Go West Travel has amazing Japan tours

Depart SYDNEY 13 June 2020
Book By 12 December 2019
Deposit $1900pp
Final Payment 13 March 2020

Flying with

**Prices are based on 2 people booking together and sharing 1 room twin share. Airlines used for different departure dates may vary, a full confirmed flight itinerary will be provided at the quote stage.

Konnichiwa! Tour dazzling Tokyo, a city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology. Take an optional tour of this dazzling city which begins with a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the largest wholesale markets in the world. Next visit the Sensoji Temple, walk along Nakamise, visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace and explore the famous Ginza shopping district. Travel to Hakone National Park and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of majestic mountains and green valleys. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around placid Lake Ashi. Take the bullet train and discover Kyoto, founded in the 7th century. Climb to the hilltop Kiyomizu temple, for astonishing views over the city and stand before the celebrated gold-gilded Kinkakuji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion’. From ancient temples and shrines to trendy Harajuku and peaceful parks, Japan will surely captivate you with its culture, traditions and beauty.

Package Includes

Flights Sydney-Tokyo, Osaka-Sydney
Other departure cities available. Email or call for itinerary
Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
6 nights accommodations3 nights Tokyo
1 night Hakone Area
2 nights Kyoto
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
Hotel porterage
All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
High-Speed Bullet Train: Mishima-Kyoto
8 meals: 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
Entrance fees per itinerary
Gratuities while on tour

Special Features

Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum’s vast array of sculptures
Discover Owakudani Valley’s extraordinary volcanic zone
Embark on a cruise on Lake Ashi and admire the stunning scenery
Board the famous Shinkansen, or “bullet train” that whisks you to Kyoto

Other Dates

Prices are per person on a twin share basis. Different dates may use different hotels. Ask about pricing flying your favourite airline or alliance.

Daily Itinerary (Sunday Departure)

DAY 1, Sunday – Depart for Japan/Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive in dynamic Tokyo, the ultra high-tech and fascinating metropolis and transfer to your hotel. This evening, attend an orientation meeting at approximately at 7:00 pm with your Tour Manager on the exciting adventure that awaits you in Japan, followed by a Welcome Drink with your fellow travelers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 pm on Day 2 of the itinerary, if possible
Overnight: Tokyo

DAY 2, Monday – Full Day in Tokyo
Spend the day at leisure to explore all of the delights of Tokyo on your own, or join the optional Full Day Tokyo Tour. Witness the stark contrasts of this dazzling city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology. Begin, with a visit to the hectic Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the largest wholesale markets in the world, famous for fish and seafood. Afterward, travel to the imposing Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) enshrining a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy; its entrance is dominated by a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red and black colors. Walk along Nakamise, a centuries-old shopping area, where you can find everything from souvenirs to genuine Edo-style crafts. Next, stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden, located next to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, considered the largest castle in the area. This was the former site of Edo Castle and is now the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. Your tour concludes at the famous Ginza shopping district, Tokyo’s most celebrated shopping and amusement area
Optional: Tokyo City Tour
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3, Tuesday – Full Day in Tokyo
The day is free, to further explore the enormous metropolis of Tokyo independently. As a premier global city, Tokyo offers incredible cuisine, and a vast array of art and fashion venues. For a different view of the city, take a stroll in the beautiful Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum, housing a collection of fascinating artifacts from across Asia. Perhaps, participate in the optional Nikko Tour, a small historical city at the entrance of the Nikko National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as a center for Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for centuries. Visit Nikko Toshogu shrine and marvel at the splendor of this sanctuary, surrounded by lush forests. Stop for an authentic Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, view the sacred red lacquered Shinkyo Bridge, that arches elegantly across the Daiya River. Continue with a sake tasting at a local brewery and learn about the process of making sake, before your return drive to Tokyo
Optional: Full Day Nikko Tour with Lunch
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Wednesday – Travel to Hakone, Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi Cruise
This morning, depart Tokyo and drive south to Hakone, the most famous National Park in Japan, admiring the breathtaking scenery along the way. Stop for a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a 200-acre park that is located on a hillside and surrounded by majestic mountains and green valleys. Explore the museum’s vast sculpture collection from the 19th and 20th century, including artworks by Japanese and Western artists. After lunch on your own, continue with a gondola ride on the Hakone Ropeway that takes you to the Owakudani Valley’s extraordinary volcanic zone. Here, the bubbling pools cook eggs in the hot waters blackened by sulfur, and are said to prolong one’s life by at least seven years. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around placid Lake Ashi. Proceed to your hotel in the Hakone area. Enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Hakone Area
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Thursday – Bullet Train to Kyoto
After breakfast, transfer to Mishima station for your bullet train to historic Kyoto, a city that once served as the imperial capital of Japan and home of the country’s most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. Upon arrival, take a short walking tour and spend free time for lunch on your own, before checking into your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure. You may choose to participate in the optional Half Day Kyoto Tour. Begin with a visit to the celebrated gold-gilded Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the “Golden Pavilion’ surrounded by trees and nestled on a reflective pond. The temple was constructed in the 14th century by the Ashikaga clan. Next, take a walk in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district; view the shops, restaurants and tea houses where Geisha entertain. Conclude the tour in Kawaramachi, the city’s bustling center that is loaded with shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. This evening, discover Kyoto’s diverse cuisine
Optional: Kyoto City Tour (PM)
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Friday – Full Day in Kyoto
Spend your day at leisure in Kyoto to explore this fascinating city on your own or, join the optional tour to Kyoto & Nara. Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine located at the base of Inari mountain, that is famous for its thousands of vermilion colored torii gates. Afterward, travel via the Nara Keinawa expressway to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, repository of Japan’s cultural heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures. Arrive at the exquisite Todai-ji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home of the impressive Great Buddha bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high. You then continue to Nara Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. The tour concludes with a visit to the famous and beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, displaying over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. Return to Kyoto and enjoy leisure time this afternoon before a Farewell Drink and light snack at the hotel
Optional: Kyoto & Nara Tour (AM)
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Saturday – Depart Japan
Transfer to the Osaka airport for your departure flight. I prefer to use Osaka domestic for a better experience for you.
Meals: Breakfast

Accomodation

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro, Tokyo

This first class hotel is located nearby the Ikebukuro train station.

Tokyo Prince Hotel, Tokyo

This first class hotel is situated next to the forested gardens of Shiba Park, yet in the heart of Tokyo near the Tokyo Tower.

Laforet Shuzenji & Country Club, Izu, Shizuoka

This tourist class hotel is about a fifteen minute drive from the city center of Izu.

Numazu Riverside Hotel, Numazu, Shizuoka

This tourist class hotel is set on the banks of the Kano River.

Oiso Prince Hotel, Naka District, Kanagawa

This tourist class hotel overlooks Sagami Bay and the Tanzawa Mountains.

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto, Kyoto

This first class hotel is within walking distance of Kyoto Station.

Optional Extras

Full Day Nikko Tour with lunch

Day #4

AUD$259.00

Today, travel to Nikko, a small historical city at the entrance of the Nikko National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as a center for Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for centuries. Visit Nikko Toshogu shrine and marvel at the splendor of this sanctuary, surrounded by lush forests. Stop for an authentic Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, view the sacred red lacquered Shinkyo Bridge, that arches elegantly across the Daiya River. Continue with a sake tasting at a local brewery and learn about the process of making sake, before your return drive to Tokyo.

Pick up details to be advised locally. Drop-off at the hotel. Approximate tour duration is 11 hours.

Tokyo City Tour

Day #3

AUD$121.00

Embark on a tour of Tokyo that begins with a visit to the hectic Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the largest markets in the world, famous for fish and seafood. Afterward, travel to the imposing Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) enshrining a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy; its entrance is dominated by a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red and black colors. Walk along Nakamise, a centuries-old shopping area, where you can find everything from souvenirs to genuine Edo-style crafts. Next, stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden, located next to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, considered the largest castle in the area. This was the former site of Edo Castle and is now the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. Your tour concludes at the famous Ginza shopping district, Tokyo’s most celebrated shopping and amusement area.

Pick up details to be advised locally. Drop-off at the hotel. Approximate tour duration is 7 hours.

Kyoto City Tour

Day #6

AUD$106.00

Begin with a visit to the celebrated gold-gilded Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the “Golden Pavilion” surrounded by trees and nestled on a reflective pond. The temple was constructed in the 14th century by the Ashikaga clan. Next, take a walk in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district; view the shops, restaurants and tea houses where Geisha entertain. Conclude the tour in Kawaramachi, the city’s bustling center that is loaded with shops, restaurants, bars and clubs.

Pick up details to be advised locally. Drop-off at the hotel. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours.

Kyoto & Nara Tour

Day #7

AUD$121.00

This morning, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine located at the base of Inari mountain, that is famous for its thousands of vermilion colored torii gates. Afterward, travel via the Nara Keinawa expressway to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, repository of Japan’s cultural heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures. Arrive at the exquisite Todai-ji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home of the impressive Great Buddha bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high. You then continue to Nara Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. The tour concludes with a visit to the famous and beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, displaying over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns.

Pick up details to be advised locally. Drop-off at the hotel. Approximate tour duration is 6 hours.

Entry and Visa information – Japan

For most Australian and New Zealand passport holders you will not require a visa for travel to Japan.

Visas

If you’re visiting for tourism, and less than six months, you don’t need a visa. Permission is granted on arrival. You can’t extend this period. In other circumstances, you’ll need a visa.

You don’t need a visa if you’re visiting for less than 90 days: