyo is not just a destination, but an experience. You could easily spend a lifetime exploring Tokyo and never run out of places and things to discover. From “funky” old Ueno and nearby Yanaka, to the ultra-modern Ginza, you can explore fine parks, museums, old houses and endless department stores. The sheer energy level of Tokyo will sweep you away.

By night, Tokyo really comes to life. With its blazing neon-filled neighborhoods and its contrasting historic alleyways, you can dine and drink in Tokyo’s old and new alike.

You will have the opportunity to learn the ancient religious traditions of the Japanese, wander the stalls of the world’s largest fish market, visit the famous “Daibutsu” in Kamakura, explore Tokyo’s largest Shinto Shrine, and see the icon of Japan, Mt. Fuji (weather-permitting).

Combine this tour with the Best of Kyoto and Beyond tour for a more complete Japanese experience. Or, if you only want to spend a few days in Kyoto either before or after the tour, we can arrange this for you. Contact us for details.

Starting from $1,852 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Tokyo Hakone Tokyo Tower Owakudani Ginza tour Lake Ashi Sightseeing Boat Cruise Asakusa Hakone Ropeway Kaminarimon Nakamise-dori Nikko Senso-ji Buddhist Temple Kamakura Asakusa Shrine

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive Tokyo

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Date Line. You will gain the day back when you fly home. You will be welcomed at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours representative who will help you obtain your limousine bus ticket into Tokyo and assist with boarding the bus to your hotel in Tokyo.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Tokyo with Guide

After breakfast, the licensed, English-speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. The guided tour will start with traveling to Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower in the center of Tokyo. At 332.9 meters (1,092 ft) high, it is the second-tallest structure in Japan. The structure is an Eiffel Tower- inspired lattice tower, with a main observatory at 150 meters that is reached via elevator or a 600-step staircase. Thanks to the tower’s central location, the observatory offers an interesting view of the city despite being only at a relatively moderate height. Afterwards, we will travel to the famous Ginza district, the most expensive real estate in the world. Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. Before continuing we will stop for a Kushiage lunch (fried meat and vegetables on bamboo skewers). Next we will travel to the nearby Asakusa area. Here we will tour the Nakamise- dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple, and the Asakusa Shrine where you will learn about Buddhist and Shinto Japanese religious practices. We will then return to the hotel where we will go through the train tickets for the rest of the tour. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

DAY 3 Tokyo

After breakfast we suggest starting your day with a visit to Ueno Park, Tokyo’s largest public park with numerous temples, shrines and museums. But in 1868, it was the site of a large, bloody battle between forces loyal to the Shogun and the Imperial army. Next, you can visit the Yanaka District. Here you will find the old sprit of Tokyo is still alive and thriving. There are buildings dating back more than 150 years here that were not damaged during the huge Kanto earthquake in 1923 or during bombing in World War II. You can also visit a cemetery where the final Tokugawa Shogun is buried. We recommend finishing the day with a visit to Rikiguen Garden. Rikugien is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful, Japanese style landscape gardens built around 1700 by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a high-ranking advisor in the Tokugawa Shogunate. Rikugien literally means “six poems garden” and reproduces in miniature 88 scenes from famous poems. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Tokyo

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Today we recommend exploring the Akihabara, or “Electric Town” area of Tokyo. Clustered around the Akihabara train station, it is estimated there are over 600 multilevel stores, shops and stalls, and that about 10% of all the electronic equipment sold in Japan is sold here. Akihabara is also becoming known as a wacky fetish district where the Japanese hang out in kinky cafes, shop for anime and manga, and participate in cosplay (short for costume play). You may also want to spend some of your day in the Harajuku/Shibuya area of Tokyo, the mecca of Tokyo’s younger generation. Here, you will find Omotesando-dori, known as the Japanese Champs-Elysees. This street is flanked by just about every well-known fashion designer store you can think of, and some you can’t. With its alfresco cafes and trendy boutiques, it’s as close as Tokyo gets to Paris. Shibuya, immediately south of Harajuku, is the birthplace of many fashion trends for the younger crowd in Japan. Shibuya Crossing, as featured in the movie “Lost in Translation”, is said to be the busiest pedestrian crossing in Japan, if not the world. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Hakone Yumoto

After breakfast you can take a day trip to Hakone Yumoto Onsen. Hakone is famous for its natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). You can take many different forms of transportation (electric train, funicular, gondola, and bus) around Hakone including the Hakone Sightseeing Boats on Lake Ashi. In good weather passengers aboard the sightseeing cruise can get a fine view of Japan’s most famous peak, Mount Fuji, and enjoy Hakone’s rich scenery reflected on the lake’s calm surface. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Nikko

Today you can take a day trip to Nikko, a small city located in the mountains just north of Tokyo. Nikko is home to the Toshogu Shrine that was established in 1617 to commemorate Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founding ruler of the Tokugawa shogunate. You can also visit the Nikko National Park that offers scenic mountainous landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Kamakura

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Today you will travel to the ancient city of Kamakura, the former capital of Japan in the 13th century. We suggest starting your adventure at Hase-dera. This temple, originally established in the 8th century, houses a famous Kannon statue made from wood and gold leaf, and also has a commanding view of the nearby ocean. Next you can visit Kotokuin, the home of the famous Kamakura Great Buddha. This 40-foot tall bronze statue of Buddha was built in the 13th century and is an icon of Japan. We also recommend visiting Hokokuin Temple, known as the “Bamboo Temple”. Here you will be able to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the bamboo garden while savoring tea and sweets. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 8 Depart

It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will take the express train to Narita Airport where you will fly home. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in a 3 Star hotel including all taxes, fees and breakfast every morning (click the upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel

Detailed, easy-to-follow directions on how to travel between cities Bi-lingual maps, addresses and phone numbers for all your lodging Reserved seat train tickets on the following segments: Shinkansen to and from Odawara Shinkansen to and from Utsunomiya Express train from Shinagawa to Narita Airport

English-speaking emergency contact number in Japan Meeting service at the airport Airport transfers 8 Hours of guiding service from a licensed, English-speaking guide Lodging each night Suggested train schedules including train schedules for 2 hours prior and 2 hours after the suggested time to allow you to choose your own times SUCIA card pre-charged with 2,500 Yen to be used on the local trains and subways in Tokyo, and for the train to and from Kamakura Hakone Free Passes for travel in and around Hakone Yumoto Onsen Breakfast every day Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 180 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive. Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 1,750 Yen.)

What’s Not Included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals (except where noted) Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals (except where noted) A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for more information and costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

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Tour Map

TOKAIDO HIGHWAY INDEPENDENT PACKAGE 7 Days 6 Nights

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Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto

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Tour Overview The Tokaido Highway, built by the Tokugawa Shoguns in the early 17th century, connected the new military capital of Tokyo with the imperial, cultural capital of Kyoto. Follow in the steps of Daimyo (feudal lords) and Samurai as you visit the two greatest cities of Japan.

To the foreigner, Tokyo may seem like a whirlwind of people and traffic, yet behind the ordered chaos lies remnants of a very different past. You could easily spend a lifetime exploring Tokyo and never run out of places and things to discover. From Ueno’s old museums and traditional houses to Ginza’s ultra-modern department stores and shops, the sheer energy level of Tokyo will sweep you away. Business men and excited school children flood the streets by day, and mazes of blazing neon and lively pedestrians fill the streets by night. Tokyo is not just a destination- it’s an experience.

Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto today is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history. Kyoto is endowed with an almost overwhelming legacy of ancient Buddhist temples, majestic palaces, and gardens of every shape and size. For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the stone-paved roads, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks, and a tea master warming water and making tea.

If you have the extra time, customize your itinerary by adding the available upgrades to some of Japan’s most popular destinations.

Starting from $1,844 (per person, based on double occupancy)

Click here to see the 2018/2019 Seasonal Pricing

Tour Rating: ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆

Tour Highlights Tokyo Hakone Kyoto

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Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive Tokyo

You lose a day flying to Japan due to crossing the International Date Line. You will gain the day back when you fly home. You will be welcomed at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours representative who will help you with your rail pass exchange, obtain your limousine bus ticket into Tokyo, and assist with boarding the bus to your hotel in Tokyo. No meals included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 2 Tokyo

After breakfast the licensed, English-speaking guide will meet you in the lobby of your accommodations. The guided tour will start with traveling to Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower in the center of Tokyo. At 332.9 meters (1,092 ft) it is the second tallest structure in Japan. The structure is an Eiffel Tower- inspired lattice tower, with a main observatory at 150 meters that is reached via elevator or a 600-step staircase. Thanks to the tower’s central location, the observatory offers an interesting view of the city despite being only at a relatively moderate height. We will then travel to the famous Ginza district, the most expensive real estate in the world. Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. Before continuing we will stop for a delicious lunch of Kushiage (fried meat and vegetables on bamboo skewers). Next, we will travel to the nearby Asakusa area. Here we will tour the Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple, and the Asakusa Shrine where you will learn about Buddhist and Shinto Japanese religious practices. The guide will either escort you back to your hotel, or give you directions for how to travel back on your own if you would like to stay in Asakusa longer. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 3 Tokyo

Today is free to explore Tokyo on your own. Go shopping for that perfect souvenir, visit the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the Japanese emperor of the 19th century, or wander through the trendy Shibuya or Harajuku districts where you will more than likely see interesting and far-out fashions. Breakfast is included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 4 Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto

Before checking out you will transfer your main luggage Kyoto, and will be traveling to Hakone and Kyoto with an overnight bag only. You will make a stop in Hakone Yumoto today on your way to Kyoto. The Tokaido Highway ran through the Hakone area during the Edo period giving travelers a beautiful view of nearby Mt. Fuji (weather

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permitting). You can stop at Owakudani which offers magnificent views of Mount Fuji in what is still an active volcanic region. We also recommend exploring the thermally-heated pools and mud pots while enjoying the famous “black eggs” which have been hard-boiled in the thermally-heated mineral waters (it is said that eating one of these eggs will add seven years to your life). After enjoying all that Hakone has to offer, you will travel by local train and Shinkansen to Kyoto. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: TBD

DAY 5 Kyoto

After breakfast, we recommend starting the day at the Nijo Castle. Built in 1603, it was the Kyoto home of Tokugawa Ieayasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun. The ostentatious style of construction was intended as a demonstration of Ieyasu’s prestige, and to signal the demise of the emperor’s power. The finest artists of the day filled the castle with delicate transom woodcarvings and paintings by the Kano School on sliding doors. One of the castle’s most intriguing features is the so-called “nightingale” floors. To protect the Shogun from real or imagined enemies, these floorboards creak when stepped on. Next, you can visit Kinkaku-ji. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable attractions. The gleaming building covered in gold leaf seems to float on the aptly named Mirror Pond, especially on a sunny day. We suggest spending some time in Nishiki Koji. Nishiki Koji is a narrow, five block long shopping street lined with more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, this lively retail market specializes in all things food related such as fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties. You will also have the opportunity to participate in an authentic tea ceremony, as there is a tea house on almost every street in Kyoto. The regimented discipline of the tea ceremony has been practiced for more than 400 years, and at one time was considered mandatory for Samurai as an aid to train the mind. You will retrieve your main luggage from the hotel in the afternoon. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 6 Kyoto

Today is free to explore areas that you missed yesterday. We recommend taking a train to the nearby city of Fushimi, one of the largest sake producing regions of Japan. Here you can visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine which was established in the 8th century. It is famous for the long tunnels of vermilion torii gates straddling a network of trails leading to the top of the heavily forested Mt. Inari. You can then travel to the Higashiyama District filled with narrow, cobblestone alleys, or visit the Yasaka Shrine, also known as the Gion Shrine. This shrine, built over 1350 years ago, is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. The shrine’s main hall combines the honden (inner sanctuary) and haiden (offering hall) into a single building. From here you can walk to the famous Gion Geisha District where you can see where the Geiko (in Kyoto they call themselves Geiko, not Geisha) and Maiko live and work. You may even see one on their way to one of their appointments. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: TBD; Walking: TBD

DAY 7 Depart

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It’s time to say “sayonara” (goodbye) to Japan. You will take the express train to the Kansai International Airport, just outside Osaka where you will catch your flight home. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

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Inclusions Accommodations in 3-star hotels including all taxes, fees, and breakfast every morning (click the upgrades tab to view available upgrade options) Tokyo: Western-style hotel such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel Kyoto: Western-style hotel such as Dormy Inn Kyoto

Addresses, phone numbers, and maps of accommodations in both Japanese and English Meeting service at Tokyo’s Narita Airport upon arrival Reserved seat tickets on the following segments: Shinkansen from Shinagawa (Tokyo) to Odawara Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto Express train from Kyoto to Kansai Airport

SUCIA Card pre-charged with 2,500 Yen for the local trains and subways in Tokyo and Kyoto Baggage transfer forms (we will provide the necessary forms in Japanese to transfer your main baggage ahead, allowing you the freedom of traveling light. The service provided will only work overnight, so you will need to travel with an overnight bag. The actual transfer fees are not included and will be paid by you at the time of transfer. These fees normally run between 1,250 Yen and 2,500 Yen) 8 Hours with a licensed, English-speaking Japanese guide on the first full day in Japan (day 2 of the itinerary) Emergency contact number in Japan Airport transfers Detailed, easy-to-follow directions from city to city Recommended train schedule including optional trains 2-3 hours before and 2-3 hours after the recommended trains Hakone Free Passes for travel in and around Hakone Yumoto Onsen Electronic version of itinerary A copy of our “Gaijin on Getas” tour handbook (this is the same popular handbook our escorted tour members receive) which contains 150 pages of Japan travel tips, Japanese language tips, Japanese customs and etiquette, and Japanese history to prepare you properly for your trip and allow you to enjoy Japan even more after you arrive) Recommended sightseeing and transportation options for each destination

What’s Not Included Local transportation (subways, buses, taxis, etc.) All admission fees (except where noted) Lunches and dinners (except where noted) Desserts at any included meals Drinks other than water and tea at any included meals A printed itinerary is not included

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Upgrade Options Please contact us for additional information and costs

Tokyo

Tokyo Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Western or Japanese style rooms available)

Kyoto

Kyoto Budget Ryokan Similar to Heianbo Ryokan

Kyoto Standard Ryokan Similar to Wajun Kaikan

Kyoto Luxury Hotel Similar to Hotel Granvia

Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Similar to Kohro Ryokan or Gion Hatanaka

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Tour Map

182 of 184 12/10/18, 1:07 PM Samurai Tours - Independent Tours Catalog https://www.samuraitours.com/print/master-independent-catalog/

Thank you for downloading this PDF version of our tour. Please visit our website at www.samuraitours.com/tours for the most current dates, prices and information.

Contact Samurai Tours

WEBSITE/EMAIL JAPAN CONTACT INFO MEMBERSHIPS/ASSOCIATIONS www.samuraitours.com Call us: 075-361-7303Samurai Better Business Bureau [email protected] Tours American Society of Travel Agents CONTACT INFO 307 Yodokizu National Tour Association Toll-free: 1-866-316-SAMURAI Fushimi Japan National Tourist Organization or 1-866-316-7268 Kyoto 613-0911 JapanKyoto-fu JNTO-approved Japan Travel Fax number: Chijitoroku Ryokogyo 3-576/ Specialist 720-210-5423Samurai Tours Japanese Travel Agency 7900 East Union Ave, Suite License: 1100 Kyoto Prefecture #3-576 Denver CO 80237

183 of 184 12/10/18, 1:07 PM Samurai Tours - Independent Tours Catalog https://www.samuraitours.com/print/master-independent-catalog/

Thank you for downloading this PDF version of our tour. Please visit our website at www.samuraitours.com/tours for the most current dates, prices and information.

Contact Samurai Tours

WEBSITE/EMAIL JAPAN CONTACT INFO MEMBERSHIPS/ASSOCIATIONS www.samuraitours.com Call us: 075-361-7303 Better Business Bureau [email protected] American Society of Travel Agents Samurai Tours National Tour Association USA CONTACT INFO 307 Yodokizu Japan National Tourist Organization Toll-free: 1-866-316-SAMURAI Fushimi JNTO-approved Japan Travel Specialist or 1-866-316-7268 Kyoto 613-0911 Japan Fax number: 720-210-5423 Kyoto-fu Chijitoroku Ryokogyo 3-576/ Samurai Tours Japanese Travel Agency License: 7900 East Union Ave, Suite 1100 Kyoto Prefecture #3-576 Denver CO 80237

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