TOUR CENTRAL JAPAN Spring 2015 · to return to Australia. Flight leaves Osaka early evening. I...

Spring in Japan is marked by the blooming of Cherry trees. Theexact date of blooming depends on changeable weather and

altitude above sea level. At some point in this tour you will seeCherry Blossoms. In alpine regions there will be snow, possibly

also in Takayama town which is located in an alpine valley.

This Itinerary is an example, subject to changes pending availability of accommodation atthe actual time of booking the tour. Every effort is made to keep as close to this plan as

possible, and we will work to ensure the actual tour is equally good if not better.

ArriveTokyo

DepartOsaka

TOYAMA REGION

KYOTO

TAKAYAMA

TOKYO

TOUR CENTRAL JAPANSpring 2015

CENTRAL JAPAN – SPRING 2015

Day 1 – TokyoASAKUSA – SKYTREE

Arrival at Tokyo International airport the previous evening.

Visit one of Tokyo's most famous temples.

Adjacent district is full of unique Japanese arts and crafts shops.

Nearby is the tallest structure in Tokyo – Skytree tower – from which you will see how vast is the metropolis of Tokyo.

Day 2 – TokyoUENO - GINZA - TSUKIJIVisit art museum (choice of international or Japanese) at Ueno.

Ueno is also a popular spot for cherryblossom viewing (if they are blooming).

Move on to the famous Ginza high fashion shopping district and then thenearby retail fish and food markets atTsukiji.

Day 3 – TokyoSHINJUKU - HARAJUKUSee the biggest railway and department store centre in Tokyo.

Young and pop culture district of Harajuku, and the spacious Meiji Park and Shrine.

I enjoyed my trip with our small group on Jim's Japan Tour very much. It was a total escape for me with no responsibility other than being on time.Jenny C, SE Qld

© Jims Japan Sept 2014 www.jimsjapan.com.au of 6

http://www.jimsjapan.com.au/


Day 4 – Tokyo >ToyamaSHINKANSEN – 2 HrsBy Shinkansen to Toyama northeast of Tokyo on the Japan Sea (Korean) side, through the central mountainous region before arriving on the Japan Sea coast. Toyama will be our gateway to explore some spectacular natural scenery.

Day 5 – ToyamaEXPLORE TOYAMA

Day 6 – Toyama > TakayamaSCENIC TRAIN JOURNEYA 1.5 hr train journey from the coast up into the mountains, arriving early afternoon. Check-in and start to explore the town on foot.

Day 7 – TakayamaMOUNTAIN TOWNThis mountain town is famous for it's old style town quarter, sake brewing and palanquin festivals. There is alsoa village of the steep thatched roof farmhouses unique to the region.

I really enjoyed my first trip to Japan with Jim's Japan. It was a refreshing change to be part of a small group tour. Every effort was made to cater for individual interests and the small group also allowed a greater degree of flexibility.Mal, Brisbane




Day 8 – Taka-yama > KyotoA regional express train takes us back down to the coastal plain on thePacific Ocean side at Nagoya, where we connect with the Tokaido Shinkansen bound for Kyoto.

Pictured is Gero, a famous Hot Spring resort we pass en-route.

Day 9 – KyotoJAPANESE HERITAGEPart walking, part rail tour of famous historic locations including Kyomizu Dera, Sanjusangendo, Ginkakuji, Kinkakuji, Heian Shrine & gardens, Ryoanji, Nijo Castle.

Even for those who have been beforethese sites offer something new every visit.

Day 10 – KyotoARTS AND CRAFT

A day to see and experience some traditional arts and crafts – such as Chanoyu (tea ceremony) Silk weaving, Ceramics.

Day 11 – KyotoDAY RETURN TRIP TO NARA

Nara, a former imperial capital, is famous for its parks and gardens,the largest indoor buddha (in the largest wooden building). Tame deer in the parkland.

With Jim’s assistance, my desire to travel to Japan became a reality. For anyone interested in sightseeing in Japan, I highly recommend the services of Jim’s Japan, particularly for the first time traveller to that wonderland. Greg W, Brisbane




Day 12 – KyotoDAY RETURN TRIP

To the MIHO MUSEUM of

antiquities, located in the neighbouring province of Shiga, this museum is situated in a forest. Designed by a famouse Chinese American architect IM Pei, the museum holds a collection of rare antiquities - many dating thousands of years BC – from China, Middle East, Egypt, to name a few.

Day 13 – KyotoFREE DAY

There is still a lot on offer in the Kyoto region, such as a visit to Arashiyama via streetcar.

A popular recreational area with river walk views, bamboo forest, picturesque residential and parkland areas, and interesting souvenir shops.

Or a day return trip to either Himeji or Hirosaki castles, both famous in the whole of Japan.

Day 14 – DepartSOUVENIR SHOPPING

Approximately ½ day for last minute shopping and preparation to return to Australia. Flight leaves Osaka early evening.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Jim's Japan Tour. This was my first and very welcome experience of a small group tour. Prior to departure, Jim emailed interesting tips andinformation to whet my appetite. Our tour itinerary was flexible depending on individual special interests and even changing weather conditions.Recommending a Jim's Japan Tour to you is my pleasure.Beth B, Sunshine Coast




ABOUT THIS TOUR ITINERARYExcited about going on this tour?

Here is what's next.

1. Jim will contact you to arrange a meeting or phone discussion to answer anyquestions you have.

2. A detailed proposal prepared by Jims Japan affiliated travel agent will be sentto you in October.

3. If you like the proposal, book your place and start getting ready.4. Jims Japan will send you email Japan Tips and information over the months

leading up to the departure date.

SOME INFORMATION

Group size is kept to 4 ~ 6 people (not including Jim, your escort) to ensure theexperience is really unique and 'on the ground'. There will be opportunity to do things you could not do in a larger group.Accommodation will be mostly 3 star hotels, but some special accommodation will be arranged if available. Options include single, twin, double, or triple rooms all with ensuite bathrooms.Travel in Japan is all by public transport, mostly trains of varying types and speeds. There are escalators and lifts in most railway stations.Bring luggage you can manage getting on & off trains (15kg size unless you aretall and strong). Bring a day bag (backpack / shoulder bag) for day-return trips,or where we choose to send baggage by courier to the next destination.Excluding airfares, cost in Japan based on recent trip costings is estimated to bein the range of $4,500 to $5,500 AUD for

• accommodation (this itinerary is during a peak booking season so costs are higher)

• meals & attraction admission fees• land transport• all except your discretionary spend - souvenirs, gifts, alcohol

Jim can read, write and speak Japanese language sufficient to take the worry about language out of the equation, so you can have as smooth a trip as possible. He also knows a lot about customs and culture in Japan, having travelled the country for well over 200 days over six different occasions.NOTE: A 7 or 10 day version of this tour is available. Approximate daily rate reduction is $400 ~ $500 per person per day.



TOUR CENTRAL JAPAN Spring 2015 · to return to Australia. Flight leaves Osaka early evening. I...

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