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Included Highlights
Entry Tosho-gu Shrine
Transport pass in Hakone
Hida Folk Village
Himeji Castle entry
Kinkaku Ji Temple, Nijo Castle and Ryoan Ji Temple entries in Kyoto
Accommodation
Traditional inns (12 nights), hotel (1 night). Some accommodation has
shared bathroom facilities.
Transportation
Bus, bullet train, tram, express train, cable car, ferry, walking
Food Included
2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
Duration
14 days
Tour leader
throughout
Budget
Allow US$300 for meals not included. See Trip Dossier for spending money.
Notes
All travellers must arrive with a 14-day Japan Rail (JR) pass. Please
arrange this through your travel agent.
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Tokyo, bullet train, Nikko, national parks, traditional
guesthouses, Hiroshima, Kyoto. Enter this extraordinary world of
energy and silence, of beauty and intrigue. A land of ancient gods, austere
traditions and ground breaking technology, Japan entwines new with old,
innovation with tradition and frenetic energy with overwhelming calm.
It is at once unknown and familiar, alien and welcoming and always fascinating.
Day 1 Tokyo
Tokyo's contradictions are everywhere, as high-tech gadgets and neon lights
are an integral part of life for a population steeped in tradition.
Day 2, 3 Nikko
In the densely forested mountains of Tochigi-ken prefecture, Nikko is
a world away from Tokyo. Delicate torii gates, colourful shrines and holy
temples exemplify the serenity and traditions of Japanese sacred sites.
Day 4, 5 Hakone
Boat across Lake Ashino-ko, journey into the mountains by cablecar and
perhaps even glimpse the elusive Mt Fuji. In Hakone we can enjoy a long
soak in a luxurious onsen (hot spring).
Day 6, 7 Takayama
Travelling by bullet train is an absolute buzz with speeds of up to 270
km per hour. Needless to say, we reach Takayama very quickly. Visit the
Hida folk village, the sake brewery or enjoy the local crafts and cuisine.
Day 8-10 Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a bustling metropolis with a tragic history. The A-Bomb Dome
and Peace Museum are a moving experience, as are the famous 'floating'
torii gates and grand Itsukushima-jinja Shrine of Miya-jima.
Day 11-14 Kyoto
Visit the brooding feudal fortress of Himeji and check out the bright
coloured silks of Gion, the geisha district. Kyoto's extravagant gold
plated Kinkaku-ji temple and the wooded gardens of Nara are a must.
Difficulty Level
G.A.P.'s focus is on contact with local people and getting out into the
countryside - immersing ourselves in everything Asian. Although this is
not a trekking trip as such, it does involve a decent amount of walking
each day as we explore the many sites on foot. For those who wish to keep
active, there are also options of bush walks, hikes and bike riding at
many of the places we go on this trip. Temples and train stations involve
a lot of stair climbing so a general level of fitness is required. Japan
is a very developed country, but is still a fairly new destination for
foreign travellers. We will be travelling in the traditional way, so be
prepared for the occasional frustrating situation. The plus-side of this
is that we get to see and experience Japan at its most authentic. Pack
a good sense of humour and leave all inhibitions behind.
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