Transport

Getting Around Reserved Seats on all long-distance trains including bullet train seats. For smaller groups, a 7-day Japan Rail pass may be provided (allowing full access to JR trains on 7 consecutive days). Luggage transfer when using shinkansen (one bag per person / 2 times) Chartered vehicles, local taxis/minivans/coaches on private city tours Domestic Flights to and from Amami Ooshima Island All Airport transfers (door to door service)

Accommodation

10 nights in carefully chosen 4 & 5* [western style beds] 1 night in Japanese style* ryokan [Japanese style / futon bed] 3 nights in Seafront Hotel [western style beds] * If you require a bed when we stay in the traditional ryokan (e.g. for health reasons), let us know early. We can put in a request but cannot guarantee it.

Optional

Add Pre or Post Tour nights to your trip. Charged separately.

Others

1. Visa Assistance (ERFS Certificate) Due to the new Government guidelines for entering Japan, you are required to follow the necessary visa entry requirements. As part of this, our company will issue you with the necessary ERFS Certificate after you book your trip. In order to do this, we will request the following information: - Passport copy - Travel Insurance Document - Tour Balance to be paid in full - Flight details both in and out of Japan - Emergency Contact Details while you are in Japan After you provide all of this information to our team, it will take up to 3 business days to get your certificate issued. 2. Emergency Contact We will also give you full EMERGENCY CONTACT details while in Japan and have instant messaging to our local team in Japan. 3. Customised Travel App With full details and instant messaging tools to keep in touch with our team in Japan locally at all times. 4. Full Financial Protection 5. Entrance Fees: Included into all sights listed on itinerary 6. Cultural Experiences: Tokyo Sights by Day & Night including karaoke, izakaya nights out, Sumida River Cruise, urban Japanese garden, Sumo Tournament (May & September dates), etc. World famous Yudanaka Snow Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture & Samurai castle of Matsumoto Overnight in rural ryokans experiencing unique Japanese hospitality and onsen (hot spring baths) & incredible R&R time! Kanazawa Tea houses, geisha district, visit to one of the top 3 gardens of Japan, local food market Unesco World Heritage Kyoto: glorious sites, traditional back-streets, stunning shrines, manicured gardens, gorgeous geisha, and authentic tea ceremony just some of the highlights! High speed bullet train journeys throughout Scenic mountain drives taking in the magical landscape that makes up c.75% of Japan’s terrain Cultural Activities in Gokayama including: Washi Paper Making, Soba noodle making, 400-year-old farmhouse visit, tea with locals, farmers dance Takayama morning market and old worldly village feel April/October: Takayama Festival (very popular) Authentic Tropical Island in the Pacific Ocean experiencing a new ethnicity of island living, tasting different flavours only found on the island, meeting friendly easy-going islanders!

Guide

Fully Escorted You will be escorted by our friendly English- speaking tour leader who will travel with you from Day 1 to 12. From day 12, your tour leader will say good- bye. You will be met on the island by a local islander! Semi Escorted (1 - 5): You will met in each area by our local assistants and guides on days you don’t have private guides. Whether you’re on a fully escorted or a semi escorted tour, you will be met on 6 days by our local Private Guides in: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Gokayama, Takayama, Kyoto, & Amami Ooshima

Meals

Welcome Dinner at local izakaya on Day 1 Breakfast daily 2 Lunches 4 Evening Meals If you have any special dietary requirements it is important you inform us as early as possible (preferabley at booking stage).

Flights

Domestic Flights to/from Amami Ooshima are included. International Flights are not included (request with our team to receive a quote separately).

Not included:

Insurance

All passengers must take out adequate travel insurance before traveling with Unique Japan Tours.

Others

Not Included: Meals & Beverages (not listed on itinerary) International Flights (request quote) Tour Guide / Driver Gratuity (optional) Baggage Handling : Each passenger will be required to carry your own bags at all times. Tour leaders will not be responsible for bags. Some hotels will have porter service but not all. Unforeseen Costs while on tour - In the event your trip requires re-arranging while on tour, all expenses outside of your tour arrangements will be charged locally. Our team will be ready to assist in making adjustments to your trip, but the costs should be put against your travel insurance. For this reason, it is very important you take out insurance to cover you.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Tokyo - Where East Meets West
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Tokyo - Where East Meets West

Arrive in Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport

Met on arrival by your driver / Transfer to Tokyo hotel

Meet your group in hotel lobby at 6pm

Welcome dinner at local restaurant (included)

Accommodation: Shibuya Tokyu Excel Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Tokyo City Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Tokyo City Sightseeing

Breakfast at your hotel

✪ TOKYO CITY SIGHTSEEING ✪

WITH LOCAL GUIDE 09.00 – 17:00

Our popular Tokyo day tour includes:

• Tsukiji Outer Market

• Hamarikyu Garden

• Tokyo River Cruise to Asakusa area

• Asakusa Kannon Temple & Shopping Street

• Edo Museum or Skytree (if museum is closed)

Evening free time / Your tour leader will give you guidance on where to go after dark!

Accommodation: Shibuya Tokyu Excel Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Yudanaka Onsen & A Visit To The Snow Monkeys
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Yudanaka Onsen & A Visit To The Snow Monkeys

Breakfast at your hotel.

After the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, you will move onto a rural village in Nagano prefecture called Yudanaka Onsen. This is home to the famous ‘Snow Monkeys’ – the wild monkeys that live up in the mountains but come down in the cold to get warm (and fed!) at a natural open-air hot spring bath. Here you will stay in a beautiful local ryokan.

✪ Jigokudani Snow Monkeys ✪

You will be required to walk 1km on a mountain pathway. So, wear comfortable and appropriate shoes!

♥Dinner & Hot Springs (onsen) at your ryokan

*Tonight, you will sleep on a futon mattress on tatami flooring. If you have any issues or prefer to request a bed, be sure to tell us as early as possible! Most ryokans have only a few rooms with western style beds in them (if any at all)

Accommodation: Senjukaku Ryokan (Japanese Style) including Dinner & Onsen
Day 4 Day 4: Matsumoto & Traditinoal Takayama
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Matsumoto & Traditinoal Takayama

Before arriving in Takayama, you will make a brief stop in Matsumoto, an alpine city surrounded by the towering peaks of the Japan Alps. The city is most famous for its original castle which is only a short distance from the station. This is one of the only original castles in Japan and really gives you a sense of ancient Japan and how the samurai used to live and fight. The city also boasts several sake breweries, hidden in the backstreets amongst the traditional buildings, a good museum of Ukiyoe woodblock prints, and is the home of soba noodles, the local speciality which is particularly delicious. The city has a relaxed atmosphere and a cosmopolitan feel befitting of a city renowned for its musicians and authors. The famous violin teacher, Suzuki (of the Suzuki method) originated from Matsumoto and you will find a commemorative statue on the street opposite the station.

After visiting the castle, we continue on through a mountain passage from Matsumoto to Takayama by bus. No matter what time of year, this scenic drive and the incredible natural beauty of the landscape is sure to blow you away. With two nights in the nostalgic town of Takayama you will enjoy meeting the locals at the morning market, visiting the folk museum, meandering around old merchant houses and streets, and seeing sake distilleries.

If you join our April or October dates, you will have the benefit of seeing one of Japan’s most impressive traditional festivals.

Accommodation: Takayama Wat Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Takayama Walking Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Takayama Walking Tour

Breakfast at your hotel

✪ TAKAYAMA WALKING TOUR ✪

WITH LOCAL GUIDE 09.00 – 13:00

Guided tour of Takayama including:

• Takayama Morning Market

• Kusakabe Folk Park

• Takayama Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Hall)

• Takayama Jinya (preserved Government town hall)

♥April & October tours will experience TAKAYAMA FESTIVAL ♥

Changes to above flow/itinerary are inevitable. We will alter according to our local guides recommendation.

Accommodation: Takayama Wat Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Cultural Activities In Gokayama
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cultural Activities In Gokayama

Breakfast at your hotel

Check out and move to Gokayama rural region by minivan/coach

✪ GOKAYAMA CULTURE DAY ✪

WITH LOCAL GUIDE 09.00 – 17:00

♥Cultural Activities ♥

• Washi paper making (take home your work of art)

• Cookery Class making Soba noodles followed by lunch

• Lunch at Soba Noodle restaurant

• Gassho Zukkuri 400-year-old Farmhouse villages

• Enjoy a hot cup of roasted tea by the original open fire & meet the local farmers & workers!

Transfer from Gokayama to Kanazawa by coach/minivan

Check into your hotel Free time this evening ~ explore Kanazawa at night – you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Accommodation: Hotel Nikko (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Kanazawa Morning Tour / Evening In Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Kanazawa Morning Tour / Evening In Kyoto

Breakfast at your hotel

Check out and leave bags in storage

✪ KANAZAWA Morning Tour ✪

WITH LOCAL GUIDE 09.00 – 13:00

Visit:

- Kenrokuen Garden (considered one of the top 3 gardens in Japan)

- Higashi Chaya District (Old Samurai/Geisha District)

- ♥Authentic Tea Ceremony

Transfer to Kyoto by express train

Free time Kyoto

OPTIONAL TOURS

Dinner with Kyoto Geisha at local restaurant

Accommodation: Okura Kyoto (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: The Kyoto Experience
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: The Kyoto Experience

Breakfast at your hotel

✪ KYOTO City Sightseeing ✪

WITH LOCAL GUIDE 09.00 – 17:00

Visit:

• Nijo Castle

• Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

• Lunch at local restaurant

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

• Fushimi Inari Shrine (10,000 Tori Gates)

Accommodation: Okura Kyoto (or similar)

♥♥Highlight: Afternoon Tea with Geisha (Maiko) ♥♥

You will have the rare chance to sit and have tea with one of Kyoto’s beautiful young Maiko in their mama-san’s teahouse. ’Maiko’ are better known as a young ’Geisha’. Training to become Geisha usually starts at a young age (some start at 13/14). Trained in various Japanese traditional arts such as Kimono wearing, flower arranging, traditional dance, shamisen (string instrument), and so on, they spend many years perfecting how to walk, talk, and breath like a Geisha. If successful in their progression, they then move to be a Geisha, usually by the age of twenty or so. Such an interesting experience that you will only find in Kyoto. This experience is not sold on the high street. This really is a special occasion on our tour that we have been proud to offer for many years. So be sure to bring your camera and be prepared to ask questions. Our Maiko are very open and love sharing and listening to your stories too.
Day 9 Day 9: Free Time In Kyoto (Optional Tours Available)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Free Time In Kyoto (Optional Tours Available)

Breakfast at your hotel

Free day in Kyoto

OPTIONAL TOURS

1. Ancient Nara & Modern Osaka

2. Day trip to Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

3. GOLF* in Kobe (incl. lunch, green fees, rental, & transfers)

4. Kyoto Cultural Experiences* e.g. Kimono Workshop, Ikebana Workshop, Cookery Class, etc.

*Pre-Booking Essential before departure
Day 10 Day 10-13: Tropical Paradise On Amami Ooshima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10-13: Tropical Paradise On Amami Ooshima

At this stage of your trip you might feeling a little weary – nothing a few nights on a tropical island can’t cure! Amami Oshima benefits from a sub-tropical climate all year round and can boastfully claim the best beaches and most scenic mountain drives in Japan. Your sea-front hotel faces out over the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean with white sandy beaches and the freshest food right at your doorstep. Scuba diving and other water sports can also be arranged from your hotel.

The Amami Islands are a string of eight sub-tropical islands located south of Kagoshima. Amami-Oshima is the main island, and ranks as the second largest remote island in Japan, after Sado-ga-shima in Niigata Prefecture. The sea around the islands, designated as Amami-gunto Quasi-National Park, is blessed with transparent waters, bright colored coral reefs and tropical fish, and is known as a fantastic diving spot. This untouched native island will give you a sample of how the ‘islanders’ of Japan live harmoniously with nature. Amami hills are covered in subtropical forests with rare and distinct plants and flowers; its coral reefs are listed in the World Wildlife Global 200 Eco Regions list; and is most famous in Japan for its Kimono-making made from pongee silk known as Ooshimatsumugi.

On one of your days here, we will arrange a driver/guide to come pick you up and take you on an exclusive tour of the island. You will enjoy canoeing on the forested mangrove lake and taking a glass-bottom boat trip to get up close and personal with the thousands of tiny tropical fish. If you prefer to rent a car and do your own thing, we can arrange this too.

Accommodation: Bashayama Mura Resort (Beachfront Hotel) for 3 nights
Day 11 Day 14-15: Journey Back To Tokyo For Some Free Time Before Flying Home
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14-15: Journey Back To Tokyo For Some Free Time Before Flying Home

We journey back to Tokyo for two final nights in the centre of Tokyo in Ginza area. Your travel pack will contain plenty of suggestions for how to spend it. You will be transferred to the airport for your scheduled flight on your departure date.

Accommodation: Imperial 5*Hotel (or similar) for 2 nights

15 days tour

Traditional And Tropical Japan

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Traditional And Tropical Japan

Day 1: Welcome To Tokyo - Where East Meets West

Day 2: Tokyo City Sightseeing

Day 3: Yudanaka Onsen & A Visit To The Snow Monkeys

Day 4: Matsumoto & Traditinoal Takayama

Day 5: Takayama Walking Tour

Day 6: Cultural Activities In Gokayama

Day 7: Kanazawa Morning Tour / Evening In Kyoto

Day 8: The Kyoto Experience

Day 9: Free Time In Kyoto (Optional Tours Available)

Day 10-13: Tropical Paradise On Amami Ooshima

Day 14-15: Journey Back To Tokyo For Some Free Time Before Flying Home

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