ORIENTAL ASIA - STA Travel Hub

JAPAN EXPRESS
Osaka Tokyo
FR
$2,999
9 DAYS
Highlights
• Travel by super-fast ‘bullet’ trains
• Stay a night in a mountain monastery
• See how Hiroshima looks to the future
• Enjoy an excursion to Miyajima Island
• Look out for Kyoto’s geisha girls
• Check out Mt. Fuji’s imposing peak
• Soak in a natural open-air onsen
• Sleep in a traditional-style ryokan
Departures 2014
START
FINISH
Mar 03 Mar 11
Mar 10 Mar 18
Mar 17 Mar 25
Mar 24 Apr 01
Mar 31 Apr 08
Apr 07 Apr 15
Apr 11 Apr 19
Apr 14 Apr 22
Apr 16 Apr 24
Apr 21 Apr 29
Apr 23 May 01
Apr 28 May 06
May 07 May 15
May 12 May 20
May 19 May 27
Inclusions
Hiroshima
START
Kyoto
Osaka
Koyasan
FINISH
Jun 09 Jun 17
Jun 16 Jun 24
Jun 30 Jul 08
Jul 07 Jul 15
Jul 14 Jul 22
Jul 21 Jul 29
Jul 28 Aug 05
Aug 04 Aug 12
Aug 11 Aug 19
Aug 18 Aug 26
Aug 25 Sep 02
Sep 01 Sep 09
Sep 10 Sep 18
Sep 15 Sep 23
JAPAN
START
Tokyo
Mt Fuji
FINISH
Sep 22 Sep 30
Sep 24 Oct 02
Sep 29 Oct 07
Oct 06 Oct 14
Oct 13 Oct 21
Oct 20 Oct 28
Oct 27 Nov 04
Nov 03 Nov 11
Nov 10 Nov 18
Nov 17 Nov 25
Nov 24 Dec 02
Dec 01 Dec 09
Dec 08 Dec 16
Dec 15 Dec 23
Trip Style: Classic Service Level: Standard
Physical Grading: 2 Age Group: Any age
Accommodation: Hotels (6 nts), traditional
inn and onsen spa (1 nt), mountain monastery
(1 nt) Transport: Bullet train, train, public bus,
tram, ferry Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Budget: Allow USD $350-400 for meals not
included Group Leader: Chief Experience
Officer (CEO), local guides Group Size: Max
15, Avg 10 Tour Code: GAAJJR
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Offering the perfect first-time introduction to Japan, this short but sweet adventure
captures the many faces and flavours of this intriguing and unique country. From the neon
lights of Osaka to the fascinating history of Hiroshima, and from the magnificent temples
and gardens of Kyoto to the sheer craziness of Tokyo, this tour packs quite a punch. Take
time out at a serene mountain monastery to learn the lifestyle of Buddhist monks, relax
in an open-air onsen at a traditional Japanese ryokan and tuck into something weird,
wonderful and deliciously different for dinner every night!
DAY
01
02
03-04
05-06
07
08-09
ITINERARY
Osaka
Arrive into Osaka any time today, or better still arrive a few days early to really make the most of
this very modern city. Arm yourself with a map, an appetite and a sense of adventure, and head
out to explore Japan’s culinary capital. Try some tako-yaki (octopus balls), head over to the Osaka
Aquarium or USJ - Japan’s very own Universal Studios theme park - and pick up electronic gadgets to
make your mates jealous in Den-Den Town. Spend tonight partying in the neon streets of Dotomburi.
Koyasan
Leave the bright lights of Osaka and take a scenic train into the mountains, where the final ascent
to Mt. Koya is so steep you’ll need to switch to a funicular railway. Koyasan was founded in 816AD
and is the most important religious centre in Japanese Buddhism. Explore the many temples and the
atmospheric moss-covered cemetery before settling into tonight’s shukubo, monastery lodgings run
by monks. This is your chance to experience the monastic lifestyle, to dine on beautifully presented
‘shojin ryori’, or Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, and to take part in morning prayer ceremonies. (D)
Hiroshima
Re-trace your steps back down the mountain, and continue by bullet train to Hiroshima. This modern
city offers a more manageable scale and pace than other Japanese urban centres, but will forever
be marked for the 1945 explosion of the first atomic bomb. It has since become a peace-promoting
place, working towards the day when all nuclear weapons are abolished. You can’t fail to be moved as
you pause for a moment’s reflection at the ruined frame of the Gembaku Dome, which stood directly
under the explosion, and you can learn the city’s story at the Peace Museum. Legend has it that if
you fold 1,000 paper cranes, your wishes can come true - and one little girl’s wish to be cured from
illness is commemorated at the inspiring Monument to the Children. You’ll also have the opportunity
to visit beautiful Miyajima Island, where the ‘floating’ Torii Gate is one of Japan’s most photographed
sights. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, its laneways are full of tasty treats including
local oysters, and you’ll soon become acquainted with Miyajima’s friendly deer population. (B)
Kyoto
Kyoto, the former Imperial capital, is an essential part of any visit to Japan housing magnificent
temples, palaces and gardens that date back centuries. You’ll see the impressive Nijo Castle, walk
through the Inari Gates, catch a traditional tea ceremony and can practice meditation in Daisen-in’s
Zen rock garden. Evenings can be spent in historic Gion, the traditional home of the iconic geisha
girls. If you’re lucky, you will get to see these elegant ladies dashing between appointments dressed
in full kimono and make-up. And girls... if you’ve ever wanted to try on the full gear, this is the place!
Hakone / Mt. Fuji
Head for the hills today, to Hakone which is famous for its natural hot springs. Travel through the
beautiful Hakone-Izu National Park by bus, boat, cable car and train, and cross your fingers for a
glimpse of Mt. Fuji (though she’s a notoriously shy mountain). You’ll spend the night at a traditional
ryokan hotel/guesthouse, where you can relax in your dressing gown, dine on a delicious buffet-style
meal of traditional dishes, and enjoy a relaxing soak in the rooftop onsen. Feeling super-relaxed,
you’ll turn in for a good night’s sleep on a traditional futon. It’s an ‘only in Japan’ experience! (D)
Tokyo
Return to Tokyo with free time for shopping and for one final night out with the group. The tour
comes to an end at any time on Day 9, but don’t forget Tokyo is the biggest city on the planet, so we
strongly recommend extending your stay for another two or three days. You’ll need it to even scratch
the surface! (B)
ORIENTAL ASIA
CALL 1300 676 561 TO BOOK
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