Japan with Wayne Hamilton · Tokyo - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Kumamoto - Fukuoka 11 Days / 10 Nights 19...
Transcript of Japan with Wayne Hamilton · Tokyo - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Kumamoto - Fukuoka 11 Days / 10 Nights 19...
P a g e | 1
Japan with Wayne Hamilton Tokyo - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Kumamoto - Fukuoka
11 Days / 10 Nights
19 August 2020 - 29 August 2020
P a g e | 2
Introduction
Day 1: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, Tokyo (Wed, 19 August)
Flight Information
Day Itinerary
Upon arrival into Narita, Japan, you will be met and transferred to your Hotel for check in.
The remainder of you day will be at leisure.
At over 13 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area
in the world. This massive, wealthy and fascinating metropolis offers high-tech visions of the future alongside
glimpses of traditional Japan. Huge and varied in its geography, Tokyo Metropolis spans not just the city but also
spectacular, rugged mountains to the west and beautiful subtropical islands to the south. The various districts of this
phenomenal city vary wildly in character, from the electronic blare of Akihabara to the magnificent Imperial gardens
and shrines of Chiyoda, from the lively youth culture mecca of Shibuya to the splendid pottery shops and temple
markets of Asakusa. If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find
something entirely different. Tokyo truly has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Accommodation Destination Start End Duration
Shinjuku Washington Hotel Tokyo 19 Aug 22 Aug 3 Nights
Karasuma Kyoto Hotel Kyoto 22 Aug 24 Aug 2 Nights
Hotel New Hiroden Hiroshima 24 Aug 26 Aug 2 Nights
Kumamoto Castle Kumamoto 26 Aug 27 Aug 1 Night
The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka Fukuoka 27 Aug 29 Aug 2 Nights
Date Flight Airline Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time
19
Aug
JL 774
(Scheduled)
JAL [JL] Melbourne International
Airport [MEL]
00:05 Narita International Airport
[NRT]
09:05
P a g e | 3
Overnight: Shinjuku Washington Hotel
Shinjuku Washington Hotel is conveniently located in the center of Shinjuku, one of the Tokyo’s most popular and
active locales, next to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and close to shopping and entertainment
venues. The hotel has a variety of room-types that can accommodate single visitors as well as families and larger
groups. Rooms are well-furnished with a work desk, Television, telephone, high-speed internet access, air
conditioning, hairdryer, refrigerator, bath, shower and toilet. Guests have a variety of dining options at Shinjuku
Washington Hotel, including Manhattan Table, Café & Bar, Steak & Shabu-shabu Fujita, Serari-geihinkan, and Yakichi.
Included
Arrival transfer
Day 2: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, Tokyo (Thu, 20 August)
Day Itinerary
After breakfast depart for a Full day Tokyo sightseeing tour.
Visit Meiji Shrine, Roppongi Hill Observatory and Sensoji Temple.
You will also enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant.
Tokyo
Roppongi District
Roppongi District is a tourist haven in central Tokyo, featuring a variety of shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
With several embassies, the district is home to a large expat community, and is one of the most diverse areas in
Tokyo in terms of nationalities.
P a g e | 4
Attractions include the Tokyo City View Observation deck on the 52nd floor of the 238 m tall Mori Tower and the
open-air Sky Deck on the roof of the building, along with Japan’s largest art museum, the National Art Center, the
Mori Art Museum, and the Suntory Museum which together form the Roppongi ‘Art Triangle’.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Sightseeing
Day 3: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, Tokyo (Fri, 21 August)
Day Itinerary
Enjoy another full day guided sightseeing tour.
Today visit Yamashita Park, Yokohama marine Tower, China Town and Kotokuinn.
Again enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Sightseeing
Day 4: Karasuma Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto (Sat, 22 August)
Day Itinerary
After breakfast depart for the Train Station and board the Bullet Train for Kyoto.
On arrival meet with your coach and driver and depart for visit to the Higashiyama district. Enjoy a traditional
Japanese Tea Ceromony and stroll the Gion area.
Afterwards depart for the Hotel and check in. Your luggage will have already been delivered to the Hotel.
P a g e | 5
If you want to explore a city filled with shrines, temples and historical structures, Kyoto should be first on your list.
This city has seventeen historic sites that has been proclaimed as World Heritage Sites. Visit Nijo Castle to see an
example of Japanese architecture combined with beautiful interior decorating. While you’re there take a trip to the
Gekkeikan Okura Show to experience the journey of sake-brewing history that include 6120 brewing tools through
the ages and a space where you can listen to the recordings of brewing songs of the past. For a magnificent view of
Koyoto city travellers stand on Kiyomizu Temple’s large wooden verandah that is built suspended over a deep valley.
Higashiyama Higashi Chaya District
The Higashiyama Higashi Chaya District is the largest of three chaya districts just outside the city of Kanazawa and
has been designated as one of Japan’s cultural assets. Literally translated, the word ‘chaya’ means teahouse, and in
context, refers to traditional eating places where guests are entertained with songs and dances performed by geisha
girls, a tradition dating back to the Edo period.
The Shima Teahouse and Kaikaro Teahouse are open to the public while interesting shops and cafes populate the
other buildings along the central street of the district. One of the highlights on the street is Hakuze, a shop that sells
gold leaf products and displays a tea ceremony room that is completely covered in gold leaf. Geisha performances
are held in the chaya districts every Saturday.
Overnight: Karasuma Kyoto Hotel
Located at the intersection of Shijo and Karasuma streets, in the heart of Kyoto’s downtown, the hotel has won the
hearts of visitors through its unrivalled access and the welcoming, conscientious service offered by the Kyoto Hotel
group, all at reasonable prices.
Included
Breakfast
Bullet Train Tokyo - Kyoto
Sightseeing
P a g e | 6
Day 5: Karasuma Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto (Sun, 23 August)
Day Itinerary
After breakfast depart for a full day sightseeing tour of Kyoto.
Visit Kinkakuji Temple, Arashimyama, Tenryuji, Bamboo Groves, Inari Shrine.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and dinne including free flowing drinks with Maiko Performance.
Kyoto Dining with Maiko
Guests can enjoy a refined taste of Kyoto, in the stylish Gion Hatanaka Ryokan in front of Yassaka Jinja Temple.
Guests eat in a traditional tatami room and converse with lovely and elegant Maiko (apprentice geiko) from
Miyakawa and Gion. The Maiko also perform the traditional Kyoto dance, known as Kyomai. It is a fun and
unforgettable experience in Kyoto at the Gion Hatanaka Ryokan.
Kyoto
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
P a g e | 7
Sightseeing
Day 6: Hotel New Hiroden, Hiroshima (Mon, 24 August)
Day Itinerary
After breakfast depart for the Train Station and board the Bullet Train for Hiroshima.
On arrival the Hotel is very close by so you will transfer to the Hotel by Foot.
Your luggage will have already been delivered to the Hotel.
Hiroshima has a deep historical significance – it was the first city ever to suffer an atomic blast, which wreaked
devastation across the urban hub on 6 August 1945. The only remaining building in the area was the Genbaku Dome,
which is now known as the 'City of Peace' and has become a worldwide symbol of hope for everlasting peace.
Hiroshima-jo is a replica of the original castle where Japanese elders came together for centuries to discuss
strategies and politics. Today Hiroshima is a thriving tourist destination with an interesting food scene and a very
vibrant nightlife. Cultural experiences include the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the Mazda
Museum.
Overnight: Hotel New Hiroden
Hotel New Hiroden is conveniently located 3 minutes to the West of JR Hiroshima Station South Exit, within easy
reach from the heart of the city. The hotel stands out elegantly beside the banks of Kyobashi River, one of the six
rivers that flow through the city. Facilities include guest rooms, conference rooms, banquet halls, restaurants, and a
bar as well. The hotel is perfectly suited for both business and tourist use.
Included
Breakfast
Bullet Train Kyoto - Hiroshima
P a g e | 8
Day 7: Hotel New Hiroden, Hiroshima (Tue, 25 August)
Day Itinerary
After breakfast depart for a full day sightseeing tour of Hiroshima.
Visit Itsukushima Shrine, Shishiiwa Observatory in Miyajima Island and the Peace Memorial Park.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Hiroshima
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Sightseeing
Day 8: Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto (Wed, 26 August)
Day Itinerary
After breakfast depart on foot for the Train Station and board the Bullet Train for Kumamoto.
For this day you will need to prepare and overnight bag for your 1 night stay in Kumamoto. Your regular luggage will
be delivered to the Hotel in Hakata separately.
P a g e | 9
An array of cultural and natural attractions make Kumamoto a premium travel destination. The city is best known for
its striking ancient architecture, including Kumamoto Castle, crafted from wood and stone, and the Hosokawa
Residence, once home to the region’s most powerful Samurai warriors. Once you’ve seen these key sites, take a
wander through beautiful Suizenji Garden is one of Japan’s most acclaimed traditional gardens, dating to 1636, when
it was established as a tea garden, or head to Lake Ezu for a lazy day at the waterside. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss
trying the famous Kumamoto Ramen, a tasty noodle broth with pork, fried garlic and garlic oil (known as marr oil).
Thrillseekers can visit Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, accessible via a cable car.
Overnight: Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is located in Chūō-ku, Kumamoto. The well fortified hilltop Japanese castle is one of the most
impressive castles in Japan. Visitors to the castle grounds and its buildings, can enjoy one of the most complete
castle experiences in Japan. Most of the castle's buildings are modern reconstructions of a high quality, with new
buildings continually being added. During late March and early April, the castle becomes a popular cherry blossom
spot, boasting around 800 cherry trees.
Included
Breakfast
Bullet Train Hiroshima – Kumamoto
Day 9: The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka, Fukuoka (Thu, 27 August)
Day Itinerary
After breakfast enjoy a half day sightseeing tour including Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Garden and enjoy lunch at a
local restaurant before transferring to the Train station for the Bullet Train to Hakata.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Hotel for check in.
P a g e | 10
An evocative mix of ancient and modern, Fukuoka is located on Kyushu Island’s northern coast and forms the capital
of Fukuoka Prefecture, as well as Japan’s sixth-largest city. Visit centuries-old temples; indulge in retail therapy at the
ultra-modern Canal City Hakata (mall); take in an exhibition at Fukuoka Art Museum, housed in the tranquil grounds
of Ohori Park; or savour the city’s famous tonkotsu ramen – a thick, creamy Japanese noodle soup – at any of its
many street markets. Visitors can also enjoy visiting the following highlights: the Momochi Seaside Park, the Fukuoka
Castle Ruins and the Shofukuji Temple, Japan’s first Zen temple. Other popular activities include: hiking, golfing,
swimming, river cruises, coastal cycling routes and fascinating cultural tours.
Suizenji Park
Suizenji Jojuen is a Japanese garden situated in Suizenji Park landscaped around a natural spring pond. It was built by
the Hosokawa family in the 17th century. The placement of the pond, trees, and hills represent the 53 Stations of the
Tokaido, which was a famous route that ran from Edo to Kyoto. Tourists can visit the spacious landscape by strolling
along the circular path.
Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka
A stylish, European-style accommodation in Fukuoka, The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka is 5-minutes away from Hakata
Station, and a 15-minute drive from Fukuoka Airport. Guest rooms include a TV, free internet access and a
refrigerator. The hotel offers easy access to points of interest including Canal City Hakata, the lively Tenjin area and
Fukuoka Dome.
Included
Breakfast
Sightseeing
Bullet Train Kumamoto - Hakata
Day 10: The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka, Fukuoka (Fri, 28 August)
Day Itinerary
Today enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Hakata.
P a g e | 11
Visit Ohori Park, Hakata Machiya Furusatokan and Dazaihu Tenmangu Shrine.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Sightseeing
Day 11: End of Itinerary (Sat, 29 August)
Day Itinerary
Early departure with packed breakfast to the Airport.
Flight Information
Included
Breakfast
Departure transfer
Date Flight Airline Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time
29
Aug
JL 3052
(Scheduled)
JAL [JL] Fukuoka International
Airport [FUK]
07:20 Narita International Airport
[NRT]
09:10
29
Aug
JL 773
(Scheduled)
JAL [JL] Narita International Airport
[NRT]
10:30 Melbourne International
Airport [MEL]
21:55