17 Day Grand Japan

Tour Route

Tokyo – Yokohama – Hakone – Kawaguchiko – Mt Fuji – Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa – Kyoto – Nara – Osaka – Hiroshima

• See one of Japan’s most revered shrines, the Meji shrine in Tokyo
• Cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt Fuji
• Kawaguchiko – Experience a traditional hot-spring onsen guesthouse
• Shirakawago – View World Heritage site with 114 Gassho-style houses
• Explore Takayama’s Old Town with Edo period houses
• Explore the Samurai district in Kanazawa
• Kyoto – Visit Kinkakuji – the Golden Pavilion
• Osaka – Wander the Namba-Shinsaibashi shopping district
• Hiroshima – Visit the moving Atomic Bomb Dome

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Itineraries

Day 1

Home – Tokyo

Depart from home by boarding your flight to Tokyo – Japan’s bustling capital. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Meals: In-flight meal

Day 2

Tokyo

Today after breakfast, we make our way to the Meiji Shrine. We will then visit the Tokyo Skytree. Open since May 2012, the Skytree is a television and radio broadcast site, and contains a restaurant and two viewing platforms. At 634m, it’s among the tallest structures in the worldLater, stroll through the Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo’s most colorful and popular temples, before browsing for souvenirs at Nakamise Shopping Street. Lunch is on your own account. This afternoon, relax on a Water bus toward Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay before heading back to your hotel. Meals: Breakfast

Day 3

Tokyo

Today is a free day to explore the World’s most populous metropolis. Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. Meals: Breakfast Optional Nikko Sightseeing Optional Kamakura & Yokohama Optional Disney Land

Day 4

Tokyo – Yokohama – Hakone – Kawaguchiko

Leaving Tokyo this morning we head to the national park region of Hakone. On the way we explore the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse – a building complex that was erected a century ago as a customs house for Yokohama Port.Next, we visit the incredible Kamakura Daibutsu, or Great Buddha, at Kōtoku-in Temple. Afterwards, we’ll take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi. The lake sits within the caldera of Mount Hakone, and is famed for its views of Mount Fuji. We then transfer to Lake Kawaguchiko, an absolutely stunning area that’s home to the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and promises more fabulous views of Mount Fuji. Later we’ll arrive at the hotel and prepare for a lovely dinner with our fellow travelers. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5

Kawaguchico – Mt. Fuji – Takayama

Today, after departing Kawaguchiko, we travel by coach to visit Mount Fuji’s 5th Station (depend on weather and road condition), which is halfway up the active volcano. Mount Fuji is the country’s tallest peak and it is considered one of Japan’s three holy mountains. Next we transfer to Matsumoto, where we’ll visit Matsumoto Castle, also known as the ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dramatic black exterior.Following this we’ll continue on to our final destination today, the city of Takayama. Meals: Breakfast

Day 6

Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa

Today your luggage will be sent ahead to meet you in Kyoto tomorrow evening, so please ensure you have an overnight bag packed and ready for this evening. Before leaving Takayama this morning we’ll tour the Miyagawa Open-Air Market and stop at Kamisannomachi Street in Takayama’s Old Town, a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan, with houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868).We’ll then travel to Shirakawa-gō Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has more than 100 ‘Gassho-style’ houses, which feature steeply-pitched roofs. From the site’s observation deck you can enjoy a panoramic view of this unique village, its thatched-roof houses sitting among gorgeous mountain scenery. Following this we will transfer to Kanazawa to rest for the evening. Meals: Breakfast

Day 7

Kanazawa

After breakfast, we enjoy a city tour of this colorful city. We begin with a visit to the Nagamachi Buke Yashiki district with the highlight of Nomura-ke. Nagamachi was a samurai district located at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai and their families used to reside. We then continue to the Kenroku-en Garden – from its scale and beauty, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful feudal lords’ gardens in Japan and has been maintained over generations. In the afternoon, explore the Higashi Chayagai district famous for its teahouses built in traditional Japanese design. We finish our day with a visit to the Omicho Market, Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market since the Edo Period. Meals: Breakfast

Day 8

Kanazawa – Kyoto

This morning we leave Kanazawa and make our way to the jewel of Japan, Kyoto. On arrival we visit Kinkakuji, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion. A Zen temple and World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold and detailed architecture incorporating three distinct styles of Shinden, Samurai and Zen. Next, we visit Heian-jingū (Heian Shinto Shrine), a replica of an ancient imperial palace, and a symbol of the rebirth of Kyoto after World War II.We finish with the visit ofthe city’s famous Gion district where Geisha can often be seen strolling through the streets. Meals: Breakfast

Day 9

Kyoto

Today is a full free day to spend in Kyoto. This golden city was once the capital of Japan and sits on the island of Honshū. It’s famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Meals: Breakfast

Day 10

Kyoto – Nara – Osaka

This morning, we travel the short distance to Nara by bus.Our first stop will be the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine. Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii (shrine gates), which straddle a network of trails behind its main temples, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is incredibly photogenic.Next we’ll visit Arashiyama, a stunning area known for its thick bamboo forest, which is also designated by the Japanese government as a Place of Scenic Beauty. Later today we’ll visit Tōdai-ji (Great Eastern Temple), famed for its Great Buddha Hall, which remains one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Following this we’ll wander through gorgeous Nara Park, where more than 1200 tame sika deer roam freely, before heading to Osaka for the evening. Meals: Breakfast

Day 11

Osaka – Himeji – Kurashiki – Hiroshima

Today your main luggage will remain at the hotel in Osaka to meet you upon your return in two-day time. Please ensure you have an overnight bag packed for your two evenings in Hiroshima. After breakfast we’ll depart Osaka to visit the so-called ‘White Heron Castle’, Himeji – it’s the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight, hence the popular name Shirasagi-jō (White Heron Castle). From here we’ll continue on to Kurashiki, a city on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, where we’ll tour the Bikan Historical Quarter, known for its centuries-old buildings and lovely local shops. After our visit here we’ll transfer to our hotel in Hiroshima. Meals: Breakfast

Day 12

Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima

After breakfast this morning we’ll board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima, an island known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, there’s a ‘floating’ torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. Once we’re back in Hiroshima we’ll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, otherwise known as the Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. A shell of a building that was one of very few left standing after the United States bombed Hiroshima in 1945. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure: some see it as a reminder of war, while others consider it a tribute to the lost that ensures we’ll never forget the tragic events that took place here. Later, we’ll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which contains many poignant, yet important, exhibits. The flame in the cenotaph is intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon has been destroyed. Meals: Breakfast

Day 13

Hiroshima – Osaka

This morning we’ll depart Hiroshima via the bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station. Upon arrival in Osaka we’ll begin a full-day coach tour with our guide, beginning at Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century.Later, we’ll tour KuromonIchiba, one of the city’s main food markets. This spacious covered market features vendors peddling street food, fresh produce, shellfish and trinkets and souvenirs.After a short break for lunch we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the Dōtonbori and Shinsaibashi Shopping District. One of Osaka’s most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dōtonbori canal and is a hugely popular destination for shopping, street food, bars and entertainment. At night the streets here are illuminated by hundreds of colourful neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous running Glico Man sign and the KaniDoraku crab sign.This evening we’ll enjoy dinner as a group at a local restaurant Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 14

Osaka

Today is a full free day in Osaka to spend at your leisure. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on great places to see and great spots to eat. Meals: Breakfast

Day 15

Osaka

Today is a full free day in Osaka to spend at your leisure. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on great places to see and great spots to eat. Meals: Breakfast

Day 16

Osaka – Home

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Japan. At the appropriate time, board the shuttle to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Meals: Breakfast

Day 17

Home Arrive

Arrive home today.

• Return International flights from Australia
• Accommodation and breakfast in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability)
• Meals as mentioned in the program
• All local boat rentals as mentioned in the program
• Water bottles during tours
• Air-conditioned transportation
• All entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the program
• English speaking guides in Korea
• 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support

HOW TO BOOK & PAYMENTS

Deposit & Payments

• Secure your package with a deposit of $500 per person.
• Pay a 2^nd instalment of $2,500per person within 30 days.
• You will then be invoiced for final payment 90 days prior to departure.

Booking Process

Step 1: Customer selects one of our ready-made tour packages along with your preferred travel date based on the availability calendar.

Noted: In case you request a free quote for your planned vacation, simply fill in this Customize Request Form: https://www.asiavacationgroup.com.au/customize/

Step 2: Complete the Booking Form

Step 3: One of our Reservation team will contact you within 12 hours to confirm your booking request.

Please note that customers must book at least 90 days prior to departure to ensure your desired travel date and time.

Tour Exclusions:

• Meals and drinks are not mentioned in the program
• Visa fee
• Tipping for driver and tour guide (not mandatory) & personal expenses
• Travel insurance (we strongly recommend you hold a valid travel insurance policy for all domestic and overseas travel)
• Trip delay or interruption by airline schedule change
• Extra cost or missing tour caused by flight delay or cancel
• Any service not clearly mentioned in the program

• Surcharge of $300 for departures from Adelaide & Brisbane & and $350 for departures from Perth.
• Surcharge: $800 for departures in January/February, $400 for departures in April/July and $200 for departures in September.
• Autumn leaves Surcharge:$100/person – Travel period: October
• Cherry Blossom Surcharge: $999/person – Travel period: 23 March – 5 April