MOUNT FUJI AND BEYOND Trekking, walking and cultural highlights holiday in Japan Walk to the summit of Mount Fuji for sunrise Afternoon tea ceremory with a Geisha in the cultural city of Kyoto Overnight in beautiful, traditional ryokan accommodation in Japan Walk in the Japanese Alps on this adventure holiday in Japan
HOLIDAY CODE JMF
Japan, Trek & Walk, 14 Days 2 nights mountain hut / refuge, 4 nights ryokan, 7 nights hotel, 13 breakfasts, 10 dinners, max group size: 16, 6 days trekking/walking, 7 days touring and sightseeing, max altitude - 3776m
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Introduction This adventure, trekking and walking holiday in Japan takes in the land of contrasts - from the magnificent natural wonder of Mt Fuji to the dynamic modernism of Tokyo. Undiscovered by Europeans until the 16th century, it remains one of the most alluring countries in the far east. Starting out in Kyoto, our active holiday in Japan includes a visit to the World Heritage Sanjusangendo temple and an afternoon tea ceremony with a geisha at a traditional Geisha Tea house. Then, after a refreshing day of sawanobori, the Japanese version of ghyll-scrambling/canyoning, we travel by express train to Osaka where we visit the famous 8 story castle and take a beginner's lesson in the traditional non-aggressive martial art of akido. We visit Takayama with its beautifully preserved ancient buildings and stay in a traditional Ryokan. Here we also visit the Hida Folk Village, the morning market on the banks of the Miyagawa River, and the Ankokjui Temple. Transferring to the Japanese Alps, we start the section of our walking holiday here in Japan with a hike to the top of Nishihodoppyo Peak (2701m) for some spectacular mountain views. We have 3 days trekking in the Japanese Alps, before continuing our journey to the lakeside resort town of Kawaguchiko. Here we will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy views of majestic Mount Fuji (3776m) reflected in the lakes. Finally, our trek to the summit of Mt Fuji, Japan's highest peak, over 2 days is a great way to end this diverse and culturally fascinating holiday. Our last night is spend in the Japanese capital of Toyko.
Is this holiday for you? This holiday is a mixture of culture and walking, encompassing a wide variety of experiences in Japan. There are five days of walking within the itinerary. Generally, the underfoot conditions during the walks are relatively easy, mostly following good paths throughout. The ridge walk to the summit of Nishihodaka is a little exposed in places and there are some sections of loose trail. Some rock scrambling is necessary. Our walk to Yake Dake is also exposed with some scrambling and laddered section. There are also some sections of moderately steep and loose trail during the ascent of Mount Fuji although these are short-lived and the trail is very well maintained and protected with chains. Also, during the visit to the Shiga Mountains there is the option to take part in ghyll scrambling, including jumping into deep pools. During this activity the accent is on having fun rather than technical climbing, and instruction and all safety equipment is provided. You will need to ensure you are physically prepared for the walking element of the trip and for the ascent of Mount Fuji. You should be comfortable with walking uphill for 5 or 6 hours in a day (with several rests).
Holiday Itinerary Day 1: Meet at the group hotel in Kyoto. Escorted transfer from Osaka Kansai International Airport. Meet at the group hotel in Kyoto. The KE Land Only package services begin with the overnight at the group hotel. Overnight in Kyoto.
ACCOMMODATION HOTEL
Day 2: Kyoto sights including the Sanjusangendo temple and a tea ceremony. We have a day of sightseeing in Kyoto, visiting the city’s major sights. Kyoto is one of the world’s most culturally rich cities and boasts 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 1600 Buddhist temples and over 400 Shinto shrines. Our first visit of the day will be to the World Heritage listed Sanjusangendo temple. We will also visit one of Kyoto’s most vibrant and oldest Buddhist temples, Kiyomizu-dera, also a Unesco World Heritage listed site, set on the side of a hill and commanding good views over the city. A very pleasant walk from here to Kyoto’s main park winds its way
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through cobbled alleyways, passing attractive temples, moss-covered gardens, and even a 46 metre 5-storied pagoda! Time allowing we will have a tea ceremony with a geisha or trainee geisha – a truly exceptional experience. In addition to traditional culture, Kyoto, and Japan is noted for its cuisine and we will have a wonderful dining experience in the city. Overnight in Kyoto.
ACCOMMODATION HOTEL
MEALS BD
Day 3: High speed train to Osaka. Morning Aikido lesson, afternoonvisit Osaka castle. Return to Kyoto. Today we travel by express train to Osaka where we have the opportunity to take part in a beginner's aikido lesson. Aikido is a Japanese martial arts and the techniques require little strength. It’s great fun and also a good work out. In the afternoon, we visit one of Japan’s most famous castles. Originally built in the 1580s on the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle was then the largest castle in Japan. The present structure dates from 1931 and was extensively renovated in 1997. It is still one of Japan's most impressive castles with massive stone walls, black and gold-leaf trim, and copper roof. The eight-story donjon is 39 metres high with an observation platform offering a spectacular panorama over the city. In the late afternoon we return by train to Kyoto for a well-earned dinner. Overnight in Kyoto.
ACCOMMODATION HOTEL
MEALS BD
Day 4: A day 'Sawanbori', which is gyhll scrambling/canyoning - up river. Return to Kyoto. We take a 1-hour bus ride into the mountains located to the north east of Kyoto. En route we travel through lush forested countryside. Arriving at our destination we prepare for the fun activity of ‘sawanobori’. Basically this is the art of climbing up mountain streams and is a great way to explore the hills and stay cool at the same time. In the English Lake district it is described as Ghyll or gorge scrambling, and in many other parts of the whole as canyoning, however during ‘Sawanobori’ we go up river, rather than down river in ghyll scrambling/canyoning. We will take a beginners session with a professional guide. We ascend with ropes and easy rock climbing through the waterfalls and swimming through the pools. Having dried off and worked up a keen appetite, we will return to Kyoto. Although this activity is included in the holiday price if you would prefer to have a free day in Kyoto then this is not a problem. Our tour leader will be able to give us some suggestions on restaurants for tonight’s meal. Overnight in Kyoto.
ACCOMMODATION HOTEL
MEALS B
Day 5: Visit Golden Pavilion. Walk the Kiyotaki Trail. Return to Kyoto. Today we start with a visit to Kyoto’s most famous tourist destination, the Golden Pavilion. The stunning view of this pavilion reflected in the pond on which it is perched decorates the cover of many books about Japan and is truly a sight to behold. From here we take local transportation to the Sagano district near Kyoto. This was the countryside retreat of the Emperors during the Heian period (794-1192) in Japanese history. We will follow the historic 'Kiyotaki' hiking trail along the riverside and through bamboo groves to Arashiyama, stopping along the way to visit Tenryuji Temple which is one of the major temples in the Rinzai School of Zen. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Built in 1339 on the former site of the Emperor's Villa, it encompasses a magnificent 14th Century Zen garden. Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden and it is considered to be one of the oldest of its kind. Overnight in Kyoto.
ACCOMMODATION HOTEL
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MEALS B
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Day 6: Transfer to Takayama in moutainous Hida District, in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Today we move 250kms to the mountainous Hida District in the Gifu Prefecture, travelling by train to the charming city of Takayama, a journey of around 4 hours. This small city has a very relaxed feel and the old part of town has been beautifully preserved, with many buildings and whole streets of houses dating from the Edo Period (1600-1868). The afternoon will be spent at the Hida Folk Village: an open-air museum exhibiting over 30 typical farmhouses and other traditional buildings from the mountainous district of Gifu Prefecture. The museum's main attractions are a number of gassho-zukuri houses: massive farmhouses with steep, thatched roofs, moved here from the nearby Shirakawa region. Tonight we will stay in a traditional Ryokan, typically with Tatami (straw mat) flooring, sliding doors and where the guests sleep on futons. Entering the Ryokan we receive a courteous welcome and have time to relax. Guests are given a Yukata which is a casual type of Kimono and can enjoy an onsen (hotspring bath). In the evening we will enjoy some special dishes unique to this region of Japan. Overnight in Takayama.
ACCOMMODATION RYOKAN
MEALS BD
Day 7: Market visit, optional cycle ride or walk. Return to Takayama. Visit the early morning market on the banks of the Miyagawa River. This market has been a daily attraction since the Edo era (A.D.1603-1867) and here we can buy all kinds of local produce and artefacts not found anywhere else. After the market we have a guided 'Satoyama' cycle tour in Hida Furukawa (a short distance from Takayama). The ride will follow a gentle 22km route along quiet roads through cultivated rice fields and local villages. There is the option of a walk if people prefer not to cycle. Returning to Takyama, the rest of the afternoon is free to explore the exquisitely-preserved old-town area, which is recognized nationally as an area of important historical buildings. Many of the merchant houses and sake breweries here were also built in the Edo-era. This is the perfect place to pick up some quality souvenirs or just relax and sample the local brew in one of Takayama's many sake breweries. We have dinner and a second night in the luxury of our Japanese Ryokan. Overnight in Takayama.
ACCOMMODATION RYOKAN
MEALS BD
Day 8: Scrambling ascent of Nishihodoppyo Peak (2701m). Our luggage will be sent ahead to Kawaguchiko. We will take a bus to Shinhodaka Onsen and from there take a cable car ride up into the heights of the Japanese Alps. From the top of the cable car, a short climb will take us to Nishihodaka mountain hut. Leaving our backpacks here we now enjoy approximately 3 hours of ridge walking to Nishihodoppyo peak (2701m) and possibly that of Piramido Peak. Given good weather we have amazing views of the Japan Alps all the way including the distant Mount Fuji. There is some scrambling and exposed sections involved in attaining the summit. It will take us around 2 hours to return to the Nishihodaka hut where we will stay the night. Overnight Nishihodaka.
ACCOMMODATION MOUNTAIN HUT / REFUGE
MEALS BD
Day 9: Descend to Kamikochi. Soak in onsen. Leaving the hut we have a 2.5 hour descent through forest on steep trails with sections of wooden steps, to Kamikochi, in the heart of the Japan Alps and surrounded by 3000 metre peaks! We’ll be able to relax our muscles in another onsen and will spend the night in a traditional ryokan.
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MOUNT FUJI AND BEYOND
MEALS BD
Day 10: Optional walk in the Kamikochi Valley. Kamikochi is a narrow valley surrounded by the northern Japanese Alps. At an elevation of 1500m, this stunning basin-land spreads out along the Azusa River which flows down from Mt Yarigatake. Walter Weston, a British missionary who introduced modern mounteering to Japan and coined the phrase ‘Japan Alps’, came to this area first in 1891 and repeatedly returned to climb the peaks. Kamikochi has a large population of wild monkeys, who most inhabit an area further up from where we stay, in the early morning they sometimes venture as far as the famous Kappabashi bridge. Today there are numerous options for walks. The walk we choose will depend on the weather conditions and the fitness of the group. One option is to make an ascent of Yakedake (2456m), an active volcano. This is a very interesting walk which involves negotiating a number of log steps, steel bridges, chains and aluminium ladders to cross a variety of obstacles. The trail goes first to Mt Yake hut where it is possible to get refreshment and then continues climbing past some steam vents before dropping to a saddle beneath the final summit ridge. The summit reveals a complex of craters with steaming sulphurous clouds, the last eruption taking place in 1963. From the top we retrace our route of ascent and return to our Ryokan in Kamikochi. This option will take around 5 - 6 hours for the return trip.
ACCOMMODATION RYOKAN
MEALS BD
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Kawaguchiko at base of Mt Fuji. We say goodbye to the Japan Alps and take public transportation to the area known as Fuji Go-Ko (the five lakes of Fuji), which surround the mountain and make for perfect photographic opportunities. We check into our hotel (where our main luggage will have been delivered) in Kawaguchiko town, the principal start point for ascents of Mount Fuji, located on the shores of its namesake lake. We have an early dinner and sort our equipment ready for our Mount Fuji climb, and then an early night! Overnight Kawaguchiko.
ACCOMMODATION HOTEL
MEALS BD
Day 12: Begin climb of Mt Fuji. Our luggage will be sent ahead to Tokyo while we are climbing on Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is divided into 10 ‘stations’ from base to summit. A bus will take us up to the 5th station at 2300 metres where we will begin our climb in the early afternoon. The trail is good and offers great views back down to Lake Kawaguchi. Respecting the high altitude we will climb very slowly for approximately 3 hours to reach the hut around 3200 metres. Here we eat dinner and then have an early night, sleeping in dormitory accommodation inside the warm hut until about 1am. Overnight Mt Fuji.
ACCOMMODATION MOUNTAIN HUT / REFUGE
MEALS BD
Day 13: Early ascent of Mt Fuji summit (3776m). Return to 5th station, transfer to Tokyo. It is important to get to the summit just before dawn if possible, not only to witness the glorious sunrise but also because this is the clearest period and Mount Fuji is often shrouded in cloud later in the day. Setting off again around 1.30am it will take a further 3 to 4 hours to reach the summit. Hopefully we will have a beautiful sunrise atop Fujisan and splendid views over the Fuji Go-Ko. The descent to the 5th station will take around 3 to 4 hours in
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total. Here we catch a bus (2 hours) to Shinjuku in Tokyo where we check into our hotel and have the rest of the afternoon free. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner. Overnight Tokyo.
ACCOMMODATION HOTEL
MEALS BD
Day 14: Departure day. Escorted transfer to Tokyo Airport. KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. For clients departing on the preferred group flights there is a complimentary escorted transfer to the airport using public transport.
MEALS B
Holiday Information What's Included • A professional English-speaking local leader • • • • •
A single timed group airport transfers (escorted by the leader on public transport) All other land transport involved in the itinerary Accommodation as described Activities and entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary Meals as described in the meal plan
What's Not Included • • • • •
Travel Insurance Tips for hotel and other local staff Departure tax on leaving Tokyo (if applicable) Some meals as described in the meal plan Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.
Food Part of any Japan experience is tasting the food. Japanese cuisine offers a great variety of dishes and regional specialties and the accent is always on quality of ingredients and presentation. In the major cities and towns there is an almost bewildering array of different combinations of dishes available. On this trip you will have the opportunity of sampling a wide range of available regional cuisine under the guidance of an expert. Japanese food is superb.
Meal Plan All breakfasts are included. A total of 10 dinners are included. Lunches and packed lunches/snacks for the activity days are easily purchased locally. Japanese food is superb and there is a huge variety of food available and of top quality.
Joining Arrangements & Transfers There will be a single group transfer from Osaka Kansai International Airport to the group hotel in Kyoto. This transfer is timed to meet the arrival of the early morning flight. A KE representative will escort the group to the
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hotel on public transport. On the final day of the trip, there will be a single timed assisted transfer on public transport, to Tokyo airport timed to meet the check in for lunchtime flight. Clients travelling to Kyoto who are unable to take advantage of these transfers should rendezvous at the group hotel in the evening of day 1 of the Land Only itinerary. Public transport can be initially daunting to use in Japan due to the language, however in Kyoto and Tokyo the routes are also all numerically numbered and can easily be followed. The Japanese people are also very happy to help out a confused foreigner (!), even in these big towns of Kyoto and Toyko. Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation. Clients MUST provide the KE office with full details of their flights.
Accommodation During this holiday the group will spend a total of 5 nights in Kyoto at a centrally-located tourist-class hotel. There is also 1 night in Tokyo where we stay at a tourist class hotel. We enjoy 2 nights in a traditional Japanese Ryokan in Takayama and 2 nights in Ryokan in Kamikochi, and a night in a comfortable hotel in Kawaguchiko. There are 2 nights in mountain huts, 1 at Nishihodaka and 1 night when climbing Mt Fuji. In the mountain huts accommodation is on mixed dormitory basis. Accommodation in hotels and Ryokans is on a twin (or sometime three or four person) sharing basis. Traditional Ryokan are typically furnished with Tatami (straw mat) flooring, sliding doors and guests sleep on futons. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with other single clients of the same sex. Depending on availability it may be possible to book single rooms for the hotel nights in Tokyo and Kyoto. For single supplement costs please refer to our website. Additional nights at the beginning and the end of your holiday are also available, please contact us for details. Details of your first night's hotel together with an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.
Group Leader & Support Staff The group will be led by a local English speaking professional tour leader, and will also be accompanied by instructors for the various activities.
Spending Money Approximately £350 should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses including the non-included meals. You should also allow approximately £80 for tips. Depending on the size and weight of your excess luggage, the cost of sending bags from Takayama to Kawaguchiko and from there to Tokyo will be between £20 and £30. Luggage lockers at the base of Mount Fuji cost approximately £5. It is possible to withdraw cash from ATMs in all major cities and towns and this is the most convenient way to obtain your spending money. If you prefer to bring your money with you, cash is readily exchanged. You can also use credit cards to purchase most goods in Japan.
Guidance On Tipping Tipping is not a common practice in Japan and in some circumstances offering a tip may even be considered rude. It is not necessary or expected to leave a tip in a restaurant or in hotels. It is OK to tip your tour leader if you wish to thank him or her and this will definitely not offend. We recommend that any tips be given by the group as a whole rather than as individuals.
Baggage Allowance
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For the majority of transfers on this holiday we use Japan’s excellent public transport system. You will enjoy it more if you do not have to manoeuvre large or heavy bags during these transfers. We therefore recommend that you take only the minimum that you need and travel as light as possible. A trek bag is not suitable for this trip. We recommend a backpack or luggage on wheels as we will have staircases to negotiate. There are 3 consecutive nights (Nishihodaka & Kamikochi) and another 1 night (Mt Fuji) where you do not have access to your main baggage. On these nights you will have to carry your overnight items and sleeping bag liner with you in your backpack.
Free KE Gift When You Book As a way to thank all our clients we offer a Free Gift for every holiday that you book with us. The range of gifts available is related to your KE Explorers Club status and the number of trips you have completed. Choose from KE T-shirts, Buffs, Trek bags plus many more. Alternatively, instead of selecting a free gift, you can choose for KE to make a £10 donation to the Juniper Trust Charity on your behalf. Simply select your Free Gift or choose to make a donation in your My KE account once you have booked your holiday.
* Please note that postage & package costs will be charged for Trek Bags sent outside of the UK. For current costs please view details on Free Gifts.
Altitude This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your holiday you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude on our website which can be viewed via the link below. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude. www.keadventure.com/page/altitude.html
Group Size And Holiday Status For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.
General Information Passport & Visas A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit.
Visa Japan UK and USA passport holders do not require a visa for short stays.
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Health & Vaccinations You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.
Electricity Supply & Plug We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
Preparing For Your Trip It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on an active holiday, getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. We suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime. Regular hiking in hill country is the best preparation but running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing better stamina and general cardio-vascular fitness. Before departure, we suggest that you try to fit in a number of long walks in the mountains.
Know Before You Go As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign & Commonwealth Offices ‘Know before you go’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas, and we recommend that all KE travellers take a look at the FCO Travel Advice for their chosen destination on the official FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips. KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates direct from the FCO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.
Climate Japan’s climate is classified as temperate in that it has the distinct four seasons. However a variety of influences including the Siberian air stream and various Pacific Ocean currents give the country a fairly complex climatic pattern. Japan also lies within the northeast tip of the Asian Monsoon Zone and has a rainy season which extends through most of June. For the rest of the summer, extending to the end of August there is much less precipitation though humidity is usually quite high and temperatures in Tokyo and Kyoto will have daily maximums between 28 and 35ºC. In the mountains in August it will be considerably cooler and less humid though rarely dropping below 20°C, except during the ascent of Mount Fuji where temperatures high on the mountain can fall quite low, even to freezing levels on the summit before dawn.
Books • Hiking in Japan (Lonely Planet Walking Guides) Mason Florence,Craig McLachlan, Richard Ryall, and Anthony Weersing • Lonely Planet Japan Chris Rowthorn and Ray Bartlett
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• The Rough Guide to Japan • Japanese: Lonely Planet • Phrasebook Yoshi Abe • Japan Insight Guide (Insight Guides)
Maps Japan Bilingual Map 1:1,500,000 Kodansha International Relief map of Japan with strong altitude colouring. Place names are in Japanese and Roman script - useful for reading signs. Railways and major roads appear are marked. On the reverse are enlargements of the areas around some of the major cities.
Flight Information Flight Inclusive Or Land Only? On our website we display a UK Flight inclusive package price and Land only package price for the majority of our holidays.
Flight Inclusive Notes The FLIGHT INCLUSIVE dates and prices are based on UK flights from London (Heathrow) to Osaka Kansai airport with KLM/Air France. Outbound flights will depart the UK in the morning, arriving in the morning of the following day (day 1 of the itinerary). Return flights will depart Tokyo Narita International airport in the morning of the last day of the itinerary, arriving in the UK in the evening of the same day. Regional departures and/or alternative carriers are available on request. during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, or you have requested regional departures or flights with an alternative carrier, we will contact you with an alternative quote. Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price. To avoid paying flight supplements, we recommend that you book as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, or you have requested regional departures, we will contact you with an alternative quote. Please note that you may be asked to pay for your flights in advance of your final holiday balance. Note that if you book a package including flights with KE you will benefit from full financial protection.
Land Only Notes The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary, joining in Osaka Kansai. For clients making their own flight arrangements, Osaka Kansai airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel and Tokyo Narita airport is the most convenient at the end of the trip. Please refer to the 'Joining arrangements & transfers', and 'Flights' sections in the trip dossier for further details. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the trip is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.
Flight Options From The US For help and advice with booking your flights, we recommend you consult our friends at Exito Travel, airfare specialists since 1994. The air team at Exito are familiar with our destinations and know the airports, best airlines and potential pitfalls. If there is ever a flight change, cancellation or air-related issue before or during your travels,
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it's nice to know you have someone on the Exito air team looking after you. Visit their website at: www.exitotravel.com or contact the team on:
[email protected] &/or via phone at: 800.655.4053 ext. 8507.
Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Experience KE has 31 years experience of adventure travel worldwide. All of our holidays are accompanied by an experienced leader, some of whom have worked with KE groups for many years. Many are professional guides and instructors with an unrivalled knowledge of the areas in which they work. In many parts of the world, we recruit local guides with appropriate training and experience. In addition to having the technical skills to ensure your safety, KE expects its leaders to be active members of the group. A leader should be fun to travel with and ready to share with you their enthusiasm for adventure travel and their knowledge of the area. Alongside the group leader, there will be a local support crew, which could be just a driver, or a complete team of guides, drivers, porters, muleherders and cooks. The hard work of our support crews, along with the fascinating insight they can offer into their local culture, is integral to providing you with the very best adventure travel experience. The team of KE office staff is amongst the most experienced in the business, with the proven ability to set up and operate a worldwide programme of adventures. Every one has adventure travel at heart and joins at least one trip a year. It is this depth of experience that makes KE stand out from other adventure travel operators. When you contact KE, by phone or e-mail, or visit our office, you will find the help and advice you need, from someone who has actually done the trip and can give you the benefit of their first-hand experience. KE can guarantee the very best in trek support, excellent food, a good standard of hotel and camp accommodation, plus the back up of one of the most respected companies in the business. Client satisfaction is at the top of our agenda and almost 50% of our bookings each year come from repeat business. If you are looking for adventure then look no further than KE.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AND AWARDS Responsible Tourism has always fitted naturally with KEs travel ethic. It is important to us that our clients are not the only beneficiaries of the travel experience, but that we share a two-way relationship with the areas that we visit. We make sure that our local staff are well treated and well paid, we respect indigenous cultures, take care to protect the environment and make the most of every opportunity to make a positive contribution wherever we travel. In addition to holding an AITO 5-star Sustainable Tourism rating, we are recipients of AITO’s Achievement in Sustainable Tourism Award in recognition of the work carried out over the past 20 years, giving back to the communities and areas we visit. We have been awarded Highly Commended status in the Best Tour Operator category of the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, and were named Best Trekking Operator on Earth by National Geographic Magazine, whose criteria included commitment to responsible tourism. We continue to travel responsibly, and more information on our policy, practice, and specific projects can be found at www.keadventure.com, and on the website of our partner charity the Juniper Trust: www.junipertrust.co.uk. KEs Mountain Code is issued to our staff, trek leaders and overseas agents, and we recommend it to our clients, too!
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Your Complete Financial Protection KE Adventure Travel is a fully licensed and bonded tour operator. We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), bonded with the CAA (ATOL 2808) and ABTA licensed (W4341). You can book your trip with KE Adventure Travel in complete confidence that all monies you pay for a trip are fully protected.
BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY Making a Booking The easiest way to make your booking is online. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of booking. This is normally £200 but for some holidays with special permit fees or internal flights, this may be more. The amount of deposit required for an individual holiday is given on the dates and prices page of the holiday. Late bookings will require full payment. We cannot confirm any booking until we receive your fully completed booking form.
Adventure Travel Insurance IMPORTANT - It is a condition of joining any of our trips that you are insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out holiday cancellation insurance, as all deposits paid are non-refundable. Please ensure that your insurer is aware of your KE Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken. You will then need to advise us of your policy details and complete an Insurance Declaration Form. CAMPBELL IRVINE DIRECT travel insurance is available to EU residents and will cover the majority of KE Adventure holidays. It has been designed to provide cover for activities normally excluded by other insurers such as trekking, mountain biking and climbing. Please note that certain activities may attract a higher premium. In addition ‘Campbell Irvine Direct’ cannot provide cover for KE climbing trips above 6000m. Cover for these can be obtained through either the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or Snowcard. TRAVELEX is a USA based insurer offering travel insurance, which can be used by US citizens and US residents only. KE recommends the "Travelex Select" package for our holidays. If your holiday involves using mountaineering equipment (ropes, harness or crampons), for climbing or glacial travel, you should consider the "Adventure Plus Pak" optional upgrade on the Travelex Select Plan. Please refer to the 'Description of Coverage' for a summary of the terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the applicable Protection Plan. This policy will also cover KE climbing trips above 6000m.
We hope that this trip notes has answered most of your questions. Please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our experts.
www.keadventure.com
UK: +44(0) 17687 73966
US (toll-free): 1-888-630-4415
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Equipment List The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. When packing please bear in mind that it will be hot and humid in the towns and even nights will be warm. However, there is also a possibility of typhoons, which can bring short-term heavy rain falls and high winds. In the mountains, the days will be very warm and you will need protection from the sun, but at night, the temperatures will drop dramatically, In particular, we can expect sub-zero temperatures and wind-chill on the summit of Mt. Fuji.
You Must Bring The Following Items: • Hiking boots • Sandals or comfortable shoes* • Socks • Walking socks (2 or 3 pairs) • Trekking trousers (not cotton) • Waterproof overtrousers • Waterproof jacket • Underwear • Shorts • Thermal baselayer shirts • Trek-shirts (not cotton) • Fleece jacket or warm jumper • Warm jacket/Down gilet • Thermal gloves or mittens • Warm hat • Sunhat • Sunglasses • Daypack 45 litres • Sheet sleeping bag / sleeping bag liner • Small towel (for rafting) • Swimwear • Headtorch and spare batteries • Water bottles 1 Litre x2 • Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag contents dry) • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
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UK: +44(0) 17687 73966
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MOUNT FUJI AND BEYOND
• Earplugs (especially if you are not the one snoring) • Washbag and toiletries • Antibacterial handwash • Plastic bags (you must carry your own rubbish down from Mt Fuji) • Basic First Aid Kit - You should bring your own personal first aid kit consisting of the following: throat lozenges, painkillers (anti-inflammatory), antiseptic cream/spray, plasters and blister treatment, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets are a good idea.
The Following Items Are Optional: • Gaiters • Travel clothes • Trekking poles (recommended) • Insect repellant – (DEET) • Camera • Penknife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage) • Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
Notes: Luggage: Bag/suitcase with wheels is most suitable. Please keep this as small and lightweight as possible as we will have to do a fair bit of carrying on and off public transportation. If your luggage has a rigid frame, the height should not exceed 82 cm or it will not fit into the lockers.
* You should also bring sandals or comfortable shoes for sightseeing. These should be easy to take on and off, as shoes are not worn inside most buildings in Japan.
Equipment Required For Sawanobori (Ghyll-Scrambling) • • • • • •
Helmet – (this is provided – we will need to know your size) Wetsuit - (provided – we need to know your height and weight) Footwear - (provided – we need to know your size) Swimwear (to wear under the wetsuit) T-shirt (to wear under the wetsuit) Waterproof camera – can be purchased in Japan
Clothing Required For Aikido • You will need to wear a loose-fitting long-sleeved T-shirt (not a low-cut one) and long sweat pants (not shorts). Aikido is a good workout and you will get very hot and sweaty.
Note that there will be coin operated laundry machines available at our hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto
www.keadventure.com
UK: +44(0) 17687 73966
US (toll-free): 1-888-630-4415
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MOUNT FUJI AND BEYOND
Please note: This document was downloaded on 18 Jan 2017, and the trip is subject to change.
www.keadventure.com
UK: +44(0) 17687 73966
US (toll-free): 1-888-630-4415
