16 Day Discover Japan

16 Day Discover Japan  International airfares  Airport transfers  Shinkansen bullet train Tokyo—Nagano  13 nights superior twin share acco...
Author: Scott Owen
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16 Day Discover Japan



International airfares



Airport transfers



Shinkansen bullet train Tokyo—Nagano



13 nights superior twin share accommodation



Breakfast daily



In-depth sightseeing in all major cities



Professional Webjet guide throughout



Day 1: Australia -

- Tokyo

All monument entry fees

Depart Australia today on your overnight flight to Tokyo. 

#1 Online travel

Day 2: Toyko

company in Australia

Welcome to Japan! You will arrive at Tokyo Haneda airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a Webjet representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals hall.



Webjet approved guides



Webjet crafted itineraries



Always Includes flights



No Fuss, simple booking process

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11 Oct 2016 08 Nov 2016

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14 Mar 2017 21 Mar 2017 28 Mar 2017 04 Apr 2017 11 Apr 2017 09 May 2017 30 May 2017 20 Jun 2017 25 Jul 2017 15 Aug 2017 29 Aug 2017 12 Sep 2017 26 Sep 2017 03 Oct 2017

(B) - Breakfast / (L) - Lunch / (D) - Dinner Flight Cruise Train Best time to see Cherry Blossoms Best time to see Koyo Season

Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neonlit skyscrapers and anime shops to cherry trees and temples. The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine is known for its towering gate and surrounding forests. The Imperial Palace sits amid sprawling public gardens. The city is famed for its vibrant food scene, and its Shibuya and Harajuku districts are the heart of its trendy teen fashion scene. Day 3: Tokyo (B) Today after breakfast we make our way to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Later, stroll through the Asakusa Kannon Temple one of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples before browsing for souvenirs at Nakamise Shopping Street. This afternoon, relax on a Sumida River cruise before arriving at Hama-Rikyu, a beautiful landscape garden in central Tokyo featuring seawater ponds which change level with the tides, and a teahouse on an island where visitors can rest and enjoy the scenery. Your last stop today is Shinjuku Municipal Observation Building for panoramic views of Tokyo before heading to your hotel. The rest of the evening is then free to get to know Tokyo at your own pace. Day 4: Tokyo (B) Today is a free day to explore the World’s most populous metropolis. Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common

perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city centre and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts. Optional Tour—Tokyo Disneyland—Whether you have been to the original Disneyland or not, this is a day not to miss for young and old. Modelled after Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland is made up of seven themed lands and features seasonal decorations and parades. Full day tickets included. Optional Tour— Oiran Show at Roppongi Kaguwa Theater—Enjoy the fusion of contemporary and traditional that includes Japanese traditional dance performance by Oiran, Samurai, and performers dressed as Geisha in kimonos. Includes dinner and drinks as you watch the spectacular. Day 5: Tokyo - Mt Fuji - Hakone - Tokyo (B) Today, visit Oshino Hakkai. Known as the Springs of Mount Fuji, the eight ponds are fed by melting snow filtering down from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji through porous layers of lava resulting in very clear spring water that is revered by the locals. Later, visit Gotemba Peace Park to capture a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji, before taking a cruise on Lake Ashi, and savour the numerous delights of nature in the Hakone region. Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs, natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among the Japanese looking for a break from Tokyo. Day 6: Toyko (B) Today is a free day at leisure to enjoy the Japanese way of life in one of the World’s greatest cities. Optional Tour—Traditional Tea Ceremony at Happoen Gardens— Immerse yourself in ancient Japanese culture with a Tea Ceremony. Fully enjoy your experience and the taste of green powdered tea made following traditional tea-making procedures, as well as Japanese tea culture, including the teahouse, tea utensils, and sweets served with tea .

Day 7: Tokyo -

- Nagano - Matsumoto (B)

Today we leave Tokyo behind us and travel inland to the cultural city of Matsumoto, famed for it’s castle. For our journey today we board the famous Skinkansen bullet train to Nagano, travelling of speeds upto 320km/h! On arrival in Nagano we will transfer to the city of Matsumoto. You will have time to stroll through the former merchant district of Nakamachi, lined with well preserved old buildings where you can find lovely local crafts, treasures and great restaurants. After we make a visit to Matsumoto Castle, considered in the top 3 feudal castles of Japan and arguably the city’s most famous site. Day 8: Matsumoto - Takayama (B) This morning after breakfast we leave Matsumoto and make our way to Takayama. The narrow streets of Takayama’s Sanmachi Suji historic district are lined with wooden merchants’ houses dating to the Edo Period, along with many small museums. On arrival you will be free to explore the beautiful little town of Takayama. We recommend visiting the early morning Takayama markets where local fresh produce and souvenirs stalls are on display. Day 9: Takayama (B) Today we visit some of Takayama’s highlights. We begin our day with the Hida Folk Village, an open air museum exhibiting over 30 traditional houses from the region. After, we continue to the Matsuri-no-mori museum which showcases the key aspects of the Takayama Festival, which takes place for two days each spring and autumn. After learning about the Takayama Festival we head to San-machi Suji. Sanmachi Suji is a collection of three streets that make up Hida Takayama’s famous historic district. The area located in the centre of Hida Takayama served as a bustling merchant town in the past. Today it is easily recognized with its distinctive old wooden architecture and charm, a traditional Japanese village area and Takayama Jinya. A small 3 lane area is filled with old wooden buildings consisting of sake breweries, small boutiques and some larger merchant houses which are now museums.

Day 10: Takayama - Kanazawa (B) After breakfast we make our way to Kanazawa. Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, on Japan’s central Honshu. It's known for its well-preserved Edo Period districts, art museums and regional handicrafts. On arrival we enjoy a city tour of this colourful city. We begin with a visit to the Higashi Chayagai district famous for its teahouses built in traditional Japanese design. We then continue to the Kenroku-en Garden – from its scale and beauty, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful feudal lords' gardens in Japan and has been maintained over generations. After the gardens we make our way to the Nagamachi Buke Yashiki district. Nagamachi was a samurai district located at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai and their families used to reside. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. We finish our day with a visit to the Omicho Market, Kanazawa's largest fresh food market since the Edo Period. Day 11: Kanazawa - Kyoto (B) This morning we leave Kanazawa and make our way to the jewel of Japan, Kyoto. On arrival we visit Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate and is designated a UNESCO world heritage site. It is then on to Kinkakuji, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion. A Zen temple and World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold and detailed architecture incorporating three distinct styles of Shinden, Samurai and Zen. We finish with a visit to the Togetsu Bridge, the landmark of Western Kyoto’s Arashiyama District for over four hundred years. Day 12: Kyoto (B) Today is a free day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Kyoto attracts millions of visitors every year and it’s no wonder. With over 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, palaces and gardens, who wouldn’t want to visit? You might be luck enough to spot a Geisha in the old district. Optional Tour— Fushimi Inari and Sake Brewery— Discover two sides to Kyoto as you visit one of its most famous shrines, then learn about sake production and tasting, during this 3.5-hour

excursion in Kyoto. Begin with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, an iconic religious site with striking red torii (gates). Then visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, to learn how the drink is made and try some samples. Day 13: Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto (B) This morning we travel to Nara and visit Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most famous temples. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas. Along the approach to Todaiji stands the Nandaimon Gate, a large wooden gate watched over by two fierce looking statues. Representing the Nio Guardian Kings, the statues are designated national treasures together with the gate itself. After the Todaiji Temple we wander back through Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara's nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city. Day 14: Kyoto - Osaka (B) This morning after breakfast we visit the Nishijin Textile Centre and enjoy a traditional kimono show. Kimono’s are still used for important festivals or formal moments in Japan until this day. After, we continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Kiyomizu-dera Temple and drink to your fortune from the streams of the Otowa Waterfall. The water is said to have a different benefit, namely to cause longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. The Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan and has spectacular views over Kyoto. After, we continue our journey across Japan travelling to Osaka. On arrival we get to know this neon powerhouse starting with a visit to Osaka Castle. Built in 1583, the castle is an outstanding representation of Japan’s feudal period. After Osaka Castle we continue on to the Floating Garden Observatory for 360 degree views of Osaka. We then make our way to the Shitenno-ji Temple. One of Japan's oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Finally we head to the Namba area which is the city's most famous entertainment district and offers abundant dining and shopping choices.

Day 15: Osaka -

-Australia (B)

Spend the day at your own leisure before being transferring to the airport for your homeward flight this afternoon. Optional Tour - Osaka Aquarium—This morning you can visit one of Japan's most spectacular aquariums. Marine life is displayed in 15 tanks, each representing a specific region of the Pacific Rim. The central tank, representing the Pacifc Ocean, is nine meters deep and home to a whale shark, the aquarium's main attraction. Day 16: Australia Arrive home today.