Japan Nostalgic Shirakawago 8 days

DAY 1

19.Apr,2019 (Fri)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

NARITA / HANEDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT-TOKYO

Welcome to Japan! You will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant at the airport.
The assistant will get you in the bus to your hotel.

You can also extend your vacation before the tour in Tokyo/ after the tour in Osaka.
Please contact us!

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (WiFi=○) or similar
DAIBA station on the Yurikamome line is facing the hotel entrance. It is 15 minutes from Shimbashi station linked with JR lines.
There are DiverCity Tokyo Plaza(shopping mall) or Amusement park(Palette-Town) around the Hotel.

DAY 2

20. Apr, 2019 (Sat)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

NijyubashiAsakusa Sensoji ShrineTakeshita street in Harajuku

TOKYO

Start approximately am 8:00, Arrival at hotel approximately 18:00.

Today, Cosplayer girl get on the bus with you and spice up the sightseeing!!

The First visit is Imperial Palace. The imperial palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo. It is the residence of the present Emperor and Empress. We stop at Nijubashi-mae to take photo. That bridge is called Eyeglass bridge for its looks.

We head to Asakusa. Asakusa is a famous sightseeing spot in Tokyo, which is reminiscent of the Edo period. This district has been flourishing as a temple town of Senso-ji, the oldest and the largest temple in Tokyo. Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate,” the outer gate of the temple is very famous as a landmark of Asakusa for its huge red lantern. Nakamise street is a nice shopping street which is over 200m long, leading to the Senso-ji Temple, the best place to buy traditional Japanese souvenirs in Tokyo.

We proceed to Shibuya area. Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine. This shrine is dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken (their tombs are in Kyoto). Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912 and Empress Shoken in 1914. After their demise, people wished to commemorate their virtues and to venerate them forever. So they donated 100,000 trees from all over Japan and from overseas, and they worked voluntarily to create this forest.

Located directly across from Harajuku station, Takeshita Street is very popular with young teenagers, particularly those visiting Tokyo on school trips, or local young people shopping for small "Kawaii" goods at weekends. Takeshita Street is a pedestrian-only street in Harajuku with a lively atmosphere.

Of course we'll pass The Shibuya Crossing, where is one of the world's busiest crossings. It doesn't matter what time of the day it is, there is always a crowd. It's actually pretty daunting to see such a large amount of people walking towards you, but Japan has an efficient pedestrian crossing system.

We return hotel.

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (WiFi=○) or similar
DAIBA station on the Yurikamome line is facing the hotel entrance. It is 15 minutes from Shimbashi station linked with JR lines.
There are DiverCity Tokyo Plaza(shopping mall) or Amusement park(Palette-Town) around the Hotel.

DAY 3

21.Apr,2019 (Sun)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

Lake Ashi HoutouLake Kawaguchi

TOKYO-HAKONE-Mt.FUJI AREA-LAKE SUWA

Start approximately am 8:00, Arrival at hotel approximately 18:30

We leave Tokyo in the morning, then proceed to Hakone where is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations with easy access from Tokyo, attracting tourists seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can also enjoy the magnificent beauty of nature including breathtaking views of nearby Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi. We take a cruise and ropeway to see the splendid scenery from an observatory deck, Mt.Fuji, Gulf of Sagami and Lake Ashi....

Our lunch today is Houtou, which is Yamanashi's delicious local noodle. Houtou is originaly the name of the thick and flat noodle made from wheat. It is cooked in miso: soy bean paste, based soup with lots of vegetables in season, such as pumpkins, carrots. radishes and mushrooms.

Afterward we will stop at Lake Kawaguchi for photo. Lake Kawaguchi, situated in Yamanashi prefecture, west of Tokyo, is one of the best spots for viewing of the majestic Mt. Fuji. Weather permitting, we will enjoy the beautiful scenery lake with Mt.Fuji.

Next, we head out to the north and we visit one of the family house in Suwa area, they welcome you and it will be good experience to speak with locals, to have the questions answered about the daily life in Japan. You have a chance to close look at a Japanese house.
Home visit : We will have some tea and japanese snacks. You are also able to see Japanese dance.

After dinner at local restaurant, We proceed to our hotel. We stay at Japanese style accommodation tonight. Please soak in a hot spring tonight. You might feel the stiffness in your shoulder and neck relieved.

Hotel Beniya (WiFi=○) or similar
Hotel Beniya is located in Kamisuwa-onsen, set at the edge of Lake Suwako and surrounded by mountains, is rich in natural beauty. While soaking in onsen on the hotel’s top floor, gaze out on the spectacular scenery of Lake Suwako and its mountain backdrop.

DAY 4

22.Apr,2019 (Mon)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

Matsumoto CastleShirakawago

LAKE SUWA-MATSUMOTO-SHIRAKAWAGO-TAKAYAMA

Start approximately am 8:00, Arrival at hotel approximately 18:30

Today's our first visit is Matsumoto castle. Matsumoto Castle has become a National Treasure as the oldest extant five structure/six story castle in Japan. Its contrasting black and white, against the shining Japanese Alps makes for splendid scenery.

On the way to Shirakawago, you may see the central Alps and Southern Alps, if the weather parmitting. Spread along the Sho River in the deep mountains in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawago is a historic village, where unique traditional farmhouses survive. Built in the architectural style called “Gassho-zukuri,” these houses are characterized by steep-pitched thatched roofs, which are designed to shed heavy snow typical of this region. Designated as a World Heritage site in 1995, this village is an outstanding example of a traditional way of life perfectly adapted to the cold environment. We can observe the inside of one of the farmhouse.

After enjoying nostalgic feeling, we proceed to Takayama area. Takayama is surrounded by mountains and known as "Little Kyoto",. It is a friendly city with beautiful seasonal scenery and has a long and rich history. Old Town, developed as a merchant town built around the former castle town of the Edo period, is still prosperous today. We strolled old town, Sanmachi district and visit Takayama Jinya that is the only remaining local goverment office of the Edo period.

We stay in Takayama and dinner at hotel.

Takayama Kanko Hotel (WiFi=○) or similar
Enjoy bathing at Onsen (hot springs) in the mornings and evenings. Each season boasts its beautiful transformations of the scenery of mountain forests. Features tatami (woven-straw) flooring and Japanese futon bedding.

DAY 5

23.Apr,2019 (Tue)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

Tsumago-jukuMagome

TAKAYAMA-MAGOME-TSUMAGO-LAKE BIWA AREA

Start approximately am 8:00, Arrival at hotel approximately 17:30

We visit Takayama morning market. An open-air morning market held in Hida-Takayama is ranked among Japan’s three greatest open-air morning markets. The open-air morning market originated from a mulberry market held mainly on the Takayama Betsuin temple’s precincts around 1820. It opens from around six o’clock till noon every morning and an array of stalls with a plenty of vegetables, edible wild plants, pickled foods, flowers, fruits, rice cake, Miso, handmade folk crafts, etc.

During the Edo period, Tsumago was the forty-second, Magome was the forty-third of the sixty-nine post towns, which connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto. Prior to becoming part of the Nakasendō, it was the tenth of eleven stations along the Kisoji, a minor trade route running through the Kiso Valley.
First we visit Magome, is the furthest south of Kiso Valley post towns. Its buildings line a steep, cobblestone pedestrian road whose rustie shopfronts and mountain views will keep your finger on the shutter.

Next visit is Tsumago. Tsumago feelslike an open-air museum, about 15 minutes walk fron end to end. It was designated by the government as a protected area for the preservation of traditional buildings, where modern developments such as telephone poles aren't allowed to mar the scene.

We drive to Lake Biwa area.

Hotel Sunroute Hikone (WiFi=○) or similar class in Lake Biwa area
Hotel Sunroute Hikone is in a good location for sightseeing trips. It takes 1 minute on foot from the West Exit of the Hikone Station. Also conveniently located within 15min walking distance of Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa.

DAY 6

24.Apr,2019 (Wed)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

Kiyomizu templeTea ceremonyGolden PavilionGion

LAKE BIWA-KYOTO

Start approximately am 8:00, Arrival at hotel approximately 18:30

In the morning we proceed to Kyoto. As one of the most historical cities in the country, Kyoto induces curiosity in people who wish to explore the authentic allure of the Japanese culture. The whole of Kyoto is known as the Japan’s cultural center, with Kiyomizu Temple, Nijō Castle and Kinkaku-ji being among the most famous tourist spots here.

After arriving Kyoto, we start the tour to visit at Kiyomizudera temple** in Kyoto, which is known for "stage of the Kiyomizu", is listed as one of the 17 World Cultural Heritage sites in Kyoto. The main hall of a Buddhist temple commands a view of the whole Kyoto city. The main hall constructed over a cliff and featuring a large wooden veranda supported by 139 pillars, each 49 feet high. It is well known to the Japanese that the idiom "jumping from the veranda of Kiyomizu Temple" means that they're about to undertake some particularly bold or daring adventure.

**We just want to send out an announcement regarding the Kiyomizu Temple which you will be visiting while you are in Kyoto. The temple is scheduled to go under renovation for it's roof starting in 2016. The renovations itself require to cover the temple, of which work has already begun. The renovations are scheduled to be completed in March 2020.
Please be aware that when visiting the temple, it will take some time to get there as demand to see the temple before it is covered will be extremely high. We ask that you understand that the temple will already be partially covered, therefore it may not look like what you expected.

After Kiyomizu temple, we will take you tea ceremony experience. The Japanese tea ceremony is called Chanoyu, Sado or simply Ocha in Japanese. You can discover a new aspect of Japanese culture by experiencing the Japanese tea ceremony!

Then we go to Kinkaku-ji which is known as the Golden Pavilion. It was built on the compound of the Rokuon-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple, which is designated as one of the 17 World Cultural Heritage-listed monuments in Kyoto. It is a three-story building in the garden complex unique to the Muromachi period, with its top two stories covered with pure gold leaf.

Our program will continue to Nijo Castle which was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). Nijo Castle can be divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense) and some gardens that encircle the Honmaru and Ninomaru. The entire castle grounds and the Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats.

In the evening we walk around Gion district. Gion, the centuries old entertainment district, truly comes alive at night. We take you on a walk through the old tea house district, explain the customs of the geisha and apprentice maiko and help you discover this hidden world. Here we might even have a chance to catch a few of the girls in full costume rushing off to an appointment.

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (WiFi=○) or similar
It is located right next to Nishi Honganji (temple, World Heritage). It is good idea to take walk to Nishi Honganji to see peace morning atmosphere (no entrance fee).　Also, they have shuttle bus service to Kyoto station.

DAY 7

25.Apr,2019 (Thu)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = =Not include =Include

Fushimi Inari ShrineSake bereweryDeer ParkDotonboriKushikatsu

KYOTO-NARA-OSAKA

Start approximately am 8:30, Arrival at hotel approximately 19:30

Before leaving Kyoto, we don't miss to go to Fushimi Inari Taisya which is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan, with a compound of 870,000 square meters. This shrine is renowned especially for its stone fox statues in pairs as well as thousands of closelyspaced vermillion torii gates lined up along the pathway to Mt. Inari, each of which bear the name of its donor.

Next we proceed to Sake brewery*. The development of Fushimi as a sake production site began around four centuries ago, when Fushimi Port was developed as part of the construction work for Fushimi Castle. The guide gives you a little tour inside the brewery followed by tasting.
*Sake tasting is not available for visitors who will be driving or riding a vehicle, minors, and pregnant or nursing women.

Then we head to Nara. A cradle of traditional Japanese history and culture, Nara breathes the spirit of Yamato - the Japanese nation. Formerly known as ‘Heijyokyo’, Nara was the first capital of Japan, from 710 -794 AD.

In Nara, we visit to Todaiji temple and Nara deer park. Todaiji Temple is one of Japan’s most famous Buddhist temples and a World Heritage site listed as “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” This venerable temple was originally built as the headquarters of all the Kegon sect Buddhist temples by Emperor Shomu in 728. Its Great Buddha Hall, which is one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, houses one of the world’s largest bronze statues of Buddha.

Nara park is the one of the most popular sightseeing spots for travelers in Nara. It is very famous for deer. You are going to see freely walking deer around the park. You can feed the cracker called “Shika senbei” to deer in Nara park if you want to try. It was sold in the park. Some deer will bow to you to get the cracker!

Then we head to Osaka. Osaka is very famous for its delicious cuisine and unique street food culture, so there’s that aspect for visitors and tourists. Kuidaore is also commonly associated with Dotonbori, which runs along the canal from Dotonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge in the Namba district of the city’s central ward.

When we arrive at Osaka, we stop at Osaka castle for taking a photo. Because there are many cherry trees around a castle and it is known as famous view spot for cherry blossoms. Osaka Castle is a symbol of Osaka, which boasts the five-layered, eight-story donjon modeled after Azuchi Castle. The existing donjon, restored in 1931, has an observatory that commands a breath-taking panorama of Osaka City.

Before we check in the hotel, we don't miss to go to Dotonbori area. This area used to be a theater district a long time ago, but it’ s now a popular entertainment and nightlife area characterised by big illuminated signboards and many, many food businesses.

There is the place where I want to take you by all means before leaving Japan as your dinner tonight. Kushikatsu is a skewer dish with bite-sized meats and vegetables on the skewer breaded with flour, eggs and bread crumbs, which is deep-fried. We have to follow the rules to allow everyone to enjoy meal comfortably. Dip a skewer in the sauce first. If you would like to put some more sauce on a partly eaten skewer, scoop the sauce with a piece of cabbage and pour it on the skewer. Please do not dip the skewer or cabbage you have been eating in the sauce. Please do not dip chopsticks in the sauce. Enjoy local meal of Osaka!

Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka (WiFi=○) or similar
It is located in central Osaka and there are various kinds of restaurants due to the city is called "City of Food".

DAY 8

26.Apr,2019 (Fri)

MEAL : Breakfast = , Lunch = , Dinner = = Not include = Include

Airport

OSAKA-KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Time to get back home with unforgettable memory and lots of souvenir. Leaveing for Kansai International Airport by Airport limousine bus. Return by air. Thank you very much for coming to Japan and Sayonara.

ROUTE MAP

Over View

Information

Extend Plan

You can also extend your vacation before / after the tour in Tokyo, Osaka. We can provide extension stay in the same hotel which as a tour uses for 15,000 yen~ per night, per person. Please contact us!

Child Rate^※

Please note that children age 4-11 participant are half price when sharing a bed with their parents or guardians.
Children age 3 and under participant are free of charge.

PLEASE NOTE

All prices are per person, based on double or triple occupancy.
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!

TOUR COST INCLUDES

5 nights in Western style and 2 nights in Japanese style accommodation
Meet and greet upon arrival at Narita / Haneda International airport
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Private coach transfers between destinations in Japan
Comprehensive escorted with our licensed professional English speaking tour guide
Meals described as in the itinerary
Admission fees and activities, gardens, and museums listed in the itinerary

TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

International Airfares
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
Gratuities

ADDITION INFORMATION

Transport : Travel by air conditioned, private coach, baggage handling free
Arrival/Departure Airports : For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX)
Meal Requests : Vegetarian, halal or special meals can be arranged
Meet and Greet : Please note that the meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY availableii on the first day of the tour after 10:00 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, please arrange your own hotel transfer
Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

CANCELLATION POLICY

• 46 days or more prior to arrival date in Japan: no penalty
• 45-31 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 10% of the tour fee
• 30-15 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 20% of the tour fee
• 14- 8 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 30% of the tour fee
• 7 - 3 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 50% of the tour fee
• Less than 3 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 100% of the tour fee
※The cancellation fee is based on the date　(Japan Standard Time).

Day 2    TOKYO

Day 3    Mt.FUJI AREA / HAKONE / LAKE SUWA

Day 4     MATSUMOTO / SHIRAKAWAGO / TAKAYAMA

Day 5     MAGOME / TSUMAGO

Day 6     KYOTO

Day 7     KYOTO / NARA / OSAKA

Customer Reviews

   Great experiences in every day

The best place you visited in this tour?: Ueno park with cosplayer girl with cherry blossoms. Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu temple
What is the best experience you had in Japan? : Japanese culture and some history and foods.
Each sights having its own design.
Thanks to our guide Yayo for excellent help!!
By Van.T - 2018 spring -

   The cherry blossom is very beautiful. Arigatou!

The best place you visited in this tour? : Kiyomizu temple, Todaiji Great Buddha, Ueno park
What is the best experience you had in Japan? : Learn about japan history and traditional japan food.
I can see a lot of beautiful views and sights. It was a good tour and I enjoyed that. The cherry blossom is very beautiful. The tour guide is very good and nice. Thank you very much and Arigatou.
By Mai.N - 2018 Spring -

   I would use your company again. I would recomommend your company.

The best place you visited in this tour : Everywhere was very good but Nara Todaiji are Fantastic!
What is the best experience you had in Japan : Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Ashi cruise and Mt.Komagatake ropeway.
Food : I don't et meat but there was always an alternative. Thank you.
Our guide Yayo was super very knowledgable, funny and always smiling excellent guide. The tour was well organized. The bus driver very good and friendly. I would use your company again. I would recomommend your company. By Linda. M - 2018 spring -

   This is the first time I have been to Japan. I am so delighted.

The best place you visited in this tour? : Mt. Fuji and Hakone
What is the best experience you had in Japan? : Akihabara and Todaiji Great Buddha
Sights : There were so many sights to see each day. The variety of site both modern and old, natural and man-made were very good.
Our guide Yayo-san has been awesome. She was always ready to help and was always happy and smiling. She was a great knowledge of history and I would want her as my tour guide for all of Japan!!
By Adam.W - 2018 spring -