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Land of the Rising Sun

Far East Asia : Japan

Tour name: Land of the Rising Sun

See the big city lights of Tokyo, visit the resting place of the Tokugawa shoguns, soak in a traditional outdoor onsen, experience modern and traditional faces of Japan ...

Duration: 14 Days      Grading: MODERATE      Max Group Size: 12      Type: SMALL GROUP      Prices from: £1805

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Tour Summary:

Tour name: Land of the Rising Sun

Prices from: £1805

Duration: 14 Days

Kind points from: 135

N&K Reference: NKT0001184
(Type this into the "Jump to" form at www.NatureAndKind.com to find this tour again)


Type: SMALL GROUP

Grading: MODERATE

Suitable for: FAMILIES, SMALL GROUPS, SOLO TRAVELLERS, Couples

Experiences: ACTIVE, CULTURE

Activities: CULTURE - Multi-Activity

Max Group Size: 12

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Tour Overview

Ever-welcoming and always fascinating, Japan is a land of ancient gods, austere traditions and groundbreaking technology. Experience the best that this diverse country has to offer from the excitement of lively Tokyo and feudal history of ancient castles to the sacred resting places of shoguns and panoramic views of Japan's lush countryside.

Location

Continent or Region: Far East Asia

Country or State/County: Japan


Travelling in Japan presents one contrast after another. You’ve just spent the night in a beautiful traditional old inn but you step outside and purchase your breakfast from a vending machine. Japan is an addictive country with a constant presentation of contrasts and challenges and just when you think you are getting the hang of things you suddenly realise you know nothing.

Activities

Intrepid's focus is on contact with local people, getting out into the countryside, visiting temples and shrines, travelling on interesting modes of transport, learning ancient traditions, sampling incredible cuisine, staying in local-style guesthouses and immersing ourselves in everything Asian. We do all this and more in Japan, which we have found to be a surprisingly adventurous destination with so much to offer. Although this is not a trekking trip as such, it does involve a decent amount of walking each day as we explore the many sites on foot. For those who wish to keep active, there are also options of bush walks, hikes and bike riding at many of the places we go on this trip

Guest reviews

Dara Sok

Had a wonderful trip.. the culture and atmosphere was wonderous...people are so friendly...and our Tour Leader and Guide was excellent....great time learning the differences that we all have and the relations that we shared.

Tour Highlights

See the big city lights of Tokyo - Visit the resting place of the Tokugawa shoguns - Soak in a traditional outdoor onsen - Reflect on the past in Hiroshima - Delve into geisha culture in Kyoto - Experience the modern and traditional faces of Japan

Itinerary

Days 1 and 2 | Tokyo

Beneath the neon lights, high-tech gadgetry and crowded suburbs is a city steeped in ancient traditions and cultures. Visit Ueno Park where delicate trees provide a beautiful backdrop to various museums or head into the upmarket district of Ginza for some retail opulence.


Day 3 | Nikko

Arguably Japan's most famous area of shrines, Nikko houses several sacred sites including the resting places of the Tokugawa shoguns. If ornate architecture and multicoloured carvings are not your thing, the cedar tree-populated Mt Nakimushi offers a pleasant hiking alternative.


Days 4 and 5 | Hakone

Relax on a boat cruise across Lake Ashinoko before enjoying picturesque views of the region on a cable car ride over the surrounding mountains. Don't miss the chance to soak in an outdoor onsen, while the adventurous might want to try a sulphur-boiled egg.


Days 6 and 7 | Takayama

With its sake breweries, traditional inns and art galleries, Takayama is a delightful little town nestled in the Japanese Alps. Check out the Hida Folk Village for a glimpse of traditional life among artisans and thatched-roof houses.


Days 8 to 10 | Hiroshima

This reborn city has a vibrant energy that belies its tragic history. The A-Bomb Dome and Peace Museum make for a moving experience, as does the famous floating torii gate of Miyajima's grand Itsukushima-jinja shrine.


Days 11 to 14 | Kyoto

Gain insight into feudal Japan at Himeji-Jo Castle en route to Kyoto, where a visit to the magnificent gold-plated Kinkaku-ji Temple should not be missed. Tour the geisha district of Gion before saying sayonara to the Land of the Rising Sun.

From To Description Num Days Price Booking
23-Jan-2009 31-Dec-2012 Prices from GBP £1805.(excluding flights)

Departure dates

January - May


Please enquire now for scheduled dates and availability
14 £1805.00
what's included?

Kind Points:406
Prices and Enquiries
Included in the price:
  • Accommodation
  • Activities
  • Cots
  • Electricity
  • Insurance
  • Logs
NOT included in the price:
  • Activity equipment hire
  • Airport tax
  • Airport transfers
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • All meals
  • All meals and activities
  • Arrival starter pack
  • Bed Linen
  • Breakfast
  • Country visas
  • Dinner
  • Entrance/ Admission fees
  • Ferry
  • Government
  • Gratuities and tips
  • Guide/ Tour leader
  • High chairs
  • Internal flights
  • International flights
  • Lunch

Accepted Payment Types

• Cheque • Mastercard • Visa • Maestro

Nature & Kind Factor


Intrepid is committed to a style of travel that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible - we call this 'Responsible Travel'. For the past 18 years we've maintained a commitment to responsible and sustainable travel. We work with communities by establishing local businesses, we train and use local operators and we always ensure that our travellers really interact with the locals in their host communities. With your participation we aim to travel in a way that conserves the areas we visit and bring positive benefits to local communities. By travelling responsibly we're working to ensure that these incredible places, fascinating cultures and wonderful people are here to greet us in years to come. We're empowering the local communities and creating richer, real life experiences for travellers.

our travel style
* Grass roots travel using local public transport where possible - minimises demand for special tourist vehicles and fuel.
* We choose small-scale locally owned accommodation and homestays where available and local restaurants and markets for dining, retaining revenue in local communities.
* Our group leaders facilitate communication of our values to travellers and local communities, educating them in sustainable tourism practices.
* We employ local guides to aid travellers' understanding of local culture and etiquette.
* Small groups allow travellers to experience cultures first hand, offering greater opportunity for cross- cultural understanding.
* We are committed to putting back into the communities and regions we visit by supporting many aid, development and conservation projects in these areas. Much of this support is through The Intrepid Foundation and travellers are invited to contribute.


Our Trusted Partner's Responsible and Sustainable Travel Policy

Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us.

That means travelling in a way which both respects and benefits local people, their culture and the environment. We mostly take public transport, stay and eat in small-scale locally-owned establishments, travel in small groups, and spread the word of sustainable tourism wherever possible. And every year we evaluate each trip to ensure its compliance with our Responsible Travel Code of Conduct. Taking these small steps, we're able to make a big difference. And that goes for the whole trip experience too. Our travellers get the chance to meet local people and really get to know their culture first hand. You'll contribute directly to local economies and help develop cross-cultural understanding. In others words, enjoy a real life experience.

Our Top 12 responsible travel tips

• Before leaving home learn as much as possible about the countries you are visiting – the religion and culture, the local rules and values.
• Learn some language and don’t be afraid to use it – simple pleasantries will help break the ice. Keep practising.
• Learn what’s appropriate behaviour and body language. Like the concept of ‘saving face” in Asia or giving the thumbs up in western or central Europe.
• Support locally owned businesses, hotels, restaurants and other services. Eat local food and drink local brands and brews. Use public transport, hire a bike or walk where convenient – you'll meet local people and get to know the place.
• Think first. It’s best not to eat in restaurants, shop in stores or visit local shows, markets or zoos that promote cruelty or exploitation of endangered species.
• Shop from traditional artisans and for locally made products, helping keep traditional crafts alive and favour local products over imported items. Bargain if that is a local practice, but bear in mind that a small amount to you could be extremely important to the seller.
• Dress respectfully with an awareness of local standards. Dress modestly at religious sites and check what swim wear is suitable for pools and the beach.
• Always ask first before photographing or videoing people. Send them back copies of photos to help make it a two-way exchange.
• Be wary of giving gifts or money to beggars, children and people you have just met. Supporting the community through a local school, clinic or development project may be more constructive.
• Leave only footprints…take care of the environment as you would your own home. Take out all you take in, to areas away from the cities. Use alternatives to plastic and say ‘No’ to plastic bags. For cigarette butts, an empty film container makes a perfect portable container.
• After returning home think how you can support programs and organisations that are working to protect the welfare, culture and environment of where you’ve been lucky to visit.
• Smile and have fun!


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Prices and Enquiries

About our Trusted Partner

For travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world, operating trips throughout Asia, Middle East, Europe, Africa, Australasia & Latin America. With extensive experience and a huge variety of travel styles available, Intrepid travellers explore the world's most amazing places – discovering real people, real cultures and having incredible real life experiences along the way. Intrepid is for people of all ages who have a yearning to explore, a sense of fun and desire to get off the beaten track!

Techno Marvel : Land of the Rising Sun at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Techno Marvel
Techno Marvel : Land of the Rising Sun at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Geisha, Japan : Land of the Rising Sun at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Geisha, Japan
Geisha, Japan : Land of the Rising Sun at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Dining out in Japan : Land of the Rising Sun at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Dining out in Japan
Dining out in Japan : Land of the Rising Sun at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

See the sight of Tokyo : Land of the Rising Sun at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

See the sight of Tokyo
See the sight of Tokyo : Land of the Rising Sun at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Kimonos in Colour : Land of the Rising Sun at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Kimonos in Colour
Kimonos in Colour : Land of the Rising Sun at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

The Perfect Gift for all occasions!

  • Redeemable against any N&K experience
  • £25, £50, £100 & £500 denominations
  • An ideal wedding gift!

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Tour Summary:

Tour name: Land of the Rising Sun

Prices from: £1805

Duration: 14 Days

Kind points from: 135

N&K Reference: NKT0001184
(Type this into the "Jump to" form at www.NatureAndKind.com to find this tour again)


Type: SMALL GROUP

Grading: MODERATE

Suitable for: FAMILIES, SMALL GROUPS, SOLO TRAVELLERS, Couples

Experiences: ACTIVE, CULTURE

Activities: CULTURE - Multi-Activity

Max Group Size: 12

Add to favourites   Email this page
In order to use the Send to a Friend facility you must be logged in. Please either log in above, or register if you are not already a friend of Nature & Kind.
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