Japan Tours
Bird watching, National Parks, escorted, spa resorts, nature, volcanos, culture & crafts.

 

Best of Japan Tour

Bird watching, National Parks, escorted, spa resorts, nature, volcanos, culture & crafts.

By private charter coach and train, we travel around central and southern Japan, into towering snow-capped mountains, past tranquil lakes surrounded by forest, walk on recently active volcanos, enjoy seaside towns and small rural villages.

Friday 15 May to Saturday 30 May, 2009
Land Only Price ( Fukuoka to Kyoto ) AUD$ 7,488 ( about US$ 7200 )
Economy class flights from Australia start at AUD$1,720
Go to our Photo Gallery page to see pics from our last Best of Japan Tour

(Click on any photo to enlarge it )

Fully escorted, off the beaten track

A 15 day fully escorted first class tour of Japan, visiting the islands of Kyushu and Honshu, will take you away from the standard tourist attractions, to encounter the real Japanese lifestyle.

A complete Japanese experience

By private charter coach and train, you will travel around central and southern Japan, past towering snow-capped mountains, tranquil lakes surrounded by forest seaside towns and small rural villages.

Experience the cultural elegance of staying in traditional Japanese style accommodation (4 nights) where you can relax in the therapeutic waters of natural hot spa baths and enjoy fine local cuisine at Japanese style banquets which are included for your pleasure.

One night you will even be staying in a hotel above the clouds, where you can see magnificent views across the snow capped Japan Alps. Here to we have previously seen Snow Grouse ( Ptarmigan ) still in their winter plumage.

See craft artisans and potters at work, and walk along the old Nakasendo Trail, now just a bush track, which was in the 1700's the main road between Tokyo and Kyoto. Then stay in a small village that has preserved the architectural heritage of that era.


Natural Wonders and Gardens

Walking through the famous gardens of Suizenji, Ryoanji, Ginkakuji, and the Imperial Palace East Garden as well as Saihoji, The Moss Garden, will give you a good insight into the various forms of traditional landscape and Zen garden design.

In May you will see wild azaleas covering the side of Mt Unzen and in full bloom, a very colourful sight.

Visit the national parks of Mt Aso and Mt Unzen (Which last erupted in 1991), Mt Fuji Hakone National Park and cross over the "Roof of Japan" in the Japan Alps National Park.


Exclusive cultural visits

Discover the cultural heritage and historic aspects that have influenced and still do create a focus for life in Japan today.

At Arita we look back at how the pottery industry started in Japan, at Kurume learn about traditional use of Indigo Dye in clothing, then further along we will see other arts and crafts such as "washi" hand made paper and fine black lacquerware.

At the famous Moss Garden of Saihoji, you will experience a meditation session before the priests allow you to view their serene garden.

In the mountainous national parks you will see active volcanoes, bubbling mud pools, steaming sulphur encrusted fumaroles and find out how they affect daily life. Special arrangements have been made for you to meet with the curator of Mt Aso Volcano Visitor Centre for a personally guided tour.

Enjoy the cultural experience of staying in atmospheric Japanese Spa Hotels and a traditional Inn. Here you can relax in the therapeutic mineral baths, savour a variety of local foods at our evening banquets, wander around the village dressed in your Yukata (gown with big sleeves) and Geta (wooden shoes) provided by your hotel. On these nights your rooms will be traditional Japanese style with Tatami floors, futon beds and an architectural decor of tranquil elegance. On other nights you will be staying in more familiar western style hotel rooms.

For Detailed Itinerary & Price Click Here

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