Riki's Tours Japan 2015 by Riki's Tours Japan

Friendly small group tours of Japan with Riki Inamura rikistoursjapan.com.au

ip out of the special tr Thanks for per making - Kat Kyoto for pa

With just ten travellers, there’s a place for you - Riki

I absolutely lov will return to Jap ed the tour, and an again - Crai g

We have been on a number of tours before, but we have never experienced the warmth and comfort we experienced on this tour, mainly because Riki created the right atmosphere for the group to be like one family. Ranji & Chula Ballala

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Classic Sakura p4 30 March 2015 10 $4390

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$800

Sakura Highland p5 12 April 2015 10 $3990 $800 City Lights & Alpine Trails p6 16 May & 19 Sep 2015 10 fr $3890 fr $500

Kamui Mintara Mt Asahidake Sapporo

North to Kamui Mintara p7 23 May & 26 Sep 2015 11 fr $3690 fr $600 Spirit of Japan p8 28 Oct 2015 9 $3390

Lake Toya Hakodate

$500 Oirase

Autumn Colours p9 10 Nov 2015 13 $5590 $1000

Sendai

Matsumoto

Yudanaka

Kanazawa

(Nikko)

Kamikochi Yunogo Onsen

(Himeji)

Kyoto Tokyo

Hiroshima Miyajima

Gero Onsen Tsumago

Fukuoka

Osaka Naoshima

Mt Koya & Kumano Kodo

Hakone

Riki’s tour was a great experience. I loved eating in small restaurants with local people, and I appreciated all your thought and care for us. We have experienced life in Japan in a way we would have never achieved on our own. Pat Robertson

Ookini (Thank you) for picking up this brochure to read about my tours, Riki’s Tours Japan My name is Riki Inamura. I was born and raised in Kyoto, but I’ve been calling Australia home for a while now. And it’s from here that I offer you my friendly small group tours of Japan.They’re the result of more than fifteen years’ experience, leading Australian travellers through Japan, and Japanese travellers to all corners of the globe. My focus is on personal service. I design, arrange and escort all tours myself. This means you know who’ll be looking after you from beginning to end. My tours are also unique. I’ll take you to my favourite spots of great natural, historical and cultural interest. Let me share wonderful food, beautiful places and happy experiences with you.

Many of my tours also include rejuvenating daywalks. They’re suitable for most travellers, but will still get you to some far and away places. The Spirit of Japan tour will see on the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage walk, and the North to Kamui Mintara tour will take you through a lush gorge of brilliant green leaves and waterfalls.

I’ve got many great memories from my 2014 tours. A particular highlight was Kamikochi. We’d had a wet day walking, but all agreed it was the best part of the City Lights & Alpine Trails tour. At night, we chatted while watching the sumo on TV. The next day when we awoke, the spectacular alpine peaks revealed themsevles around us.

I’ve chosen comfortable places to stay that provide you with the best access to transport, shopping, eating and sightseeing. What’s more, all tours include a stay in a ryokan (Japanese inn) or onsen hotel where you can enjoy a hot spring bath as we Japanese like to do.

In 2015, I’m really looking foward to some of the small improvements I’ve made to my tours. My Classic Sakura tour now includes stays in two wonderful onsen villages; one in the foothills of Mt Fuji, and the other in the mountains of western Japan, where there’ll be a fantastic cherry blossom festival to join. And now my Autumn Colours tour runs east to west, taking you to Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, the Benesse Art Site island of Naoshima, and a sumo tournament in Fukuoka. I’ve also added extra days to my Sakura Highland & Spirit of Japan tour so that you have more time to relax and explore.

Tour style Riki’s tours suit travellers who appreciate quality accommodation, local food, beautiful places and cross cultural experiences. The tours make use of Japan’s excellent public transport system on relaxed itineraries in a joyful and safe atmosphere. Hotels and Ryokan Accommodation is 3 to 4 star standard; all carefully chosen to give you great access to transport, shopping, food and sightseeing. All tours include a stay in at least one ryokan or onsen hotel. See website for details of accommodation on each tour.

With small groups of no more than ten travellers, why don’t you join me?

Standard inclusions Tours include all transport, accommodation, meals, entry fees and walks as described in itineraries. They also include the services of the tour escort and your airport-hotel transfers in Japan. Tailored itineraries If you would like to do your own thing, but need help with ideas and making arrangements, Riki can tailor a tour that takes you to the places that interest you in the style you want. Walking the Nakasendo, City Lights & Alpine Trails 2014

Tokyo to Kyoto Full bloom experience 11 days

Mar 30 ~ Apr 9

Arrive at Narita or Haneda by own arrangement with transfers provided into Tokyo.

Tokyo

Visit Sensoji Temple to wish a safe journey, then try indigo dyeing in a local store. We’ll see cherry blossoms and have our welcome dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese style pub).

$4390

Enjoy your day at leisure. You may want scale Tokyo Skytree, or wander about some galleries? Alternatively, join a tour of Nikko to see the World Heritage listed shrines and temples in the cedar forests.

$800

Tokyo to Hakone

4 dinners 1 festival

Hakone to Hiroshima

2 onsens

Kyoto

Join Riki for a tour of Kyoto including Nijo Castle and the Golden Pavilion. After lunch, follow the Philosopher’s Path under the Sakura trees to the Silver Pavilion. In the evening, we’ll see a special Spring dance, the Miyako Odori (dancing), and join local hanami at Maruyama Park, where the cherry blossoms will be lit up. Enjoy a free day in Kyoto. You may wish to visit the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, or perhaps just relax by the Kamo River? At night, enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice local restaurant, where among other treats you can try takenoko (bamboo shoots), which will be in season. (continues facing page)

Take a Shinkansen and train to Hakone in the foothills of Mt Fuji. We’ll visit the thermal area of Owakudani on a circuit by zig-zag train, gondola and boat. Spend the night relaxing in our onsen hotel with views across to Mt Fuji.

10 b’fasts

In the morning, we’ll take a local train to Himeji, where we’ll visit the 16th century World Heritage listed castle among the Sakura trees. Then it’s just 1hr to Kyoto on the Shinkansen.

Travel to Tokyo by Mon 30 March

10 nights

Yunogo Onsen to Kyoto via Himeji Castle

Classic Sakura Sakura Highland

Clouds permitting, we’ll see more of Mt Fuji in the morning, then join the Shinkansen for a speedy trip to Hiroshima. We’ll break along the way for a local lunch.

Yudanaka

Matsumoto Yunogo Onsen We make a short trip to Miyajima to view the Hiroshima & floating red O-Torii. Take the gondola to Mt Miyajima

Hiroshima & Miyajima

Misen for great views of the inland sea. Return to Hiroshima to enjoy hanami in the Peace Park and visit the Museum.

Hiroshima to Yunogo Onsen

tour had ell done. The Wow! So w onal touch. - Diane that pers

Tokyo Kyoto

Hakone

(Himeji Castle)

Today, we’ll head into the countryside by Shinkansen and train. We’ll join the cherry blossom festival in Tsuyama, where thousands of Sakura trees have been planted in the castle ruins. We’ll be staying at a luxurious ryokan, where you can take an onsen and enjoy a kaiseki dinner.

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Matsumoto Castle on the Sakura Highland tour 2014

Nara day-trip Classic Sakura tour 2014

Kyoto, then travel home Thu 9 April

Depending on your schedule, spend your day taking in this lovely city before transferring to Kansai or Itami for your flight home.

Special Inclusions Enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) at special sites throughout Japan. Try traditional indigo dyeing in Asakusa. Stay in the mountain village of Hakone for a chance to see Mt Fuji up close. Visit Hiroshima Peace Park & Museum. Join a spectacular cherry blossom festival in Tsuyama in western Japan. Stay at a traditional ryokan in the countryside for an onsen and kaiseki dinner. Visit World Heritage listed Himeji Castle Join Riki on a tour of Kyoto. See Miyako Odori (Spring season dance) at Gion.

Matsumoto

Today, we’ll explore the 16th century Matsumoto Castle and enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in its grounds.

Kyoto to Tokyo via snow monkeys & mountain blossoms 11 days

Apr 12 - Apr 22

Matsumoto to Yudanaka via Nagano

Snow monkeys then Yudanaka to Tokyo

We’ll take a train deeper into the alps, stopping at Nagano to visit Zenkoji Temple. Dating from the 7th century, it’s one of Japan’s oldest. Then we’ll head for Yudanaka, where you can relax in the onsen and enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner.

Arrive at Kansai or Itami by own arrangement with transfers provided to Kyoto.

A short walk will take us to the snow monkeys, which you’ll see bathing in a natural hot spring. Then we’ll take a train and Shinkansen to the bright lights of Tokyo.

Kyoto

Tokyo

Travel to Kyoto by Sun 12 April

Join Riki for a tour of Kyoto including Nijo Castle and the Golden Pavilion. After lunch, follow the Philosopher’s Path to the Silver Pavilion. In the evening, we’ll see a special Spring dance, the Miyako Odori, followed by our welcome dinner at Wontana, Riki’s family favourite.

Kyoto

Enjoy a free day in Kyoto. You may want to visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha, or just follow your nose along Pontocho Alley. At night, you could visit Maruyama Park, where you can try local food from the street vendors.

Kyoto (or Hiroshima & Miyajima day-trip) B Spend your day in Kyoto, or join Riki for a daytrip to Hiroshima at no additional cost. We’ll visit the Peace Park & Museum and also Miyajima to see the floating red O-Torii.

Kyoto to Matsumoto via Tsumago

After breakfast, we’ll take the Shinkansen to Nagoya and then a train into the alps, where the Sakura should be in full bloom. We’ll stop by the old post-town of Tsumago on the historical Nakasendo. The samurai used to traverse this path between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. The hand-made soba (buckwheat noodles) are great here, so why not try some?

Visit Sensoji Temple to wish a safe journey home, and then try your hand at indigo dyeing in a local store. At night, enjoy our farewell dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese style pub). Enjoy a free day. You may want to go shopping, or visit a museum? Alternatively, join a tour of Nikko in the north to see the Toshogu Shrine, or Mt Fuji and Hakone in the west.

Tokyo, then travel home Wed 22 April B

10 nights

Spend your day in Tokyo before transferring to Narita or Haneda for your flight.

$3990

Special Inclusions

10 b’fasts

Enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in the mountainous regions of Japan. See Miyako Odori Spring dance in Gion. Visit the 16th century castle in Matsumoto. Choose to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima. See Nagano’s 7th century Zenkoji Temple. Stay at a traditional ryokan in the countryside for an onsen and kaiseki dinner. Visit the snow monkeys at a natural onsen. Try traditional indigo dyeing in Asakusa.

3 dinners

$800

snow monkeys 1 onsen

Kamikochi to Tsumago via Matsumoto Castle

Kyoto to Tokyo via the roof of Japan

Travel to the historical village of Tsumago via Matsumoto, where we’ll stop to see the splendid 16th century castle. Make sure you try hand-made soba (buckwheat noodles) here.

11 days, two departures: May 16 ~ May 26 in late Spring Sep 19 ~ Sep 29 in late Summer

Tsumago to Tokyo

Arrive Kansai or Itami by own arrangement with transfers provided to Kyoto.

Kyoto

Tokyo

Have a tour of Kyoto with Riki, including the Golden Pavilion. Later, see Japanese performing arts and enjoy a welcome dinner at Wontana, Riki’s family favourite.

Kyoto (or Hiroshima & Miyajima day-trip) B Enjoy Kyoto at leisure, or join Riki for a day-trip to Hiroshima for the Peace Park & Museum, and Miyajima to see the floating red O-Torii.

Kyoto to Gero Onsen

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, then take the Shinkansen east and up to the Alps for Gero Onsen, famous for its hot springs. Enjoy hida-beef for our kaiseki dinner, then relax in the onsen.

May $3890 Sep $4190 May $500 Sep $700 10 b’fasts

Gero Onsen to Kamikochi via Shogawa Valley

Kamikochi day-walk

Journey to the roof of Japan via World Heritage listed Shirakawa village, where you can see thatched roof houses. Then we travel up to the beautiful yet remote alpine valley of Kamikochi at 1500m.

6 dinners 3 day-walks 1 onsen

You could just relax in this spectacular setting, or join Riki for a 6.5 km walk to Myojin Pond. Keen hikers can add a 2 hour climb to Dakesawa, which has grand views of the valley.

City Lights & Alpine Trails North to Kamui Mintara Sapporo Lake Toya Hakodate

Kamui Mintara Mt Asahidake Oirase

Kamikochi Gero Onsen Hiroshima & Miyajima

Tsumago Kyoto

Walk part of the Nakasendo, the path once used by samurai travelling between Kyoto and Edo. We’ll then catch a local train then connecting Shinkansen into Tokyo.

Travel to Kyoto by May 16 or Sep 19

10 nights

Sendai Tokyo

Wish a safe return home at Sensoji Temple, then try your hand at inidigo dyeing in a community store. Visit the Oedo Museum and see the Tokyo sumo tournament. Later, enjoy our farewell dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub).

Mt Takao day-walk

Join Riki on a 4.5km walk of Mt Takao in western Tokyo. Alternatively, you may wish to join a tour of Mt Fuji & Hakone or Nikko for the Toshogu Shrine in the cedar forests.

Tokyo, travel home on May 26 or Sep 29 B

Enjoy free time in Tokyo, then transfer to Narita or Haneda for your flight home.

Special Inclusions Enjoy a tour of Kyoto with Riki. Take a bath in a traditional onsen town. Visit Shirakawa in Shogawa Valley. Walk in Kamikochi in the Japan Alps. Visit the 16th century Matsumoto Castle. Walk the old Nakasendo in the Kiso Valley. Try traditional indigo dyeing in Asakusa. Visit the Oedo Museum. See a sumo tournament in Tokyo.

Day-walks Kamikochi Myojin Pond (6.5km) Nakasendo (8km) Mt Takao (4.5km)

Green & Gold nature walks from Tokyo to Hokkaido 12 days, two departures: May 23 ~ Jun 3 in late Spring Sep 26 ~ Oct 7 in early Autumn er, and I velling togeth It felt great tra new friends - Salin y an have made m Doing my thing at the Mt Usu Volcanic Glo bal Geopark - Riki

Travel to Tokyo by May 23 or Sep 26

Arrive Narita or Haneda by own arrangement with transfers provided to Tokyo.

Tokyo

Wish a safe journey at Sensoji Temple, then try your hand at indigo dyeing in a local store. Visit the Oedo Museum and see the Tokyo sumo tournament. Later, enjoy our welcome dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub).

Mt Takao day-walk

Join Riki on a 4.5km walk of Mt Takao in western Tokyo. Alternatively, you may wish to join a tour of Mt Fuji & Hakone, or Nikko for the Toshogu Shrine in the cedar forests.

Tokyo to Sendai & Matsushima

Catch the Shinkansen north to Sendai. Visit Matsushima for a cruise on one of Japan’s prettiest island studded bays.

Sendai to Oirase Gorge & day-walk

We’ll take the Shinkansen further north to visit the Towada Art Centre, then Oirase to walk 9km up the verdant gorge to Lake Towada. Take an onsen at the hotel before dinner.

Oirase Gorge to Hakodate

Journey under the sea to Hokkaido and the port city of Hakodate. Try seafood donburi (rice bowl) here. We’ll take a gondola up Mt Hakodate for a stunning night vista.

Onuma NP day-walk

Have a walk around the lovely Onuma wetlands, which was formed by volcanic eruption in 1929. Later, visit historical Goryokaku Fort.

Hakodate to Lake Toya

Lake Toya to Asahidake (Kamui Mintara, Daisetsuzan NP)

Kamui Mintara day-walk

We take a local train to the lakeside village of Toya. Walk the Mt Usu area, a smouldering volcano, then soothe your feet in the onsen.

Travel through diverse scenery to the base village of Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido, which is known as Kamui Mintara in the local Ainu language. Enjoy dinner and an onsen. Using the gondola, a range of day-walks is possible from the top of this pristine volcanic mountain to suit your fitness and the weather.

Asahidake to Sapporo

We make our way down to Sapporo, where you’re free to explore this cosmopolitan little city. Reward yourself with zangi (Hokkaido style fried chicken) and Sapporo beer.

Sapporo, then travel home Jun 3 or Oct 7 B Sapporo at leisure, then transfer to Chitose for your flight home.

11 nights May $3690 Sep $3990 May $600 Sep $800 11 b’fasts 5 dinners 5 day-walks 3 onsen

Special Inclusions Try traditional indigo dyeing in Asakusa. Visit the Oedo Museum. See a sumo tournament in Tokyo. Cruise Matsushima Bay. Visit the Towada Art Centre

Day-walks Mt Takao (4.5km) Oirase Gorge (9km) Onuma Lakes (3-4km) Mt Usu Volcanic Global Geopark (3-4km) Mt Asahidake (2-9km)

You can combine these two tours for an epic 19 day journey of Japan: Spring Green May 16 ~ Jun 3 $6390 $900 Green’n’Gold Sep 19 ~ Oct 7 $6990 $1300

Walking Kamui Mintara 2014

Koya-san & Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Walks 10 days Oct 28 ~ Nov 6

Travel to Osaka by Wed 28 October

Arrive in Kansai or Itami by own arrangement with transfers provided into Osaka.

Osaka to Koya-san

Take a train and gondola to Koya-san, which has been Japan’s centre of Shingon Buddhism for over a thousand years. Visit its sacred sites before enjoying our seasonal vegetarian meal at our temple lodge. Koya-san walks BD Today, you can relax in this mountain retreat, or join Riki on the 7km Women’s Pilgrimage, which follows the perimeter of Koya-san. The Autumn trees should be ablaze with colour.

Koya-san to Kii Tanabe

Kii Tanabe to Chikatsuyu Takijiri to Chikatsuyu walk

We make our way to Kii Tanabe via the spectacular skyline road. Eat up during our izakaya (Japanese pub) dinner for our walks ahead.

Catch a bus to the start of the Kumano Kodo for this 13km leg from Takijiri to Chikatsuyu. Although steep in parts, the views are terrific. Enjoy dinner at the minshuku by the river.

9 nights $3390 $500 9 b’fasts 7 dinners 4 day-walks 1 onsen

Chikatsuyu to Kawayu Onsen Hosshinmon to Hongu Taisha then Yunomine Onsen walks

Kawayu Onsen to Hayatama Taisha by boat, then Nachi Taisha

Enjoy two panoramic walks through forests and villages, passing tea plantations and terraced fields (total 10km). Reflect at the grand Hongu Taisha before continuing on to Yunomine Onsen. We then take a bus to Kawayu Onsen for dinner and to soak our feet.

As in ancient tradition, we travel by river boat to Hayatama Taisha. From there, we make our way to Nachi Taisha to conclude our pilgrimage of the three shrines. We stay by the waterfall at a minshuku where dinner awaits.

Nachi to Kyoto

Travel by train around the Kii Peninsula to Kyoto, where we’ll have a farewell meal together.

Kyoto

Join Riki for a walking tour of Kyoto, his hometown. Follow the Philosophers Path to Ginkakuji, where the trees should be about to turn.

Kyoto, travel home on Fri 6 November B

Enjoy your day in Kyoto before transferring to Kansai or Itami airport for your trip home.

Special Inclusions See Autumn leaves on the Kii Peninsula. Stay at a temple on Koya-san Walk the WH listed Kumano Kodo. Visit Kumano’s three major shrines: Hongu, Hayatama & Nachi. Ride the Kumano River on a boat trip.

Day-walks Koya-san Women’s Pilgrimage (7km) Takijiri to Chikatsuyu (13km) Hosshinmon to Hongu Taisha (7km) Hongu Taisha to Yunomine Onsen (3.5km)

udown the K rful riding i It was wonde ith you Margaret - Rik w mano River

Travel to Tokyo by Tues 10 November

Arrive at Narita or Haneda by own arrangement with transfers provided into Tokyo.

Tokyo

We’ll visit the old downtown area of Tokyo to wish a safe journey ahead at Sensoji Temple, and try indigo dyeing at a local store. Enjoy a welcome dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub).

Tokyo or Nikko day-trip

Enjoy your day in Tokyo, or join Riki for a trip to Nikko for the World Heritage listed Toshogu shrine and temple complex temple to the north.

Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Shinkansen, zig-zag train and gondola to Hakone, where clouds willing, you’ll see Mt Fuji close up. We’ll visit Owakudani thermal area. Our onsen hotel is perched on a mountain side with grand views across to Mt Fuji. (continues facing page) On the Kumano Kodo, Spirit of Japan 2013

Ginkakuji in Autumn, Kyoto 2014

Spirit of Japan Autumn Colours Kanazawa Kyoto Naoshima Hiroshima & Miyajima Fukuoka

East to West Golden Route & Benesse Art Site of Naoshima

Nikko

Osaka Mt Koya Kii Tanabe Kawayu Nachi

Tokyo Hakone

Kyoto to Naoshima

14 days Nov 10 ~ Nov 23

Journey by Shinkansen, train and ferry to the Benesse Art Site of Naoshima, a beautiful island on the inland sea. Enjoy the unique art work amongst the marvellous scenery.

riched really en i there pan - Ralph ik R g Havin erience of Ja exp

Hakone to Kanazawa

Kanazawa

We’ll make the short trip back into Tokyo, then rejoin the Shinkansen for Kanazawa. We’ll also visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s best gardens. Wander the old samurai area, then visit the Ninja Temple and 21st Century Museum. Also experience applying gold leaf in a local store.

Take a train to Kyoto, where we’ll visit Sanju Sangendo for the 12th century Buddhist statues, and Kiyomizu Temple. Relax before dinner at Wontana, Riki’s family favourite.

Enjoy a tour of Kyoto with Riki to visit Ryoanji (zen garden), Kinkakuji and Arashiyama for the Bamboo Forest and other sites. Make sure you try some Matsutake mushrooms in Kyoto at this time as they’ll be in season.

Kyoto or Kurama day-walk

Miyajima day-walk, then Fukuoka

We’ll make the short trip across to Miyajima to visit the floating red O-Torii and walk Mt Misen. There’s a gondola too for those who need it. Then we head for Fukuoka by Shinkansen.

Naoshima is one of my favourite places in Japan - Riki

Kyoto

Take a ferry, train and Shinkansen to Hiroshima to take in the Peace Park and Museum.

Kanazawa to Kyoto

Naoshima to Hiroshima

Today is yours at lesiure. You could visit Nara or Himeji Castle. Or join Riki on a 4km walk in Autumn colour from Kibune to Kurama in the northern hills of Kyoto, his hometown area.

Fukuoka

Visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Kyushu National Musuem in the hills. At night, we’ll have our farewell dinner at a local Izakaya (Japanese pub) and see a sumo tournament.

Fukuoka, travel home on Mon 23 Nov B Spend your last day in this cosmopolitan city. The shopping’s great here. Then catch your flight home from Fukuoka’s convenient airport.

Special Inclusions See beautiful Autumn colours across Japan. Try traditional indigio dyeing in Asakusa. In Kanazawa, visit Kenrokuen & the 21st Century Museum. Also experience gold leaf craft. Enjoy a tour of Kyoto with Riki. Stay on Naoshima for the Benesse Art Site. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and Miyajima. In Fukuoka, see a sumo tournament, and visit the beautiful 10th century Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Kyushu National Musuem.

Day-walks Mt Kurama north of Kyoto (4km) Mt Misen on Miyajima in the inland sea (2.5km)

13 nights $5590 $1000 13 b’fasts 5 dinners 2 day-walks 1 onsen

Please read these conditions carefully as they set out the basis upon which Riki Inamura T/as Riki’s Tours Japan (ABN: 60140707089) accepts all bookings from travel customers. These Booking Terms together with the information in the Booking Form constitute contract between you and Riki’s Tours Japan. Riki Inamura T/as Riki’s Tours Japan is both a travel agent and a tour operator. As a travel agent, it provides travel services to its customers, which essentially involves the booking of travel products provided by third parties such as airlines, transport companies, hotels and tour operators. As a tour operator, it plans itineraries and places to visit, and also involves Riki or his representative arranging, guiding and escorting the tours for his travel customers in Japan. These are independent and/or group tours. Using this brochure or website and our service means you accept these Booking Terms. We reserve the right to amend our Booking Terms. 1. Interpretation Where we use the words “Riki’s Tours Japan”, “us”, “we” and/ or “our”, we are referring to Riki Inamura T/as Riki’s Tours Japan. These Booking Terms apply to all bookings whether made in our office, online, through our website or by any other means of electronic communication. Where we use the words “traveller”, “you” and/ or “your”, we are referring to you as the travel customer. 2. Prices, Deposit and Full Payment Dates, itineraries and prices are valid from 01 July 2014 until 31 December 2015. For bookings made more than 90 days from the scheduled departure date, a non-refundable deposit of AU$500 per person per journey is due 5 days after confirmation. Full payment is due and payable to us 90 days prior to the scheduled date of tour departure and will be notified to you in your confirmation of booking. Prices are not guaranteed until payment has been made in full and documents have been processed and issued to you. Failure to pay a deposit within 5 days from the date of confirmation or in full by the due date may result in the automatic cancellation of your booking without refund of monies paid. All bookings are subject to availability at time of booking. 3. Inclusions Where you have booked a tour with us, the price of your tour includes as described in the itinerary all: accommodation, transport, sightseeing, services of the tour escort, and airport transfers in Japan on the first and last day of the tour (to the nearest international airport). 4. Exclusions Where you have booked a tour with us, unless specified in the itinerary, the price of your tour does not include: international flights, internal flights, taxes, excess baggage, meals, visa fees, passport costs, travel insurance, optional activities and all personal expenses. 5. Cancellation by the Traveller All cancellations must be received in writing. No refunds will be made for unused services, regardless of the reason. Cancellations are subject to the following cancellation fees applied per person, per confirmed booking: (a) For cancellations made more than 90 days before the scheduled tour departure date, the deposit will be forfeited to us. (b) For cancellations made between 46-89 days before the scheduled tour departure date, a cancellation fee of 50% of the tour costs will be payable. (c) For cancellations made within 45 days of the scheduled tour departure date, 100% of the tour costs will be payable. Cancellation of any third party suppliers’ arrangements will be subject to fees charged in accordance with that supplier. Refunds will not be given for unused or cancelled services after your arrangements have commenced. 6. Amendments by the traveller Amendment fees are not charged to the traveller unless we are charged by third party suppliers. Additional amendment charges may be charged by any suppliers such as airlines, hotels or other tour operators. 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9. Limited liability, Consumer Claims and Exclusions Riki’s Tours Japan as the provider to you of services, as a travel agent and/ or as a tour operator, guarantees to you that those services will be provided to you with due care and skill, be reasonably fit or for their specified purpose, can be reasonably expected to achieve the desired result and will be provided to you within a reasonable time having regard to the circumstances. If we breach any of these statutory guarantees, then you may have rights under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Where we are liable to you under that Act then our liability is limited to supplying the services to you again or to paying the cost of having the services supplied again. To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release us from any liability to you for any loss, theft or damage to baggage or property, or for any injury, illness or death, whether any such loss, of property or personal injury or death is caused by the negligence of us or not. We are not liable to you for any damages, claims, injury, illness or death howsoever caused or arising directly or indirectly from accidents, loss, theft or damage to person or property, delays, transport failure, strikes, wars and uprisings or acts of God or nature over which we have no control. Where we work with various third party companies, agencies and individuals in order to provide the running of our tours and we are acting as agent for those third parties then we are not responsible for any acts or omissions of those third parties. 10. Prices All prices are in Australian Dollars and are valid at time of publication, but are subject to change. Prices represent land only twin share prices (single supplement prices are also given). We strive to make reasonable efforts to ensure our prices do not change, but we may be required to impose surcharges depending on currency fluctuations, changes in government legislation, air prices, fuel surcharges or other variables beyond our control. You acknowledge and agree that you shall be responsible for the prompt payment of all surcharges and price increases. Please contact us for up to date prices before booking. 11. Payment Payment can be by direct deposit, bank cheque or PayPal. However payments made through PayPal attract a 2.5% service fee. 12. Booking Form with Fit for Travel Statement All travellers are required to complete and return a Booking Form with the Fit for Travel Statement completed in order to receive confirmation. 13. Health and Fitness Your physical health and mental well-being are important to us. Please carefully consider if your choice of tour is appropriate for your level of health and fitness. Although our tours have no upper age limit, and are suitable for travellers with average health and fitness, we make use of local transport, which can be physically demanding for some travellers. This is because many Japanese train stations do not have lift access and may require a significant amount of walking to reach them. Where you have booked a tour with us, you acknowledge and agree that you can walk without help and can manage the movement of your own luggage. You must also disclose the details of any pre-existing medical conditions prior to travel. We reserve the right to request that you see your doctor to confirm that you are physically able to undertake the day-to-day requirements of your chosen tour. If you are concerned about your physical ability to undertake a tour, we can arrange a tailor-made itinerary for independent travel as an alternative. It is also your responsibility to ensure that you obtain medical advice at least two months prior to travel for the latest health requirements, recommendations for Japan (or any other country) and any costs. Where you do not do so, and either are not allowed to enter Japan (or any other country), or suffer personal injury or death as a result, we have no liability to you for any cost, loss or damage which you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements. 14. Minimum and Maximum Number of Travellers The maximum group size of our tours is 10. A tour will operate once there are 2 confirmed travellers. Where minimum numbers are not reached at least 30 days prior to departure, you will be given the following options: (a) undertaking the journey on an independent basis. Any additional costs to arrange the journey on an independent basis will be advised to you. This option is available for most, but not all tours. (b) cancellation of participation without penalty, as long as you advise us of this option at least 20 days prior to journey departure. Be advised that some of our tours have been scheduled to fit with other tour departures to create a longer ‘combined’ tour. This means that some of your group may have already been travelling together by the time you join the tour. If you would like to know how many people are booked on your tour, or about any combined tour which it is part of, please contact us. 15. Children Our tours are open to travellers 10 years of age and over, however no traveller under 20 years of age can join our tour without being accompanied by a parent or guardian. 16. Tour Escort Authority When joining one of our tours, travellers must abide by and comply with the authority and reasonable directions of the tour escort who represents us. At all times, the decision of the tour escort will be final on matters concerning individual and group safety and well-being. If a tour escort decides that you do not have the required fitness for travel at any time, the tour escort may, in his/her sole reasonable discretion prevent you from further participation in the journey. In addition, should you fail to comply with a reasonable decision or direction of the tour escort, interfere with the well-being of others, fail to respect the rights or beliefs of others, or commit an

illegal, obscene or otherwise inappropriate act while on the tour, the tour escort may, in his/her reasonable discretion, prevent your further participation in the journey. In such cases, we will use our reasonable efforts to help with onward travel arrangements for the relevant traveller. However, no refund will be given for any unused portion of the journey in these cases. 17. Travel Advice and Travel Insurance We strongly recommend that you contact the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs or visit their website at smartraveller.gov. au. This website contains valuable information and advice including safety alert levels relating to your travel destinations. It also allows you to register your travel plans with that department so that you can be contacted if an emergency arises. It is a condition of travel on our tours that all travellers be adequately covered by travel insurance prior to departure. Insurance should cover personal accident and medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss, and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. Your insurance details must be supplied to us at least 30 days prior to departure. 18. Air Arrangements Tour prices are land only. They do not include airfares from or to your departing destination. Therefore, it is your responsibility to book suitable flights to allow sufficient time for meeting the scheduled tour departures dates and times in Japan. It is also your responsibility to advise us of your flight details in order for us to arrange your Japan-based airport transfers to/from your hotel. Be advised that all flights bookings are subject to the carrier’s conditions of carriage. It is your responsibility to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions that relate to your airfare and contact the relevant airline if you require further information. We accept no responsibility or liability for any costs incurred due to any problems experienced with your flights. It is your responsibility to contact the airline prior to departure to ensure there is no change to the scheduled departure time. 19. Hotel Bedding Configuration in Japan Japanese hotel rooms are usually smaller than what you may be used to and are often configured differently. Twin bedded rooms are the most common configuration and usually have more floor space than single or double rooms. Requests for specific bedding types can be made at the time of booking but they cannot be guaranteed. Triple share accommodation can be requested however it is often unavailable. There are no reductions in price for triple share travellers. 20. Feedback We value your feedback and strive to ensure your tour runs smoothly, however there are times when unforeseen problems may arise. In such cases, you should first seek the advice of your tour escort, who will try to resolve any problems at the time. If a problem is not resolved during your tour, you should send us written correspondence detailing the nature of your complaint as well as the efforts you went to resolve the problem while in Japan. Please send this correspondence to us with supporting documentation, within 30 days of the date of service delivery. We will not consider claims made after this period. We recommend that you forward all correspondence to us by email to our email address mail@rikitoursjapan.com.au scanning the relevant attachments. 21. Passport and visa requirements Visas, including transit visas, are the passenger’s own responsibility. Australians travelling with a valid Australian passport do not need a Japanese visa if their purpose of travel to Japan is for holiday activities and the proposed period of stay is no more than 90 days. However, please check with the Japanese Embassy for up to date information, and any particular requirements for your nationality or personal circumstances, and also that of each country you may be travelling through. You need to ensure that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport from the date of your departure. 22. Publicity You agree that we may use images of you taken on tour and any comments made in writing by you regarding the tour for publicity and promotion purposes. You grant us a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable licence to use such images and comments for publicity and promotional purposes. 23. Your privacy By providing email and postal addresses on the Booking Form you have agreed to receive correspondence from us which may contain marketing, specials and promotional material. You acknowledge and agree that we may need to disclose some or all of the personal information of you and other members of your party for the purpose of arranging your tour as outlined in our Privacy Policy. 24. Website links You acknowledge that the inclusion of links on the website www.rikistoursjapan.com.au is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any linked site or its content of such sites. We do not guarantee that our website or any linked site will be free from viruses, or that the website or any linked website will be uninterrupted. 25. Errors & omissions We reserve the right to correct any errors in rates or content quoted or calculated for any tour, with immediate effect. We will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you of such corrections. 26. Governing law The Booking Terms and your use of this brochure or website, and all matters arising out of or in connection with them, are governed by the laws applicable in New South Wales. 1 July 2014

Riki’s Tours Japan PO Box 3146 Marrickville Metro NSW 2204 ph: (+61) 02 8188 1867 mail@rikistoursjapan.com.au ABN: 60140707089 Tick requested tour: Classic Sakura 30 Mar 2015

Sakura Highland

agency

______________________________________

consultant

______________________________________

phone

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City Lights & Alpine Trails

Combined Spring Green

Spirit of Japan

North to Kamui Mintara

Combined Green’n’Gold

Autumn Colours

16 May 2015 19 Sep 2015 23 May 2015 26 Sep 2015

12 Apr 2015

Travel agents use:

16 May 2015

19 Sep 2015

28 Oct 2015

10 Nov 2015

Traveller 1

Traveller 2

title & first name ______________________________________

last name

______________________________________

preferred name ______________________________________

occupation

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postal address ______________________________________

______________________________________

best phone

______________________________________

best phone

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I have attached a copy of my passport photo page. (tick)

Emergency contact (person not travelling with you)

full name

______________________________________

full name

______________________________________

best phone

______________________________________

best phone

______________________________________

relationship

______________________________________

relationship

______________________________________

Travel insurance (provide at least 60 days before departure)

insurance provider

__________________________________

insurance provider __________________________________

policy number

__________________________________

policy number

__________________________________

contact number

__________________________________

contact number

__________________________________

Fit to Travel Statement

I can walk at length unaided. y / n _______________________

I can handle my luggage.

y / n _______________________

I can handle my luggage.

y / n _______________________

I have allergies.

y / n _______________________

I have allergies.

y / n _______________________

I have diabetes.

y / n _______________________

I have diabetes.

y / n _______________________

I have a special diet.

y / n _______________________

I have a special diet.

y / n _______________________

I have a chronic illness.

y / n _______________________

I have a chronic illness.

y / n _______________________

I have consulted a doctor about my health for this tour. y / n

Traveller 1 Declaration

Traveller 2 Declaration

This booking is subject to Riki’s Tours Japan Booking Terms which are fully set out on the facing page of this brochure and on our website in a larger font. The booking terms form part of your contract with Riki’s Tours Japan. name

___________________________________________

signature ___________________________________________ date

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name

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signature ___________________________________________ date

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Please return this booking form by email or snail mail with a copy of each traveller’s passport photo page.

It was a wonderful tour and Riki was a very considerate leader who took personal interest in each member, and in a small group we could all get to know each other well. His personal and historical knowledge of Japan is terrific, with considerartion of our safety and well being foremost in planning for each day’s adventure. Carol Collins

rikistoursjapan.com.au mail@rikistoursjapan.com.au [+61] 02 8188 1867 facebook.com/rikistoursjapan PO Box 3146 Marrickville Metro 2204 ABN 60140707089 Copyright Riki’s Tours Japan © 2014 For image attributions see rikistoursjapan.com.au Brochure design by J-kun Communications Original logos & icons by jonocreatesstuff.com Printed by Cosmo Printing Marrickville

Riki’s Tours Japan supports Devil Ark to protect Tasmanian Devils