Japan Discovery 2024
Snapshot
- 13 days / 12 nights
- PHT Escorted Journey
- Adelaide return
- Escorted by Julie Williams
- Departs 26 October 2024
From
$10,999*
per person twin share
BOOK NOW
Overview
Japan may be the very definition of a cultural crossroad, a country at the cutting edge of modern technology, that still reveres and honours its ancient past. Explore both sides of Japan on this journey that moves seamlessly from modern Tokyo one minute, to the natural beauty of Mount Fuji and surrounds. Brave the Shibuya crossing, before viewing the organized chaos from above. Travel between cities on the efficient Shinkansen bullet trains. Explore the city of Kyoto, the ancient capital which retains many of its historic temples, silk-clad geisha and classical gardens. Explore the culinary delights of Japan, making Soba noodles, visiting a Sake brewery, a foodie tour in Osaka, and a farewell Teppanyaki dinner. With such a diverse collection of experiences, this tour is sure to delight and excite!
Itinerary
Day 1: Saturday 26 October 2024
Depart Adelaide
Travel from Adelaide to Singapore. On arrival transfer to Clarke Quay for an overnight stay.
Stay: Paradox Merchant Court
Day 2: Sunday 27 October 2024
Singapore to Tokyo
Arrive to Tokyo mid afternoon and transfer to the hotel. Welcome Dinner will be at the hotel this evening. (B,D)
Stay: Sunshine City Prince—3 nights*
Day 3: Monday 28 October 2024
Tokyo
Begin exploring a small part of this fascinating city by coach tour. Stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden before travelling to the Asakusa District, which has kept a vibe of an older Tokyo with street food stalls and traditional craft shops. Stop at the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist Temple, before ascending the Tokyo Skytree, the third tallest building in the world, for views over the city. Later cruise on the Sumida River on a Himiko boat to Odaiba district. (B,L)
Day 4: Tuesday 29 October 2024
Tokyo
Spend a relaxed morning wandering around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens and exploring the Shingo Meiji Shrine, located in a green forest within the city. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before braving the Shibuya ’Scramble’ Crossing, considered to be the worlds busiest pedestrian crossing. After experiencing from the ground level, ascend the Shibuya Sky Observation Deck to calmly watch it all unfold. Return to the hotel by coach with the rest of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)
Day 5: Wednesday 30 October
Tokyo to Mount Fuji
Travel 2 hours to the foothills of the base of Mt Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions. Ascent to Fuji’s 5th station (if weather permits) for spectacular mountain views. After lunch visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view elaborate dyed silk creations, before visiting the western shores of Lake Sato and Iyashi no Sato Historical Village, famous for its thatched roof houses. Later transfer to Mishima and check into the hotel before an included dinner. (B,L,D)
Stay: Fujisan Mishima Tokyu*
Day 6: Thursday 31 October 2024
Mount Fuji to Kyoto
Today all main luggage will be forwarded to Kyoto and will be available the next day. All necessities for an overnight stay will need to be carried. Transfer to Oshino Hakkai, a scenic area of ponds full of crystal clear spring water created by melting snow from Mount Fuji. Get involved with making traditional Soba Noodles, before enjoying them for lunch. Later board a bullet train to Kyoto, once the capital of Japan for a thousand years. Now Kyoto is full of the legacy of ancient Japan with tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and beautiful gardens. After arriving at Kyoto rail station it is a short walk to the hotel for check-in. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant a short walk from the hotel. (B,L,D)
Stay: Keihan Kyoto Ekiminami—3 nights*
Day 7: Friday 1 November 2024
Kyoto
Enjoy exploring Kyoto today, starting with a visit to the Fushimi Shrine with its thousands of torii gates. The Shrine stretches up Mount Inari (233 metres high) at a shallow incline. Later enjoy a traditional tea ceremony before heading to the Gekkeikan Sake brewery, founded in 1637, and learn about the historical techniques used to make this national brew. Later head to Togetsukyo Bridge in the district of Arashiyama and stroll and a short rickshaw ride through the towering bamboo forest. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. (B,L)
Day 8: Saturday 2 November 2024
Kyoto
The exploration of Kyoto continues with a visit to Ryoanji Temple (Temple of the Peaceful Garden), home to Japan’s most famous Zen Garden, and Kinkakiju Temple, also known as the golden pavilion. In the afternoon head to Kiyomizu Temple, best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall above the hillside.
Explore Higashiyama District, which has preserved the look and feel of feudal-era Japan in a wood built historic quarter of narrow lanes with traditional shops, tea houses and restaurants. Enjoy a Kimono wearing experience before heading back to the hotel. Later enjoy a Kaiseki style dinner in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Sunday 3 November 2024
Kyoto to Hiroshima
Today all main luggage will be forwarded to Osaka and will be available the next day. All necessities for an overnight stay will need to be carried. After breakfast, walk to the rail station and board a bullet train to Hiroshima. On arrival hop on a ferry to Miyajima Island to view the Itsukushima shrine, a giant torii gate that looks to float on the water at high tide. Explore the traditional market town on food. After lunch visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the devastation suffered by the city at the end of World War 2. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant just a short walk from the hotel this evening. (B,L,D)
Stay: Granvia Hotel Hiroshima*
Day 10: Monday 4 November 2024
Hiroshima to Osaka
Travel by coach to Himeji. Visit the Himeji Castle, originally built in 1333, and upgraded over the following centuries. The well preserved site is regarded as the finest surviving castle of its type in Japan and had been declared a UNESCO Heritage site in 1993. Later continue to Osaka. (B,L)
Stay: Citadines Namba Osaka—2 nights*
Day 11: Tuesday 5 November 2024
Osaka
Begin exploring Osaka with a visit to the Osaka Castle, known for its sweeping views over the city from its hilltop perch. The castle was built between 1583 and 1585, and played a crucial role in the unification of Japan in the 16th century. Continue to the Umeda Sky Building, one of the tallest and most recognizable landmarks in the city, with is Floating Observatory offering panoramic views of the city. Later enjoy a foodie tour around the vibrant Dotonbori district, Osaka’s premier entertainment and pleasure district. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure. Later this evening enjoy a farewell Teppanyaki dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Wednesday 6 November 2024
Depart Osaka
After breakfast transfer to Osaka to begin the journey to Adelaide via Singapore. (B)
Day 13: Thursday 7 November 2024
Arrive Adelaide
Arrive into Adelaide this morning
*Itinerary is subject to change and availability.
Inclusions
- Return international flights (including taxes) from Adelaide with
Singapore Airlines in economy class. - 11 nights superior hotel accommodation
- Transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicles.
- Travel on Shinkansen bullet trains with luggage forwarding service.
- Sightseeing as per itinerary with applicable entry fees.
- 26 meals.
- Escorted from Adelaide by Julie Williams.
- Services of local professional English speaking driver/guides.
- Pre-departure function in Adelaide and tour documentation.
Dates/Prices
Depart | Return | Hosted by | Twin Share | Single Occupancy |
---|---|---|---|---|
26 October 2024 | 7 November 2024 | Julie Williams | $10,999pp | $12,799pp |
Advertised price is based on per person twin share, correct as of 5 March 2024. Departures from other capital cities available. Only One Exclusive Groups Booking Bonus is offered per booking and subject to minimum numbers.
* Tour Changes
We endeavor to provide an accurate itinerary however, local operators, hotels and airlines sometimes change arrangements and our itinerary would then be adjusted to suit however, the same standard will always be used.
Not Included on tour
Travel insurance; tips during non-group arrangements; items of a personal nature eg drinks, laundry, phone calls, meals other than those indicated, additional sightseeing or optional tours; extensions/stopovers/amendments; additional flight cost from other cities if applicable, arrival and departure transfers at destination/s when not arriving/departing on group flights/dates.
Reservations
A deposit of $400 per person is required within 7 days of confirmation of your booking. the final balance due no later than 15 July 2024. If a booking is made after this date, the full tour price is due at the time of confirmation. Prices are subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received for entire group and tickets have been issued.
Booking Forms and Booking Conditions
You are required to complete some forms when booking which provide essential information we require to process your booking. Your consultant will provide you with all relevant forms.
Passport & Visas
It is necessary for all passengers to be in possession of a valid passport which has at least 6 months validity beyond your return into Australia.
Minimum Numbers
Group fares quoted for this tour are subject to a minimum 15 paying and maximum 30 passengers travelling together. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserve the right to increase the tour price or cancel the tour should the numbers travelling not meet the required minimum.
Tour Escort
Escort travels when minimum numbers of 15 are reached.
Price Alterations
Tour prices specified are based on airfares, taxes and land arrangement tariffs applicable at the time of printing, therefore they may be subject to alteration with or without prior notice until final payment date, as per brochure final payment date (15 July 2024)
Extensions/stopovers
An amendment fee may apply for any changes to group flight arrangements. You may also need to pay any applicable additional taxes.
Amendments/changes
There may be fees charged per amendment by third party suppliers for any reservation changes after your booking is confirmed.
Twin share Room Match Policy
In the event of a cancellation for a twin share room match, the travelling passenger may be required to pay for a single room supplement cost, which will not be covered under their travel insurance policy. Similarly, if a traveler decides whilst travelling that they do not want to share any longer, they will be required to pay the full costs for a single room.
Refunds/Credits
No refund is available in respect of any sightseeing tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilised or required during this tour. No refund is available for cancellations after the tour has commenced.
Cancellations
Cancellations of firm bookings will be subject to $400 per person service fee plus any charges imposed by principals involved in operating the tour. Therefore, the cancellation fee may be up to the total cost for land and/or airfares. Cancelled bookings are non-transferable.
Baggage
Please refer to individual airline tickets for the baggage allowance for your flights. Airlines may charge you for baggage in excess of these allowances, which will be at passenger’s expense. Whilst on tour one main bag and 1 piece of hand luggage per person is allowed.
Medical Advice
It is wise to seek medical advice before travelling from travel specialist doctor, or from your own GP. Travellers must meet Phil Hoffmann Travel ’Statement of Fitness’ standards to participate.
Insurance
Insurance is compulsory for cover against loss of deposit and loss of airfares, personal accident, medical cover etc. If you have an ongoing medical condition you may be required to complete a pre-existing medical form. If you are over 70 years of age, you are required to complete a seniors medical form. Your consultant will provide all details.
Children
Participants must be over the age of 15.
Responsibility
Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to alter or omit any part of the itinerary or change of reservation, features and/or means of conveyance without any notice and for any reason whatsoever. Phil Hoffmann Travel does not accept liability for failure on the part of transportation companies, hotel contractors and other principals whose responsibility is confined to their own operations. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserves the right to alter hotels used should the necessity arise. The transportation companies or firms shall be exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury and by whom so ever caused and whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any time when the passenger is not on board a conveyance used or operated by the transportation companies or firms.
We reserve the right to take any reasonable action should your health, actions or behaviour impinge on the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other passengers. Phil Hoffmann Travel reserve the right to cancel or withdraw any person as a member of the tour at any time.
All ticket coupons and orders are furnished and issued subject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which the means of transportation or other services provided thereby are offered or supplied by the owners, operators, public carriers, management agents or agents.
The Phil Hoffmann Schedule of Professionalism applies.
E&OE.