Tour is limited to 14 people (maximum). Departure 26 March 2010

*EX* Sydney (we will strive to include your domestic port of departure but due to strict JAL group policies other departure ports may not be available, please inquire at time of booking). Applications for the Imperial Palace grounds must be made early so for late bookings entry to the Palace grounds may not be possible.

*10 nights' accommodation in superior quality hotels

The tour will taken by one of our bilingual escorts. Much of the travel will be conducted utilizing the public transportation system. Even though you do not need to be an athlete we must insist that participants are of an acceptable level of fitness.
Accommodation in Kyoto is in a Japanese ryokan (for September tour), rooming is Japanese however if western style rooms are required they can be requested but not guaranteed. A MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TOUR TO DEPART.

Day 1 - Friday

SYDNEY / TOKYO Meet your Australian escort at Sydney airport before boarding your plane. Depart Sydney and upon arrival at Narita airport you will meet your Japanese escort and transfer to the Hotel Grand Palace Tokyo.

Day 2 - Saturday

SYDNEY / TOKYO After breakfast visit some of Tokyo's sights including the controversial Yasukuni shrine[1], Edo Tokyo Museum, Ameyoko[2] markets and the Meiji shrine.

Day 3 - Sunday

KAMAKURA   Today visit nearby Kamakura which is home to the Giant Buddha[3] and many local shrines and temples, enjoy lunch at a local Japanese restaurant.

Day 4 - Monday

TOKYO   After breakfast, have a tour of the Imperial Palace grounds, subject to Palace agency approval (if approval declined then tour will be of the Palace's East Garden). Enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River and visit Asakusa temple[4] and Nakamise area[5].

Day 5 - Tuesday

HIROSHIMA   After breakfast, leave Tokyo early and travel to the famous city of Hiroshima by Shinkansen[6]. Afternoon is free to explore or you can join the guide to explore some parts of the city. Dinner for anyone wanting to join will be at a local Japanese restaurant.

Day 6 - Wednesday

HIROSHIMA / MIYAJIMA   Breakfast at the hotel then a tour of Hiroshima main tourist sites. Visit Peace Park, The A-Bomb Dome[6] and the Peace Museum[8], then on to Shukkeien gardens. In the afternoon visit Miyajima Island, a beautiful sacred island quite close to Hiroshima city. This island is considered to be one of Japan's 3 best scenic spots and is home to the famous red Torii[9] standing in the sea and Itsukushima shrine[10].

Day 7 - Thursday

KURASHIKI Today with your guide you will make your way to the traditional city of Kurashiki visit some of the local sights. You will also have the opportunity to visit the famous Ohara Art Gallery[11] which is home to some of the world's most famous art works.

Day 8 - Friday

KYOTO   After breakfast make your way to Kyoto and your accommodation. Enjoy a tour of Fushimi Inari shrine[12] before making your way to your hotel. In the evening you can join the guide for a visit to the traditional Gion area which is famous for spotting Geisha and Maiko.

Day 9 - Saturday

NARA   With your guide enjoy a leisurely tour of Nara, visiting Todaiji temple[13], world's largest wooden building housing the Giant Buddha[14], Deer Park[15] and Kofukuji temple. Return to Kyoto in the afternoon.

Day 10 - Saturday

KYOTO   Today enjoy a day tour of Kyoto visiting the Golden Pavilion, Heian shrine and Nijo Castle. Enjoy lunch at a local Coffee shop run by an Italian man and his Japanese wife who were living in Sydney and decided to try Japan. Chat and get an outsider's perspective on life in Japan while enjoying the delicious, very fresh Gelato and food.

Day 11 - Sunday

SYDNEY   Morning free to explore or do some last minute shopping before making your way to Narita airport by a combination of bullet train and airport express. Depart for your flight to Sydney.

OPTIONAL DAY TOURS

Share Twin / Triple Single supplement Cost: $7290 per person       $1000

Departure taxes and Fuel surcharges are NOT included.

Land only: $6290 per person NOTE: Due to the airlines' restrict rules bookings made within 70 days of departure will require full payment at time of booking. Flights will be on a request only basis after this time. If seats are not available payment will be refunded. Trans Orbit reserves the right to change itinerary, close or cancel the tour anytime before the departure.