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Self-Guided Adventures
Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.
Get beneath the surface
Part of InsideAsia Tours Ltd, an award-winning travel company
offering group tours, tailored travel and cultural experiences
across Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma.
INTRODUCTION W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8
C O N T E N T S
It was the incredible otherness of Japan that inspired us to start a travel company.
Following university, we both spent three years living in Toyota City, home of the
motor corporation, teaching English in junior high schools and discovering the sheer
fun of life in Japan. We soaked in onsen baths, sang karaoke, ate in local izakaya
pubs, felt the wonder of sunrise from the top of Mount Fuji and fell in love with the
buzz you get every time you set foot on the bullet train.
Today, just as then, it isnt Japan as a tourist destination that inspires us; its the
country itself and the people we meet each time we visit. We want to give you the
chance to have the experiences weve enjoyed so much, hoping that youll fall in Simon King
love with the country just as we did.
Working together with our friend Ayako Koide, who today is in charge of our Nagoya
office, weve designed our Small Group Tours, Self-Guided Adventures and
Exclusive Private Journeys to really get beneath the surface, creating fabulous
memories for everyone who travels with us. Our tour leaders and guides will take
you to our favourite places, restaurants and bars and even introduce you to some
of our Japanese friends along the way. It is a culturally rich and immersive style of
travel that is as fresh and different now as back when we started.
Alastair Donnelly
From your very first phone call or email enquiry, youll benefit from our in-depth During your holiday youll travel on Japans unrivalled public transport system and
knowledge and deep understanding both of the country itself and of what goes stay in Japanese owned hotels and ryokan inns. Youll meet local Japanese guides,
into making the best possible travel experience. and can rest safe in the knowledge that our suppliers are always paid a decent
price. Our breadth of Japan knowledge means you can travel to off-the-beaten-
track destinations, which in turn supports more disadvantaged, rural areas.
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m
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Inside Japan Tou
team
B r i s b ane
Inside Japan Tour s
3
InsideJapan Tours Nagoya team
Introducing Japan
Just what is it about Japan? Equal parts beguiling and bewildering, Japans
ancient traditions meet the rush of globalisation head-on to create a country
like nowhere else on earth.
A rugged, untamed wilderness with Bruised but undefeated by the 2011 Home of the Tokyo-Yokohama
a mere scattering of people and an tsunami. Samurai legends live on megalopolis and some 35 million people
abundance of wildlife in rural mountain communities and who live amid towering skyscrapers,
hidden temples zebra crossings and neon lights
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Spend a little time in Japan and youll soon start thinking: why dont we do things this way at home? Hokkaido
The trains run on time to the second, there isnt a scrap of litter to be seen, and simple activities such
as bathing and drinking tea have been elevated to high culture. Tradition is always revered, from the
spiritual and meditative beauty of Japanese gardens to the countless festivals that continue to play out
just as they have for centuries. And the people are unfailingly polite even in Tokyos rush hour.
Then theres the food! Who could fail to be impressed by the huge range of dishes on offer? Slices
of sashimi served fresh from the sea, steaming winter stews, bento box picnics beneath the cherry
Mt. Asahi
blossom and exquisite kaiseki banquets to name but a few of the culinary highlights.
Sapporo
The range of geography to be found here is staggering. Comprising some 6,800 islands, Japan stretches
over 3,000 km (1,900 mi) from the quasi-Siberian snowscapes of Hokkaido to the subtropical beaches
and mangrove forests of Okinawa. Of this, over 70% of the terrain is mountainous and contains one Hakodate
tenth of the worlds active volcanoes.
In a land of such diversity and volatility, it is perhaps unsurprising that the Japanese have an
extraordinary sense of the power of nature and the fleeting impermanence of things. Consequently,
even the tiniest details are cherished from the exposed skin at the nape of a geishas neck to the Aomori Tohoku
composition of an ikebana flower arrangement; from the rhythmic beat of a taiko drum to the beautiful
irregularities found in handcrafted pottery.
Akita
Whats more, the Japanese themselves are some of the most charming, gracious, hospitable hosts youll
ever meet, and we cant wait to introduce you to them. So go on, take a holiday to Japan. Yamagata
The only danger is that its sure to draw you back time and time again.
Sendai
Sado Island Niigata
Nikko
Kanazawa
Matsumoto
Takayama
Matsue
Mt. Fuji
Chugoku Kyoto Nagoya Tokyo
Himeji Kanto
Hiroshima Osaka
Ise
Takamatsu Nara
Tokushima
Fukuoka
Matsuyama
Kansai
Capital Tokyo
Population 127 million people, the 11th largest population in the world
Language Japanese
Ethnicity 98.5% Japanese
Okinawa Religion Buddhism & Shintoism
Currency Yen ()
Naha
Area 378,000 km spread over more than 6,800 islands
Time zone GMT +9
Dialling code +81
Electricity 100 volts AC. Flat 2-pin plugs
Driving On the left
Ishigaki
5
Your Info-Pack
Worrying about getting lost in translation in Japan? You neednt be if you travel with InsideJapan
Tours, as you will receive our detailed Info-Pack around a month before departure. Written by
our team of Japan experts and containing cultural tips, Japanese language hints, our restaurant
recommendations and sightseeing guides to every place on your itinerary the Info-Pack is your
essential travel companion.
If you are travelling on a Self-Guided Adventure, the Info-Pack will also contain personalised
instructions for each journey youll make, and detailed directions to every hotel or ryokan inn.
Japanese society operates according to a complicated web of cultural code and social
etiquette that can appear impenetrable to outsiders. We know exactly how that feels
trust us, weve made a lot of mistakes ourselves! From forgetting to put on toilet
slippers to wearing kimono robes the 09 wrong
Japanway round or taking a sip of beer before
- Chopsticks
the official kanpai toast, cultural slip-ups are easy to make.
Allow us to guide you through these obstacles by introducing you to our tour leaders
and local professional guides wholl teach you all you need to know about Japanese
culture. Our Info-Pack also has a wealth of cultural tips and etiquette information,
turning your holiday into an immersive and enlightening experience, as well as
enabling you to make plenty of Japanese friends along the way.
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starting in Kyoto, the countrys cultural and historical heart.
Please make your way back to Tokyos Shinjuku Station and follow signs to the
JR Yamanote Line (green on Tokyo transport maps). Please use your Japan Rail
Pass to take the next Yamanote Line train to Shinagawa Station. These trains
run every 5 minutes or so, all seats are unreserved, and an example journey is
shown below.
Depart/
Station Name/ Line Name/Train Name
Arrive
08:30 Shinjuku
[19min] JR Yamanote Line ()
08:49 Shinagawa
Our destination guides include perfect Train and station names are written in
Japanese as well as English, so you can
At Shinagawa Station follow the signs for the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train).
day recommendations for the best
show this to station staff if you need help
There are trains every 30 minutes to Kyoto; here are the morning departures:
sightseeing in each city
Shinagawa Kyoto
Train Name
Shinkansen Hikari 465 465 09:10 11:47
Shinkansen Hikari 507 507 09:40 12:11
Shinkansen Hikari 467 467 10:10 12:47
Shinkansen Hikari 509 509 10:40 13:11
Shinkansen Hikari 469 469 11:10 13:47
On arrival at Kyoto Station, please turn to the accommodation page for
directions to your hotel.
www.insidejapantours.com
Soup Sashimi
A light soup with vegetables, Thinly sliced, raw fish with shredded radish.
tofu or seafood. Soy sauce is provided for dipping sauce
Enjoy our top tips on everything from
taking a hot-spring bath to tucking into
a kaiseki banquet
Deep fried dish Rice
7
Japan holidays since 2000...
Since the year 2000 thousands of people have discovered Japan on an
InsideJapan Tours holiday. Whether you want to shop for vintage kimono
in Kyoto, explore the backstreet eateries of Tokyo or meditate with the
monks at Mount Koya, we can make your Japan travel dreams a reality.
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Boulder
USA
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When to travel
Japan is a fantastic holiday destination all year round, with each season offering its own particular appeal.
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Spring (March to May)
Take advantage of the spring to do as the Japanese do admire the
transient beauty of the beloved cherry blossom, and befriend the locals
at a sake-fuelled picnic party beneath canopies of pink.
The cherry blossom opens as a wave, blooming as early as February
in Okinawa then slowly climbing north, usually peaking in Tokyo and
Kyoto in early April and reaching Hokkaido by late May. April is the
busiest time of year to visit Japan, but everything quietens down after
the first week of May, a warm, sunny month of lush greens and iris
flowers. At this time, rice paddies are filled with water so you can catch
the reflections of mist-covered mountains.
11
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Elisa Ferroni
Small Group Tours Manager
Japan Enchantment 20 - 21 S U P E R I O R
Spirit of Honshu 22 - 23 S U P E R I O R
Spring Elegance 26 - 27 C L A S S I C
Classic Japan 28 - 29 C L A S S I C
Hands-On Japan 30 - 31 C L A S S I C
Winter Highlights 32 - 33 C L A S S I C
Hidden Japan 34 - 35 C L A S S I C
Kyushu Elements 36 - 37 C L A S S I C
A Northern Soul 38 - 39 C L A S S I C
Japan Unmasked 42 - 43 E S S E N T I A L
Tokaido Trail 44 - 45 E S S E N T I A L
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SMALL GROUP TOURS
15
SMALL GROUP TOURS
We have divided our range of Small Group Tours into five categories to help you select the most
suitable tour for you.
Local professional guides & experts in key Local professional guides in key destinations
destinations (in addition to your tour leader) (in addition to your tour leader)
The very best five-star accommodation Four- to five-star accommodation
En-suite rooms in all location En-suite rooms in all locations
Private airport transfers Private airport transfers
Luxury cars and microbuses All transport between destinations
First-class bullet train travel Some private minibus transfers where beneficial
Breakfast every day plus several lunches Breakfast every day plus several lunches & dinners
Spectacular dinners at world-class restaurants Most entrance fees included
Exclusive cultural experiences Selected luggage forwarding included
All entrance fees included Guaranteed maximum of 14 travellers
Luggage handling between all destinations Solo travellers: a single room is available
throughout on payment of a mandatory supplement
Guaranteed maximum of 14 travellers
Solo travellers: a single room is available
throughout on payment of a mandatory
supplement
Luxury Japan
10 nights, Small Group Tour
DELUXE TOKYO (2) HAKONE (2) KYOTO (3) KANAZAWA (2) TOKYO (1)
Tour highlights Exclusive travel isnt just about illustrious hotels, first-class transport and
fine dining although thats a wonderful place to start. With a top-quality
tour leader, experienced local guides and Japanese culture specialists,
Stay in five-star hotels Luxury Japan offers the very best in-depth look beneath the surface of this
and exclusive ryokan captivating country.
retreats In Kyoto, Japans cultural heart, well travel by rickshaw through enchanting Kanazawa Tokyo
bamboo groves and don exquisite kimono for a private meditation lesson Mt Fuji
Enjoy sake tasting with and tea ceremony under the tutelage of a Zen temple head priest. Whats Hakone
one of Tokyos top more, well be entertained by geisha in the temple garden while one of
connoisseurs the worlds leading geisha experts illuminates this little-understood aspect Kyoto
of Japanese society.
Mingle with geisha at a
private garden party In the traditional city of Kanazawa well explore the landscape
gardens of Kenrokuen in the peaceful solitude of the early
morning, before meeting local gold leaf artists and masters in
Feast on the best of kimono silk painting.
Japanese haute cuisine
The culinary delights of Japan are endless, and well indulge
in a variety of top-quality meals, from elaborate multi-course
Meet culture experts, banquets to shojin ryori: the traditional vegetarian food of
Zen priests and master Japans Buddhist monks. Luxury is about taking time to enjoy simple
craftsmen pleasures too, and our Tokyo guide will help us seek out hearty bowls of
ramen and the freshest sushi that only the locals know about.
Last but not least, each of our hotels represents the best that Japan has to
offer, from balcony views over the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to an exclusive
hot-spring retreat in Hakone National Park in the foothills of Mount Fuji.
Sake tasting
Originally from Wyoming, Tyler has a of cups used to which kinds of sake should be
Masters degree in the Political Economy of served hot or cold. Well then pair the sake with
East Asia. Now a resident of Tokyo, Tyler has Japanese food, and learn how to appreciate the
been escorting VIP visitors around Japan for subtle differences in taste between some of the
10 years. very finest types of sake (and, of course, how to
recognise the not-so-fine!)
For me, sake tasting with a true sake
connoisseur is one of the top experiences In terms of the range and complexity of
on Luxury Japan. Ensconced in a traditional flavours available, sake is easily on par with
restaurant, well be introduced to the history of wine. The sake expert will be happy to answer
Tyler Palma sake, its use in religious ceremonies and the all your questions, and for the rest of the
Group Tours brewing process. tour youll be able to exercise your newfound
Ground Manager expertise in some of the best restaurants in all
As we move on to tasting, the expert will explain of Japan.
how sake is usually consumed form the types
Kyoto
Kanazawa
Kyoto
Kyoto
Norman Blaikie, Tom Bulloch, InsideAsia Tours staff, Kenji Masunaga
Tokyo
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SMALL GROUP TOURS
Japan Enchantment
14 nights, Small Group Tour
SUPERIOR TOKYO (2) NIKKO (1) KARUIZAWA (2) NAGANO (1) KANAZAWA (2)
KYOTO (3) HAKONE (2) TOKYO (1)
Tour highlights Well begin and end the trip in Tokyo, icon of high modernity and a city of
bewildering size and scope. Our first dinner at a local restaurant will provide
you with a relaxed yet invaluable introduction to Japanese food and
Enjoy a private etiquette, and is the perfect way to get to know the tour leader and group.
Nagano Nikko
audience with a trainee Kyoto is Japans other great city: imperial capital for over a thousand years Karuizawa
geisha and packed with architectural treasures. The highlight of our stay here is Kanazawa Tokyo
a private audience with a maiko (trainee geisha). Such experiences are Mt Fuji
Stay at a classic ryokan rarely available to non-Japanese, giving us an exclusive window into this
Hakone
inn in Nikko mysterious and captivating profession.
onomik ni dlihC - napaJ Kyoto
21
Complementing the city stays, well also get a tantalising taste of rural
Spot nocturnal flying Japan. In Hakone National Park well cruise across Lake Ashi under
squirrels in Karuizawa the watchful gaze of Mount Fuji, explore the outstanding open-air
sculpture park and rest our legs in volcanic hot-spring baths.
Kanazawa
A Japanese language graduate, Tims Kenrokuen is lauded as one of Japans top
passion for Japan was first ignited after three gardens, and quite rightly so it was
watching The Last Samurai. Tim recently the highlight of my visit to Kanazawa. I stayed
visited Kanazawa on one of our Small for two or three hours at least, just wandering
Group Tours. around taking pictures of the teahouses,
waterfalls, lakes and samurai villas not to
As soon as we stepped off the train in mention wonderful views of the city below.
Kanazawa, we knew we were arriving in
a cultured city. We walked through the With its beautiful temples and gardens,
beautiful Tsuzumi Gate, inspired by traditional Kanazawa is often sold as Kyoto Lite but
Tim Grisbrooke Japanese hand drums, and headed southeast its got plenty of charms of its own. Dont
Travel Consultant through the centre passing art galleries, miss the wonderfully fresh seafood, the ninja
craft shops, and gold leaf workshops to reach temple and the beautiful winding streets of
Kenrokuen Garden. the samurai quarter.
Nikko
Is
Japan Enchantment
calling you?
This is an ever-popular Small Group Tour so
lets confirm your place as soon as possible.
Speak to our expert travel consultants, talk to
your local travel agent or visit our website for
online booking, pricing, departure dates and
availability.
Hakone Karuizawa
Kanazawa
Nikko
Nikko
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SMALL GROUP TOURS
Spirit of Honshu
8 nights, Small Group Tour
SUPERIOR TOKYO (3) IZU PENINSULA (2) KYOTO (3)
If you have a limited amount of time yet want to get the most out of your visit to
Japan, this is the tour for you. In between stays in Japans two greatest cities well
relax in private hot springs, explore the beautiful Izu Peninsula, and make day
trips to the fascinating historical sites of Nikko and Nara. Throughout the tour well
stay in superior accommodation, enjoying the very best in Japanese cuisine and
travelling by first-class rail and private transport.
Tour highlights Starting with three nights in the hectic buzz that is Japans capital city, your
tour leader will help you navigate the whirlwind accompanying you on a
boat trip down the Sumida River, a visit to the serene Hamarikyu Gardens
Take in Tokyo by boat and a night at a traditional izakaya restaurant.
Nikko
on a cruise down the Muse on the see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkey carvings in Tokyo
Sumida River Nikkos extravagant woodland temple complex. Gaze at the giant Buddha of
Todai-ji and feed crackers to the resident deer in the ancient capital of Nara.
Visit the extravagant
woodland temple Stay in a superb ryokan inn with seven varieties of hot-spring bath in Izu Peninsula
complex of Nikko Shimoda on the stunning Izu Peninsula a national park whose views of Kyoto
Mount Fuji, sweeping coastlines and forested interior make it the perfect Nara
Feel dwarfed by antidote to the unrelenting crowds of Japans cities. These are just
Todai-jis giant Buddha some of the wonderful experiences well have on this short tour
in Nara of Japans main island.
Nikko
Originally from Montreal, Patrick has mausoleum that was built in his honour
lived in Japan for seven years. He is lavishly decorated in bright colours
currently works in our Nagoya office. and gold, set against a deep forest of
Japanese cedars.
Nikko is famous for its temples and
what temples they are. In stark contrast to On the Spirit of Honshu tour youll
the pared-back aesthetic of Zen temples make a day trip to Nikko, which will
or the roughness and simplicity of wabi- give you plenty of time to see its most
sabi architecture, Nikkos temples and impressive monuments. In addition to the
shrines are stunningly ornate. Originally mausoleum, keep an eye out for Shinkyo
Patrick Loyer a training centre for Buddhist monks, Bridge, with its red-and-black arc set
Travel Consultant Nikko languished in obscurity until the against the greenery of the forest, and
17th century, when it was chosen as the see if you can spot the carved see no
final resting place of Shogun Tokugawa evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkeys
Ieyasu, founder of Japans greatest feudal from the famous proverb. Nikko really is
dynasty. Tokugawa was enshrined at like nothing else in Japan and if youre
Nikko as a deity, and the magnificent anything like me, its bound to be a
highlight of your trip.
Tokyo
Izu Peninsula
Izu Peninsula
an - Bamboo
Kyoto
23
SMALL GROUP TOURS
All-In Japan
12 nights, Small Group Tour
ALL INCLUSIVE TOKYO (2) HIROSHIMA (2) KYOTO (3) KAGA ONSEN (1) KANAZAWA (2)
TOKYO (2)
With all meals, transport, and entrance fees included theres nothing for you to
do on All-In Japan but sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Covering Japans classic
destinations with a few unusual twists, this trip is full to bursting with cultural
experiences designed to give you a comprehensive, sophisticated and stress-free
journey through Japan.
Tour highlights Sometimes, a holiday should just be a holiday: a chance to relinquish all
responsibilities, make no decisions, and worry about absolutely nothing. On
All-In Japan, youll do just this. Leaving every aspect of your trip to us, from your
Enjoy a private lunch to your luggage handling, youll be free to concentrate on immersing
audience with a yourself in Japanese culture safe in the knowledge that you dont have a yen
to pay on the ground. Tokyo
geisha Kanazawa
This tour is an exhilarating journey through Japans history and traditions, from Kaga
Visit Kenrokuen, one the refined geisha houses of Kyoto to an exuberant taiko drumming workshop Onsen
of Japans three great in Tokyo. Tour the ancient temples of Kyoto and Nara, visit the biggest
gardens original castle in Japan at Himeji, and experience zazen meditation at a Kyoto
beautiful temple deep in the forests of Fukui Prefecture.
Explore Eihei-ji
Temple in rural Fukui Try your hand at washi papermaking in Kanazawa, visit the
Hiroshima
fascinating Peace Memorial Park and Museum at Hiroshima, and
ride the cable car to the top of Mount Misen on Miyajima Island
Stay in a gorgeous for spectacular views over the Seto Inland Sea. Forget the tour
traditional inn in Kaga bus bubble well take you to meet the artisans, restaurateurs
Onsen and small business owners who make all this possible.
Visit a World Heritage Its not all temples and tradition, however, and well make sure
shrine on Miyajima youre well-acquainted with modern Japan from an architecture tour
of Tokyo to Kanazawas outstanding 21st Century Art Museum.
Island
One of the great features of this tour is the wide range of excellent
evening entertainment, and youll try a huge range of cuisines in all sorts of
settings including do-it-yourself okonomiyaki pancakes, and drinks at the Kill
Bill izakaya, plus an evening dinner cruise on the Sumida River.
All-In Japan is about comfort and peace of mind, but dont let that fool you
this is all-inclusive as youve never seen it before: culturally immersive and
packed full of action.
Like most outsiders, I had plenty of I was able to ask dozens of questions, and
preconceptions about the world of geisha learnt all kinds of interesting things about the life
before I met the maiko Tomikiku. I imagined of a maiko her training schedule, her hopes
our meeting would be a formal affair and that and expectations, and the challenges she faces
Tomikiku would be shy and reserved. Thankfully, on the road to becoming a fully-fledged geisha.
Karen Tomney my preconceptions couldnt have been more Finally, as I left the teahouse, I felt relaxed, calm
Senior Travel different from the reality. and comfortable a sure sign that Tomikiku had
Consultant done her job.
Tokyo
Tokyo
Kaga Onsen
Kyoto
InsideAsia Tours staff, Sara Pretelli, Garath Evans, Charlie Pharis
Miyajima
25
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Spring Elegance
13 nights, Small Group Tour
CLASSIC
TOKYO (3) MATSUMOTO (1) TAKAYAMA (2) KANAZAWA (1) KYOTO (3)
HAKONE (2) TOKYO (1)
Spring is when Japan casts off its winter blanket and really lets its hair down. Every
park is packed with revellers gathered to view the cherry blossom, festivals are
underway across the country and everyone embraces the party-like atmosphere
this really is a wonderful time to travel. Taking you from neon cityscapes to
towering mountains and back, Spring Elegance provides an excellent balance of
superb experiences and value for money.
Tour highlights Not far from Tokyo, Hakone National Park is a haven of natural splendour. With
stunning views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi and a profusion of volcanic hot
springs, well stay in traditional Japanese accommodation and visit a world-class
Drink green tea in sculpture park in an unbeatable setting.
Tokyos beautiful In the Japanese Alps, the city of Matsumoto and the craft town of Takayama offer Tokyo
Hamarikyu Garden a trip to the iconic Black Crow and an excursion to Hida no Sato respectively. The Kanazawa Matsumoto
Takayama
former is one of Japans most impressive samurai castles, whilst the latter is an Mt Fuji
Explore traditional open-air museum showcasing the steeply thatched praying hands farmhouses Hakone
thatched farmhouses in typical of the region.
the Japanese Alps Kyoto
No trip to Japan would be complete without seeing something of
Admire world-famous the big city, and your tour will be bookended by stays amongst
Kenrokuen Garden in the skyscrapers of Tokyo. Here well receive an introduction to
Kanazawa Japanese cuisine at a local restaurant and see the city from the
waters of the Sumida River.
Wander among the
Three days in Kyoto, meanwhile, will induct you into Japans
sculptures of Hakones
other great city. The highlights here are meeting a maiko
open-air art museum (apprentice geisha) and tickets to the annual geisha dances
Attend a performance given to celebrate the spring. Kanazawa, meanwhile, offers a
glimpse of life in a small city with a historic heart.
of the spring geisha
dances in Kyoto This is an active tour packed with opportunities for exploration, good-
value mid-range accommodation and a variety of meals included.
With your tour leader to steer you through the highlights of these superb destinations,
this tour offers a classic sightseeing experience at a fantastic time of year.
Hanami
Ayako has been friends with and drink. You can even buy a
the company directors, Alastair cherry blossom flavoured latte at
and Simon, since their English Starbucks. If youre in Japan at this
teaching days in the late 90s. time I recommend trying some
She is a founding member of of these seasonal treats, but to
InsideJapan Tours and a native be honest Im not a huge fan of
of Nagoya. the taste!
Kanazawa
Kyoto
Matsumoto
InsideAsia Tours staff
Kanazawa Hakone
27
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Classic Japan
13 nights, Small Group Tour
CLASSIC TOKYO (2) HAKONE (2) OSAKA (2) KYOTO (2) TAKAYAMA (2)
KAMIKOCHI (2) TOKYO (1)
Imagine basking in a hot-spring bath at the foot of Mount Fuji, taking tea with an
apprentice geisha in Kyoto or seeing Tokyo from the water as we cruise down the
Sumida River. This tour collects the best of Japans classic cultural and natural locations
at a relaxed pace, from the tatami mats and paper screens of countless woodblock
prints to the exquisite gardens and temples youve always dreamt of visiting.
Tour highlights Discover some of the locations that have given Japan its reputation as a
land of mysterious spirituality and exquisite aesthetics, as we ride cross-
country on the world-famous bullet train and stay in some lovely traditional
Cruise through Tokyo accommodations. Our journey will be gastronomic too well sample local
on the Sumida River specialities from melt-in-the-mouth Hida beef in the alpine regions, to quick
Tokyo
bites from street vendors in Osaka and multi-course kaiseki feasts in Kyoto. Kamikochi
Mt Fuji
Takayama
In each destination well take in a range of experiences, from learning about
Get an introduction to Hakone
the history of magnificent Osaka Castle to wandering among the thatched
feudal history at Osaka farmhouses of Takayamas Hida no Sato Folk Village. Well enjoy an exclusive
Castle audience with a trainee geisha, and drink tea at the beautiful Hamarikyu Kyoto
Temple for spectacular Along the way well visit two stunning national parks: Kamikochi
views across Kyoto and Hakone. The former is home to some of Japans most
magnificent mountain scenery and a thriving population of
Meet a trainee geisha Japanese macaque monkeys, while the latter offers a pirate
in Kyotos Gion district ship ride across Lake Ashi and the chance to boil eggs in
volcanic hot springs. If you choose to travel in July or August,
you will also have the option to scale one of the most famous
Experience a peaks in the world: Mount Fuji.
traditional ryokan stay
Accompanying you throughout will be your tour leader, who will
in Takayama
introduce you to Japanese history and culture, guide you on excursions,
demystify the local etiquette and generally make sure you get the best
from our Classic Japan tour.
Kamikochi
Zen expert Richard currently lives in national park is on a chartered bus it is
Kyoto, but counts Kamikochi as one of his possible to hike in, but thats certainly not for
favourite places in Japan. the faint of heart! The area is only open from
April to November and closed during the rest
Kamikochi is easily my favourite destination of the year due to heavy snow during the
on Classic Japan, and even if I were choosing winter hence youll find that Classic Japan
between my favourite destinations on any only runs during these months.
Small Group Tour, its likely that it would still
emerge victorious. The area we refer to as Kamikochi is a 15
km (9 mi) valley with a number of mountain
Richard Farmer A mountain resort in Nagano Prefecture, lodges dotted through the woodland. There
Tour Leader Kamikochi is an area of outstanding natural are plenty of great hiking opportunities for
beauty. In order to preserve the region, all levels of experience and fitness I love
access by private cars is not permitted, and leading my groups on a couple of gentle
access by train is impossible due to the walks through the valley.
remote location. The best way to get into the
Kyoto
Hakone
InsideAsia Tours staff, Louise Marston
Kamikochi Osaka
29
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Hands-On Japan
14 nights, Small Group Tour
CLASSIC TOKYO (3) TOGARI NOZAWA ONSEN (2) MATSUMOTO (2)
KYOTO (4) TAKEFU (2) TOKYO (1)
Tour highlights Japan is famous for its rich traditional heritage, and this tour offers you a
window into a wide variety of cultural institutions. In Tokyo well attend a sumo
tournament for a glimpse into a strictly regimented world that is much more
Try your hand at a spiritual than most outsiders realise.
Togari Nozawa Onsen
variety of traditional Matsumoto offers us the chance to climb to the top of the imposing Black
Japanese crafts Crow samurai castle, while in Kyoto well try Japanese green tea and be Matsumoto Tokyo
museum in Matsumoto well test our skills at pottery and indigo cloth dyeing in Kyoto, traditional
Kyoto
papermaking in Takefu and taiko drumming in Tokyo.
Visit a traditional
Enjoy superb natural scenery as we canoe through valleys and
machiya townhouse for help farmers with their crops in Togari Nozawa Onsen, take a
lunch in Kyoto traditional yakatabune boat trip in Tokyo, and hike through the
thousands of vermillion gates at Kyotos Fushimi Inari Shrine.
See Zenko-ji Temple,
one of Japans most Food is one of the highlights of any trip to Japan, and this
important temples tour is no different. Besides a range of superb included meals,
from sushi in Tokyo to a kaiseki feast in Kyoto, well also learn
Witness a sumo to make our own. In Takefu this means a soba noodle-making
tournament in Tokyo class, while at the Daio wasabi farm well make traditional pickles and
perhaps try a taste of wasabi ice cream!
Taiko drumming
Mark spent three years teaching English in Starting with a very simple don-doku don-
rural Yamaguchi Prefecture, where he met doku rhythm we learn where to strike the
his wife Rie. Although now based in our drum, slowly building up to the speed. The
Bristol office, Mark has led our Hands-On instructor, or sensei, then has us weaving in
Japan tour multiple times. opposite beats doku-don doku-don not
to mention adding claps, spins, shouts and
My favourite activity on Hands-On Japan dance moves in between.
is the first one taiko drumming in Tokyos
Asakusa district. Led by professional By the end of the 45-minute session the tour
drummers in their practice studio, its a real group has a five-minute drumming routine
Mark Johnson group bonding experience. down pat. Its all teamwork and gives a great
Senior Travel sense of achievement. Were all sweating
Consultant buckets by the time we finish!
Kyoto Takefu
Kyoto
31
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Winter Highlights
14 nights, Small Group Tour
CLASSIC
TOKYO (2) TSURUI (1) RAUSU (1) ABASHIRI (1) SAPPORO (3) Abashiri Rausu
Sapporo
From incredible snow sculptures and rare birds in Hokkaido to snow monkeys
and cultural treasures on Honshu; this tour demonstrates the huge range of
winter season attractions on Japans two largest islands. Theres nothing quite
like sinking into a natural hot-spring bath with snow falling all around you after
a long day of sightseeing.
Tour highlights Japan in the winter is a magical destination, blanketed in snow and free
from the crowds that throng the cultural hotspots in summer.
Hokkaido, Japans remote, northern outpost, is off the beaten track even
Take an icebreaker for most Japanese. Here well wander vast, windswept plains and wild Yudanaka
cruise on the Okhotsk peninsulas where smoking volcanoes provide the backdrop, with a litany of
Sea rare birds to be spotted. Tokyo
See giant snow In Tsurui well receive an introduction to Hokkaidos avian residents
sculptures at the including dancing red-crowned cranes with an expert birding guide, while
Sapporo snow festival in Rausu well take an icebreaker cruise among the creaking floes of the Kyoto
Okhotsk Sea. With a bit of luck on our side, the cruise will bring us within
Visit the famous range of magnificent Stellers sea eagles, a fantastic opportunity for
onsen-bathing keen wildlife photographers.
monkeys of Yudanaka Before returning to the mainland well spend three nights in
Sapporo, Hokkaidos capital, to catch the famous snow festival,
Spot dancing cranes
during which 400 giant snow sculptures occupy the citys
and Stellers sea
spaces. Sapporo is famous for beer as well as snow, so in
eagles addition to enjoying the festival well take a tour of one of the
Meet an apprentice local breweries.
geisha in Kyoto Honshu is Japans main island and offers a very different experience
from Hokkaido. In Tokyo well take a cruise on the Sumida River and
warm our hands around bowls of green tea at Hamarikyu Garden, while
in Kyoto we might be lucky enough to enjoy the enchanting sight of the
Golden Pavilion wreathed in snow. Well also have a private audience with
a maiko (trainee geisha), which is sure to be a memorable experience.
Red-crowned cranes
David came to Japan as an English teacher in 2007 and village of Tsurui in the east of Hokkaido. Standing around
never left. Here, he describes watching the red-crowned 1.5m (5 ft) tall with a wing span of almost 2.5m (8 ft),
cranes of Tsurui in their spectacular mating dance. these massive birds are a symbol of luck and longevity in
Japanese folklore.
Standing on a bridge from before dawn in minus-twenty-
degree weather, we soon forgot about the cold. It was as No one in our group shot fewer than a thousand pictures
if a curtain had been pulled back to reveal an exquisitely that morning. The sun ignited the trees, turning the frost
set opera or kabuki. Everyone was dumbstruck, the only every colour of warmth in the visible spectrum, as the flock
audible sound, apart from camera shutters and the danced around, seemingly aware of just how balletic they
squeaky-crunchy compression of snow and ice underfoot, looked. It appeared for a moment that the trees were filled
David Lovejoy was the flapping of wings. with cherry blossoms but in fact it was just refracted
Senior Tour Leader sunlight, negotiating the trees on its way to the steaming
Formerly on the brink of extinction, there is now a small river below.
but thriving colony of red-crowned cranes in the tiny
Yudanaka Tsurui
Winter Highlights was my third trip We run just two Winter Highlights Small Group
with InsideJapan, and as usual Tours each February to catch the Sapporo snow
everything went without a hitch. I festival, so make haste and confirm your place as
had a fantastic time. soon as possible. Call us directly, visit your local
travel agent or check our website for departure
Michael, Isle of Man, UK
dates, pricing and availability.
Sapporo
Kyoto
Chris Stanley, Tim Hutchin, InsideAsia Tours staff
Chris Stanley
Sapporo Abashiri
33
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Hidden Japan
12 nights, Small Group Tour
CLASSIC KYOTO (2) MOUNT KOYA (1) TOKUSHIMA (1) TAKAMATSU (2) KOTOHIRA (2)
MATSUYAMA (1) HIROSHIMA (2) KYOTO (1)
Are you looking for depth of cultural insight, with experiences that take you away
from the usual tourist trail? This tour gives you both, liberating you from the pressure
of ticking off destinations or visiting must-see locations and steering you instead
towards the road less travelled.
Tour highlights Eschewing Tokyo allows us more time to discover Japans intriguing
south-central regions, which is why this tour begins and ends in Kyoto.
Here youll get to know your group and meet a trainee geisha before
Spend the night in we explore the temples and gardens that lurk behind every sliding
screen and around every corner in this incredible city.
Buddhist temple
lodgings Mount Koya offers an overnight stay in a temple lodging, with exquisite
vegetarian Buddhist cuisine and the chance to join the monks at their
Glide to the top of morning prayers. In Tokushima, meanwhile, well ride the ropeway to
Mount Bizan by the top of Mount Bizan and see a traditional bunraku puppet show.
cable car Kyoto
Venturing across the Inland Sea to Shikoku, well visit the islands most
Watch a traditional famous shrine, Konpira-san, and stay in a wonderful ryokan inn in Kotohira. Takamatsu Mount Koya
bunraku puppet show Well also explore Naoshima Islands Art House Projects with an
Hiroshima
Kotohira Tokushima
expert local guide; visit Matsuyama, home a magnificent original
Matsuyama
samurai castle; walk across breath-taking vine bridges in the
Visit Risturin, one of
fertile Iya Valley; and take a ferry to Hiroshima for a visit to the
Japans most famous
Peace Memorial Park and idyllic Miyajima Island.
gardens
Finally, before returning to Kyoto, well visit Joge a little town
Explore Naoshima known for its traditional white-plaster buildings and beautiful
Art Island with an wood-built kabuki theatre. Here well be welcomed by a local
expert local guide community centre for a day of cultural interaction including the chance
to try the martial art of kendo stick-fighting.
On Hidden Japan your full-time tour leader will be worth their weight
in gold, making sure the journey runs like clockwork and explaining the
finer points of local custom in these fascinating destinations.
Dogo Onsen
Brett joined the InsideJapan tour leading of Shikoku, is the best place to go if youre
team in 2015 and is currently based in the looking for a bath. Famous for its onsen, or
city of Yokohama. hot springs, Matsuyama retains a resort-
town feel, especially near the venerated
Out of all the tours I lead, Hidden Japan is Dogo Onsen.
definitely my favourite. Getting to meander
around the Japanese countryside, taking Dogo is Japans oldest and most esteemed
in incredible sights while also enjoying the onsen, dating back almost 1,500 years.
amazing food and warm people of the The present bathhouse, built at the end of
island of Shikoku it never gets old. the 19th century, is a magnificent example
Brett Plotz of Meiji Period architecture. Inside, it is a
Tour Leader Starting off in the timeless city of Kyoto labyrinth of wooden walkways, hallways, and
is a great introduction to the tour and to doors, each hiding a wonderful place to soak
Japan, but my favourite destination on the your weary body. The building was also the
itinerary comes almost at the end. The city inspiration for the bathhouse in the classic
of Matsuyama, located in the northwest Japanese animated film, Spirited Away.
Kyoto
Takamatsu
Takamatsu
35
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Kyushu Elements
13 nights, Small Group Tour
CLASSIC KYOTO (2) NAGASAKI (2) UNZEN (1) KUMAMOTO (1) MOUNT ASO (2)
KAGOSHIMA (2) YAKUSHIMA (2) KYOTO (1)
The third biggest of Japans four main islands, Kyushu is a little-visited oasis filled
with steaming volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, lush rainforests and sandy beaches.
Not only is its countryside some of Japans finest, but Kyushus cities have plenty of
cosmopolitan charm without the crowds that Tokyo is famous for.
Tour highlights For centuries, Kyushu was Japans only gateway to Asia and the rest of the
world, leaving it with a legacy of European influence and architecture that
survives to this day. During this time, the only contact with the outside world
Take a full-day tour of was through Dejima or Exit Island an artificial island off Nagasaki Port,
Yakushima Island where Portuguese and Dutch traders were permitted to operate.
In Nagasaki well visit Dejima Island and Glover Garden, home to the oldest
Western-style residence in Japan. In Kagoshima city well spend a day with a
Visit Dejima Island, private local guide and admire the volcano of Sakurajima from across the bay.
remnant of Nagasakis While, in Kumamoto, well stop by Suizen-ji a Japanese-style landscape
cosmopolitan past garden and perhaps pick up a Kumamon bear mascot as a souvenir. Kyoto
Experience traditional Kyushus cities have plenty of appeal, but it is in the lush countryside
kyudo archery in that this pocket of western Japan really comes into its own. In
Kumamoto Unzen well admire Mars-like landscapes swathed in clouds
of volcanic gas and soak in wonderful hot-spring baths; at
Fly in a helicopter Mount Aso well take a helicopter ride over the steaming
Unzen Kumamoto
over Japans largest volcanic caldera; and on Yakushima well explore the Mt Aso
Nagasaki
active volcano primeval rainforests that inspired Hayao Miyazakis animated
masterpiece Princess Mononoke.
Kagoshima
Bask in hot-spring
Bookending your tour will be stays in Kyoto, the City of Ten
baths at a traditional
Thousand Temples. Here, bamboo groves, golden temples, ancient
ryokan in Aso Yakushima
palaces, hilltop shrines and a traditional geisha district are just some of
the treasures in store.
Kyushu Elements is the perfect tour for those who want to discover Japanese
culture in a stunning location away from the crowds.
Yakushima Island
Originally from our home town Bristol in thousands of wild macaques and beaches
the UK, Mark studied Law and Politics at filled with sea turtle nests) to keep any nature
Japans Kyushu University. He is now based lover happy. Inland the water from the rivers
in Saitama, just outside Tokyo. is fresh enough to be sampled from any
passing spring, and makes for arguably the
Japan is so varied that choosing a favourite smoothest sake in Japan (my advice: try the
destination feels almost like choosing an all- Mizu no Mori or Forest Water).
time favourite movie. That being said, I certainly
have a major soft spot for the southern island Best of all, however, are the hiking trails that
of Kyushu, and my favourite destination on this lead you past thousand-year-old cedar trees.
Mark Rawlins Walking amongst birdsong and waterfalls,
tour has got to be Yakushima.
Tour Leader and gazing at these monuments of natural
Team Leader A manageable 100 km (62 mi) in history, is a truly magical experience.
circumference, Yakushima is a botanists
paradise with enough fauna (including
Yakushima
Yakushima
Kumamoto
Kumamoto
Veronica, Gloucester, UK
InsideAsia Tours staff
Mt Aso
37
SMALL GROUP TOURS
A Northern Soul
14 nights, Small Group Tour
CLASSIC TOKYO (2) NIKKO (2) HIRAIZUMI (2) NARUKO ONSEN (1) ISHINOMAKI (1)
SENDAI (1) NIIGATA (2) SADO ISLAND (2) TOKYO (1)
The northern reaches of Japans main island hold some of the countrys most
beguiling attractions, from the dramatic gorges and geysers of Naruko to the
emerald coast of Sado Island. A Northern Soul presents these hidden delights,
revealing a side of Japan suffused with legend and mystery.
Hiraizumi
Naruko Onsen Ishinomaki
Immortalised in Japans romantic imagination by Matsuo Basho, the venerated
Tour highlights
Sendai
haiku poet who travelled through it on foot in the 17th century, Tohoku
encompasses six prefectures and stretches all the way from Tokyo to the tip of Sado Island
Niigata
Honshu Island. This is one of the most secluded regions in Japan, with dramatic
Learn about the effects scenery, deep winters and exceptionally warm hospitality. Nikko
of the 2011 tsunami in
Heading north from Tokyo, youll spend two nights in Nikko known chiefly for
Ishinomaki Tokyo
its monumentally elaborate temple complex. Though most tourists move on after
Have a go at taiko a few hours, well stay longer to discover Nikkos stunning national park, where
drumming on Sado waterfalls crash through thick forests and hot springs bubble up on the shores of
Island great lakes.
Then, leaving Tohoku behind, well drive along the winding Zao
Admire Japans most Echo Line and peep over the rim of the colour-changing Okama
ostentatious religious Crater Lake, before catching a boat to Sado Island known for its
sites in Nikko abandoned gold mines and world-famous taiko drummers.
This tour will take you well off the beaten path and deep into Japans
magical north.
Alastair co-founded InsideJapan Tours after his time of Japans recovery as a nation, the human side is
spent teaching English in Toyota City. He has visited left untold. Recovery isnt just about the rebuilding of
Ishinomaki several times since the tsunami. infrastructure and central government funds; its about
the genuine warmth of feeling brought by visitors who
I remember the morning of 11th March 2011 vividly. really care about what happened here which is why
I woke unusually early and turned on the radio. A Northern Soul includes a visit to Ishinomaki, one of
Breaking news was of reports of a large earthquake the towns worst affected by the 2011 disaster.
off the coast of Japan. It was only as the day
progressed that the true horror of the situation in Touring the towns memorials and key landmarks
Tohoku started to become apparent. In truth it was with a local resident as our guide, it is impossible not
Alastair Donnelly to be moved. For thousands in Ishinomaki, the Great
beyond my real comprehension. It was numbing and
Director painful and frightening. Tohoku Earthquake is not a historical event to look
back on but a part of their everyday lives and it is
I feel proud of Japan, which time and again has only by taking the time to listen to their stories and
recovered in the face of adversity, but that is only part contribute to their businesses that we can play our
of the story. Sometimes, in the remarkable success small part in their recovery.
Nikko
Matsushima
39
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Temples grafted onto cliff faces; towns unchanged since samurai roamed their
streets; islands so hidden they see just a handful of foreign visitors a year and
a welcome so warm youll never want to leave: this is the wonderful, hidden
world of rural Japan.
Tour highlights Imagine a time when Japan was concealed from the outside world,
when samurai answered to feudal lords, farmers worked their paddy
fields in remote valleys, and forested islands were said to be the
Overnight in a remote home of gods. Amid todays brash neon and high-tech gadgets its
a world that seems lost forever but travel deep into Japans wild
temple lodging on
west and it may be closer than you think.
Mount Mitoku
Visit Hagi, a now-obscure castle town that gave rise to some of
Bathe in hot springs Japans greatest progressive thinkers its changed so little in the
at Misasa Onsen past centuries that you can still use an Edo Period (1603 1868)
Oki Islands
Mount Mitoku
map to navigate its wood-panelled streets. Explore the Oki Islands, Matsue Misasa Kyoto
so isolated that they are more used to hosting exiled nobles Onsen
Hop across to the than foreign tourists; bask in the healing waters of Misasa Onsen,
little-known Oki shrouded in myths of white wolves and samurai; and sleep in a Hiroshima
Islands temple on Mount Mitoku, a Buddhist sanctuary founded in the Hagi
eighth century.
Visit Hiroshimas
haunting Peace In addition to revealing Japans rural secrets, this tour will
Memorial Park introduce you to some of its great cities: Kyoto the heart of
all Japans history and culture and bright, buzzing Hiroshima,
Take afternoon tea a city that refuses to be overshadowed by its past. Matsue,
with a trainee geisha meanwhile, is an underrated gem hemmed in by lakes and
ocean, with an original feudal castle and one of the countrys most
beautiful landscape gardens.
Mount Mitoku
While most of our tour leaders live in the big cities, All this means that choosing a tour highlight is really
Richard a big fan of the great outdoors calls rural tough! However, Mount Mitoku in Misasa, Tottori, just pips
Tottori Prefecture his home. He designed and leads our the Oki Islands for me. Mount Mitoku, or Mount of the
Rural Japan Explorer tour. Three Virtues, is an old sanctuary of the Tendai Buddhist
sect which dates back to the year 706.
Of all our tours, this is the one that really gives the visitor a
sense of Japan away from the hustle and bustle of the big, Here, visitors can hike Japans most dangerous temple
famous cities. Think stunning scenery, clean air, spiritually path (dont worry, its not really that dangerous) to the
important temples and shrines, rich history and culture, amazing Nageiredo Temple, an eighth-century national
delicious food not to mention natural wonders. treasure built into a cliff face. Later, we spend the night in
Richard Pearce the temple lodgings, eat delicious vegetarian food, and join
Senior Tour Leader the head priest for morning prayers and meditation.
Matsue Hiroshima
Oki Islands
Mount Mitoku
41
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Japan Unmasked
13 nights, Small Group Tour
ESSENTIAL TOKYO (2) NAGANO (1) MATSUMOTO (1) TAKAYAMA (2) KANAZAWA (1)
HIROSHIMA (2) KURASHIKI (1) KYOTO (2) TOKYO (1)
Are you looking for a tour with maximum flexibility? Japan Unmasked packs in a
huge variety of destinations across Japan, with simple accommodation and fewer
inclusions giving you the freedom to choose where you spend your time and money.
Whether you see yourself slurping on a quick bowl of noodles or splurging on sushi,
with your tour leaders suggestions youll certainly make the most of your holiday.
Tour highlights Japan Unmasked begins in Tokyo: the beating, neon heart of Japan. The first of
many rides on the bullet train then whisks us into the Japanese Alps, where well
spend the night in temple lodgings, try vegetarian Buddhist cuisine and search for
Explore the old canal the key to paradise in the pitch-dark tunnels underneath Zenko-ji one of Japans Nagano
district of lovely most important temples.
Kurashiki A chance for us to see mischievous monkeys soaking in the natural hot-spring Kanazawa Tokyo
Takayama
pools of Yudanaka will be followed by a visit to the Black Crow, Matsumotos Matsumoto
Stay in a Buddhist
magnificent original samurai castle.
lodging at Naganos
Zenko-ji Temple Delving deeper in the mountains well experience warm Japanese
Kyoto
hospitality at a traditional ryokan inn in Takayama, where the old-town
Ride the famous streets hide sake breweries, craft shops and morning markets loaded
Kurashiki
shinkansen bullet with fresh produce. Hiroshima
Finally well visit Kurashiki a real gem of a town that often goes unseen by foreign
visitors but whose beautiful merchant canal district, wealth of excellent museums
and architecture from the Meiji Period (1868-1912) make it well worth the trip. 11 Japan - origami crane
Kurashiki
Caitlin from our US team studied Japanese at old-world ceramic tile roofs, clean white walls, and
school and university, and spent three years welcoming noren curtains in the doorways. The
living in Hyogo Prefecture just an hour or so willows and other trees lining Kurashikis canal add
from Kurashiki. to the feeling that youve slipped back in time; they
bring nature and human settlement together in a
My first visit to Kurashiki was something of a way no longer seen in modern towns.
pleasant surprise because I went with a friend, not
knowing much about it. Since we travelled through Kurashikis kura have now been converted into
the city of Okayama and past all of its tallest and museums, galleries, and boutique shops. Be sure to
shiniest buildings to get there, Kurashiki felt like stop in at the Rural Toy Museum and the wonderful
Caitlin Godwin stepping onto the set of a Kurosawa film. Ohara Museum, which was the first permanent
Senior Travel exhibition of Western art in Japan and hosts an
Kura means storehouse in Japanese, and the city unexpectedly spectacular collection.
Consultant is full of beautiful preserved warehouses with
Matsumoto
Tokyo Yudanaka
Kyoto Nagano
43
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Tokaido Trail
9 nights, Small Group Tour
ESSENTIAL TOKYO (2) KAMAKURA (1) HAKONE (2) KYOTO (3) TOKYO (1)
Travelling with a modest budget and time constraints? For the best-value Japan
experience look no further than the Tokaido Trail. This tour proves that you can
cover the classic golden route sights of Japan without breaking the bank or
missing out on unforgettable cultural experiences. It is also the perfect building
block with which to plan a longer trip.
Tour highlights Tokyo and Kyoto are Japans two great cities: one an international byword for modernity,
the other Japans ancient cultural heartland whose history goes back more than a
millennium. This tour gives us ample time to explore both, with the opportunity to take
Stay in a traditional a day trip from Kyoto at no extra cost using the included Japan Rail Pass.
ryokan inn with hot With this flexibility you might choose to visit Nara, another ancient capital of
spring baths Japan; sample the irresistible street food in nearby Osaka; or even take the bullet Tokyo
train all the way to Hiroshima and its neighbour, the stunning island of Miyajima. Mt Fuji
Kamakura
Take a walking tour Whichever experience you choose, your tour leader will help make sure your Hakone
of Kyotos traditional trip runs like clockwork.
geisha district Kyoto
In between Tokyo and Kyoto well visit Kamakura on the eastern
Explore hyper- coast, a much smaller city where the famous giant Buddha makes
modern Tokyo and a stupendous impression. Well also stop off for two nights
historical Kyoto in Hakone National Park, an example of some of the superb
natural beauty to be found in Japan.
Ride the famous
In Hakone well spend the night in a traditional ryokan inn,
shinkansen bullet
complete with tatami rush mats and sliding paper screens.
train Japanese-style accommodation is an experience in itself, and
Admire Kamakuras this is sure to be a highlight of our tour. Dont miss the natural
onsen hot-spring baths, an integral part of Japanese culture and
giant Buddha and
the perfect end to a day of sightseeing. Two nights in this beautiful
temple complexes
area will give us plenty of time to explore, and if the weather is
favourable we may be honoured with spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
I grew up on Long Island, New York. I spent While were in Kamakura, we should make
many summer days and nights at the beach the 20 minute journey to visit Enoshima. A
and was never more than 15 minutes from scenic walk across a bridge leads us to a
the water. Though I love the convenience beautiful island with cherry blossoms in the
of Tokyo, Kamakura and neighbouring spring and breathtaking lights in the winter.
Mike Reddy The view from the top of the Sea Candle
Enoshima are where I feel most at home.
Tour Leader observation tower on a clear day is well
One thing I always mention on my tours worth climbing all the stairs to the top!
is the fact that we move from Tokyo to
Kamakura in a little over an hour, yet so
much changes.
Hakone Kamakura
Kyoto
Keri, Glasgow, UK
Sara Pretelli, InsideAsia Tours staff
Hakone
45
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Watch the sunrise from the summit of Mount Fuji. Walk in the footsteps of
samurai on trails that have survived for centuries. Sleep in hikers lodges
amongst the craggy peaks of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. What better
way to discover Japans beautiful landscapes than to pull on your hiking boots
and get out into the wilds? With plenty of culture thrown in for good measure,
this is a physically challenging tour with fantastic rewards.
Tour highlights On this hiking tour well follow in the footsteps of samurai and pilgrims as we wind
our way along the ancient Nakasendo Way, cooling off under the glorious Metaki Otaki
waterfalls. In the Chubu Sangaku National Park well scale the towering, craggy peaks
and stay in lodges high on Mount Hotaka.
Walk the ancient
Nakasendo Way Most impressive of all, however, well climb one of the most majestic peaks in the Tokyo
world: Mount Fuji. We run our tour to coincide with the Fuji climbing season, and as Kamikochi Matsumoto
we reach the mountain hut at sundown well marvel at the giant shadow that Fuji casts
Explore Kamikochi
across the Kanto plain. Rising early, well complete our final ascent in time to watch Tsumago Hakone
National Park in the the sunrise from the summit.
Japanese Alps Kyoto
Though the focus of this trip is hiking, it wouldnt be doing justice to
Watch the sunrise from this fascinating country without considerable culture interspersed
the summit of Mount throughout. In Tokyo well find soaring peaks replaced with equally
Fuji vertiginous architecture, and lush green forest supplanted by
eye-popping neon.
Tackle a challenging
Glimpse Japans traditional side in Kyoto as we gaze at grand
circuit hike at stunning
temples, explore markets packed with delicacies and perhaps
Mount Hotaka
even catch sight of a geisha as we walk through the wood-
Take a cycling tour of panelled streets of Gion. Even here were not too far from nature;
Kyoto, Japans ancient Kyoto boasts some lovely forest trails and atmospheric bamboo groves.
capital For an in-depth experience of rural and urban Japan with an expert tour
leader, Historic Mountain Trails cant be beaten. Be prepared for tough
hikes covering distances of up to 20 km (12 miles) with some scrambling.
Technical mountaineering experience is not a prerequisite, but excellent fitness and
trekking experience is a must!
Mount Fuji
Hakone
47
SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Self-Guided Adventures
Ruth Hubbard
Product Manager
48 SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8
C O N T E N T S
Private guiding 54 - 55
Golden Route 56 - 57
Best of Japan 58 - 59
Traditional Japan 60 - 61
World Heritage 62 - 63
Pilgrims Paths 64 - 65
Secrets of Shikoku 66 - 67
Northern Highlights 68 - 69
Kyushu Adventure 70 - 71
Wild Hokkaido 72 - 73
Gastronomic Adventure 76 - 77
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Unforgettable experiences
We base our itineraries around experiences rather
than sights, as we believe this is the best way to really
get beneath the surface of Japan. Each of our trips
can be tailored to include any number of activities,
whether you want to watch a sumo tournament, go
white water rafting, or see the neon lights of Tokyo
from a helicopter. Please turn to p. 96-129 for more
ideas and inspiration.
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Self-Guided essentials
Tailor-made itinerary
Start on any day of the year and travel wherever you like
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Step 2
Discuss your hopes for the trip
One of Kyotos largest festivals takes place on May 15th. The weather is
lovely then, too.
The Mori Art Museum in Tokyo is great, and the Art Island of Naoshima is
one of my favourite places in Japan.
Step 3
Bear with us while we ask a lot of questions
Are you looking forward to Japanese food? Is there anything you cant eat?
Step 4
Ask us your questions too!
Step 5
Read through our tailor-made itinerary proposal
Here it is! Ive included a luxury Japanese inn stay on your anniversary.
Your room has a private outdoor hot-spring bath attached.
Step 6
Let us know if youd like any changes
Could we upgrade the hotel on our final night in Osaka?
Ill check if the Marriott Miyako hotel is available. Its at the top of the
tallest building in Japan and has incredible views
Step 7
Pay the deposit and start looking forward to your holiday
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Lily was brilliant. She got inside
the kind of holiday we wanted
very well from accommodation
we might like to stay in, to
following up with intelligent
suggestions based on the sort of
things we like to do. All in all it
was a fantastic trip.
Travel considerations
Are you looking forward to the food? Anything you cant eat?
How much money have you set aside for this holiday?
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Private guiding
Although Self-Guided means youll be travelling by yourself for most of your trip, we highly
recommend you spend at least a couple of days accompanied by a private guide in key destinations such
as Tokyo and Kyoto. Local professional guides have a wealth of knowledge to share and will help you get
to grips with Japanese culture and history, as well as providing a useful orientation in the big cities.
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Insider insights
While theres an endless amount our professional Instead of ticking off the so-called must-see museums
Japanese guides can teach you, perhaps youd enjoy a and temples, perhaps youd rather walk through
different perspective on Japan. Step forward our ex-pat residential neighbourhoods and stop off for a coffee. Or
Insiders. Hailing from all over the English-speaking why not explore a video arcade or delve into a Japanese
world, our Insider staff have chosen to make Japan supermarket? Whatever your interests, our Insiders
their home and study its vast, beautiful and at times are experienced professionals who can answer your
bewildering culture. questions and provide insight on everything from pop
culture, restaurants and transportation to what its like to
live in modern Japan.
INSI
DER
DAY
We work with hundreds of top-quality guides all across Japan. If youre interested in including private guiding in
your Self-Guided Adventure, please speak to your local travel agent or call us directly. Our travel consultants
would be delighted to match you up with the best guides to suit your interests. Its your holiday, so we can
include as little or as much private guiding as youd like.
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Golden Route
9 nights, Self-Guided Adventure
TOKYO (3) HAKONE (2) KYOTO (3) TOKYO (1)
Imagine basking in a hot spring in the shadow of Mount Fuji, speeding cross-country
at breakneck speeds on the bullet train, or marvelling at centuries-old temples in
Japans former imperial capital. Youll experience this and more as our Golden Route
transports you from futuristic Tokyo to the historical capital of Kyoto via one of
Japans most beautiful national parks.
Trip highlights Your trip begins and ends in Tokyo, a city seemingly drawn straight from
the pages of a science fiction novel. In between marvelling at the towering
screens and space-age gadgetry of Akihabaras electric town, youll
Marvel at the space- discover Tokyos traditional heart as you glimpse a Shinto wedding at Meiji
age skyscrapers of Shrine or perhaps take part in a traditional tea ceremony at the lakeside
teahouse in Hamarikyu Garden.
Tokyo Tokyo
Rocketing west on the bullet train at speeds of up to 300 kph (186 Mt Fuji
Ride the world- mph) youll arrive in Kyoto. Not for nothing is it known as the City of Ten Hakone
famous shinkansen Thousand Temples, and whilst here youll have the chance to wander the
bullet train bamboo groves of Arashiyama and visit famous sites such as the red gates Kyoto
of Fushimi Inari and the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji.
Bask in a hot spring
in the foothills of Kyoto is a fantastic base from which to make a day trip to nearby
Mount Fuji Osaka, the great Buddha of Nara, or Hiroshima and its beautiful
neighbouring island of Miyajima. Thanks to your included Japan
Admire Kyotos World Rail Pass, you can make any of these day trips at no extra cost.
Heritage temples
Connecting your city stays will be a visit to Hakone National
and shrines Park, where youll be greeted by spectacular views of the
Experience Japanese surrounding countryside. Here youll experience true Japanese
hospitality as you hunker down at a traditional ryokan inn, tuck in to
hospitality at a
an elaborate kaiseki dinner and soak in a natural volcanic hot spring all
traditional ryokan inn
beneath the shadow of Japans most iconic landmark: Mount Fuji.
Tokyo Skytree
Originally from Denver, Amy studied tracks it on the way up is fun to watch. The
Japanese language and traditional arts at observation deck at the top, meanwhile, gives
college, and has lived in Aichi Prefecture and stunning views across the city.
the alpine town of Takayama.
Apart from the beautiful views, the Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree is a great place to get a has a shopping centre at its base. Here
new perspective on the capital. Opened in high-end fashion sits side by side with quirky
2012, it is currently the second-tallest structure anime-themed stores and a wide variety of
in the world at 634 metres (2,080 ft), and restaurants. And if shopping is not your thing,
houses a broadcasting station, observation you can always visit the on-site aquarium.
Amy Bowinski deck and restaurant. My favourite part, Tokyo Skytree really does offer something for
Senior Travel however, is the ride up: the speed at which it everyone.
Consultant ascends is hard to believe, and the metre that
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Tokyo
Kyoto
Tom Bulloch, Norman Blaikie, Sara Pretelli, InsideAsia Tours staff
Tokyo
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Best of Japan
14 nights, Self-Guided Adventure
TOKYO (3) HAKONE (2) KYOTO (3) MIYAJIMA (2) OSAKA (1)
TAKAYAMA (2) TOKYO (1)
Are you a first-time visitor to Japan and dont know where to start? This could
be the perfect itinerary for you, combining a broad sweep of some of the
countrys most exciting and diverse destinations, from the glittering tumult of
the cities to mountain towns, stunning national parks, ancient temples and a
beautiful island on the Seto Inland Sea.
Trip highlights Your trip begins in Tokyo: world-famous for its eclectic fashions,
multitudinous karaoke booths and futuristic architecture. From here youll
be swept westwards on the bullet train to Kyoto, ancient capital of Japan;
indulge in Osakan street food in Dotonbori known as Japans kitchen;
Sample Osakas mouth-
and visit Hiroshima, a vibrant city with a haunting past.
watering street food
Japan is not all glaring neon and skyscrapers, and between your city stays Tokyo
Takayama
youll experience a more relaxed pace of life in Hakone National Park,
Explore the spectacular the alpine town of Takayama and on the island of Miyajima. In these
Hakone
scenery of Hakone stunning locations youll sleep on tatami-mat flooring at traditional ryokan Kyoto
National Park inns, sample the local cuisine, soak in natural onsen hot-spring baths and
enjoy plenty of old-fashioned Japanese hospitality. Osaka
Admire one of Japans
most iconic views from The best way to experience Japanese culture is to get stuck in,
Miyajima Island and this itinerary is packed with exciting activities to help you get Miyajima
the most out of your trip.
Explore sake breweries
Admire Mount Fuji from the deck of a pirate ship as you
and morning markets in
cruise across Lake Ashi and explore Hakones outdoor
the Japanese Alps sculpture park. Visit Miyajima Islands Itsukushima Shrine, whose
Visit the haunting floating red shrine gate provides one of the most iconic views
Peace Park Memorial in in all Japan. Tour sake breweries and shop for traditional crafts at
Takayamas morning markets, surrounded by the vertiginous peaks of
Hiroshima
the Japanese Alps.
Hatties first trip to Japan was aged 14 as us to try their produce. One lady, who had
a customer on one of our Small Group been farming strawberries, invited us to help
Tours! She then went on to get a degree in ourselves to her leftover crop.
Japanese language before joining our travel
At the end of the tour, Hiro suggested that
consultant team. On a recent trip, Hattie we all go to an okazuya a kind of Japanese
cycled through the countryside just outside deli for lunch. We were each given a box
Takayama. and told to fill it with as much food as we liked,
On arrival at Hida Furukawa Station our as they were sold by weight. My box, which
guide, Hiro, led us on a ride through the I couldnt even finish, cost me no more than
Hattie Richardson 400 yen (about 3 or AU$5). I would never
countryside, weaving through countless
Senior Travel rice paddies and vegetable farms. Most of have found this place without Hiros guidance,
Consultant the farmers we met seemed to know Hiro and it just reminded me how much more you
and were more than pleased to answer our can get from travel by interacting with people
questions. Many of them were also keen for who live and work in the places we visit.
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Hakone
Kyoto
Miyajima
Takayama
Takayama
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Traditional Japan
14 nights, Self-Guided Adventure
TOKYO (3) KANAZAWA (2) SHIRAKAWAGO (1) TAKAYAMA (2)
MATSUMOTO (1) TSUMAGO (1) KYOTO (3) TOKYO (1)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to climb the steps of a
samurai castle, or live in a thatched farmhouse in the Japanese Alps? If so, our
Traditional Japan itinerary could be for you. Steering you away from high-tech
cities, this journey introduces a side of Japan preserved in time, from alpine
villages to traditional ryokan inns.
Your journey begins in Tokyo: once a small fishing village called Edo; now
Trip highlights a glittering metropolis and one of the largest cities in the world. From here,
watch the skyscrapers melt away as you travel into rural Japan, where youll
visit Matsumotos magnificent Black Crow castle and retrace the steps of
Retrace the steps the samurai as you walk the Nakasendo Way to Tsumago in the beautiful
of samurai on the Kiso Valley.
Nakasendo Way Kanazawa
Takayama
Tokyo
In Shirakawago, youll journey high into the Japanese Alps, where youll
Shirakawago Matsumoto
Spend the night in stay in a steeply thatched praying hands farmhouse. Next, the craft
Tsumago
a traditional alpine town of Takayama, set amid alpine scenery, offers the chance to visit sake
Kyoto
farmhouse breweries before indulging in a dinner of succulent Hida beef.
Kester has done all manner of jobs in Japan from From here the path continues to descend into deeper,
lifeguarding in Okinawa to working on a search-and- darker and more ancient woodland. The trail hugs
rescue team in Nozawa Onsen ski resort. This year the side of steep gullies with crystal-clear streams,
he relished the opportunity to walk a section of the becoming a series of wooden walkways over sections
Nakasendo Way. of deeper river. Down here the moss grows thick and
you can feel the age of the forest its easy to imagine
It is just 8 km (5 mi) from Magome to Tsumago, yourself back in the Edo Period, making the long trek
beginning with a steady climb to the mountain pass. between the old and new capitals (Kyoto and Tokyo).
Past the summit, the long downhill to Tsumago village
begins. In this area is a teahouse run by a lovely old Finally, the path emerges from the forest as you make
Kester Wright man providing walkers with tea and snacks after the the approach to Tsumago village, where the trees turn
Travel Consultant climb. This building used to be an inspection post to rice paddies once again and houses reappear in the
belonging to the Shogun government, checking the landscape. Its like wandering into a fairy tale.
identities of travellers and making sure traders were
not transporting prohibited goods. A reminder that this
lovely mountain path used to be a major thoroughfare!
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Tokyo Tsumago
Tokyo
Kyoto
InsideAsia Tours staff, Norman Blaikie
Matsumoto Kanazawa
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
World Heritage
17 nights, Self-Guided Adventure
TOKYO (3) NIKKO (2) KYOTO (3) MOUNT KOYA (2) HIMEJI (1) HIROSHIMA (2)
KANAZAWA (2) SHIRAKAWAGO (1) TOKYO (1)
Trip highlights Your adventure begins and ends in Tokyo, a beacon of modernity whose radical
architecture and irrepressible pop culture provide a fascinating counterpoint to
the rich historical monuments that are the inspiration for this itinerary.
Visit Himeji, Japans A two-hour train journey north from Tokyo lies Nikko, home to the mind- Nikko
finest original bogglingly intricate temple complex that serves as the final resting place of the
samurai castle shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu: one of the most important figures in Japanese history. Kanazawa
Tokyo
Shirakawago
Explore the elaborate Mount Koya provides a link to another celebrated personage, the monk Kobo
temples and shrines Daishi, who introduced Shingon Buddhism to Japan. Youll stay in a temple
Kyoto
of Nikko lodging, eat strictly vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, and watch as monks
Himeji
perform their solemn morning rites.
Admire Kinkaku-ji, Mount Koya
The cities of Kyoto and Hiroshima, meanwhile, harbour a diverse
Kyotos golden temple Hiroshima
array of remarkable historical gems. In Hiroshima youll visit
Take time to reflect the atmospheric Peace Memorial Park, where the tragic events
at Hiroshimas Peace of 1945 come alive. Kyoto is home to no less than 17 World
Heritage locations, from much-loved Kiyomizu-dera Temple to
Memorial Park
the nightingale floor of Nijo Castle, and offers the chance for
Spend the night in a day trip to another World Heritage hotspot: the ancient capital
a traditional alpine of Nara.
farmhouse Shirakawago, a peaceful village amid the bucolic scenery of the Japanese
Alps, offers a very different experience: a stay in a traditional thatched-
roofed farmhouse with dinner included. A chance to sample yams, assorted
09 Japan - Chopsticks
mountain vegetables and ayu river fish, all sourced locally. Finally, crowning your
World Heritage trip is a visit to Himeji Castle, by far the largest and most spectacular
of all Japans castles there really is nothing else like it!
Miyajima
Hugh hails from sunny Sydney in Australia, okonomiyaki (a kind of rich savoury pancake),
but has lived in Hiroshima, just across the and grilled sea eel on rice. Enjoy lunch and sip
water from Miyajima, for more than 15 years. frothy green tea while gazing meditatively out
across the channel separating the island from
Legend has it that Miyajima is the home of the mainland then walk it off with a wander
the gods, its great floating gate marking through Momijidani Park, where you may
the boundary between the spirit and human encounter the islands resident flock of deer.
worlds as well as that between the island
itself and the mainland. The gate has stood From the park you can access the ropeway
in this spot, 200 metres (656 ft) out to sea, ride to the top of Mount Misen or, if youre
Hugh Cann since the sixth century, and today its brilliant more energetic, you can hike to the summit
Tour Leader vermillion structure appears to float above the quite literally topping off the experience with
rising and receding tide, just as it has done for absolutely spectacular views of the surrounding
a thousand years. Seto Inland Sea.
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Shirakawago
Kerry, Manchester, UK
Reggie Thomson, InsideAsia Tours staff
Hiroshima
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Pilgrims Paths
14 nights, Self-Guided Adventure
TOKYO (3) KYOTO (3) MOUNT KOYA (2) KAWAYU ONSEN (1)
YUNOMINE ONSEN (1) KII-KATSUURA (1) ISE (2) TOKYO (1)
Trip highlights The Kumano Kodo has been trodden by pilgrims from diverse religious
and social backgrounds for over a millennium, linking the three great
shrines of Hongu, Nachi and Hayatama.
Stay in a Buddhist As you explore these time-honoured pathways youll visit all of these
temple lodging on shrines as well as walking misty mountain passes, admiring the tallest
sacred Mount Koya waterfall in Japan, sleeping in traditional accommodation, soaking in Tokyo
most sacred site Whats more, on sacred Mount Koya youll spend two nights in
a temple lodging, where youll witness morning prayers, eat
Explore the eerily
vegetarian Buddhist cuisine prepared for you by monks and
atmospheric
wander the vast and eerily atmospheric Okunoin graveyard a
Okunoin cemetery truly unearthly experience.
Discover the Finally, bookending your trip, stays in the great cities of Kyoto
contrasting cities of and Tokyo provide an arresting contrast to your rural exploration, with
Tokyo and Kyoto towering skyscrapers, glittering neon and clamorous crowds whisking you
far away from the seclusion of the Kumano Kodo.
Ali first visited Japan for a two-week my delight, a little way down the trail, I
holiday in 2006 and has never looked came across a small rest house where
back. She has lived in Nagoya and I could sit for a while and contemplate
Shizuoka, and travelled all over Japan, the scenery over a steaming coffee
including a solo expedition into the made with hot spring water. Im usually
Kumano Kodo. a fancy-lattes-with-syrups kind of
person, but this was the best coffee Id
The Kumano Kodo is a series of had in a long time!
pilgrimage trails that criss-cross the Kii
Peninsula, trodden by all sorts of people Refreshed and ready for more I
Ali Muskett from samurai warriors and aristocrats to continued on to Kumano Hongu
Senior Travel priests and commoners for over 1,000 Taisha, the Grand Shrine and central
Consultant years. On my most recent trip to Japan it point of the Kumano Kodo. There was
was my turn to follow in their footsteps. something about arriving at such an
important and grand shrine on foot
Tall, skinny trees towered above me, that made me feel like a true pilgrim.
and a rough stone path laid into the Although I was walking on ground so
mud stretched out before me on my many had trodden before me, I felt like I
8 km (5 mi) hike. With blue-green had discovered somewhere special that
mountains visible in the distance, I very few people know exists.
peered into the valley below. Much to
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Kumano Kodo
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Secrets of Shikoku
14 nights, Self-Guided Adventure
KYOTO (3) MIYAJIMA (2) MATSUYAMA (1) TAKAMATSU (2) KOTOHIRA (1)
IYA VALLEY (2) TOKUSHIMA (1) OSAKA (2)
If youre drawn to the mysteries of rural Japan, seek out the secrets of
Shikoku: the smallest of Japans four main islands. A world apart from
the crowded pavements and neon-spangled skyscrapers of the big cities;
this itinerary promises stunning natural beauty, from hidden valleys and
meandering rivers to mountains and jagged coastlines.
Trip highlights Starting in traditional Kyoto and ending in vibrant Osaka, this journey will take
you from Japans former imperial capital of over a thousand years to its work-
hard, play-hard neighbour. With a visit to Hiroshimas moving Peace Memorial
Visit Shikokus most Park included, these cities really showcase the variety that can be found in
celebrated historical Japans metropolitan centres.
garden Leaving Japans main island, your adventure begins in earnest as you step
off the well-worn tourist trail and onto Shikoku Island. Follow the steep
Cross the vine bridges pilgrimage route up 1,368 stone steps to Kotohiras famous shrine, Konpira-
of the secluded Iya san, cross swinging vine bridges in the verdant Iya Valley and explore an Kyoto
Valley original samurai castle in Matsuyama. Witness 400-year-old folk dances Osaka
in Tokushima and stay in countryside inns this is a region overflowing Takamatsu
Soak in the waters
with natural beauty and remarkable cultural experiences. Tokushima
of Japans oldest Miyajima
Kotohira
bathhouse A visit to Ritsurin Garden, one of the most famous historical Iya Valley
Matsuyama
gardens in Japan, will be a highlight of your visit to Takamatsu 04 Japa
Climb the steps to and on a day trip to Naoshima Island, where art spills out of
atmospheric Konpira- museums and into abandoned shrines, disused workshops,
san Shrine hilltops and beaches, youll get a taste of Japans world-class
art scene. Finally, in the small city of Matsuyama, youll have the
Try your hand at udon chance to soak in hot-spring waters frequented by the Imperial
noodle making family at Dogo Onsen: Japans oldest bathhouse.
Amys Shikoku roots run deep: her and yet knowing youre not going to fall
grandparents were born in Kochi, just through to your death!
an hour or so from the Iya Valley. She
There are steel safety cables running
spent four years in Japan, and visited
through the bridge now, but it still felt
the vine bridges with her parents. as though we were travelling the old
We had only planned to pause at way, like people did for hundreds of
the vine bridges on the way from years. This really is rural Japan it was
Takamatsu to Kochi, 15-20 minutes an incredible contrast even to the small
maybe, but we ended up staying much cities of Shikoku, let alone Kyoto and
Amy Tadehara longer. Theres just something really Osaka, and we felt as though wed really
Senior Travel neat about standing on a bridge made got away from it all.
Consultant of vines, peering down at the river
between the slats beneath your feet,
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Iya Valley
an - Bamboo
Kotohira
InsideAsia Tours staff, Louise Marston, Doug McKinley
Iya Valley
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Northern Highlights
14 nights, Self-Guided Adventure
TOKYO (3) NIKKO (2) SENDAI (2) NYUTO ONSEN (2) KAKUNODATE (1)
MOUNT HAGURO (1) SADO ISLAND (2) TOKYO (1)
Venture north and discover the Tohoku region: a vast, wild tract of land
stretching 800 km (500 mi) north of the capital. In stark contrast to the
burnished skyscrapers of Tokyo, this untamed region boasts outstanding
natural beauty and well-preserved history a reminder that traditional ways
are still alive and well in Japan.
Nyuto Onsen
Kakunodate
Trip highlights No sooner does your train pull out of Tokyo than you leave the crowds behind,
watching concrete tower blocks give way to forests while roaring flyovers melt into
fields and lakes. This is northern Honshu: a region of remote, rugged beauty, steeped Sado Island
Wander the preserved in the stories of the pilgrims and poets who first explored the deep north.
Nikko
samurai district of Your first stop is Nikko, where cedar forests conceal dazzlingly ornate shrines and
Tokyo
Kakunodate thundering waterfalls. From here, stop off in Sendai northern Japans biggest city
and hop across to idyllic Matsushima Bay or the mountain-clinging Yamadera Temple
Have a lesson in taiko complex. Journey on to soak in the milky blue waters of Nyuto Onsen, then tread the
drumming on Sado ancient streets of Kakunodate, where weeping cherry trees lean over rows of
Island Japans best-preserved samurai houses.
Sample Buddhist On Mount Haguro, one of three sacred mountains, well-worn pilgrimage
cuisine at a temple routes will lead you through thick cedar forests to a sacred
lodging mountaintop community. Finally theres Sado, a jewel-like island
whose small size belies a significant history: first as a place of exile
Take a boat ride for dissident intellectuals and artists, then as the site of the
through island-studded worlds most productive gold mine, and finally as the home of
Matsushima Bay Kodo Japans much-vaunted taiko drumming troupe.
Admire Japans most Japans rural north may have been devastated by the 2011
tsunami, but Northern Highlights reveals a region that refused to give
elaborate religious
up with a long history, rich culture, and fighting spirit.
architecture in Nikko
Sado Island
Sophie spent two years teaching English and train while they are not on tour, for a
in Fukui Prefecture, and looks back on her genuine insight into the philosophy and
trip to Sado Island as one of her favourite monastic lifestyle of its members.
memories.
We slept at a beachside campsite, and
My friends and I headed out to spent our time driving around the island,
Sado Island one summer to see the through centuries-old cedar forests and
internationally renowned taiko drumming on mountain roads with vast ocean views.
group, Kodo, play on their home turf. The scenery reminded me of Hawaii with
a touch of southern France in the fields
Sophie Walker Only the best taiko drummers in Japan of sunflowers. We stopped in secluded
Senior Travel have a chance of becoming part of Kodo. bays where I had my best snorkelling
Consultant Apprentices have to endure two years experiences in Japan and took a ride in
of rigorous practice to even audition to the traditional local tub boats.
become a performer. Their daily routine is
gruelling, starting with a 10 km (6.2 mi) Sado Island is one of Japans many unspoilt,
run and continuing with drum practice until underrated destinations with so much
they are too tired to raise their arms. After potential to become popular in the future.
watching the group perform, we visited Go now, before anyone else catches on!
Kodo Village, where the drummers live
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Rhiannon, Norwich, UK
Mount Haguro
InsideAsia Tours staff
Nikko Tokyo
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Kyushu Adventure
14 nights, Self-Guided Adventure
FUKUOKA (2) NAGASAKI (2) UNZEN (1) KUMAMOTO (1) KUROKAWA ONSEN (2)
KAGOSHIMA (2) YAKUSHIMA (3) FUKUOKA (1)
Stand in the shade of a thousand-year-old Japanese cedar, visit a Bond villains lair on an
abandoned island and investigate a volcanic caldera lake on this spectacular exploration
of Japans rural southwestern region. If youre an adventurous traveller who wants to
discover a rarely-seen side of Japan, this itinerary is the one for you.
Trip highlights Kyushu is the third-biggest of Japans four main islands, lying to the southwest of
the country. Kyushus cities are excellent proof that there is plenty of outstanding
scenery, history and local cuisine to be found outside their famous cousins on
Investigate a volcanic Japans main island. This is why your adventure will begin in the exciting hub of
caldera lake on Fukuoka, not Tokyo, allowing you time to see more of this little-visited region.
Mount Aso After fun-loving Fukuoka youll visit Nagasaki, famous as the second location
to be hit by an atomic bomb during World War Two, yet now a vibrant and
Trek to Jomon Sugi, cosmopolitan city. During Japans long period of isolation (16331853) it was
the oldest tree on the only port open to foreign trade, a fact that is still evident in the distinctly
Yakushima European atmosphere and style of architecture at Glover Gardens and
Dejima Exit Island.
Take a tour of
Gunkanjima Whilst in Nagasaki youll also take a cruise to the tiny island of
Battleship Island Gunkanjima, or Battleship Island. Once a densely-populated coal
mine; now a dilapidated ghost town this haunting island served Fukuoka
Visit Suizen-ji, a as the inspiration for the villains lair in the 2012 James Bond Unzen Kurokawa Onsen
classic landscape film Skyfall.
Nagasaki Kumamoto
garden in Kumamoto In the shadow of the rumbling, smoking Sakurajima volcano,
Kagoshima boasts a long samurai history including a key role in the Kagoshima
Experience life in
overthrow of the Tokugawa shogun in the Meiji Restoration of 1868.
the vibrant cities of
Japans southwest Woven between these city stays is the martian landscape of Unzen where Yakushima
steaming volcanic pools bubble up to the earths surface. Finally theres
subtropical Yakushima Island, the inspiration for Miyazakis seminal animated
film Princess Mononoke. Hike through thousand-year-old cedar forests up
vertiginous peaks or visit marine protection areas where sea turtles come
ashore to lay their eggs in summer.
Loggerhead
Mount turtles on Yakushima by Vivienne Boyack
Aso caldera
While studying Japanese at Kumamoto Ive visited Mount Aso four times in four
University, Matt took a course in different seasons, even taking the cable car
volcanology, which led him to the Aso to the crater rim in knee-deep snow the
caldera near Kurokawa Onsen. locals thought I was mad! But despite all my
efforts Ive never actually seen the crater
Mount Aso is the most active volcano in pool as its often hidden in a field of clouds
Japan and one of the largest calderas in or billowing sulphurous gas. But you go to
the world, measuring 25 km (15.5 mi) in Aso for the scenery as much as the volcano;
diameter. It was once one huge mountain the wide rolling farmlands of the caldera are
until a series of eruptions 300,000 years beautiful, great for walking or horse riding,
Matthew Wilkinson ago caused the volcanic chamber to
and theres fantastic hot-spring bathing in
Senior Travel collapse. This created the doughnut-shaped and around the region.
Consultant depression you see today with a central
crater that still bubbles away.
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Yakushima Yakushima
Lewis, Edinburgh, UK
Kagoshima
Mount Aso
InsideAsia Tours staff
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Wild Hokkaido
14 nights, Self-Guided Adventure
TOKYO (2) RAUSU (2) LAKE KUSSHARO (1) MOUNT ASAHI (2) BIEI (1) Rausu
Lake Kussharo
SAPPORO (2) TOYA ONSEN (1) HAKODATE (2) TOKYO (1) Biei Mount
Asahi
Sapporo
Imagine driving for miles through a patchwork of vibrant red poppy fields and Toya Onsen
vast swathes of lavender with a smouldering volcano as your backdrop. If you
have a thirst for adventure and love to travel under your own steam, our Wild Hakodate
Trip highlights Hokkaido is frontier country. The second-largest of Japans four main
islands, for centuries Hokkaido was cut off from the mainland, home only
to the indigenous Ainu people, until its annexation in 1869.
Visit Hokkaido, the Flying north from Tokyo, your journey begins in the Natural World
ancestral home of the Heritage Site of Shiretoko Peninsula, in the town of Rausu. Its a name
Ainu that means Place of men with beast-like spirit, so its no surprise that Tokyo
its home to all sorts of wildlife from brown bears to rare birds. Take
Drive across the a cruise on the wild Sea of Okhotsk for a chance to spot killer whales,
patchwork meadows dolphins and seals.
of Biei
Driving on west, past volcanoes and mist-blanketed lakes, youll reach
Gaze at the night-time Daisetsuzan National Park where youll summit Mount Asahi, the
panorama from atop tallest mountain in Hokkaido, with an expert guide. From here,
Mount Hakodate the landscape softens into rolling meadows and the patchwork
flower fields of Biei, before you finally hit Sapporo Hokkaidos
Enjoy Japanese beer cosmopolitan capital. Fuel up on Japans best beer and
and buttery ramen in barbecue lamb before turning south, where youll bathe in
Sapporo hot springs against the backdrop of smoking Showa Shinzan
Volcano, and gaze at the twinkling nighttime lights of Hakodates
Hike in Daisetzusan anvil-shaped harbour.
National Park with a
With a rental car at your disposal and vast, sweeping scenery from
mountain guide
coast to coast, this itinerary promises to introduce you to a remote yet
captivating area of Japan quite unlike any other region.
Hiking in Hokkaido
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Rausu Biei
Toya Onsen
Hakodate
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Trip highlights For centuries Japan has placed the utmost value on the visual aesthetic,
leaving it with a rich artistic heritage that is renowned the world over. This
itinerary will take you on a journey through the ages of Japanese art: from
Trace the history Asuka Period (538710) pottery and traditional nihonga paintings at
of Japanese art in Tokyos National Museum to the towering contemporary behemoth that is
the Mori Art Gallery.
Tokyo and Nagoya Tokyo
Nagoyas Tokugawa Art Museum will introduce you to the finest arts of the Mt Fuji
Visit small galleries Shogun Era (16031868), whilst the Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Hakone
and artisan Art presents some of the worlds best contemporary masterpieces an
Nagoya
workshops in Kyoto opportunity to immerse yourself in a very different artistic lineage. Kyoto
Matsue
See Zen-inspired Kyoto was the seat of the imperial court for more than 1,000 years and
Naoshima
gardens at the its members were influential patrons of the arts. Today the city is
Adachi Museum the epicentre of Japanese crafts, and you can visit kimono ateliers,
woodblock print galleries, pottery studios, lacquerware workshops
Stay on Naoshima and washi paper specialists.
Art Island on the
In Hakone National Park youll explore the outstanding outdoor
Seto Inland Sea sculpture park beneath the watchful eye of Mount Fuji, whilst in
Explore Hakones Matsue the Zen-inspired gardens at the venerable Adachi Museum
are an artwork in themselves.
excellent open-air
sculpture park Each of the destinations on this itinerary offers a superb introduction to
aspects of traditional and contemporary Japanese art but the highlight of
this trip has to be Naoshima, a tiny island on the Seto Inland Sea that has
garnered a worldwide reputation for its innovative approach to art.
Claire spent five years teaching English in One of my favourites was Sou Fujimotos
Kyoto, where she used her time to enjoy Naoshima Pavilion, a huge latticework
Japans delicious street food and peruse the structure looking out to sea and of
citys flea markets for vintage kimono. course theres Yayoi Kusamas iconic Yellow
Pumpkin, which has become a symbol of
In crowded Japan, where people live packed the islands art projects. In addition to all
into high-rise cities and go everywhere by the artwork outside, there are tiny, hidden
train, its something of a novelty to have art houses that conceal exhibitions in
space to roam around freely, entirely at abandoned shrines and workshops not
your leisure. Naoshima, a tiny island in the to mention the heavyweight Chichu and
Claire Brothers
Seto Inland Sea, offers the chance to do just Benesse House museums, famous for their
Senior Travel this and thats what I really loved about cutting-edge architecture and world-class
Consultant it. I rented a bike and headed out without a collections. For art lovers visiting Japan,
plan, cycling through gloriously quiet streets Naoshima is a guaranteed highlight.
and beautiful countryside, stopping to walk
on the beaches and admire the amazing art
installations that lie dotted around the place.
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Hakone Tokyo
Hakone Naoshima
Naoshima Hakone
Gastronomic Adventure
13 nights, Self-Guided Adventure
TOKYO (3) MATSUMOTO (1) TAKAYAMA (2) KANAZAWA (1)
KYOTO (3) MOUNT KOYA (1) OSAKA (2)
Trip highlights With three times as many Michelin star restaurants as Paris, where better to
begin your culinary exploration than Tokyo? Well arrange for you to spend the
evening with one of our Tokyo-based Insiders at our favourite local izakaya
Make your own Japans much-loved tapas-style gastropub.
soba noodles in In the mountain towns of Matsumoto and Takayama well set up a lesson in Tokyo
Matsumoto soba-making at a 130-year-old noodle shop and treat you to a meal of melt- Kanazawa Matsumoto
in-the-mouth Hida beef at a traditional Japanese inn. Next up, in Kyoto, youll Takayama
Indulge in succulent take a crash-course in hearty home-cooking with a local resident, and enjoy a
Hida Beef in alpine dinner of the finest tempura in an atmospheric restaurant with sliding paper
Kyoto
Takayama screens and a Japanese garden.
Osaka
Sample Buddhist In the temple community of Mount Koya youll discover shojin ryori Mount Koya
cuisine at a temple vegetarian Buddhist cuisine that prizes simplicity and seasonality,
lodging on Mount Koya and whose preparation is treated as a meditative activity by the
monks who make it. A guided street-food tour of Osaka will then
Take a street food tour introduce you to a very different culinary philosophy with its
of Osaka, famous as battered octopus, savoury pancakes, meat-and-veg skewers
Japans Kitchen and ramen shops brimming over with fun-loving crowds.
Enjoy Kyotos finest Throughout your foodie adventure, well be there to assist with
advance reservations at the best restaurants in town, as well as all
tempura
manner of experiences whether you want to visit Matsumotos wasabi
farms, see how miso is made in Takayama, sample sake in Tokyo, shop
for obscure ingredients at Kanazawas Omicho Market or eat super-fresh
sushi at Osakas morning fish market. This is your gastronomic adventure, and
we cant wait to make it happen.
01 Japan - Sushi
Izakaya
Grant split his six years in Japan between One of my favourite izakaya snacks is
Kanazawa, Nagoya, and rural Gunma renkon (lotus root) and gobo (burdock
Prefecture. A home brewer and beer root) chips, served with sweet chilli sauce
enthusiast, he has plenty to say about and mayonnaise for dipping. They go
Japanese izakaya! perfectly with a frosted beer after a long
day of sightseeing. And while the beer is
The Japanese answer to the pub, the always refreshing, youll also find a wide
izakaya is my favourite place to grab an variety of cocktails, sake and shochu
easy and delicious dinner anywhere in an East Asian spirit made from sweet
Japan. With their extensive menus of potatoes or brown sugar.
Grant Ekelund
small, shareable plates encompassing
Travel Consultant everything from sashimi and gyoza Wherever you are in Japan, theres
dumplings to pizza and bacon-wrapped bound to be an izakaya or two, and
asparagus they are the perfect place almost all of the major chains have
to try new things and discover innovative picture menus, so you dont have
spins on old favourites. to worry about reading or speaking
Japanese. Kanpai (cheers)!
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Matsumoto
Kyoto
Tokyo Osaka
Matsumoto
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
When you think of Japan today, the chances are that Pikachu and Studio Ghibli
are just as likely to spring to mind as Zen gardens and geisha. Our Manga & Anime
itinerary provides you with an insight into the kaleidoscopic world of Japanese
pop culture from Akihabaras retro game shops to Kyotos manga libraries and
everything in between.
Trip highlights Tokyo is the pop culture hub of Japan, so its only fitting that you begin
and end your trip here in the capital. With our Info-Pack to hand, you can
mingle with gaming geeks in multi-storey arcades, play master of the
Pay homage to anime house at a maid caf in Akihabara electric town, and visit the magical
legends at the Ghibli Ghibli Museum to wander through the imagination of Japans greatest
animator. Tokyo
Museum
In Kyoto youll find the International Manga Museum rubbing shoulders
Visit samurai movie sets with ancient temples and age-old shrines the perfect juxtaposition of
in Kyoto distinguished tradition and popular culture. Dont miss the wonderfully Kyoto
kitsch Toei Movie Park, where you can dress as a geisha, samurai or ninja
and explore authentic Japanese film sets. Osaka
See the giant Gundam
Wing state at Odaiba Moving on to Osaka, youll be catapulted into the tumult of one
of Japans most exciting cities as you wander beneath the giant
animatronic crabs, Ferris wheels and the looming neon running
Wander amongst Ferris man of the Dotonbori district. Visit the fashion arcades, explore
wheels and animatronic the vintage shops in Amerika Mura, or perhaps even spend
crabs in Osaka a day in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal
Studios Japan. While in Osaka, manga aficionados should also
Explore the comic make a half-day trip to Takarazuka, home of the all-singing, all-
shops of Tokyos manga dancing, manga-adapting cabaret the Takarazuka Revue and the
districts Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, commemorating the revered creator of
Astro Boy.
Nakano Broadway
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Tokyo
Tokyo
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SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Few people realise that Japan has subtropical islands let alone hundreds of them.
Allow us to introduce the Okinawa Archipelago: a string of islands that until 150 years
ago were a thriving independent kingdom. With white sandy beaches, iridescent seas
and dense jungles of mangroves filled with rare wildlife this is a true island paradise.
Tokyo
Tour highlights Jetting south from Osaka, youll land on one of the most beautiful islands in Okinawa:
Ishigaki. This white-beached gem is just 40 km (25 mi) from tip to toe, yet its packed
with potential for adventure and relaxation.
Osaka
Relax and unwind on Kabira Bay, in the north of the island, is considered one of the most picturesque
tropical beaches spots in Japan, whilst the hilly, forested interior of the island holds plenty of
hiking opportunities. You could opt to dive with manta rays amid the coral
reefs, go underground at impressive limestone caves, or while away the
Road trip or hike
hours with drink in hand as you chill out on the beach. Public transport
through Ishigakis is fairly limited on Ishigaki, which is why weve included a rental car so
hilly interior you can really explore the island.
Island hop to explore Youd be quite justified in spending your entire time on Ishigaki, but
the jungles of dont miss out on the equally beguiling charms of neighbouring islands
Iriomote Iriomote and Taketomi both just a short ferry ride from the local port.
Mountainous and almost entirely clad in jungle, circumnavigated
Snorkel or scuba dive by a single road, Iriomote is famous for its beautiful waterfalls,
over the coral reefs outstanding hiking, and the rare Iriomote wildcat, endemic to the
island. Taketomi, meanwhile, is even smaller just 3 km (1.9 mi)
across with water buffalo ambling past low-slung red-roofed
Get to grips with houses and tranquil beaches with star-shaped sand.
Okinawan culture
What many people find surprising about these little islands
is the strong and distinctive culture that they all share.
Reflecting a motley assortment of influences from
Taiwan, China and America, everything about Ishigaki
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Ishigaki Taketomi
Nigel, London, UK Please also check our website. Weve got more
beach ideas online including a 14-night Island
Hopping Self-Guided Adventure which will see
Iriomote you exploring five of Okinawas prettiest islands.
Taketomi
Hirata Kanko, InsideAsia Tours staff
Ishigaki Ishigaki
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EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE JOURNEYS
Alastair Donnelly
Director
What makes the perfect holiday? Since our first tailored journey
landed in Japan in 2001, I have been pondering this constantly.
I have come to realise that it is the simple things that form the
basis of your experience with us. This is why we are always
friendly, polite, thoughtful and considerate. We listen to you; we
want to know who you are and what your ideal trip looks like.
After all, it is your holiday, not ours, and we want you to return
saying that it was the best trip youve ever taken. These things
may seem basic but in my experience, theyre hard to find.
Our Exclusive Private Journeys concept is the culmination of
everything we have learnt since founding the company. Since
then the range of services and experiences we can arrange for
you has grown dramatically. No longer are you restricted to the
tourist tea ceremony experience instead you can take tea with
the head monk of a private temple.
We have extended our network of contacts far and wide so you
can assist a master sword-maker in forging a blade, get your
hands dirty with a fourth-generation master potter, take a tour
with a leading photographer, visit galleries with an academic,
discover a local market with a renowned food writer and enjoy a
cookery class with a Michelin-starred chef.
We open closed doors for you. We allow you to really get beneath
Japans surface, giving you an insight into this fascinating country
though interactions with its most interesting residents.
Allowing complete flexibility and with every trip intelligently
designed just for you, our Exclusive Private Journeys provide
you with the finest experience of Japan available anywhere.
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EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE JOURNEYS
Escorted from start to finish by top-quality professional guides, youll have access to Japans most exclusive
experiences, made possible by our excellent network of experts and artisans. Whats more, from the moment your
driver greets you at the airport to the day you return home, your trip will run like clockwork. Our team is working
constantly behind the scenes to ensure that everything goes to plan whether you want to eat at Tokyos best sushi
restaurant, meet one of Japans last living swordsmiths, or make that last-minute trip into the Japanese Alps. This is
your ultimate trip to Japan, and we will make it happen.
Mura
ta Ryo
kan
, Yu
fui
n
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Asaba Ryokan, Izu Peninsula
EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE JOURNEYS
Our guides are also experienced travel facilitators, able to accommodate last-minute requests. Theyll coordinate with drivers, call ahead to
inform hotel staff of your imminent arrival, and make advance reservations for garden visits and temple appointments. Thats in addition to
coordinating out-of-the-ordinary experiences to heighten your holiday enjoyment.
On an Exclusive Private Journey you really wont have to worry about anything as we ensure you have a seamless adventure.
InsideJapan has been working with Everett for many years. If you are a keen A former professional football player from Canada, Peter has called Kyoto his home
photographer, youll have an inspirational trip under Everetts expert tutelage. since 1993. He is widely-known as the leading Western expert on geisha culture.
A photographer working in Japan for the past 25 years, my work has appeared in most Kyoto is a magical city. You just have to know the right people to show you where to
major global media, including National Geographic, Geo, Time, Newsweek, Le Monde, look. Allow me to give you an exclusive glimpse behind closed doors at the mysterious
Der Spiegel, The Times, and the New York Times. Ive been fortunate to travel extensively world of geisha culture.
throughout the Japanese archipelago and have many opportunities to meet remarkable
Since arriving in Kyoto more than 20 years ago, I began a deep study of Japans
people and hear their stories. Amazing doors have opened allowing me to view things
traditional arts including calligraphy, sumie ink painting, song and dance. Through the
rarely accessible to the public eye. In my photography and teaching I wish to share these
connections I made with local artists, I was introduced into the floating world of the
experience with you as much as I can.
geisha. I have since appeared in numerous TV shows and print articles worldwide
For me, life in Japan is a long and ever-deepening love affair with place and culture. shedding light on the history and traditions of geisha, as well as being a location scout
Through my imagery, honouring the use of classical Japanese techniques and traditional for the Hollywood movie Memoirs of a Geisha. I also created a course in geisha studies
materials, I hope to share my vision of the deep currents of Japanese culture that I for Kansai University in 2009 the first of its kind. I am currently working on my second
encounter in my journeys. documentary film about the Geisha Renaissance.
Alastair Donnelly
Director
Norman Blaikie
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EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE JOURNEYS
For our team, Japan is an endless discovery, and we are passionate about research to create highly sought-after cultural
encounters. Simply let us know what aspects of Japanese culture appeal and we will craft a bespoke itinerary just for you.
Hunt for rare vinyl Meditate under the guidance of a head priest
Tokyo Mount Koya
Passionate about vinyl? Well connect you with a Stay in gorgeous private quarters at Sanbo-in, one of
Tokyo resident who is himself an avid vinyl music the oldest temples on Mount Koya. Here youll meet
collector. Whether youre into jazz, The Beatles, the chief abbot who will explain the temples history
Japanese folk or looking for bootlegs, well help you and the founding of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. In
find it amongst Tokyos fantastic record shops, jam- the early morning the abbot will guide you through a Create kaiseki cuisine with
packed with rare vinyl. meditation practice after a special purification ritual. a Michelin-starred chef
Tokyo
Accommodation
Often, the quality of your accommodation can make or break your holiday. Thats why
at InsideJapan Tours we have an ever-evolving list of hundreds of Western-style hotels
and traditional Japanese inns across the country. Each of these has been tried and
tested by our team, who have slept in the beds, eaten the breakfasts and quizzed the
hotel staff to ensure we only recommend the best.
The next few pages showcase a handful of our favourite properties. Some are exciting
brand-new hotels; others we have maintained close ties with for years. Rest assured
with our expert knowledge and years of experience, we can suggest the perfect
accommodation for you.
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Hiiragiya Ryokan, Kyoto
C O N T E N T S
Western-style hotels 92 - 93
Traditional Japanese inns 94 - 95
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The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
ACCOMMODATION
Western-style hotels
From budget accommodation for business travellers to family-run B&Bs and phenomenal five-star properties,
Japan has a huge range of Western-style hotels.
When we talk about Western-style hotels in Japan, we mean your room will be At the opposite end of the scale, Japan has world-class five-star properties that
carpeted, and have Western beds (a mattress on a bed frame) and an en-suite ooze luxury. As a rule of thumb: the more you pay, the larger the guest room, the
bathroom. more facilities (restaurants, bar, pool, gym, spa etc) and the better the English
level and service.
No matter your price range, all the hotels we choose are in good locations
either handy for sightseeing, close to train stations or both. Budget hotels, Although known as Western-style, many hotels do feel very Japanese making
usually designed for businessmen, are clean, comfortable and reliable. Rooms use of traditional textiles, paper screens, fans, scrolls and flowers in their interior
may be on the small side, but will be well equipped with air conditioning, TVs design. Breakfast buffets can be a bit of a hybrid of cuisines and may include
and hairdryers, whilst the hotel will also have vending machines in the corridors sausage, egg and toast, but also salad, miso soup and pickles take your pick.
and coin-operated washing machines. The Japanese love their tea, so green tea and kettles are usually provided in hotel
rooms with many hotels also offering complimentary coffee.
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For movie buffs
Park Hyatt
Tokyo, deluxe hotel
Have your very own Lost in Translation experience
at the Tokyo Park Hyatt, immortalised on the silver
screen by Sofia Coppola. Fall in love with Tokyo as
Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson did: drink Suntory
whiskey at the New York Bar, take a swim in the pool
on the 47th floor or simply enjoy gazing down on
the streets of Shinjuku.
Feeling inspired?
Let us know which hotels sound like your cup of
tea and we can weave them into any Self-Guided
Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey.
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ACCOMMODATION
Slide back the wooden door to any ryokan and swap your shoes for the slippers In Japan the best chefs work in ryokan and therefore the evening meal is the
provided in the entrance way. Here youll be greeted by your host, wholl lead the highlight of the day. Expect dozens of tiny dishes, exquisitely presented, featuring
way to your guest room for a welcoming cup of green tea. a set menu of regional specialities made from seasonal ingredients. With slivers of
raw fish, steaming hotpots, tempura vegetables, soups, pickles, grilled fish, rice and
Ryokan rooms look pretty minimalist at first glance. Tatami reed-mat flooring, paper
more, you certainly wont go hungry.
screens, a low table, possibly a scroll or ikebana flower arrangement and little else.
But the beautys in the simplicity. Floor-to-ceiling cupboards offer a space to put your Like Western-style hotels, ryokan range from budget to deluxe. In a budget inn,
luggage and contain the futon mattresses, duvets and blankets that your maid will bathing facilities will be communal (men and women separate) whilst en-suite
lay on the floor for you after dinner. In your room youll also find yukata robes which bathrooms or even private outdoor hot-springs are only available at higher grade
you can wear like dressing gowns around the inn. properties. The Japanese love their communal bathing and the nicest ryokan have a
huge range of shared hot-spring baths or onsen. Trust us; soaking in a hot tub under
the stars is the perfect way to rest after a long day of sightseeing
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For first-timers
Ichinoyu Honkan
Hakone, moderate
Dating back to 1630, Ichinoyu Honkan was one of
the first hot-spring inns in Hakone National Park.
It was even immortalised in a woodblock print by
the eminent artist Ando Hiroshige. Today Ichinoyu
offers a great first-time taste of the traditional ryokan
experience staff are accustomed to overseas guests
and can walk you through the etiquette required:
where to take your shoes off, and how to tie your
yukata robe. We highly recommend upgrading to a
room with a private outdoor hot-spring bath attached
with views across the river.
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Are you planning the perfect honeymoon or looking for the ultimate family holiday? Perhaps you love being outdoors: hiking the mountains,
exploring by bike or kayaking the rivers. Or are you more of an arts-and-crafter; in which case taking part in a tea ceremony, ikebana flower-
arranging lesson or a pottery class might be for you. There are endless ways we can create memorable Japan experiences to suit you.
Whatever your interests, abilities and budget, we hope the ideas outlined in this section of the brochure will inspire you to contact us and
find out more.
Honeymoons 98 - 99
Families 100 - 101
Food & drink 102 - 103
Winter sports 104 - 105
Walking & hiking 106 - 107
Adventure 108 - 109
Sumo 110 - 111
Buddhism & Shintoism 112 - 113
Geisha 114 - 115
Traditional arts & crafts 116 - 117
Japanese history 118 - 119
Samurai 120 - 121
Pop culture 122 - 123
Hot-spring bathing 124 - 125
Gardens 126 - 127
Festivals 128 - 129
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Honeymoons
Japan is a dream honeymoon destination. Where else could you experience
ancient traditions, impeccable hospitality, world-class cuisine and fantastic
accommodation ranging from exquisite ryokan with private hot-spring
baths to super-deluxe hotels at the top of towering city skyscrapers? And
thats not to mention the romantic scenery, from quaint rural villages to
impeccable gardens filled with cherry blossom.
Whether your ideal honeymoon includes visiting a Zen-inspired spa at an exclusive mountain
retreat, taking a sunset helicopter cruise over Tokyos dramatic skyline, or relaxing with a cocktail on
a subtropical island our expertly planned packages and on-the-ground support ensure that no
hiccup can get in the way of your experience. Some of our staff have even honeymooned in Japan
themselves, so you can rest assured that we know how to make your trip extra-special.
Or looking for more information? Try our website. We have a comprehensive honeymoon section with
example itineraries and prices, diverse accommodation ideas and many more experiences.
Better still, talk to one of our travel consultants whod love to tailor a bespoke Self-Guided
Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey. Fancy a Small Group Tour instead? No problem,
honeymooners have joined our tours before and are always very welcome.
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Families
If adults come away from Japan enthralled just imagine
visiting Japan as a child. Utterly fascinating yet accessible, a trip
to Japan is a mind-opening experience for the whole family.
Japans cities are a flashing, whirring paradise for kids of all ages. In Tokyo alone,
your family can enjoy the imaginative flights of anime masters at the Ghibli
Museum, take a master class in manga drawing, meet Hello Kitty at the Sanrio
Puroland theme park and get lost in the endless amusement arcades of Akihabara
electric town.
Out in the countryside, your family can cycle through rural villages, kayak from
Hiroshima across to Miyajima Island or feed the friendly deer in Nara Park. There
are also endless hands-on activities to try, from martial arts to origami or taiko
drumming inspiring, educational experiences for any age.
One of the safest and cleanest countries in the world, Japan boasts superb
amenities and excellent family accommodation, making travelling with children
wonderfully stress-free.
Whats more, dining options encompass everything from all-you-can-eat ice cream
parlours to fishing restaurants where you can reel in your own meal so if your
child doesnt take to sushi, you neednt worry.
Alternatively, speak to one of our experienced travel consultants. Let them know
which of the ideas on these pages has caught your eye, and theyd be delighted
to start designing a Self-Guided Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey to suit
your family. If youd prefer a Small Group Tour, families with children aged six or
older are welcome on the majority of our tours.
Taiko drumming
Kyoto
Got energy to burn? A taiko drumming class is sure to exhaust even the most
energetic youngster. The instructor will soon have your family working as a team in
a choreographed rhythmic performance banging massive wooden drums. We can
arrange taiko drumming lessons in Tokyo and Kyoto, but to visit the spiritual home of
taiko you must head for magnificent Sado Island.
bandana, t-shirt or curtain. And of course the best bit is that the whole family gets to
take their creations home with them.
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Food & drink
When it comes to food, Japan deserves every accolade it gets. Besides its best-known exports sushi,
tempura, teriyaki, Kobe beef, sake the list of speciality and regional cuisines is truly staggering.
During any Japan holiday you can try hot and spicy ramen noodles, delicately battered tempura pumpkin, and melt-in-the-mouth
morsels of sashimi to name just a few examples.
Whats more, each meal in Japan is a real experience whether its grilling your own beef on a tabletop hot-plate, having your sushi
rolls delivered by a toy bullet train at a conveyor belt sushi bar, or indulging in a kaiseki banquet served by a kimono-wearing host in the
privacy of your ryokan room. Kaiseki cuisine comprises a multitude of small dishes made from seasonal ingredients, each exquisitely
presented on ceramics and lacquerware chosen to enhance the meals aesthetics.
At the other end of the spectrum, the izakaya, after-work haunt of the suited salaryman, is a very different dining experience but one
thats certainly not to be missed. Here Japanese and Western food is served tapas-style, washed down in high spirits with plenty of beer.
Some of the best comfort food in Japan is not elaborate at all, but can be found at street stalls and tiny restaurants with room for only a
couple of customers. Be sure to try takoyaki octopus dumplings in Osaka and discover the delights of okonomiyaki savoury pancakes in
Hiroshima. Food is a highlight of all our trips to Japan, and well make sure that you leave with an appetite for more.
Feeling hungry?
Many of our Small Group Tours include cooking lessons and wonderful meals; give us a call and we can talk you though what youll eat and
where. Alternatively let us know which of the experiences on this page tickles your taste buds and well add it to any Self-Guided Adventure
or Exclusive Private Journey.
For further inspiration have a look at the Gastronomic Adventure Self-Guided Adventure on p. 76-77 of this brochure.
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Sake tasting
Tokyo
Do you have a taste for Japanese sake? Or curious to try it for the first time? Thanks
to continuous technical improvements over the centuries and relentless efforts over
the last 20 years by brewery owners and their skilful master brewers, Japanese sake
is undergoing a remarkable renaissance. On an evening with a sake expert youll be
introduced to the history, traditions and production processes of sake, learning how
to distinguish the best from the not-so-good varieties essential training for the
remainder of your Japan culinary adventure.
Ramen safari
Tokyo
Steaming bowls of noodles drenched in a thick rich broth, laden with pork, spring
onions and soft-boiled eggs; ramen is Japanese soul food. A world apart from
finicky kaiseki fine dining, ramen has universal appeal. Well pair you with a self-
confessed ramen geek for a lunchtime street food safari to Tokyos most down-to-
earth ramen joints.
Home-cooking class
Kyoto
Step into a real Japanese house for a lesson in home cooking. Using easy-to-identify
ingredients that youll be able to find back home, youll learn to make tasty dishes
such as sushi rolls, tempura vegetables, miso soup and teriyaki chicken.
InsideAsia Tours staff
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be left fretting over that all-important weather forecast before your holiday.
Nozawa Onsen
Our top tip for skiing in Japan? Nozawa
Onsen. While Hakuba and Niseko are Japans
most famous resorts, attracting millions of
overseas tourists every winter, you can be
forgiven for forgetting youre even in Japan.
But the quaint village of Nozawa Onsen offers
excellent pistes for all abilities and a beguiling
dose of Japanese culture. After a day on the
slopes you can relax in a rustic Japanese
inn, tuck into a feast of kaiseki haute cuisine,
then sit back in an outdoor hot-spring bath
surrounded by snow, with a cup of sake to
ease away any aches and pains.
Backcountry guides
Niseko
Do you love the thrill of off-piste skiing? Well book a backcountry guide to take you
to the best spots in the safest, most enjoyable way to suit your ability as well as
the weather conditions. Tackle the back bowls of Niseko, or try the gladed slopes of
Rusutsu and Kokusai also on Hokkaido Island.
Snowshoeing
Niseko
Strap on some snowshoes and explore winter scenery at a tranquil pace. Instead of
hurtling through busy ski resorts at speed, a guided snowshoe tour around the foot of
Mount Yotei near Niseko will have you admiring frozen lakes and Hokkaidos snowy
wilderness.
Snow monkeys
Yudanaka Onsen
Japans most famous primates are the snow monkeys of the Jigokudani hot springs
in Yudanaka Onsen, close to Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen. To escape the chill of
winter, the monkeys love to play in the natural hot-spring baths. Youll see whole
families of monkeys eat, wash, splash around and even have snowball fights.
InsideAsia Tours staff, William Allum
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EXPERIENCES & INSPIRATION
Often the most memorable travel experiences are when you slow down
to walking pace, giving you time to absorb the finer details of the scenery
around you. From the untamed wastes of Hokkaido to the subtropical
jungles of Okinawa, Japan is a walkers dream.
The vast majority of Japans population is squeezed into towns and cities that occupy less than 30%
of the countrys total area, leaving huge swathes of mountainous and undeveloped terrain ripe for
Kamikochi National Park
exploration. With vast forests and abundant nature occupying the length and breadth of the country, it
Nakasendo Way
couldnt be easier to incorporate a bit of hiking into your itinerary.
Mount Fuji
Wander the ancient pilgrimage routes of the Kumano Kodo, scramble up the rocky scree to the top of
Mount Fuji, walk in the footsteps of samurai as you trace your way along the Nakasendo Way or trek
Kumano Kodo
through ancient cedar forests on jungle-clad Yakushima Island we can arrange short day walks or
multi-day hiking itineraries of all lengths and difficulties.
The Japanese engage in walking with enthusiasm, and even on the most challenging routes youll
find yourself sharing the trail with plenty of friendly pilgrims and every so often being overtaken by
elderly Japanese hikers! Mingling with fellow ramblers is one of the joys of walking in Japan, and we
would be delighted to help you get out into the countryside as part of your holiday.
Let us know if any of the walking options on these pages appeal to you and one of our travel consultants
will be happy to weave it into your tailor-made Self-Guided Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey.
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Adventure
Buttoned-up Japan isnt known for its thrill-seeking mentality, but its a reputation thats thoroughly
undeserved. Japans dramatic landscapes are an untapped paradise for would-be adventurers. Minakami
With deep, snowy wastes in the north, thick subtropical jungles in the south, and no end of craggy mountain ranges and cedar
forests in between, rural Japan covers a staggering range of topographies and climates. Spanning all of these are the rumbling
volcanoes, belching geysers and steaming hot springs that belie Japans position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, imbuing Japanese Miyajima Shimanami Kaido
culture with a sense of awe for the monumental power of the earth. What a setting for adventure!
Iya Valley
Ride a helicopter over a volcano as plumes of smoke drift into the sky. Dive amongst coral reefs while hammerheads and manta
Mount Aso
rays swim around you. Take a leisurely kayak through Miyajimas great gate or a heart-pounding white-water raft down the Yoshino
River. Or just set off on two wheels as you cycle across suspension bridges and tiny islands on the Seto Inland Sea. These are just a
few of the adventure activities Japan has in store.
Ishigaki
Sea kayaking
Miyajima
Fancy splashing about in the water? We love the three-hour sea kayaking experience
from mainland Hiroshima across the bay to Miyajima Island. Suitable even for novice
paddlers, at high tide youll be able to kayak through Itsukushima Shrines
famous floating red gate.
River rafting
Iya Valley
Some of the most beautiful parts of Japan can only be seen from
the water; a great excuse for a day of rafting. Paddling downstream
in a big inflatable raft, you can tackle the mighty rapids of Shikokus Yoshino River,
which races through the scenic Iya Valley. Drift through pools, jump in, swim and
generally get wet!
Mountain biking
Minakami
High in the Japanese Alps is Japans premier adventure sports destination, Minakami,
where well have you hurtling down the slopes on a mountain bike. The motto of the
day? Lets get dirty and youll no doubt be pretty muddy by the end of it! Whether
you are a beginner, intermediate or experienced mountain biker, there are thrilling
rides to suit all abilities.
InsideAsia Tours staff
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Sumo
What could be more Japanese than the ancient sport of sumo? If youre lucky enough to make it to a tournament, youll be in
for an exciting day. Watch gargantuan wrestlers engage in a ritual face-off before each bout begins. Then, in just a few dramatic
seconds, its all over as one wrestler hauls his opponent over the straw bales and out of the ring, or thrusts him to the ground.
In the West, sumo wrestlers are often depicted as comical figures famous for Wrestlers begin training in the early hours each day, must wear traditional yukata
their portly size and skimpy loincloths but in the sumo world, nothing could robes in public, and are even banned from driving cars. Whats more, their public
be more serious. Sumo originated as a religious ritual over 1,500 years ago, and behaviour is closely scrutinised: all wrestlers are expected to maintain a self-
is still closely associated with its Shinto origins. Sumo wrestlers live an incredibly effacing demeanour, and refrain from showing joy or disappointment in the ring.
regimented lifestyle, renouncing the trappings of the modern world to live in
Sumo is a fascinating sport involving a level of discipline most of us cant begin to
their sumobeya or stable where they dont just train hard but cook, clean,
imagine so get your ticket, grab a bento box and few beers, and enjoy the show!
serve food and wait on their higher-ranked colleagues.
Sumo tournament
There are six annual sumo tournaments in Japan each lasting for fifteen days. Each wrestler performs in just one match per day in an attempt to rise up the
ranking hierarchy. Bouts begin first thing in the morning, with the top division competing from 4 to 6pm. Well make sure you get the best seats in the house to
catch all the action.
2017 2018
Speak to one of our travel consultants, who can advise on dates and pricing, then arrange for you to watch a sumo tournament or see a morning training session
during your Self-Guided Adventure, Exclusive Private Journey or even as part of a Small Group Tour.
InsideAsia Tours staff, Sara Pretelli, Andy Wilson
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Until Buddhism arrived in Japan in the sixth century by way Japans rich and fascinating religious history has bestowed a
of China, Shintoism didnt have a specific name. It was simply legacy of superb art and architecture, from the thousands of
Japans indigenous spirituality in which every living thing trees, red gates at Kyotos Fushimi Inari Shrine to the giant Buddha of
flowers, animals, rocks, even sounds contains a kami god. Kamakura and the treasures of ancient Nara. We hope that a
This belief in nature runs throughout Japanese culture; its in the knowledge of Japans spirituality will enrich your travel experience.
cherishing of the changing seasons, and in arts such as ikebana
flower arranging and garden design.
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Zazen meditation
Kyoto
Chances are, youll only be in Japan for a short while, so taking time out to clear your
mind and appreciate the moment is a great opportunity to make the most out of your
trip. Seated meditation is one of the most important aspects of Zen Buddhism, and
we can arrange an inspiring introduction to this practice with the head priest of one of
Kyotos most beautiful temples.
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Geisha
The image of a geisha bedecked in an exquisite kimono and teetering on
wooden sandals, with an elaborate black hairstyle, ivory make-up and scarlet
lips is one of the most iconic and easily recognisable images of Japan. Yet
this is a profession that remains mysterious and little understood by outsiders.
Geisha are performing artists who entertain their patrons in teahouses with dance, music and
conversation. Although the first geisha emerged from the pleasure quarters of the Imperial court around
the turn of the 18th century, geisha are not courtesans instead carving out a separate niche as artists
and highly skilled entertainers.
Geisha training is a lifelong commitment to the arts, keeping alive the traditions of fan dancing, flute
and shamisen music, tea ceremony, calligraphy and poetry. Even geisha who have been performing for
decades are expected to practice their skills every day.
The lives of geisha are so secretive that they are said to inhabit a separate reality, known as the flower
and willow world. Not just anyone can enter a teahouse; in traditional Japanese society, hierarchy and
social connections are everything and most Japanese will never have the honour of an official invitation.
Fortunately, thanks to our connections in the geisha world, we are delighted to offer a brief window into
their realm through a number of exclusive experiences in Kyoto.
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There are plenty of opportunities for you to participate and learn about the traditional arts. Create your own woodblock print,
indigo-dye noren curtains using time-honoured techniques or throw a clay pot with an expert.
Whats more, you can also try your hand at the art of calligraphy, take part in a tea ceremony, learn a kimono fan dance, or catch
a bunraku puppet show.
Cultural experiences are easily worked into any trip to Japan and will enhance your experience and understanding of this
fascinating culture. Most importantly, your participation helps keep these ancient customs alive, so do let us know which
traditional arts and crafts interest you.
Pottery
Kyoto
Have you got what it takes to throw a ceramic pot? Learn from the masters in Japanese
ceramics and porcelain at a well-known Kyoto pottery studio, where youll learn the basic
techniques in a half-day lesson. Finished items can be glazed and shipped home if you wish.
Origami
Kyoto
Learn how to fold an origami paper crane its a great party trick! According to Japanese
folklore, cranes symbolise longevity and peace, which is why youll see strings of thousands of
cranes at the Hiroshima Peace Park. While an hours origami lesson wont give you time to make
a thousand, you will perfect one little paper bird to take home with you.
Calligraphy
Kyoto
Shodo or the way of writing is the art of Japanese calligraphy. Just as good handwriting is
prized in the West, being skilful with a calligraphy brush to produce beautiful kanji characters is
an important attribute that Japanese children begin learning in primary school. Grind your own
ink in a shodo lesson and learn to paint kanji characters in the correct order of strokes.
Kabuki
Tokyo
Dating back to the Edo Period (16031867), kabuki is one of Japans classical theatrical arts a
great spectacle involving elaborate costumes and outlandish make-up, live music and creative
sets with trapdoors and revolving platforms. Performances use old forms of Japanese, so kabuki
actors make stylised, exaggerated movements to convey meaning. English audio guides are also
available to help you understand the story.
Tea ceremony
Kyoto
Could there be anything more Japanese than sliding back a paper door, kneeling on a tatami-
InsideAsia Tours staff, Adrian Furner
mat floor and learning the revered art of the tea ceremony? The
ancient rituals surrounding the presentation of green tea date back
to 12th-century Buddhist ceremonies and are an integral part of
traditional Japanese culture. You can take part in your own meditative
tea ceremony in a gorgeous Kyoto teahouse.
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Japanese history
Aomori
The history of Japan is simply fascinating. Long periods of isolation, and the fact that Japan
has never been successfully invaded or colonised, have created one of the worlds richest
and most intriguing cultures.
In its early history, Japan received a great deal of country and established Japans period of isolation, or
influence from China, adopting Chinese culture, sakoku. Instituted out of fear of invasion, sakoku lasted
religion and governing policies. The Nara and Heian until 1853, when American Commodore Matthew
Periods (7101185) saw the establishment of the Perry forced Japan to reopen trade. Shortly after this,
nations first permanent capitals at Nara and Kyoto, the Meiji Restoration restored the Japanese Imperial
Nagoya
heralding a long period of cultural flowering often Family to power, ending the rule of the shogun.
looked to as a golden age of Japanese history. Nara
The twentieth century saw disaster and destruction
The feudal period that followed (1185c1600) on an unprecedented level during World War Two, Hiroshima
was the age of shogun warlords. This was a time before a rapid and remarkable recovery fuelled by
characterised by powerful clans jostling for power, astonishing economic growth propelled modern
during which Japan also survived two near- Japan forward to become the incredibly advanced and Nagasaki
catastrophic invasions by Mongol forces. complex society it is today.
The Edo Period (16031868) saw power rest in the If you are as captivated by history as we are, Japan
hands of the Tokugawa family, Japans last and most has a wealth of wonderful historical sites that wed be
celebrated shogunate, which brought peace to the delighted to incorporate into any itinerary.
citys biggest draw for visitors. Comprising a peace museum recounting the build-up to
and fallout from the bombing, several memorials and the shell of the Prefectural Industrial
Promotion Hall (now known as the A-Bomb Dome), the Peace Memorial Park presents an
even-handed and thoroughly moving look at Japans darkest hour.
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Samurai
Who could fail to be impressed by the mighty samurai and their long-standing philosophies?
Rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honour and loyalty are the seven virtues of
the samurai bushido code traits that many Japanese strive to live by even today.
Samurai were the military nobility of Japan, first emerging in the mid-Heian Period (7941185). Their skills as warriors
were most in demand during the 15th and 16th centuries a time of landowning clans and feudal wars, when Japan
splintered into dozens of independent states. Utsunomiya
Tokyo
As soldiers, the samurai were fierce fighters who followed strict codes of honour and combat. They employed bows and
arrows, spears and guns, but their main weapon and symbol was the sword.
During the long peace of the Edo Period (16031868), samurai gradually lost their military function and expanded their Kyoto
roles as courtiers, bureaucrats and administrators. The samurai class was eventually abolished in the Meiji Reforms of the Himeji
19th century, after hundreds of years of power and influence.
Iaido
Tokyo
Iaido is a modern martial art that draws on traditional Japanese swordsmanship
techniques.
Unlike kendo, in which participants hone their skills in combat with each other, iaido
is performed solo, its movements smooth and controlled almost meditative
with a focus on mental preparedness. We can arrange for you to take a class at an
operating iaido dojo. Watch a choreographed demonstration using real katana swords,
and then its your turn to copy the graceful movements.
Himeji Castle
Himeji
Follow in the footsteps of samurai at Himejis White Heron castle, one of only 12
InsideAsia Tours staff, Sara Pretelli, Okayama Tourism
surviving castles from the feudal era. Himeji-jo is certainly the most impressive of the
castles with extensive ramparts and dramatic keep rising up above the city. A half-
hour bus ride away is the temple complex of Engyo-ji atop Mount Shosha. Untouched
for hundreds of years, this atmospheric site was the setting for many scenes from the
Tom Cruise movie The Last Samurai.
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Pop culture
Think of Japan today and youre as likely to think of robots and Pokmon Go as you are
geisha and samurai. Ever since the boom years of the 1980s, Japanese pop culture has been
an unstoppable powerhouse, and its ever-growing popularity abroad shows no sign of abating.
Manga (Japanese comics) and anime (Japanese animation) are Japans biggest pop culture export. In Japan it is perfectly
normal to see grown adults poring over their favourite comic books in the subway on their way to work, and finding anyone in
the world who hasnt heard of Pikachu or Studio Ghibli is increasingly rare.
Meanwhile, kooky street fashion has become as common on travellers checklists as the Imperial Palace, and barely a visitor to
Tokyo leaves without a stop in Akihabaras gaming arcades. Japanese pop music, or J-Pop, is busy exporting its own brand of
sparkling, upbeat tunes to the world while kawaii (cute) culture continues to spawn legions of cuddly characters, from Hello
Kitty to Japans ubiquitous promotional mascots.
Whatever your perspective on Japanese pop culture, its impossible to avoid and without it, Japan wouldnt be the exciting and
vibrant place it is today.
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Turn to p. 78-79 for our Manga & Anime Self-Guided Adventure, which might be just what youre looking
for. Otherwise give us a call today and we can start tailoring a quirky pop culture Self-Guided Adventure
or Exclusive Private Journey for you. Please also keep an eye on our website as we often run pop culture-
themed Small Group Tours.
Robot Restaurant
Tokyo
Shinjukus Robot Restaurant obliterates the rest of Tokyo in the
weirdness stakes. Forget the food youre here for the hour-long
show: a robot cabaret accompanied by a garish kaleidoscope of
strobe lights, lasers, techno music and dancers in glittery bikinis.
If youre looking for Japans otherworldly kooky side, prepare
yourself for the shock of this relentless sensory bombardment.
You have been warned!
Studio Ghibli
Museum
Tokyo
If youre a fan of Hayao
Miyazakis wonderful
animated masterpieces,
dont miss the Studio Ghibli
Museum in Tokyo which
shows exclusive Ghibli short
pieces in a small cinema.
The gift shop is fantastic for
all sorts of Ghibli goodies
and the childrens play area
boasts a climb-aboard cat
InsideAsia Tours staff
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Hot-spring bathing
If stripping down to your birthday suit for a bath with a group of complete strangers doesnt
sound like your cup of tea, prepare to change your mind. Nyuto Onsen
Onsen, or geothermal hot-spring baths, are an integral part of There are even gigantic onsen theme parks where you can
Japanese life and something that we believe every visitor to while away a whole day in endless saunas, steam rooms,
Japan should try. Hadaka no tsukiai, or naked companionship, Jacuzzis and baths of salts and minerals, even green tea and
refers to the deep friendships formed in an onsen. Its a great red wine. (We kid you not its in Hakone.)
leveller, as social barriers fall away into the hot steamy water.
The best baths are out in the open air and nothing could be
Thanks to all that volcanic activity, there is a profusion of more relaxing than feeling the breeze on your face and the Hakone
wonderful baths in enchanting locations across Japan from mineral water on your skin while you soak up views of open
Kinosaki Onsen
steaming pools surrounded by thick snow in Hokkaido to skies, rivers and mountains. For many, onsen are the first
cypress-scented hot tubs at ryokan inns. thing youll miss when you return home from Japan.
Beppu
Ibusuki
Kinosaki Onsen
This is onsen-bathing at its most traditional. Kinosaki is a pretty little town of canals lined
with willow trees and time-worn wooden buildings. If you stay overnight at a Kinosaki
ryokan, you can do as the locals do and take a bathtime stroll dressed in light cotton
kimono and geta sandals as you wander between seven public bathhouses.
Nyuto Onsen
Nyuto Onsen literally means nipple hot springs: a name inspired by the shape of
nearby Mount Nyuto apparently not for any other reason! This is a rustic collection of
outdoor hot-spring baths in glorious isolation deep in the Tohoku countryside.
Kumano Travel, InsideAsia Tours staff
Sand baths
While there are fantastic volcanic hot springs across Kyushu Island, Beppu and Ibusuki
are known for a different experience: sand baths. On a beach or in a bathhouse, youll
put on a cotton robe and lie down in the sand while assistants pour on more warm
sand, burying you up to your neck. Have a nice nap for 15 minutes or so and enjoy the
benefits to your complexion and circulation!
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Gardens
A red bridge across a lily pond; weeping willow trees, autumn leaves and
tunnels of cherry blossom; meticulously raked gravel and glistening moss in
a hundred varieties of green. What could be more peaceful than spending an
afternoon exploring one of Japans beautiful gardens?
Visit a strolling garden, and youll be led on a journey through a series of carefully thought-out landscapes;
borrowed scenery gardens use components such as a mountain or a nearby castle to enhance the
Omiya
view. Zen gardens, meanwhile, are calculated to inspire contemplation with their white, raked sand and
judiciously placed rocks. Kanazawa
Regardless of the particular style, no aspect of the garden is ever left to chance, and each choice Kyoto
represents principles that have been developed over centuries. When selecting rocks, great attention is
paid to the colour, positioning, size, and even the direction of the veins. Plants are chosen according to
their season of flowering, colour and religious symbolism, and their growth is controlled to create carefully
planned effects such as intricate shadows on the surface of a pond.
From the famous rock garden of Ryoan-ji in Kyoto to the spectacular Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, there is
sure to be a horticultural wonder hidden just around the corner no matter what your itinerary.
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Festivals Sapporo
The Japanese absolutely love their festivals, whether theyre entering the Guinness World Record
book with the biggest tug-of-war in the world in Okinawa, or setting an entire mountain on fire for
the Wakakusayama festival in Nara. From tiny local celebrations to huge, nationwide holidays some
estimates place the number of festivals in Japan as high as a staggering 200,000 per year.
With this many events on the calendar, the chances All Japanese festivals boast a cornucopia of food stalls Naeba
are your trip will coincide with a Japanese festival selling all kinds of delicious snacks and are plenty
and well be sure to let you know if there is anything of fun for all ages. This is a fantastic opportunity to Kamakura
exciting going on that fits in with your travel plans. mingle with the locals who will be more than happy to
welcome you into the celebrations.
Whether youd like to admire Sapporos enormous
snow sculptures, marvel at a traditional archery contest,
see spectacular summer fireworks displays, or even run Hiroshima
semi-naked through the streets at Okayamas Naked
Man festival we highly recommend getting involved.
January Kyoto Archery contest at Sanjusangendo Temple The Sunday closest to January 15th
February Sapporo Snow festival For seven days starting in the second week of February
Okayama Naked man festival The third Saturday of February
June Kanazawa Hyakumangoku annual festival Three days around the first Saturday of June
Our tour group was lucky enough to witness the spring festival
in Takayama which was an amazing spectacle.
Chelsea, Winnipeg, Canada
Fancy a festival?
If youd like to time your trip to coincide with one of Japans major festivals, speak to one of our expert travel consultants who can
advise you. Some Small Group Tours such as Winter Highlights (p. 32-33) are deliberately timed to catch a certain festival, while a
Self-Guided Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey can start on any day of the year so its easy to work a festival into your itinerary.
Please also check out our website where you can find details of our special Fuji Rock package which includes a tent sent to the
festival site. During some festivals accommodation gets booked up very fast, so we advise planning your trip as soon as possible.
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Flights & stopovers
Wed be delighted to arrange international flights to Japan if you are travelling from the UK or Australia.
Please ask us for available options and prices. Book your flights as part of a package with us and travel
with peace of mind of knowing that should any delay or disruption to your flight occur we will look after all
rearrangement and rescheduling on your behalf. UK customers have the additional security of knowing your
money is ATOL protected.
If you prefer to book your own flights or are travelling from a different part of the world, we are happy to provide advice and can make
suggestions as to where you might find the best fares.
If you are joining a Small Group Tour, your flights will need to match the tour dates. For a Fully Tailored Journey, you can of course travel
whenever you like and we will organise the flights and land arrangements to fit.
Tokyo airports
Tokyo has two major airports: Osaka Kansai Airport
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Stopovers
Fancy seeing more of Asia? If youd like to break your journey en route to or from Japan,
wed love to plan a stopover for you. We can arrange accommodation, airport transfers,
guided tours and excursions in many Asian cities. Here are a few ideas:
n Hong Kong
Compare Tokyo with Hong Kong, a similarly vertical city, surrounded by mountains with a spectacular
waterfront from which high-tech skyscrapers rise like a glittering bar chart. Join a dawn tai chi class or
explore crowded Chinese markets. Taste the food on offer at a dai pai dong street-side stall or take afternoon
tea in a five-star hotel. Go hiking in the mountains or sail the harbour in a traditional junk boat. But dont forget
to take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak for that million-dollar view!
n Bangkok
Turn a blind eye to the slapdash city planning, poor infrastructure and chaotic congestion Japan this is not.
Instead, Thailands capital is all about the allure of the haphazard. Imagine taking a boat trip along the citys
canals for a seafood lunch at Taling Chan floating market. Explore a different branch of Buddhism at Wat Arun
and Wat Pho temples, visit the Grand Palaces sacred Emerald Buddha, or relive your youth in the madness of
Khaosan Road. And dont forget the food! Youve got mouth-watering pad thai,
hot green curries, spicy papaya salad and much more to look forward to.
n Singapore
Explore the restaurant scene, take a treetop walk above the rainforest
canopy in MacRitchie Park, or hop across to Sentosa Island for Universal
Studios Singapore. And of course, be sure to drink a Singapore Sling at the Long
Bar in Raffles Hotel.
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Weather & climate
When to go
Japan is a fantastic holiday destination all year round, regardless of which season you choose. Sapporo (Hokkaido)
n Average daily high temperature (C)
n Spring (March & April): Warm weather, not too humid. Very popular during cherry
n Average monthly rainfall (mm)
Sapporo (Hokkaido)
blossom season 30 250
25
n Summer (May to September): Hot and humid in the cities, but great for exploring 200
20
mountains and beaches 150
15
n Autumn (October & November): Mild to warm weather and autumn leaves visible 10 100
n Winter (December to February): Cool, crisp, clear days with heavy snowfall in the -5 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
mountains. Excellent powder snow for skiing
Tokyo
20 150
Be warned, though, that this is a very busy time of year to visit City Average full bloom
15 100
Japan; trains, temples, restaurants and hotels will be full to capacity. Sapporo 8th May
10
Our advice is to book early and be flexible about budget and Sendai 14th April 50
5
accommodation as hotels and guides get booked up a long time Tokyo 30th March
0 0
in advance. Kanazawa 8th April Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
can vary widely from year to year. Fukuoka 28th March n Average monthly rainfall (mm)
Kyoto
35 250
Kagoshima 2nd April
30
Ishigaki 30th January 200
25
20 150
l leaves turn much later in the year than you might expect!
Fukuoka (Kyushu)
Region Autumn leaves
n Average daily high temperature (C)
Hokkaido Mid-September to mid-October
n Average monthly rainfall (mm) (Kyushu)
Fukuoka
Tohoku Mid-October to early November 35 250
0 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rainy season
Whilst it can rain in Japan at any time all year round, the rain is Naha (Okinawa)
at its heaviest from June to mid-July. However even during this n Average daily high temperature (C)
rainy season, it wont rain every day and its not always torrential. n Average monthly rainfall (mm)
Naha (Okinawa)
When it does pour, it tends to be in quick, tropical bursts before 35 250
0 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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Important information
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Glossary
Throughout the InsideJapan Tours offices, were guilty of speaking Japlish our own blend of Japanese and English. Thats because Japanese has words that
cant be neatly translated into English, or we need to describe things that just dont exist in the English-speaking world.
Heres a handy glossary to define the Japanese words used in this brochure. If you encounter any more, our bilingual travel consultants would be happy to explain.
n anime: Japanese film and television animation. n nabe: a hotpot dish of meat or seafood and vegetables.
Aimed as much at adults as children Usually enjoyed in winter
n takoyaki: a dish of grilled dumplings filled with
n basashi: a dish of sliced raw horse meat. A n ninja: from the feudal area, a person highly trained in diced octopus
speciality in Matsumoto martial arts and stealth, hired for covert espionage
including sabotage and assassinations n tatami: flooring made from reed mats. Shoes
n bunraku: puppet theatre. A high-art form dating back to off and socks only on the tatami!
the 18th century n noren: traditional fabric dividers or curtains with vertical
slits that hang in doorways or windows n tempura: a dish of fish, shellfish or vegetables
n dojo: a school or practice hall where karate, judo fried in a light batter
or other martial arts are practiced n okonomiyaki: a savoury pancake dish containing cabbage
and various fillings including meat, seafood or vegetables, n teriyaki: a dish consisting of fish or meat
n eisa: a folk dance originating in Okinawa topped with barbecue sauce marinated in soy sauce and grilled
accompanied by singing, drums and the sanshin
n onsen: a hot-spring bath. Can be indoors or outdoors, n torii: a red gate found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine
n fugu: a dish of pufferfish, eaten as a delicacy but always with natural spa water a testament to Japans n udon: thick noodles made of wheat pasta
once the highly poisonous parts of the fish have volcanic landscape
been expertly removed n wagashi: Japanese confectionary typically made with plant
n otaku: a person obsessed with computers or particular ingredients and served with green tea
n futon: a thick, quilted mattress for sleeping on. Much aspects of popular culture, sometimes to the detriment
more comfortable than Western-style futons no wooden of their social skills n wagyu: tender beef from a specific breed of Japanese
slats underneath cattle
n ramen: a meat or fish soup containing noodles and
n gassho zukuri: a traditional farmhouse with a vegetables n washi: traditional Japanese paper commonly made from
steep thatched roof built to withstand heavy the bark of the gampi tree
snowfall in the Japanese Alps n ryokan: a traditional Japanese inn. Guest rooms have reed
mats on the floor and youll sleep on thick mattresses n yakatabune: a low barge-style boat lined with red lanterns
n geta: traditional wooden clogs worn outdoors, rolled out on the mats. For a more detailed description
with a thong that passes between the first two toes please turn to p. 94-95.
n gyoza: a dish of wonton wrappers stuffed with pork and cabbage
n sake: a drink made by fermenting rice; the national
n hanami: a cherry blossom viewing party. Usually a picnic beverage of Japan
with food and sake n sakura: cherry blossom. The flowers of several trees of the
n iaido: a martial art using traditional Japanese genus Prunus
swordsmanship techniques. Lit. the way of the encounter n sanshin: a three-stringed musical instrument from
n ikebana: the art of Japanese flower arranging Okinawa
n izakaya: a gastro-pub. Serves alcohol and food which n sashimi: a dish consisting of slivers of raw fish eaten
comes in small sharing dishes, akin to Spanish tapas with soy sauce
n kaiseki: Japanese haute cuisine. A set-menu meal of n shabu shabu: a dish of thinly sliced beef or pork cooked
many small meat, fish and vegetable dishes made with quickly with vegetables in boiling water and then dipped
different cooking techniques to create contrasting textures. in sauce
Often served at traditional Japanese inns, using seasonal n shamisen: a traditional three-stringed lute with a square
produce and regional specialities body, played with a large plectrum
n kanji: a system of Japanese writing using Chinese-derived n shinkansen: the bullet train. Lit. new trunk line
characters
n shodo: Japanese calligraphy. Lit. the way of writing
n katana: a long, curved single-edged sword traditionally
used by samurai n shojin ryori: a type of vegetarian cooking introduced
to Japan alongside Buddhism in the 6th century. Shojin
n koi: a large ornamental variety of carp. See our brochure is a Buddhist term that refers to asceticism in pursuit of
cover enlightenment, and ryori means cooking
n kushikatsu: a dish of deep-fried skewered meat or n soba: noodles made from buckwheat. Can be served hot
vegetables or cold
n kyudo: the martial art of longbow archery which n somen: thin, white noodles made of wheat flour
incorporates choreographed movements practised in a and salt
meditative state
n sumobeya: Living quarters where sumo wrestlers
n machiya: a historic, wooden townhouse. Typified in Kyoto, train and live, known as a stable in English.
they formerly housed merchants and craftsmen All professional sumo wrestlers must belong
n maiko: an apprentice geisha. Entertainers who perform to one
dances and play traditional Japanese instruments n taiko: a Japanese drum. They come in various
n manga: Japanese comic books and graphic novels. Aimed shapes and sizes
as much at adults as children
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InsideVietnam Tours & InsideBurma Tours
We are proud to introduce you to our sister brands: InsideVietnam Tours and InsideBurma
Tours. We offer tailored travel, group tours and cultural experiences in Vietnam, Cambodia,
Laos and in the emerging destination of Burma a country that until recently has remained
largely unknown and inaccessible.
You can expect the same passion, expertise and commitment to providing the best possible service that we offer in Japan
all across Southeast Asia. Our first-hand inside knowledge of this region enables us to offer memorable holidays that
consistently exceed our customers expectations, as proven by the client feedback on our websites.
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Vietnam
Vietnam is a country on the move. The American-Vietnamese War ended more than forty years
ago and, whilst not forgotten, it no longer defines todays Vietnamese, who are young, optimistic
and dynamic; ready to welcome the world. There is a real buzz on the streets of Hanoi and Ho
Chi Minh City, contrasting with and complementing the more traditional aspects of the country
to be found beyond the urban sprawl.
Whether you are hiking through the rice terraces of the north, cruising through the magical
scenery of Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta, relaxing on Phu Quocs palm-lined beaches or
sipping coffee on a colonial boulevard, theres plenty to discover in this beautiful country.
Cambodia
Cambodia is the Southeast Asia of countless postcards: a land of orange-robed monks, tropical
fruit, hidden Khmer temples, lush rice paddies, tuk tuks and delicious coconut curries served on
banana leaves.
Although best-known for the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, Cambodia has much more to
offer: teetering stilt villages on Tonl Sap Lake; palaces and colonial villas in Phnom Penh;
golden beaches, jungle treks and river cruises not to mention fantastic Khmer cuisine and
artisan craftwork.
Laos
Laos, the Land of a Million Elephants, remains one of Asias least-visited and most underrated
destinations and is all the better for it.
In Luang Prabang, a former capital brimming with ornate palaces and temples, Laos boasts one
of Southeast Asias most atmospheric towns. Beyond the cities, rugged jungle-clad mountains
bisected by great rivers cover much of the country, pocketed with vast caves, archaeological sites
and laid-back riverside resorts. Dotted between youll find coffee plantations, golden shrines and
unhurried villages where monks receive morning alms from their devoutly Buddhist neighbours.
Burma
Arriving in Burma is akin to travelling back through time to a Southeast Asia of the 1980s:
international influence is only just gaining a foothold and the sense of the mysterious and exotic
is still pervasive. After decades of political isolation, the pace of change in modern Burma, also
known by its official name Myanmar, is rapidly building, making this a fascinating time to visit
and witness the transformation first-hand.
Remnants of the British colonial era are still evident across the country, particularly in the
architecture of Yangon. Beyond the cities youll find a dramatic variety of scenery and
InsideAsia Tours staff
topography, from the semi-desert plains of temple-strewn Bagan to lush jungle and snow-
capped Himalayan peaks, while idyllic beaches stretch from Bangladesh to the Thai border.
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InsideJapan Tours
Specialists in travel to Japan
www.InsideJapanTours.com
InsideJapan Tours
UK: 0117 370 9730 AUS: 07 3703 3838
info@insidejapantours.com
www.InsideJapanTours.com