Japan

March 19th  – April 4th 2024  (17 Days)

JAPAN:  March 19-April 4 2024 ( 17 Days)
LAND ONLY: $12,180 Canadian/ per person.
Begins Tuesday March 19st in Tokyo and finishes Thursday April 4th in Tokyo

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:  $2,520 Canadian.
MEALS INCLUDED:  16 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 13 Dinners

 

Limited to 16 travellers + Norman & Julie Bruce

You can choose to arrive in Tokyo a day or more before the tour starts if you wish to explore more of by far Japan’s largest city and get over jet lag after flying across the Pacific. The first week of our tour co-ordinates with Tokyo’s spectacular Cherry Blossom Festival. You can also choose to stay on in Tokyo for a day or more after the tour finishes.

(Updated Jan 23rd  2023.)

 

BC reg 3379

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Overview

Overview

The characters that make up Japan’s name mean “sun-origin”, which is why Japan is often referred to as the “Land of the Rising Sun.”

Japan is one of the most culturally homogeneous countries in the world. It is the exact opposite of multi-cultural. Everything about Japan is totally “Japanese” and our tour explores this deep and ancient culture. The first week of our tour co-ordinates with Tokyo’s spectacular Cherry Blossom Festival.

Japan is a country where the slow, precise ritual of the tea ceremony co-exists with shinkansen “bullet” trains which travel at over 250 Km per hour, delivering people from tiny villages of wooden houses to the world’s largest metropolis of over 30 million people! On our tour we stay mainly in ultra-modern hotels but we spend a couple of nights in traditional ryokan inns. We travel by “bullet” and other trains, coaches, boats and gondolas to see some of Japan’s most impressive scenery, including getting up-close to Mount Fuji. The focus of our tour is on what makes Japan so unique – early imperial palaces, traditional temples, Shintoism (Japan’s own adaptation of Buddhism), geishas, sake, samurai – and the gracious and refined Japanese people. The first week of our tour co-ordinates with Tokyo’s spectacular Cherry Blossom Festival.

Day 1: Tuesday March 19 Arrival in Tokyo

Upon arrival at Narita Airport, we transfer to our hotel to relax and recover from our flight.

First of 3 nights in Tokyo. Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar. No meals.

Day 2: Wedneday March 20 Tokyo City Tour

We enjoy a full day’s guided tour starting with a subway ride to the Asakusa traditional area, which is a well-preserved and still-lively old Edo (as Tokyo was known from 1600 – 1868) district. Exploring the over-1,400-year-old Senso-ji Temple, we see a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. We navigate the ancient Nakamise shopping street, which has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. We also wander the street where they sell the plastic food items that are displayed in almost every restaurant window throughout Japan. We enjoy the views from Tokyo’s tallest building, the Sky Tree Tower, over the world’s largest city – greater Tokyo is home to over 30 million people!

We make a short stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza & Nijubashi Bridge. We also visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens, a quintessential oasis engulfed within the city. We have co-ordinated our tour dates with Tokyo’s dazzling Cherry Blossom Festival. This afternoon we visit some of the places that best showcase the millions of pink and white blossoms. The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden has over 1,000 trees of 68 varieties of sakura (ornamental cherry trees), which put on a spectacular display. In Chidorigafuchi Park the moat is flanked by hundreds of flowering cherry trees. We also explore the Shinjuku area, otherwise known as Tokyo’s playground. This district exemplifies modern Tokyo and boasts countless movie theatres, department stores, fashion boutiques, shopping plazas, neon signs, restaurants and a dizzying array of most everything Tokyo has to offer. At Shinjuku Station an estimated 3.3 million people push through each day, making it the busiest train/subway station in the world. After dinner we take a ferry across the Sumida River to our hotel.

Second of 3 nights in Tokyo. Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar.  Breakfast & Dinner.

 

Day 3: Thursday March 21 Tokyo – Kamakura - Tokyo

Today we take a 1-hour excursion on the Enoden line historic train to the coastal town of Kamakura, which served as the political centre for Japan from the 12th to the 15th Centuries. The Daibutso Temple Trail is a partially-paved track through lovely green gardens, past the Zeniarai Benten Shrine and finishing at a famous Buddha statue. This afternoon we take the train back to Tokyo.

Third of 3 nights in Tokyo. Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 4: Friday March 22 Tokyo - Mt. Fuji - Hakone

We drive to Mount Fuji with a stop at the 5th Station for breathtaking views of the mountain (weather permitting.) We enter Hakone National Park, which is located at the foot of Mount Fuji. With emerald-green Lake Ashi located right in the park’s centre and Mount Fuji rising in the background, the breathtaking scenery is regarded as among Japan’s finest. The view from the Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park includes over 650 varieties of flowering cherry tree. We take the Hakone Ropeway cable car above Lake Ashi and see the steam emitting from the Owakudani Valley volcanic area (the “Valley of Great Boiling”), the result of a volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago. This area is still active with many sulphur vents and bubbling hot springs. Our brief cable car ride up Mount Komagatake takes us to the Owakudani station for panoramic views (weather permitting) of the spectacular Mount Fuji area.  We also visit the small, but delightful, Kubota Icchiku Art Museum. Kubota revived the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing and the museum exhibits several of the artist’s stunning kimono creations, which depict themes of nature, the cosmos and the seasons.  We spend the night at Hakone, wedged between Mt Fuji and the Izu Peninsula. In the feudal era, Hakone was a very important checkpoint that safeguarded the security of Edo (now Tokyo) as the seat of the Shogunate. This area has been popular for its famous hot springs (onsen) since the 1500s. Tonight we stay at a ryokan traditional inn where we enjoy Japanese home cooking and hospitality. Our rooms are traditional style with tatami flooring and futon beds.
Overnight in Hakone. Kinokuniya Ryokan Hotel. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 5: Saturday March 23 Hakone – Pearl Fishing – Kyoto

Before leaving Hakone, we visit the Hakone Outdoor Museum, a beautiful park filled with sculptures by renowned Japanese and international artists such as Rodin, Bourdelle, Moore, Zadkine and Picasso. Later this morning we board a limited-express train which transitions us between the modern Kanto region (eastern Japan) and the more traditional Kansai (western Japan) region. In Ise we visit the Ise Jingu Shrine, Shinto’s most sacred shrine. The Ise Jingu consists of two shrines: the Outer Shrine (Geku), which is dedicated to Toyouke, the kami of clothing, food and housing, and the Inner Shrine (Naiku), which enshrines Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. We continue to Toba and visit the Mikimoto Pearl Island, an excellent museum about pearls, pearl cultivation and Mikimoto Kokichi, the first person who succeeded in cultivating pearls – in 1893. The island is located in the Bay of Toba, accessible via a bridge. Here we watch Ama (lady pearl divers – literally “sea women”) dive and we learn about their culture and lifestyle. Later this afternoon we transfer to Toba Station and board a limited-express train for Kyoto, the capital of Imperial Japan for over 1,000 years and, today, Japan’s cultural capital. One of the city’s original names was “Heian-kyo”, which literally translates as ‘tranquillity and peace capital.’

First of 3 nights in Kyoto. Okura Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 6 : Sunday March 24 Kyoto City Tour

This morning we visit the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinkaku-Ji Temple, known as the ‘Golden Pavilion.’ As if constructed from a million golden sheets of origami, the temple seems to hover above the surrounding water. It now serves as a Buddhist temple. We also visit Nijo Castle, built in 1603 and designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. It is particularly known for its lavish interiors. The Gosho Imperial Palace was the Japanese Emperor’s residence till 1868. This afternoon we visit the Sanju-Sangendo Hall, a long wooden temple housing over 1,000 statues and dating back to the 13th Century. The Kiyomizu-dera Temple (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the symbol of Kyoto. Founded in 778 AD, the most famous feature of the temple is its wooden veranda, standing some 13 metres above the ground, which affords great city views. We also explore the Sannenzaka shopping district which has been designated by Japan as an important historical architectural preservation district. The age of the district is evident and the shops that fill these streets sell local specialty goods from Kyoto such as Kiyomizu (pottery ware), Yusen-Zome (colourful hand-made tapestries), shichimiya (a type of seasoning), otabe (sweet snacks made of dough), tsukemono (pickled products), Kyogashi (an assortment of sweets), traditional hand-held fans, incense, green tea and more. In this area we also see the brightly-coloured Heian Shrine. Hopefully, most of the more than 500 somei yoshino cherry trees will be in bloom along the Philosopher’s Path. Here we stroll beside a stream past the Zen temple Ginkaku-ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion and Nanzen-ji Temple. This afternoon we enjoy a traditional Green Tea Ceremony and a Nishijin Kimono show.

Second of 3 nights in Kyoto. Okura Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 7: Monday March 25 Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto

This morning we drive to nearby Nara, which is considered to be the “cradle of Japanese civilization” and the spiritual home of the Japanese people. The city has several UNESCO World Heritage sights centred around an attractive park area, which is home to thousands of sacred deer that roam freely through the city and have learned to bow for treats! We visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toda-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building. Founded in 745 AD, the vast temple took over 15 years to complete. The main hall houses the colossal Nara Daibutsu, the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. The temple is surrounded by a park which showcases many important historical monuments, including the Nara Public Museum and the colourful Kasuga Taisha Shrine. On our way back to Kyoto we visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, famous for its more than 10,000 scarlet torii (square archways), each of which has been individually donated. This shrine is dedicated to Inari – the god of rice. Because foxes do the god’s bidding, there are many fox statues along the path to the shrine! This evening we visit the Gion District, Kyoto’s cultural centre and most famous geisha district. Here it is not uncommon to catch a glimpse of geishas in full regalia stepping lightly between teahouses, though much of this high-class world of “entertainment” is still off-limits to outsiders.

Third of 3 nights in Kyoto. Okura Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 8: Tuesday March 26 Kyoto – Toyooka

Today we get off the “beaten path” for Westerners as we travel to the historic town of Kinosaki, picturesquely set on the Maruyama River as it enters the Sea of Japan on the north coast of Japan’s main island. Residents and travellers have been soaking in the town’s famous hot springs since 720 AD. Among other traditional experiences, we enjoy a calligraphy lesson. In the nearby town of Toyooka we explore Japan’s oldest wooden market, which offers local produce and flowers. This town has been producing high-quality bags and wicker trunks for over 1200 years! Today we include lunch together at an izakaya, a typical pub-style restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.

Nearby we visit the Genbudo Caves, where basalt columns rise to the sky, and learn how Toyooka saved the oriental white stork, which was once found all across Japan and a symbol of the country but was heading for extinction in the mid-20th Century.

This evening you might like to enjoy your dinner (at your own expense) in town. Julie and Norman will suggest restaurants for this evening. Alternatively, you might choose to eat at our hotel (at your own expense.)

Overnight in Toyooka. Blue Ridge Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Lunch.

Day 9: Wednesday March 27 Toyooka – Hiroshima

This morning we take a trip that epitomizes how “old” and “new” Japan co-exist day to day. We leave the traditional town of Toyooka and take a 2-hour trip by futuristic shinkansen “bullet” train to Hiroshima, travelling at over 200 miles per hour! The first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6th 1945. The destructive power of the bomb was unprecedented and obliterated nearly everything within a two kilometre radius. Destroyed monuments of Hiroshima’s historical heritage, like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden, were reconstructed. In the centre of the city a large park was built and given a name that would reflect the aspirations of the re-born city: Peace Memorial Park. On arrival in Hiroshima those who wish to can join our guided visit to Peace Memorial Park with over 120,000 square metres of trees, lawns and walking paths and our guided visit to the A-bomb Dome Museum [Hiroshima Peace Memorial.] This is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standing. You may want to take some quiet time to absorb the atmosphere of this thought-provoking place, with its many monuments, memorials and statues. If you prefer not to visit this emotionally-complicated area, you have free time to visit sites such as Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Garden and the Orizuru Tower.

First of 2 nights in Hiroshima. ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 10: Thursday March 28 Miyajima Island

This morning we take the ferry over to scenic Miyajima Island, where we will see the UNESCO World Heritage ‘floating’ red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Like the torii gate, the shrine’s main buildings are built over water. Miyajima is regarded as one of the “Three Most Beautiful Spots” in Japan and it’s maple trees are renowned throughout the country. Because the island is seen as sacred, trees cannot be cut for lumber. You will see many Japanese people taking the ten-minute ferry ride from mainland Japan to pray at Miyajima’s many shrines and temples and to enjoy the beauty of its forests. We take the scenic Miyajima Ropeway cable car to within a 30-minute hike from the top of Mount Misen (530 metres/1,739 feet) for panoramic views over many other islands in the Seto Inland Sea National Park. Today we include lunch together. Returning to Hiroshima, you have free time to explore places such as the Hiroshima Art Museum and Hiroshima Contemporary Art Museum.

This evening you might like to enjoy your dinner (at your own expense) in town. Julie and Norman will suggest restaurants for this evening. Alternatively, you might choose to eat at our hotel (at your own expense.) With some 2,000 okonomiyaki restaurants in Hiroshima, this pancake dish is adored by locals. You might like to try it tonight.

Second of 2 nights in Hiroshima. ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Lunch.

Day 11: Friday March 29 Sea Highway

From Hiroshima we drive to Onomichi on the “mainland”and start on the Shimanami Kaido Sea Highway, which connects 6 islands by 10 bridges across the Seto Inland Sea to Shikoku Island. Our first stop is Ikuchi-jima Island, where we visit the museum dedicated to Ikuo Hirayama, Japan’s most famous 20th Century artist. Our next stop is at the Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island, renowned for its collection of samurai weapons. The whole of Setonaikai Island is a national park. Upon reaching the large Shikoku Island, we travel through the Oboke Gorge into the picturesque Iya Valley and on to Takamatsu, the main town on the island.

Overnight in Takamatsu. JR Clement Inn or similar. Breakfast and Dinner. 

Day 12: Saturday March 30 Shikoku Island – Kobe – Osaka

This morning we visit Ritsurin Koen garden, one of the most beautiful daimyo gardens in all of Japan. Near Naruto we visit the extraordinary Otsuka Museum of Art, which displays over 1,000 full-size ceramic reproductions of the world’s most famous works of art, including the whole Sistine ChapelScrovegni Chapel and Picasso’s Guernica! The idea behind this is to give Japanese people who cannot travel abroad the opportunity to see these famous pieces. Before leaving the island we hope to see the world-famous Naruto Whirlpools, where the sea flows strongly between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacic Ocean. We cross the bridge to Awaji Island and on to the mainland via the Akashi Ohashi Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge.

We visit the town of Kobe, which was the hub of a thriving trade with China during the Southern Sung Dynasty. Our tour of Kobe includes a visit to the Earthquake Museum to learn about the city’s remarkable recovery from the devastating earthquake of 1995. We also explore China Town and the Motomachi shopping arcade. Kobe is famous for its steaks, coffee and pastries, which you might like to sample before we leave.

This afternoon we board a local express train for the vibrant metropolis of Osaka, which is famous for the down-to-earth attitude of its people and is considered one of the best places in all Japan for eating and drinking. Osaka had grown into the largest commercial centre in Japan by the 9th Century. The Aerial Garden Observatory affords a commanding view of the city.

First of 2 nights in Osaka. Hotel Hanshin or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 13: Sunday March 31 Osaka City Tour

Our full day tour includes Osaka Castle, the symbol of Osaka and the largest castle in Japan. This castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th Century. We hope that the cherry trees in Nishinomaru Park, surrounding the castle, are in bloom. On a different note, we tour the Nada Sake Brewery Museum and learn about Japan’s national drink. We visit the Nishiji Textile Center, which was established by professionals within the textile industry to show the history and development of Nishijin fabric, a fine quality textile produced in the Nishijin district specifically to make kimonos. We see Todaiji Temple, Horyuji Temple and explore the Shinsaibashi shopping district, an area of Osaka famous for its major stores and specialist boutiques.

Second of 2 nights in Osaka. Hotel Hanshin or similar.  Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 14: Monday April 1 Osaka – Japan Alps

We board a shinkansen “bullet” train bound for Nagoya and transfer to a JR Limited train into the mountains. Mountains in Japan were once believed to be the sacred dwelling places of divine spirits and the Hida, Kiso and Akaishi ranges of Mountains, known collectively as the “Japan Alps”, rise majestically in northern Honshu. Takayama, in the heart of the Hida Mountains, is a delightful town, established in the 16th Century as the castle town of the Kanamori family and now famous throughout Japan for its picturesque old town lined with traditional houses, shops, restaurants, sake breweries and cafes. Our stay in Takayama is a chance to get a feel for a way of life that really has all but disappeared from modern urban Japan. We visit the Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum, formerly the residence of powerful merchants under government patronage. We also explore the streets of Kami Sannomachi, the fascinating Hida Folk Village where traditional Japanese wooden houses from across the Hida region have been brought together and rebuilt (beam by beam) on a hillside overlooking the town. Tonight we stay at a ryokan traditional inn where we will enjoy Japanese hospitality, including home-cooked meals. You can relax in your yukata (casual kimono) and try the onsen (hot spring bath.) Our rooms are traditional style with tatami flooring and futon beds.

Overnight in Takayama. Ryokan Murayama or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 15: Tuesday April 2 Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa

This morning we visit the famous “Asaichi” morning market on the bank of the Miyagawa River in Takayama to see the stands selling local farm produce, flowers and crafts. We make our way to the Takayama-Jinya, which served as government headquarters under the Tokugawa shogunate of 1692 to 1871. Later this morning we take a 1-hour scenic drive by Lake Miboro and along the Shokawa River to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, This group of villages has a gorgeous setting surrounded by mountains and rice-fields. Mostly cut off until as recently as the 1960s, they are today famous for their traditional style of farmhouses, the Gassho-Zukuri, which means “like praying hands.” We visit the former Wada Family Residence, with its steep thatched roofs, and Gassho-zukuri Town. We then visit Gokayama, another World Heritage village, where we experience making Gokayama Washi, traditional Japanese paper. From Gokayama we drive 1 hour to Kanazawa and check into our hotel.

Overnight in Kanazawa. Nikko Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 16: Wednesday April 3 Kanazawa - Tokyo

We begin our morning with a visit to a local restaurant for a typical Japanese breakfast. Kanazawa is a lovely small city close to the Japan Sea coast. Its Omicho Market, a lively food market famous for its abundance of fresh seafood, has been in operation since 1721. Until the 20th Century Kanazawa was the 4th biggest city in Japan. There are several small geisha districts including one where we go inside an old tea house and see where the clients were entertained and even take tea ourselves (no longer served by geishas!) There is also a ninja temple and the city’s most famous sight, the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden – rated as one of the three best traditional gardens in the whole of Japan. The name Kenroku-en means the “garden combining six”, referring to the six attributes all gardens should include: seclusion, antiquity, spaciousness, human ingenuity, water and scenic views. We see the Kutaniyaki Pottery Kiln and visit the Nomura Residence, an old samurai house, as well as strolling along Higashi-chaya Street and seeing the farmer’s house called “Shima.” The city is also famed for gold leaf and we visit a local establishment to learn about gold leaf production.

This afternoon we take a limited-express train to Echigo Yuzawa and then take the shinkansen “bullet” train to Tokyo.

Overnight in Tokyo. Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

 

Day 17: Thursday April 4 Tokyo - Home

Depending on your homebound flight departure time, you may have free time to explore some more of the largest city in the world. You might like to visit the Ginza district, the quintessential high-end shopping mecca for people to see and be seen. It is famous for its gigantic department stores and has some of the most expensive real estate on earth.

Because your flight home recrosses the International Date Line, you will arrive in Vancouver earlier on the same day that you leave Tokyo.

Breakfast, if not leaving too early.

More Information

AIRFARE & TRAVEL;

Our flights specialist estimates the cost of the airfare to be approximately $1,300 Canadian departing Vancouver direct to Tokyo (NRT) & returning direct from Tokyo with Japan Airlines. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN ESTIMATE FROM VANCOUVER AND IS ONLY VALID AT TIME OF PUBLISHING. You do NOT have to come to Vancouver to join this tour.

Our flights specialist can quote you from any city.

Alternatively, you are welcome to book your own flights. Please let us know.

INCLUDED MEALS;

Each full day of the tour we include breakfast and either dinner or lunch. We include 16 breakfasts + 15 dinners/lunches. On most days we include dinner together as a group but on a couple of days we may include lunch together instead, if it works better for the flow of those days. On those evenings, Julie and Norman will make suggestions for restaurants close to our hotels which you might like to try (at your own expense.) Japanese food can be VERY different from Western food, although there are always alternatives.

TOUR INCLUDES:

  • Accommodation mainly in 4-star and good 3-Star hotels. All our hotels have en-suite bathrooms and heating. As a very “Japanese” experience, we spend 2 individual nights enjoying Japanese home cooking and hospitality at traditional ryokan inns. Here our rooms are traditional style with tatami flooring and futon beds.
  • Land transport mainly by coach but also by ferryand various types of train, including Japan’s famous “bullet trains.”
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary. Please note: many of our excursions are weather dependent. If we have to cancel a particular excursion, we will substitute another activity – where possible.
  • Tipping for drivers & local guides
  • 16 breakfasts + 2  lunches 13 Dinners.
  • Guiding by Royal Heights tour leaders Julie and Norman Bruce with assistance of our expert local guides in each area.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Visa fees. Canadian passport holders do NOT require a visa. However, Canadian passports must be valid until the date you leave Japan (i.e. until at least April 6th 2023, if you are returning to Canada straight after finishing our tour.)
  • Lunches (Unless including lunch on a particular day works better, when we include LUNCH instead of dinner.)
  • We do NOT include porterage. Porters MAY be available to help you with your suitcase and you should be prepared to tip them if you use their services. Please only bring one piece of luggage per person and make sure your luggage has wheels so you can move your own luggage when necessary.
  • Trip Cancellation / Interruption and Medical Insurance. This insurance is strongly recommended. We can put you in touch with our insurance expert for a quote.
  • Single Supplement charge, if requested ($2,400 Canadian)
  • Personal Expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and drinks not included at meals
  • Arrival & departure transfers. We can arrange individual or group transfers when you have confirmed the arrival & departure times of your flights. Please contact us for a quote.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS:

Our published price is based on 2 people sharing a room. If you would like to share, we will do our best to find you a roommate. The EARLIER you pay your deposit, the more likely we are to be able to find you a roommate. If you wish to be guaranteed a single room, there is a Single Supplement charge of $2,520 Canadian. Those people traveling alone but wishing to share will be informed 3 months prior to departure if a roommate is not currently available. At that point, you will be invoiced for the Single Supplement. If a roommate subsequently joins the tour, your single supplement will be refunded with the final documentation.

FLEXABILITY:

When we are spending more than one night in a place, if you don’t wish to join our included excursions on the intervening day, you MAY be able to enjoy a free half day or full day exploring the area or just relaxing. Of course, the timing and length of much of our sightseeing depends on the weather! Please discuss your options with Norman and Julie.

PAYMENT:

Land portion of the tour must be booked directly with Royal Heights Tours. You can secure your place on the tour with a $400 per person non-refundable deposit. We take payment by cheque, Visa or Mastercard for the $400 /person deposit. Your invoice for your Land tour will be e-mailed to you in mid-Dec 2023. Payment will be due by Jan 19st 2024. Price quoted is for FINAL PAYMENT by cheque. Should you wish to pay the outstanding amount for the LAND tour by credit card there will be an administration fee of  3% on the outstanding amount.

SPECIAL NOTES:

  • Our office staff are not medically qualified to advise you on which immunizations you require. Please consult your local travel health clinic.
  • Please make sure your luggage has wheels so you can move it easily.
  • This tour is not suitable if you need walking assistance in the form of walking sticks or canes. You must be in reasonably good shape to enjoy this tour – there is a lot of walking and exploring of modern cities and old historic towns. Please ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes as some of our walking tours can take up to 3 hours.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

No one expects to have a medical emergency away from home or to have to cancel or cut short a trip due to an accident. However, these unexpected events happen and they can be disruptive and expensive – so it’s critical to have travel insurance which protects you against being forced to cancel prior to or during travel due to unforeseen circumstances. We strongly recommend comprehensive insurance coverage that includes emergency medical, trip cancellation and interruption, accident, and baggage insurance.

Travel Insurance should be purchased at time of paying your Non- Refundable $400 Tour Deposit/person. o one expects to have a medical emergency away from home or to have to cancel or cut short a trip due to an accident. However, these unexpected events happen and they can be disruptive and expensive – so it’s critical to have travel insurance

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Join Us!

Japan is one of the most culturally homogeneous countries in the world. It is the exact opposite of multi-cultural. Everything about Japan is totally “Japanese” and our tour explores this deep and ancient culture. The first week of our tour co-ordinates with Tokyo’s spectacular Cherry Blossom Festival.

$12,180.00

13 Places Available

Deposit : $400.00 Per item

Japan

JAPAN:  March 19-April 4 2024 ( 17 Days)
LAND ONLY: $12,180 Canadian/ per person.
Begins Tuesday March 19st in Tokyo and finishes Thursday April 4th in Tokyo

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:  $2,520 Canadian.
MEALS INCLUDED:  16 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 13 Dinners

 

Limited to 16 travellers + Norman & Julie Bruce

You can choose to arrive in Tokyo a day or more before the tour starts if you wish to explore more of by far Japan’s largest city and get over jet lag after flying across the Pacific. The first week of our tour co-ordinates with Tokyo’s spectacular Cherry Blossom Festival. You can also choose to stay on in Tokyo for a day or more after the tour finishes.

(Updated Jan 23rd  2023.)

 

BC reg 3379

$12,180.00

13 Places Available

Deposit : $400.00 Per item

Description

March 19th  – April 4th 2024  (17 Days)
Thanks so much Julie for this amazing trip…… You sure did give me an adventure. I will remember it always.

S.S. – Toronto, ON to Kenya, 2015