Japan Uncovered

Your fare excludes:

• Day 1 - Osaka: Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.
• Day 2 - Osaka: Spend the morning in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan's first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todai-ji Temple and admire the traditional Isui-en Garden. Return to Osaka and visit the impressive Osaka Castle.
• Day 3 - Hiroshima: Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden.
• Day 4 - Hiroshima: Reflect on the citys tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, take the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima to see it's 'floating' torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine, and enjoy some free time.
• Day 5 - Kyoto: Start the day with a journey by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as 'Golden Pavilion'.
• Day 6 - Kyoto: Enjoy one of Kyotos most delightful spots, Kiyomizu, a 17th Century Buddhist temple, before experiencing the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master. After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.
• Day 7 - Kanazawa: Depart Kyoto and travel around 4 hours by coach to Kanazawa. After lunch in a local restaurant, wander through the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden before visiting a historic samurai house.
• Day 8 - Takayama: Drive to Gokayama, where you can enjoy a hands-on washi paper making workshop before lunch. Continue to Shirakawa-go, famous for its steep thatched roof houses. Continue to your hotel in Takayama, a beautiful, laidback town nestled in the western foothills of the Japanese Alps.
• Day 9 - Takayama: Take a morning walking tour of Takayama's old town, historically a hub for craftsmen, farmers and merchants from the surrounding mountains. Head to the Miyagawa Morning Market, where you can sample some of the delicious local fruits and vegetables (at your own expense). Later, take a leisurely stroll around the traditional streets and visit Takayama Jinya. If local opening hours permit, you will also visit the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall.
• Day 10 - Nagano: Travel to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, famous for its dramatic, dark wood exterior. Please note that the castle has very steep wooden steps inside; if you prefer, you can wait in the grounds and enjoy the view instead. Later, visit a miso house and learn about this staple Japanese seasoning. Continue to Nagano.
• Day 11 - Nagano: Enjoy some time at leisure to explore the charming town of Obuse, known for its chestnut and apple themed snacks. Later, head to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you'll take a gentle hike through the forested valley in search of the semi-wild Japanese snow monkeys, who love to bathe and play in the forest pools. Return to Nagano.
• Day 12 - Mishima: The sacred peak of Mount Fuji has inspired artists, poets and pilgrims for centuries. Drive from Nagano to reach the Fuji region, where, weather permitting, you can enjoy dramatic views of Fuji and drive up to its 5th Station, the highest point on the mountain accessible by road. If the Station is closed due to inclement weather, you will instead visit the Fujisan World Heritage Centre. Spend the night in the wider Fuji area.
• Day 13 - Tokyo: Begin the day with a cruise on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi. Next, soar high on the Hakone Ropeway over the hilltops to the volcanic Owakudani Valley and discover the dramatic natural hot springs of Mount Hakone. Later, proceed to Tokyo.
• Day 14 - Tokyo: A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan's capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Start your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden (opening hours permitting), then stop by the famous Shibuya Crossing before some free time to enjoy Tokyo at leisure. Please note, on select May and September departures, there is an extra special addition to day 15: a sumo tournament. Many of Japans most ancient traditions are preserved in the sport, and the rituals involved in its performance are as fascinating to watch as the wrestling itself.
• Day 15 - Tokyo: Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambience of Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, and the adjacent Nakamise Shopping Street. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until this evening's farewell dinner cruise aboard a traditional yakata boat.
• Day 16 - : Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

Starting from $13,580.00. Multiple departure options available.

Grand Prince Hotel: Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Grand Prince Hotel offers 5 dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool and hot spring baths. Air-conditioned rooms with a large picture window and a flat-screen TV await guests of the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.

Rihga Gran Kyoto: Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.

Hotel Vista Kanazawa: Situated in Kanazawa, the Hotel Vista Kanazawa is perfectly located just a short distance from many of the cities main attractions including Kenroku-en. The interior of the hotel is decorated with traditional local crafts and contemporary art.

Mercure Hida Takayama: Conveniently located within the heart of the city, the Mercure Hida Takayama hotel offers beautifully designed rooms finished with traditional yet modern touches. Guests staying here will be able to enjoy delicious delights from the on site restaurant and bar, serving a range of locally-inspired dishes throughout the day. Staying at this hotel will also mean you are in close proximity to a number of attractions, including the Hida Kokubun-ji Temple, Takayama Zenko-ji Temple plus much more!

Royal Hotel: Set in a historical castle town, the 4-star Royal Hotel Nagano offers spacious guest rooms with ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi and a flat screen TV. The hotel features relaxing hot spring baths, a sauna and tennis courts. Dine on a variety of cuisines including French, Japanese and Chinese in the in house restaurant, Shononoji.

Sunshine City Prince Hotel: The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.

How fit do I need to be to join this tour? This tour is rated as a physical level 1 tour. It requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights. A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps. On several days, there will be sightseeing on foot for extended periods of time, often involving steps or uneven ground. You will be required to get on and off various sizes of boats without assistance Of course, the National Escort will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.

The tour is 18 days in duration including international flights. Please note, due to flight schedules passengers may arrive/depart on Day 2.

Luggage: All travellers are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of five kilograms. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated.

Do I need to tip on tour? Although tipping in Japan is not customary, if you feel you have received an excellent service, please feel free to tip your guide at your discretion.

What type of food can I expect during this tour? Japanese cuisine is delicious, colourful and healthy. Food is an important element of Japanese culture. Meals are usually served with a bowl of rice and a bowl of miso soup and consist usually of fish, pickled vegetables and meat. Japan’s other main staple is noodles, most famous being Udon and Soba. Meals on this tour are designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout Japan. Visas: Please be advised that your passport must have at least six months validity left on it when you arrive back into Australis. Visas are not required for Australian passport holders for entry into Japan for stays of up to 90 days.

What type of Cultural Differences can I expect during this tour? Japanese society and culture is built on intricate social etiquette and customs. As foreigners, we are not expected to be knowledgeable about all etiquette, but it will make your time in Japan more enjoyable if you are respectful of local customs. Some examples of scenarios you may encounter include removing your shoes and hats when entering a temple or house (some restaurants as well). You may be supplied with slippers at some places, but please come prepared with plenty of spare socks, and shoes that are easy to take off for the fairly regular occasions when they must be removed. Your National Escort will advise you of some of these other customs at the beginning of your tour.