Modern Japan

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.  Tokyo Skytree is the world’s tallest free-standing broadcasting tower, a new famous Tokyo spot.

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.  Lunch at Kawaii Monster Cafe the reflection of monsters visualizing Harajuku. You will enjoy the surrounding arts and colorful menus.  Also the iconic “Monster Girls” will welcome you at your table.

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 Musium 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. 

Odaiba – the futuristic area of Japan is a must to see.  Sega World, Panasonic Building, Toyota Mega-Web and one of the largest ferris wheels in the world are popular with the young tourists.  At the Miraikan Museum, you can experience the latest developments in science and technology by hands-on exhibits, participating in various events, and meeting scientists and technicians.

Overnight: Tokyo youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY FIVE – FUJI   Lake Kawaguchiko is a hot spring resort town and is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes with train and direct bus connections to Tokyo.  The best views of Mt. Fuji can be enjoyed from the lake's northern shores and are particularly breathtaking during the cherry blossom season around mid April and the autumn colors around the first half of November.

Overnight: Fuji Kawaguchiko hotel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY SIX – FUJI   At the foot of Mt. Fuji, today you will enjoy the world-class thrilling rides at the Fuji-Q Highland Park.

Fuji-Q is an amusement park at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The park is popular for having many intense thrilling rides including the three major roller coasters; “Fujiyama," “Dodonpa" and “Eejanaika."  As the name suggests; “Fujiyama" is a magnificent towering white roller coaster that impresses visitors with its appearance. It is the symbolic attraction of Fuji-Q with the world-class records such as the maximum speed of 130 km/h, the maximum drop of 70 meters and the height of 79 meters. It enjoys enormous popularity since its opening in 1996.

Overnight: Fuji Kawaguchiko hotel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY SEVEN – OSAKA   Farewell Mt Fuji and board the luxurious Shinkansen – bullet train and make your way to Osaka.

Osaka, a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu, is known for its modern architecture, boisterous nightlife and hearty street food.

Overnight: Osaka youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY EIGHT – OSAKA   In the morning, you will visit Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium. This is one of the largest aquariums in the world.
Focusing on the Ring of Fire (Pan Pacific Volcanic Zone) and the Ring of Life (Pan Pacific Life Zone), Kaiyukan respects the dignity of life and natural environment. A Japanese word KAIYUKAN literally means "Playing in the Sea Pavilion." In this aquarium, visitors can enjoy creatures as if they are playing together in the sea.

In the afternoon, you will visit Shinsaibashi for shopping. The covered shopping arcade Shinsaibashi Suji is one of Osaka's oldest and busiest shopping destinations which runs about 600 meters in length. Shinsaibashi Suji's collection of brand name shops, chain stores, independent boutiques and variety of restaurants makes it popular with nearly every kind of shopper.

Another specialized area is Nipponbashi's Den Den Town, dedicated to electronic and gaming goods and often compared to Tokyo's Akihabara district. Doguya Suji near Namba Station is Osaka's shopping destination for professional and amateur chefs. This short arcade sells all manner of cooking accessories, from restaurant grade stove tops to staff uniforms to pots, pans and dishes.

Overnight: Osaka youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY NINE – 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.  Kiyomizudera Temple is the longest wooden structure in the world.  This temple was founded in 798 and rebuilt in 1633 without the single use of a nail.  The winding entrance to Kiyomizudera is known as ‘Teapot Lane’ and sells the best souvenirs and handicrafts in all of Japan. 

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

DAY TEN – OSAKA   An exciting way to end the tour with a visit to one of Japan’s newest theme parks, Universal Studios Japan.  Jurrasic Park, Back To The Future and ET are some of the best rides not to be missed. 

Overnight: Osaka youth hostel – Breakfast and dinner included

DAY ELEVEN   Last day to spend shopping or visit Osaka Castle the main historical landmark in Osaka, surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry trees. 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 TWELVE   Arrive Australia early morning.