This Japan Tour is an exciting journey through the bright light cities, the mountainous terrains and paddy field plains, the spiritual temples, and the deep culture of this ancient nation. If you are a first timer or indeed a return visitor you will see parts of Japan that would simply not be possible to find on your own, without the knowledge and language behind you. You will take part in various cultural activities such as an Authentic Tea Ceremony, Soba Noodle Making, Rice Paper Making, and even stay in a Temple with the chance to meditate alongside the local monks of Mt Koya and more. Places visited include the neon metropolitan cities of Tokyo and Osaka, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, the spiritually rich Koyasan, the traditional Takayama, the timeless Gokayama, the gardens of Kanazawa and the deep valleys of Matsumoto. English is not widely spoken in Japan, especially in the rural parts, and so our inclusion of a tour buddy will enhance the opportunities to meet with locals and join in the Japanese way of life along the way.

Please note: We have timed certain departures to coincide with some Japanese festivals. Please see departure dates for more information.    

Osaka - Koyasan. After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Mt Koya, and visit the World Heritage Site at Koyasan, including Kongobuji Temple and Okunoin. Our local guide will give you a great understanding of the area while explaining the difference between Shinto and Buddhism, Japan’s two main religions.

Koyasan is an alpine basin, surrounded by mountain peaks on all sides, located about 1,000m above sea level. This makes a spectacular journey coming from the hustling city of Osaka. Koyasan was founded in 816 by a priest called Kukai. At the age of 31, he sailed to China in 804 to study Tantric Buddhism and was granted a master title from Priest Keika. On his return from China, 2 years on, he began spreading the Shingon (True word) Sect of Buddhism. He founded Koyasan as a religious retreat in 816 when the then Emperor granted him the land. It is said that this was the start of Kongobuji Temple.

Today there are 117 sub-temples (used as lodges for travellers) besides two monasteries and Okunoin Temple, collectively creating a fantastic atmosphere. All within walking distance, you can soak this ambience in before returning to your own temple lodge (shokubo), for your overnight stay. Unlike traditional Japanese Inns, service such as waiting on guests or preparing and making your futon, is done by young men who are training to be Buddhist priests. The sheer atmosphere in this temple is peaceful and calm. Our temple is the only temple in Koyasan with a hot spring so you can enjoy soaking in the bath before coming down to dinner (wearing your Yukata (Japanese dressing gown))! Dinner is typical to temples called, Shininryori, traditional vegetarian cuisine. (B,D)  

Kyoto and Nara Full Day Tour. Today we spend the morning in Kyoto visiting the Nijo Castle and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion), then transfer by train to Nara to spend the afternoon taking in the spectacular sights of this historically significant city. Nara was said to have been Japans first state and also home to various World Heritage sites including Todaiji Temple, a hugely popular sight. Waiting to welcome you on arrival to the temple are the two fierce-looking Nio Guardians, said to be the finest wooden statues in the world.
Nijo Castle - The Kyoto Residence of the Tokugawa Shogun built in 1603, Nijo Castle is noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance and gorgeous interiors.
Golden Pavilion - It is a famous structure of Muromachi period (14 - 16 C). It was originally designed as the villa of a court noble. The second owner, Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, the 3rd shogun, greatly improved it and spent the latter part of his life there in retirement from the cares of state. He built the Gold Pavilion and laid out the garden in 1394. His will was followed by his son as successor to change the villa into a Buddhist temple under name of Rokuonji. It was burned down in 1950 and reconstructed in 1955.
Nara Park - The Park is popularly called the "Deer Park" by visitors because of its many deer. It is a natural woodland of fine turf and has various kinds of trees including Japanese cedar, Wisteria, Japanese Andromeda and Japanese yew trees. There are about 1100 tame deer roaming about the park. They are regarded as divine messengers of the Kasuga Shrine and are one of the main attractions.
Todaji Temple with Great Buddha - The temple was founded by the Emperor Shomu (701 A.D.-756 A.D.). The construction of the giant Buddha, a huge project which required a lot of funds and manpower, was completed in 752 A.D. After being repeatedly burnt down, its buildings were arranged in the current layout in the middle of the Edo-era (1603-1867). On the huge site, there are buildings designated as national treasures, such as the Nandaimon, Daibutsuden, Shoro, Sangatsudo, Nigatsudo, and Tegaimon.
A short stroll away we will visit the largest shrine in Nara City, founded 1200 years ago, Kasuga Taisha.
Kasuga Shrine - The shrine was favoured by commoners as well as people in the Imperial Court. The shrine was initially founded in 768 A.D., and completed on the current scale in the early Heian-era (794 A.D.-1192). The main halls and treasures are designated as national treasures, and buildings such as the Wakamiya Shrine or Minami Mon gate are important cultural properties. The buildings are reconstructed every 20 years. Many lanterns are dedicated to the shrine.
 (B)

Kyoto - Kanazawa. After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Kanazawa by express train. On arrival we visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of the top 3 gardens in Japan. Kenrokuen is a strolling-style landscape garden with the characteristics of a typical landscape garden of the Edo period. Originally it was the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle. Opened to the public in 1874 it was designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty in 1922 and as a National Site of Special Beauty in 1985.

Afterwards we take a walking tour through the narrow winding streets in the Higashi Chaya District, the heart of old Kanazawa. Thankfully, the people of Kanazawa lovingly preserve much of its old architecture still today.  (B)   

Takayama.  Takayama is set deep in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture and has often been described as “Little Kyoto”. Its temples, festivals, rivers and bridges are indeed reminiscent of Kyoto on a smaller scale.

Today is a full free day to explore the beautiful town of Takayama. You Tour Buddy will inform you on all the sights in the area. After breakfast, you can take a trip down to the morning market, where farmers wives from nearby villages bring fresh produce – vegetables and flowers – to sell locally.

Yuop may also wish to pay a visit to Yatai Kaikan Hall, the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall. The hall is meant to show those who cannot be in Takayama during the Spring and Autumn festivals the colourful display of four of the eleven floats used in the festival procession here. The sheer size and detailed craftsmanship of these floats are an example of how talented and skilled the people are who make them.

You may also wish to visit the Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum where you can see an example of the traditional Takayama architecture.

The afternoon is free for you to explore further at your leisure.

In the evening we have a traditional Dinner in our Ryokan. (B,D)  

 Tokyo.  Today after a traditional breakfast in our Ryokan, we visit nearby snow monkey park, where we can observe many different species of Japanese monkeys living in the forest.

We then board the bullet train to the bright lights of Tokyo.

Upon arrival we make our way to the hotel and then have the option of free time to explore on your own or do an evening walking tour in the Shinjuku district with our tour buddy.

 On the walking tour we will visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, which, until 2006 was the highest building in Tokyo. From the observation decks on the top floor we can view the massive expanse of the city.  We stroll through the Kabikucho Entertainment district and then head to a local Izakaya restaurant in the Golden Gai area of Shinjuku (at own expense). Izakaya restaurants are very popular with locals and basically serve Japanese style Tapas and beer, where you can get the opportunity to order and taste many different Japanese dishes. It is at these restaurants where you will find many Japanese Businessmen and office Ladies after work where they go to get foolishly drunk!

(B)

 Tokyo - Optional Hakone / Mt Fuji Views Day Trip, Free Time

Optional Day Trip to Hakone / Mt Fuji Views. Generally your tour buddy will not accompany you on this tour, however they will give you all the directions and information you need. We board the train to Hakone Yuumoto and from there have a day trip around Hakone (Mt Fuji). Hakone, a tourist hub, is best known for catching up close and personal views of the magnificent Fuji-san (weather permitting).

Mt. Fuji is 3,776m high above sea level, the highest and most popular mountain in Japan, and considered as one of the most beautiful conical volcanoes in the world. The base of Mt. Fuji, forming an almost perfect circle, stretches 35 to 40 km from north to south. The volcano has not been active for more than 250 years.

The day trip begins at Hakone Yuumoto where we ride on a mountain climbing train (tozan train) as far as Gora. From Gora we change to another quirky train to Sounzan, the starting point for the Hakone Ropeway. While trekking across the mountain (in a Gondola) for 30 minutes (4km), we will hopefully catch that perfect shot of Fuji-san (weather permitting). At the top of this mountain lies a volcanic cauldron of steam, bubbling mud and a strange unpleasant smell (sulphur). Here at Owakudani we climb uphill through a short nature trail to see some of the boiling pits. If feeling peckish, you can buy a black boiled egg (boiled in the sulphurous water) at the top.

From Owakudani we continue along the trail to Lake Ashi, one of the highlights of this area. Here we take a pirate cruise across the lake. Fuji-san should be sitting nicely in the background, again another photographic opportunity!!

If you do not wish to take the optional tour to Hakone, your tour buddy will be more than happy to offer suggestions for places to see and things to do in Tokyo during the day.

In the evening we meet up and join your tour buddy for a farewell dinner at one of the many fantastic Japanese restaurants on offer.  (B) 
   

Shiba Park Hotel

1-5-10 Shiba Park

Minatoku

Tokyo 105-0011

Japan

Tel: 03 3433 4141

Specific departure dates coincide with the following festivals. Please see departure dates on website for information on which festival links with which departure dates. 

Takayama Festival:

The Takayama Festival is the collective name for the Sanno Matsuri of spring and the Hachiman Matsuri held at Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine in April, and is considered one the most beautiful festivals of Japan. A large parade of 1,000 people is staged, making you feel as if you have slipped back to the 15th Century, especially because of the costumes and music performances.

Most popular are the Tokeiraku parade of people wearing hats adorned with bird feathers who sound bells and beat drums, and the shishimai lion dance which is performed by dancers wearing head gear designed like a lion's head. These are followed by the parade of over 10 gorgeous floats called yatai. These yatai floats have all kinds of contrivances, such as marionettes which move so dexterously, taking the spectators by surprise. Once evening falls, 100 paper lanterns adorn these floats, producing an even more beautiful sight. The wonderful technologies of western and eastern Japan that existed in the Edo Period (17th-19th Century) are fully utilized in this festival. This is the pride of Takayama city which formerly boasted outstanding artisans such as carpenters and sculptors.

Tenjin Matsuri Boat Festival:

Having a history of more than 1,000 years, the Tenjin Matsuri, which is one of the three greatest festivals of Japan, is also the world's greatest boat festival. It is a summer festival held during July at the Tenman Shrine dedicated to Sugawara-no-Michizane (845-903), who is deified as Tenman Tenjin, the patron god of learning and art. On the days of the festival, traditional Japanese performing arts such as kagura music, which is performed when paying homage to gods, and bunraku theatrical performances using puppets are performed in all parts of the city, and the entire city becomes filled with a festive mood.

One of the highlights of the festival is the land procession, which is a parade of some 3,000 people dressed in the imperial-court style of the 8th-12th Centuries marching beside portable shrines. The other highlight is the boat procession, when the same 3,000 people board some 100 boats from the approach of the Tenmabashi Bridge and sail upstream.At dusk, the boats lit up with fires which are ignited to illuminate the surroundings for patrolling or fishing are reflected on the river surface, creating an exquisite view. And on the riverbanks where pavilions are set up, the citizens and tourists enjoy the cool evening air as they cheer at the Tenjin Matsuri Hono Hanabi fireworks display taking place at the same time.

The Osaka-style handclapping for closing a ceremony performed when the crowd of 3,000 returns to the Tenman Shrine is well worth seeing, too. The rhythmical handclaps and shouts evoke an air of the ideal Osaka iki (stylish and charming) lifestyle held by the townspeople in the Edo Period; which is quite distinct from Tokyo-style iki.

Giant Lantern Festival:

This Annual August festival features enormous chochin (paper lanterns), also known as "amazingly gigantic lanterns," which measure over 5 meters in diameter and 10 meters in length. The 12 sets of paper lanterns appearing at the festival are depicted with pictures and Chinese characters which embody all kinds of meanings and stories. The scene of the Dai-Chochin Tsuriage when the huge brightly-colored paper lanterns are hoisted up very slowly is just breathtaking.

The festival originates in a legend dating back about 450 years. At that time, a fire usually ignited to illuminate the surroundings for patrolling was lit at Suwa Shrine in order to drive away sea demons which emerged from the sea, ravaging the fields and bringing serious harm upon the inhabitants. Ever since then, it became the custom to ignite kagari-bi as a Shinto ritual at the festival. These kagari-bi were later replaced by chochin lanterns and competition to produce the biggest and most gorgeous lanterns has resulted in their present form.

The most exciting scene of the festival is when gigantic 1-meter tall candles are lit inside the enormous chochin lanterns. As soon as the candles are lit, the colorful motifs of famous Japanese myths, etc. depicted on the chochin lanterns appear, creating a world of fantasy. This is truly a moment of Japanese myths and old folktales being passed down through the generations.

Fire Festival:

This festival held in October at Yuki-jinja Shrine reproduces the scene of receiving the deity in Kurama. At 6 o'clock in the evening, watch fires called kagaribi are ignited all at once in front of the houses, and people holding up small and large taimatsu (pine torches) parade all night long announcing in loud voices the arrival of the festival. The Kurama Fire Festival is known as one of the three most eccentric festivals of Kyoto,

The main features of this festival are the 3-meter tall watch fires placed here and there along the streets, and the pine torches which total more than 250. Children carrying small pine torches are followed by grown-ups holding huge pine torches which weigh more than 80 kg each. At 8 o'clock in the evening, people gather at the gateway of Kurama-dera Temple and pay a visit of worship to the Yuki Shrine. Later, 2 mikoshi (portable shrines) carried on the shoulders of youths are paraded through the town streets, bringing the festival to its climax.

Sumo Tournament:

Some departures also coincide with a Sumo Tournament. Please optional activitry sectionof this dossier for more information.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Asia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please consult the relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Certain visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com

Rainy Season - Falls around June time. Sudden downpours of heavy rain fall throughout the day, so always carry an umbrella and rain jacket. Temperatures are warm so dress lightly.

Four distinct seasons calls for careful planning before you pack!

Summer: July, August and September are Japan’s hottest months, with high humidity and temperatures up to 40° C in the south. Luckily, most places have air conditioning, so be prepared for the cold indoors!

Autumn: From the end of September to late November, it’s like a UK Summer, with warm days and cool nights. The Southern islands are always warmer but during autumn have your not-quite-winter clothing on hand. To the north warmer clothing is required.

Spring: As winter fades out from March, flowers begin to blossom everywhere, including the famous “Sakura” or cherry blossoms, Japan’s national flower. This is a spectacularly beautiful period. You’ll still need a jacket until late March/early April.

Winter: The severity of weather during December, January and February depends on the latitude. Winter is generally crisp and fresh with frosty mornings that clear with the rising sun. Warm clothing is recommended though remember, as soon as you enter buildings or public transport, you’ll be too hot. Temperatures indoors are set between 22 and 26°C. You’ll want sweaters, warm jackets and gloves, especially if you’re going to a snowy area.

Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs.  Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

Care should be taken to respect the conventions of other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear.

We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where laundry facilities are available.

Personal Effects:
Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.

NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

Japanese is the official language of Japan.

English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Japanese people are passionate about food - with good reason! Presentation is outstanding, with a huge range of meat and fish dishes to choose from - most of them quite healthy. A lot of restaurants specialise in specific dishes - like ramen shops and sushi shops - so don’t get caught out. Most moderately priced restaurants display plastic replicas of their menu which is a help - so if in doubt, look for restaurants with picture displays. You’ll find Izakayas - Japanese style pub/restaurants - all over Japan, serving a choice of affordable dishes. If possible, get someone local to recommend places to eat.

The table below is a useful guide to the drinka and dishes you’ll find most commonly.

Drinks

Sake: Made from rice, water, and koji yeast, it is served warm or cold almost everywhere you go to in Japan. Similar in strength to wine, yet stronger in taste and effect. Price varies according to brand and vintage.

Shouchuu: Often described as a mild vodka, it is also made from rice and mogi (a type of yeast) and usually served with water or a fruit juice.

Nama biru: Equivalent to a pint of lager in UK. Asahi, Sapporo and Yebisu are the three most popular brands. Usually served in small, medium or large jugs.

Non-alcoholic drinks

Green Tea: Enjoyed hot or cold, it has a strong bitter taste - best accompanied with traditional Japanese sweets & food. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are common in old style towns today. Worth the try to feel the culture.

Oolong Tea: A Chinese black tea drunk with ice or hot sometimes with lemon.

Fruit Juices: You’ll find a variety of juices, including plum, orange, lemon, apple and grape.

Water: Most restaurants serve filtered water as soon as you sit down - which should be safe to drink.

Food

Gyouza - Chinese dumplings wrapped in thin rice paper filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables. Served with a bowl of rice and miso soup.

Gyu-don - Large bowl of rice served with thinly sliced pork in a sweet soy sauce on top and accompanied with pickled ginger. Miso Soup and pickles on the side

Katsu Don - Deep fried pork fillet cooked in an egg sweet sauce, served in a large bowl on a bed of rice.

Miso Soup - Miso, made from soy beans, is used as a flavouring in a lot of dishes. Miso Soup is part of Japan’s staple diet and typically includes seaweed, tofu or spring onions.

Sashimi - Finely sliced raw fish served on a bed of shredded raddish (daikon) and Japanese herb (shiso).

Shabu Shabu - beef and vegetable slices cooked in a light broth

Soba Noodles - Thin, slightly hard buckwheat noodles, served hot or cold with a choice of toppings.

Sushi - Cooked and/or raw fish, and vegetables served on a bed of slightly vinegar flavoured rice, with a hint of Japanese mustard - wasabi. Best tried in kaiten zushi bars (revolving counter bar sushi shops).

Tempura - Vegetables, shrimp or fish delicately deep fried in light, fluffy batter and served with rice, miso soup & pickles.

Tendon - rice topped with deep-fried prawns 

Terriyaki - Teriyaki is a sweet flavoured sauce. Terriyako chicken, beef & salmon are popular

Ton Katsu - Deep fried Pork fillet, shredded raw cabbage on the side, with miso soup, rice, and pickles.

Yaki-tori/ Yaki-niku/ Yaki-yasai - Skewered pieces of chicken (tori), meat (niku) or vegetables (yasai) cooked over a BBQ grill. Choice of salt or soy flavour. 'Yaki' means grilled. 

IMPORTANT - Please Note: It is vital that you advise Kumuka of any DIETARY REQUIREMENTS prior to travel. Ryokans ALWAYS include fish and meat as part of the course. Unless Kumuka is advised in advance, the ryokan will NOT be able to change the meal on the spot. It is essential that we are advised if you do not eat meat or fish, or have any other dietary needs so that we can try to provide suitable meals where included, and arrange this in advance.

Arriving:

Making Your Own Way - The Meeting Point for your tour is advised at the beginning of this dossier.

Kansai Airport to OSAKA (Cross Hotel)

Total Journey Time: approx. 50mins.

One way fare: 1,500JPY approx

Recommended to go by Bus:

1. After Customs & Immigration clearance, exit into Arrivals Hall.

2. Go to counter “AIRPORT LIMOUSINE BUS”.

3. Enquire for exact Bus Stop Number & Time of next departing Bus for your hotel – Cross Hotel, Osaka. 

4. Proceed outside (same floor level) to bus stop dedicated to your hotel.

5. Purchase ticket at vending machine. Fare to Cross Hotel is approx 1,500 Japanese Yen.

6. If travelling on the Airport Limosine bus or the Nankai Airport Express Train you will need to disembark at the Namba Station. Take Exit 14 from the Namba Station and the hotel is approximately 3 mins walk.

Travel tip when using public transport in Japan: Find a bus master or a random person to help you. Confirm that the train you are getting on is for your destination (just mention the name of the city – don’t say too many words or they’ll get confused). Don’t be afraid to ask. They are very helpful and understand that foreigners find it difficult to use their system in the beginning.

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com