Japan Trip Brochure

Small Group Tours
Self-Guided Adventures
Exclusive Private Journeys
Experiences & inspiration
Get beneath the surface

www.InsideJapanTours.com
Welcome to InsideJapan Tours
Take the holiday of a lifetime to Japan with InsideJapan Tours. We are a market-leading Japan travel
specialist, offering unique group tours, tailored travel and cultural experiences that few get the
chance to discover. Our team have had years of experience living, working and travelling in Japan,
and we offer you unrivalled advice and support, whatever your budget or personal interests.
Our holidays grant you the chance to experience both the popular and the little-known aspects of
Japanese culture, giving you an insight into the diverse character of this fascinating country. Thats
why many of you travel with us again and again, demonstrating Japans lasting appeal and the
wealth of sights and experiences on offer. No matter how many times youve been theres always
something new to discover.
Norman Blaikie
InsideJapan Tours is a member of the Association of Independent Tour
Operators. The Association represents Britains leading independent tour
operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. InsideJapan
Tours abides by the Associations Code of Business Practice and adheres to
the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.com
Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.
Part of InsideAsia Tours Ltd, an award-winning travel company
offering group tours, tailored travel and cultural experiences
across Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma.
INTRODUCTION W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8
C O N T E N T S
About InsideJapan Tours 2-3

Introducing Japan 4-5
Your Info-Pack 6-7
Japan holidays since 2000 8-9
When to travel 10 - 11
Small Group Tours 12 - 47
Self-Guided Adventures 48 - 81
Exclusive Private Journeys 82 - 89
Accommodation 90 - 95
Experiences & inspiration 96 - 129
2019 Rugby World Cup 130 - 131
Flights & stopovers 132 - 133
Frequently asked questions 134
Weather & climate 135
Important information 136
Glossary 137
InsideVietnam Tours & InsideBurma Tours 138 - 139
Brochure design by Salmon Consulting info@salmonconsulting.co.uk

About InsideJapan Tours
From the directors, Simon and Alastair
It was the incredible otherness of Japan that inspired us to start a travel company.
Following university, we both spent three years living in Toyota City, home of the
motor corporation, teaching English in junior high schools and discovering the sheer
fun of life in Japan. We soaked in onsen baths, sang karaoke, ate in local izakaya
pubs, felt the wonder of sunrise from the top of Mount Fuji and fell in love with the
buzz you get every time you set foot on the bullet train.
Today, just as then, it isnt Japan as a tourist destination that inspires us; its the
country itself and the people we meet each time we visit. We want to give you the
chance to have the experiences weve enjoyed so much, hoping that youll fall in Simon King
love with the country just as we did.
Working together with our friend Ayako Koide, who today is in charge of our Nagoya
office, weve designed our Small Group Tours, Self-Guided Adventures and
Exclusive Private Journeys to really get beneath the surface, creating fabulous
memories for everyone who travels with us. Our tour leaders and guides will take
you to our favourite places, restaurants and bars and even introduce you to some
of our Japanese friends along the way. It is a culturally rich and immersive style of
travel that is as fresh and different now as back when we started.
Alastair Donnelly
Our Japan specialists Award-winning quality

We are very proud of our Japan travel consultants, all of whom have spent at We are committed to providing top-level customer service and attention to detail
least a year living and working in Japan giving our team an unrivalled depth of both before your departure and throughout your holiday. The high quality of our
knowledge. This approach is unique to InsideJapan, and we believe it is the only service and care has been recognised with the Best Small Tour Operator award
way to offer true expertise and a genuinely tailor-made service. at the Guardian and Observer Travel Awards in 2014. We are also proud to be a
member of AITO (the Association of Independent Tour Operators), the hallmark of
Our staff regularly travel back to Japan to revisit our favourite hotels, try out the
any top quality specialist tour operator.
experiences we offer and keep abreast of Japan tourism developments. But most
importantly we return to catch up with our Japanese friends, eat all the Japanese
food we miss and tick off our own Japan travel bucket lists thats what keeps our
Japan passion alive. Responsible travel
Between us we have travelled almost every inch of Japan; weve meditated with We are passionate about Japan and consequently care a great deal about
mountain priests, taken part in village festivals, seen sumo wrestlers train, eaten the impact our holidays have on the country socially, environmentally and
deadly blowfish (and survived!), been scuba diving with manta rays, run the Tokyo economically. At the heart of everything we do is a tread light philosophy to
Marathon and even rubbed shoulders with Emperor Akihito. ensure that Japan retains its wonderful uniqueness for generations to come.
From your very first phone call or email enquiry, youll benefit from our in-depth During your holiday youll travel on Japans unrivalled public transport system and
knowledge and deep understanding both of the country itself and of what goes stay in Japanese owned hotels and ryokan inns. Youll meet local Japanese guides,
into making the best possible travel experience. and can rest safe in the knowledge that our suppliers are always paid a decent
price. Our breadth of Japan knowledge means you can travel to off-the-beaten-
track destinations, which in turn supports more disadvantaged, rural areas.
Our offices: Bristol, Boulder, Brisbane and Nagoya

We have four offices with sales teams working in the UK, US and Australia, plus InsideVietnam Tours & InsideBurma Tours
our own in situ operations team in Nagoya, a city handily located on the bullet
train line between Tokyo and Kyoto. We have two sister brands in our collection, offering you fantastic Small Group
Tours and Fully Tailored Journeys in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma. You
Directed by Ayako Koide, the Japan office staff are available should any problem can be assured that the same passion, expertise and customer focus that we
arise during your trip whether youve left your camera in an Osaka restaurant or demonstrate in Japan applies to the holidays we arrange in Southeast Asia.
you need urgent dental treatment in Hokkaido. In such cases you can either call
the office or our 24-hour emergency hotline.
2 INTRODUCTION W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8
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3
InsideJapan Tours Nagoya team
Introducing Japan
Just what is it about Japan? Equal parts beguiling and bewildering, Japans
ancient traditions meet the rush of globalisation head-on to create a country
like nowhere else on earth.
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto
A rugged, untamed wilderness with Bruised but undefeated by the 2011 Home of the Tokyo-Yokohama
a mere scattering of people and an tsunami. Samurai legends live on megalopolis and some 35 million people
abundance of wildlife in rural mountain communities and who live amid towering skyscrapers,
hidden temples zebra crossings and neon lights
Central Japan Kansai Shikoku

Traversing the Japanese Alps, dozens A tale of two cities: earthy Osaka, White-water rivers twist through the
of fascinating towns and villages with Japans economic powerhouse, and dense forest and secluded valleys that
historic castles, gardens, craft shops, Kyoto, the epicentre of tradition, known characterise this islands interior, dotted
morning markets and sake breweries for its arts, temples, gardens & geisha with tiny hamlets and shrines
Chugoku Kyushu Okinawa

Where modern art meets seaside towns A land of bubbling lava, steaming An archipelago of subtropical islands
and the fishing islands of the Inland Sea. fumaroles and active volcanoes plus boasting great beaches, fantastic scuba
Also home to infamous Hiroshima and the fascinating cities of Nagasaki, diving and a distinctive culture
the floating red gate of Miyajima Island Fukuoka and Kagoshima
Spend a little time in Japan and youll soon start thinking: why dont we do things this way at home? Hokkaido
The trains run on time to the second, there isnt a scrap of litter to be seen, and simple activities such
as bathing and drinking tea have been elevated to high culture. Tradition is always revered, from the
spiritual and meditative beauty of Japanese gardens to the countless festivals that continue to play out
just as they have for centuries. And the people are unfailingly polite even in Tokyos rush hour.
Then theres the food! Who could fail to be impressed by the huge range of dishes on offer? Slices
of sashimi served fresh from the sea, steaming winter stews, bento box picnics beneath the cherry
Mt. Asahi
blossom and exquisite kaiseki banquets to name but a few of the culinary highlights.
Sapporo
The range of geography to be found here is staggering. Comprising some 6,800 islands, Japan stretches
over 3,000 km (1,900 mi) from the quasi-Siberian snowscapes of Hokkaido to the subtropical beaches
and mangrove forests of Okinawa. Of this, over 70% of the terrain is mountainous and contains one Hakodate
tenth of the worlds active volcanoes.
In a land of such diversity and volatility, it is perhaps unsurprising that the Japanese have an
extraordinary sense of the power of nature and the fleeting impermanence of things. Consequently,
even the tiniest details are cherished from the exposed skin at the nape of a geishas neck to the Aomori Tohoku
composition of an ikebana flower arrangement; from the rhythmic beat of a taiko drum to the beautiful
irregularities found in handcrafted pottery.
Akita
Whats more, the Japanese themselves are some of the most charming, gracious, hospitable hosts youll
ever meet, and we cant wait to introduce you to them. So go on, take a holiday to Japan. Yamagata
The only danger is that its sure to draw you back time and time again.
Sendai
Sado Island Niigata
Central Japan Nagano
Nikko
Kanazawa
Matsumoto
Takayama
Matsue
Mt. Fuji
Chugoku Kyoto Nagoya Tokyo
Himeji Kanto
Hiroshima Osaka
Ise
Takamatsu Nara
Tokushima
Fukuoka
Matsuyama
Kansai
Nagasaki Mt. Aso Shikoku

Kumamoto
Miyazaki
Kyushu Kagoshima
Yakushima Japan facts & figures
Capital Tokyo
Population 127 million people, the 11th largest population in the world
Language Japanese
Ethnicity 98.5% Japanese
Okinawa Religion Buddhism & Shintoism
Currency Yen ()
Naha
Area 378,000 km spread over more than 6,800 islands
Time zone GMT +9
Dialling code +81
Electricity 100 volts AC. Flat 2-pin plugs
Driving On the left
Ishigaki
5
Your Info-Pack
Worrying about getting lost in translation in Japan? You neednt be if you travel with InsideJapan
Tours, as you will receive our detailed Info-Pack around a month before departure. Written by
our team of Japan experts and containing cultural tips, Japanese language hints, our restaurant
recommendations and sightseeing guides to every place on your itinerary the Info-Pack is your
essential travel companion.
If you are travelling on a Self-Guided Adventure, the Info-Pack will also contain personalised
instructions for each journey youll make, and detailed directions to every hotel or ryokan inn.
Online client portal

You can administer your booking with us via our online client portal. Wherever
you are or whenever is convenient, you can update your passport details, let
us know your dietary requirements, and make payments via the site.
Whats more, you can download an electronic copy of your personalised Info-
Pack, giving you access to all the necessary information while youre on the
move in Japan.
Let us show you where to take your shoes off
Japanese society operates according to a complicated web of cultural code and social
etiquette that can appear impenetrable to outsiders. We know exactly how that feels
trust us, weve made a lot of mistakes ourselves! From forgetting to put on toilet
slippers to wearing kimono robes the 09 wrong
Japanway round or taking a sip of beer before
- Chopsticks
the official kanpai toast, cultural slip-ups are easy to make.
Allow us to guide you through these obstacles by introducing you to our tour leaders
and local professional guides wholl teach you all you need to know about Japanese
culture. Our Info-Pack also has a wealth of cultural tips and etiquette information,
turning your holiday into an immersive and enlightening experience, as well as
enabling you to make plenty of Japanese friends along the way.
The level of detail provided in the Info-Pack

was amazing it was like our Bible for the
whole trip!
Rachael & Richard, Chichester, UK
starting in Kyoto, the countrys cultural and historical heart.

Please make your way back to Tokyos Shinjuku Station and follow signs to the
JR Yamanote Line (green on Tokyo transport maps). Please use your Japan Rail
Pass to take the next Yamanote Line train to Shinagawa Station. These trains
run every 5 minutes or so, all seats are unreserved, and an example journey is
shown below.

Depart/
Station Name/ Line Name/Train Name
Arrive
08:30 Shinjuku
[19min] JR Yamanote Line ()

08:49 Shinagawa
Our destination guides include perfect Train and station names are written in
Japanese as well as English, so you can
At Shinagawa Station follow the signs for the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train).
day recommendations for the best
show this to station staff if you need help
There are trains every 30 minutes to Kyoto; here are the morning departures:
sightseeing in each city

Shinagawa Kyoto
Train Name

Shinkansen Hikari 465 465 09:10 11:47

On arrival at Kyoto Station, please turn to the accommodation page for
directions to your hotel.

www.insidejapantours.com
Personalised maps make it easy to find

each hotel or ryokan on your itinerary
Appetizers Boiled Dish
Easy-to-follow instructions set out the

details and timings for each cultural Vegetables, meat or seafood simmered in
Bite-sized appetizers on a rectangular plate
experience or day with a guide soy sauce, sweet cooking sake and sugar.
Soup Sashimi
A light soup with vegetables, Thinly sliced, raw fish with shredded radish.
tofu or seafood. Soy sauce is provided for dipping sauce
Enjoy our top tips on everything from
taking a hot-spring bath to tucking into
a kaiseki banquet
Deep fried dish Rice
Vegetable and seafood tempura

(deep fried in a light flour
batter). Served with a dipping A bowl of rice comes towards
sauce or salt seasoning. the end of the meal
7
Japan holidays since 2000...
Since the year 2000 thousands of people have discovered Japan on an
InsideJapan Tours holiday. Whether you want to shop for vintage kimono
in Kyoto, explore the backstreet eateries of Tokyo or meditate with the
monks at Mount Koya, we can make your Japan travel dreams a reality.
We had a brilliant holiday. We

found Japan fascinating and
different, and got to experience and
understand a great deal about the
country, its culture and people.
Michele & Alan,

Buckinghamshire, UK
Boulder
USA
InsideJapan Tours in numbers
Four offices worldwide in the UK, USA, Australia & Japan
More than 60,000 clients since the year 2000
99% excellent or good rating for overall customer satisfaction
More than 115 staff worldwide
Seven languages spoken fluently by our staff
9
When to travel
Japan is a fantastic holiday destination all year round, with each season offering its own particular appeal.
Winter (December to February)

Visit Japan in winter and youll be rewarded with crisp, clear skies and
fantastic views of Mount Fuji, which tends to hide behind the clouds for
much of the rest of the year.
For winter sports enthusiasts, Siberian winds dump mountains of
snow across Hokkaido, northern Tohoku and the Japan Sea Coast,
providing Japan with some of the worlds best (and most reliable)
powder conditions.
More winter highlights
n Visit the snow monkeys of Yudanaka Onsen

n See the January sumo tournament in Tokyo
n Watch red-crowned cranes in their spectacular mating dance
n Sip warm sake from the comfort of a hot-spring bath
n Wander crowd-free World Heritage Sites admiring temples iced with snow.
Summer (June to September)

Do you like your holidays hot? Head to the subtropical islands of
Okinawa to sun yourself on the beach in the 35C (95F) heat or
cool off by scuba diving with the manta rays.
June and July see more rainfall than at any other time of year, but their
packed programme of parties and festivals more than make up for it.
Party at Fuji Rock, see the elegant parade at Kyotos Gion festival or
enjoy fireworks over Tokyos Sumida River.
And if youre looking for a challenge, summer is your chance to climb
Mount Fuji, Japans tallest mountain at 3,776 m (12,388 ft), only open
to hikers in July and August. The saying goes that only a fool climbs Fuji
twice dont ask how many times our team have climbed it!
Our favourite summer suggestions
n Go hiking or drive through the lavender fields in Hokkaido

n Watch one of Japans magnificent firework displays
n Escape the heat and head to the towns and villages of the
Japanese Alps
n Enjoy doing absolutely nothing on the beaches of Ishigaki Island
n Catch lively dance festivals in Tohoku or Shikoku
Spring (March to May)
Take advantage of the spring to do as the Japanese do admire the
transient beauty of the beloved cherry blossom, and befriend the locals
at a sake-fuelled picnic party beneath canopies of pink.
The cherry blossom opens as a wave, blooming as early as February
in Okinawa then slowly climbing north, usually peaking in Tokyo and
Kyoto in early April and reaching Hokkaido by late May. April is the
busiest time of year to visit Japan, but everything quietens down after
the first week of May, a warm, sunny month of lush greens and iris
flowers. At this time, rice paddies are filled with water so you can catch
the reflections of mist-covered mountains.
Top spring experiences
n Visit Kyoto for the spring geisha dance shows

n Witness the age-old Takayama spring festival
n Make an early break for Okinawa to see humpback whales
n Follow in the footsteps of samurai at Kumamoto or Hirosaki Castles
both prime cherry blossom picnic spots
n Stay overnight on a farm and try your hand at rice planting
Autumn (October & November)

In autumn, as the temperature drops, indigenous maple trees flame
magnificently in vibrant reds; a picturesque backdrop to city temples
and country hikes.
Imagine the photos you can take at this time of year; an ordinary
shrine looks spectacular against a backdrop of vermillion maple leaves
whilst Tokyo streets are transformed by rows of yellow ginkgo trees. We
recommend staying in a ryokan inn with a private outdoor hot-spring
bath overlooking multi-coloured nanakamado shrubbery.
Further autumn recommendations
n See spectacular autumn colours in Kamikochi National Park in

October
Looking for more advice?
n Visit Kyoto shrines at dusk lit up by paper lanterns
n Eat warming nabe stew with crab, mushrooms, tofu and cabbage
Still undecided about when to travel? Please give us a call and
n Cruise down the Hozu River in a flat-bottomed wooden boat our travel consultants will be happy to advise you.
n Go maple leaf peeping at Kanazawas Kenrokuen Garden
There is more information on weather & climate on p. 135. Do
also see the Experiences & inspiration section later in this Info-
Pack for more information on festivals and sumo tournament
dates.
11
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Small Group Tours
Elisa Ferroni
Small Group Tours Manager
Welcome to our Small Group Tours.

No matter where youre from, how old you are or whether
youre travelling solo, as a couple or with family or friends our
group tour clients are united in a desire to see and experience
Japan. For me, sharing the privilege of discovery while socialising
with fellow travellers is the highlight of group tour travel.
The very first holidays we arranged in Japan were Small Group

Tours led by our directors, Simon and Alastair, back in 2000.
Since then we have continuously improved our tours, which cover
the length and breadth of Japan, to ensure that each and every
one of you has a truly memorable holiday.
So go on, join an InsideJapan Small Group Tour with one of

our wonderful tour leaders. This is a fantastic way to experience
the country; youll learn about Japans history and culture, while
meeting like-minded people and indulging in the fantastic cuisine.
12 SMALL GROUP TOURS W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8

C O N T E N T S
Small Group Tour concept 14 - 15

Choose your Small Group Tour style 16 - 17
Luxury Japan 18 - 19 D E L U X E
Japan Enchantment 20 - 21 S U P E R I O R
Spirit of Honshu 22 - 23 S U P E R I O R
All-In Japan 24 - 25 ALL-INCLUSIVE
Spring Elegance 26 - 27 C L A S S I C
Classic Japan 28 - 29 C L A S S I C
Hands-On Japan 30 - 31 C L A S S I C
Winter Highlights 32 - 33 C L A S S I C
Hidden Japan 34 - 35 C L A S S I C
Kyushu Elements 36 - 37 C L A S S I C
A Northern Soul 38 - 39 C L A S S I C
Rural Japan Explorer 40 - 41 C L A S S I C
Japan Unmasked 42 - 43 E S S E N T I A L
Tokaido Trail 44 - 45 E S S E N T I A L
Historic Mountain Trails 46 - 47 E S S E N T I A L
13
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Our Small Group Tour concept

We have five different tour styles with departure dates throughout the year: Deluxe, Superior,
All-Inclusive, Classic and Essential. Our tour styles ensure there is always something to suit
you, whatever your budget and tastes. Some tours visit the famous sights, whilst others cover
special interest areas. For example, Winter Highlights is ideal for keen birdwatchers while Kyushu
Elements focuses on one particular region.
Your tour leader Luggage Fitness

Your expert InsideJapan tour leader will accompany We always recommend bringing just one main suitcase You will need to be of moderate fitness to
the group throughout the holiday, staying in the same per person, however luggage handling varies according join any of our Small Group Tours. City
hotels and taking you to their favourite restaurants. A to tour grade: sightseeing often involves walking between
fluent Japanese speaker who has made their home in sights and climbing up steps in temples and
On our Deluxe and All-Inclusive tours your luggage shrines. As most of our tours use public
Japan, your tour leader will give you personal insights
will be handled between all destinations. transport, you will also need to walk between
into Japanese culture and society while making sure
you get the most from your holiday. For our other tours we recommend you travel light and hotels and stations. Luxury Japan and Spirit of
bring a suitcase with wheels. Honshu are less strenuous and more relaxed
than our other tours, as many journeys are
Your group On Superior and Classic tours we take advantage
made by private coach. At the other end of the
of next-day luggage forwarding and the occasional
The maximum group size is 14 people (20 on our scale, please only attempt Historic Mountain Trails if
minibus where expeditious. In these cases you will
All-Inclusive tour) plus your full-time tour leader, which you are very fit with experience of hiking up steep
need a small overnight bag for use when your main
means youll eat at local restaurants, stay at small mountains at high altitudes.
suitcase has been forwarded ahead. Extra luggage
hotels and ryokan inns with personal service, travel on forwarding can easily be arranged locally.
Japans fantastic public transport system and have the
If you are travelling on an Essential tour you will be
opportunity to interact with local people along the way. International flights
responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Youll meet a wide range of people on our group tours: International flights are not included in our tour prices,
solo travellers, couples and families, ages ranging from but we can book flights from the UK or Australia for
six to 80 and nationalities from all over the world. Families and children you. Please ask us for the available options and prices.
Families with children aged six years or older are If you are travelling from another country, we can
welcome on most of our tours. Children under 12 advise on the best flight routing. Do also turn to
Flexible sightseeing p. 132 for more details regarding flights and stopovers.
years old can be booked on a tour at a reduced price.
On an InsideJapan Small Group Tour you can spend Please ask us for details.
as much or as little time with the group as you wish.
Want to try Kobe beef? Let the tour leader know and Extra nights and extensions
he or she will make a dinner reservation just for you. Solo travellers We believe that an extra night (or even two) at the
Interested in Zen gardens? Your tour leader will explain beginning of your holiday is a good idea to help you settle
which Kyoto bus youll need to hop on to reach Ryoan- Travelling solo? Youll be in good company on a Small in and get over any jet lag before the tour gets underway.
ji Temple. Group Tour and we have a fair and transparent pricing
policy for singles. On all Deluxe, Superior, All-Inclusive and Classic
tours, your tour leader will arrive at the hotel two
Accommodation Deluxe, Superior and All-Inclusive tours have a nights before the tour departs so he or she will be on
mandatory price supplement for solo travellers, hand to offer you sightseeing information and advice
Variety is key to our Small Group Tours which is why which guarantees a single room throughout the trip before the tour begins.
we always stay in a mixture of en-suite Western-style
Our Classic tours also have a mandatory price
hotels and traditional Japanese inns. For details of the We can also book extra nights after the tour, or even put
supplement for solo travellers. A single room is
accommodation used on each tour, please speak to together a fully tailored tour extension if you would like to
guaranteed at most destinations with the odd
one of our travel consultants or your local travel agent, explore Japan further once the tour is over. A selection of
exception in rural areas. where we will ask you to
or check out the Small Group Tour pages on our exciting extension ideas can be found on our website.
share with another traveller of the same sex.
website.
On our Essential tours youll have a single room at
no extra charge in all Western-style hotel stays, but
Meals Prices and booking
well ask you to share with another traveller of the
same sex at traditional Japanese inns (between two To ensure that you never have out-of-date information,
Are you looking forward to Japanese food? You should
to five nights maximum). we have not included prices, departure dates or
be! Your tour leader will introduce you to fantastic local
availability information in this brochure. For the latest
restaurants many of which would be difficult to find
details please contact us directly or speak to your
by yourself or intimidating to enter alone. The tour
local travel agent. Alternatively you can find pricing
leader will be on hand to translate the menu, order the
information on our website:
food, make recommendations and handle any dietary
requirements you may have. www.insidejapantours.com/japan-small-group-tours

As standard on all our tours
Full-time expert tour leader
All transport between destinations in Japan
Carefully chosen hotels and traditional Japanese inns
Breakfast every day
At least one evening meal (most tours have more)
Guaranteed maximum group size of 14

travellers (20 on our All-Inclusive tour)
InsideJapan Tours Info-Pack
15
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Choose your Small Group Tour style
We have divided our range of Small Group Tours into five categories to help you select the most
suitable tour for you.
DELU X E SU PER IOR
Luxury accommodation, fine dining and High-quality accommodation, several meals

exclusive experiences, with a focus on style & entrance fees included, in-depth cultural
and ease of travel immersion
Local professional guides & experts in key Local professional guides in key destinations
destinations (in addition to your tour leader) (in addition to your tour leader)
The very best five-star accommodation Four- to five-star accommodation
En-suite rooms in all location En-suite rooms in all locations
Private airport transfers Private airport transfers
Luxury cars and microbuses All transport between destinations
First-class bullet train travel Some private minibus transfers where beneficial
Breakfast every day plus several lunches Breakfast every day plus several lunches & dinners
Spectacular dinners at world-class restaurants Most entrance fees included
Exclusive cultural experiences Selected luggage forwarding included
All entrance fees included Guaranteed maximum of 14 travellers
Luggage handling between all destinations Solo travellers: a single room is available
throughout on payment of a mandatory supplement
Guaranteed maximum of 14 travellers
Solo travellers: a single room is available
throughout on payment of a mandatory
supplement
ALL-INCLUSIVE CL A S SIC E S SEN T I A L

Explore Japans classic sights and lesser-known Mid-range tours that cover Japans classic Flexible, fast-paced tours. Just the basics
spots secure in the knowledge that every cost sights or interest specific itineraries (eg included, keeping the cost down so you can
is included from your lunch to your luggage cultural activities, certain regions & seasonal choose how much you spend
handling. highlights)
Two- to three-star accommodation

Local professional guides & experts in key Three-star accommodation
En-suite rooms in Western-style hotels, shared
destinations (in addition to your tour leader) En-suite rooms in all locations (except at temple bathroom facilities in Japanese-style inns
Four-star accommodation lodgings)
No airport transfers (but a city transport pass
En-suite rooms in all locations Airport meet-and-greet and transfers and detailed airport transfer instructions are provided)
Private airport transfers All transport between destinations All transport between destinations
All transport between destinations (mainly by Breakfast every day plus some lunches & dinners Breakfast every day plus one or two evening meals
private coach but with at least one bullet train journey) Selected entrance fees included Entrance fees not included
All meals and some drinks included Selected luggage forwarding included Carry your own luggage
A mix of sightseeing and hands-on activities Guaranteed maximum of 14 travellers Guaranteed maximum of 14 travellers
Evening entertainment at several destinations Solo travellers: a single room is available Solo travellers: a single room is available for no
All entrance fees included at almost all accommodations on payment of a extra charge at Western-style hotels, but you will
Luggage handling between all destinations mandatory supplement need to share with a fellow traveller of the same sex in
Japanese-style inns
Guaranteed maximum of 20 travellers
Solo travellers: a single room is available throughout on
payment of a mandatory supplement

17
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Luxury Japan
10 nights, Small Group Tour
DELUXE TOKYO (2) HAKONE (2) KYOTO (3) KANAZAWA (2) TOKYO (1)
Attend a private party at a Buddhist temple, sip champagne in the company of

geisha, soak in a mineral-rich hot spring at one of Japans most exclusive inns,
and eat at the finest restaurants Japan has to offer. Luxury Japan is all this and
much more.
Tour highlights Exclusive travel isnt just about illustrious hotels, first-class transport and
fine dining although thats a wonderful place to start. With a top-quality
tour leader, experienced local guides and Japanese culture specialists,
Stay in five-star hotels Luxury Japan offers the very best in-depth look beneath the surface of this
and exclusive ryokan captivating country.
retreats In Kyoto, Japans cultural heart, well travel by rickshaw through enchanting Kanazawa Tokyo
bamboo groves and don exquisite kimono for a private meditation lesson Mt Fuji
Enjoy sake tasting with and tea ceremony under the tutelage of a Zen temple head priest. Whats Hakone
one of Tokyos top more, well be entertained by geisha in the temple garden while one of
connoisseurs the worlds leading geisha experts illuminates this little-understood aspect Kyoto
of Japanese society.
Mingle with geisha at a
private garden party In the traditional city of Kanazawa well explore the landscape
gardens of Kenrokuen in the peaceful solitude of the early
morning, before meeting local gold leaf artists and masters in
Feast on the best of kimono silk painting.
Japanese haute cuisine
The culinary delights of Japan are endless, and well indulge
in a variety of top-quality meals, from elaborate multi-course
Meet culture experts, banquets to shojin ryori: the traditional vegetarian food of
Zen priests and master Japans Buddhist monks. Luxury is about taking time to enjoy simple
craftsmen pleasures too, and our Tokyo guide will help us seek out hearty bowls of
ramen and the freshest sushi that only the locals know about.
Last but not least, each of our hotels represents the best that Japan has to
offer, from balcony views over the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to an exclusive
hot-spring retreat in Hakone National Park in the foothills of Mount Fuji.
Sake tasting
Originally from Wyoming, Tyler has a of cups used to which kinds of sake should be
Masters degree in the Political Economy of served hot or cold. Well then pair the sake with
East Asia. Now a resident of Tokyo, Tyler has Japanese food, and learn how to appreciate the
been escorting VIP visitors around Japan for subtle differences in taste between some of the
10 years. very finest types of sake (and, of course, how to
recognise the not-so-fine!)
For me, sake tasting with a true sake
connoisseur is one of the top experiences In terms of the range and complexity of
on Luxury Japan. Ensconced in a traditional flavours available, sake is easily on par with
restaurant, well be introduced to the history of wine. The sake expert will be happy to answer
Tyler Palma sake, its use in religious ceremonies and the all your questions, and for the rest of the
Group Tours brewing process. tour youll be able to exercise your newfound
Ground Manager expertise in some of the best restaurants in all
As we move on to tasting, the expert will explain of Japan.
how sake is usually consumed form the types

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Kyoto
Dreaming of exploring Japan in

style?
Let us answer any questions you have about
this exclusive Small Group Tour and confirm
your place today. Speak to one of our travel
consultants, talk to your local travel agent or visit
our website for booking details, pricing, departure
dates and availability.
Kanazawa
Kyoto
Kyoto
Norman Blaikie, Tom Bulloch, InsideAsia Tours staff, Kenji Masunaga
Tokyo
19
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Japan Enchantment
SUPERIOR TOKYO (2) NIKKO (1) KARUIZAWA (2) NAGANO (1) KANAZAWA (2)
KYOTO (3) HAKONE (2) TOKYO (1)
Encompassing high-tech wonders and ancient temples, landscape gardens

and alpine resorts, urban giants and national parks; this tour captures the
amazing diversity of Japan. With a range of high-end accommodation, superb
included meals and your tour leader on hand to make sure everything runs
like clockwork, this is the perfect introduction to a culture often considered
impenetrable by the outside world.
Tour highlights Well begin and end the trip in Tokyo, icon of high modernity and a city of
bewildering size and scope. Our first dinner at a local restaurant will provide
you with a relaxed yet invaluable introduction to Japanese food and
Enjoy a private etiquette, and is the perfect way to get to know the tour leader and group.
Nagano Nikko
audience with a trainee Kyoto is Japans other great city: imperial capital for over a thousand years Karuizawa
geisha and packed with architectural treasures. The highlight of our stay here is Kanazawa Tokyo
a private audience with a maiko (trainee geisha). Such experiences are Mt Fuji
Stay at a classic ryokan rarely available to non-Japanese, giving us an exclusive window into this
Hakone
inn in Nikko mysterious and captivating profession.
onomik ni dlihC - napaJ Kyoto
21
Complementing the city stays, well also get a tantalising taste of rural
Spot nocturnal flying Japan. In Hakone National Park well cruise across Lake Ashi under
squirrels in Karuizawa the watchful gaze of Mount Fuji, explore the outstanding open-air
sculpture park and rest our legs in volcanic hot-spring baths.
In thickly forested Nikko well be privy to the most lavish religious

See the onsen-bathing
architecture in all of Japan, whilst in Karuizawa, one of the
snow monkeys of
countrys favourite mountain escapes, well have the chance to
Yudanaka
spot the local nocturnal inhabitants on a flying squirrel tour.
Learn from local The cities of Kanazawa and Nagano, contrasting as they are, offer
guides in Tokyo, Nikko yet more remarkable variety. High in the Japanese Alps, Nagano is
Karuizawa & Kanazawa our gateway to the famous onsen-bathing snow monkeys of Yudanaka.
Kanazawa, meanwhile, offers beautifully preserved samurai districts, one of
the very best Japanese gardens and a plethora of traditional craft workshops.
Kanazawa
A Japanese language graduate, Tims Kenrokuen is lauded as one of Japans top
passion for Japan was first ignited after three gardens, and quite rightly so it was
watching The Last Samurai. Tim recently the highlight of my visit to Kanazawa. I stayed
visited Kanazawa on one of our Small for two or three hours at least, just wandering
Group Tours. around taking pictures of the teahouses,
waterfalls, lakes and samurai villas not to
As soon as we stepped off the train in mention wonderful views of the city below.
Kanazawa, we knew we were arriving in
a cultured city. We walked through the With its beautiful temples and gardens,
beautiful Tsuzumi Gate, inspired by traditional Kanazawa is often sold as Kyoto Lite but
Tim Grisbrooke Japanese hand drums, and headed southeast its got plenty of charms of its own. Dont
Travel Consultant through the centre passing art galleries, miss the wonderfully fresh seafood, the ninja
craft shops, and gold leaf workshops to reach temple and the beautiful winding streets of
Kenrokuen Garden. the samurai quarter.

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Nikko
Is
Japan Enchantment
calling you?
This is an ever-popular Small Group Tour so
lets confirm your place as soon as possible.
Speak to our expert travel consultants, talk to
your local travel agent or visit our website for
online booking, pricing, departure dates and
availability.
Hakone Karuizawa
Kanazawa
Nikko
I cannot praise Richard the tour leader

more. His knowledge of Japan and his
enthusiastic approach was contagious
throughout the group.
Nicola, West Sussex, UK

Peter Jackson, InsideAsia Tours staff
Nikko
21
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Spirit of Honshu
SUPERIOR TOKYO (3) IZU PENINSULA (2) KYOTO (3)
If you have a limited amount of time yet want to get the most out of your visit to
Japan, this is the tour for you. In between stays in Japans two greatest cities well
relax in private hot springs, explore the beautiful Izu Peninsula, and make day
trips to the fascinating historical sites of Nikko and Nara. Throughout the tour well
stay in superior accommodation, enjoying the very best in Japanese cuisine and
travelling by first-class rail and private transport.
Tour highlights Starting with three nights in the hectic buzz that is Japans capital city, your
tour leader will help you navigate the whirlwind accompanying you on a
boat trip down the Sumida River, a visit to the serene Hamarikyu Gardens
Take in Tokyo by boat and a night at a traditional izakaya restaurant.
Nikko
on a cruise down the Muse on the see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkey carvings in Tokyo
Sumida River Nikkos extravagant woodland temple complex. Gaze at the giant Buddha of
Todai-ji and feed crackers to the resident deer in the ancient capital of Nara.
Visit the extravagant
woodland temple Stay in a superb ryokan inn with seven varieties of hot-spring bath in Izu Peninsula
complex of Nikko Shimoda on the stunning Izu Peninsula a national park whose views of Kyoto
Mount Fuji, sweeping coastlines and forested interior make it the perfect Nara
Feel dwarfed by antidote to the unrelenting crowds of Japans cities. These are just
Todai-jis giant Buddha some of the wonderful experiences well have on this short tour
in Nara of Japans main island.
Concluding our trip will be three days in Kyoto, Japans 04 Japa

Enjoy outdoor hot-
undisputed cultural heart and a city with a very different
spring bathing in
character from Tokyo. In Kyoto it seems as though every sliding
private on Izu Peninsula door conceals a bewitching garden or a lavish temple but the real
Enjoy an audience with treat comes when we meet a maiko, or apprentice geisha. Geisha
embody the mystery and refinement that Japanese culture is famous
an apprentice geisha in
for, and this is a privileged chance to be in the company of one of these
Kyoto
remarkable performers.
Nikko
Originally from Montreal, Patrick has mausoleum that was built in his honour
lived in Japan for seven years. He is lavishly decorated in bright colours
currently works in our Nagoya office. and gold, set against a deep forest of
Japanese cedars.
Nikko is famous for its temples and
what temples they are. In stark contrast to On the Spirit of Honshu tour youll
the pared-back aesthetic of Zen temples make a day trip to Nikko, which will
or the roughness and simplicity of wabi- give you plenty of time to see its most
sabi architecture, Nikkos temples and impressive monuments. In addition to the
shrines are stunningly ornate. Originally mausoleum, keep an eye out for Shinkyo
Patrick Loyer a training centre for Buddhist monks, Bridge, with its red-and-black arc set
Travel Consultant Nikko languished in obscurity until the against the greenery of the forest, and
17th century, when it was chosen as the see if you can spot the carved see no
final resting place of Shogun Tokugawa evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkeys
Ieyasu, founder of Japans greatest feudal from the famous proverb. Nikko really is
dynasty. Tokugawa was enshrined at like nothing else in Japan and if youre
Nikko as a deity, and the magnificent anything like me, its bound to be a
highlight of your trip.

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Tokyo
Izu Peninsula
Captivated by the Spirit of

Honshu?
If you like the sound of this Small Group
Tour, please phone us, email us or send an
Everything about the Spirit of Honshu tour from start to finish was
amazing! Truly the best customer service I have ever received.
enquiry via our website where youll also
find departure dates, pricing and availability.
Roberta, Washington D.C., USA Alternatively you can speak to your local
travel agent.
Izu Peninsula
an - Bamboo
Izu Peninsula Kyoto

InsideAsia Tours staff
Kyoto
23
SMALL GROUP TOURS
All-In Japan
ALL INCLUSIVE TOKYO (2) HIROSHIMA (2) KYOTO (3) KAGA ONSEN (1) KANAZAWA (2)
TOKYO (2)
With all meals, transport, and entrance fees included theres nothing for you to
do on All-In Japan but sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Covering Japans classic
destinations with a few unusual twists, this trip is full to bursting with cultural
experiences designed to give you a comprehensive, sophisticated and stress-free
journey through Japan.
Tour highlights Sometimes, a holiday should just be a holiday: a chance to relinquish all
responsibilities, make no decisions, and worry about absolutely nothing. On
All-In Japan, youll do just this. Leaving every aspect of your trip to us, from your
Enjoy a private lunch to your luggage handling, youll be free to concentrate on immersing
audience with a yourself in Japanese culture safe in the knowledge that you dont have a yen
to pay on the ground. Tokyo
geisha Kanazawa
This tour is an exhilarating journey through Japans history and traditions, from Kaga
Visit Kenrokuen, one the refined geisha houses of Kyoto to an exuberant taiko drumming workshop Onsen
of Japans three great in Tokyo. Tour the ancient temples of Kyoto and Nara, visit the biggest
gardens original castle in Japan at Himeji, and experience zazen meditation at a Kyoto
beautiful temple deep in the forests of Fukui Prefecture.
Explore Eihei-ji
Temple in rural Fukui Try your hand at washi papermaking in Kanazawa, visit the
Hiroshima
fascinating Peace Memorial Park and Museum at Hiroshima, and
ride the cable car to the top of Mount Misen on Miyajima Island
Stay in a gorgeous for spectacular views over the Seto Inland Sea. Forget the tour
traditional inn in Kaga bus bubble well take you to meet the artisans, restaurateurs
Onsen and small business owners who make all this possible.
Visit a World Heritage Its not all temples and tradition, however, and well make sure
shrine on Miyajima youre well-acquainted with modern Japan from an architecture tour
of Tokyo to Kanazawas outstanding 21st Century Art Museum.
Island
One of the great features of this tour is the wide range of excellent
evening entertainment, and youll try a huge range of cuisines in all sorts of
settings including do-it-yourself okonomiyaki pancakes, and drinks at the Kill
Bill izakaya, plus an evening dinner cruise on the Sumida River.
All-In Japan is about comfort and peace of mind, but dont let that fool you
this is all-inclusive as youve never seen it before: culturally immersive and
packed full of action.
Tea with a maiko

Karen lived in rural Ishikawa Prefecture for Tomikiku was extremely open and engaging.
three years, and has travelled all over Japan. Together we drank tea, ate snacks, played a
One of her favourite memories is meeting a drinking game and took photographs before
maiko (trainee geisha) for the first time. Tomikiku treated us to a dance performance.
Like most outsiders, I had plenty of I was able to ask dozens of questions, and
preconceptions about the world of geisha learnt all kinds of interesting things about the life
before I met the maiko Tomikiku. I imagined of a maiko her training schedule, her hopes
our meeting would be a formal affair and that and expectations, and the challenges she faces
Tomikiku would be shy and reserved. Thankfully, on the road to becoming a fully-fledged geisha.
Karen Tomney my preconceptions couldnt have been more Finally, as I left the teahouse, I felt relaxed, calm
Senior Travel different from the reality. and comfortable a sure sign that Tomikiku had
Consultant done her job.

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Tokyo
Looking for an All-Inclusive

adventure?
If this Small Group Tour sounds like your cup of
green tea, please speak to your local travel agent or
call us today and well provide details of departure
dates and pricing. Alternatively please visit our
website which has all the details of this tour.
Tokyo
Kaga Onsen
Kyoto
InsideAsia Tours staff, Sara Pretelli, Garath Evans, Charlie Pharis
Miyajima
25
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Spring Elegance
CLASSIC
TOKYO (3) MATSUMOTO (1) TAKAYAMA (2) KANAZAWA (1) KYOTO (3)
HAKONE (2) TOKYO (1)
Spring is when Japan casts off its winter blanket and really lets its hair down. Every
park is packed with revellers gathered to view the cherry blossom, festivals are
underway across the country and everyone embraces the party-like atmosphere
this really is a wonderful time to travel. Taking you from neon cityscapes to
towering mountains and back, Spring Elegance provides an excellent balance of
superb experiences and value for money.
Tour highlights Not far from Tokyo, Hakone National Park is a haven of natural splendour. With
stunning views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi and a profusion of volcanic hot
springs, well stay in traditional Japanese accommodation and visit a world-class
Drink green tea in sculpture park in an unbeatable setting.
Tokyos beautiful In the Japanese Alps, the city of Matsumoto and the craft town of Takayama offer Tokyo
Hamarikyu Garden a trip to the iconic Black Crow and an excursion to Hida no Sato respectively. The Kanazawa Matsumoto
Takayama
former is one of Japans most impressive samurai castles, whilst the latter is an Mt Fuji
Explore traditional open-air museum showcasing the steeply thatched praying hands farmhouses Hakone
thatched farmhouses in typical of the region.
the Japanese Alps Kyoto
No trip to Japan would be complete without seeing something of
Admire world-famous the big city, and your tour will be bookended by stays amongst
Kenrokuen Garden in the skyscrapers of Tokyo. Here well receive an introduction to
Kanazawa Japanese cuisine at a local restaurant and see the city from the
waters of the Sumida River.
Wander among the
Three days in Kyoto, meanwhile, will induct you into Japans
sculptures of Hakones
other great city. The highlights here are meeting a maiko
open-air art museum (apprentice geisha) and tickets to the annual geisha dances
Attend a performance given to celebrate the spring. Kanazawa, meanwhile, offers a
glimpse of life in a small city with a historic heart.
of the spring geisha
dances in Kyoto This is an active tour packed with opportunities for exploration, good-
value mid-range accommodation and a variety of meals included.
With your tour leader to steer you through the highlights of these superb destinations,
this tour offers a classic sightseeing experience at a fantastic time of year.
Hanami
Ayako has been friends with and drink. You can even buy a
the company directors, Alastair cherry blossom flavoured latte at
and Simon, since their English Starbucks. If youre in Japan at this
teaching days in the late 90s. time I recommend trying some
She is a founding member of of these seasonal treats, but to
InsideJapan Tours and a native be honest Im not a huge fan of
of Nagoya. the taste!
Hanami means flower viewing, My favourite hanami spot is at

and is a seasonal event held my parents house just outside
Ayako Koide Nagoya. Our family, friends and
throughout March and April which
Japan Branch signals the beginning of spring. neighbours all gather by the
Manager river to eat and relax under the
When the sakura, or cherry cherry trees. The blossoms look
blossom, appears, people are especially beautiful in the evening,
happier, the sakura forecast is all illuminated by paper lanterns and
over the news, and the shops are reflected in the water.
filled with sakura-flavoured food

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Kanazawa
Inspired by the cherry blossom?

We run just a handful of Spring Elegance Small
Group Tours in late March and April, so make
sure you book early to avoid disappointment. Call
us directly, speak to your local travel agent or got
to our website for dates, pricing and availability.
Kyoto
Spring Elegance was excellent in

its choice of activities and sites, as
well as its organisation. Our tour
leader David was terrific.
Norman, Brisbane, Australia
Matsumoto
Kanazawa Hakone
27
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Classic Japan
CLASSIC TOKYO (2) HAKONE (2) OSAKA (2) KYOTO (2) TAKAYAMA (2)
KAMIKOCHI (2) TOKYO (1)
Imagine basking in a hot-spring bath at the foot of Mount Fuji, taking tea with an
apprentice geisha in Kyoto or seeing Tokyo from the water as we cruise down the
Sumida River. This tour collects the best of Japans classic cultural and natural locations
at a relaxed pace, from the tatami mats and paper screens of countless woodblock
prints to the exquisite gardens and temples youve always dreamt of visiting.
Tour highlights Discover some of the locations that have given Japan its reputation as a
land of mysterious spirituality and exquisite aesthetics, as we ride cross-
country on the world-famous bullet train and stay in some lovely traditional
Cruise through Tokyo accommodations. Our journey will be gastronomic too well sample local
on the Sumida River specialities from melt-in-the-mouth Hida beef in the alpine regions, to quick
Tokyo
bites from street vendors in Osaka and multi-course kaiseki feasts in Kyoto. Kamikochi
Mt Fuji
Takayama
In each destination well take in a range of experiences, from learning about
Get an introduction to Hakone
the history of magnificent Osaka Castle to wandering among the thatched
feudal history at Osaka farmhouses of Takayamas Hida no Sato Folk Village. Well enjoy an exclusive
Castle audience with a trainee geisha, and drink tea at the beautiful Hamarikyu Kyoto
Garden, hidden in the heart of Tokyos skyscraper district.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Osaka
Temple for spectacular Along the way well visit two stunning national parks: Kamikochi
views across Kyoto and Hakone. The former is home to some of Japans most
magnificent mountain scenery and a thriving population of
Meet a trainee geisha Japanese macaque monkeys, while the latter offers a pirate
in Kyotos Gion district ship ride across Lake Ashi and the chance to boil eggs in
volcanic hot springs. If you choose to travel in July or August,
you will also have the option to scale one of the most famous
Experience a peaks in the world: Mount Fuji.
traditional ryokan stay
Accompanying you throughout will be your tour leader, who will
in Takayama
introduce you to Japanese history and culture, guide you on excursions,
demystify the local etiquette and generally make sure you get the best
from our Classic Japan tour.
Kamikochi
Zen expert Richard currently lives in national park is on a chartered bus it is
Kyoto, but counts Kamikochi as one of his possible to hike in, but thats certainly not for
favourite places in Japan. the faint of heart! The area is only open from
April to November and closed during the rest
Kamikochi is easily my favourite destination of the year due to heavy snow during the
on Classic Japan, and even if I were choosing winter hence youll find that Classic Japan
between my favourite destinations on any only runs during these months.
Small Group Tour, its likely that it would still
emerge victorious. The area we refer to as Kamikochi is a 15
km (9 mi) valley with a number of mountain
Richard Farmer A mountain resort in Nagano Prefecture, lodges dotted through the woodland. There
Tour Leader Kamikochi is an area of outstanding natural are plenty of great hiking opportunities for
beauty. In order to preserve the region, all levels of experience and fitness I love
access by private cars is not permitted, and leading my groups on a couple of gentle
access by train is impossible due to the walks through the valley.
remote location. The best way to get into the

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Classic Japan was a wonderful,

memorable experience with an
excellent group of people.
Erika, Wollongong, Australia
Kyoto
Already picturing yourself on

this Small Group Tour?
To book or simply find out more, speak to one
of our travel consultants, talk to your local travel
agent or visit our website for dates, pricing and
availability.
Hakone
InsideAsia Tours staff, Louise Marston
Kamikochi Osaka
29
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Hands-On Japan
CLASSIC TOKYO (3) TOGARI NOZAWA ONSEN (2) MATSUMOTO (2)
KYOTO (4) TAKEFU (2) TOKYO (1)
From soba noodle-making classes to taiko drumming, from boat rides

to pottery, and from traditional Japanese ryokan inns to a farm stay in
the countryside this tour is practically overflowing with unforgettable
experiences. With your tour leader on hand to make sure everything runs
smoothly, youll have the chance to mingle with Japanese people and
really immerse yourself in this fascinating culture.
Tour highlights Japan is famous for its rich traditional heritage, and this tour offers you a
window into a wide variety of cultural institutions. In Tokyo well attend a sumo
tournament for a glimpse into a strictly regimented world that is much more
Try your hand at a spiritual than most outsiders realise.
Togari Nozawa Onsen
variety of traditional Matsumoto offers us the chance to climb to the top of the imposing Black
Japanese crafts Crow samurai castle, while in Kyoto well try Japanese green tea and be Matsumoto Tokyo
entertained by a maiko (apprentice geisha).

Explore the ukiyo-e
woodblock print The creative arts are well represented, and as we continue our adventure Takefu
museum in Matsumoto well test our skills at pottery and indigo cloth dyeing in Kyoto, traditional
Kyoto
papermaking in Takefu and taiko drumming in Tokyo.
Visit a traditional
Enjoy superb natural scenery as we canoe through valleys and
machiya townhouse for help farmers with their crops in Togari Nozawa Onsen, take a
lunch in Kyoto traditional yakatabune boat trip in Tokyo, and hike through the
thousands of vermillion gates at Kyotos Fushimi Inari Shrine.
See Zenko-ji Temple,
one of Japans most Food is one of the highlights of any trip to Japan, and this
important temples tour is no different. Besides a range of superb included meals,
from sushi in Tokyo to a kaiseki feast in Kyoto, well also learn
Witness a sumo to make our own. In Takefu this means a soba noodle-making
tournament in Tokyo class, while at the Daio wasabi farm well make traditional pickles and
perhaps try a taste of wasabi ice cream!
Even going to bed can be an exciting experience in Japan, and along

with western hotels well stay in atmospheric ryokan inns.
Taiko drumming
Mark spent three years teaching English in Starting with a very simple don-doku don-
rural Yamaguchi Prefecture, where he met doku rhythm we learn where to strike the
his wife Rie. Although now based in our drum, slowly building up to the speed. The
Bristol office, Mark has led our Hands-On instructor, or sensei, then has us weaving in
Japan tour multiple times. opposite beats doku-don doku-don not
to mention adding claps, spins, shouts and
My favourite activity on Hands-On Japan dance moves in between.
is the first one taiko drumming in Tokyos
Asakusa district. Led by professional By the end of the 45-minute session the tour
drummers in their practice studio, its a real group has a five-minute drumming routine
Mark Johnson group bonding experience. down pat. Its all teamwork and gives a great
Senior Travel sense of achievement. Were all sweating
Consultant buckets by the time we finish!

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Togari Nozawa Onsen
Ready for an action-packed

cultural holiday?
You can book on this Small Group Tour by
speaking to one of our travel consultants, talking
to your local travel agent or simply book via our
website which also has full details including
pricing, departure dates and availability.
Togari Nozawa Onsen
Kyoto Takefu
Our tour leader was amazing. He

managed to organise, educate
and delight 14 total strangers
with his lovely personality. Thats
no small feat!
Elizabeth, New South Wales

Australia
Kyoto
31
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Winter Highlights
CLASSIC
TOKYO (2) TSURUI (1) RAUSU (1) ABASHIRI (1) SAPPORO (3) Abashiri Rausu
KYOTO (3) YUDANAKA (2) TOKYO (1) Tsurui
Sapporo
From incredible snow sculptures and rare birds in Hokkaido to snow monkeys
and cultural treasures on Honshu; this tour demonstrates the huge range of
winter season attractions on Japans two largest islands. Theres nothing quite
like sinking into a natural hot-spring bath with snow falling all around you after
a long day of sightseeing.
Tour highlights Japan in the winter is a magical destination, blanketed in snow and free
from the crowds that throng the cultural hotspots in summer.
Hokkaido, Japans remote, northern outpost, is off the beaten track even
Take an icebreaker for most Japanese. Here well wander vast, windswept plains and wild Yudanaka
cruise on the Okhotsk peninsulas where smoking volcanoes provide the backdrop, with a litany of
Sea rare birds to be spotted. Tokyo
See giant snow In Tsurui well receive an introduction to Hokkaidos avian residents
sculptures at the including dancing red-crowned cranes with an expert birding guide, while
Sapporo snow festival in Rausu well take an icebreaker cruise among the creaking floes of the Kyoto
Okhotsk Sea. With a bit of luck on our side, the cruise will bring us within
Visit the famous range of magnificent Stellers sea eagles, a fantastic opportunity for
onsen-bathing keen wildlife photographers.
monkeys of Yudanaka Before returning to the mainland well spend three nights in
Sapporo, Hokkaidos capital, to catch the famous snow festival,
Spot dancing cranes
during which 400 giant snow sculptures occupy the citys
and Stellers sea
spaces. Sapporo is famous for beer as well as snow, so in
eagles addition to enjoying the festival well take a tour of one of the
Meet an apprentice local breweries.
geisha in Kyoto Honshu is Japans main island and offers a very different experience
from Hokkaido. In Tokyo well take a cruise on the Sumida River and
warm our hands around bowls of green tea at Hamarikyu Garden, while
in Kyoto we might be lucky enough to enjoy the enchanting sight of the
Golden Pavilion wreathed in snow. Well also have a private audience with
a maiko (trainee geisha), which is sure to be a memorable experience.
Finally, one of the highlights of our tour comes in Yudanaka where

well witness the Japanese macaques as they stave off the cold in
mountain hot springs.
Red-crowned cranes
David came to Japan as an English teacher in 2007 and village of Tsurui in the east of Hokkaido. Standing around
never left. Here, he describes watching the red-crowned 1.5m (5 ft) tall with a wing span of almost 2.5m (8 ft),
cranes of Tsurui in their spectacular mating dance. these massive birds are a symbol of luck and longevity in
Japanese folklore.
Standing on a bridge from before dawn in minus-twenty-
degree weather, we soon forgot about the cold. It was as No one in our group shot fewer than a thousand pictures
if a curtain had been pulled back to reveal an exquisitely that morning. The sun ignited the trees, turning the frost
set opera or kabuki. Everyone was dumbstruck, the only every colour of warmth in the visible spectrum, as the flock
audible sound, apart from camera shutters and the danced around, seemingly aware of just how balletic they
squeaky-crunchy compression of snow and ice underfoot, looked. It appeared for a moment that the trees were filled
David Lovejoy was the flapping of wings. with cherry blossoms but in fact it was just refracted
Senior Tour Leader sunlight, negotiating the trees on its way to the steaming
Formerly on the brink of extinction, there is now a small river below.
but thriving colony of red-crowned cranes in the tiny

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Yudanaka Tsurui
Can you feel the call of

Hokkaido?
Winter Highlights was my third trip We run just two Winter Highlights Small Group
with InsideJapan, and as usual Tours each February to catch the Sapporo snow
everything went without a hitch. I festival, so make haste and confirm your place as
had a fantastic time. soon as possible. Call us directly, visit your local
travel agent or check our website for departure
Michael, Isle of Man, UK
dates, pricing and availability.
Sapporo
Kyoto
Chris Stanley, Tim Hutchin, InsideAsia Tours staff
Chris Stanley
Sapporo Abashiri
33
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Hidden Japan
CLASSIC KYOTO (2) MOUNT KOYA (1) TOKUSHIMA (1) TAKAMATSU (2) KOTOHIRA (2)
MATSUYAMA (1) HIROSHIMA (2) KYOTO (1)
Are you looking for depth of cultural insight, with experiences that take you away
from the usual tourist trail? This tour gives you both, liberating you from the pressure
of ticking off destinations or visiting must-see locations and steering you instead
towards the road less travelled.
Tour highlights Eschewing Tokyo allows us more time to discover Japans intriguing
south-central regions, which is why this tour begins and ends in Kyoto.
Here youll get to know your group and meet a trainee geisha before
Spend the night in we explore the temples and gardens that lurk behind every sliding
screen and around every corner in this incredible city.
Buddhist temple
lodgings Mount Koya offers an overnight stay in a temple lodging, with exquisite
vegetarian Buddhist cuisine and the chance to join the monks at their
Glide to the top of morning prayers. In Tokushima, meanwhile, well ride the ropeway to
Mount Bizan by the top of Mount Bizan and see a traditional bunraku puppet show.
cable car Kyoto
Venturing across the Inland Sea to Shikoku, well visit the islands most
Watch a traditional famous shrine, Konpira-san, and stay in a wonderful ryokan inn in Kotohira. Takamatsu Mount Koya
bunraku puppet show Well also explore Naoshima Islands Art House Projects with an
Hiroshima
Kotohira Tokushima
expert local guide; visit Matsuyama, home a magnificent original
Matsuyama
samurai castle; walk across breath-taking vine bridges in the
Visit Risturin, one of
fertile Iya Valley; and take a ferry to Hiroshima for a visit to the
Japans most famous
Peace Memorial Park and idyllic Miyajima Island.
gardens
Finally, before returning to Kyoto, well visit Joge a little town
Explore Naoshima known for its traditional white-plaster buildings and beautiful
Art Island with an wood-built kabuki theatre. Here well be welcomed by a local
expert local guide community centre for a day of cultural interaction including the chance
to try the martial art of kendo stick-fighting.
On Hidden Japan your full-time tour leader will be worth their weight
in gold, making sure the journey runs like clockwork and explaining the
finer points of local custom in these fascinating destinations.
Dogo Onsen
Brett joined the InsideJapan tour leading of Shikoku, is the best place to go if youre
team in 2015 and is currently based in the looking for a bath. Famous for its onsen, or
city of Yokohama. hot springs, Matsuyama retains a resort-
town feel, especially near the venerated
Out of all the tours I lead, Hidden Japan is Dogo Onsen.
definitely my favourite. Getting to meander
around the Japanese countryside, taking Dogo is Japans oldest and most esteemed
in incredible sights while also enjoying the onsen, dating back almost 1,500 years.
amazing food and warm people of the The present bathhouse, built at the end of
island of Shikoku it never gets old. the 19th century, is a magnificent example
Brett Plotz of Meiji Period architecture. Inside, it is a
Tour Leader Starting off in the timeless city of Kyoto labyrinth of wooden walkways, hallways, and
is a great introduction to the tour and to doors, each hiding a wonderful place to soak
Japan, but my favourite destination on the your weary body. The building was also the
itinerary comes almost at the end. The city inspiration for the bathhouse in the classic
of Matsuyama, located in the northwest Japanese animated film, Spirited Away.

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Kyoto
Intrigued by the secrets of

Hidden Japan?
Fantastic, lets confirm your place on this Small
Group Tour. Book via our website booking
system, visit your local travel agent or simply call
us for full details including pricing, availability and
departure dates
Dogo Onsen Tokushima
Takamatsu
The service both before and during

Hidden Japan was excellent. We had
a wonderful holiday, which left us
wanting to return to Japan to explore
other areas.
Peter Jackson, InsideAsia Tours staff
Ann & Robert, Oxford, UK
Takamatsu
35
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Kyushu Elements
CLASSIC KYOTO (2) NAGASAKI (2) UNZEN (1) KUMAMOTO (1) MOUNT ASO (2)
KAGOSHIMA (2) YAKUSHIMA (2) KYOTO (1)
The third biggest of Japans four main islands, Kyushu is a little-visited oasis filled
with steaming volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, lush rainforests and sandy beaches.
Not only is its countryside some of Japans finest, but Kyushus cities have plenty of
cosmopolitan charm without the crowds that Tokyo is famous for.
Tour highlights For centuries, Kyushu was Japans only gateway to Asia and the rest of the
world, leaving it with a legacy of European influence and architecture that
survives to this day. During this time, the only contact with the outside world
Take a full-day tour of was through Dejima or Exit Island an artificial island off Nagasaki Port,
Yakushima Island where Portuguese and Dutch traders were permitted to operate.
In Nagasaki well visit Dejima Island and Glover Garden, home to the oldest
Western-style residence in Japan. In Kagoshima city well spend a day with a
Visit Dejima Island, private local guide and admire the volcano of Sakurajima from across the bay.
remnant of Nagasakis While, in Kumamoto, well stop by Suizen-ji a Japanese-style landscape
cosmopolitan past garden and perhaps pick up a Kumamon bear mascot as a souvenir. Kyoto
Experience traditional Kyushus cities have plenty of appeal, but it is in the lush countryside
kyudo archery in that this pocket of western Japan really comes into its own. In
Kumamoto Unzen well admire Mars-like landscapes swathed in clouds
of volcanic gas and soak in wonderful hot-spring baths; at
Fly in a helicopter Mount Aso well take a helicopter ride over the steaming
Unzen Kumamoto
over Japans largest volcanic caldera; and on Yakushima well explore the Mt Aso
Nagasaki
active volcano primeval rainforests that inspired Hayao Miyazakis animated
masterpiece Princess Mononoke.
Kagoshima
Bask in hot-spring
Bookending your tour will be stays in Kyoto, the City of Ten
baths at a traditional
Thousand Temples. Here, bamboo groves, golden temples, ancient
ryokan in Aso Yakushima
palaces, hilltop shrines and a traditional geisha district are just some of
the treasures in store.
Kyushu Elements is the perfect tour for those who want to discover Japanese
culture in a stunning location away from the crowds.
Yakushima Island
Originally from our home town Bristol in thousands of wild macaques and beaches
the UK, Mark studied Law and Politics at filled with sea turtle nests) to keep any nature
Japans Kyushu University. He is now based lover happy. Inland the water from the rivers
in Saitama, just outside Tokyo. is fresh enough to be sampled from any
passing spring, and makes for arguably the
Japan is so varied that choosing a favourite smoothest sake in Japan (my advice: try the
destination feels almost like choosing an all- Mizu no Mori or Forest Water).
time favourite movie. That being said, I certainly
have a major soft spot for the southern island Best of all, however, are the hiking trails that
of Kyushu, and my favourite destination on this lead you past thousand-year-old cedar trees.
Mark Rawlins Walking amongst birdsong and waterfalls,
tour has got to be Yakushima.
Tour Leader and gazing at these monuments of natural
Team Leader A manageable 100 km (62 mi) in history, is a truly magical experience.
circumference, Yakushima is a botanists
paradise with enough fauna (including

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Yakushima
Enchanted by Kyushu Elements?

To book your place on this Small Group Tour,
please speak to one of our expert travel consultants,
talk to your local travel agent or visit our website
where you can find pricing, dates and availability.
Yakushima
Kumamoto
Kumamoto
yushu Elements was a brilliantly

K
designed tour which offered non-
Japanese speakers like myself the
most in-depth experience possible.
Veronica, Gloucester, UK
Mt Aso
37
SMALL GROUP TOURS
A Northern Soul
CLASSIC TOKYO (2) NIKKO (2) HIRAIZUMI (2) NARUKO ONSEN (1) ISHINOMAKI (1)
SENDAI (1) NIIGATA (2) SADO ISLAND (2) TOKYO (1)
The northern reaches of Japans main island hold some of the countrys most
beguiling attractions, from the dramatic gorges and geysers of Naruko to the
emerald coast of Sado Island. A Northern Soul presents these hidden delights,
revealing a side of Japan suffused with legend and mystery.
Hiraizumi
Naruko Onsen Ishinomaki
Immortalised in Japans romantic imagination by Matsuo Basho, the venerated
Tour highlights
Sendai
haiku poet who travelled through it on foot in the 17th century, Tohoku
encompasses six prefectures and stretches all the way from Tokyo to the tip of Sado Island
Niigata
Honshu Island. This is one of the most secluded regions in Japan, with dramatic
Learn about the effects scenery, deep winters and exceptionally warm hospitality. Nikko
of the 2011 tsunami in
Heading north from Tokyo, youll spend two nights in Nikko known chiefly for
Ishinomaki Tokyo
its monumentally elaborate temple complex. Though most tourists move on after
Have a go at taiko a few hours, well stay longer to discover Nikkos stunning national park, where
drumming on Sado waterfalls crash through thick forests and hot springs bubble up on the shores of
Island great lakes.
A Northern Soul is packed with cultural experiences as well as beautiful

Visit the ancient
locations including sake brewery tours, papermaking, doll-painting,
temples of Hiraizumi and several World Heritage Sites. Well visit beautiful island-studded
Matsushima Bay, historic Hiraizumi, whose golden temple rivals
Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto for brilliance, and Naruko Onsen, a charming
Take a boat trip through
spa town where hot-spring steam billows through the wood-
scenic Matsushima Bay
panelled streets.
Then, leaving Tohoku behind, well drive along the winding Zao
Admire Japans most Echo Line and peep over the rim of the colour-changing Okama
ostentatious religious Crater Lake, before catching a boat to Sado Island known for its
sites in Nikko abandoned gold mines and world-famous taiko drummers.
This tour will take you well off the beaten path and deep into Japans
magical north.
Ishinomaki and the tsunami coast
Alastair co-founded InsideJapan Tours after his time of Japans recovery as a nation, the human side is
spent teaching English in Toyota City. He has visited left untold. Recovery isnt just about the rebuilding of
Ishinomaki several times since the tsunami. infrastructure and central government funds; its about
the genuine warmth of feeling brought by visitors who
I remember the morning of 11th March 2011 vividly. really care about what happened here which is why
I woke unusually early and turned on the radio. A Northern Soul includes a visit to Ishinomaki, one of
Breaking news was of reports of a large earthquake the towns worst affected by the 2011 disaster.
off the coast of Japan. It was only as the day
progressed that the true horror of the situation in Touring the towns memorials and key landmarks
Tohoku started to become apparent. In truth it was with a local resident as our guide, it is impossible not
Alastair Donnelly to be moved. For thousands in Ishinomaki, the Great
beyond my real comprehension. It was numbing and
Director painful and frightening. Tohoku Earthquake is not a historical event to look
back on but a part of their everyday lives and it is
I feel proud of Japan, which time and again has only by taking the time to listen to their stories and
recovered in the face of adversity, but that is only part contribute to their businesses that we can play our
of the story. Sometimes, in the remarkable success small part in their recovery.

SMALL GROUP TOURS
The experience through

InsideJapan Tours was a delight.
The tour delivered a wonderful
mix of culture, exploring and
camaraderie.
Stephen, Sydney, Australia
Nikko
Tempted by A Northern Soul?

If you fancy exploring the remote region of
Tohoku on this Small Group Tour, please call
us directly, visit your local travel agent or check
our website for departure dates, pricing and
availability.
Hiraizumi Sado Island

InsideAsia Tours staff, Peter Jackson
Matsushima
39
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Rural Japan Explorer

CLASSIC
KYOTO (2) MOUNT MITOKU (1) MISASA ONSEN (1) OKI ISLANDS (2)
MATSUE (2) HAGI (2) HIROSHIMA (2) KYOTO (1)
Temples grafted onto cliff faces; towns unchanged since samurai roamed their
streets; islands so hidden they see just a handful of foreign visitors a year and
a welcome so warm youll never want to leave: this is the wonderful, hidden
world of rural Japan.
Tour highlights Imagine a time when Japan was concealed from the outside world,
when samurai answered to feudal lords, farmers worked their paddy
fields in remote valleys, and forested islands were said to be the
Overnight in a remote home of gods. Amid todays brash neon and high-tech gadgets its
a world that seems lost forever but travel deep into Japans wild
temple lodging on
west and it may be closer than you think.
Mount Mitoku
Visit Hagi, a now-obscure castle town that gave rise to some of
Bathe in hot springs Japans greatest progressive thinkers its changed so little in the
at Misasa Onsen past centuries that you can still use an Edo Period (1603 1868)
Oki Islands
Mount Mitoku
map to navigate its wood-panelled streets. Explore the Oki Islands, Matsue Misasa Kyoto
so isolated that they are more used to hosting exiled nobles Onsen
Hop across to the than foreign tourists; bask in the healing waters of Misasa Onsen,
little-known Oki shrouded in myths of white wolves and samurai; and sleep in a Hiroshima
Islands temple on Mount Mitoku, a Buddhist sanctuary founded in the Hagi
eighth century.
Visit Hiroshimas
haunting Peace In addition to revealing Japans rural secrets, this tour will
Memorial Park introduce you to some of its great cities: Kyoto the heart of
all Japans history and culture and bright, buzzing Hiroshima,
Take afternoon tea a city that refuses to be overshadowed by its past. Matsue,
with a trainee geisha meanwhile, is an underrated gem hemmed in by lakes and
ocean, with an original feudal castle and one of the countrys most
beautiful landscape gardens.
Rural Japan Explorer is not just a journey into Japans countryside,

but into its history providing a glimpse of an ancient land beneath
its modern surface.
Mount Mitoku
While most of our tour leaders live in the big cities, All this means that choosing a tour highlight is really
Richard a big fan of the great outdoors calls rural tough! However, Mount Mitoku in Misasa, Tottori, just pips
Tottori Prefecture his home. He designed and leads our the Oki Islands for me. Mount Mitoku, or Mount of the
Rural Japan Explorer tour. Three Virtues, is an old sanctuary of the Tendai Buddhist
sect which dates back to the year 706.
Of all our tours, this is the one that really gives the visitor a
sense of Japan away from the hustle and bustle of the big, Here, visitors can hike Japans most dangerous temple
famous cities. Think stunning scenery, clean air, spiritually path (dont worry, its not really that dangerous) to the
important temples and shrines, rich history and culture, amazing Nageiredo Temple, an eighth-century national
delicious food not to mention natural wonders. treasure built into a cliff face. Later, we spend the night in
Richard Pearce the temple lodgings, eat delicious vegetarian food, and join
Senior Tour Leader the head priest for morning prayers and meditation.

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Matsue Hiroshima
Dreaming of exploring rural

Japan?
We would be happy to answer any questions
you have about this Small Group Tour and
Rural Japan Explorer was unique and provided exposure to a part
of Japan not normally visited by tourists.
confirm your place. Speak to one of our travel
consultants, talk to your local travel agent or
Alexander, Nova Scotia, Canada visit our website for booking details, pricing,
departure dates and availability.
Oki Islands
InsideAsia Tours staff, Sara Pretelli
Mount Mitoku
41
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Japan Unmasked
ESSENTIAL TOKYO (2) NAGANO (1) MATSUMOTO (1) TAKAYAMA (2) KANAZAWA (1)
HIROSHIMA (2) KURASHIKI (1) KYOTO (2) TOKYO (1)
Are you looking for a tour with maximum flexibility? Japan Unmasked packs in a
huge variety of destinations across Japan, with simple accommodation and fewer
inclusions giving you the freedom to choose where you spend your time and money.
Whether you see yourself slurping on a quick bowl of noodles or splurging on sushi,
with your tour leaders suggestions youll certainly make the most of your holiday.
Tour highlights Japan Unmasked begins in Tokyo: the beating, neon heart of Japan. The first of
many rides on the bullet train then whisks us into the Japanese Alps, where well
spend the night in temple lodgings, try vegetarian Buddhist cuisine and search for
Explore the old canal the key to paradise in the pitch-dark tunnels underneath Zenko-ji one of Japans Nagano
district of lovely most important temples.
Kurashiki A chance for us to see mischievous monkeys soaking in the natural hot-spring Kanazawa Tokyo
Takayama
pools of Yudanaka will be followed by a visit to the Black Crow, Matsumotos Matsumoto
Stay in a Buddhist
magnificent original samurai castle.
lodging at Naganos
Zenko-ji Temple Delving deeper in the mountains well experience warm Japanese
Kyoto
hospitality at a traditional ryokan inn in Takayama, where the old-town
Ride the famous streets hide sake breweries, craft shops and morning markets loaded
Kurashiki
shinkansen bullet with fresh produce. Hiroshima
train Kyoto and Kanazawa offer a glimpse of traditional Japan

one a magnificent former capital with an astounding 17 World
Explore the traditional
Heritage Sites, the other a small but beautifully preserved city
market town of
with lamp-lit streets and one of the best gardens in Japan.
Takayama
Walking around the Gion district in Kyoto, we might be lucky
Visit Hiroshimas enough to spot a geisha in full regalia.
Peace Memorial Further west well visit Hiroshima, where the Peace Memorial
Museum Park offers a sobering reminder of Japans darkest hour. Though haunted
by its past, Hiroshima today is a city teeming with life and optimism.
Well make sure to try the regions favourite savoury pancake: okonomiyaki.
Finally well visit Kurashiki a real gem of a town that often goes unseen by foreign
visitors but whose beautiful merchant canal district, wealth of excellent museums
and architecture from the Meiji Period (1868-1912) make it well worth the trip. 11 Japan - origami crane
Kurashiki
Caitlin from our US team studied Japanese at old-world ceramic tile roofs, clean white walls, and
school and university, and spent three years welcoming noren curtains in the doorways. The
living in Hyogo Prefecture just an hour or so willows and other trees lining Kurashikis canal add
from Kurashiki. to the feeling that youve slipped back in time; they
bring nature and human settlement together in a
My first visit to Kurashiki was something of a way no longer seen in modern towns.
pleasant surprise because I went with a friend, not
knowing much about it. Since we travelled through Kurashikis kura have now been converted into
the city of Okayama and past all of its tallest and museums, galleries, and boutique shops. Be sure to
shiniest buildings to get there, Kurashiki felt like stop in at the Rural Toy Museum and the wonderful
Caitlin Godwin stepping onto the set of a Kurosawa film. Ohara Museum, which was the first permanent
Senior Travel exhibition of Western art in Japan and hosts an
Kura means storehouse in Japanese, and the city unexpectedly spectacular collection.
Consultant is full of beautiful preserved warehouses with

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Matsumoto
Dreaming of Japan Unmasked?

We can make your dream a reality! To book
this Small Group Tour, please call us directly
or talk to your local travel agent. Well answer
any questions and provide details of pricing,
departure dates and availability which you can
also find on our website
Tokyo Yudanaka
We can honestly say this is the best

trip weve ever been on. We found
both the accommodation and the
travel arrangements to be really good
value for money.
Ellen & Allan, York, UK

Kyoto Nagano
43
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Tokaido Trail
ESSENTIAL TOKYO (2) KAMAKURA (1) HAKONE (2) KYOTO (3) TOKYO (1)
Travelling with a modest budget and time constraints? For the best-value Japan
experience look no further than the Tokaido Trail. This tour proves that you can
cover the classic golden route sights of Japan without breaking the bank or
missing out on unforgettable cultural experiences. It is also the perfect building
block with which to plan a longer trip.
Tour highlights Tokyo and Kyoto are Japans two great cities: one an international byword for modernity,
the other Japans ancient cultural heartland whose history goes back more than a
millennium. This tour gives us ample time to explore both, with the opportunity to take
Stay in a traditional a day trip from Kyoto at no extra cost using the included Japan Rail Pass.
ryokan inn with hot With this flexibility you might choose to visit Nara, another ancient capital of
spring baths Japan; sample the irresistible street food in nearby Osaka; or even take the bullet Tokyo
train all the way to Hiroshima and its neighbour, the stunning island of Miyajima. Mt Fuji
Kamakura
Take a walking tour Whichever experience you choose, your tour leader will help make sure your Hakone
of Kyotos traditional trip runs like clockwork.
geisha district Kyoto
In between Tokyo and Kyoto well visit Kamakura on the eastern
Explore hyper- coast, a much smaller city where the famous giant Buddha makes
modern Tokyo and a stupendous impression. Well also stop off for two nights
historical Kyoto in Hakone National Park, an example of some of the superb
natural beauty to be found in Japan.
Ride the famous
In Hakone well spend the night in a traditional ryokan inn,
shinkansen bullet
complete with tatami rush mats and sliding paper screens.
train Japanese-style accommodation is an experience in itself, and
Admire Kamakuras this is sure to be a highlight of our tour. Dont miss the natural
onsen hot-spring baths, an integral part of Japanese culture and
giant Buddha and
the perfect end to a day of sightseeing. Two nights in this beautiful
temple complexes
area will give us plenty of time to explore, and if the weather is
favourable we may be honoured with spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
Kamakura & Enoshima Island

Art & architecture graduate Mike is based Walking trails, the coast, and were still a
in Tokyo, the perfect place to indulge his stones throw away from some amazing
interests in photography and cutting-edge temples and shrines notably the great
technology. Buddha at Kotoku-in.
I grew up on Long Island, New York. I spent While were in Kamakura, we should make
many summer days and nights at the beach the 20 minute journey to visit Enoshima. A
and was never more than 15 minutes from scenic walk across a bridge leads us to a
the water. Though I love the convenience beautiful island with cherry blossoms in the
of Tokyo, Kamakura and neighbouring spring and breathtaking lights in the winter.
Mike Reddy The view from the top of the Sea Candle
Enoshima are where I feel most at home.
Tour Leader observation tower on a clear day is well
One thing I always mention on my tours worth climbing all the stairs to the top!
is the fact that we move from Tokyo to
Kamakura in a little over an hour, yet so
much changes.

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Hakone Kamakura
Fancy becoming a Tokaido

Trailer?
Let us book you on this Small Group Tour.
Please call us directly, enquire at your local travel
agent or book via our website. You can also find
the latest availability, pricing and departure dates
on our website.
Kyoto
Tokaido Trail was an excellent, value-for-

money tour and I have already recommended
InsideJapan to friends.
Keri, Glasgow, UK
Sara Pretelli, InsideAsia Tours staff
Hakone
45
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Historic Mountain Trails

ESSENTIAL TOKYO (2) TSUMAGO (1) KAMIKOCHI (3) MATSUMOTO (1) KYOTO (3)
HAKONE (2) TOKYO (1)
Watch the sunrise from the summit of Mount Fuji. Walk in the footsteps of
samurai on trails that have survived for centuries. Sleep in hikers lodges
amongst the craggy peaks of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. What better
way to discover Japans beautiful landscapes than to pull on your hiking boots
and get out into the wilds? With plenty of culture thrown in for good measure,
this is a physically challenging tour with fantastic rewards.
Tour highlights On this hiking tour well follow in the footsteps of samurai and pilgrims as we wind
our way along the ancient Nakasendo Way, cooling off under the glorious Metaki Otaki
waterfalls. In the Chubu Sangaku National Park well scale the towering, craggy peaks
and stay in lodges high on Mount Hotaka.
Walk the ancient
Nakasendo Way Most impressive of all, however, well climb one of the most majestic peaks in the Tokyo
world: Mount Fuji. We run our tour to coincide with the Fuji climbing season, and as Kamikochi Matsumoto
we reach the mountain hut at sundown well marvel at the giant shadow that Fuji casts
Explore Kamikochi
across the Kanto plain. Rising early, well complete our final ascent in time to watch Tsumago Hakone
National Park in the the sunrise from the summit.
Japanese Alps Kyoto
Though the focus of this trip is hiking, it wouldnt be doing justice to
Watch the sunrise from this fascinating country without considerable culture interspersed
the summit of Mount throughout. In Tokyo well find soaring peaks replaced with equally
Fuji vertiginous architecture, and lush green forest supplanted by
eye-popping neon.
Tackle a challenging
Glimpse Japans traditional side in Kyoto as we gaze at grand
circuit hike at stunning
temples, explore markets packed with delicacies and perhaps
Mount Hotaka
even catch sight of a geisha as we walk through the wood-
Take a cycling tour of panelled streets of Gion. Even here were not too far from nature;
Kyoto, Japans ancient Kyoto boasts some lovely forest trails and atmospheric bamboo groves.
capital For an in-depth experience of rural and urban Japan with an expert tour
leader, Historic Mountain Trails cant be beaten. Be prepared for tough
hikes covering distances of up to 20 km (12 miles) with some scrambling.
Technical mountaineering experience is not a prerequisite, but excellent fitness and
trekking experience is a must!
The Okuhotaka Summit

Steve first came to Japan in 1996 and with hands and feet. Its a really exciting and
spent six years working in education. After very challenging trek, which is why I was so
leaving to work as a tour leader in Cuba, keen to include it on the itinerary for this tour.
Italy and Spain, he returned to Japan in
Its an intense experience and very hard
2011 and has been there ever since. work, but the feeling of achievement when
I first climbed Mount Hotaka about 15 years you reach the top and can look back at all
ago, and since then have taken various the obstacles you faced laid out miles below
groups to the summit. On Historic Mountain you is just incredible. The views, of course,
Trails we do a great circuit hike, with some are absolutely stunning, and the sense of
Steve Parker camaraderie with the Japanese hikers you
beautiful river walking, rugged, rocky terrain,
Tour Leader Team snowfields (even in summer!) and some meet on the way just adds to the experience.
Leader steep sections where youll have to scramble

SMALL GROUP TOURS
Mount Hotaka Kamikochi
L ooking for a mountain

adventure?
Do you have experience of mountain trekking
and excellent personal fitness? If its a yes, wed
love to have you onboard this summers Historic
Mountain Trails Small Group Tour. Contact us
directly, pop into your local travel agent or check
our website for more details including dates,
pricing and availability.
Mount Fuji
The Historic Mountain Trails tour

was an incredible experience.
While the tour was physically
demanding at times, it was well
worth the sore muscles and
aching limbs to see the sunrise
from the summit of Mount Fuji!
Alyson, Wrzburg, Germany

Hakone
47
SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES
Self-Guided Adventures
Ruth Hubbard
Product Manager
When I travel, sometimes I just want to do things under my

own steam; to take a breather from my busy life at home and
at work and simply unwind. I love to explore new places at my
own pace and make my own discoveries. Sometimes all I want
to do is sit in a caf and watch the world go by! But I also want
to know that Ill be staying in good accommodation in great
locations and that I wont have to worry about which train to
take, or the best way to get from the airport to my hotel.
Youll get exactly that freedom, reassurance and an amazing
experience to boot, on one of our Self-Guided Adventures,
which make it easy to explore Japan by yourself, without a
group or a tour leader but crucially, with support every step
of the way.
Before you travel, one of our experienced travel consultants
will work with you to select and book tried-and-tested
accommodation, to organise and explain all your transport
arrangements and to plan exciting experiences and hands-
on activities. And when youre in Japan, our Nagoya office
staff are just a phone call away to offer back-up advice and
emergency support.
If you are like me and love to travel independently, but with
the help and inspiration to make it all happen, our
Self-Guided Adventures are just the ticket for you.
48 SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURES W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8
C O N T E N T S
Our Self-Guided Adventure concept 50 - 51
Tailoring your trip 52 - 53
Private guiding 54 - 55
Golden Route 56 - 57
Best of Japan 58 - 59
Traditional Japan 60 - 61
World Heritage 62 - 63
Pilgrims Paths 64 - 65
Secrets of Shikoku 66 - 67
Northern Highlights 68 - 69
Kyushu Adventure 70 - 71
Wild Hokkaido 72 - 73
Japan Arts Trail 74 - 75
Gastronomic Adventure 76 - 77
Manga & Anime 78 - 79
Ishigaki Beach Extension 80 - 81
49
Self-Guided Adventure concept

A Self-Guided Adventure is a fully tailorable holiday experience. Your trip can start on any day of
the year, giving you complete flexibility over itinerary, duration and budget. Well use our years
of Japan travel experience to put together a bespoke Self-Guided Adventure exactly to suit your
interests and wishes. No two people are the same, which is why every trip is different.
Using this brochure

In the next section of this brochure we highlight
a selection of example Self-Guided Adventures to
showcase the variety of trips we can offer. Some take
in Japans classic sights, others focus on more remote
islands and a handful of itineraries are based on
themes such as Japanese cuisine or pop culture.
You may like to choose an itinerary and book it exactly

as described in this brochure, but we expect that youll
want to add experiences and make alterations to suit
your personal preferences. Please speak to one of
our travel consultants wholl be happy to discuss your
travel plans and start customising an itinerary for you.
Unforgettable experiences
We base our itineraries around experiences rather
than sights, as we believe this is the best way to really
get beneath the surface of Japan. Each of our trips
can be tailored to include any number of activities,
whether you want to watch a sumo tournament, go
white water rafting, or see the neon lights of Tokyo
from a helicopter. Please turn to p. 96-129 for more
ideas and inspiration.
Accommodation Info-Pack Japan office

Japan boasts a tremendous diversity of Around a month before departure, well send you a At any point during your Japan trip, our Customer
accommodation, from skyscraper hotels to traditional tailor-made Info-Pack containing detailed information Support Desk, staffed by ex-pats in our Nagoya
Japanese inns; Buddhist temple lodgings to glorious pertaining to your itinerary. This will include: office, is just a phone call away. You can call them
beach resorts. You can find a selection of our for on-the-spot translations, sightseeing advice or to
Instructions for every journey including relevant train
favourites on p. 90-95 as well as on our website. We make restaurant recommendations. Should you need
times
have an ever-evolving list of hotels which we have medical attention or if the weather disrupts your travel
personally tried and tested, meaning well be sure to Accommodation addresses in English & Japanese plans, use our 24-hour emergency hotline.
suggest the right accommodation for you. Directions and maps for each hotel
Luggage forwarding information
Transport Details of private guiding and any experiences Pricing
With your Info-Pack to hand, you wont have any booked Because exchange rates change and hotel prices
problems getting around Japan by yourself. These Transport tickets and accommodation vouchers fluctuate, there are no prices printed in this brochure
days train stations and bus terminals are well labelled to ensure that you never have out-of-date information.
in English. Japans public transport is also wonderfully In addition youll receive maps, cultural tips, and guides Instead you can find guideline pricing for sample
efficient. If your Info-Pack says your bullet train will arrive to each destination on your trip written by our Japan itineraries on our website:
at 10.15am, you can sure itll be there on the dot! experts. Our destination guides are invaluable tools,
www.insidejapantours.com/self-guided-japan-holidays
packed with sightseeing advice and our top restaurant
recommendations. For more on the Info-Pack please For an exact price, please speak to a travel consultant
turn to p. 6-7. and well put together a no-obligation, detailed
proposal quote.
Self-Guided essentials
Tailor-made itinerary
Travel independently (not in a group or with a tour leader)
Start on any day of the year and travel wherever you like
Expert planning and on-the-ground support
Detailed, personalised Info-Pack
Flexible accommodation choices
Experiences for all tastes and budgets
51
Tailoring your trip

Mr and Mrs Green are thinking about holidaying in Japan.
Our travel
consultant
Step 1 Hi, Im Lily. I spent two years living in the garden city of Takamatsu. Id be
delighted to plan your Japan trip.
Please give us a call. Our travel consultants would love to
speak to you.
Wed like to visit Japan for two weeks in late May to

celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary
Step 2
Discuss your hopes for the trip
One of Kyotos largest festivals takes place on May 15th. The weather is
lovely then, too.
We also fancy seeing some modern art
The Mori Art Museum in Tokyo is great, and the Art Island of Naoshima is
one of my favourite places in Japan.
Step 3
Bear with us while we ask a lot of questions
Are you looking forward to Japanese food? Is there anything you cant eat?
We love ramen noodles but are unsure about raw fish
No problem, Ill let your accommodation know.
Step 4
Ask us your questions too!
How are we going to carry our luggage on the trains?
Let me tell you about Japans excellent luggage forwarding system
Step 5
Read through our tailor-made itinerary proposal
Here it is! Ive included a luxury Japanese inn stay on your anniversary.
Your room has a private outdoor hot-spring bath attached.
Step 6
Let us know if youd like any changes
Could we upgrade the hotel on our final night in Osaka?
Ill check if the Marriott Miyako hotel is available. Its at the top of the
tallest building in Japan and has incredible views
Step 7
Pay the deposit and start looking forward to your holiday
Lily was brilliant. She got inside
the kind of holiday we wanted
very well from accommodation
we might like to stay in, to
following up with intelligent
suggestions based on the sort of
things we like to do. All in all it
was a fantastic trip.
Gillian & Richard, London, UK
Travel considerations
When are you thinking of travelling? How long for?
Why are you travelling? Is it a honeymoon, anniversary celebration, family holiday?
Do you like to be active on holiday or do you prefer plenty of time to relax?
Are you looking forward to the food? Anything you cant eat?
What kind of hotels do you like?
How much money have you set aside for this holiday?
Do you have any special interests? Are you into photography,

a keen foodie or fascinated by samurai history?
53
Private guiding
Although Self-Guided means youll be travelling by yourself for most of your trip, we highly
recommend you spend at least a couple of days accompanied by a private guide in key destinations such
as Tokyo and Kyoto. Local professional guides have a wealth of knowledge to share and will help you get
to grips with Japanese culture and history, as well as providing a useful orientation in the big cities.
Private guiding in Kyoto
Ayako has worked for InsideJapan Tours as a full-

time guide for over seven years. Born and raised
in a Buddhist temple, she is the perfect person to
introduce you to the historic religious sites of Kyoto,
including her favourite spot, Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Fushimi Inaris 10,000 red gates are one of the most

famous images of Japan. What the photographs dont
show you is that you can follow these gates along
Ayako Kiyono trails that snake through the forest all over Mount
Professional guide Inari. To hike through all of them would take about
two to three hours but dont worry, I know some
Our private guides in Tokyo and
shortcuts! The views from the mountainside are lovely,
Kyoto were very knowledgeable
and there are some great traditional restaurants
and really tailored the tour to
where we can stop for a breather on the way.
the things we were interested
Please dont worry about the language barrier when in. They were great value for
you come to Japan. It isnt such an obstacle as you money and added so much to
might think. Besides I can teach you a few words our trip.
of Japanese to help you enjoy your travels in Japan
Rachel & family,
even more!
Cheltenham, UK
Osaka street food tour
Takeshi is another of our full-time professional guides.

Hailing from Osaka, Takeshi honed his English skills
during seven years living in the US.
If youre interested in Japanese cuisine, let me take

you on an evening tour of Osaka to try the citys best
street food. We can start by sampling takoyaki
dumplings filled with octopus in the Amerikamura
fashion district, before moving on to Dotonbori Street.
Takeshi Suzuki Near the neon Glico running man advertisement
Professional guide well see all manner of billboards flickering in the
night sky including a giant mechanical crab.
Next up Ill take you to my favourite gyoza joint or

if youre feeling brave we can try fugu after the
poisonous parts of the pufferfish have been removed!
Theres so much more we can taste in Osaka from
ramen noodles, meat skewers and okonomiyaki
savoury pancakes to every flavour of ice cream.
Along the way Ill explain the preparation, ingredients
and etiquette for each dish. You wont go hungry on
my tour, thats for sure.
Insider insights
While theres an endless amount our professional Instead of ticking off the so-called must-see museums
Japanese guides can teach you, perhaps youd enjoy a and temples, perhaps youd rather walk through
different perspective on Japan. Step forward our ex-pat residential neighbourhoods and stop off for a coffee. Or
Insiders. Hailing from all over the English-speaking why not explore a video arcade or delve into a Japanese
world, our Insider staff have chosen to make Japan supermarket? Whatever your interests, our Insiders
their home and study its vast, beautiful and at times are experienced professionals who can answer your
bewildering culture. questions and provide insight on everything from pop
culture, restaurants and transportation to what its like to
live in modern Japan.
INSI
DER
DAY
Day with an Insider Tokyo architecture tour

Tokyo is simply vast. With many architectural gems sprinkled Metabolism the Japanese fusion of architectural science
through the urban sprawl, you could easily spend a week with organic growth epitomised by the Nakagin Capsule
in the capital barely scratching the surface. Instead, allow Tower made up of individual cubes.
us to give you the Insider view, as you discover the most
Heading west, Tyler can introduce you to the Pritzker Prize
remarkable buildings in the city with a long-term Tokyo
winners: first Kenzo Tanges 1964 Olympic Stadium, then
resident and culture aficionado.
self-taught architect Tadao Ando. Whichever buildings you
Guided by Tyler Palma, who has worked exclusively with visit, your Insider tour is sure to expose the philosophies
InsideJapan Tours for nearly a decade, the day can be tailored that underpin Japanese architecture and design, and their
Tyler Palma to suit your tastes and interests. Start perhaps with the eye- influence across the capital.
Tokyo architecture tour catching facades of Ginzas luxury brands, then dabble in
Find out more
We work with hundreds of top-quality guides all across Japan. If youre interested in including private guiding in
your Self-Guided Adventure, please speak to your local travel agent or call us directly. Our travel consultants
would be delighted to match you up with the best guides to suit your interests. Its your holiday, so we can
include as little or as much private guiding as youd like.
55
Golden Route
9 nights, Self-Guided Adventure
TOKYO (3) HAKONE (2) KYOTO (3) TOKYO (1)
Imagine basking in a hot spring in the shadow of Mount Fuji, speeding cross-country
at breakneck speeds on the bullet train, or marvelling at centuries-old temples in
Japans former imperial capital. Youll experience this and more as our Golden Route
transports you from futuristic Tokyo to the historical capital of Kyoto via one of
Japans most beautiful national parks.
Trip highlights Your trip begins and ends in Tokyo, a city seemingly drawn straight from
the pages of a science fiction novel. In between marvelling at the towering
screens and space-age gadgetry of Akihabaras electric town, youll
Marvel at the space- discover Tokyos traditional heart as you glimpse a Shinto wedding at Meiji
age skyscrapers of Shrine or perhaps take part in a traditional tea ceremony at the lakeside
teahouse in Hamarikyu Garden.
Tokyo Tokyo
Rocketing west on the bullet train at speeds of up to 300 kph (186 Mt Fuji
Ride the world- mph) youll arrive in Kyoto. Not for nothing is it known as the City of Ten Hakone
famous shinkansen Thousand Temples, and whilst here youll have the chance to wander the
bullet train bamboo groves of Arashiyama and visit famous sites such as the red gates Kyoto
of Fushimi Inari and the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji.
Bask in a hot spring
in the foothills of Kyoto is a fantastic base from which to make a day trip to nearby
Mount Fuji Osaka, the great Buddha of Nara, or Hiroshima and its beautiful
neighbouring island of Miyajima. Thanks to your included Japan
Admire Kyotos World Rail Pass, you can make any of these day trips at no extra cost.
Heritage temples
Connecting your city stays will be a visit to Hakone National
and shrines Park, where youll be greeted by spectacular views of the
Experience Japanese surrounding countryside. Here youll experience true Japanese
hospitality as you hunker down at a traditional ryokan inn, tuck in to
hospitality at a
an elaborate kaiseki dinner and soak in a natural volcanic hot spring all
traditional ryokan inn
beneath the shadow of Japans most iconic landmark: Mount Fuji.
Tokyo Skytree
Originally from Denver, Amy studied tracks it on the way up is fun to watch. The
Japanese language and traditional arts at observation deck at the top, meanwhile, gives
college, and has lived in Aichi Prefecture and stunning views across the city.
the alpine town of Takayama.
Apart from the beautiful views, the Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree is a great place to get a has a shopping centre at its base. Here
new perspective on the capital. Opened in high-end fashion sits side by side with quirky
2012, it is currently the second-tallest structure anime-themed stores and a wide variety of
in the world at 634 metres (2,080 ft), and restaurants. And if shopping is not your thing,
houses a broadcasting station, observation you can always visit the on-site aquarium.
Amy Bowinski deck and restaurant. My favourite part, Tokyo Skytree really does offer something for
Senior Travel however, is the ride up: the speed at which it everyone.
Consultant ascends is hard to believe, and the metre that
Tokyo
Has the Golden Route caught

your eye?
This is a Self-Guided Adventure that can start
whenever suits you. For details and guideline
pricing please visit our website, talk to your local
travel agent or speak to one of our fantastic
travel consultants. We can tailor the itinerary in
any way you like to match your Japan wish list.
The hardest part was deciding
where in Japan to go so we took
our travel consultants advice
and it worked out well!
Matt & Carl, Wrexham, UK
Kyoto
Tom Bulloch, Norman Blaikie, Sara Pretelli, InsideAsia Tours staff
Tokyo
57
Best of Japan
TOKYO (3) HAKONE (2) KYOTO (3) MIYAJIMA (2) OSAKA (1)
TAKAYAMA (2) TOKYO (1)
Are you a first-time visitor to Japan and dont know where to start? This could
be the perfect itinerary for you, combining a broad sweep of some of the
countrys most exciting and diverse destinations, from the glittering tumult of
the cities to mountain towns, stunning national parks, ancient temples and a
beautiful island on the Seto Inland Sea.
Trip highlights Your trip begins in Tokyo: world-famous for its eclectic fashions,
multitudinous karaoke booths and futuristic architecture. From here youll
be swept westwards on the bullet train to Kyoto, ancient capital of Japan;
indulge in Osakan street food in Dotonbori known as Japans kitchen;
Sample Osakas mouth-
and visit Hiroshima, a vibrant city with a haunting past.
watering street food
Japan is not all glaring neon and skyscrapers, and between your city stays Tokyo
Takayama
youll experience a more relaxed pace of life in Hakone National Park,
Explore the spectacular the alpine town of Takayama and on the island of Miyajima. In these
Hakone
scenery of Hakone stunning locations youll sleep on tatami-mat flooring at traditional ryokan Kyoto
National Park inns, sample the local cuisine, soak in natural onsen hot-spring baths and
enjoy plenty of old-fashioned Japanese hospitality. Osaka
Admire one of Japans
most iconic views from The best way to experience Japanese culture is to get stuck in,
Miyajima Island and this itinerary is packed with exciting activities to help you get Miyajima
the most out of your trip.
Explore sake breweries
Admire Mount Fuji from the deck of a pirate ship as you
and morning markets in
cruise across Lake Ashi and explore Hakones outdoor
the Japanese Alps sculpture park. Visit Miyajima Islands Itsukushima Shrine, whose
Visit the haunting floating red shrine gate provides one of the most iconic views
Peace Park Memorial in in all Japan. Tour sake breweries and shop for traditional crafts at
Takayamas morning markets, surrounded by the vertiginous peaks of
Hiroshima
the Japanese Alps.
With expert private guides in selected locations, included travel passes

and plenty more optional activities on offer this will be a trip youll
never forget!
Cycling in the Hida countryside
Hatties first trip to Japan was aged 14 as us to try their produce. One lady, who had
a customer on one of our Small Group been farming strawberries, invited us to help
Tours! She then went on to get a degree in ourselves to her leftover crop.
Japanese language before joining our travel
At the end of the tour, Hiro suggested that
consultant team. On a recent trip, Hattie we all go to an okazuya a kind of Japanese
cycled through the countryside just outside deli for lunch. We were each given a box
Takayama. and told to fill it with as much food as we liked,
On arrival at Hida Furukawa Station our as they were sold by weight. My box, which
guide, Hiro, led us on a ride through the I couldnt even finish, cost me no more than
Hattie Richardson 400 yen (about 3 or AU$5). I would never
countryside, weaving through countless
Senior Travel rice paddies and vegetable farms. Most of have found this place without Hiros guidance,
Consultant the farmers we met seemed to know Hiro and it just reminded me how much more you
and were more than pleased to answer our can get from travel by interacting with people
questions. Many of them were also keen for who live and work in the places we visit.
Hakone
Already dreaming of the

Best of Japan?
You can book this Self-Guided Adventure exactly
as described to start on any day of the year, or let
our expert travel consultants tailor it to suit your
travel style. Please check our website for guideline
pricing and read on for hotel ideas and cultural
experiences coming up later in this brochure.
Kyoto
Miyajima
Takayama
We were incredibly impressed by

all that InsideJapan suggested
and organised for us. It was a
wonderful and truly well thought-
out itinerary for us as a family.
Jane & family, London, UK

InsideAsia Tours staff, Sara Pretelli
Takayama
59
Traditional Japan
TOKYO (3) KANAZAWA (2) SHIRAKAWAGO (1) TAKAYAMA (2)
MATSUMOTO (1) TSUMAGO (1) KYOTO (3) TOKYO (1)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to climb the steps of a
samurai castle, or live in a thatched farmhouse in the Japanese Alps? If so, our
Traditional Japan itinerary could be for you. Steering you away from high-tech
cities, this journey introduces a side of Japan preserved in time, from alpine
villages to traditional ryokan inns.
Your journey begins in Tokyo: once a small fishing village called Edo; now
Trip highlights a glittering metropolis and one of the largest cities in the world. From here,
watch the skyscrapers melt away as you travel into rural Japan, where youll
visit Matsumotos magnificent Black Crow castle and retrace the steps of
Retrace the steps the samurai as you walk the Nakasendo Way to Tsumago in the beautiful
of samurai on the Kiso Valley.
Nakasendo Way Kanazawa
Takayama
Tokyo
In Shirakawago, youll journey high into the Japanese Alps, where youll
Shirakawago Matsumoto
Spend the night in stay in a steeply thatched praying hands farmhouse. Next, the craft
Tsumago
a traditional alpine town of Takayama, set amid alpine scenery, offers the chance to visit sake
Kyoto
farmhouse breweries before indulging in a dinner of succulent Hida beef.
In Kanazawa, youll wander beautifully preserved, lantern-lit streets and

Discover Kyoto:
visit the elegant gardens of Kenrokuen. Dont forget to visit Omicho
Japans ancient
Market to try some of Japans freshest sushi.
imperial capital
Finally your journey brings you to Kyoto: the undisputed cultural
Explore Matsumotos centre of the country. Theres no better place to discover
magnificent Black Japans traditional heart and if youre lucky you may even
Crow castle spot one of the citys elusive geisha scurrying through the
streets of the old Gion district.
Visit one of Japans
Included in your journey will be a mixture of rustic accommodations,
top three landscape
each boasting onsen hot-spring baths and outstanding local cuisine the
gardens in Kanazawa
best way to experience traditional Japan.
Walking the Nakasendo Highway
Kester has done all manner of jobs in Japan from From here the path continues to descend into deeper,
lifeguarding in Okinawa to working on a search-and- darker and more ancient woodland. The trail hugs
rescue team in Nozawa Onsen ski resort. This year the side of steep gullies with crystal-clear streams,
he relished the opportunity to walk a section of the becoming a series of wooden walkways over sections
Nakasendo Way. of deeper river. Down here the moss grows thick and
you can feel the age of the forest its easy to imagine
It is just 8 km (5 mi) from Magome to Tsumago, yourself back in the Edo Period, making the long trek
beginning with a steady climb to the mountain pass. between the old and new capitals (Kyoto and Tokyo).
Past the summit, the long downhill to Tsumago village
begins. In this area is a teahouse run by a lovely old Finally, the path emerges from the forest as you make
Kester Wright man providing walkers with tea and snacks after the the approach to Tsumago village, where the trees turn
Travel Consultant climb. This building used to be an inspection post to rice paddies once again and houses reappear in the
belonging to the Shogun government, checking the landscape. Its like wandering into a fairy tale.
identities of travellers and making sure traders were
not transporting prohibited goods. A reminder that this
lovely mountain path used to be a major thoroughfare!
Tokyo Tsumago
Longing to explore Traditional

Japan?
This is a Self-Guided Adventure, which means
We have nothing but praise for youll travel independently wherever you
the service we received from want, whenever you want. Visit our website
InsideJapan. The Info-Pack for guideline pricing and call our expert travel
was invaluable, and the details consultants whod love to tailor a detailed
it gave for our journeys and itinerary proposal for you.
accommodation were spot-on.
Jacqueline & Graham, York, UK
Tokyo
Kyoto
InsideAsia Tours staff, Norman Blaikie
Matsumoto Kanazawa
61
World Heritage
TOKYO (3) NIKKO (2) KYOTO (3) MOUNT KOYA (2) HIMEJI (1) HIROSHIMA (2)
KANAZAWA (2) SHIRAKAWAGO (1) TOKYO (1)
Discover Japans most important cultural and historical monuments as you

visit the elaborate temples of Nikko, the haunting Peace Memorial Park at
Hiroshima, and incredible Himeji Castle all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
During your adventure youll stay in some excellent traditional accommodation,
including a thatched-roofed farmhouse in alpine Shirakawago and a temple
lodging on atmospheric Mount Koya.
Trip highlights Your adventure begins and ends in Tokyo, a beacon of modernity whose radical
architecture and irrepressible pop culture provide a fascinating counterpoint to
the rich historical monuments that are the inspiration for this itinerary.
Visit Himeji, Japans A two-hour train journey north from Tokyo lies Nikko, home to the mind- Nikko
finest original bogglingly intricate temple complex that serves as the final resting place of the
samurai castle shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu: one of the most important figures in Japanese history. Kanazawa
Tokyo
Shirakawago
Explore the elaborate Mount Koya provides a link to another celebrated personage, the monk Kobo
temples and shrines Daishi, who introduced Shingon Buddhism to Japan. Youll stay in a temple
Kyoto
of Nikko lodging, eat strictly vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, and watch as monks
Himeji
perform their solemn morning rites.
Admire Kinkaku-ji, Mount Koya
The cities of Kyoto and Hiroshima, meanwhile, harbour a diverse
Kyotos golden temple Hiroshima
array of remarkable historical gems. In Hiroshima youll visit
Take time to reflect the atmospheric Peace Memorial Park, where the tragic events
at Hiroshimas Peace of 1945 come alive. Kyoto is home to no less than 17 World
Heritage locations, from much-loved Kiyomizu-dera Temple to
Memorial Park
the nightingale floor of Nijo Castle, and offers the chance for
Spend the night in a day trip to another World Heritage hotspot: the ancient capital
a traditional alpine of Nara.
farmhouse Shirakawago, a peaceful village amid the bucolic scenery of the Japanese
Alps, offers a very different experience: a stay in a traditional thatched-
roofed farmhouse with dinner included. A chance to sample yams, assorted
09 Japan - Chopsticks
mountain vegetables and ayu river fish, all sourced locally. Finally, crowning your
World Heritage trip is a visit to Himeji Castle, by far the largest and most spectacular
of all Japans castles there really is nothing else like it!
Miyajima
Hugh hails from sunny Sydney in Australia, okonomiyaki (a kind of rich savoury pancake),
but has lived in Hiroshima, just across the and grilled sea eel on rice. Enjoy lunch and sip
water from Miyajima, for more than 15 years. frothy green tea while gazing meditatively out
across the channel separating the island from
Legend has it that Miyajima is the home of the mainland then walk it off with a wander
the gods, its great floating gate marking through Momijidani Park, where you may
the boundary between the spirit and human encounter the islands resident flock of deer.
worlds as well as that between the island
itself and the mainland. The gate has stood From the park you can access the ropeway
in this spot, 200 metres (656 ft) out to sea, ride to the top of Mount Misen or, if youre
Hugh Cann since the sixth century, and today its brilliant more energetic, you can hike to the summit
Tour Leader vermillion structure appears to float above the quite literally topping off the experience with
rising and receding tide, just as it has done for absolutely spectacular views of the surrounding
a thousand years. Seto Inland Sea.
Besides its World Heritage structures, Miyajima

is a gastronomic experience. The region
is famous for its oysters, Hiroshima-style
Kanazawa Mount Koya
Already imagining yourself

among Japans World
Heritage sites?
Let our travel consultants plan this Self-Guided
Adventure for you by speaking to us today. We
can arrange the itinerary exactly as described or
weave in extra nights, different destinations or
more cultural experiences whatever youd like
to create the dream holiday.
Shirakawago
The World Heritage experience

was amazing, from the planning
stage to arriving home. I cant
find a single thing I would
change or improve.
Kerry, Manchester, UK
Reggie Thomson, InsideAsia Tours staff
Hiroshima
63
Pilgrims Paths
TOKYO (3) KYOTO (3) MOUNT KOYA (2) KAWAYU ONSEN (1)
YUNOMINE ONSEN (1) KII-KATSUURA (1) ISE (2) TOKYO (1)
Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims as you stay in a temple lodging

on Mount Koya, visit Shintos most sacred shrine, and navigate dense forests
of towering cedars on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. This itinerary
juxtaposes unspoilt nature with two of Japans most iconic cities, offering you
an introduction to Japans rich spiritual history along the way.
Trip highlights The Kumano Kodo has been trodden by pilgrims from diverse religious
and social backgrounds for over a millennium, linking the three great
shrines of Hongu, Nachi and Hayatama.
Stay in a Buddhist As you explore these time-honoured pathways youll visit all of these
temple lodging on shrines as well as walking misty mountain passes, admiring the tallest
sacred Mount Koya waterfall in Japan, sleeping in traditional accommodation, soaking in Tokyo
mineral-rich hot springs and hiking through ancient forests on a section of

Hike the ancient the Daimonzaka cobblestone stairway.
pilgrimage routes of
Kyoto
the Kumano Kodo After your exploration of the Kumano Kodo youll stay on a tiny, forested
Ise
island in Katsuura Bay before travelling by scenic coastal train to the Grand Mount Koya
Visit the Grand Shrine of Ise Shintos most sacred site and the terminus for thousands Yunomine Onsen
Kawayu Onsen
Shrine of Ise, Shintos of pilgrims every year. Kii Katsuura
most sacred site Whats more, on sacred Mount Koya youll spend two nights in
a temple lodging, where youll witness morning prayers, eat
Explore the eerily
vegetarian Buddhist cuisine prepared for you by monks and
atmospheric
wander the vast and eerily atmospheric Okunoin graveyard a
Okunoin cemetery truly unearthly experience.
Discover the Finally, bookending your trip, stays in the great cities of Kyoto
contrasting cities of and Tokyo provide an arresting contrast to your rural exploration, with
Tokyo and Kyoto towering skyscrapers, glittering neon and clamorous crowds whisking you
far away from the seclusion of the Kumano Kodo.
Ancient pilgrimage routes
Ali first visited Japan for a two-week my delight, a little way down the trail, I
holiday in 2006 and has never looked came across a small rest house where
back. She has lived in Nagoya and I could sit for a while and contemplate
Shizuoka, and travelled all over Japan, the scenery over a steaming coffee
including a solo expedition into the made with hot spring water. Im usually
Kumano Kodo. a fancy-lattes-with-syrups kind of
person, but this was the best coffee Id
The Kumano Kodo is a series of had in a long time!
pilgrimage trails that criss-cross the Kii
Peninsula, trodden by all sorts of people Refreshed and ready for more I
Ali Muskett from samurai warriors and aristocrats to continued on to Kumano Hongu
Senior Travel priests and commoners for over 1,000 Taisha, the Grand Shrine and central
Consultant years. On my most recent trip to Japan it point of the Kumano Kodo. There was
was my turn to follow in their footsteps. something about arriving at such an
important and grand shrine on foot
Tall, skinny trees towered above me, that made me feel like a true pilgrim.
and a rough stone path laid into the Although I was walking on ground so
mud stretched out before me on my many had trodden before me, I felt like I
8 km (5 mi) hike. With blue-green had discovered somewhere special that
mountains visible in the distance, I very few people know exists.
peered into the valley below. Much to
Kumano Kodo Kumano Kodo
Keen to follow in the footsteps

of pilgrims?
We can make this Self-Guided Adventure a
reality for you. Guideline pricing for these travel
arrangements can be found on our website, but
better still talk to your local travel agent or call
our travel consultants. Well create a bespoke
We loved the section of the
itinerary with as much or as little Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo we walked;
walking as you like.
swimming in the river, hiking
in the sun through beautiful
countryside, eating enormous,
beautifully presented dinners at
the inns, and relaxing in the hot- Become a Dual Pilgrim
spring baths.
If youve already completed the Way of St
Alison & Maya, Worcestershire, UK
James (Camino de Santiago) in northern Spain,
you must try the Kumano Kodo in Japan. These
Kumano Kodo are the only two pilgrimage routes in the world
with UNESCO World Heritage status. Whats
more, if you finish both of them youll qualify for
Dual Pilgrim status, making you part of a very
select group!
Kumano Travel, Sara Pretelli
Kumano Kodo
65
Secrets of Shikoku
KYOTO (3) MIYAJIMA (2) MATSUYAMA (1) TAKAMATSU (2) KOTOHIRA (1)
IYA VALLEY (2) TOKUSHIMA (1) OSAKA (2)
If youre drawn to the mysteries of rural Japan, seek out the secrets of
Shikoku: the smallest of Japans four main islands. A world apart from
the crowded pavements and neon-spangled skyscrapers of the big cities;
this itinerary promises stunning natural beauty, from hidden valleys and
meandering rivers to mountains and jagged coastlines.
Trip highlights Starting in traditional Kyoto and ending in vibrant Osaka, this journey will take
you from Japans former imperial capital of over a thousand years to its work-
hard, play-hard neighbour. With a visit to Hiroshimas moving Peace Memorial
Visit Shikokus most Park included, these cities really showcase the variety that can be found in
celebrated historical Japans metropolitan centres.
garden Leaving Japans main island, your adventure begins in earnest as you step
off the well-worn tourist trail and onto Shikoku Island. Follow the steep
Cross the vine bridges pilgrimage route up 1,368 stone steps to Kotohiras famous shrine, Konpira-
of the secluded Iya san, cross swinging vine bridges in the verdant Iya Valley and explore an Kyoto
Valley original samurai castle in Matsuyama. Witness 400-year-old folk dances Osaka
in Tokushima and stay in countryside inns this is a region overflowing Takamatsu
Soak in the waters
with natural beauty and remarkable cultural experiences. Tokushima
of Japans oldest Miyajima
Kotohira
bathhouse A visit to Ritsurin Garden, one of the most famous historical Iya Valley
Matsuyama
gardens in Japan, will be a highlight of your visit to Takamatsu 04 Japa
Climb the steps to and on a day trip to Naoshima Island, where art spills out of
atmospheric Konpira- museums and into abandoned shrines, disused workshops,
san Shrine hilltops and beaches, youll get a taste of Japans world-class
art scene. Finally, in the small city of Matsuyama, youll have the
Try your hand at udon chance to soak in hot-spring waters frequented by the Imperial
noodle making family at Dogo Onsen: Japans oldest bathhouse.
We always include a range of evening meals to make your trip a culinary

treat, and along the way this itinerary introduces you to regional specialities
such as bonito tuna and red snapper. Youll even have the opportunity to take a
lesson in udon noodle-making at a family-run cooking school.
The vine bridges of Iya Valley
Amys Shikoku roots run deep: her and yet knowing youre not going to fall
grandparents were born in Kochi, just through to your death!
an hour or so from the Iya Valley. She
There are steel safety cables running
spent four years in Japan, and visited
through the bridge now, but it still felt
the vine bridges with her parents. as though we were travelling the old
We had only planned to pause at way, like people did for hundreds of
the vine bridges on the way from years. This really is rural Japan it was
Takamatsu to Kochi, 15-20 minutes an incredible contrast even to the small
maybe, but we ended up staying much cities of Shikoku, let alone Kyoto and
Amy Tadehara longer. Theres just something really Osaka, and we felt as though wed really
Senior Travel neat about standing on a bridge made got away from it all.
Consultant of vines, peering down at the river
between the slats beneath your feet,
Our ryokan inn in Kotohira was very

special. The food was excellent and
beautifully presented and our hosts
were attentive and helpful.
Jo-Anne & family, Melbourne,

Australia
Iya Valley
Has rural Shikoku Island

captured your heart?
The journey described is a Self-Guided Adventure
which means youll travel independently around
Japan. It also means our team can tailor the
arrangements exactly to suit you. Visit our website
for guideline pricing and more ideas, or speak to
our Shikoku experts today.
an - Bamboo
Kotohira
InsideAsia Tours staff, Louise Marston, Doug McKinley
Iya Valley
67
Northern Highlights
TOKYO (3) NIKKO (2) SENDAI (2) NYUTO ONSEN (2) KAKUNODATE (1)
MOUNT HAGURO (1) SADO ISLAND (2) TOKYO (1)
Venture north and discover the Tohoku region: a vast, wild tract of land
stretching 800 km (500 mi) north of the capital. In stark contrast to the
burnished skyscrapers of Tokyo, this untamed region boasts outstanding
natural beauty and well-preserved history a reminder that traditional ways
are still alive and well in Japan.
Nyuto Onsen
Kakunodate
Mount Haguro Sendai
Trip highlights No sooner does your train pull out of Tokyo than you leave the crowds behind,
watching concrete tower blocks give way to forests while roaring flyovers melt into
fields and lakes. This is northern Honshu: a region of remote, rugged beauty, steeped Sado Island
Wander the preserved in the stories of the pilgrims and poets who first explored the deep north.
Nikko
samurai district of Your first stop is Nikko, where cedar forests conceal dazzlingly ornate shrines and
Tokyo
Kakunodate thundering waterfalls. From here, stop off in Sendai northern Japans biggest city
and hop across to idyllic Matsushima Bay or the mountain-clinging Yamadera Temple
Have a lesson in taiko complex. Journey on to soak in the milky blue waters of Nyuto Onsen, then tread the
drumming on Sado ancient streets of Kakunodate, where weeping cherry trees lean over rows of
Island Japans best-preserved samurai houses.
Sample Buddhist On Mount Haguro, one of three sacred mountains, well-worn pilgrimage
cuisine at a temple routes will lead you through thick cedar forests to a sacred
lodging mountaintop community. Finally theres Sado, a jewel-like island
whose small size belies a significant history: first as a place of exile
Take a boat ride for dissident intellectuals and artists, then as the site of the
through island-studded worlds most productive gold mine, and finally as the home of
Matsushima Bay Kodo Japans much-vaunted taiko drumming troupe.
Admire Japans most Japans rural north may have been devastated by the 2011
tsunami, but Northern Highlights reveals a region that refused to give
elaborate religious
up with a long history, rich culture, and fighting spirit.
architecture in Nikko
Sado Island
Sophie spent two years teaching English and train while they are not on tour, for a
in Fukui Prefecture, and looks back on her genuine insight into the philosophy and
trip to Sado Island as one of her favourite monastic lifestyle of its members.
memories.
We slept at a beachside campsite, and
My friends and I headed out to spent our time driving around the island,
Sado Island one summer to see the through centuries-old cedar forests and
internationally renowned taiko drumming on mountain roads with vast ocean views.
group, Kodo, play on their home turf. The scenery reminded me of Hawaii with
a touch of southern France in the fields
Sophie Walker Only the best taiko drummers in Japan of sunflowers. We stopped in secluded
Senior Travel have a chance of becoming part of Kodo. bays where I had my best snorkelling
Consultant Apprentices have to endure two years experiences in Japan and took a ride in
of rigorous practice to even audition to the traditional local tub boats.
become a performer. Their daily routine is
gruelling, starting with a 10 km (6.2 mi) Sado Island is one of Japans many unspoilt,
run and continuing with drum practice until underrated destinations with so much
they are too tired to raise their arms. After potential to become popular in the future.
watching the group perform, we visited Go now, before anyone else catches on!
Kodo Village, where the drummers live
Nyuto Onsen Mount Haguro
Excited to venture to Japans

Tohoku region?
Drop into your local travel agent or call us today
and well create a detailed itinerary proposal for
this Self-Guided Adventure starting whenever
The service provided was excellent, you like. Book Northern Highlights exactly as
and made travelling around Japan described or discuss your Japan travel wish list
much less stressful than if Id been with us so we can tailor the plans just for you.
organising it myself!
Rhiannon, Norwich, UK
Mount Haguro
Nikko Tokyo
69
Kyushu Adventure
FUKUOKA (2) NAGASAKI (2) UNZEN (1) KUMAMOTO (1) KUROKAWA ONSEN (2)
KAGOSHIMA (2) YAKUSHIMA (3) FUKUOKA (1)
Stand in the shade of a thousand-year-old Japanese cedar, visit a Bond villains lair on an
abandoned island and investigate a volcanic caldera lake on this spectacular exploration
of Japans rural southwestern region. If youre an adventurous traveller who wants to
discover a rarely-seen side of Japan, this itinerary is the one for you.
Trip highlights Kyushu is the third-biggest of Japans four main islands, lying to the southwest of
the country. Kyushus cities are excellent proof that there is plenty of outstanding
scenery, history and local cuisine to be found outside their famous cousins on
Investigate a volcanic Japans main island. This is why your adventure will begin in the exciting hub of
caldera lake on Fukuoka, not Tokyo, allowing you time to see more of this little-visited region.
Mount Aso After fun-loving Fukuoka youll visit Nagasaki, famous as the second location
to be hit by an atomic bomb during World War Two, yet now a vibrant and
Trek to Jomon Sugi, cosmopolitan city. During Japans long period of isolation (16331853) it was
the oldest tree on the only port open to foreign trade, a fact that is still evident in the distinctly
Yakushima European atmosphere and style of architecture at Glover Gardens and
Dejima Exit Island.
Take a tour of
Gunkanjima Whilst in Nagasaki youll also take a cruise to the tiny island of
Battleship Island Gunkanjima, or Battleship Island. Once a densely-populated coal
mine; now a dilapidated ghost town this haunting island served Fukuoka
Visit Suizen-ji, a as the inspiration for the villains lair in the 2012 James Bond Unzen Kurokawa Onsen
classic landscape film Skyfall.
Nagasaki Kumamoto
garden in Kumamoto In the shadow of the rumbling, smoking Sakurajima volcano,
Kagoshima boasts a long samurai history including a key role in the Kagoshima
Experience life in
overthrow of the Tokugawa shogun in the Meiji Restoration of 1868.
the vibrant cities of
Japans southwest Woven between these city stays is the martian landscape of Unzen where Yakushima
steaming volcanic pools bubble up to the earths surface. Finally theres
subtropical Yakushima Island, the inspiration for Miyazakis seminal animated
film Princess Mononoke. Hike through thousand-year-old cedar forests up
vertiginous peaks or visit marine protection areas where sea turtles come
ashore to lay their eggs in summer.
Loggerhead
Mount turtles on Yakushima by Vivienne Boyack
Aso caldera
While studying Japanese at Kumamoto Ive visited Mount Aso four times in four
University, Matt took a course in different seasons, even taking the cable car
volcanology, which led him to the Aso to the crater rim in knee-deep snow the
caldera near Kurokawa Onsen. locals thought I was mad! But despite all my
efforts Ive never actually seen the crater
Mount Aso is the most active volcano in pool as its often hidden in a field of clouds
Japan and one of the largest calderas in or billowing sulphurous gas. But you go to
the world, measuring 25 km (15.5 mi) in Aso for the scenery as much as the volcano;
diameter. It was once one huge mountain the wide rolling farmlands of the caldera are
until a series of eruptions 300,000 years beautiful, great for walking or horse riding,
Matthew Wilkinson ago caused the volcanic chamber to
and theres fantastic hot-spring bathing in
Senior Travel collapse. This created the doughnut-shaped and around the region.
Consultant depression you see today with a central
crater that still bubbles away.
Yakushima Yakushima
Ready for a Kyushu Adventure?

This Self-Guided Adventure can start on any day
of the year. As youll be travelling independently
our travel consultants can tailor this itinerary to
suit you. Why not explore Tokyo first, then fly
down to Kyushu? Upgrade the ryokan stays or
spend longer on Yakushima? The choice is yours.
Kyushu Adventure was my fifth

trip with InsideJapan and I think
it was the best one yet.
Lewis, Edinburgh, UK
Kagoshima
Mount Aso
Mount Aso Unzen
71
Wild Hokkaido
TOKYO (2) RAUSU (2) LAKE KUSSHARO (1) MOUNT ASAHI (2) BIEI (1) Rausu
Lake Kussharo
SAPPORO (2) TOYA ONSEN (1) HAKODATE (2) TOKYO (1) Biei Mount
Asahi
Sapporo
Imagine driving for miles through a patchwork of vibrant red poppy fields and Toya Onsen
vast swathes of lavender with a smouldering volcano as your backdrop. If you
have a thirst for adventure and love to travel under your own steam, our Wild Hakodate
Hokkaido is the ultimate road trip.
Trip highlights Hokkaido is frontier country. The second-largest of Japans four main
islands, for centuries Hokkaido was cut off from the mainland, home only
to the indigenous Ainu people, until its annexation in 1869.
Visit Hokkaido, the Flying north from Tokyo, your journey begins in the Natural World
ancestral home of the Heritage Site of Shiretoko Peninsula, in the town of Rausu. Its a name
Ainu that means Place of men with beast-like spirit, so its no surprise that Tokyo
its home to all sorts of wildlife from brown bears to rare birds. Take
Drive across the a cruise on the wild Sea of Okhotsk for a chance to spot killer whales,
patchwork meadows dolphins and seals.
of Biei
Driving on west, past volcanoes and mist-blanketed lakes, youll reach
Gaze at the night-time Daisetsuzan National Park where youll summit Mount Asahi, the
panorama from atop tallest mountain in Hokkaido, with an expert guide. From here,
Mount Hakodate the landscape softens into rolling meadows and the patchwork
flower fields of Biei, before you finally hit Sapporo Hokkaidos
Enjoy Japanese beer cosmopolitan capital. Fuel up on Japans best beer and
and buttery ramen in barbecue lamb before turning south, where youll bathe in
Sapporo hot springs against the backdrop of smoking Showa Shinzan
Volcano, and gaze at the twinkling nighttime lights of Hakodates
Hike in Daisetzusan anvil-shaped harbour.
National Park with a
With a rental car at your disposal and vast, sweeping scenery from
mountain guide
coast to coast, this itinerary promises to introduce you to a remote yet
captivating area of Japan quite unlike any other region.
Hiking in Hokkaido
Though now based in Alaska, our Daisetsuzan National Park, meanwhile,

remote-worker Hagino returns to her is the backbone of Hokkaido. Its here
home island of Hokkaido each year to that you can ride the aerial lift to the top
go hiking and camping with her family. of Mount Asahi, and then its up to you
to hike around the well-maintained trails
For the Japanese, the name Hokkaido until the ride down or go even further
has an effect like no other place in Japan. and backpack along the ridge of the
For whatever reason, everyones face mountains. My husband and I once hiked
lights up when I tell them thats where for five days south from Mount Asahi
Im from every time! one of my best memories of hiking in
Hagino Baker Hokkaido.
When I was growing up, trips to the
Senior Sales mountains were my familys regular As a rental car is included on Wild
Support weekend and holiday activities. The town Hokkaido, I also recommend taking a
Administrator of Kucchan was one favourite destination, side trip to the town of Kuriyama on the
hiking up beautiful Mount Yotei in way from Biei to Sapporo for a tour and
summer and skiing on the slopes of tasting at Kobayashi Sake Factory.
Niseko in winter.
Rausu Biei
Dreaming of Hokkaidos open

roads?
This Self-Guided Adventure works best if you
travel in July, August or September when the
high roads are open and the scenerys at its best.
For guideline pricing please visit our website, or
better yet, talk to our Hokkaido experts who can
tailor a driving itinerary to suit you.
Toya Onsen
Our Hokkaido trip went better

than we could have imagined.
We couldnt have asked for
anything more.
Glen & Anna, Queensland,

Australia
InsideAsia Tours staff, Reggie Thomson
Hakodate
73
Japan Arts Trail

TOKYO (3) HAKONE (2) NAGOYA (2) KYOTO (3) MATSUE (2)
NAOSHIMA (2) TOKYO (1)
Ponder Picasso in Hakone, explore the ground-breaking art projects on Naoshima

Island, study ukiyo-e woodblock prints in Tokyos National Museum and ruminate
over Tokugawa treasures in Nagoya. Japan boasts a huge selection of international
and indigenous art, and this itinerary showcases the incredible range of museums and
galleries throughout the country.
Trip highlights For centuries Japan has placed the utmost value on the visual aesthetic,
leaving it with a rich artistic heritage that is renowned the world over. This
itinerary will take you on a journey through the ages of Japanese art: from
Trace the history Asuka Period (538710) pottery and traditional nihonga paintings at
of Japanese art in Tokyos National Museum to the towering contemporary behemoth that is
the Mori Art Gallery.
Tokyo and Nagoya Tokyo
Nagoyas Tokugawa Art Museum will introduce you to the finest arts of the Mt Fuji
Visit small galleries Shogun Era (16031868), whilst the Nagoya/Boston Museum of Fine Hakone
and artisan Art presents some of the worlds best contemporary masterpieces an
Nagoya
workshops in Kyoto opportunity to immerse yourself in a very different artistic lineage. Kyoto
Matsue
See Zen-inspired Kyoto was the seat of the imperial court for more than 1,000 years and
Naoshima
gardens at the its members were influential patrons of the arts. Today the city is
Adachi Museum the epicentre of Japanese crafts, and you can visit kimono ateliers,
woodblock print galleries, pottery studios, lacquerware workshops
Stay on Naoshima and washi paper specialists.
Art Island on the
In Hakone National Park youll explore the outstanding outdoor
Seto Inland Sea sculpture park beneath the watchful eye of Mount Fuji, whilst in
Explore Hakones Matsue the Zen-inspired gardens at the venerable Adachi Museum
are an artwork in themselves.
excellent open-air
sculpture park Each of the destinations on this itinerary offers a superb introduction to
aspects of traditional and contemporary Japanese art but the highlight of
this trip has to be Naoshima, a tiny island on the Seto Inland Sea that has
garnered a worldwide reputation for its innovative approach to art.
11 Japan - origami crane
Naoshima Art Island
Claire spent five years teaching English in One of my favourites was Sou Fujimotos
Kyoto, where she used her time to enjoy Naoshima Pavilion, a huge latticework
Japans delicious street food and peruse the structure looking out to sea and of
citys flea markets for vintage kimono. course theres Yayoi Kusamas iconic Yellow
Pumpkin, which has become a symbol of
In crowded Japan, where people live packed the islands art projects. In addition to all
into high-rise cities and go everywhere by the artwork outside, there are tiny, hidden
train, its something of a novelty to have art houses that conceal exhibitions in
space to roam around freely, entirely at abandoned shrines and workshops not
your leisure. Naoshima, a tiny island in the to mention the heavyweight Chichu and
Claire Brothers
Seto Inland Sea, offers the chance to do just Benesse House museums, famous for their
Senior Travel this and thats what I really loved about cutting-edge architecture and world-class
Consultant it. I rented a bike and headed out without a collections. For art lovers visiting Japan,
plan, cycling through gloriously quiet streets Naoshima is a guaranteed highlight.
and beautiful countryside, stopping to walk
on the beaches and admire the amazing art
installations that lie dotted around the place.
Hakone Tokyo
Inspired by Japans world-class

art scene?
You can book this Self-Guided Adventure
exactly as described on these pages, or ask our
travel consultants to tailor it to match your Japan
dreams. Guideline pricing can be found on our
website but do read on for more inspiration on
arts and crafts experiences in Japan on
p. 116 - 117.
Hakone Naoshima
Niki de Saint Phalle Le Banc

Photo: Osamu Watanabe
We utterly loved the hotels,

ryokan and the self-catering
machiya townhouse chosen by
Toby our travel consultant.
Rowan & family, Nyon, Switzerland

Naoshima Hakone
Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin

Photo: Shigeo Anzai 75
Gastronomic Adventure
TOKYO (3) MATSUMOTO (1) TAKAYAMA (2) KANAZAWA (1)
KYOTO (3) MOUNT KOYA (1) OSAKA (2)
If youve ever wanted tempura in Tokyo, yearned for okonomiyaki in Osaka,

fancied miso in Matsumoto or craved kushikatsu in Kyoto its time to indulge
in the ultimate cultural and culinary journey. From vegetarian Buddhist cuisine
on Mount Koya to izakaya pubs and outrageous themed restaurants, our
Gastronomic Adventure will tickle your taste buds and leave you hungry for more!
Trip highlights With three times as many Michelin star restaurants as Paris, where better to
begin your culinary exploration than Tokyo? Well arrange for you to spend the
evening with one of our Tokyo-based Insiders at our favourite local izakaya
Make your own Japans much-loved tapas-style gastropub.
soba noodles in In the mountain towns of Matsumoto and Takayama well set up a lesson in Tokyo
Matsumoto soba-making at a 130-year-old noodle shop and treat you to a meal of melt- Kanazawa Matsumoto
in-the-mouth Hida beef at a traditional Japanese inn. Next up, in Kyoto, youll Takayama
Indulge in succulent take a crash-course in hearty home-cooking with a local resident, and enjoy a
Hida Beef in alpine dinner of the finest tempura in an atmospheric restaurant with sliding paper
Kyoto
Takayama screens and a Japanese garden.
Osaka
Sample Buddhist In the temple community of Mount Koya youll discover shojin ryori Mount Koya
cuisine at a temple vegetarian Buddhist cuisine that prizes simplicity and seasonality,
lodging on Mount Koya and whose preparation is treated as a meditative activity by the
monks who make it. A guided street-food tour of Osaka will then
Take a street food tour introduce you to a very different culinary philosophy with its
of Osaka, famous as battered octopus, savoury pancakes, meat-and-veg skewers
Japans Kitchen and ramen shops brimming over with fun-loving crowds.
Enjoy Kyotos finest Throughout your foodie adventure, well be there to assist with
advance reservations at the best restaurants in town, as well as all
tempura
manner of experiences whether you want to visit Matsumotos wasabi
farms, see how miso is made in Takayama, sample sake in Tokyo, shop
for obscure ingredients at Kanazawas Omicho Market or eat super-fresh
sushi at Osakas morning fish market. This is your gastronomic adventure, and
we cant wait to make it happen.
01 Japan - Sushi
Izakaya
Grant split his six years in Japan between One of my favourite izakaya snacks is
Kanazawa, Nagoya, and rural Gunma renkon (lotus root) and gobo (burdock
Prefecture. A home brewer and beer root) chips, served with sweet chilli sauce
enthusiast, he has plenty to say about and mayonnaise for dipping. They go
Japanese izakaya! perfectly with a frosted beer after a long
day of sightseeing. And while the beer is
The Japanese answer to the pub, the always refreshing, youll also find a wide
izakaya is my favourite place to grab an variety of cocktails, sake and shochu
easy and delicious dinner anywhere in an East Asian spirit made from sweet
Japan. With their extensive menus of potatoes or brown sugar.
Grant Ekelund
small, shareable plates encompassing
Travel Consultant everything from sashimi and gyoza Wherever you are in Japan, theres
dumplings to pizza and bacon-wrapped bound to be an izakaya or two, and
asparagus they are the perfect place almost all of the major chains have
to try new things and discover innovative picture menus, so you dont have
spins on old favourites. to worry about reading or speaking
Japanese. Kanpai (cheers)!
Matsumoto
Hungry for more Japanese

cuisine?
This is a Self-Guided Adventure and we
can arrange it for you exactly as described in
this brochure. Visit our website for guideline
pricing, speak to your local travel agent or call
us today. Alternatively we can create a bespoke
foodie itinerary to suit you or weave culinary
experiences into any Japan holiday.
Kyoto
Tokyo Osaka
The food was paradise and so, so

varied! We went to many of the
Takayama restaurants you recommended
and loved them all.
Lucy & Thomas, London, UK

InsideAsia Tours staff, Rob Knight
Matsumoto
77
Manga & Anime

TOKYO (3) KYOTO (2) OSAKA (3) TOKYO (2)
When you think of Japan today, the chances are that Pikachu and Studio Ghibli
are just as likely to spring to mind as Zen gardens and geisha. Our Manga & Anime
itinerary provides you with an insight into the kaleidoscopic world of Japanese
pop culture from Akihabaras retro game shops to Kyotos manga libraries and
everything in between.
Trip highlights Tokyo is the pop culture hub of Japan, so its only fitting that you begin
and end your trip here in the capital. With our Info-Pack to hand, you can
mingle with gaming geeks in multi-storey arcades, play master of the
Pay homage to anime house at a maid caf in Akihabara electric town, and visit the magical
legends at the Ghibli Ghibli Museum to wander through the imagination of Japans greatest
animator. Tokyo
Museum
In Kyoto youll find the International Manga Museum rubbing shoulders
Visit samurai movie sets with ancient temples and age-old shrines the perfect juxtaposition of
in Kyoto distinguished tradition and popular culture. Dont miss the wonderfully Kyoto
kitsch Toei Movie Park, where you can dress as a geisha, samurai or ninja
and explore authentic Japanese film sets. Osaka
See the giant Gundam
Wing state at Odaiba Moving on to Osaka, youll be catapulted into the tumult of one
of Japans most exciting cities as you wander beneath the giant
animatronic crabs, Ferris wheels and the looming neon running
Wander amongst Ferris man of the Dotonbori district. Visit the fashion arcades, explore
wheels and animatronic the vintage shops in Amerika Mura, or perhaps even spend
crabs in Osaka a day in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal
Studios Japan. While in Osaka, manga aficionados should also
Explore the comic make a half-day trip to Takarazuka, home of the all-singing, all-
shops of Tokyos manga dancing, manga-adapting cabaret the Takarazuka Revue and the
districts Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum, commemorating the revered creator of
Astro Boy.
Nakano Broadway
As the former president of dojinshi (fan art) this is less a

Otakon, one of the longest- shopping mall and more like
running anime conventions in the nerdiest rabbit warren in
the US, Alice is our go-to girl the world.
for all things otaku (geek). My personal favourite is the
If youre interested in otaku shop selling actual hand-painted
culture youve probably heard of animation cells from classics
Akihabara, but have you heard and niche titles alike. The shops
of Tokyos Nakano Broadway? are generally second-hand,
Alice Volkmar which can mean great bargains.
If youre on the hunt for true
Travel Consultant But watch outyou might just
hidden treasure, you must put
this collectors paradise on your find that incredibly rare item
list. With a complex of no less youve been hunting for, causing
than 25 different Mandarake your wallet to instantly go up in
speciality shops, each focusing flames. Akihabara may be nerd
on a microcosm of pop culture Mecca, but Nakano Broadway is
like figures, cosplay, manga and certainly worth a pilgrimage.
Tokyo
Obsessed with Japanese

manga?
So are we! Speak to one of our in-house manga
and anime geeks whod love to arrange this
Self-Guided Adventure to start whenever suits
you. For guideline pricing please visit our website,
but we can tailor the travel arrangements to meet
This trip was my first time (almost) any budget. For more inspiration please
travelling alone, but the support also see the Pop Culture section (p.122-123)
from InsideJapan made it a later in this brochure.
very comfortable and satisfying
experience.
Ryan, Minneapolis, USA

Osaka
Tokyo
79
Ishigaki Beach Extension

6 nights, Self-Guided Adventure Add-On
OSAKA (1) ISHIGAKI (4) TOKYO (1)
Few people realise that Japan has subtropical islands let alone hundreds of them.
Allow us to introduce the Okinawa Archipelago: a string of islands that until 150 years
ago were a thriving independent kingdom. With white sandy beaches, iridescent seas
and dense jungles of mangroves filled with rare wildlife this is a true island paradise.
Tokyo
Tour highlights Jetting south from Osaka, youll land on one of the most beautiful islands in Okinawa:
Ishigaki. This white-beached gem is just 40 km (25 mi) from tip to toe, yet its packed
with potential for adventure and relaxation.
Osaka
Relax and unwind on Kabira Bay, in the north of the island, is considered one of the most picturesque
tropical beaches spots in Japan, whilst the hilly, forested interior of the island holds plenty of
hiking opportunities. You could opt to dive with manta rays amid the coral
reefs, go underground at impressive limestone caves, or while away the
Road trip or hike
hours with drink in hand as you chill out on the beach. Public transport
through Ishigakis is fairly limited on Ishigaki, which is why weve included a rental car so
hilly interior you can really explore the island.
Island hop to explore Youd be quite justified in spending your entire time on Ishigaki, but
the jungles of dont miss out on the equally beguiling charms of neighbouring islands
Iriomote Iriomote and Taketomi both just a short ferry ride from the local port.
Mountainous and almost entirely clad in jungle, circumnavigated
Snorkel or scuba dive by a single road, Iriomote is famous for its beautiful waterfalls,
over the coral reefs outstanding hiking, and the rare Iriomote wildcat, endemic to the
island. Taketomi, meanwhile, is even smaller just 3 km (1.9 mi)
across with water buffalo ambling past low-slung red-roofed
Get to grips with houses and tranquil beaches with star-shaped sand.
Okinawan culture
What many people find surprising about these little islands
is the strong and distinctive culture that they all share.
Reflecting a motley assortment of influences from
Taiwan, China and America, everything about Ishigaki
Okinawan culture is entirely distinct from that of

mainland Japan from its eclectic cuisine and indigenous languages to its
traditional sanshin music and eisa dance. This cultural richness,
coupled with glorious weather, warm seas and stunning beaches,
make the Okinawa Islands one of Asias best-kept secrets.
Island hopping to Iriomote

Before joining InsideJapan, Rachel worked as a travel rep in the easily combined with a few hours of kayaking amongst mangroves,
Canary Islands, Cyprus and the Maldives so she knows a thing or snorkelling in the warm sea. All over the island there are little
or two about tropical paradise! Last year she made her first trip coves and inlets with great beaches and theyre often completely
to Japans southernmost islands. deserted! One of the highlights of my trip to Iriomote was taking
a ride on the beach in a cart drawn by a water buffalo, while the
For me, Japan me has always been about the mix of rural and driver sang and played traditional music.
urban; how in just a few short hours you can go from the bright
lights and hyperactivity of Tokyo to wild mountains or windswept The tiny Island of Taketomi, meanwhile, is just half an hours ferry
plains. On my most recent trip I wanted to see another side of ride from Ishigaki. Whilst Iriomote is jungle-like with its mangroves,
Japan: tropical Japan. Well, subtropical anyway. waterfalls and rugged coves Taketomi is more tranquil, with long
Rachel Rykala white sandy beaches and buildings mainly built of coral. Some
Senior Travel Iriomote Island, just a short ferry ride from Ishigaki in the Okinawa of the beaches even have grains of sand shaped like stars. As a
Archipelago, is well-known for its thick jungles and beautiful former resident of the Maldives, I felt quite at home!
Consultant
scenery. A trek through the lush green paths to Pinaisara Falls is
Ishigaki Taketomi
Looking for a Japanese beach

break?
If you fancy adding a relaxing beach stay in
Okinawa to the beginning, middle or end of
your Japan exploration, please speak to your
local travel agent or get in touch with our
The highlight of my Japan holiday
excellent travel consultants. We can arrange this
was travelling so far south to
Ishigaki Beach Extension exactly as described, or
Ishigaki and the beautiful islands
tailor the itinerary to suit you.
miles from anywhere.
Nigel, London, UK Please also check our website. Weve got more
beach ideas online including a 14-night Island
Hopping Self-Guided Adventure which will see
Iriomote you exploring five of Okinawas prettiest islands.
Taketomi
Hirata Kanko, InsideAsia Tours staff
Ishigaki Ishigaki
81
EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE JOURNEYS
Exclusive Private Journeys
Alastair Donnelly
Director
What makes the perfect holiday? Since our first tailored journey
landed in Japan in 2001, I have been pondering this constantly.
I have come to realise that it is the simple things that form the
basis of your experience with us. This is why we are always
friendly, polite, thoughtful and considerate. We listen to you; we
want to know who you are and what your ideal trip looks like.
After all, it is your holiday, not ours, and we want you to return
saying that it was the best trip youve ever taken. These things
may seem basic but in my experience, theyre hard to find.
Our Exclusive Private Journeys concept is the culmination of
everything we have learnt since founding the company. Since
then the range of services and experiences we can arrange for
you has grown dramatically. No longer are you restricted to the
tourist tea ceremony experience instead you can take tea with
the head monk of a private temple.
We have extended our network of contacts far and wide so you
can assist a master sword-maker in forging a blade, get your
hands dirty with a fourth-generation master potter, take a tour
with a leading photographer, visit galleries with an academic,
discover a local market with a renowned food writer and enjoy a
cookery class with a Michelin-starred chef.
We open closed doors for you. We allow you to really get beneath
Japans surface, giving you an insight into this fascinating country
though interactions with its most interesting residents.
Allowing complete flexibility and with every trip intelligently
designed just for you, our Exclusive Private Journeys provide
you with the finest experience of Japan available anywhere.
82 EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE JOURNEYS W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8

Our Exclusive Private Journey concept 84 - 85
Guides & experts 86 - 87
Innovative cultural experiences 88 - 89
83
Our Exclusive Private Journey concept

Our Exclusive Private Journeys are elite-level itineraries including only the very best hotels, restaurants and
experiences, created to suit you down to the very last detail.
Escorted from start to finish by top-quality professional guides, youll have access to Japans most exclusive
experiences, made possible by our excellent network of experts and artisans. Whats more, from the moment your
driver greets you at the airport to the day you return home, your trip will run like clockwork. Our team is working
constantly behind the scenes to ensure that everything goes to plan whether you want to eat at Tokyos best sushi
restaurant, meet one of Japans last living swordsmiths, or make that last-minute trip into the Japanese Alps. This is
your ultimate trip to Japan, and we will make it happen.
Hoshinoya Resort, Karuizawa Lamp no Yado, Noto Peninsula
Sumptuous hotels and traditional inns Fine dining

On an InsideJapan Exclusive Private Journey, Japans finest hotels Then there is the cuisine. Japan is a gourmands dream and we
and traditional inns are available to you. Tokyo, of course, offers guarantee that youll go home with tales of some of the best dining 01 Japan - Sushi
top-end international chains including the exceptional Park Hyatt, and experiences you have ever head. We will make sure you have a table
the Peninsula is also a firm favourite. Whats more, we can introduce at a sprinkling of the most famous places in town. Thats not to say
you to remarkable Japanese-owned and managed properties the were solely interested in Michelin stars; only a local knows where the
wonderful Palace Hotel with balconies overlooking the grounds of best, most authentic eateries are hidden. So allow our guides to take
the Imperial Palace, and the Imperial Hotel, the grandfather of Japans you off-piste to tiny ramen stalls beloved of salarymen, seek out the
luxury hotel scene. freshest sushi at a fish market or venture into hidden bars on a sake-
soaked safari through the city nightlife.
Step out of the capital and the options diversity even further. Well
have you taking tea served by impossibly graceful, kimono-wearing
attendants; soaking in hot springs overlooking mountain forests; and
waking in the morning to the sight of a perfectly manicured Japanese
garden as you relax in an elegant ryokan inn. This is the Japan of
romantic imagination; it is the total immersion and dream-like escape
that will have you asking yourself did that really happen?
Flawlessly organised, everything went exactly to plan and the level of

detail provided in the documentation was excellent.
Jill & Bernd
London, UK

Exclusive service
Innovative, bespoke itineraries created just for you
Top-level guides in every destination
The finest hotels, restaurants and exclusive experiences
Private cars & drivers for all transfers and sightseeing
Elite-level service and concierge support
Mura
ta Ryo
kan
, Yu
fui
n
85
Asaba Ryokan, Izu Peninsula
Guides, experts & artisans

You will be accompanied by knowledgeable, English-speaking guides at every step of your trip. Hand-picked professionals, our guides provide
a deep insight into the history and culture of every destination on your itinerary.
Our guides are also experienced travel facilitators, able to accommodate last-minute requests. Theyll coordinate with drivers, call ahead to
inform hotel staff of your imminent arrival, and make advance reservations for garden visits and temple appointments. Thats in addition to
coordinating out-of-the-ordinary experiences to heighten your holiday enjoyment.
On an Exclusive Private Journey you really wont have to worry about anything as we ensure you have a seamless adventure.
Masa is one of InsideJapans full-time America I have lived in Toronto, Houston,

professional guides who looks after guests Boston, LA and New York.
during their Exclusive Private Journey.
As a guide I most enjoy enabling guests to
Im originally from Iga Ueno, a small rural uncover the mysteries of Japanese culture. Japan
town famous for its ninja training schools. In has achieved economic success in a relatively
fact I have a renowned ancestor: the samurai short time whilst keeping our unique traditions
Hanzo Hattori. I now live in Tokyo with my wife something that I hope will fascinate you as much
and daughters. Before I became a professional as it does me.
guide, I spent 43 years working in sales and
Masa Hattori management for Kintetsu, a Japanese logistics
Professional guide firm. 21 of those years were stationed in North
Experts & artisans

At InsideJapan Tours we believe in experts. We have a far-reaching network Thanks to these connections we can create innovative bespoke itineraries
of artisans and specialists with a wealth of knowledge to share from head connecting you with just the right expert to match your specific interests.
priests in Kyoto and Mount Koya, through to an eighth-generation ceramicist,
sake sommeliers, geisha, and even one of Japans few remaining falconers.
Everett Kennedy Brown Peter Macintosh

Photographer Geisha culture expert
& multimedia artist
InsideJapan has been working with Everett for many years. If you are a keen A former professional football player from Canada, Peter has called Kyoto his home
photographer, youll have an inspirational trip under Everetts expert tutelage. since 1993. He is widely-known as the leading Western expert on geisha culture.
A photographer working in Japan for the past 25 years, my work has appeared in most Kyoto is a magical city. You just have to know the right people to show you where to
major global media, including National Geographic, Geo, Time, Newsweek, Le Monde, look. Allow me to give you an exclusive glimpse behind closed doors at the mysterious
Der Spiegel, The Times, and the New York Times. Ive been fortunate to travel extensively world of geisha culture.
throughout the Japanese archipelago and have many opportunities to meet remarkable
Since arriving in Kyoto more than 20 years ago, I began a deep study of Japans
people and hear their stories. Amazing doors have opened allowing me to view things
traditional arts including calligraphy, sumie ink painting, song and dance. Through the
rarely accessible to the public eye. In my photography and teaching I wish to share these
connections I made with local artists, I was introduced into the floating world of the
experience with you as much as I can.
geisha. I have since appeared in numerous TV shows and print articles worldwide
For me, life in Japan is a long and ever-deepening love affair with place and culture. shedding light on the history and traditions of geisha, as well as being a location scout
Through my imagery, honouring the use of classical Japanese techniques and traditional for the Hollywood movie Memoirs of a Geisha. I also created a course in geisha studies
materials, I hope to share my vision of the deep currents of Japanese culture that I for Kansai University in 2009 the first of its kind. I am currently working on my second
encounter in my journeys. documentary film about the Geisha Renaissance.

Excellent guides are a key feature of our Exclusive Private Journeys.
It has not been easy to bring together the talented team we now have
in place, but it is enormously satisfying when clients tell me that their
guide was the best theyve ever had.
Our guides are experienced, charismatic and thoroughly
knowledgeable, and their efforts will bring alive each place you visit.
After all, it is the people you meet, not just the things you see, that
help make a great trip so memorable and special.
Alastair Donnelly
Director
Norman Blaikie
87
Innovative cultural experiences

There is no limit to the carefully curated experiences we can arrange in Japan. We can reveal secretive worlds that are often not
accessible to the general public or available elsewhere.
For our team, Japan is an endless discovery, and we are passionate about research to create highly sought-after cultural
encounters. Simply let us know what aspects of Japanese culture appeal and we will craft a bespoke itinerary just for you.
Hunt for rare vinyl Meditate under the guidance of a head priest
Tokyo Mount Koya
Passionate about vinyl? Well connect you with a Stay in gorgeous private quarters at Sanbo-in, one of
Tokyo resident who is himself an avid vinyl music the oldest temples on Mount Koya. Here youll meet
collector. Whether youre into jazz, The Beatles, the chief abbot who will explain the temples history
Japanese folk or looking for bootlegs, well help you and the founding of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. In
find it amongst Tokyos fantastic record shops, jam- the early morning the abbot will guide you through a Create kaiseki cuisine with
packed with rare vinyl. meditation practice after a special purification ritual. a Michelin-starred chef
Tokyo
To learn from a Michelin-starred chef is an

Encounter kyudo archery practitioners
Photograph geisha on location extraordinary privilege. Accompanied by your guide
Tokyo
Kyoto to translate, youll begin with a trip to a local market
Let us introduce you to leading practitioners of martial to buy ingredients before returning to a professional
Searching for an exceptional photo opportunity? training kitchen. Here the chef will teach you how to
arts at the Tokyo Budokan, the capitals premier training
Thanks to our strong connections in the geisha prepare a selection of kaiseki dishes of your choice in
facility for kendo, judo, karate and kyudo archery.
world, let us arrange for you to photograph geisha on a private, hands-on lesson.
With a translator on hand you can sit down with
location around Kyoto. Youll be accompanied by an
martial artists to discuss their training routines, mental
esteemed photographer who can provide guidance to
discipline and Tokyos hopes for the 2020 Olympics.
help you take the most enviable pictures a truly rare
window into a world few foreigners ever see.
Make wagashi confectionary
with a renowned ptissier
Tokyo
Unravel the mysteries of Bizen pottery
Let us take you to one of Tokyos most prestigious
Okayama wagashi shops to meet a master ptissier. Born into a
wagashi-making family, the chef creates the Japanese
Meet a fourth-generation ceramist at his workshop
sweets by hand, paying close attention to flavour
in the Bizen pottery district near Okayama. With the
and aesthetics to express the season. He is a true
help of your guide, the ceramist will show you how
master of his art, and his expertise has been sought
reddish-brown Bizenware is fired in a wood-burning
by famous confectionary makers around the world,
kiln to create the potterys distinctive markings. Get the
including eminent French chocolatier Jean-Charles
inside track on the artistic debate going on in Bizen, as
Rochoux.
some potters promote individual self-expression whilst
others fight for the preservation of tradition.
Taste Japanese wines

with an expert sommelier
Tokyo
Japan is not the first place that springs to mind when

you consider the world of wine, but let us introduce
you to a Japanese sommelier wholl show you just
how far Japans wine has come. Your guide for this
wine-tasting evening is also a prolific food writer and
photographer the perfect person to demonstrate how
Japanese wine can be paired with kaiseki cuisine and
other dishes only to be had in Japan.

89
Everett Kennedy Brown
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
Often, the quality of your accommodation can make or break your holiday. Thats why
at InsideJapan Tours we have an ever-evolving list of hundreds of Western-style hotels
and traditional Japanese inns across the country. Each of these has been tried and
tested by our team, who have slept in the beds, eaten the breakfasts and quizzed the
hotel staff to ensure we only recommend the best.
The next few pages showcase a handful of our favourite properties. Some are exciting
brand-new hotels; others we have maintained close ties with for years. Rest assured
with our expert knowledge and years of experience, we can suggest the perfect
accommodation for you.
Janne Ford, Matt Lodge, InsideAsia Tours staff
90 ACCOMMODATION W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8
Hiiragiya Ryokan, Kyoto
C O N T E N T S
Western-style hotels 92 - 93
Traditional Japanese inns 94 - 95
91
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
ACCOMMODATION
Western-style hotels
From budget accommodation for business travellers to family-run B&Bs and phenomenal five-star properties,
Japan has a huge range of Western-style hotels.
When we talk about Western-style hotels in Japan, we mean your room will be At the opposite end of the scale, Japan has world-class five-star properties that
carpeted, and have Western beds (a mattress on a bed frame) and an en-suite ooze luxury. As a rule of thumb: the more you pay, the larger the guest room, the
bathroom. more facilities (restaurants, bar, pool, gym, spa etc) and the better the English
level and service.
No matter your price range, all the hotels we choose are in good locations
either handy for sightseeing, close to train stations or both. Budget hotels, Although known as Western-style, many hotels do feel very Japanese making
usually designed for businessmen, are clean, comfortable and reliable. Rooms use of traditional textiles, paper screens, fans, scrolls and flowers in their interior
may be on the small side, but will be well equipped with air conditioning, TVs design. Breakfast buffets can be a bit of a hybrid of cuisines and may include
and hairdryers, whilst the hotel will also have vending machines in the corridors sausage, egg and toast, but also salad, miso soup and pickles take your pick.
and coin-operated washing machines. The Japanese love their tea, so green tea and kettles are usually provided in hotel
rooms with many hotels also offering complimentary coffee.
For art lovers For shopping enthusiasts For luxury devotees

Park Hotel Cross Hotel Palace Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo, superior Osaka, moderate Tokyo, deluxe
Fancy sleeping in an art exhibition? Try the Park Hotel in The Cross is a great hotel in a fantastic location In a city as vertical of Tokyo, the view is everything.
Tokyo, which occupies the ten uppermost floors of the amid the drama of Osakas neon Nanba district. Its So picture yourself at Tokyos most prestigious hotel,
sleek Shiodome Media Tower. 32 of the guest rooms moderately priced with small yet stylish monochrome standing on your private balcony gazing across the
have been individually designed by Japanese artists, guest rooms, leaving you with more yen to spend in moats of the Imperial Palace grounds. The natural
so your sleep could be guarded by sumo wrestlers, the nearby Dotonbori shopping arcades. Hotel staff greens outside are reflected in the interior design
overseen by oriental goldfish or lulled into tranquillity in speak good English so can point you in the right palette: mossy tones and pistachio carpets. The service
a bamboo forest. direction for bargain hunting. is impeccable, as are the hotel restaurants.
For movie buffs
Park Hyatt
Tokyo, deluxe hotel
Have your very own Lost in Translation experience
at the Tokyo Park Hyatt, immortalised on the silver
screen by Sofia Coppola. Fall in love with Tokyo as
Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson did: drink Suntory
whiskey at the New York Bar, take a swim in the pool
on the 47th floor or simply enjoy gazing down on
the streets of Shinjuku.
Feeling inspired?
Let us know which hotels sound like your cup of
tea and we can weave them into any Self-Guided
Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey.
Travelling on a Small Group Tour? You can find out

which accommodation each tour uses on our website,
or call us for details.
For bar hoppers For sanctuary seekers

Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto Four Seasons
Kyoto, moderate Kyoto, deluxe
If your idea of a holiday means going out on the tiles, Kyotos heavenly Four Seasons brings a traditional twist
Royal Park Hotel The Kyoto is in the spot for you. to the five-star scene. Set in an 800-year-old garden,
Its slap-bang in Kyotos downtown, just a few steps the hotel invites guest to enjoy luxury Kyoto-style:
from gorgeous Pontocho a narrow lantern-lit alley guest rooms feature paper lamps, sliding screens
lined with restaurants and teahouses. Neighbouring and lacquerware all lovingly hand-crafted by local
Kiyamachi Street is rowdier but more accessible: a artisans. A wide range of cultural experiences are on
kilometre strip of izakaya pubs, ramen joints and clubs. offer too including tea ceremonies by day and sake
The hotel itself is a quiet retreat from the hubbub. tastings by night.
93
ACCOMMODATION
Traditional Japanese inns

In our opinion every Japan holiday should include at least one stay in a traditional Japanese inn, known as a
ryokan. But what can you expect from a stay of this kind?
Slide back the wooden door to any ryokan and swap your shoes for the slippers In Japan the best chefs work in ryokan and therefore the evening meal is the
provided in the entrance way. Here youll be greeted by your host, wholl lead the highlight of the day. Expect dozens of tiny dishes, exquisitely presented, featuring
way to your guest room for a welcoming cup of green tea. a set menu of regional specialities made from seasonal ingredients. With slivers of
raw fish, steaming hotpots, tempura vegetables, soups, pickles, grilled fish, rice and
Ryokan rooms look pretty minimalist at first glance. Tatami reed-mat flooring, paper
more, you certainly wont go hungry.
screens, a low table, possibly a scroll or ikebana flower arrangement and little else.
But the beautys in the simplicity. Floor-to-ceiling cupboards offer a space to put your Like Western-style hotels, ryokan range from budget to deluxe. In a budget inn,
luggage and contain the futon mattresses, duvets and blankets that your maid will bathing facilities will be communal (men and women separate) whilst en-suite
lay on the floor for you after dinner. In your room youll also find yukata robes which bathrooms or even private outdoor hot-springs are only available at higher grade
you can wear like dressing gowns around the inn. properties. The Japanese love their communal bathing and the nicest ryokan have a
huge range of shared hot-spring baths or onsen. Trust us; soaking in a hot tub under
the stars is the perfect way to rest after a long day of sightseeing
For independent types For onsen aficionados

Iori Machiya Hanafubuki
Kyoto, superior Izu Peninsula, superior
Dont you just love pretending that youre not on holiday, but actually living there like At the Hanafubuki you can soak in hot-spring baths to your hearts content. All
a local? A stay in a self-catering machiya townhouse in Kyoto grants you this illusion. seven baths are open 24 hours a day and are for private use only so you neednt
Shop in local stores, potter down residential streets, chat to the neighbours, then feel shy about getting naked. We recommend taking an afternoon to try each
climb the stairs to the tatami-mat bedroom in your own Kyoto house. outdoor bath at least once; in some you can inhale the scent of cypress or kuromoji
spice bush, whilst others are beautifully decorated with Japanese ceramics.
For first-timers
Ichinoyu Honkan
Hakone, moderate
Dating back to 1630, Ichinoyu Honkan was one of
the first hot-spring inns in Hakone National Park.
It was even immortalised in a woodblock print by
the eminent artist Ando Hiroshige. Today Ichinoyu
offers a great first-time taste of the traditional ryokan
experience staff are accustomed to overseas guests
and can walk you through the etiquette required:
where to take your shoes off, and how to tie your
yukata robe. We highly recommend upgrading to a
room with a private outdoor hot-spring bath attached
with views across the river.
Looking for more ideas?

Our website is full of information about fantastic hotels
and ryokan to suit all budgets and tastes. Or ask our
expert travel consultants for their recommendations.
Weve all got our favourites which wed be more than
happy to share with you.
For gourmands For fans of homespun hospitality

Beniya Mukayu Daikichi
Yamashiro Onsen, deluxe Tsumago, moderate
For world-class cuisine, take dinner at the Beniya In the picturesque hamlet of Tsumago, allow yourself
Mukayu a gorgeous 17-room ryokan where the staff to be mothered by the always-charming Mrs Daikichi,
take time to talk you through the food. Each exquisite who runs a five-room inn with her family in a little
kaiseki dish reveals seasonal specialities: sea bream in wooden house overlooking the tea fields. Dinners are
spring, oysters and river fish in bamboo leaves in the homemade by the host herself just look out for the
summer, mushrooms in autumn and steaming crabs fried grasshoppers!
in winter. Knowledgeable waiters can recommend
wines and sake to pair with each course.
95
EXPERIENCES & INSPIRATION
Experiences & inspiration

We dont just want you to see Japan, but to experience it yourself, hands-on. What better way to get to grips with
the countrys fascinating culture, landscape and history?
Are you planning the perfect honeymoon or looking for the ultimate family holiday? Perhaps you love being outdoors: hiking the mountains,
exploring by bike or kayaking the rivers. Or are you more of an arts-and-crafter; in which case taking part in a tea ceremony, ikebana flower-
arranging lesson or a pottery class might be for you. There are endless ways we can create memorable Japan experiences to suit you.
Whatever your interests, abilities and budget, we hope the ideas outlined in this section of the brochure will inspire you to contact us and
find out more.
96 EXPERIENCES & INSPIR ATION W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8

C O N T E N T S
Honeymoons 98 - 99
Families 100 - 101
Food & drink 102 - 103
Winter sports 104 - 105
Walking & hiking 106 - 107
Adventure 108 - 109
Sumo 110 - 111
Buddhism & Shintoism 112 - 113
Geisha 114 - 115
Traditional arts & crafts 116 - 117
Japanese history 118 - 119
Samurai 120 - 121
Pop culture 122 - 123
Hot-spring bathing 124 - 125
Gardens 126 - 127
Festivals 128 - 129
97
Honeymoons
Japan is a dream honeymoon destination. Where else could you experience
ancient traditions, impeccable hospitality, world-class cuisine and fantastic
accommodation ranging from exquisite ryokan with private hot-spring
baths to super-deluxe hotels at the top of towering city skyscrapers? And
thats not to mention the romantic scenery, from quaint rural villages to
impeccable gardens filled with cherry blossom.
Whether your ideal honeymoon includes visiting a Zen-inspired spa at an exclusive mountain
retreat, taking a sunset helicopter cruise over Tokyos dramatic skyline, or relaxing with a cocktail on
a subtropical island our expertly planned packages and on-the-ground support ensure that no
hiccup can get in the way of your experience. Some of our staff have even honeymooned in Japan
themselves, so you can rest assured that we know how to make your trip extra-special.
We are both so pleased that we booked our honeymoon

with InsideJapan Tours. We could not recommend using
you guys highly enough!
Aaron & Alison, Bath, UK
Ready to start planning your honeymoon?
Or looking for more information? Try our website. We have a comprehensive honeymoon section with
example itineraries and prices, diverse accommodation ideas and many more experiences.
Better still, talk to one of our travel consultants whod love to tailor a bespoke Self-Guided
Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey. Fancy a Small Group Tour instead? No problem,
honeymooners have joined our tours before and are always very welcome.
Shinto wedding ceremony Kimono photo shoot

Kyoto Kyoto
For the ultimate Japan honeymoon, why not celebrate your marriage with a Simpler than a full Shinto ceremony, we can arrange a photo shoot of
Shinto wedding ceremony at a Kyoto shrine? Kimono hire, professional hair you and your partner dressed in formal wedding kimono. The bride
styling & make-up for the bride are included, as is a wedding photographer wears an elegant white shiromuku kimono made up of multiple layers,
and a kaiseki feast after the ceremony. while in contrast the groom wears a formal black montsuki kimono.

Champagne & flowers Sunset helicopter cruise

Across Japan Tokyo
Treating your partner? Or perhaps youre the best man or bridesmaid and you Imagine a romantic twilight helicopter cruise over the Tokyo skyline. See the
want to make sure your friends honeymoon gets off to the very best start. We neon lights of Shinjuku glittering below as you sweep past the 634 m (2,080
can arrange for surprise champagne or flowers to be delivered to any hotel ft) Skytree and admire the gleaming Ginza skyscrapers. Alternatively you could
across Japan. take a daytime flight to delight in the mountains beyond Tokyo including
majestic Mount Fuji, which may be visible on a clear day.
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Families
If adults come away from Japan enthralled just imagine
visiting Japan as a child. Utterly fascinating yet accessible, a trip
to Japan is a mind-opening experience for the whole family.
Japans cities are a flashing, whirring paradise for kids of all ages. In Tokyo alone,
your family can enjoy the imaginative flights of anime masters at the Ghibli
Museum, take a master class in manga drawing, meet Hello Kitty at the Sanrio
Puroland theme park and get lost in the endless amusement arcades of Akihabara
electric town.
Out in the countryside, your family can cycle through rural villages, kayak from
Hiroshima across to Miyajima Island or feed the friendly deer in Nara Park. There
are also endless hands-on activities to try, from martial arts to origami or taiko
drumming inspiring, educational experiences for any age.
One of the safest and cleanest countries in the world, Japan boasts superb
amenities and excellent family accommodation, making travelling with children
wonderfully stress-free.
Whats more, dining options encompass everything from all-you-can-eat ice cream
parlours to fishing restaurants where you can reel in your own meal so if your
child doesnt take to sushi, you neednt worry.
Accommodation is an important part of any holiday, especially when travelling

as a family. Whether you are looking for family rooms with three or four beds,
connecting rooms, large Japanese-style rooms or a family-sized apartment, we
have something to suit.
We had an amazing time as there

were so many great activities: baseball,
sumo, kayaking, drumming, trekking
and monkeys!
Morag & family, UK
Planning a family adventure?

We have a dedicated family section on our website with example itineraries and
pricing, accommodation recommendations, destination suggestions and tons of
family-friendly cultural experience ideas.
Alternatively, speak to one of our experienced travel consultants. Let them know
which of the ideas on these pages has caught your eye, and theyd be delighted
to start designing a Self-Guided Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey to suit
your family. If youd prefer a Small Group Tour, families with children aged six or
older are welcome on the majority of our tours.

Mystery Game
Tokyo
The whole family will have to get their thinking caps on to solve the riddles and clues
in our Tokyo Mystery Game. Tokyo is the worlds largest city, so it should come as
no surprise that even the locals havent explored all of this megalopolis. If you can
answer the questions in our quiz correctly, youll progress on foot, train and bus to
discover corners of Tokyo that visitors rarely get to see.
Taiko drumming
Kyoto
Got energy to burn? A taiko drumming class is sure to exhaust even the most
energetic youngster. The instructor will soon have your family working as a team in
a choreographed rhythmic performance banging massive wooden drums. We can
arrange taiko drumming lessons in Tokyo and Kyoto, but to visit the spiritual home of
taiko you must head for magnificent Sado Island.
Beginners Japanese lesson

Tokyo
Learning a little bit of Japanese can go a long way toward winning over the locals.
Knowing even just the basic greetings can get you admiration all round! Thats why
we highly recommend getting your family holiday off on the right foot with a short
lesson in basic Japanese. Lessons are private so you can focus on the topics you
want; suggested themes include introducing yourself, making friends, ordering in
restaurants, asking directions and shopping.
Roketsu indigo dyeing

Kyoto
Create your own batik-style creations and get a little messy in the process. This
fun activity is available at a studio in Kyoto overseen by craftspeople with 50 years
of experience. Roketsu dyeing is unique to Kyoto: wax is used to block dyes in an
area finely drawn by hand onto the cloth. You can choose to create a handkerchief,
Adrian Furner, InsideAsia Tours staff
bandana, t-shirt or curtain. And of course the best bit is that the whole family gets to
take their creations home with them.
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Food & drink
When it comes to food, Japan deserves every accolade it gets. Besides its best-known exports sushi,
tempura, teriyaki, Kobe beef, sake the list of speciality and regional cuisines is truly staggering.
During any Japan holiday you can try hot and spicy ramen noodles, delicately battered tempura pumpkin, and melt-in-the-mouth
morsels of sashimi to name just a few examples.
Whats more, each meal in Japan is a real experience whether its grilling your own beef on a tabletop hot-plate, having your sushi
rolls delivered by a toy bullet train at a conveyor belt sushi bar, or indulging in a kaiseki banquet served by a kimono-wearing host in the
privacy of your ryokan room. Kaiseki cuisine comprises a multitude of small dishes made from seasonal ingredients, each exquisitely
presented on ceramics and lacquerware chosen to enhance the meals aesthetics.
At the other end of the spectrum, the izakaya, after-work haunt of the suited salaryman, is a very different dining experience but one
thats certainly not to be missed. Here Japanese and Western food is served tapas-style, washed down in high spirits with plenty of beer.
Some of the best comfort food in Japan is not elaborate at all, but can be found at street stalls and tiny restaurants with room for only a
couple of customers. Be sure to try takoyaki octopus dumplings in Osaka and discover the delights of okonomiyaki savoury pancakes in
Hiroshima. Food is a highlight of all our trips to Japan, and well make sure that you leave with an appetite for more.
Feeling hungry?
Many of our Small Group Tours include cooking lessons and wonderful meals; give us a call and we can talk you though what youll eat and
where. Alternatively let us know which of the experiences on this page tickles your taste buds and well add it to any Self-Guided Adventure
or Exclusive Private Journey.
For further inspiration have a look at the Gastronomic Adventure Self-Guided Adventure on p. 76-77 of this brochure.
R
IDE
INS I NG
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Evening with an Insider Izakaya night

For want of a better word, izakaya are often described dimly-lit restaurant, go inside and decipher the menu can
as Japanese gastropubs but that barely covers it. The be daunting. So enlist our very own Mark Fujishige for the
name is in fact a compound word; i means to stay evening and youll get a fantastic, fuss-free introduction to
while zakaya is a sake shop, so yes, expect to do your Japanese food and culture. A long-term Japan resident, Mark
fair share of drinking. As for the food, pub grub here is far will translate the menu, do the ordering, help you identify
more ambitious than a steak pie and chips: izakaya have whats on your plate, and (if youre willing) coax you into
an extensive menu of bar snacks, served tapas-style and eating some more adventurous dishes.
encompassing everything from edamame beans and deep-
All in all, youll have a fun evening out with Mark that will
fried tofu to chicken skewers and pizza.
set you up for your own gastronomic adventures throughout
Mark Fujishige
Visiting an izakaya is an absolute must if youre in Japan your Japan trip.
Izakaya night
but plucking up the courage to slide back the door to a

Soba noodle making
Matsumoto
Just as the Inuits have 50 different words for snow, so it is impossible to translate the
word noodle into Japanese as there are just so many varieties: ramen, udon, somen to
name a few. One of the most popular kinds, especially in Tokyo and the Japanese Alps,
is soba which are thin noodles made from buckwheat and wheat flour. In the mountain
town of Matsumoto you can have a go at making your own soba in a hands-on lesson.
Learn how to create a dough of the correct consistency, roll it out and slice it into thin
noodle strips using a special soba knife not quite as easy as it sounds!
Sake tasting
Tokyo
Do you have a taste for Japanese sake? Or curious to try it for the first time? Thanks
to continuous technical improvements over the centuries and relentless efforts over
the last 20 years by brewery owners and their skilful master brewers, Japanese sake
is undergoing a remarkable renaissance. On an evening with a sake expert youll be
introduced to the history, traditions and production processes of sake, learning how
to distinguish the best from the not-so-good varieties essential training for the
remainder of your Japan culinary adventure.
Ramen safari
Tokyo
Steaming bowls of noodles drenched in a thick rich broth, laden with pork, spring
onions and soft-boiled eggs; ramen is Japanese soul food. A world apart from
finicky kaiseki fine dining, ramen has universal appeal. Well pair you with a self-
confessed ramen geek for a lunchtime street food safari to Tokyos most down-to-
earth ramen joints.
Home-cooking class
Kyoto
Step into a real Japanese house for a lesson in home cooking. Using easy-to-identify
ingredients that youll be able to find back home, youll learn to make tasty dishes
such as sushi rolls, tempura vegetables, miso soup and teriyaki chicken.
103
Winter sports Niseko
With freezing temperatures and a surfeit of mountainous terrain, Japan

provides an exhilarating platform for winter sports. From the vast, windswept
island of Hokkaido to the Japanese Alps, superb powder conditions and a
staggering 600 ski resorts mean that theres no better place to hit the slopes.
Nozawa Onsen
Thanks to the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano and several occasions of the Winter Asian Games,
Yudanaka Onsen
Japans top mountain resorts boast excellent infrastructure, buzzing nightlife and comprehensive
tourist facilities. Not only this, but its snowfall is amongst the most reliable in the world, so you wont Hakuba
be left fretting over that all-important weather forecast before your holiday.
Nozawa Onsen
Our top tip for skiing in Japan? Nozawa
Onsen. While Hakuba and Niseko are Japans
most famous resorts, attracting millions of
overseas tourists every winter, you can be
forgiven for forgetting youre even in Japan.
But the quaint village of Nozawa Onsen offers
excellent pistes for all abilities and a beguiling
dose of Japanese culture. After a day on the
slopes you can relax in a rustic Japanese
inn, tuck into a feast of kaiseki haute cuisine,
then sit back in an outdoor hot-spring bath
surrounded by snow, with a cup of sake to
ease away any aches and pains.
Inspired by all this talk of fresh powder snow?

Do check out our website. We have a special section dedicated to winter sports holidays in Japan,
The powder in Niseko was
including example itineraries and pricing, and information on lesser-known ski destinations across
incredible! I cant wait to go back.
the country.
James, West Sussex, UK Alternatively, talk to one of the winter sports enthusiasts on our team who can work time on the slopes into
any tailor-made wintertime Self-Guided Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey. The best time to visit
Japan for winter sports is January to early March.

Skiing & snowboarding
Nozawa Onsen, Niseko and Hakuba
Whether youre a skier or a snowboarder, we can arrange for you to rent equipment on
arrival or bring your own with you. Nozawa Onsen, Niseko and Hakuba all have a wide
range of slopes for skiers and boarders of all abilities, with tons of fresh powder snow.
Are you a complete beginner? Let us organise ski school lessons for you.
Backcountry guides
Niseko
Do you love the thrill of off-piste skiing? Well book a backcountry guide to take you
to the best spots in the safest, most enjoyable way to suit your ability as well as
the weather conditions. Tackle the back bowls of Niseko, or try the gladed slopes of
Rusutsu and Kokusai also on Hokkaido Island.
Snowshoeing
Niseko
Strap on some snowshoes and explore winter scenery at a tranquil pace. Instead of
hurtling through busy ski resorts at speed, a guided snowshoe tour around the foot of
Mount Yotei near Niseko will have you admiring frozen lakes and Hokkaidos snowy
wilderness.
Snow monkeys
Yudanaka Onsen
Japans most famous primates are the snow monkeys of the Jigokudani hot springs
in Yudanaka Onsen, close to Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen. To escape the chill of
winter, the monkeys love to play in the natural hot-spring baths. Youll see whole
families of monkeys eat, wash, splash around and even have snowball fights.
InsideAsia Tours staff, William Allum
105
Walking & hiking Mount Asahi
Often the most memorable travel experiences are when you slow down
to walking pace, giving you time to absorb the finer details of the scenery
around you. From the untamed wastes of Hokkaido to the subtropical
jungles of Okinawa, Japan is a walkers dream.
The vast majority of Japans population is squeezed into towns and cities that occupy less than 30%
of the countrys total area, leaving huge swathes of mountainous and undeveloped terrain ripe for
Kamikochi National Park
exploration. With vast forests and abundant nature occupying the length and breadth of the country, it
Nakasendo Way
couldnt be easier to incorporate a bit of hiking into your itinerary.
Mount Fuji
Wander the ancient pilgrimage routes of the Kumano Kodo, scramble up the rocky scree to the top of
Mount Fuji, walk in the footsteps of samurai as you trace your way along the Nakasendo Way or trek
Kumano Kodo
through ancient cedar forests on jungle-clad Yakushima Island we can arrange short day walks or
multi-day hiking itineraries of all lengths and difficulties.
The Japanese engage in walking with enthusiasm, and even on the most challenging routes youll
find yourself sharing the trail with plenty of friendly pilgrims and every so often being overtaken by
elderly Japanese hikers! Mingling with fellow ramblers is one of the joys of walking in Japan, and we
would be delighted to help you get out into the countryside as part of your holiday.
Ready to pull on your hiking boots?

If youre looking for serious mountain trekking, why not join our Historic Mountain Trails Small Group
Tour described on p. 46-47? Or walk the ancient Kumano Kodo trails on our Pilgrims Paths Self-Guided
Adventure, p. 64-65?
Let us know if any of the walking options on these pages appeal to you and one of our travel consultants
will be happy to weave it into your tailor-made Self-Guided Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey.
Climbing Fuji-san was definitely

the highlight of our trip.
Sarah & Joshua, Mansfield, UK
Mount Fuji Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails

They say only a fool climbs Fuji twice but most of Tackle the spiritual paths of the Kumano Kodo region,
our staff have done it multiple times! Fools or not, we a great place for several days walking from rustic inn
know the best routes to the top of Japans tallest and to inn. For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have
most iconic mountain, 3,776 m (12,389 ft) above sea trodden these trails en route to pray at the sacred
level. July and August are the months to tackle Fuji, Shinto shrines in the heart of the Kii Mountains. The
and even then it can be freezing at the peak so do pathways are a UNESCO World Heritage Site twinned
pack accordingly. Its a long, hard slog to the top over with the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago) in
dusty volcanic rock but worth it when you arrive in northern Spain.
time for sunrise over the Kanto plains.

Kumano Travel, InsideAsia Tours staff
Nakasendo Way Kamikochi National Park Mount Asahi

Follow in the footsteps of samurai on the Nakasendo Explore alpine Kamikochi, a 15 km (9 mi) river In the middle of Japans largest national park,
Way, which once linked Kyoto with Edo (Tokyo). plateau some 1,500 m (5,000 ft) above sea level. Daisetzusan, is Hokkaidos tallest peak: Mount Asahi.
The section through the Kiso Valley is the prettiest, Its a fantastic area for walking with easy, flat trails At 2,290 m (7,500 ft) the summit is well above the
particularly between the preserved villages of Magome along the bottom of the valley from Taisho Pond to treeline, with volcanic pools and sulphurous vents
and Tsumago where youll pass through tea fields, Myojin Bridge, or adventurous hiking up the mountain part of the exhilarating climb. We can arrange an
farmlands and cypress forests. peaks in summer. October brings spectacular autumn experienced mountain guide to lead you on this
colours, but whatever the season youre sure to see exciting hike to the roof of Hokkaido.
families of macaques monkeying around.
107
Adventure
Buttoned-up Japan isnt known for its thrill-seeking mentality, but its a reputation thats thoroughly
undeserved. Japans dramatic landscapes are an untapped paradise for would-be adventurers. Minakami
With deep, snowy wastes in the north, thick subtropical jungles in the south, and no end of craggy mountain ranges and cedar
forests in between, rural Japan covers a staggering range of topographies and climates. Spanning all of these are the rumbling
volcanoes, belching geysers and steaming hot springs that belie Japans position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, imbuing Japanese Miyajima Shimanami Kaido
culture with a sense of awe for the monumental power of the earth. What a setting for adventure!
Iya Valley
Ride a helicopter over a volcano as plumes of smoke drift into the sky. Dive amongst coral reefs while hammerheads and manta
Mount Aso
rays swim around you. Take a leisurely kayak through Miyajimas great gate or a heart-pounding white-water raft down the Yoshino
River. Or just set off on two wheels as you cycle across suspension bridges and tiny islands on the Seto Inland Sea. These are just a
few of the adventure activities Japan has in store.
Ishigaki
Cycling the Shimanami Kaido

Seto Inland Sea
The king of Japans cycling routes, the 70 km (43 mi) Shimanami Kaido connects
Japans kidney-bean shaped main island of Honshu with rural Shikoku Island. Along
the way this feat of engineering spans multiples bridges across six stepping-stone
islands on the Seto Inland Sea. The cycling is fairly gentle, and you could opt to do
the ride in one go, or stay overnight in a traditional inn on one of the islands; the
choice is yours.
Sea kayaking
Miyajima
Fancy splashing about in the water? We love the three-hour sea kayaking experience
from mainland Hiroshima across the bay to Miyajima Island. Suitable even for novice
paddlers, at high tide youll be able to kayak through Itsukushima Shrines
famous floating red gate.
River rafting
Iya Valley
Some of the most beautiful parts of Japan can only be seen from
the water; a great excuse for a day of rafting. Paddling downstream
in a big inflatable raft, you can tackle the mighty rapids of Shikokus Yoshino River,
which races through the scenic Iya Valley. Drift through pools, jump in, swim and
generally get wet!

We had a fantastic experience. Kayaking and
canyoning on Iriomote Island, the tea ceremony and
the cycling tour were all highlights.
Sarah & Geoff, London, UK
Looking for an active element to your holiday?

Looking for an adventure?
Speak to one of our travel consultants or visit your local travel agent to
find out more about the exciting adventure opportunities Japan has to
offer. Alternatively visit our website, where we have a dedicated area for
active holiday ideas.
Diving with manta rays

Ishigaki
Boasting thousands of islands with a combined coastline of 34,000 km (21,000 mi),
Japan just might be the diving worlds best-kept secret. The island of Ishigaki is our
top recommendation, especially from June to November when you can see huge
Pacific manta rays swirl above the coral reef in a magnificent water ballet. We can
arrange dives to suit all experience levels and even beginner divers can see the
manta rays.
Volcano helicopter ride

Mount Aso
If James Bond can fly over the volcanic mountains of Kyushu in a helicopter, why
shouldnt you? You may recognise Mount Aso from the Bond film You Only Live Twice
its the setting for Blofelds secret lair, and Bond is attacked by SPECTREs helicopter
over the peaks of rural Kyushu. While we cant promise a gunfire helicopter chase, we
can arrange a spectacular flight above the active volcanic caldera of Mount Aso.
Mountain biking
Minakami
High in the Japanese Alps is Japans premier adventure sports destination, Minakami,
where well have you hurtling down the slopes on a mountain bike. The motto of the
day? Lets get dirty and youll no doubt be pretty muddy by the end of it! Whether
you are a beginner, intermediate or experienced mountain biker, there are thrilling
rides to suit all abilities.
109
Sumo
What could be more Japanese than the ancient sport of sumo? If youre lucky enough to make it to a tournament, youll be in
for an exciting day. Watch gargantuan wrestlers engage in a ritual face-off before each bout begins. Then, in just a few dramatic
seconds, its all over as one wrestler hauls his opponent over the straw bales and out of the ring, or thrusts him to the ground.
In the West, sumo wrestlers are often depicted as comical figures famous for Wrestlers begin training in the early hours each day, must wear traditional yukata
their portly size and skimpy loincloths but in the sumo world, nothing could robes in public, and are even banned from driving cars. Whats more, their public
be more serious. Sumo originated as a religious ritual over 1,500 years ago, and behaviour is closely scrutinised: all wrestlers are expected to maintain a self-
is still closely associated with its Shinto origins. Sumo wrestlers live an incredibly effacing demeanour, and refrain from showing joy or disappointment in the ring.
regimented lifestyle, renouncing the trappings of the modern world to live in
Sumo is a fascinating sport involving a level of discipline most of us cant begin to
their sumobeya or stable where they dont just train hard but cook, clean,
imagine so get your ticket, grab a bento box and few beers, and enjoy the show!
serve food and wait on their higher-ranked colleagues.
Sumo tournament
There are six annual sumo tournaments in Japan each lasting for fifteen days. Each wrestler performs in just one match per day in an attempt to rise up the
ranking hierarchy. Bouts begin first thing in the morning, with the top division competing from 4 to 6pm. Well make sure you get the best seats in the house to
catch all the action.
2017 2018
Tokyo 8 January 22 January Tokyo 14 January 28 January

Osaka 12 March 26 March Osaka 11 March 25 March
Tokyo 14 May 28 May Tokyo 13 May 27 May
Nagoya 9 July 23 July Nagoya 8 July 22 July
Tokyo 10 September 24 September Tokyo 9 September 23 September
Fukuoka 12 November 26 November Fukuoka 11 November 25 November

Morning sumo stable training
Tokyo
If you cant get to one of the sumo tournaments, get up early instead to see the
wrestlers in training in Tokyo. To become a sumo wrestler requires years of strict
training at a sumobeya, where the wrestlers eat, sleep and practice. Well arrange for
an English-speaking guide to accompany you to the training session and explain the
strict etiquette for spectators so youll avoid making a cultural faux pas!
Lunch with the sumo wrestlers

Tokyo
For an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of sumo, we can take
you behind closed doors to meet the wrestlers in person. After watching a morning
training session, sit down with them for a meal of chanko nabe a thick hearty stew
prepared by the wrestlers themselves. These men are responsible for keeping Japans
national sport alive and this is a fascinating window into their lives..

Captivated by sumo?
Speak to one of our travel consultants, who can advise on dates and pricing, then arrange for you to watch a sumo tournament or see a morning training session
during your Self-Guided Adventure, Exclusive Private Journey or even as part of a Small Group Tour.
InsideAsia Tours staff, Sara Pretelli, Andy Wilson
The highlight of the trip for us was

the sumo tournament. Our holiday
to Japan exceeded our expectations
in every regard. What a wonderful,
friendly country!
Amanda & Graeme, Bristol, UK
111
Buddhism & Shintoism

The saying goes that in Japan people are born Shinto and die Buddhist. This is Japans syncretic
belief system in a nutshell: two different religions practised side-by-side as a single system.
Until Buddhism arrived in Japan in the sixth century by way Japans rich and fascinating religious history has bestowed a
of China, Shintoism didnt have a specific name. It was simply legacy of superb art and architecture, from the thousands of
Japans indigenous spirituality in which every living thing trees, red gates at Kyotos Fushimi Inari Shrine to the giant Buddha of
flowers, animals, rocks, even sounds contains a kami god. Kamakura and the treasures of ancient Nara. We hope that a
This belief in nature runs throughout Japanese culture; its in the knowledge of Japans spirituality will enrich your travel experience.
cherishing of the changing seasons, and in arts such as ikebana
flower arranging and garden design.
Today Shinto ceremonies at birth are balanced by Buddhist rituals

at death. This entwining of religions runs so deep that establishing
a firm boundary between the two is all but impossible. In fact, so
close are the two faiths that red Shinto gates and Buddhist prayer
halls can often be found on the same site.
R
IDE
INS DAY
Day with an Insider Kyotos Zen heritage

Zen: rarely has a word been more frequently or widely enigmatic koan riddles; master the art of just sitting,
misappropriated. Temple gardens are commonly and uncover Kyotos hidden temples and gardens.
described as inducing Zen-like calm, and in books
Richard studied Asian religion at university, has trained
using the title Zen and the Art of one will find
at monasteries in the UK, Taiwan and Japan, and is
advice relating to a myriad pursuits, from golf to
currently a permanent resident of Kyoto. Even those
motorcycle maintenance. But what really is Zen?
without a pre-existing interest in Buddhism cant fail
Join Richard Farmer, our Kyoto Insider, on a Zen to be swept along with his enthusiasm, as Zen is a
heritage day tour and youll gain a deep and fascinating fascinating prism through which to explore Japan.
Richard Farmer insight into one of the worlds great religious
Kyotos Zen heritage philosophies as you test your mettle on some

Temple lodgings stay
Mount Koya
Experience Buddhism up close with a stay in a temple lodging on Mount Koya. Originally
set up for pilgrims visiting the sacred mountaintop, accommodation is fairly simple with
futon mattresses to sleep on and shared bathing facilities. In keeping with Buddhist
tradition, meals are strictly vegetarian, and in the early morning guests are invited to join
the temple priests for a meditation service before the temple altar.
Zazen meditation
Kyoto
Chances are, youll only be in Japan for a short while, so taking time out to clear your
mind and appreciate the moment is a great opportunity to make the most out of your
trip. Seated meditation is one of the most important aspects of Zen Buddhism, and
we can arrange an inspiring introduction to this practice with the head priest of one of
Kyotos most beautiful temples.
Shinto grand shrines

Ise
The grand shrines of Ise are Shinotisms most sacred sites. In accordance with
tradition, the outer and inner shrines are rebuilt every 20 years most recently in
October 2013. Unlike most religious sites in Japan, this is Shintoism in its purest
form. The simple, minimalist architecture is classically Japanese, with minimal
influence from the Asian mainland.

Intrigued by Japans spiritual side?
We loved the temple lodging on
Mount Koya and the vegetarian
Have a look at the Pilgrims Paths Self-Guided Adventure described on
p. 64-65, which includes a Mount Koya temple lodging stay, and visits to cuisine there was the best
Ise and the sacred Kumano Kodo shrines. Alternatively, speak to one of our culinary experience of all.
travel consultants and let them know what appeals to you.
John & James, London, UK
We can weave a spiritual element into any tailor-made Self-Guided
113
Geisha
The image of a geisha bedecked in an exquisite kimono and teetering on
wooden sandals, with an elaborate black hairstyle, ivory make-up and scarlet
lips is one of the most iconic and easily recognisable images of Japan. Yet
this is a profession that remains mysterious and little understood by outsiders.
Geisha are performing artists who entertain their patrons in teahouses with dance, music and
conversation. Although the first geisha emerged from the pleasure quarters of the Imperial court around
the turn of the 18th century, geisha are not courtesans instead carving out a separate niche as artists
and highly skilled entertainers.
Geisha training is a lifelong commitment to the arts, keeping alive the traditions of fan dancing, flute
and shamisen music, tea ceremony, calligraphy and poetry. Even geisha who have been performing for
decades are expected to practice their skills every day.
The lives of geisha are so secretive that they are said to inhabit a separate reality, known as the flower
and willow world. Not just anyone can enter a teahouse; in traditional Japanese society, hierarchy and
social connections are everything and most Japanese will never have the honour of an official invitation.
Fortunately, thanks to our connections in the geisha world, we are delighted to offer a brief window into
their realm through a number of exclusive experiences in Kyoto.
The geisha makeover was brilliant. My friends were amazed at

my transformation!
Caroline, Berkshire, UK
Enchanted by Kyotos geisha?

Almost all of our Small Group Tours feature a geisha experience, while our travel consultants can
tailor a Self-Guided Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey to include any of the experiences
on this page. Please pick up the phone and let us know what appeals to you.
Private audience with a geisha Geisha dance performances

We can arrange an exclusive evening hosted by a geisha or maiko Take a trip to the theatre to see a geisha dance show. Kyotos four
(apprentice geisha). Over dinner and drinks, youll be entertained with geisha districts stage beautifully choreographed performances every April,
dances, a shamisen performance and no doubt a few drinking games. With May and November. The dances tell stories of love and loss, life and death,
a translator on hand to help, this experience grants you a unique opportunity accompanied by shamisen music and a backdrop reflecting the changing
to gain a deeper understanding of the geisha world. of the seasons.

InsideAsia Tours staff, Norman Blaikie
Gion evening walking tour Maiko makeover

Dont miss a guided tour of Gion for a glimpse into the history and traditions Do you fancy getting the geisha look, like our travel consultant Ali pictured above?
of Kyotos most famous geisha district. With a bit of luck youll spot a geisha We can arrange a full maiko makeover, dressing you in an ornate kimono with full
hurrying between teahouse appointments, so be sure to take your camera. make-up and hair ornaments. Afterwards youll have a studio photo-shoot in all
the geisha regalia or head out on location to have your photo taken amid Kyotos
temples and gardens.
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Traditional arts & crafts

Despite its dramatic modernisation, Japan guards its culture and traditions fiercely. Whether its donning
a traditional kimono, attending a kabuki performance or finding time to practise the art of ikebana flower
arranging the Japanese take the responsibility of preserving their cultural heritage very seriously.
There are plenty of opportunities for you to participate and learn about the traditional arts. Create your own woodblock print,
indigo-dye noren curtains using time-honoured techniques or throw a clay pot with an expert.
Whats more, you can also try your hand at the art of calligraphy, take part in a tea ceremony, learn a kimono fan dance, or catch
a bunraku puppet show.
Cultural experiences are easily worked into any trip to Japan and will enhance your experience and understanding of this
fascinating culture. Most importantly, your participation helps keep these ancient customs alive, so do let us know which
traditional arts and crafts interest you.
Ikebana flower arranging

Kyoto
Study the 600-year-old art of Japanese flower arranging, which evolved from the Buddhist
tradition of offering flowers to the spirits of the ancestors. Following strict rules governing
shape, colour and form, let an ikebana expert guide you through a hands-on flower-arranging
experience that we hope you can recreate at home.
Pottery
Kyoto
Have you got what it takes to throw a ceramic pot? Learn from the masters in Japanese
ceramics and porcelain at a well-known Kyoto pottery studio, where youll learn the basic
techniques in a half-day lesson. Finished items can be glazed and shipped home if you wish.
Origami
Kyoto
Learn how to fold an origami paper crane its a great party trick! According to Japanese
folklore, cranes symbolise longevity and peace, which is why youll see strings of thousands of
cranes at the Hiroshima Peace Park. While an hours origami lesson wont give you time to make
a thousand, you will perfect one little paper bird to take home with you.

Woodblock printing
Tokyo
Inspired by Edo Period ukiyo-e woodblock prints? Create your own image using pre-cut
woodblock prints and colourful inks during an hour-long taster class in Tokyo. The emphasis is
on participation no lengthy explanations or dry, historical details just lots of hands-on fun
suitable for all ages.
Calligraphy
Kyoto
Shodo or the way of writing is the art of Japanese calligraphy. Just as good handwriting is
prized in the West, being skilful with a calligraphy brush to produce beautiful kanji characters is
an important attribute that Japanese children begin learning in primary school. Grind your own
ink in a shodo lesson and learn to paint kanji characters in the correct order of strokes.
Kabuki
Tokyo
Dating back to the Edo Period (16031867), kabuki is one of Japans classical theatrical arts a
great spectacle involving elaborate costumes and outlandish make-up, live music and creative
sets with trapdoors and revolving platforms. Performances use old forms of Japanese, so kabuki
actors make stylised, exaggerated movements to convey meaning. English audio guides are also
available to help you understand the story.
Tea ceremony
Kyoto
Could there be anything more Japanese than sliding back a paper door, kneeling on a tatami-
InsideAsia Tours staff, Adrian Furner
mat floor and learning the revered art of the tea ceremony? The
ancient rituals surrounding the presentation of green tea date back
to 12th-century Buddhist ceremonies and are an integral part of
traditional Japanese culture. You can take part in your own meditative
tea ceremony in a gorgeous Kyoto teahouse.
Interested in Japanese traditional arts?

A special mention must go to our kimono
wearing and tea ceremony experience, an
If youd like to try your hand at one of these traditional arts, or have further craft unforgettable morning which made our time
ideas of your own, please let us know. Check out the Hands-On Japan Small Group in Japan so much more than just a holiday!
Tour featured on p. 30-31, which is packed full of artistic lessons and experiences.
Suzanne & Saffron, Manchester, UK
Alternatively we can mesh arts and crafts activities into any bespoke Self-Guided
117
Japanese history
Aomori
The history of Japan is simply fascinating. Long periods of isolation, and the fact that Japan
has never been successfully invaded or colonised, have created one of the worlds richest
and most intriguing cultures.
In its early history, Japan received a great deal of country and established Japans period of isolation, or
influence from China, adopting Chinese culture, sakoku. Instituted out of fear of invasion, sakoku lasted
religion and governing policies. The Nara and Heian until 1853, when American Commodore Matthew
Periods (7101185) saw the establishment of the Perry forced Japan to reopen trade. Shortly after this,
nations first permanent capitals at Nara and Kyoto, the Meiji Restoration restored the Japanese Imperial
Nagoya
heralding a long period of cultural flowering often Family to power, ending the rule of the shogun.
looked to as a golden age of Japanese history. Nara
The twentieth century saw disaster and destruction
The feudal period that followed (1185c1600) on an unprecedented level during World War Two, Hiroshima
was the age of shogun warlords. This was a time before a rapid and remarkable recovery fuelled by
characterised by powerful clans jostling for power, astonishing economic growth propelled modern
during which Japan also survived two near- Japan forward to become the incredibly advanced and Nagasaki
catastrophic invasions by Mongol forces. complex society it is today.
The Edo Period (16031868) saw power rest in the If you are as captivated by history as we are, Japan
hands of the Tokugawa family, Japans last and most has a wealth of wonderful historical sites that wed be
celebrated shogunate, which brought peace to the delighted to incorporate into any itinerary.
Want to delve deeper?

Whether youre a bona fide history buff or just
feel inspired by something youve seen here, our
Traditional Japan (p. 60-61) and World Heritage
(p. 62-63) Self-Guided Adventures are a great
place to start.
If a Small Group Tour is more up your street,

Kyushu Elements (p. 36-37) incorporates a visit to
Dejima Island, and Hidden Japan (p. 34-35) stops
by Hiroshimas Peace Park.
The Peace Park in Hiroshima was

definitely worth seeing to reflect
on the tragic events that took place
there.
Gemma, Sydney, Australia

Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site, Aomori
Jomon Period (13,000300 BC)
Venture to Aomori on the northern tip of Honshu to uncover the secrets of a Jomon-Period
village. This is Japans best-preserved archaeological site, where excavations of the village
thought to have contained over 700 buildings including longhouses, roads, burial pits and
storage huts is still ongoing. The neighbouring museum explains more about life in this early
period of Japans history.
Ancient burial tombs, Nara

Asuka Period (538710 AD)
The small district of Asuka in Nara Prefecture was once the site of Japans first capital city in a time when
Buddhism was beginning to take root and change the cultural and religious landscape. Only a few ruins
remain from that time, but the huge stone tombs of the ruling Soga clan have survived intact. Nearby Asuka-
dera is thought to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan.
Dejima Exit Island, Nagasaki

Edo Period (16031867)
Dejima is an artificial island built in the bay of Nagasaki in 1634. Measuring just 120 by 75 m (390 by 250 ft),
for two centuries it was home to Dutch traders, who were forbidden from operating on the mainland due
to Japans self-imposed isolationist policy during the Edo era. While Dejima is no longer an island the
surrounding area has been reclaimed for development some historical structures remain, including Dutch
residences, warehouses, walls and gates, offering a fascinating insight to the period.
Meiji Mura, Nagoya

Meiji Period (18681912)
The opening of Japans borders during the Meiji Period saw the country change dramatically as Western
thinking influenced architecture, industry and society. Meiji Mura is an open-air museum showcasing the
styles of those heady days. Some 60 historical buildings have been moved and reconstructed in the 247
acre park, the most significant of which is the main entrance and lobby of Frank Lloyd Wrights landmark
Imperial Hotel.
Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima

World War Two (1945)
To understand the modern Japanese psyche, you must visit Hiroshima. The Peace
Memorial Park commemorates the atomic bombing of the 6th of August 1945 and is the
citys biggest draw for visitors. Comprising a peace museum recounting the build-up to
and fallout from the bombing, several memorials and the shell of the Prefectural Industrial
Promotion Hall (now known as the A-Bomb Dome), the Peace Memorial Park presents an
even-handed and thoroughly moving look at Japans darkest hour.
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Samurai
Who could fail to be impressed by the mighty samurai and their long-standing philosophies?
Rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honour and loyalty are the seven virtues of
the samurai bushido code traits that many Japanese strive to live by even today.
Samurai were the military nobility of Japan, first emerging in the mid-Heian Period (7941185). Their skills as warriors
were most in demand during the 15th and 16th centuries a time of landowning clans and feudal wars, when Japan
splintered into dozens of independent states. Utsunomiya
Tokyo
As soldiers, the samurai were fierce fighters who followed strict codes of honour and combat. They employed bows and
arrows, spears and guns, but their main weapon and symbol was the sword.
During the long peace of the Edo Period (16031868), samurai gradually lost their military function and expanded their Kyoto
roles as courtiers, bureaucrats and administrators. The samurai class was eventually abolished in the Meiji Reforms of the Himeji
19th century, after hundreds of years of power and influence.
Intrigued by samurai culture?

As I am an avid martial artist, my travel
consultant Halley organised an iaido class in
Keen to delve into Japans feudal past? Any of our Self-Guided Adventures can be tailored to include
Tokyo and a samurai kenbu class in Kyoto. I an element of samurai history just let us know what interests you.
loved both experiences! If youre planning to join a Small Group Tour, why not consider Spring Elegance (p. 26-27), which takes
Jeannette, Melbourne, Australia you to Matsumotos Black Crow castle and the preserved samurai district of Kanazawa?

Kenbu martial dance
Kyoto
Find out if you have what it takes to be a samurai under the tutelage of a kenbu master
in Kyoto. Though sword dancing as an art has existed in Japan since the seventh
century, kenbu as we know it today an elegant dance performed to drumming
or traditional music was a product of the Meiji Restoration in 1868. As Japan
transitioned from a shogunate to imperial rule and the former samurai class lost their
martial function, kenbu was a way to preserve their traditional skills as an art form.
Iaido
Tokyo
Iaido is a modern martial art that draws on traditional Japanese swordsmanship
techniques.
Unlike kendo, in which participants hone their skills in combat with each other, iaido
is performed solo, its movements smooth and controlled almost meditative
with a focus on mental preparedness. We can arrange for you to take a class at an
operating iaido dojo. Watch a choreographed demonstration using real katana swords,
and then its your turn to copy the graceful movements.
Meet one of Japans few remaining swordsmiths

Utsunomiya
Katana samurai swords have been made by hand in Japan since the 10th century
using techniques that can never be replicated by machine. Sadly there are only a
handful of craftsmen keeping the art alive, but we can arrange an exclusive meeting
with a master swordsmith in his workshop. Ask any question you have about samurai
culture and watch the swordsmith in action as he welds layers of steel in a hot
furnace before hammering the metal into a curved blade.
Himeji Castle
Himeji
Follow in the footsteps of samurai at Himejis White Heron castle, one of only 12
InsideAsia Tours staff, Sara Pretelli, Okayama Tourism
surviving castles from the feudal era. Himeji-jo is certainly the most impressive of the
castles with extensive ramparts and dramatic keep rising up above the city. A half-
hour bus ride away is the temple complex of Engyo-ji atop Mount Shosha. Untouched
for hundreds of years, this atmospheric site was the setting for many scenes from the
Tom Cruise movie The Last Samurai.
121
EXPERIENCES AND INSPIRATION
Pop culture
Think of Japan today and youre as likely to think of robots and Pokmon Go as you are
geisha and samurai. Ever since the boom years of the 1980s, Japanese pop culture has been
an unstoppable powerhouse, and its ever-growing popularity abroad shows no sign of abating.
Manga (Japanese comics) and anime (Japanese animation) are Japans biggest pop culture export. In Japan it is perfectly
normal to see grown adults poring over their favourite comic books in the subway on their way to work, and finding anyone in
the world who hasnt heard of Pikachu or Studio Ghibli is increasingly rare.
Meanwhile, kooky street fashion has become as common on travellers checklists as the Imperial Palace, and barely a visitor to
Tokyo leaves without a stop in Akihabaras gaming arcades. Japanese pop music, or J-Pop, is busy exporting its own brand of
sparkling, upbeat tunes to the world while kawaii (cute) culture continues to spawn legions of cuddly characters, from Hello
Kitty to Japans ubiquitous promotional mascots.
Whatever your perspective on Japanese pop culture, its impossible to avoid and without it, Japan wouldnt be the exciting and
vibrant place it is today.
R
IDE
INS I NG
N
EVE
Evening with an Insider Video game tour

Tokyo can make you feel like youre in a video game, but cafs, breaking for dinner at one of the capitals cult game-
our latest Insider night tour powers this up to the next level. themed restaurants. The night can be tailored to match your
Our resident game enthusiast, Brett Plotz, has designed this gaming tastes and interests, so if you want to find that elusive
new geek-tastic route, celebrating Japans contribution to the Famicom cartridge, or finally sit down in front of that arcade
industry and delving into all things otaku or nerd. machine you saw online years ago, just ask Brett!
On an evening with Brett, youll be led through the capitals

maze of towering arcade palaces, bewildering pachinko
parlours, hidden retro game stores and infamous maid
Brett Plotz
Video game tour
Gripped by Japanese pop culture?
Turn to p. 78-79 for our Manga & Anime Self-Guided Adventure, which might be just what youre looking
for. Otherwise give us a call today and we can start tailoring a quirky pop culture Self-Guided Adventure
or Exclusive Private Journey for you. Please also keep an eye on our website as we often run pop culture-
themed Small Group Tours.

Manga-drawing class
Yokohama
Visit one of Japans most famous animation schools for a
three-hour private lesson in manga drawing a must for any
wannabe comic artist. Learn the manga basics including dip-pen,
screen-tone and colour drawing techniques, then make multiple
frames to create your own manga story.
Robot Restaurant
Tokyo
Shinjukus Robot Restaurant obliterates the rest of Tokyo in the
weirdness stakes. Forget the food youre here for the hour-long
show: a robot cabaret accompanied by a garish kaleidoscope of
strobe lights, lasers, techno music and dancers in glittery bikinis.
If youre looking for Japans otherworldly kooky side, prepare
yourself for the shock of this relentless sensory bombardment.
You have been warned!
Studio Ghibli
Museum
Tokyo
If youre a fan of Hayao
Miyazakis wonderful
animated masterpieces,
dont miss the Studio Ghibli
Museum in Tokyo which
shows exclusive Ghibli short
pieces in a small cinema.
The gift shop is fantastic for
all sorts of Ghibli goodies
and the childrens play area
boasts a climb-aboard cat
bus. Let us know if youd like

to include a visit on your trip,
as tickets must be booked in
advance.
123
Hot-spring bathing
If stripping down to your birthday suit for a bath with a group of complete strangers doesnt
sound like your cup of tea, prepare to change your mind. Nyuto Onsen
Onsen, or geothermal hot-spring baths, are an integral part of There are even gigantic onsen theme parks where you can
Japanese life and something that we believe every visitor to while away a whole day in endless saunas, steam rooms,
Japan should try. Hadaka no tsukiai, or naked companionship, Jacuzzis and baths of salts and minerals, even green tea and
refers to the deep friendships formed in an onsen. Its a great red wine. (We kid you not its in Hakone.)
leveller, as social barriers fall away into the hot steamy water.
The best baths are out in the open air and nothing could be
Thanks to all that volcanic activity, there is a profusion of more relaxing than feeling the breeze on your face and the Hakone
wonderful baths in enchanting locations across Japan from mineral water on your skin while you soak up views of open
Kinosaki Onsen
steaming pools surrounded by thick snow in Hokkaido to skies, rivers and mountains. For many, onsen are the first
cypress-scented hot tubs at ryokan inns. thing youll miss when you return home from Japan.
Beppu
Ibusuki
Fancy hot-spring bathing?

The best single experience was
Already imagining soaking in a beautiful hot-spring bath after a long day of sightseeing? All of the
sitting in our private hot-spring
Small Group Tours and Self-Guided Adventures included in this brochure include a ryokan stay where
bath overlooking a fast-running
onsen-bathing is part of the experience.
mountain river at our ryokan.
If any of the traditional spas described on these pages capture your imagination, let us know and
Brian & Margaret, Somerset, UK
well weave them into a bespoke Self-Guided Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey.

Hakone
Hakone is the ultimate Japanese spa town historically frequented by samurai and just
a short hop from Tokyo, with great views of Mount Fuji to boot. There are more than a
dozen naturally occurring hot springs here, which supply the indoor and outdoor onsen
at numerous bathhouses and ryokan around the national park.
Kinosaki Onsen
This is onsen-bathing at its most traditional. Kinosaki is a pretty little town of canals lined
with willow trees and time-worn wooden buildings. If you stay overnight at a Kinosaki
ryokan, you can do as the locals do and take a bathtime stroll dressed in light cotton
kimono and geta sandals as you wander between seven public bathhouses.
Nyuto Onsen
Nyuto Onsen literally means nipple hot springs: a name inspired by the shape of
nearby Mount Nyuto apparently not for any other reason! This is a rustic collection of
outdoor hot-spring baths in glorious isolation deep in the Tohoku countryside.
Kumano Travel, InsideAsia Tours staff
Sand baths
While there are fantastic volcanic hot springs across Kyushu Island, Beppu and Ibusuki
are known for a different experience: sand baths. On a beach or in a bathhouse, youll
put on a cotton robe and lie down in the sand while assistants pour on more warm
sand, burying you up to your neck. Have a nice nap for 15 minutes or so and enjoy the
benefits to your complexion and circulation!
125
Gardens
A red bridge across a lily pond; weeping willow trees, autumn leaves and
tunnels of cherry blossom; meticulously raked gravel and glistening moss in
a hundred varieties of green. What could be more peaceful than spending an
afternoon exploring one of Japans beautiful gardens?
Visit a strolling garden, and youll be led on a journey through a series of carefully thought-out landscapes;
borrowed scenery gardens use components such as a mountain or a nearby castle to enhance the
Omiya
view. Zen gardens, meanwhile, are calculated to inspire contemplation with their white, raked sand and
judiciously placed rocks. Kanazawa
Regardless of the particular style, no aspect of the garden is ever left to chance, and each choice Kyoto
represents principles that have been developed over centuries. When selecting rocks, great attention is
paid to the colour, positioning, size, and even the direction of the veins. Plants are chosen according to
their season of flowering, colour and religious symbolism, and their growth is controlled to create carefully
planned effects such as intricate shadows on the surface of a pond.
From the famous rock garden of Ryoan-ji in Kyoto to the spectacular Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, there is
sure to be a horticultural wonder hidden just around the corner no matter what your itinerary.
The guide, temples and gardens in Kyoto were outstanding.

George, Arizona, USA George, Arizona, USA
Enchanted by Japanese gardens?

Beautiful gardens can be found in and around every major city in Japan, so can easily be
incorporated on any Small Group Tour or Self-Guided Adventure. If a particular garden
inspires you, let us know and our travel consultants can make sure to include it on a tailor-made
Self-Guided Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey. We can even make Japanese gardens
the main theme of your holiday; the choice is yours.
Bonsai Village Kokedera moss garden

Omiya Kyoto
Time to put your green fingers to the test in a hands-on lesson at the Omiya Particularly exquisite in rainy June, the garden surrounding Saiho-ji
Bonsai Village. An expert instructor will introduce you to classic bonsai care Temple is home to 120 varieties of moss a velvety carpet in every shade
techniques that you can try for yourself on a few practice trees. Afterwards of green. Entrance is by appointment only, which we can arrange for you
youll have the chance to appreciate the many fine bonsai exhibits in the in advance of your trip. As part of the visit, youll be invited to participate in
renowned bonsai museum and garden. Buddhist chanting and the copying of sutra scriptures; a meditative experience
designed to enhance your appreciation of the gardens.

Ryoan-ji rock garden Kenrokuen strolling garden

Kyoto Kanazawa
Ready to contemplate the true essence of nature? Visit Japans finest dry Once part of the outer grounds of Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen is the
landscape garden at Ryoan-ji Temple to see 15 rock islands cast adrift in a quintessential Japanese garden. Think lily ponds and stone pagodas, wooden
sea of fastidiously raked gravel. Rock gardens of this kind date back to the bridges and teahouses, streams with koi carp, waterfalls, flowers, Japanese pine
Muromachi Period (1336-1573) as an aid to meditation at Zen temples trees and delicately placed stones.
so its left to the visitor to ponder the meaning of it all.
127
Festivals Sapporo
The Japanese absolutely love their festivals, whether theyre entering the Guinness World Record
book with the biggest tug-of-war in the world in Okinawa, or setting an entire mountain on fire for
the Wakakusayama festival in Nara. From tiny local celebrations to huge, nationwide holidays some
estimates place the number of festivals in Japan as high as a staggering 200,000 per year.
With this many events on the calendar, the chances All Japanese festivals boast a cornucopia of food stalls Naeba
are your trip will coincide with a Japanese festival selling all kinds of delicious snacks and are plenty
and well be sure to let you know if there is anything of fun for all ages. This is a fantastic opportunity to Kamakura
exciting going on that fits in with your travel plans. mingle with the locals who will be more than happy to
welcome you into the celebrations.
Whether youd like to admire Sapporos enormous
snow sculptures, marvel at a traditional archery contest,
see spectacular summer fireworks displays, or even run Hiroshima
semi-naked through the streets at Okayamas Naked
Man festival we highly recommend getting involved.
Annual festival calendar
January Kyoto Archery contest at Sanjusangendo Temple The Sunday closest to January 15th
February Sapporo Snow festival For seven days starting in the second week of February
Okayama Naked man festival The third Saturday of February
March Nara Omizutori water-drawing festival 1st to 14th March
April Takayama Spring festival 14th & 15th April
May Kyoto Aoi hollyhock festival 15th May

Nikko Grand festival of spring 17th & 18th May
Tokyo Asakusa sanja festival The third Sunday and preceding Friday & Saturday in May
June Kanazawa Hyakumangoku annual festival Three days around the first Saturday of June
July Kyoto Gion festival The main parade is on 17th July

Naeba Fuji Rock Usually the last weekend in July
Osaka Tenjin fireworks display 24th & 25th July
August Aomori Nebuta festival 2nd to 7th August

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony 6th August
Sendai Sendai tanabata star festival 6th to 8th August
Tokushima Awa-odori folk dance festival 12th to 15th August
September Kamakura Horseback archery contest 14th to 16th September
October Nagasaki Kunchi festival 7th to 9th October

Hiroshima Saijo sake festival The second Saturday and Sunday of October
Takayama Autumn festival 9th & 10th October
Kyoto Jidai festival of the ages 22nd October
November Hakone Feudal lords procession 3rd November
December Saitama Chichibu night festival 2nd & 3rd December
Our tour group was lucky enough to witness the spring festival
in Takayama which was an amazing spectacle.
Chelsea, Winnipeg, Canada

Snow festival (February)
Sapporo
Visiting Japan in winter? Then you must catch the Sapporo snow festival, the highlight of
the season. Teams from across Japan spend weeks carving sculptures from snow, carefully
rendering sparkling white prehistoric animals, Disney characters and famous sights such as
the Egyptian pyramids, Angkor temples and Matsumoto Castle. Theres tons to do here no
matter how old you are: explore a snow maze, take a toboggan ride, build a snowman, join an
organised snowball fight or carve a sake cup from a block of ice. And after all that excitement?
Dont miss Sapporos seafood specialty: crab hotpot.
Fuji Rock (July)

Naeba
We love Fuji Rock, Japans number one music festival in the mountains of Niigata Prefecture.
Youll be treated to a world-class line-up featuring some of the best in British, American and
Japanese indie, dance and world music. Then theres the alpine scenery, and woodland
walkways adorned with glitter balls not to mention an immaculate campsite complete with
hot-spring baths: this is a music festival to rival the best of them.
Horseback archery contest (September)

Kamakura
Dont miss this spectacle: galloping archers who control the horses with their knees while firing
a bow and arrow at targets along a 255 m (837 ft) track. Dating back to the 12th century, the
contest developed as a way to entertain the Shinto gods and thus secure their blessings and
prosperity as well as fulfilling a dual function as a military training exercise.
Saijo sake festival (October)

Hiroshima
Where can you taste over 900 types of sake from across Japan all in one place? At Octobers
sake festival held in the Saijo district on the outskirts of Hiroshima, where ten family breweries
have been producing sake since 1650. On entry you are handed a tiny sake cup which can be
refilled at any of the stands. You may think you wont be able to sample much with such a small
sake cup, but youll be surprised! The festival is open for eighteen hours across a weekend,
which is an awful lot of drinking time...
Fancy a festival?
If youd like to time your trip to coincide with one of Japans major festivals, speak to one of our expert travel consultants who can
advise you. Some Small Group Tours such as Winter Highlights (p. 32-33) are deliberately timed to catch a certain festival, while a
Self-Guided Adventure or Exclusive Private Journey can start on any day of the year so its easy to work a festival into your itinerary.
Please also check out our website where you can find details of our special Fuji Rock package which includes a tent sent to the
festival site. During some festivals accommodation gets booked up very fast, so we advise planning your trip as soon as possible.
129
Flights & stopovers
Wed be delighted to arrange international flights to Japan if you are travelling from the UK or Australia.
Please ask us for available options and prices. Book your flights as part of a package with us and travel
with peace of mind of knowing that should any delay or disruption to your flight occur we will look after all
rearrangement and rescheduling on your behalf. UK customers have the additional security of knowing your
money is ATOL protected.
If you prefer to book your own flights or are travelling from a different part of the world, we are happy to provide advice and can make
suggestions as to where you might find the best fares.
If you are joining a Small Group Tour, your flights will need to match the tour dates. For a Fully Tailored Journey, you can of course travel
whenever you like and we will organise the flights and land arrangements to fit.
Tokyo Narita Airport

Tokyo Haneda Airport
Tokyo airports
Tokyo has two major airports: Osaka Kansai Airport
n Tokyo Narita: one hour from the city centre. The

majority of international flights arrive here.
Fukuoka Airport
n Tokyo Haneda: Close to the city centre, but
international arrival and departures can be very
early in the morning.
We are proud to be an appointed operator for British

Airways. British Airways operate daily non-stop flights
from London Heathrow to Tokyo Narita or Haneda.
Flight time is around twelve hours.
Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways also offer non-stop

flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo Narita or Haneda.
If you dont mind changing planes en route from the

UK, we can also book flights with Emirates, Cathay
Pacific, Air France, KLM and many other airlines. Flights from Australia
For Australian customers, Qantas is our preferred airline
and offers direct routes to Japan. Flights from Sydney
Other international airports: arrive at Tokyo Haneda Airport, while Brisbane and
n Osaka: Kansai International Melbourne routes go into Tokyo Narita.
Other carriers operating between Australia and Japan

n Fukuoka: Fukuoka International
include Japan Airlines and Singapore Airlines.
Taking an indirect flight means you are not limited
to starting and finishing your trip in Tokyo. Indirect
flights are available into or out of Osaka Kansai Airport,
which serves the cities of Osaka, Kyoto and Nara.
Alternatively, it may be more suitable for you to fly in
and out of Fukuoka Airport which offers handy access
to Kyushu Island and southern Japan.
We can also book open jaw flights (ie into one

airport and out of another).
Stopovers
Fancy seeing more of Asia? If youd like to break your journey en route to or from Japan,
wed love to plan a stopover for you. We can arrange accommodation, airport transfers,
guided tours and excursions in many Asian cities. Here are a few ideas:
n Hong Kong
Compare Tokyo with Hong Kong, a similarly vertical city, surrounded by mountains with a spectacular
waterfront from which high-tech skyscrapers rise like a glittering bar chart. Join a dawn tai chi class or
explore crowded Chinese markets. Taste the food on offer at a dai pai dong street-side stall or take afternoon
tea in a five-star hotel. Go hiking in the mountains or sail the harbour in a traditional junk boat. But dont forget
to take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak for that million-dollar view!
n Bangkok
Turn a blind eye to the slapdash city planning, poor infrastructure and chaotic congestion Japan this is not.
Instead, Thailands capital is all about the allure of the haphazard. Imagine taking a boat trip along the citys
canals for a seafood lunch at Taling Chan floating market. Explore a different branch of Buddhism at Wat Arun
and Wat Pho temples, visit the Grand Palaces sacred Emerald Buddha, or relive your youth in the madness of
Khaosan Road. And dont forget the food! Youve got mouth-watering pad thai,
hot green curries, spicy papaya salad and much more to look forward to.
n Singapore
Welcome to the city state of Singapore, a global financial

centre and one of the wealthiest places in the world. With a
tropical climate and multicultural population, Singapore
makes a great first-time stop in Asia its sparkling clean, English
is widely spoken and everything is just so perfectly efficient.
Explore the restaurant scene, take a treetop walk above the rainforest
canopy in MacRitchie Park, or hop across to Sentosa Island for Universal
Studios Singapore. And of course, be sure to drink a Singapore Sling at the Long
Bar in Raffles Hotel.
Brochure design by Salmon Consulting - info@salmonconsultin

133
Frequently asked questions
Where are the prices?
You wont find prices in this brochure, simply because
exchange rates fluctuate and we are constantly making
improvements to our itineraries to make each trip
better and better. Instead, please visit our website
for fixed prices for Small Group Tours and guideline
pricing for our Self-Guided Adventures and Exclusive
Private Journeys. Alternatively, our travel consultants
would be happy to provide prices over the phone.
Please note that we do not surcharge. You can rest

assured that our prices are guaranteed once you have
paid your deposit.
Isnt Japan really expensive?
Youve heard the myth. This is the legacy of Japans
Small Group Tours, Self-Guided
bubble economy in the 1980s. Fortunately prices have
Adventures, Exclusive Private Journeys stabilised since then and youll find that day-to-day
Im confused! expenses for travelling in Japan are no higher than in
n Small Group Tours: you will be part of a group of Europe, Australia, or North America. In fact its possible
maximum 14 guests (20 on our All-Inclusive to get an excellent meal for 8 (AU$ 13) and to take
tours), travelling around Japan together with the the subway across Tokyo for less than 1.50 (AU$ 2.5).
full-time services of a tour leader. These trips have
set departure dates throughout the year.
How fit do I need to be?
n Self-Guided Adventures: you will travel
independently, not as part of a group and without For the majority of our trips, you will need a moderate
a tour leader. We usually include a day or two level of fitness as city sightseeing is best done on
(or more) with a private guide in key destinations. foot, may involve climbing stairs, and requires walking
Itineraries are very flexible and you can travel on between hotels and train stations. Of course if you
any day of the year. are happy to pay on the day for taxis, this can make Im gay and travelling with
travelling in Japan much easier.
my partner. Will we
n Exclusive Private Journeys: this is an elite-level
service and youll have professional guides Any Self-Guided Adventure or Exclusive Private experience any discrimination
and drivers in each destination. We will tailor Journey can be tailored to suit your fitness ability, but in Japan?
an itinerary for you including Japans very best on our Small Group Tours you will need to move
In a word: no. While Japan still lags behind
hotels and ryokan inns. Well also make advance around at a pace that is comfortable for the majority
the UK and US in gay and transgender issues,
restaurant reservations and arrange exclusive of the group; you should be able to manage everyday
there are no legal restraints on same-sex sexual
experiences with local artisans and experts. walking and stair-climbing without difficulty.
activities of either gender. Were proud to have arranged
Our most comfortable Small Group Tours are Luxury many holidays and honeymoons for gay couples and
Japan and Spirit of Honshu, as most transfers are by have had no problem booking double bedrooms
Help, I cant speak any Japanese! private buses. At the other end of the scale, please regardless of the travellers gender. Public displays of
only attempt Historic Mountain Trails if you are very affection are rare between same-sex couples in Japan,
English is not as widely spoken in Japan as in some
fit; experience of hiking up steep mountains at high but the same can be said for heterosexual couples.
Asian countries, however all Japanese people do study
altitudes is strongly recommended. You may raise a few eyebrows if you hold hands in the
English at school to varying levels of success, of
countryside, but thats probably about all.
course! As a general rule of thumb, youll find better
English spoken (and written on signs and menus) in
the big cities. Accordingly, the further away from Tokyo
Do I have to eat raw fish?
and Kyoto you travel, the harder it may be to find
I am a wheelchair user. Can you arrange
We certainly wont force you to! Theres plenty more to
someone who can understand you but thats all part
a trip to Japan for me?
Japanese cuisine than sushi and sashimi.
of the fun for the adventurous traveller. Yes, we would be delighted to. We have arranged
If you have a specific dietary requirement or food
many Self-Guided Adventures and Exclusive Private
preference, please let us know all the details as well
Journeys for wheelchair users in the past.
as the reason why: religious reasons, moral choice,
Isnt it difficult to travel by public
healthy eating, a severe allergy etc. Vegetarianism and In the major cities many Japanese hotels
transport in Japan?
other diets such as gluten-free are still not commonly have accessible rooms, trains and stations can
Not at all. Youll soon notice that stations are well understood in Japan. But please talk to us ahead of accommodate wheelchairs and we can let you know
labelled in English and the public transport is clean, your trip and well do our best to find accommodation exactly which temples, shrines and gardens have
efficient and ruthlessly punctual; the average annual and restaurants that can meet your needs and provide suitable access. Whatever your disability, please let us
delay on the bullet train can be as little as 18 seconds. delicious meals for you. know your needs and well tailor the trip to suit you.
134 FI N
R TE R
QOUD
ENU TCLTYI OA N
SKED QUESTIONS W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8
Weather & climate
When to go
Japan is a fantastic holiday destination all year round, regardless of which season you choose. Sapporo (Hokkaido)
n Average daily high temperature (C)
n Spring (March & April): Warm weather, not too humid. Very popular during cherry
n Average monthly rainfall (mm)
Sapporo (Hokkaido)
blossom season 30 250
25
n Summer (May to September): Hot and humid in the cities, but great for exploring 200
20
mountains and beaches 150
15
n Autumn (October & November): Mild to warm weather and autumn leaves visible 10 100
throughout this period depending on the altitude 5

50
0
n Winter (December to February): Cool, crisp, clear days with heavy snowfall in the -5 0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
mountains. Excellent powder snow for skiing
Tokyo
Cherry blossom n Average daily high temperature (C)
n Average monthly rainfall (mm)

Tokyo
Spring is a wonderful time to be in Japan to catch the transient beauty of the beloved cherry blossom 35 250
season. Japan really lets its hair down at this time of year as the whole population enjoys sake-fuelled 30
200
picnics beneath canopies of pink. 25
20 150
Be warned, though, that this is a very busy time of year to visit City Average full bloom
15 100
Japan; trains, temples, restaurants and hotels will be full to capacity. Sapporo 8th May
10
Our advice is to book early and be flexible about budget and Sendai 14th April 50
5
accommodation as hotels and guides get booked up a long time Tokyo 30th March
0 0
in advance. Kanazawa 8th April Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Kyoto 3rd April

The cherry blossom usually lasts around two weeks with the
Hiroshima 3rd April Kyoto
average full bloom dates shown right. Please note that the
cherry blossom is as unpredictable as the weather and timings Matsuyama 1st April n Average daily high temperature (C)
can vary widely from year to year. Fukuoka 28th March n Average monthly rainfall (mm)
Kyoto
35 250
Kagoshima 2nd April
30
Ishigaki 30th January 200
25
20 150
Autumn leaves 15 100

10
Lasting longer than the cherry blossom, the leaf-viewing season is 50
5
arguably more spectacular. On average you can see the autumn colours
0 0
at their best as shown below. Be warned: in Tokyo and Kyoto the Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
l leaves turn much later in the year than you might expect!
Fukuoka (Kyushu)
Region Autumn leaves
n Average daily high temperature (C)
Hokkaido Mid-September to mid-October
n Average monthly rainfall (mm) (Kyushu)
Fukuoka
Tohoku Mid-October to early November 35 250
Japanese Alps Early October to mid-November 30

200
Tokyo Late November to early December 25
Kyoto Mid- to late November 20 150
Shikoku Mid- to late November 15 100
Kyushu Late October to mid-November 10

50
5
0 0
Rainy season
Whilst it can rain in Japan at any time all year round, the rain is Naha (Okinawa)
at its heaviest from June to mid-July. However even during this n Average daily high temperature (C)
rainy season, it wont rain every day and its not always torrential. n Average monthly rainfall (mm)
Naha (Okinawa)
When it does pour, it tends to be in quick, tropical bursts before 35 250
blue skies are revealed again. Travelling in Japan is still possible 30

200
at this time of year; youll just need to carry an umbrella and 25
invest in sensible footwear. Okinawa experiences a rainy season 20 150
one month earlier from May to mid-June, as well as occasional 15 100
typhoons later in the summer and autumn. Hokkaido does not 10

50
have a rainy season at all. 5
0 0
135
Important information
Holiday descriptions and inclusions Meals Children

Full details of the inclusions, accommodation and day-by-day A number of meals are included in most packages. Please Children aged 12 or older are treated as adults in terms of
itineraries for the holidays described in this brochure can be advise your booking agent of any dietary requirements well in accommodation and transport costs. For younger children we
found on our website or by contacting us. advance of departure and we will do our best to accommodate can offer discounts; please ask your booking agent for further
them. details. Any children aged 17 years or younger at the time of
Prices travel must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or another
Due to the volatility of currency exchange rates and the flexibility Late bookings adult who will assume legal responsibility for them for the
of our itineraries we have not printed any prices in our brochure. Bookings made fewer than four weeks before your planned duration of the trip. We are happy for children aged six years or
For the latest prices please call us, contact your local travel agent departure date will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. In older at the time of travel to join most of our Small Group Tours.
or check our website: www.InsideJapanTours.com most situations we will be able to confirm your holiday at the
current price (as shown on our website or made available by Rooms & check-in
When planning your trip please keep in mind that during certain contacting your travel agent), however there may be situations Check-in and check-out times vary from hotel to hotel. Check-
Japanese holiday periods, prices can be a lot higher than usual. where we will have to change the prices, inclusions or itinerary. in can be any time from 1pm to 4pm and check-out from
The main holiday periods are as follows: For late bookings we will endeavour to confirm your holiday 9am to 12 noon. Please note that in Japan check-in times are
arrangements and the price within three working days. strictly adhered to and early check-in requests may well be
n New Year: 29th December to 4th January refused. You can, however, always leave your suitcase with the
n Cherry blossom season: late March to mid-April Passports, visas and health advice front desk before check-in time.
n Golden Week: 29th April to 5th May It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members
n Obon Festival: 9th August to 17th August of your party have the correct passports and, if appropriate, Please advise your booking agent as to whether you wish to
visas to enter Japan. At the time of printing, citizens of the UK, have smoking or non-smoking rooms and we will do our best
Australia, New Zealand and many European countries do not to accommodate your wishes. Triple or quad-share rooms may
Financial protection
need a visa to visit Japan. If you are unsure, please contact the be available upon request; please ask for further details.
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited
Japanese Embassy in your home country. You can find a full list
(ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Car hire
of embassies at: www.mofa.go.jp
Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for If your package includes a rental car, the named driver must
InsideJapan Tours, and in the event of our insolvency, protection Vaccinations are generally not needed for visiting Japan, but if be in possession of a full and valid driving licence from their
is provided for the following: you suffer from any health problems please consult your doctor home country as well as a full and valid International Driving
before booking. Healthcare in Japan is usually very good, but Permit (issued in accordance with the Geneva Convention
1. Non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the
can be expensive. Please note that some medications are not 1949). Cars drive on the left and most roads signs are in
UK;
permitted in Japan. Your own government will be able to supply English as well as Japanese. Swiss and German driving licence
2. Non-flight packages commencing and returning to a the latest health advice regarding your visit. You may also want to holders need to obtain a Japanese translation of their home
country other than the UK; and contact the Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) for advice. country driving licence before departure and cannot use an
International Driving Permit.
3. Flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the UK: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan
UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK. JNTO UK: www.seejapan.co.uk Luggage
JNTO Australia: www.jnto.org.au Porterage is not included as standard in the majority of
Clauses 1, 2 and 3 provide for a refund in the event that you have our packages although the top hotels in Japan will provide
not yet travelled. Clauses 1 and 3 provide for repatriation. Please JNTO Worldwide: www.jnto.go.jp
porterage between the front desk and your guest room at their
note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by Travel insurance discretion. For most packages you are responsible for carrying
ABTOT when purchased directly with InsideJapan Tours. It is a condition of booking with InsideJapan Tours that you and your own luggage from place to place. Most train stations have
all members of your party have adequate travel insurance to escalators but a few do not. Some trains only have limited
The air holiday packages in this brochure are ATOL protected
cover medical costs and repatriation. You will need to accept our luggage space. Please pack as light as possible and make sure
by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 9419.
terms and conditions to show that you have this insurance in that you are able to handle your own luggage comfortably. We
Please see our booking conditions for more information. ATOL
place for the duration of your trip. Although not compulsory, we recommend packing a small, light suitcase with good wheels.
Protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services in this
brochure. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply also recommend that you also take out cancellation insurance.
Japan does have an excellent luggage forwarding service which
to your booking. Money, debit & credit cards is available from the front desk of most hotels. You can send
Japan is still a cash society and many shops and restaurants your luggage from hotel to hotel on an overnight basis. This
Booking, payment & travel documents
do not accept debit or credit cards. Therefore, you will need service is included at pertinent times on some of our Small
You can book by contacting InsideJapan Tours directly or by talking
to carry Japanese yen in cash whilst in Japan. You can get Group Tours. For our Self-Guided Adventures you can use this
to your local travel agent. If you are booking through a travel
Japanese yen in advance of your trip or you can exchange GB service at a small additional cost (payable in yen at the time
agency, all subsequent correspondence should be made through
pound, US or AU dollar, or Euro cash, as well as cash in most of forwarding) and full instructions will be in your Info-Pack.
that agency. For all bookings, you will be required to accept our
other currencies, on arrival at any airport. You can do the same For those travelling on an Exclusive Private Journey these
terms and conditions on behalf of all of those in your party.
at some banks and post offices during your trip. Please note arrangements will be handled by the guide. If you plan to take
InsideJapan Tours asks for a non-refundable deposit upon that bank and post office opening hours are often shorter than advantage of this service, it will be useful to have an overnight
booking and then full payment two months prior to your in the UK or Australia and that they are closed on Saturday bag as well as your main suitcase. If you have any questions or
package start date. Please check with your travel agent for their afternoons, Sundays and national holidays. queries please contact us directly or ask your travel agent.
payment terms as these vary from agency to agency.
You can also use Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Maestro branded To speak to a travel consultant at InsideJapan Tours please
After we have processed your booking, we will issue you or your credit and debit cards to take money out of ATMs at Japan contact us on:
travel agent with a confirmation document, which will show Post Office branches, Citi Bank branches and Seven Eleven
UK: 0117 270 9730
exactly what is included in your holiday. Please check all the convenience stores; you will need a four-digit PIN number
AUS: 07 3703 3838
details carefully and advise your booking agent if there are any to do this. Please inform your card issuer before departure
info@insidejapantours.com
mistakes or if there is anything you do not understand. that you will be using your card abroad, take the card issuers
contact telephone number with you and have a back-up in
Your Info-Pack and final travel documents will be sent to you
case of any problems. Booking agent refers to your InsideJapan Tours travel
approximately four weeks before departure. Some tickets may
consultant or your local travel agent.
be sent to your first hotel in Japan for collection on arrival. Full
details of which tickets and documents will be sent when and
where will be in your final documentation.
136 N TP R
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Glossary
Throughout the InsideJapan Tours offices, were guilty of speaking Japlish our own blend of Japanese and English. Thats because Japanese has words that
cant be neatly translated into English, or we need to describe things that just dont exist in the English-speaking world.
Heres a handy glossary to define the Japanese words used in this brochure. If you encounter any more, our bilingual travel consultants would be happy to explain.
n anime: Japanese film and television animation. n nabe: a hotpot dish of meat or seafood and vegetables.
Aimed as much at adults as children Usually enjoyed in winter
n takoyaki: a dish of grilled dumplings filled with
n basashi: a dish of sliced raw horse meat. A n ninja: from the feudal area, a person highly trained in diced octopus
speciality in Matsumoto martial arts and stealth, hired for covert espionage
including sabotage and assassinations n tatami: flooring made from reed mats. Shoes
n bunraku: puppet theatre. A high-art form dating back to off and socks only on the tatami!
the 18th century n noren: traditional fabric dividers or curtains with vertical
slits that hang in doorways or windows n tempura: a dish of fish, shellfish or vegetables
n dojo: a school or practice hall where karate, judo fried in a light batter
or other martial arts are practiced n okonomiyaki: a savoury pancake dish containing cabbage
and various fillings including meat, seafood or vegetables, n teriyaki: a dish consisting of fish or meat
n eisa: a folk dance originating in Okinawa topped with barbecue sauce marinated in soy sauce and grilled
accompanied by singing, drums and the sanshin
n onsen: a hot-spring bath. Can be indoors or outdoors, n torii: a red gate found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine
n fugu: a dish of pufferfish, eaten as a delicacy but always with natural spa water a testament to Japans n udon: thick noodles made of wheat pasta
once the highly poisonous parts of the fish have volcanic landscape
been expertly removed n wagashi: Japanese confectionary typically made with plant
n otaku: a person obsessed with computers or particular ingredients and served with green tea
n futon: a thick, quilted mattress for sleeping on. Much aspects of popular culture, sometimes to the detriment
more comfortable than Western-style futons no wooden of their social skills n wagyu: tender beef from a specific breed of Japanese
slats underneath cattle
n ramen: a meat or fish soup containing noodles and
n gassho zukuri: a traditional farmhouse with a vegetables n washi: traditional Japanese paper commonly made from
steep thatched roof built to withstand heavy the bark of the gampi tree
snowfall in the Japanese Alps n ryokan: a traditional Japanese inn. Guest rooms have reed
mats on the floor and youll sleep on thick mattresses n yakatabune: a low barge-style boat lined with red lanterns
n geta: traditional wooden clogs worn outdoors, rolled out on the mats. For a more detailed description
with a thong that passes between the first two toes please turn to p. 94-95.
n gyoza: a dish of wonton wrappers stuffed with pork and cabbage
n sake: a drink made by fermenting rice; the national
n hanami: a cherry blossom viewing party. Usually a picnic beverage of Japan
with food and sake n sakura: cherry blossom. The flowers of several trees of the
n iaido: a martial art using traditional Japanese genus Prunus
swordsmanship techniques. Lit. the way of the encounter n sanshin: a three-stringed musical instrument from
n ikebana: the art of Japanese flower arranging Okinawa
n izakaya: a gastro-pub. Serves alcohol and food which n sashimi: a dish consisting of slivers of raw fish eaten
comes in small sharing dishes, akin to Spanish tapas with soy sauce
n kaiseki: Japanese haute cuisine. A set-menu meal of n shabu shabu: a dish of thinly sliced beef or pork cooked
many small meat, fish and vegetable dishes made with quickly with vegetables in boiling water and then dipped
different cooking techniques to create contrasting textures. in sauce
Often served at traditional Japanese inns, using seasonal n shamisen: a traditional three-stringed lute with a square
produce and regional specialities body, played with a large plectrum
n kanji: a system of Japanese writing using Chinese-derived n shinkansen: the bullet train. Lit. new trunk line
characters
n shodo: Japanese calligraphy. Lit. the way of writing
n katana: a long, curved single-edged sword traditionally
used by samurai n shojin ryori: a type of vegetarian cooking introduced
to Japan alongside Buddhism in the 6th century. Shojin
n koi: a large ornamental variety of carp. See our brochure is a Buddhist term that refers to asceticism in pursuit of
cover enlightenment, and ryori means cooking
n kushikatsu: a dish of deep-fried skewered meat or n soba: noodles made from buckwheat. Can be served hot
vegetables or cold
n kyudo: the martial art of longbow archery which n somen: thin, white noodles made of wheat flour
incorporates choreographed movements practised in a and salt
meditative state
n sumobeya: Living quarters where sumo wrestlers
n machiya: a historic, wooden townhouse. Typified in Kyoto, train and live, known as a stable in English.
they formerly housed merchants and craftsmen All professional sumo wrestlers must belong
n maiko: an apprentice geisha. Entertainers who perform to one
dances and play traditional Japanese instruments n taiko: a Japanese drum. They come in various
n manga: Japanese comic books and graphic novels. Aimed shapes and sizes
as much at adults as children
n miso: a thick substance made from soya beans and salt

used in Japanese cooking
137
InsideVietnam Tours & InsideBurma Tours
We are proud to introduce you to our sister brands: InsideVietnam Tours and InsideBurma
Tours. We offer tailored travel, group tours and cultural experiences in Vietnam, Cambodia,
Laos and in the emerging destination of Burma a country that until recently has remained
largely unknown and inaccessible.
You can expect the same passion, expertise and commitment to providing the best possible service that we offer in Japan
all across Southeast Asia. Our first-hand inside knowledge of this region enables us to offer memorable holidays that
consistently exceed our customers expectations, as proven by the client feedback on our websites.
idir serugiF soaL & aidobmaC 90

We did an InsideJapan trip in 2012 and we thought
it would never be outscored by any other tour... but
now it has a true opponent! Our Vietnam holiday
was excellent, thank you!
Nelie & Josef, Vereeniging, South Africa
Ready to explore more of Asia?
Please call us on (UK) 0117 244 3370 to discuss your Southeast

Asia travel plans or to request a combined InsideVietnam Tours and
InsideBurma Tours brochure.
138 I NE TY R
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D UJCA TP IAONN W W W . I N S I D E J A P AW
NWT OWU. IRNS S. CI D
O EMV II E IT NN FAOM@T IONUSRI D
S .ECJ O
AMP A IN TI N
O FUOR @ I D EI VUI K
S .I CNOS M E T: N0A1 M
17 0 I A
T O3U7R0S .9C7O3 M UUKS
: :0 0
171 73 7
2043
4 38
3378
0
Vietnam
Vietnam is a country on the move. The American-Vietnamese War ended more than forty years
ago and, whilst not forgotten, it no longer defines todays Vietnamese, who are young, optimistic
and dynamic; ready to welcome the world. There is a real buzz on the streets of Hanoi and Ho
Chi Minh City, contrasting with and complementing the more traditional aspects of the country
to be found beyond the urban sprawl.
Whether you are hiking through the rice terraces of the north, cruising through the magical
scenery of Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta, relaxing on Phu Quocs palm-lined beaches or
sipping coffee on a colonial boulevard, theres plenty to discover in this beautiful country.
Cambodia
Cambodia is the Southeast Asia of countless postcards: a land of orange-robed monks, tropical
fruit, hidden Khmer temples, lush rice paddies, tuk tuks and delicious coconut curries served on
banana leaves.
Although best-known for the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, Cambodia has much more to
offer: teetering stilt villages on Tonl Sap Lake; palaces and colonial villas in Phnom Penh;
golden beaches, jungle treks and river cruises not to mention fantastic Khmer cuisine and
artisan craftwork.
Laos
Laos, the Land of a Million Elephants, remains one of Asias least-visited and most underrated
destinations and is all the better for it.
In Luang Prabang, a former capital brimming with ornate palaces and temples, Laos boasts one
of Southeast Asias most atmospheric towns. Beyond the cities, rugged jungle-clad mountains
bisected by great rivers cover much of the country, pocketed with vast caves, archaeological sites
and laid-back riverside resorts. Dotted between youll find coffee plantations, golden shrines and
unhurried villages where monks receive morning alms from their devoutly Buddhist neighbours.
Burma
Arriving in Burma is akin to travelling back through time to a Southeast Asia of the 1980s:
international influence is only just gaining a foothold and the sense of the mysterious and exotic
is still pervasive. After decades of political isolation, the pace of change in modern Burma, also
known by its official name Myanmar, is rapidly building, making this a fascinating time to visit
and witness the transformation first-hand.
Remnants of the British colonial era are still evident across the country, particularly in the
architecture of Yangon. Beyond the cities youll find a dramatic variety of scenery and
topography, from the semi-desert plains of temple-strewn Bagan to lush jungle and snow-
capped Himalayan peaks, while idyllic beaches stretch from Bangladesh to the Thai border.
139
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InsideJapan Tours
Specialists in travel to Japan
InsideJapan Tours
UK: 0117 370 9730 AUS: 07 3703 3838
info@insidejapantours.com

Part of InsideAsia Tours Ltd, an award-winning travel company
offering group tours, tailored travel and cultural experiences
across Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma. The mark of responsible forestry

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Exclusive Private Journeys

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Get beneath the surface

InsideJapan Tours is a member of the Association of Independent Tour

Operators. The Association represents Britains leading independent tour

operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. InsideJapan

Tours abides by the Associations Code of Business Practice and adheres to

the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.com

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Our Japan specialists Award-winning quality

Our offices: Bristol, Boulder, Brisbane and Nagoya

Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto

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Nagasaki Mt. Aso Shikoku

Yakushima Japan facts & figures

Online client portal

Let us show you where to take your shoes off

The level of detail provided in the Info-Pack

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Personalised maps make it easy to find

Appetizers Boiled Dish

Easy-to-follow instructions set out the

Vegetable and seafood tempura

We had a brilliant holiday. We

Michele & Alan,

InsideJapan Tours in numbers

Four offices worldwide in the UK, USA, Australia & Japan

More than 60,000 clients since the year 2000

99% excellent or good rating for overall customer satisfaction

More than 115 staff worldwide

Seven languages spoken fluently by our staff

Winter (December to February)

More winter highlights

n Visit the snow monkeys of Yudanaka Onsen

Summer (June to September)

Our favourite summer suggestions

n Go hiking or drive through the lavender fields in Hokkaido

Top spring experiences

n Visit Kyoto for the spring geisha dance shows

Autumn (October & November)

Further autumn recommendations

n See spectacular autumn colours in Kamikochi National Park in

Small Group Tours

Welcome to our Small Group Tours.

The very first holidays we arranged in Japan were Small Group

So go on, join an InsideJapan Small Group Tour with one of

12 SMALL GROUP TOURS W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8

Small Group Tour concept 14 - 15

All-In Japan 24 - 25 ALL-INCLUSIVE

Rural Japan Explorer 40 - 41 C L A S S I C

Historic Mountain Trails 46 - 47 E S S E N T I A L

Our Small Group Tour concept

Your tour leader Luggage Fitness

14 SMALL GROUP TOURS W W W. I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I I N F O @ I N S I D E J A PA N TO U R S . C O M I U K : 0 1 1 7 3 7 0 9 7 3 0 I A U S : 0 7 3 7 0 3 3 8 3 8

Full-time expert tour leader

All transport between destinations in Japan

Carefully chosen hotels and traditional Japanese inns

Breakfast every day

At least one evening meal (most tours have more)

Guaranteed maximum group size of 14

yushu Elements was a brilliantly

Dreaming of Japan Unmasked?