Honshu Island, Japan

John Chekian has designed customized itineraries in many countries for Concierge Traveller clients. His favourite destination for well-travelled people is Japan. On arrival you are instantly confronted by the utter foreignness of its language, customs and aesthetics. In a world that is becoming more and more rapidly homogenised, this culture shock can be wonderfully exhilarating.

Staying at a ryokan may present some challenges (like having to sit cross-legged on tatami mats), but such minor inconveniences scarcely detract from the intensity of a profoundly rewarding Japanese experience.

In John’s experience, the essence of Japan can de discovered through a tour that includes the highlights of Honshu Island and the vibrant cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. The accommodation is a mix of western accommodation as well as ryokan-style hotels.

Tour package includes:

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo (D)
A transfer from Narita Airport to Hotel Seiyo Ginza for a three-night stay. A welcome cocktail reception and dinner.

Day 2: Tokyo touring (B, L, D)
Your morning guided city tour includes visits to the Imperial Palace, and the Meiji Jingu Shrine, a guided walk through Ginza and some time for exploring on your own.

Day 3: Senso-ji Temple (B)
The day begins with an interesting introduction to the life of a sumo wrestler. A city excursion includes a visit to the Edo Tokyo Museum and a guided tour of Senso-Ji Temple.

Day 4: Fuji-Hakone National Park (B, L, D)
Ride the Shinkansen (the Bullet Train) into the countryside. Visit the hot-springs town of Hakone in Fuji-Hakone National Park. Cruise across Lake Ashi and ride a gondola over the mountains – if weather permits, enjoy views of Mount Fuji.

Day 5: Treasures of the Japanese Alps (B, L, D)
Travel past valleys of rice fields in the Japanese Alps region. Along the way, visit the Itchiku Kubota Museum. Stop at Matsumoto Castle en route to the 16th-century town of Takayama.

Day 6: Takayama’s historical sights (B)
Take a guided walking tour, stopping at the farmers market, the Festival Float Museum, and the Takayama Jinya, a 1692 provincial government office. Spend your afternoon relaxing in a hot springs bath, walking or exploring the town’s quaint streets.

Day 7: Gassho-zukuri farmhouses and a ryokan (B, L, D)
A journey to the Shirakawa-go region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with mountain villages of thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Visit a private 300-year-old family home, and wander through the village of Ogimachi with 59 intact gassho houses. Stay in a traditional ryokan-style hotel.

Day 8: Samurais in Kanazawa (B, L, D)
Travel to Kanazawa, with winding cobblestone streets, samurai residences, geisha houses, museums, galleries, and an open-air market. Visit the old Kenroku-en Gardens, ranked among the country’s top three gardens. Take a tour of an authentic samurai house, and explore the 300-year-old Omicho Market. Then take a train to Kyoto.

Day 9: Kyoto’s temples and castles (B, L)
Kyoto, is Japan’s cultural treasure house. Tour the Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit 17th-century Nijo Castle. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 10: Temples and the Great Buddha (B, L)
Visit the Sanjusangendo Temple. Continue to Nara, Japan’s first capital. At Todai-ji Temple, see the monumental bronze Great Buddha. Walk the grounds of Kasuga Grand Shrine and the rest of your day is at leisure in Kyoto.

Day 11: Discover some of Japan’s traditional customs (B, D)
Visit Kiyomizu Temple with its spectacular views of the city. Take part in a traditional tea ceremony and have a hands-on demonstration in the art of origami and calligraphy in a private home, then spend the afternoon at leisure.

Day 12: Depart Japan
Depart from the Westin Miyako Hotel for the 90-minute trip to the airport in Osaka.

Tour includes:
• All accommodation with private facilities, coach transport, the Shinkansen journey from Tokyo to Hakone and the train excursion from Kanazawa to Kyoto,
• Entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing, luggage handling, admissions, the services of a tour leader
• Private arrival transfer in Tokyo
• A departure transfer from the Westin Miyako Hotel to Osaka Airport
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff
Not included:
• International airfares and taxes
• Gratuities

Contact John for more information on (02) 8270 4800 or email him at jchekian@conciergetraveller.com.au

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