Unique Japan Tours Travel Brochure by Unique Japan Tours

Experts in Real Japan Travel

Japan Small Group, Self-Guided & Tailor-Made Tours

Contents I N T R O D U C T I O N TO U N I Q U E J A PA N T O U R S

J apan - F our D istin c t S easons

J apan - G E T T I N G A R O U N D

A CC O M M O D A T I O N

10 - 11

F E S T I VA L H I G H L I G H T S

12 - 13

C U LT U R A L E X P E R I E N C E S

14 - 15

SMALL GROUP TOURS

16 - 17

J A PA N D I S C OV E R E D

18 - 19

S P I R I T U A L M O U N T A I N S & S amurai T rails

20 - 21

SELF- GUIDED TOURS

22 - 23

THE GOLDEN ROUTE

24 - 25

T R A D I T I O N A L & T R O P I C A L J A PA N

26 - 27

F O R G OT T E N J A PA N

28 - 29

LO S T I N J A PA N

30 - 31

WONDERS OF THE WEST

32 - 33

KUMANO KODO PILGRIMAGE ROUTE

34 - 35

THE NORTHERN TRAIL

36 - 37

HOKKAIDO WINTER ACTION

38 - 39

U S E F U L I N F O R M AT I O N

40 - 41

T R A V E L N otes

Experts in Real Japan Travel

I N T R O D U C T I O N TO U N I Q U E J A PA N T O U R S

Our Story Unique Japan Tours is an independent travel company owned and managed by Darina & Masaki Nakagawa. Darina, born in Ireland, has been going back and forth to Japan since 1998, where she spent one year at a Tokyo University. Hungry for more she returned after graduating with a BA Degree in Business & Japanese from the University of Ulster, and spent three more years working at a Japanese company. It was during this time she took every opportunity available to leave Tokyo on the weekends and holiday seasons to explore the rest of Japan. Having realised what a diverse and attractive place Japan was for outsiders (gaijin), with little information on how to access these places (in English), she then began to develop ideas for making her passion her job! Thus, in 2006, a new and niche business was born!

Our Tours

Our Promise

The types of tours provided range from; Tailored Self-Guided Trips which include attractive accommodation options, transfers, cultural activities, local guides, and rural retreats; to Small Group Tours, where you travel with like minded people whose purpose is to experience every element of Japan’s culture and countryside, by having on-hands assistance and leadership throughout the entire journey, allowing you to focus on the places visited, rather than on the logistics of getting there.

Our aim is to provide you with a greater understanding and clearer vision of the culture, the history, and the everyday life in rural and urban Japan, than you would get if planning this trip by yourself. We provide you with local guides, contacts, private tours, cultural activities, and a completely customised travel information pack before you go, which includes a detailed travel itinerary, local information, contact details for hotels and guides, and extensive access maps on how to get to each place using our recommended transport mode. This travel pack will become your passport for accessing each place on your itinerary which is where the knowledge and information provided by us stands out.

Our Team

We realise, for most people, Japan is a once in a lifetime destination. For this reason each tour is personally designed by one of our passionate Japan travel experts. We all know and love Japan. Darina and her team have spent years Some of us are based in Dublin, where researching and developing exciting our head office is registered, while and adventurous routes throughout others live in London, Kyoto and Tokyo. the whole of Japan. Each itinerary is This means you can travel around designed to embrace Japan’s highlights Japan knowing that English speaking as well as take in the places less visited. assistance is only a local phone call away.

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I N T R O D U C T I O N TO U N I Q U E J A PA N T O U R S

Introduction to Unique Japan Tours Testimonials I would like to thank you so much for the wonderful organisation and planning of our holiday to Japan recently. It was truly one my family will remember forever. The shared experiences you organised and recommended were perfect for us. The hotels, inns and ryokans were fantastic and combined perfectly. The guides and drivers you organised reflected well upon you and your company. (Crawford Family, Australia)

It was absolutely brilliant! We all fell in love with Japan and the Japanese people. I was a bit worried about going on a self-guided tour but we enjoyed the flexibility of it and the travel pack was very accurate. We loved the hotels, ryokans, and the dinner in Miyajima was splendid. It was very hard to come back to reality and I can’t wait to go back. (McGrath Family, Ireland)

We all had a fantastic trip and when anyone asks I reiterate the outstanding service and commitment of Darina and her associates. Without them, this voyage would not have been possible. (Duff & Kent Couples, New Zealand and France) Read more of what our customers have said on their return here: http://www.uniquejapantours.com/Home/Customer-Feedback

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Four Distinct Seasons Sea of Okhotsk HOKKAIDO

Sapporo

Japan is an all-year-round destination but remember, temperatures can vary considerably throughout the year depending on which island you visit. Notably the northern island of Hokkaido gets harsher winters yet cooler summers while the main islands from central Honshu westwards to Shikoku and Kyushu, enjoys milder winters yet hotter summers.

Japanese people celebrate various holiday seasons throughout the year which should be considered when planning your trip. During these periods, disruptions to travel may occur due to high demand. See page 40 for the full list.

Furano

Tohoku

Sea of Japan

Summer (June-August)

Winter (December-February)

Favoured by many is Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring time. Temperatures around Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu begin to get warmer while further north in Hokkaido the mountains will still have their blanket of snow on, until late April/ early May. The world famous sakura (cherry blossom trees) start to bloom in the south from late March, so if you plan your trip for April, you should be guaranteed to see them at some stage. Due to the popularity of sakura both with foreigners and Japanese themselves, who enjoy hanami (sakura picnics), places such as Kyoto and parts of Tokyo are often crowded. To avoid crowds and peak season prices, then May is a better option.

Summer begins for the southern islanders around May but for the main islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, the real heat arrives in July and remains until late August and sometimes into September. The rainy season differs every year but is often around late June going into July. Hokkaido is at its most colourful in the Summer with miles of vivid tulip & lavender fields and agricultural crops, making this a dream destination for nature lovers who wish to escape the humidity from the concrete jungles of Tokyo and Osaka.

The days start getting colder from midDecember on the mainland (Honshu) while Hokkaido in the north will be well and truly ready for their winter sports season. Despite putting up with blankets of snow in the north, expect very different temperatures in Tokyo, Kyoto, or further west and south, particularly the southern Ryukyu islands. So, to avoid to cold, travel south. Or, if you prefer to embrace the harsher temperaturees, you could combine a ski or snow board holiday in Hokkaido or Nagano, with culture and onsens in Kyushu. This will certainly give you a diverse flavor of what Japan can offer.

Autumn (September-November)

Nikko

Nagano

Kanazawa

Matsumoto Kanto Takayama

Kansai Chugoku Okayama Hiroshima

Haneda Yokohama

Osaka

Tokyo International Airport (Haneda / HND)

Nara

Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya / NGO)

SHIKOKU Kumamoto

KYUSHU Kagoshima Ibusuki

Autumn is considered one of the best times to travel to Japan. The leaves begin to change colours from their luscious greens to rich reds and bright yellows. From late September, the temperatures begin to cool down after the hot and humid latter months making this season one of the most comfortable ones to travel in.

Tokyo

Narita International Airport (Tokyo / NRT)

Mt Koya

Fukuoka

Nagasaki

Narita

Kamakura Hakone

Kyoto

J apan - F our D istin c t S easons

HONSHU

Spring (March-May)

Pacific Ocean Kansai International Airport (Osaka / KIX)

Japan

Yaku Isl.

Amami Ooshima

Okinawa

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Getting around

Trains using the Japan Rail Pass

What is the Japan Rail Pass?

Public Bus & Chartered Coaches

Private Transfers

Rent-A-Car

Internal Flights & Ferries

The train is the best way to get around but fares can add up. If you are intending to travel around for one week or more, the Japan Rail Pass is a good idea. Just make sure you are planning enough journeys to justify the cost.

The JRP offers unlimited travel around Japan for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive day periods on any Japan Rail train (some restrictions apply) to visitors living outside Japan. It can be used on the Hikari & Kodama Shinkansen trains (not Nozomi), which can transport you and your guests from the northern tip of Honshu as far as the southern tip of Kyushu in comfort and style. Some JR buses and ferries also accept the pass including the ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island.

When you enter the mountainous regions of Japan, the train is not always the best option. In these cases, we recommend travelling by public buses or if in a group by chartered coach. Buses are very comfortable and if the journey is more than 2 hours, they tend to have a break at a convenient service area. Another reason we chose buses over trains is to capture the spectacular scenery along these routes.

Many of our tours will include private transfers where we feel are necessary. The quality of vehicle varies, depending on your budget and location, but you can be guaranteed comfort and style throughout.

If feeling confident and adventurous we sometimes recommend you to rent your own car, especially in the more rural areas. Nowadays, cars will be equipped with either an English or Japanese car navigation system so you can travel around at your own pace with instructions from your new best friend! You might be put off by the language but don’t worry, the major directional signs should have English versions under the Japanese. And isn’t getting lost all part of the adventure!

In order to cover as much of Japan as possible, within your given timeframe and budget, we often include an internal flight to get you back to your departure point such as Tokyo. Or, if you are visiting one of the islands, the only way to access them is by flight or ferry. Either way, we will chose the best option for you, arranging all tickets in advance.

If you are unsure, speak to us. We are happy to give you honest advice. Most of our tours include the Japan Rail Pass along with a comprehensive list of train times, station names, and transfer details necessary for the journey you are taking. This valuable information will save you a lot of hassle and stress while on the ground in Japan. Planning your trip well is what will make your holiday a successful and rewarding one.

If you are visiting Japan as a tourist, you are eligible to get this pass. It is not available to buy once you arrive in Japan so be sure to arrange this prior to leaving your home country. Full details on prices and how to buy it can be seen on our website: www.uniquejapantours.com.

Cities such as Kyoto and Kanazawa are better serviced by city buses where as Tokyo is easier to get around by subway and trains. No matter what city or town you are in, we will provide you with up to date information on how best to see this area.

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J apan - G E T T I N G A R O U N D

Japans impressive transport system is one you won’t forget. Depending on your itinerary, we try to include a variety for people to experience such as; the super speedy shinkansen (bullet train), local buses, private transfers, domestic flights, and ferries. No matter which method we chose for you, you can be assured of comfort, reliability, and punctuality, allowing you to relax and enjoy the rides!

Accommodation

Ryokan

Minshiku

Shokubo

Machiya

Western Hotels

No trip to Japan is complete without at least one night in a traditional ryokan. The décor is typical Japanese; Simple and minimalist, sleeping on a futon laid out neatly on your tatami matted room (rice straw flooring). Kaiseki dinner (Japanese course meal) and traditional breakfast is included and in most ryokan you will find an onsen where you can enjoy the nature that surrounds it. All of our tours include at least one night in a ryokan but don’t be put off, some provide beds instead of futons if preferred.

Not unlike the ryokan, minshiku tend to be smaller, run by a family, and come with fewer facilities (particularly onsen). Rooms can be similar to ryokan, the food less ‘artistic’ yet traditional and tasty, and locations often more rural. Smaller towns and villages will usually have a minshiku available so depending on the itinerary we set for you will depend on whether you stay in one.

Shokubo are what are known as temple lodges, found usually near spiritual havens such as Koyasan (Mt Koya). Traditionally they were used by pilgrims as a place of rest along their spiritual route. Nowadays visitors from all over the world stay over, to experience this very unique accommodation option while partaking in some cultural workshops at the same time such as calligraphy and morning meditation, something that may not be for everyone but is certainly an interesting alternative.

The increase of foreign visitors to Japan, particularly Kyoto, has brought about new ideas such as staying in a machiya, a traditional Kyoto teahouse. This is ideal for a family or a couple who want their own privacy by trying this traditional self catering option. Each house is located in a convenient part of Kyoto, equipped with all of the necessary facilities such as futons for sleeping, kitchen appliances for cooking, and a bathroom with deep bath for winding down. Simple in style yet wonderfully unique in atmosphere.

A more familiar type of accommodation to visitors are western hotels. Generally of very high standard, the category of hotel differs considerably as with anywhere in the world.

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• Deluxe Hotels are the best you’ll find. They tend to be the larger international chains such as Peninsula, Hyatt, Westin, but some are more boutique and unique to Japan. • Superior Hotels are the equivalent of a four to five star Western luxury hotel.

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A CC O M M O D A T I O N

Unlike most western countries, your choice of where to stay in Japan is quite diverse. Our tours aim to give you a taste of everything Japanese from traditional to modern style lodgings. We combine each trip with authentic and rural ryokan (traditional Japanese hotels), family-run minshiku (traditional guesthouses), spiritual shokubo (temple inns), ancient farm houses, converted machiya (teahouses), onsen (hot spring) resorts, mixed with the more familiar Western style hotel which varies from 2 star to 6 star. Each plan may differ depending on your preference and budget!

• Standard Hotels are a step down from the latter in terms of facilities and room size but are ideal for tourists and business travellers. Most of our plans are based on standard hotels with the option to upgrade at any time. • Business Hotels are used mainly by Japanese business people. They are not ideal for tourists mainly because of the lack of English available at reception and in your room. However they are a good option for people on a tighter budget.

Festival Highlights

F E S T I VA L H I G H L I G H T S

We have listed a selection of our favourite festivals which we recommend you see at least one of.

Takayama Spring and/or Autumn Festival Dates: April 14th/15th & Oct 9th/10th Location: Takayama Town Ranked as one of Japans three most beautiful festivals, you can enjoy watching the magnificently carved giant wooden floats, ancient puppets, and colourful costumes worn by the locals who parade the streets with traditional music and street stalls in the background. Tours: • Japan Discovered (pages 18-19) • The Golden Route (pages 24-25)

Visit our website for a larger selection of festivals: www.uniquejapantours.com/japan-travel-guide/festivals-&-events

Awa Odori Summer Festival

Gion Matsuri

Nachi-No-Hi Fire Festival

Earth Celebration

Miyajima Floating Firework Festival

Dates: August 12th-15th

Dates: July 1st-29th (Main day July 17th)

Dates: July 14th

Dates: August (dates vary each year)

Dates: August (Saturday)

Location: Kii-Katsuura, Wakayama

Location: Sado Island, Niigata

Location: Miyajima Island, Hiroshima

The main festival of the Nachi shrine in Kii-Katsuura (Wakayama Pref) takes place on July 14 at the base of this magnificent falls. It is a fire festival in which 6 meter high portable shrines symbolically representing the waterfall are purified with the fires from oversized torches laboriously carried by men dressed in white.

Once a year, in the quiet port town of Ogi, people gather from all over the world to transform Sado Island into a bustling international arts festival, called Earth Celebration. The world renowned Japanese taiko drummers, KODO, are natives of Sado. Special performances from talented and energetic musicians make this a festival for not only music lovers, but for those looking for something very different in Japan.

Miyajima is home to many festivals but one most of us recognise is the fireworks festival seen from a distance behind the giant floating torii gates.

Location: Tokushima, Shikoku ‘Awa’ is the former name for Tokushima and ‘Odori’ means to dance. During Obon season, over one million people come to Tokushima to watch the most famous of many local dance festivals in Japan. Dressed in Summer kimono’s, the men and women of Tokushima come together to dance the ‘fools’ dance which sings: “Fools dance and fools watch, if both are fools, you might as well dance”!! Tours: • Lost in Japan (pages 30-31)

Location: Kyoto (near Gion) The Gion Matsuri, familiarly known as ‘Gion-san’, is held at Yasaka-Jinja (Shrine) where a delightful pageant of some 30 floats (yamaboko) proceed along the main streets of Kyoto on the 17th of July every year. Tours: • Spiritual Mountains & Samurai Trails (pages 20-21) • Self-Guided Tours (pages 22-39)

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Tours: • Spiritual Mountains & Samurai Trails (pages 20-21) • K umano Kodo Pilgrimage Route (pages 34-35)

• Forgotten Japan (pages 28-29)

We can tailor any itinerary to include the festival you really want to see. Contact us today for some expert advice.

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Tours: • The Northern Trail (pages 36-37)

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F E S T I VA L H I G H L I G H T S

Festivals, known as ‘matsuri’, occur all year round in Japan, particularly between April and November. Hokkaido is home to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival in February and of course the New Year Celebrations on January 1-3 give most towns and villages a reason to throw some kind of festival in their temple or shrine.

Tours: • The Golden Route (pages 24-25) • Traditional & Tropical Japan (pages 26-27) • Lost in Japan (pages 30-31) • Wonders of the West (pages 32-33)

Cultural Experiences

Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony

Calligraphy & Meditation

Soba-Noodle Making

Dinner with Geisha

Washi-Paper Making

Sake Tasting & Brewery Visit

Your tea master will demonstrate how a traditional tea ceremony is held at a local Kyoto Machiya (teahouse). You will then get the chance to perform your own after which you can try the bitter tasting maccha tea, complimented nicely with something sweet.

While staying at a Buddhist temple, many of them will offer a calligraphy workshop where you can spend an hour writing your own Buddhist script. Wake up the next morning at sunrise and join the chief monk for their morning of meditation.

Learn how to make your own healthy buckwheat noodles at a local restaurant/cookery school before sitting down for lunch to sample your Japanese culinary skills.

This can be arranged in certain parts of Japan but more famously in Kyoto. Geisha are still very much a part of everyday life in Kyoto. To sit down and chat with one is a rare opportunity that most Japanese people will never get to experience.

For those fond of Japan’s rice wine, a trip to a sake brewery is always a treat. Watch how the sake is made and enjoy the highlight at the end – the tasting! Sake breweries are found all over Japan but particularly in places blessed with good water such as Niigata & Takayama.

Duration: 1 hour

Duration: 1 hour each approx.

Washi, meaning, Japanese paper, is a traditional hand-made paper found and used throughout Japan. The process for making this is quite simple when shown how. This fun filled hour is great for families and small groups and certainly gives you a sense of achievement when completed.

Location: Kyoto

Duration: 2-3 hours Location: Contact us directly if you would like this included in your itinerary

Duration: 2-3 hours Location: Kyoto, Tokyo, and more

Location: Koyasan, Kyoto & Nara

Duration: 1 hour approx.

C U LT U R A L E X P E R I E N C E S

If you are lucky to make it as far as Japan, it would be a real shame not to take part in something cultural while you are there. Here are just a few examples of what we can arrange for you to ensure you get the most out of your holiday to Japan.

Duration: 1-2 hours Location: All Japan

Location: Gokayama

Farm-stay in rural Japan Spend a night or two at a local farm with a friendly and inviting Japanese family. You can offer to help on the farm or you can just use this opportunity to experience real-life situations in Japan. The type of farms we use depends on the season but mainly rice or fruit farms in rural parts of Japan. Duration: 1 – 3 nights Location: All Japan

Calligraphy & Meditation at

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SMALL GROUP TOURS

Small Group Tours

We plan and operate exclusive Unique Japan ‘Small Group Tours’ that include many of the country’s highlights while also featuring some of our own favourite towns, villages and off the beaten track locations we want to share with people. The UJT team have spent years researching the best places to include on a small group tour itinerary, and have put together a list of unforgettable trips to Japan. If you are unsure about joining a small group tour, read below, six honest reasons why one of our small group tours might just be the answer for you - even if you think it is not your style. Off-the-beaten track locations

High in Quality, Low in Quantity

Tours Begin & End in Japan

Passionate Tour Leaders

Diverse Scenery

Meet the Locals!

Each tour has been lovingly designed by a team of Japan enthusiasts who have spent years finding the places most consider, hidden treasures. Combine these years of research with local knowledge and passionate tour leaders, and you get an unforgettable holiday of a life time to Japan.

Let’s just say, you pay for what you get on these tours. Each tour has an average of 10-12 people, usually likeminded and well travelled. A touch of contemporary chic hotels combined with rural onsens, family minshiku’s, temple lodges, and traditional Japanese ryokans ensure a well balanced eclectic mix of accommodation types.

Each tour begins and ends in Japan which means that all nationalities are welcome to join from any airport in the world. Our tour member profiles have been mixed in the past from as far as Australia & Chicago, to Slovakia & Africa. Having the flexibility of being able to come and go from where ever you like also means you can add on another country to your big trip! However, with so much to see and do in Japan, this is not always necessary.

Each Small Group Tour is led by one of our passionate tour leaders who have lived or lives in Japan. They speak the language, love the adventure, and are eager to teach you about the lifestyle, foods, people, and tales of being a ‘foreigner’ in Japan. These hands-on leaders are ready to assist you 24/7 throughout the duration of your tour.

Unlike when travelling solo using the Japan Rail Pass, you will discover deeper valleys and higher mountain tips as a result of the transport options we use. You can be sure of a more exhilarating adventure; boat rides, cable cars, private cars and coaches, and not forgetting the super speedy shinkansen!

In order for you to get the most of your time in Japan, a local guide will meet you in certain places along the way. These local guides know the best places to eat, drink, shop, explore, and educate you on each town’s best bits! Free time is a given on these tours so grabbing this local information will allow you find your own adventures on certain stops.

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Small Group Tour

Japan Discovered

Start: Osaka Finish: Tokyo

13 Nights / 14 days Departure Months: Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep

Oct Nov Dec

Japan Discovered is an exciting journey through the glittering cities, the mountainous terrains, the paddy field plains, the spiritual temples, and the deep culture of this ancient nation. If you are a first timer or indeed a return visitor you will see parts of Japan that most would find difficult to do on their own. You will take part in various cultural activities like an authentic tea ceremony in Kyoto, rice paper making & soba noodle making in Gokayama, calligraphy & meditation in Koyasan, and entertainment by a young Geisha over a traditional dinner.

ROUTE: Osaka ➞ Mt Koya ➞ Kyoto (Nara, Hiroshima & Miyajima Island) ➞ Kanazawa ➞ Takayama (Gokayama) ➞ Kamiyamada Onsen (Matsumoto) ➞ Tokyo

Osaka (1 night)

Koyasan (1 night)

Kanazawa (1 night)

Begin your journey in Japan’s second largest city, Osaka. You will have free time to explore the city on your own before meeting your group on your first day. Your tour leader will take you downtown to Dotombori to a local Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) restaurant, an Osaka special, not to be missed!

Located just over 2 hours south of Osaka hides the spiritual centre of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, Koyasan. Established 1200 years ago by the famous religious scholor Kukai (known after his death as Kobo Daishi), this sacred site is considered one of the most rewarding places to visit in Kansai. When we reach the summit (1000m above sea level) we are welcomed by our local guide, who will take us on a spiritual walk around this mystical setting before settling in to an evening of temple life at a local lodge, known as shokubo. Tonight the temple monks will serve you shojin-ryori, the traditional cuisine of shokubo, consisting of vegetarian dishes (no meat, fish, onions or garlic).

Kyoto (4 nights) Nara, Hiroshima & Miyajima Island day trips Four nights are given to the culturally rich and not to miss city of Kyoto taking in the breathtaking temples, gardens, and shrines with a local guide. You will participate in an authentic tea ceremony at a local machiya (tea house). On one of your days from Kyoto we will take the train to Nara, Japan’s first capital. Home to eight Unesco world heritage sites, we will visit the top three. You may have had enough of temples at this stage which is why we recommend Miyajima – a picture perfect island populated with wild deer, mountain walks, and quintessential Japanese architecture. If you prefer to opt out of this day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima, you will have an extra free day in Kyoto to explore on your own.

April & October tours include the famous Takayama Spring or Autumn Festival. May & September tours include the option to see a Sumo Game during the grand tournament.

Almost half way into your tour, your tour leader will take you on the train two hours north of Kyoto to Kanazawa, also known as Little Kyoto. Stroll along Higashi Chaya, the former geisha and samurai district before entering one of Japan’s top three gardens – Kenrokuen. Next to the perfectly manicured lawns and shrubs lies the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art which has permanent displays from some of the worlds renowned artists such as James Turrell. If you fly into Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airports, we will advise you on the best route to Osaka (usually by Shinkansen). Ask your travel consultant for the details.

Toyama dance. Two nights will be spent in Takayama where you can enjoy free time strolling the old merchant streets, visit Takayama Jinya, and if you join our April or October tours, take part in their annual Spring/Autumn Festival. Your tour leader will take you out to a local Hida Beef restaurant on one evening, very famous in this region.

Matsumoto & Kamiyamada Onsen (1 night) Drive through one of Japan’s most spectacular routes taking in views of colourful mountain passes and flushing dams and rivers, before arriving at the castle town of Matsumoto. We will spend a few hours at Matsumoto castle before continuing on to a small

Gokayama & Takayama (2 nights) Between Kanazawa and Takayama lies the remote, less visited world heritage Gokayama. Famous for their rustic farmhouses (gassho zukkuri) found in very few places in Japan, it is here you will learn how to make soba (buck wheat) noodles, washi paper, and enjoy a local farmer perform the traditional

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J A PA N D I S C OV E R E D

Jan Feb Mar

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onsen village in Kamiyamada, a short distance from Nagano city. You will be entertained by a Geisha at a local friendly ryokan. The next day, you will get up close and personal with the wild monkeys at Jikokudani hot spring (snow monkey park) before arriving in Tokyo that evening.

Tokyo (3 nights) On arrival, your tour leader will show you the night sights in Shinjuku, sure to blow you away! The next day you will spend the whole day exploring with a local guide to the fish market and other highlights. There is an option to take a trip to Mt Fuji/Hakone on your last day, before your tour sadly comes to an end.

What’s included? • Met on arrival at Kansai Airport by an English speaking representative • Airport transfers on arrival and departure dates • 13 nights stay in western hotels (9 nights), temple lodge (1 night), ryokan (3 nights) • Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 4 dinners • All transfers between destinations using local trains, shinkansen, subways, private vehicles, cable car, and ferry

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• All activities and entrance fees as per itinerary • English-speaking tour leader throughout with local guides in places • Taxes including service charges • Japan Travel Pack including maps, detailed itinerary, local information & a few special surprises

Spiritual Mountains & Samurai Trails

Start: Tokyo Finish: Tokyo

14 Nights / 15 days

Departure Months: Jan Feb Mar

Japan is blessed with some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world, most of which is found deep in the valleys and high in the mountains, miles away from the metropolitan cities you will have arrived in to. The mountain trails chosen for this tour have been passed for centuries by thousands of pilgrims from all walks of life, as well as retired Emperors and samurai leaders. Some particular favourites including, the Unesco recognised ‘Sacred Mountains of the Kii Peninsula’, Mt Fuji, and the preserved samurai postal route (Tsumago to Magome), have been included in this tour spread out between stop offs in the lively cities. Spiritual Mountains and Samurai Trails Tour will give you a taste of what these pilgrims experienced by taking part in all levels of walking. You will be led by local mountain guides who will accompany you through the forest trails and valley gorges on foot, by boat, and private vehicles, staying over night in mountain lodges and traditional minshiku.

This tour is the perfect solution for those in search of an active, off-the-beatentrack traditional Japanese experience.

Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep

Oct Nov Dec

ROUTE: Tokyo ➞ Mt Fuji ➞ Kyoto ➞ Kii Peninsula ➞ Nagoya ➞ Tsumago/Magome ➞ Tokyo • July & August tours will have the option to climb Mt Fuji with a professional mountain guide, staying over night in a mountain lodge instead of a ryokan. • September tour includes the option to see a Sumo Game during the grand tournament in Tokyo. • November tour falls during the popular Kouyou season (leaf changing season).

Tokyo (3 nights)

Kyoto (3 nights)

Nagoya (1 night)

Tsumago & Magome (2 nights)

Perhaps less spiritual than what lies ahead and certainly few signs of the old samurai routes, Tokyo will be where we start and end this tour. We will spend a full day with a local guide who will take you up 350 metres in the sky to the new and exciting Tokyo Sky Tree. An intersteing trip to the fish market in the morning will be sure to whet your appetite for tasting the freshest sushi in the world!

No trip to Japan will be complete without a few nights stay in the ancient capital Kyoto. Here we will enjoy a mix of free time with visits to the world heritage Kinkakuji and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, before performing an authentic tea ceremony at a local machiya (tea house). On one evening we will have the pleasure of being entertained by a young Geisha (Maiko) at a local restaurant.

To break up the journey a little, we will spend one night in Nagoya, home to the world famous Toyota. Your tour leader will take you to a local izakaya to sample tebasaki (marinated chicken wings) one of the cities local cuisines. Nagoya has lots of lively night spots so if you feel like letting your hair down, don’t forget to set your alarm!

Following a night in the city of Nagoya we will take the train north to Nagano prefecture disbanding in Tsumago, a beautifully preserved samurai postal town once used as the main access route between Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto. It was here you would have met Japan’s samurai, geisha, merchant workers, old villages, and lots of hills, mountains, and magnificent nature. On our second day here some (or all) of us will walk the mountain trail from Tsumago to Magome which is approx. 8km long. For those who prefer to take the easier route, a bus service connects both villages giving you more time to explore.

Prior to reaching Kumano we will spend two nights in the capital before making Mt. Fuji (1 night) our way to Japan’s iconic Fuji-san. A couple of nights will also be spent in the old samurai postal town of Tsumago where you will soak in the magnificent hot springs and take part in a mountain trek from one town to the next (Magome). As with all of our tours, Kyoto will be included for three nights, to experience the traditional Japan and visit more impressive temples and shrines.

S P I R I T U A L M O U N TA I N S & S A M U R A I T R A I L S

Small Group Tour

For those who join our July and August tours, you will get the opportunity to climb this majestic giant (Fuji-san) with a local guide. Overnight in a mountain hut (don’t expect luxury) to watch the sun rise 3,880 metres in the clouds, an over whleming experience for many. For those who prefer to glaze at the view, you will stay at a ryokan and take a hot spring bath by the lakeside. On our November tour, we will visit Hakone instead and enjoy the sights around this popular area during the breathtaking kouyou season.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route (4 nights) Located in the magnificent Kii Peninsula (3 hours south of Osaka) is the breathtaking Kumano region, one of the oldest sacred sites and pilgrimage routes for more than 1000 years. It is blessed with lush mountains, awe inspiring waterfalls, a rugged coastline, soothing hot springs, and rich traditional culture. We will spend five unforgettable days discovering Japan’s spiritual roots, stopping at the three grand shrines; Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha, along the way.

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What’s included? • Met on arrival at Narita Airport by an English speaking representative • Airport transfers on arrival and departure dates • 14 nights stay in western hotels (7 nights) and Japanese style ryokans or minshuku’s (7 nights) • Breakfast daily & 6 dinners • All transfers between destinations using local trains, shinkansen, subways, and private vehicles

email: info@uniq ue japantours .c om

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Self-Guided Tours

For those who prefer the do-it-yourself style approach to travelling, our Self-Guided Tours may suit you.

Each Self-Guided Tour has been tried and tested by our team and our customers for many years. All tours can be tailored further if something is not right for you. They cover a mix of top world heritage sites, seasonal excursions & festivals, cultural activities, and interaction with local people, giving you a truly unique Japan experience.

Saving Time

Saving Money

Traditional Accommodation

Detailed Travel Pack

For most people, this is a once-in-alifetime trip. The objective of a selfguided tour is to save you time from the moment you land to the day you depart. Before arriving, we discuss with you what you want to see and do. Based on the information we get from you, we design an itinerary that we feel will fit your needs. This, along with very detailed ‘access maps’ which will help you get to each place on your itinerary, will be sent to you prior to your tour starting. So all you have to do is follow our instructions, advice and enjoy the ride!

We work with hundreds of accommodation providers and suppliers in Japan. And we operate most tours ourselves hiring our own network of local guides and assistants on the ground. This saves you money! Remember, each plan is designed to suit your budget so no matter how big or small this is, speak to us first.

If this is your first time to Japan we realise it is difficult to imagine what to expect. To dive straight into Japanese culture, i.e. sleeping on the floor, eating Japanese food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, hearing nothing but Japanese language, when put together, can often be a challenge for people. So, we try to introduce each element bit by bit, not over doing it on any one important piece. We try to include at least one night in a traditional ryokan where you can experience eating real Japanese food, soaking in the natural hot springs (onsen), and sleeping on the rice matted floor (tatami) on your futon.

Before you leave your home country, we will send you a very detailed travel information Travel Pack. This includes:

Travel like a local In some places, where we feel is worth it, we provide local guides to show you around either using public transport or private car (if your budget allows). Having this local assistance is a great way to learn more about the culture, the area, and indeed the lifestyle of Japanese people. Private guides can add to the cost but certainly add to the overall experience.

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• Final Day-to-Day Itinerary • List of hotels in English & Japanese • Access Maps corresponding to each

• Japan Rail Pass & information • Recommended train times with

reservations sheet written in Japanese to hand to ticket office for booking shinkansen/express trains

• Travel Tips (customised) • Local Information including

restaurant and eating out tips

• Complimentary Japan Travel Guidebook

Local tickets such as Ghibli Museum, Sumo Tournament, Bus, Sky Tree, etc. are sent directly to your hotel which you will receive on day of arrival.

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10 Steps for choosing & booking a Self-Guided Tour? 1 Select your favourite tour from the list (If you still don’t know, speak to us and we will help you decide)

email: info@unique jap antours .c om

3 Wait while we prepare the first detailed sample of your holiday itinerary

destination/place on your itinerary

SELF- GUIDED TOURS

Why chose a Self-Guided Tour Option?

4 Reply with your changes and/or other requests after which we revise the plan until you are happy with it

5 Book your flights & send us the flight schedule 6

F ill out the booking form we send you and pay booking deposit

7 Wait until we confirm all services & hotels 8 Once confirmed, wait until 2 months before you travel when final payment is due. (If your start date is within 8 weeks, full payment is required once all services have been confirmed)

9 Two weeks before you depart your home country, you will receive your detailed Travel Pack.

10 Begin your Self-Guided Adventure in Japan knowing that backup is available at any time while you are there!

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Self-Guided Tour

The Golden Route

Takayama Optional

Matsumoto Tokyo Hakone

Kyoto

Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

A popular route for first time visitors, The Golden Route will give you a well balanced understanding of Japanese history and culture. Up until 1868 the capital city, or the city where the Emporer took residence, was Kyoto. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Emporer was moved to Edo, which then became known as Tokyo.

ROUTE: Tokyo (2) ➞ Hakone (1) ➞ Kyoto (3) ➞ Miyajima Island (1) ➞ Tokyo (2)

To imagine the sheer size of Tokyo, it is best to picture one giant city (Tokyo) which houses multiple smaller cities (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Ueno, Harajuku and so on), spread out over 240 square miles. Each city and suberb is accessed by a highly advanced and reliabe rail network. The most significant observation when visiting Tokyo is how efficient, clean and successfully automatic the society on a whole works, despite having a population of over 30 million people.

Next stop Kyoto – the culture capital

Tokyo....a helping hand

Mt Fuji here we come.....

Spend your first day adjusting to the time difference, enjoying the random spectacles on show in everyday Tokyo life. On Day 2 you will be met by our local Tokyo guide who will give you a complete run down on how to get around plus the basic ‘things to know before you go’ information. This helping hand will give you the kick start needed to make this trip a successful one. You will travel around Tokyo like a local and better still, with a local! We will recommend places to see but if you have your own ideas, be sure to tell us or your guide. You can pay the entrance fees and lunch on the spot giving you the freedom to go where ever you like.

After two exciting days in Tokyo, you will move west to Hakone, famous for its hot springs and the famous Mt Fuji. Tonight will be spent Japanese style in a traditional ryokan. Don’t be surprised if your room has no bed – traditionally, Japanese people sleep on futons, laid nicely on tatami mats (rice straw mats). You will be provided with a 2 day pass that allows free entrance into most of the sights nearby. This popular Hakone day trip involves riding the switchback train, funicular ropeway (gondala), and cruise on Lake Ashi. All can be done within the space of a few hours so the rest of your time you can spend soaking in the onsen. Enjoy traditional Japanese dinner at your ryokan.

• July & August – Option to climb Mt Fuji with/without mountain guide staying overnight in mountain hut. • September – Option to see a live Sumo Game during Grand Tournament.

When you feel ready to leave Hakone the following day, take the famous shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Kyoto is home to almost two thousand magnificent temples and shrines, some of which include Kinkakuji, Kiyomizu Temple, and Nijo Castle. Your time in Kyoto will be spent learning about Japan’s Samurai days with a local guide, drinking macchya (green powdered tea) at a tea ceremony in a machiya (tea house), walking the picturesque streets of Gion and Pontouchou waiting to spot the glowing Maiko and elegant Geisha on their way to their appointments.

Not to be missed - Miyajima Island

Tour Extension

Continue your travel to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island where you will stay in a traditional ryokan, enjoying kaiseki dinner and soothing hot springs. Miyajima Island is perhaps best known for the red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine which appears to be floating in the sea. In the evening this gate and the shrine behind it (as well as other traditional buildings in the area) are floodlit and the atmosphere is magical.

Takayama & Matsumoto

THE GOLDEN ROUTE

9 Nights

Start: Tokyo Finish: Tokyo

If you can spare two more nights in Japan we recommend returning to Tokyo via the traditional town of Takayama & the castle town of Matsumoto. Experience completely new scenery with mountains, village atmosphere, and valley drives the highlight.

What’s included? 9 nights accommodation (2 in traditional ryokan) Meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 dinners Transport & Transfers: • Tokyo arrival/departure transfers (Limousine Bus Tickets) • Suica Subway Card • 7 day Japan Rail Pass • Hakone Free Pass (valid for 2 days) • • •

• •

Private Guides & Tours (English speaking): • Airport meet & greet on arrival • Tokyo full day private guide • Kyoto full day private guide • Kyoto Tea ceremony at local machiya Unique Japan Tours Essential Travel Pack

Tour Prices: Up-to-date prices can be viewed on our website: www.uniquejapantours.com To receive an accurate quotation with details of itinerary, contact us directly: info@uniquejapantours.com

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U K t el : +4 4 (0 )2 0- 3239 2519

email: info@unique jap antours .c om

www.unique jap antours .c om

Self-Guided Tour

Traditional & Tropical Japan

Snow Monkey day trip

Start: Tokyo Finish: Tokyo

Takayama

Optional day trip to

Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

Kamiyamada Onsen Tokyo

6 Kyoto

13 Nights Amami-Oshima Island

Cool Tokyo

Nostalgic Takayama & Feudal Arrive into Tokyo to be met at the airport Matsumoto by a local representative who will assist you in getting the correct train or bus to your hotel in Tokyo city centre. Our local guide will meet you on your second day to show you around and give you the confidence and knowledge needed to get around on your own from today onwards.

Kamiyamada Onsen & Nagano Kamiyamada, located in the tiny hot spring town of Togura, Nagano, dates back over one hundred years. It once flourished as a place of lodging on the pilgrimage route to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano city for many years. If your budget allows, we can arrange an evening of entertainment by a local Geisha, while having your traditional kaiseki dinner.

Before arriving to Takayama, you will make a brief stop in Matsumoto to visit one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved original castles. The drive from Matsumoto to Takayama will be through the mountains by public bus. No matter what time of the year you take this scenic drive, you will be blown away by its natural beauty and landscape. Two nights in the nostalgic town of Takayama, you will enjoy meeting the locals at the morning market, folk museum, old merchant houses and streets, and sake distilliaries.

ROUTE: Tokyo (2) ➞ Kamiyamada Onsen (1) ➞ (Matsumoto) ➞ Takayama (2) ➞ Kyoto (3) ➞ Amami Ooshima (3) ➞ Tokyo (2) Best Season: Available all year round. Prices may vary depending on season. See inside back page to view special seasons.

The Kyoto Experience

Tropical Amami Ooshima

Your next three nights will be in the ancient capital of Kyoto. Your time here will be spent visiting the world heritage temples, gardens, and shrines. If you are interested, we can arrange for you to visit the Imperial Palace (reservations required here). As with all of our selfguided tours, our local Kyoto guide will spend a full day with you showing you the sights you wish to see and finishing off in the Gion district at an authentic tea ceremony. If Hiroshima and Miyajima Island were on your list of places to see, you can do this as a day trip from Kyoto using your Japan Rail Pass, included in your pack.

At this stage of your trip, you might be feeling a bit weary from all the travelling - nothing a few nights on a tropical island can’t cure! Amami Ooshima benefits from not only having sub tropical climate all year round, but can boastfully claim the best beaches and scenic mountain drives Japan is proud to have. Your hotel is located in front of the glowing pacific, which offers the freshest food and a white sandy beach on your doorstep.

On one of your days here, we will arrange a driver/guide to come pick you up and take you on an exclusive tour of the island. You will enjoy canoeing on the forested mangrove lake and take a glass bottom boat trip out to get up close and personal with the thousands of tiny tropical fish. If you prefer to rent-a-car and do your own thing, we can arrange this too. Scuba diving and all other water sports can be arranged from your hotel on request.

What’s included? 13 nights accommodation (4 traditional ryokan, • 3 beach resort) • Meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 5 dinners • Transport & Transfers: • Tokyo arrival/departure transfers (Limousine Bus Tickets) • Suica Subway Card • 7 day Japan Rail Pass • Hakone Free Pass (valid for 2 days) • Internal flights to/from Amami Ooshima using Yokoso Japan Airpass [some restrictions apply]

Kamiyamada is located nearby the most famous monkey’s of Japan, Jigokudani located at Yudanaka onsen. These wild monkeys gather around an outdoor onsen found 2km into a mountain trail, for their daily wash.

T R A D I T I O N A L & T R O P I C A L J A PA N

Traditional & Tropical Japan is favoured by many, particularly couples and honeymooners, because of its contrasting inclusions. From the bright lights and giant towers in Tokyo to the hot springs and ryokans in Nagano and Takayama, you can look forward to a few nights of relaxation in one of Japan’s tropical islands in the south pacific. The perfect place to end an exhilarating journey through the traditional towns on the mainland.

•

Private Guides & Tours (English speaking): • Airport meet & greet on arrival • Tokyo full day private guide • Kyoto full day private guide • Kyoto Tea ceremony at local machiya • Amami Ooshima full day driver/guide including lunch & entrance fees Unique Japan Tours Essential Travel Pack •

Tour Prices: Up-to-date prices can be viewed on our website: www.uniquejapantours.com To receive an accurate quotation with details of itinerary, contact us directly: info@uniquejapantours.com

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U K t el : +4 4 (0 )2 0- 3239 2519

email: info@unique jap antours .c om

www.unique jap antours .c om

Self-Guided Tour

Forgotten Japan

Start: Tokyo Finish: Tokyo Kanazawa 4

12 Nights

Via Matsumoto

Tokyo

6 Tsumago

Kyoto 5

Upon arrival into the metropolitan city of Tokyo, you may find it difficult to imagine the old Japan once associated with samurai’s and geisha’s. Forgotten Japan captures every element of Japan we expect to see and more.

ROUTE: Tokyo (2) ➞ Tsumago & Magome (2) ➞ Takayama (2) (via Matsumoto) ➞ Kanazawa (1) (via Gokayama) ➞ Kyoto (3) ➞ Tokyo (2)

Ancient postal routes still in tact linking villages to towns, four hundred year old thatched roof farm houses, tea houses, streets filled with geisha rushing around, castles and samurai houses are what you will come across on this tour, sure to remind you of the Japan that once was.

Best Season: Available all year round. Prices may vary depending on season. See inside back page to view special seasons.

Traditional Tsumago & Magome

Back to Basics in Gokayama

‘Little Kyoto’ - Kanazawa

Authentic Kyoto

Stylish Tokyo

Nestled along the deep gorge of the Sho River, 33 gassho zukkuri (thatched roof farm houses) have been protected as national treasures in the historic village of Gokayama. Covered with blankets of snow in the Winter and bright coloured cherry blossom trees in the Spring, these villages have maintained most of their 400 year old charm. Our local guide will accompany you on this day taking you on a cultural journey like no other. Spend the morning making Soba noodles, a speciality in this region, to be tried and tested over lunch! Stop off at a local washi paper making factory and make a sheet or two of your own to take home. All of this plus a private dance by a local Toyoma farmer by the burning stove drinking hot tea and listening to the stories of a time gone by.

Parts of this lovely town remind us of a smaller Kyoto. Similar to Kyoto you will find a well preserved Geisha district (Higashi Chaya) with original tea and samurai houses on display. It is perhaps more famous for housing one of Japan’s top three gardens, Kenrokuen Garden. The perfect way to spend an afternoon strolling among the pretty ponds and beautiful bonsai’s. Located next to the garden is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, also a major attraction if seeking a bit of quirkiness on your trip!

Kyoto is one of the most culturally rich cities in Asia. We recommend staying at least three nights to get a sense of the Kyoto charm, one that you may not see at first glance, but will gradually discover when strolling the tiny back streets of Gion and visiting the impressive temples and shrines. You will be assisted by a local guide who will take you around like a local teaching you the history of this ancient capital and informing you of how people live now in this timeless city.

After ten incredible days traveling through a Forgotten Japan, you will be ready to hit the high streets of the contrasting metropolitan for two final nights before making your way home.

Once a post town on the old Nakasendo highway linking Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto, Tsumago has maintained much of its old Edo Period charm. Your time in Tsumago will take you back to a world miles apart from the modern Japan you just came from. The 8km hike through the mountain trail as far as Magome is well worth the effort on your free day. Whether you walk this route or take the local bus, your visit here will be a memorable one. Perfectly preserved streets selling local foods and crafts with stunning views of the Kiso valley. You can chose to stay in a well known ryokan with top class onsen or a traditional minshiku, depending on your budget. Two nights at either guarantee you’ll get the best introduction to rural Japan that money can buy!

Samurai’s & Swords in Matsumoto & Takayama From Tsumago you will follow in the footsteps of the Edo trail and make your way to Matsumoto, an alpine city surrounded on all sides by the towering peaks of the Japan Alps. This small city is more famous for its original castle, one of the few remaining in Japan. Capture a sense of ancient Japan by seeing how the samurai used to live and fight. From here you will continue on by bus through one the most scenic routes we know to the picturesque town of Takayama. Established in the 16th century as the castle town of the Kanomori family, it is now famous for its narrow streets containing well preserved inns, tea houses, merchant houses, and sake distilliaries – all very characteristic of the Edo period (16031868).

F O R G O T T E N J A PA N

Via Gokyanna

3 Takayama

Tour Extension Tropical Amami Ooshima or Okinawa (3-4 nights) From Kyoto, why not fly down to one of the Ryukyu islands (‘Amami Ooshima’ see page 27) relaxing and enjoying the totally tropical scenery before returning to Tokyo by air.

What’s included? • • •

12 nights accommodation (4 traditional ryokan) Meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners Transport & Transfers: • Tokyo arrival/departure transfers • Suica Subway Card • 14 day Japan Rail Pass • Matsumoto – Takayama bus tickets • Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa bus tickets

• •

Tour Prices: Up-to-date prices can be viewed on our website: www.uniquejapantours.com To receive an accurate quotation with details of itinerary, contact us directly: info@uniquejapantours.com

Irel and t el : +3 5 3 (0 )1 6 7 8 7 0 0 8

U K t el : +4 4 (0 )2 0- 3239 2519

email: info@unique jap antours .c om

www.unique jap antours .c om

Self-Guided Tour

Lost in Japan

featuring Shikoku Island

Tokyo 7 Kyoto 1 Miyajima Island 6

Takayama

LO S T I N J A PA N

5 Matsuyama & Dogo Onsen

via IYA Valley

Koyasan

3 Tokushima

Lost in Japan takes you on a journey through the spiritual temples in Koyasan, the hidden valleys and remote villages around the island of Shikoku while allowing you time in the must see cities of Tokyo and Kyoto. Shikoku Island, the smallest of the four main islands in Japan, enjoys less populated towns and villages than its neighbours and is an excellent place to experience unique cultural traditions while meeting friendly locals and traveling through the stunning scenic routes. Awa Odori festival in Tokushima is not to be missed if you plan on travelling in August. Considered one of Japan’s largest street festivals, it attracts more than one million visitors every year.

ROUTE: Kyoto (2) ➞ Koyasan (1) ➞ Tokushima (2) ➞ Takamatsu (2) (via Iya Valley) ➞ Matsuyama & Dogo Onsen (1) ➞ Miyajima Island (2) ➞ Tokyo (3)

Koyasan

Tokushima & the Iya Valley

Takamatsu & Naoshima Island

Dogo Onsen & Matsuyama

Miyajima Island

Tokyo

Upon arrival you will spend two culturally inspired nights in Kyoto, the ancient capital, before starting your real ‘Lost in Japan’ Adventure when you set out for Koyasan (Mt. Koya), home to the mausoleum of Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi. Set on the summit, 1000m above sea level, you will travel here by local trains and mountain tram. Our local guide will meet you on arrival and assist you checking into your temple lodge before taking a stroll around the village. Noriko will give you the insights into Japan’s two main religions: Buddhism and Shinto. Overnight at one of Koyasan’s 110 Temple Lodges (Shokubo) where the monks have lived and worked for hundreds of years, serving pilgrims who have completed the 88-Temple pilgrimmage route.

Wake up to the sound of the bell calling you before sunrise to join the monks morning meditation (optional). After breakfast, you will sail to Shikoku Island as far as Tokushima. You will be met by our local Shikoku guide who will spend the next few days with you traveling through the valleys, dancing the Awa Odori dance with you, and making your overall experience in Shikoku one to treasure. A true highlight while in Shikoku is a day trip around the Iya Valley. This sunning remote setting is centered along the 10km Iya River is also known as on the of three large hidden mountain regions in Japan. A boat ride along the river, crossing the Vine Bridge, and stop off in the traditional town of Kotohira are just some of the adventures you will get up to while travelling through Shikoku.

Takamatsu, a pretty port town facing the inland sea, is home to the wonderful Ritsurin Garden among other attractions. Two nights here will give you the option to take a day trip to an island, gaining increasing popularity amongst the worlds art and design enthusiasts, called Naoshima. Naoshima is a small island with a population of just 3,400 people situated approx. 2 hours inland from Takamatsu. A trip to this island will undoubtedly appeal to those who enjoy modern and alternative designs.

Matsuyama, Shikoku’s largest city, is home to one of Japans finest feudal castles, as well as the oldest onsen village, Dogo Onsen. The main onsen building was built in 1894 and was designated an important cultural site in 1994. There are plenty of other things to do in this area if you are not a fan of hot springs, including a trip to Matsuyama Castle nestled high in the hills with views overlooking the city and surrounding landscape.

Home to the World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, also known as the floating shrine, Miyajima Island is located across the water from Matsuyama. Hop across to Hiroshima by local ferry, continuing on to Miyajima after a brief stop at the Peace Park (optional), before settling in to a traditional ryokan on this peaceful island.

Finally you will make your way back to the capital….behind. Our local guide will meet you on one of these days to show you as much as you can in the time given!

Best Season: Every year (August 12 & 13) Tokushima - Awa Odori Summer Festival. Available all year round. Prices may vary depending on season. See inside back page to view special seasons.

LO S T I N J A PA N

13 Nights

Start: Kyoto Finish: Tokyo

Optional Day Trip Naoshima Island

Naoshima is a small island (population 3,400) situated in the Seto Inland Sea, approx. 2 hours from Takamatsu by ferry. This island is very well known to art lovers, architects, and will be appreciated by people who enjoy modern and alternative designs.

What’s included? • • •

13 nights accommodation Meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners Transport & Transfers: • Airport arrival/departure transfers • Koyasan World Heritage Pass • Wakayama to Tokushima ferry one/way • 7 Day Japan Rail Pass • Matsuyama to Miyajima Island ferry one/way • Tokyo transport card

• Private Guides & Tours (English speaking): • Kansai Airport Meet & Greet on arrival • Kyoto full day private guide • Tea ceremony at local machiya in Kyoto • Tokushima two full days private guide • Tokyo full day private guide • Unique Japan Tours Essential Travel Pack

Tour Prices: Up-to-date prices can be viewed on our website: www.uniquejapantours.com To receive an accurate quotation with details of itinerary, contact us directly: info@uniquejapantours.com

Irel and t el : +3 5 3 (0 )1 6 7 8 7 0 0 8

U K t el : +4 4 (0 )2 0- 3239 2519

email: info@unique jap antours .c om

www.unique jap antours .c om

Self-Guided Tour

Wonders of the West 14 Nights

featuring Kyushu & Yakushima Island

Start: Kyoto Finish: Tokyo Tokyo

6 Kyoto

Fukuoka

Unzen Onsen via Nagasaki

4 Kumamoto

Mt Aso day Trip

5 Yakushima Island

ROUTE: Kyoto (3) ➞ Fukuoka (1) ➞ Unzen Onsen (2) (via Nagasaki) ➞ Kumamoto (2) (incl. Mt Aso day Trip) ➞ Yakushima Island (3) ➞ Tokyo (3) Best Season: Kyushu enjoys comfortable temperatures all year round. Peak seasons are listed on inside back page.

Kyoto

Nagasaki & Fukuoka

Unzen Onsen

Kumamoto & Mt Aso

Kyoto, voted by many, as the most popular place to visit in Japan, deserves at least three nights stay. You will be based in the centre with free time for most of your stay apart from your second day where we will have one of our local guides meet you in your hotel/ ryokan lobby for a full day together. Your guide will bring you where you would like to see but if you have no ideas, he/ she will have plenty so you can discuss this before you set out.

From Kyoto, a three hour hop on the shinkansen will get you to Fukuoka using your Japan Rail Pass. If you feel like stopping in Hiroshima/MIyajima Island on the way, you have time. One night in Fukuoka, where you can sample the famous street food stalls (Yatai), will break up this long journey west.

Unzen, located along the Shimabara Peninsula, is famous for its volcanic activity and bubbling jigoku (boiling pools of thermal hot springs). Japan’s first national park opened here in 1934. Your traditional ryokan will present a beautiful kaiseki dinner for you on both nights in between your frequent dips in the onsen. There are plenty of mountain trails near your hotel to explore the nature on your own.

After two nights of pure bliss, relaxing in the worlds most natural hot spring resort, you will catch a local bus and subsequent ferry to the castle town of Kumamoto. A visit to the castle is a must. On your second day here, you will venture towards the gigantic volcanic caldera at Mt Aso. Mt Aso remains the largest active caldera in the world.

The next morning, continue on to Nagasaki. First visited by the Portuguese in 1571 this port town has flourished ever since as a busy trading hub, heavily influenced by the West. Today, you will see signs of this in its infrastructure and ambience, refreshing to see as a foreigner! Although the horrific atomic bomb marked a dark day in its history, Nagasaki is now a vibrant town, actively promoting peace across the globe

Yakushima Island Designated as a Unesco World Heritage site in 1993, Yakushima is one of Japan’s most densely forested island with over 7000 wild monkeys and deer living here. Yakushima is home to some of the oldest trees in the world. Jomon sugi is said to be between 2,6007,200 years old. Beautiful beaches and coastal drives are also part of this islands charm.

We will arrange our local Yakushima English speaking guide to meet you off the ferry, and take you to your minshiku, where you will spend three authentic nights here. Your guide will come back the next day and take you on an exploration of the island for the day. Depending on your fitness, you can decide whether you embark on the famous JomonSugi Trek or you may prefer to chose a lighter option of some other Ceder tree treks. Whichever route you chose, we guarantee you will find these few days on the island a hugely worthwhile experience.

Tokyo

WONDERS OF THE WEST

Western Japan, including Kyushu, is what the Lonely Planet describes as Japan’s ‘genuine article’, with a culture inspired by nature; mountains, seascapes, forests and the natural hot springs. Wonders of the West captures most of this with particular love given to the World Heritage Yakushima Island and the remote thermal town of Unzen.

The best way to get back to Tokyo is by flight. Your internal ticket will be provided so all you have to do is make it on time! Three final nights in Tokyo with a local guide for one full day at the end to finish this adventurous tour off with a bang!

What’s included? Kansai Airport Meet & Greet on arrival • 13 nights accommodation • • Meals: 13 breakfasts & 5 dinners • Tea ceremony at local machiya in Kyoto • Transport & Transfers: • Airport arrival/departure transfers • 7 Day Japan Rail Pass (Ordinary) • Kagoshima to Yakushima Island Ferry Tickets (return) • Kagoshima to Tokyo internal flight • Tokyo transport card

• •

Private Guides & Tours (English speaking): • Kyoto full day private guide • Yakushima Island Arrival Assistant & • Yakushima full day private guide/driver • Tokyo full day private guide Unique Japan Tours Essential Travel Pack

Tour Prices: Up-to-date prices can be viewed on our website: www.uniquejapantours.com To receive an accurate quotation with details of itinerary, contact us directly: info@uniquejapantours.com

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Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route

Start: Tokyo Finish: Nagoya/Osaka/Tokyo

Kii Katsura Kyoto

K U M A N O KO D O P I L G R I M AG E R O U T E

Tokyo & Kyoto, contrasting cities

Koyasan, the Holy Mountain

Before you begin your adventure in the Kii Peninsula, we recommend to start your trip in the capital. On your second day you will be met by one of our local guides who will show you the sights and orientate you on Japan in general.

Founded by the Great Kukai, who established an ashram at the top of this sacred mountain 1,200 years ago, Koyasan has been the home to a great number of ascetic monks who have been educated for many centuries. Immerse yourself in the spiritual home of many Japanese by staying over night in a temple. Our local Koyasan guide will meet you on arrival and teach you all there is to know about Japans two religions, Shinto and Buddhism, by walking you around each of the significant sights. Chose to meditate with the monks at sunrise, or practice calligraphy, another form of meditation, before bed.

Following the first three nights in Tokyo, move west to the ancient capital, Kyoto. It is here that you can experience the historical Japan at Nijo Castle, The Imperial Palace, and some of the magnificent temples scattered across the city, also list as World Heritage collections. Again, our local Kyoto guide will meet you for a day to tell you Kyoto’s story, one which dates back centuries and is of huge importance to the development of the modern Japan you see today.

Kumano Kodo, spiritual traditional Japan Following two nights on the holy mountain of Koyasan, you will move further south of the Kii Peninsula. Here you will be met by our local guides who are the mountain experts we rely on, for showing our guests the best of the Kumano Kodo walks. The pilgrimage route along this area links the three major hallowed grounds of Kumano Hongu, Kumano Hayatama and Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrines & Waterfall.

6 Naygoya

Osaka 6

3 4 Kawaya Onsen Koyasan

12 Nights

Registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list as the ‘Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range’ , Kumano Kodo is undoubtedly one of Japans most spectacular walking routes. Walking this route, like pilgrims have been doing for over a thousand years, is a wonderful way to experience traditional and rural Japan at its best. At the end of your walk, soak in an isolated onsen, sample local dishes, sleep in authentic guest houses, and be one with nature.

Tokyo

ROUTE: Tokyo (3) ➞ Kyoto (3) ➞ Koyasan (2) ➞ Kawayu Onsen (2) ➞ Kii Katsura (1) ➞ Nagoya/Tokyo/Osaka (1) Best Season: Available all year round. Prices may vary depending on season. See inside back page to view special seasons. Flexible Departure City

Useful information

After your spiritual adventure in the Wakayama region, make your way back to one of the major cities, either Nagoya, Osaka, or Tokyo before leaving Japan. Allocate at least a half a day for the journey to Nagoya or Osaka while Tokyo will take 2 to 3 hours longer.

Between the months of December and February, the river set in Kawayu Onsen becomes an outdoor hot spring bath where you can soak at your leisure. This is a truly unique and rare chance that we assure will give a wonderful lasting memory to your over all trip. So, if you can make this trip in the Winter, when temperatures are still quite mild, we highly recommend this tour.

K U M A N O KO D O P I L G R I M AG E R O U T E

Self-Guided Tour

* The amount of walking we include can vary so be sure to let us know how much you expect to walk in one day. On any of your days in Kumano, we can arrange walks from 3km to 20km. Walkways are clean but hilly. Comfortable footwear & clothes are recommended.

In between visiting these sacred sites, expect plenty of nature walks, local cuisine, chatting with locals, soaking in hot springs, and feeling the true nature of this special place.

What’s included? 12 nights accommodation (8 Western, 1 Temple • lodge, 3 Traditional Japanese) • Meals: 12 breakfasts, 4 dinners • Transport & Transfers: • Arrival/departure transfers • Suica Subway Card • 14 day Japan Rail Pass • Koyasan World Heritage Pass

•

Private Guides & Tours (English speaking): • Tokyo full day private guide • Kyoto full day private guide • Kyoto Tea ceremony at local machiya • Dinner with Geisha in Kyoto • Kumano Kodo Mountain Expert Guide* (3 days) • Unique Japan Tours Essential Travel Pack

Tour Prices: Up-to-date prices can be viewed on our website: www.uniquejapantours.com To receive an accurate quotation with details of itinerary, contact us directly: info@uniquejapantours.com

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Self-Guided Tour

The Northern Trail 13 Nights

Start: Tokyo Finish: Tokyo/Osaka

Sado Island 4

3 Niigata

Tateyama 5

Kurobe Alpine Route

Matsumoto 6

featuring Sado Island

Kinugawa Onsen Via Nikko

Tokyo

8 Kyoto 7

The Northern Trail has been designed for those looking to escape the Summer heat in the cities to the fresh mountain air where festivals and fun are what you should expect. Not forgetting to include the highlights in Tokyo and Kyoto, these northern towns offer something unique and special that are not on regular tourist trails.

ROUTE: Tokyo (2) ➞ Kinugawa Onsen (1) (via Nikko) ➞ Niigata (2) ➞ Sado Island (3) ➞ Tateyama (1) ➞ Matsumoto (1) (via Kurobe Alpine Route) ➞ Kyoto (3)

Tokyo

Nikko & Kinugawa Onsen

Niigata& Sado Island

Tateyama ‘Kurobe Alpine Route’

Begin this tour from Tokyo where our local guide will meet you on the second day of arrival to help orientate you on what’s what. If you have places in mind that you wish to see in Tokyo, why not use this day to have a guide with you. Alternatively, we will make a suggested itinerary for the day. This often includes a trip to the morning fish market followed by a leisurely stroll through Hamirikyu Garden before heading across using the trains to the old part of Tokyo, Asakusa where Tokyo’s newest attraction, Tokyo Sky Tree towers over the city from 634 metres high.

Nikko, once a training centre for Buddhist monks for many centuries, is now home to the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu located at Toshogu Shrine, built in the 1600s. Tokugawa established the shogunate that ruled Japan for more than 250 years before it came to an end in 1868 along with the Meiji Restoration. Nikko National Park is blessed with stunning scenic mountainous landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys and hiking trails.

Famous for sourcing the purest water on the land, Niigata’s rice and sake (rice wine) are regarded as the best. Here you will visit a local sake brewery and samurai house bringing you back to Japan’s feudal days. Spend one night in Niigata enjoying a more rural city night life at a local izakaya. Just a few hours by ferry will take you to Sado Island – Japans sixth largest island. Spend three nights here meeting the locals, exploring the sights, and taking part in local workshops (optional) such as Taiko drumming. We highly recommend planning your trip around the annual Earth Celebration, a three day music festival featuring the world famous Kodo drummers, held around July/ August every year.

From Sado Island, you will return to a different port on the mainland and make your way to Tateyama where you will spend your first night along the Kurobe Alpine Route in a mountain lodge. Located on Japan’s Northern Alps, between Toyama and Nagano (Omachi town), this route is traversed by various means of transportation including mountain buses, cable cars, and ropeways. Along this adventure you will see not only Japan’s most incredible views of wildlife and landscape, but also the worlds highest, most impressive dam which stands at 186m tall called Kurobe Dam.

Just a short distance from Nikko is the hot spring town of Kinugawa where you will spend one night soaking in the springs and sampling kaiseki dinner at a local ryokan.

Winter Snow Walls & Matsumoto

Kyoto remains an old city in places but the majority of this city is built and If you are here during the spring operates like a modern city. Although months (mid April – early June) you will you will find fewer sky scrapers and fast see the famous snow walls measuring food chains, it can get very busy in the up to 20m high either side of you. In the peak seasons and with school holiday Summer and Autumn months, enjoy excursions. So, speak to us first before the dramatic colours and stunning planning your days in Kyoto. backdrops along this route.

THE NORTHERN TRAIL

Best Season: Available from April to November every year (Kurobe Alpine Route is not accessible in the Winter). Earth Celebration Festival takes place in July or August (enquire for details)

Tour Extension

After a full day of trekking through the Alps on the quirky transport modes, you If you have the time, we recommend adding on a couple more nights in will be ready for a relaxing evening in Tokyo either at the beginning or the end the castle town of Matsumoto. of this trip. You will still have use of the Kyoto Japan Rail Pass allowing for flexibility for your onward journey home. The final leg of your trip will be spent in Kyoto, Japan’s capital city and home to the Emporer from the year 794 until 1868.

What’s included? • • • •

Tokyo Airport Meet & Greet on arrival 13 nights accommodation • (5 nights traditional ryokan/minshiku) Meals: 13 breakfasts & 5 dinners Transport & Transfers: • Tokyo arrival/departure transfers • Tokyo transport card • 14 Days Japan Rail Pass (Ordinary) • Nikko World Heritage Pass

• Niigata to Sado Island return ferry tickets • T ateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Transport Pass (One Day) • Private Guides & Tours (English speaking): • Tokyo full day private guide • Tokyo Sky Tree Tickets • Kyoto full day private guide • Tea ceremony at local machiya in Kyoto • Unique Japan Tours Essential Travel Pack

Tour Prices: Up-to-date prices can be viewed on our website: www.uniquejapantours.com To receive an accurate quotation with details of itinerary, contact us directly: info@uniquejapantours.com

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Self-Guided Tour

Kiroro Day Trip

Start: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya or Fukuoka Finish: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya or Fukuoka

Hokkaido Winter Action

Niseko 3

Sapporo Rusutsu Day Trip

7 Nights

Tokyo Nagoya Osaka Fukuoka

Japan is not a country many of us associate with snow, or world class ski resorts. Believe it or not, Hokkaido, the most northerly island located between Honshu and Russia, is blanketed with soft powder snow for almost six months of the year (Nov-May). It is home to some of the worlds most impressive ski resorts including Niseko, Kiroro, and Rusutsu.

ROUTE: Sapporo (1) ➞ Niseko (6) incl. Kiroro & Rusutsu day trips ➞ Tokyo/Osaka/Nagaoya/Fukuoka Best Season: Available from December until May every year.

Sapporo

Niseko

Make your own way to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, or Nagoya and we will look after you from here. Flights are included from any of these major hubs on the mainland to bring you up to Sapporo. Spend your first night here to see some of the sights and taste the local favourite ramen noodles. The next morning transfer to Niseko resort by public transport (approx.100km) and check into your resort centre hotel or ryokan. There are various types of accommodation options in Niseko, as with many ski resorts in Japan, e.g. self-catering apartments, fully serviced hotels (up to 4/5 star) and ski lodges. No matter which accommodation option we chose for you, we will ensure it has a relaxing onsen and is convenient to the ski lift either on foot or accessed by a resort shuttle.

Niseko is probably Japan’s most popular ski resort town, and rightly so! The quality of powder, the long wide runs, the backcountry options, and the facilities available deserves this attention.

Kiroro

On one of your days from Niseko, we will plan a day trip to a smaller, less crowded resort called Kiroro, located about one hour from Niseko by bus. Spread over two mountain peaks, the resort has 21 runs with an equal Niseko comprises of four resorts on the choice of green, blue, and black piste. one mountain, Niseko Annupuri (1,308 Considered more sutiable for beginners metres). The three major resorts include and intermediates, a day out here offers Grand Hirafu (largest), Niseko Village, a welcomed change from the hustle and Annupuri. You will be provided with and bustle in Niseko. a Niseko All Mountain Pass so you can access all resorts for the duration of your stay. We usually base people in Grand Hirafu in the centre of where the action is, both day and night.

Rusutsu A second day trip to Rusutsu is a must. Covering more than 4000 acres, it is considered Japan’s single largest Winter resort, having retained much of the Japanese atmosphere and traditions you would expect while in Japan, compared to its neighbouring Niseko. Rusutsu is a fantastic alternative for family trips as it is more compact with great activities and facilities easily available.

What you need to bring on a Winter Sports Holiday to Japan? You can chose to carry your own ski’s/boards and winter wear with you. All accomodations will have a storage room for you to keep your equipement. However, if you plan on traveling around other parts of Japan while here, we recommend you to rent. There is no shortage of rental shops which we will provide details of in advance. Rental prices vary so please consult your travel advisor for up to date prices.

Tour Extension

H O K KA I D O W I N T E R AC T I O N

Sapporo Snow Festival is held in February: http://www.uniquejapantours.com/japan-travel-guide/festivals-&-events

If you can take two weeks off for this ski holiday, we highly recommend spending a few days in Tokyo and Kyoto. Three nights in Tokyo at least while Kyoto deserves the same, you may not have time so at least two nights will make this holiday complete!

What’s included? • • •

7 nights accommodation Meals: 7 breakfasts Transport, Transfers & Lift Passes: • Internal return flights to/from Sapporo and one of the following cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka

• Return transfers to/from Sapporo & Niseko • All Niseko 4 Day Mountain pass • Return day trip to Kiroro incl. Day pass at ski resort • Return day trip to Rusutsu incl. Day pass at ski resort • Unique Japan Tours Essential Travel Pack

Tour Prices: Up-to-date prices can be viewed on our website: www.uniquejapantours.com To receive an accurate quotation with details of itinerary, contact us directly: info@uniquejapantours.com

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Holiday Seasons:

How to book:

Our tours include:

New Year

Dec 29th – Jan 4th

Golden Week

Apr 29th – May 5th

Obon Festival

Aug 9th – Aug 17th

To book any of our tours contact us directly by email, phone, or in person (appointment preferred). As soon as you have chosen your desired tour, a booking deposit is required for each travel member. We will send you a booking form and a copy of the terms and conditions for travel that each tour member must read carefully and agree to. If you are making a group booking, one Lead Passenger can sign for all members participating in this group. Your booking and itinerary are confirmed as soon you receive the ‘Confirmed Plan’ from us by email or post, stating hotels, tours, and all other services reserved on our side. Payments can be made by cash, cheque (major currencies), all major credit cards* (excluding AMEX), or bank transfers in major currencies accepted (EUR/GBP/USD/JPY). Consult with one of our staff if you are unsure.

• Airport transfers on first and last day • Airport meet & greet assistance (optional) • Hotels as listed in your Confirmed Plan • Meals, transfers, tours, guides as written in itinerary • Unique Japan Tours Essential Travel Pack

*Credit card payments over the equivalent of 1,000EUR will incur a 3% surcharge.

Small Group Tours Single Supplements

If your tour falls on any of these dates, prices may incur a supplement. During these busy seasons, itineraries may alter slightly to avoid crowds in certain areas. You will be informed of this before making payment. It is advisable to book early if you plan to travel during any of these seasons.

Official National Holidays:

U S E F U L I N F O R M AT I O N

New Years Day Jan 1st Coming of Age Da Jan 12th National Foundation Day Feb 11th Vernal Equinox Day Mar 20th Showa Day Apr 29th Constitution Day May 3rd Green Day May 4th Children’s Day May 5th Green Day Substitute Day May 6th Marine Day Jul 20th Respected-for-the-Aged Day Sep 21st Declared Official Holiday Sep 22nd Autumnal Equinox Day Sep 23rd Health Sports Day Oct 12th Culture Day Nov 3rd Labor Thanksgiving Day Nov 23rd Emperors Birthday Dec 23rd If your tour falls on any of the days above, prices may incur a slight supplement.

Payment Deadlines: Payment for all tours is required 2 months prior to your starting date. In the event a booking is made less than 2 months prior to the Departure Date, full payment must be made within 7 days of receipt of your Confirmed Plan. After payment has been made in full, a cancellation policy is put in place (highlighted on the terms and conditions before you pay your deposit so you are fully aware of the consequences for cancelling). Travel Documents:

Prices, Booking and Payment

Upon booking, you will be sent a Confirmed Plan listing your tour Tour Prices: inclusions, dates, and acceptance. Due to the unpredictable and Your Final Itinerary and Essential Travel fluctuating exchange rates, prices are Pack will be sent to your postal address not included on this printed material. (or you are welcome to come into our To receive an up to date price on any office to pick up and discuss) 2 – 3 of the tours listed, contact us directly. weeks before your travel date. If you Alternatively you should ask your local require this sooner, please notify us in agent, who will contact us on your advance. We require at least one weeks behalf. The price we quote you at time notice to produce all Travel Packs. of booking is the final price you pay Some tickets may be handed to you before travelling. All prices and payment or left at your arrival hotel on Day 1 in terms will be clearly explained before Japan. In this case, we will inform you you commit to any tour. in writing of what you should expect to receive. When to book: Our Small Group Tours have a maximum number of 16 per group so to avoid disappointment we recommend you book your place as early as possible (recommended 3 – 6 months before tour date). Self-Guided Tours should also be booked at an early stage to ensure we can confirm the best hotels for you. Note: Hotels in popular destinations (Kyoto & Tokyo) tend to fill up quickly, particularly during busy and/ or festival seasons.

Minimum Numbers

Our Packages Price Inclusions: No matter which tour you choose, all inclusions will be highlighted to you before making any payment. Tours listed in this brochure have clearly marked inclusions. For tours not listed in this brochure, you will be sent the full details in writing before making payment.

Our tours do not include: • International Flights • Transport not included in itinerary (e.g. taxi’s, subways, local buses) • Entrance fees not stated in itinerary • Meals not clearly stated • Drinks of any description • Hotel charges (telephone, mini bar etc.)

We aim to provide each single traveller with their own single room on our small group tours at no extra charge. Some ryokans and traditional lodges do not offer single rooms so for this reason, you will be asked to share a room with another single traveller of the same gender. If you are not willing to share this room (Japanese style), there will be a slight supplement added to cover the extra cost of these higher priced rooms.

Named Accommodation or Service In the event that one or more of the hotels are not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative hotel of similar quality. As we do not take payment before hotels are confirmed, you will be informed of any alterations (all subject to your approval) prior to full payment. The same goes for guides, day tours, or any other service we propose.

Flights You are welcome to book your own flight or if you like, we would be happy to send you some quotations which we receive from our partnering agent. As soon as your flight is confirmed, you must inform your booking agent of both arrival and departure times, flight numbers, and airline to ensure the itinerary is accurate from the start and no mistakes are made with arrival dates/times.

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All of our Small Group Tours engage a minimum number of 6. In the unlikely event that this minimum number is not achieved, we may be forced to cancel the tour. In the event of cancellation, you will be given at least 6 weeks notice in writing and offered the following options: 1. Join a different tour 2. C hoose a self guided or semiescorted tour based on a similar itinerary as the tour you have already chosen 3. A gree to pay a supplement that will allow us run the tour with the number of passengers booked, e.g. 6 passengers may pay an extra €XXX to operate the same tour – subject to all passengers approval

We recommend you only bring ONE light suitcase weighing no more than 15 KG. A case with wheels is recommended. Japanese airports are very strict about weight and usually charge ¥3,000 per extra kilo for excess baggage on departure. Coin Lockers are found in most train stations. This is a safe and very convenient option if you arrive to your next destination before check in time. Alternatively, most hotels will store your luggage if you arrive prior to check-in. Large lockers are also available for bigger suitcases – but they tend to be in the bigger stations only. Lockers cost between 200JPY – 400JPY per day.

Clothes

It is a condition of travel that each tour member obtains their own up to date travel insurance to cover medical or accidental costs.

Check the climate and temperature before you leave and bring clothes to suit the season. Japanese weather is very predictable so it shouldn’t be a problem planning your wardrobe. Japanese people dress very casually day and night – except in the metropolitan cities where you won’t know what to expect. Women dress quite modestly but elegantly. Men are well dressed but if work is not involved, a suit is not worn. Unless you are travelling for a special occasion or on business, there’s no need for men to bring a suit. Business travellers should bring smart, clean, neat suits with all the trimmings - if you want to impress.

Credit Card / Cash

Travel Adaptor

Only Citibank (24 hours / found in major cities only), some 7/11 Convenience Store ATM’s, Post Office ATM’s (normal business hours only) and more recently Shinsei Bank ATM’s will accept foreign credit cards for cash withdrawals . You will need your PIN number. It is advisable to bring as much cash you need as possible - credit cards and Japan are not as advanced as you might think!

If you plan to carry electronic devices it is advisable to carry a travel adaptor with you. Voltage in Japan is 120W. Make sure your device has a built in transformer or you may burn it out.

3. Receive a full refund If we manage to operate the tour with less than 6 people, slight changes in transport may be made to accommodate this change. You will be notified of any tour changes before the tour departure date.

Travel Insurance

We recommend to budget between 5,000 – 10,000JPY per day per person (when accommodation and rail pass has been included). If you are taking part in a Small Group Tour, this figure may be less as your activities and places of interest will keep you busy hence less time to spend money. Please consult our travel experts for advice based on your own itinerary.

Luggage Porter service is not included in any of our tours so be prepared to carry your own suitcase. There will be times where we recommend you send your large bags to your next day destination using the reliable and reasonable internal courier service, used by most Japanese themselves known as Takkyubin.

Time It is advisable not to go to MacDonald’s 10 minutes before your train leaves they won’t wait. A common surprise to most travellers in Japan is the punctuality of services, especially the trains. If your train is due to leave at 11.11, you should aim to be at the station for 10.50. This gives you time to find your platform and location to wait to board your train. The bullet train will arrive at 11.11 and leave 10 seconds later so there is really no time for wasting, rushing, or getting lost.

Language Surprisingly, you will find little or no English once you leave the main cities. For this reason it is advisable to either carry a pocket phrase book, go on a Small Group Tour, or consult with us before you leave for Japan. Advance planning will make your trip to Japan a lot more worthwhile and comfortable.

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Japan Rail Pass Most of our tours include a Japan Rail Pass. It is up to you, the passenger, to ensure that this is not lost. If you loose this, your train journeys must be paid for on the spot while no refunds will be available.

Visa’s, Airport Security & Documentation Passengers carrying an EU/US/AUS passport are exempt from obtaining a visa to enter Japan. You are not permitted to carry out work as you will enter as a ‘tourist’. Visa’s can be validated for up to 6 months or less. For more information on Visa’s in Japan visit: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/ visa/02.html <http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_ info/visit/visa/02.html> In November 2007, security checks on entering an International Airport in Japan requires passengers to give their finger print and photo, kept on file and processed at the immigration area. You are not required to bring a photo with you. You will receive an immigration card to fill out (usually handed out on the aircraft before landing). This must be complete and handed in to Immigration on arrival.

Tipping Tipping is not a custom in Japan. You should not leave any spare change in restaurants, taxi’s, or hotels. In the event of doing so, the staff members are likely to chase you thinking you forgot your money!! Although tipping tour guides is optional, it is not expected. As inbound tourism has grown in Japan over the years, so too have foreign customs including tips to guides. Instead of tipping guides, we recommend to bring a small gift from your country to show your appreciation to him/her. Japanese people love food so something local, e.g. chocolates or sweets, are always welcomed.

U S E F U L I N F O R M AT I O N

Useful information

So what next? If you are still unsure about going to Japan and have more questions, please contact us today. We are available to answer any doubts or queries either in person or over the phone from Monday to Friday (09.00-18.00 (+1GMT)). We welcome meeting people in person (where possible) however, if this is not possible due to geographical distances, all travel plans can be easily dealt with over the phone and by email. And remember, if you have no ideas, we have lots, and are ready to share them with you. So, contact us today to start planning your holiday of a lifetime!

T R AV E L N O T E S

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IRELAND: Unique Japan Tours, 7 Herbert Street. Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: +353 (0)1 6787008 Fax: +353 (0)1 6787773 UNITED KINGDOM: Unique Japan Tours, No 1 Poultry, London, EC2R 8JR Tel: +44 (0)20 32392519 Fax: +44 (0)20 76432201 Email: info@uniquejapantours.com www.uniquejapantours.com