JAPAN
WHERE ANCIENT MEETS MODERN
Japan, a country where ancient traditions and ways seamlessly exchange with the hustle and bustle of eclectic modern-day life. Be it picturesque landscapes, bright neon lights, pure white snow-capped mountains, or experiences that make you think ‘only in Japan’, you will not be short of a new and unique way to discover Japan. At the end of the trip you will be forever left wanting more.
Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in 2019- and for good reason! Not only is the country easy to travel through by public transport, it also hosts amazing restaurants and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and sumo. Not to mention the locals are some of the most polite and friendly people in the world! If Japan is on your bucket list, read on to get ideas and inspiration for your next holiday.
SUMMER
( JUNE - AUGUST) Summer in Japan is hot and humid making it the perfect time to head inland to the mountains. July to midSeptember is Mount Fuji’s climbing season. If you want to avoid the crowds, head north to Hokkaido to experience flower fields and mountain landscapes.
AUTUMN
(SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER) Autumn in Japan is truly stunning with the rich, bold vistas of the changing landscapes. The colours and falling leaves are perfect for the nature enthusiasts, leaving you in awe every corner you turn.
Mt Fuji, Summer
Autumn Park, Kyoto
Winter at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto
WINTER
( D E C E M B E R - F E B R U A RY ) Skiers & snowboarders rejoice! Winter in Japan is the perfect time to head north and hit the slopes. Add a visit the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park or head to Sapporo in early February for the annual Snow Festival.
SPRING Cherry Blossoms in Spring
( M A R C H - M AY ) Cherry-blossom season (Late March to early April) and Golden Week (early May) are peak travel periods for Japan. Expect sights/attractions to be extremely crowded and accommodation to be more expensive.
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INSIDER TIP: TA X I S
Take the high-speed Shinkansen (Bullet) Train from Tokyo to Osaka, through some of Japans most scenic landscapes.
Taxis in Tokyo have some of the most expensive fares in the world, so we recommend using this for shorter trips through the city.
Shinkansen Train, Tokyo STation
Shinkansen Train, Mt Fuji
T R A N S P O RT : GET TING AROUND Japan is one of the most efficient countries when it comes to public transport. From flights to trains to busses, you will be able to travel anywhere in the country with ease. If you are planning a long holiday in Japan and want to visit more than a few cities, we recommend using the Japan Rail Pass.
J A PA N R A I L PA S S A Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is one of the most convenient ways to get around Japan, giving you access to bullet trains, busses, JR local trains and a ferry. The trains are comfortable, clean and easy to ride so sit back, relax and enjoy Japan as you glide across the country. 7 DAYS ADULT $393 CHILD $197 Amtrak Train, Osaka
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14 DAYS ADULT $626 CHILD $313 21 DAYS ADULT $801 CHILD $401
MONEY & COSTS Japan’s currency is the Yen and would you believe cash is king in Japan? For such a technology advanced country, many people are surprised to find that credit cards aren’t widely accepted throughout Japan. Tipping is also not part of Japanese culture. AUD$1 = ¥74.72
(*As of 30 October 2019)
Japanese Yen
Noodle Bar
D I D YO U K N O W ? • Japan has the most vending machines in the world (over 5.5 million) and some even serve hot beverages! • Slurping noodles is considered polite. This shows the cook you appreciate what they have prepared for you. • You can find a lot of really good ready-made meals at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart. • Japan is made up of 6,852 islands Vending Machines
• The highest point in Japan in Mount Fuji, which stands at 3,776m (12,388ft)
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WHERE ANCIENT MEETS MODERN
TRADITIONAL & CRAZY-COOL THINGS TO DO AROUND JAPAN
Japan offers travellers an inspiring insight into its incredible culture and traditions. Japan is top of so many travel lists for the many and varied unique travel experiences found only in Japan. From watching a sumo wrestling match to eating at a famous themed cafe, you’re bound to find once in a lifetime experiences no matter where you look.
Robots in Japan
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We’ve compiled a few of our favourites that will give you a small taste of ‘when ancient meets modern’.
TRADITIONAL J A PA N
• Stay the night in a traditional ryokan • Bathe in an onsen • See how sake is made in a brewery tour • Watch a sumo wresting match • Dress up in a kimono
Akihabara
Women in Traditional Dress
Crepes in Harajuku
MODERN J A PA N
Sake Wall
• Have dinner at the Robot Restaurant • Visit a themed cafe • Go-Kart through Tokyo as a real life Mario Kart • Experience the electric city of Akihabara • Eat your way through Harajuku
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TOKYO AT A G L A N C E
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Tokyo is the largest metropolitan in the world with enough activities & sights to keep you busy for weeks. Tokyo embraces everything ancient vs modern throughout the entire city. From luxury hotels to capsule hotels, Michelin star restaurants to ramen bars where you order at a vending machine, and skyscrapers next to temples. These beautiful contradictions make Tokyo such a unique and interesting city that appeals to travellers of all ages.
P L A C E S T O S TAY •H OTEL GRACERY SHINJUKU 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-8466 • T HE B TOKYO SHIMBASHI 1-17-13 Nishishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0003
Ramen Noodles
Streets of Tokyo
P L A C E S T O E AT •H AN NO DAIDOKORO HONTEN $$$$ 2-29-13 Dogenzaka | Wakatsuki Bldg 1F, Shibuya 150-0043, •G YOPAO GYOZA ROPPONGI $$ - $$$ 4-9-8, Roppongi Minato 106-0032, • I CHIRAN RAMEN $ 1-22-7 Jinnan | Iwamoto Bldg. B1F, Shibuya 150-0041,
BEST ACTIVITIES IN & AROUND T O K YO • See the Tsukiji Fish Market • Take a day trip to Mount Fuji • Visit Disneyland or DisneySea • Indulge on a Japanese Food Tour
Sensoji Temple
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OSAKA AT A G L A N C E
Osaka Castle
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Osaka is the laid back and down-to-earth sibling of Tokyo and Japan’s second largest metropolitan area. It’s a perfect city to experience modern Japanese culture on a more relaxed scale. Osaka is known for its amazing food and shopping experiences. Do yourself a favour and stop in Osaka on your next trip to Japan.
P L A C E S T O E AT •M ATSUSAKAGYU YAKINIKU M, HOZENJI YOKOCHO $$$$ 1-1-19 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0076, •K IMUKATSU OSAKA SHOCHIKUZA $$ - $$$ 1-9-19 Dotonbori | Osaka Shochikuza B1F, Chuo, Osaka 542-0071 •O KONOMIYAKI CHITOSE $ 1-11-10 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka 557-0002,
Nara Deer Park
Dotonbori
BEST ACTIVITIES IN & AROUND OSAKA • Visit the lively entertainment area of Dotonbori • Check out Osaka Castle Park • Have fun at Universal Studios • Take a day trip to Nara Deer Park • Try Takoyaki, the classic snack in Osaka Traditional Red Lanterns
P L A C E S T O S TAY •C ONRAD OSAKA 530-0005, OSAKA 3-2-4 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku • T HE ROYAL PARK CANVAS OSAKA KITAHAMA 1-9-8 Kitahama, Chuo, Osaka 541-0041 Takoyaki Dumplings
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KYOTO AT A G L A N C E
While most large cities in Japan are buzzing with bright neon lights and busy streets, Kyoto is known to be more traditional with temples and impeccably dressed Geishas. In fact, many traditional arts and crafts are kept alive by artisans in Kyoto from generation to generation. If you prefer being immersed in the culture whenever you travel, Kyoto is your city!
P L A C E S T O E AT • KOBE BEEF STEAK MORIYA GION $$$$ 7-1 Yamatocho, Yamato Ojitori 4-jo Kudaru, Higashiyama-ku | Gion Moriya Bldg., Kyoto 605-0802 • T EPPAN TAVERN GION TENAMONYA $$ - $$$ 537-2 Minamigawa Giommachi | Hiro Bldg. B1F, Higashiyama, Kyoto 605-0074 • R AMEN SEN NO KAZE KYOTO $ 580 Nakanomachi, Shinkyogoku Shijodori Agaru, Nakagyo, Kyoto 604-8042
Tea Ceremony
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
BEST ACTIVITIES I N & A RO U N D K YOTO Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
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• Walk through Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine • Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove • See Kinkakuji Temple • Participate in a traditional tea ceremony
BEST ACTIVITIES I N & A RO U N D S A P P O RO • See the Sapporo Snow Festival (February, annually) • Visit Odori Park • Ski or Snowboard at Niseko (winter) • Take a Sapporo Brewery Tour
Ice Festival
Sapporo in Winter
P L A C E S T O E AT • H YOSETSU NO MON $$$$ 2 Minami 5 Jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo 064-0805 • N EMURO HANAMARU JR TOWER STELLAR PLACE $$-$$$ 2 Kitagojonishi | Stella Place 6F, Chuo, Sapporo 060-00055 • R EFINED TAVERN AIYO KITA 3 JO $ 2 Kita 3 Jo Nishi | Stv North 3jo Bldg. 1F, Chuo, Sapporo 060-00035
Hokkaido
SAPPORO AT A G L A N C E
Often overlooked on Japan itineraries, Sapporo is a dynamic city that offers everything you’d want from a booming food scene, neon-lit nightlife and shopping centres galore. While winter is focused around nearby ski fields for travellers, Sapporo’s population almost doubles every February for their famous Snow Festival. If you prefer to travel during the warmer months, Sapporo is the perfect destination as it hosts many food and beer festivals throughout summer. JAPAN: WHERE ANCIENT MEETS MODERN | 13
GETTING THERE W I T H O U R FAV O U R I T E A I R L I N E S
Making the trip from a range of Australian Capital Cities to Japan has never been easier thanks to a huge global network of airlines who now have this hot destination on their flight paths. The Freedom Road Concierge Travel Team are able to work with you to apply your
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frequent flyer points to any booking, lock in preferred seats & keep you up to date with the latest fares and offers. If you’re a First or Busines Class Traveller, the concierge team will work with you to tailor all aspects of your flight from any departure city Australia wide.
P R E F E R E D A I R L I N E PA RT N E R S When you choose to travel with our favourite and prefered global airline partners, our concierge team can taylor your trip to easily include pre and post tour extensions, or mini stopovers to make your travel a multi-destination journey!
CO N TAC T O U R CO N C I E RG E T R AV E L T E A M F O R T H E L AT E ST J A PA N A I R FA R E S & S P E C I A L O F F E R S
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OUR E XC LUSIV E TRAV E L PARTN E RS
YO U R L U X U RY T R AV E L C O N C I E R G E 1800 219 156 ainfo@freedomroadtravel.com www.freedomroadtravel.com.au