Japan Discovery

DAY ONE – TOKYO   Depart Australia on your international flight to Tokyo, Japan.  Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo.  

Overnight: Tokyo youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY TWO – TOKYO   A full day to explore the popular areas in Tokyo.  The best place to experience a carnival atmosphere any day of the year is Asakusa.  Famous for its covered walkways of souvenir, fashion and toy- shops that extend for several blocks and Tokyo’s oldest temple.  Sensoji Temple was founded in the 7th century and is dedicated to Kannon, Goddess of Mercy, and is therefore popularly called the Asakusa Kannon Temple.

Harajuku – the teenage area of Tokyo where you will find the latest trends in teenage fashion, food and music.  Every Sunday, young Japanese flock to this area to see the latest bands and dancers that perform in the streets.   The Meiji Shrine is located nearby, so have your camera ready as there are usually many traditional weddings and christenings taking place on a Sunday.   This famous shrine and garden is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his Empress.                                                                        

Akihabara – Tokyo’s famous ‘Akihabara’ Electric City.  Bathed in neon, Akihabara has more than 300 shops specialising in the latest electrical goods such as ipods, watches, computer games and more.

Overnight: Tokyo youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY THREE – TOKYO   Ride the latest rides, watch the street parade and meet Mickey Mouse at the world’s famous themepark - Tokyo Disneyland.  There is so much to see and do here including the Teacup ride, Space Mountain ride and Buzz Lightyear ride.  The ‘Disney Electric Light Parade’ in the evening is spectacular.    

Overnight: Tokyo youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY FOUR – TOKYO   Ghibli Museum is, a commercial museum featuring the Japanese anime work of Studio Ghibli.  The museum is a fine arts museum, but does not take the concept of a usual fine arts museum. With many features that are child-oriented and a sprawling and occasionally mazelike interior, the museum is a playfully created place. 

Shinjuku is a fast developing shopping and amusement quarter, and is one of Tokyo’s largest commuter terminals. There are three Shinjukus; South, East and West. Bustling South & East Shinjuku is a heaven for shopping, people-watching, movie-going, eating and drinking. West Shinjuku, on the other hand, is exceptional for strolling along wide boulevards and Tokyo-viewing from the tops of the soaring skyscrapers. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings (Tocho Building) has an observatory on the 45th floor (202mtrs high) which commands a panoramic view of metropolitan Tokyo. A number of sculptures are exhibited outside around the buildings.

Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts, packed with shopping, dining and nightspots serving swarms of visitors that come to the district everyday. A prominent landmark of Shibuya is the large intersection in front of the station's Hachiko Exit. A statue of a loyal dog named Hachiko. According to a famous story, the dog waited for his master every day in front of Shibuya Station, and continued to do so for years even after his master had passed away. It is one of Tokyo's most popular meeting points.

Overnight: Tokyo youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY FIVE – KYOTO   Farewell Tokyo and board the luxurious Shinkansen – bullet train and make your way to Japan’s ancient capital city, Kyoto.  Kyoto was Japan’s capital city from 794 – 1868.  It has more than 1600 Buddhist Temples and 270 Shinto Shrines.  Kyoto is the 7th largest city in Japan.  This relaxing two and a half hour train ride will ensure you see much of Japan’s countryside including the famous Mt. Fuji.

Gion– Heart of Kyoto’s world famous Geisha districts.  As you stroll through the Gion area in the early evening you will see maiko and geiko moving between the evening’s engagements.  Saizen Tours can arrange for your group to visit a local teahouse in Gion and learn about the secret world of Geisha first hand.  You can watch the young maiko perform before they serve you tea and pose for photos with the group. 

Overnight: Kyoto youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

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DAY SIX – KYOTO   A full day to explore some of Kyoto’s famous temples and shrines with a coach tour including English speaking guide.  Kinkakuji is one of the most beautiful temples in all Japan.  A trip to Japan would not be complete without a photo in front of this Golden Pavilion.   The first floor is palace style, the second floor is the style of the samurai house and third floor is a Zen style temple.  Both the second and third floors are covered with gold leaf on Japanese lacquer.  Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun, Ieyasu.  To safeguard against treachery, the Shogun had the interior fitted with ‘nightingale’ floors (intruders were detected by the squeaking boards) and concealed chambers where bodyguards could keep watch.  Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace (except Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and specific days) or Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and specific days.  Heian Jingu Shrine; don't miss the characteristic red architecture of this beautiful shrine built to celebrate the 1101 year anniversary of the founding of the city of Kyoto.  

Sanjusangen-do Temple; visit the world's longest wooden structure, housing 1,001 life-size statues of Buddhist Kannon deities dating back to the 13th century.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple; the view of Kyoto from the World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu-dera is superb. The historic shopping lane that leads to the temple adds to a wonderful experience.

Overnight: Kyoto youth hostel – Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

DAY SEVEN – NARA  A day visit to Nara to see the giant Daibutsu - Big Buddha - in Todaiji Temple. Enjoy lunch in Nara Park with the many tame deer. A stop at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is suggested on your return.

Overnight: Kyoto youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY EIGHT - HIROSHIMA   Board the bullet train and make your way to the city of peace, 'Hiroshima'.  You might like to make a stop on the way at Himeji to view the castle.  Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Atom Bomb Museum is located nearby.  The Industrial Promotion Hall is the only ruined building still allowed to stand after the devastation in 1945, its dome the symbol of the destruction.  The Peace Park is built around this building.  You will see the statue of ‘Sadako’ above thousands of paper cranes from all around the world.  Saizen Tours will arrange for a one-hour lecture to hear first hand from a Hiroshima A-Bomb Survivor.

Overnight: Hiroshima youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY NINE - MIYAJIMA  A short ferry ride will take you to Miyajima Island known as one of Japan’s ‘Three Most Beautiful Places’.  The island is famous for its shrines, tame deer and monkeys.  You certainly won’t miss the large red torii gate that marks the entrance to the floating ‘Itsukushima Shrine’.  This is Japan’s largest torii gate and the original dates from 1168.

Overnight: Hiroshima youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY TEN   Perhaps time for some last minute shopping.  Meals and movies on board your overnight flight to Australia.  Travel to Kansai Airport, Osaka late afternoon for your return flight to Australia.  

Overnight: In transit - late dinner and light breakfast included on board

DAY ELEVEN   Arrive Australia early morning.