ITINERARY 2020
TIME DIFFERENCE: Melbourne is 2 hours ahead of Japan: 8:00am in Melbourne is 6:00am in Japan.
DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC - THE 2020 JAPAN TOUR HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Thursday, March 19: Albury – Sydney
Meet and assemble at the Qantas Airways domestic “Group check in” counter at Albury Airport from 15:30. (3:30pm) Check in as a group and depart Albury for Sydney on Qantas Airways flight QF2214 at 17:10 which arrives at 18:25. Board the courtesy bus from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal and depart Sydney for Tokyo-Haneda on Qantas flight QF025 at 21:35.
Friday March 20: Haneda Tokyo – Nagano
Qantas Airways flight QF025 arrives in Tokyo at 05:00am. Welcome to Japan!
Clear customs and take some time to relax. From 06:45 you will be able to access your 7 Day Japan Rail Passes for immediate use at the Travel Service Centre located in the arrival lobby near the Monorail Ticket gate. Using your Pasmo Cards board the monorail to Hamamatsucho Station (14 min) and then board a JR Yamanote Line train to Tokyo Station. (5 min)
Board the Asama bullet train #605 at 09:04 which arrives at Nagano Station at 10:39. This train journey through the fruit and vegetable growing prefectures of Yamanashi and Nagano is quite spectacular. The Hotel Selan has been advised that you will board these trains and will wait at the exit with a sign board with your name on it. Board your waiting courtesy vehicle provided by the Hotel Selan which will take you directly to the star attraction of Nagano - Zenkoji Temple. Founded over 1,400 years ago, Zenkoji has over 8 million visitors each year. Explore the long lanes of souvenir and craft shops which lead to the temple.
Next board your courtesy vehicle which will take you to visit the famous Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka. Here you can marvel at these cute monkeys that bathe each day in the local volcanic bath which has made the area famous. To get to the monkeys you need to walk for 30 minutes down a beautiful forest track, so wear some comfortable shoes for this pleasant walk. (JPY 680 / 340)
Just a short drive from the Snow Monkeys is your accommodation at the Hotel Selan which is located on top of Mt Kosha, providing amazing alpine views.
Here you can try their Japanese outdoor natural hot spring baths. A generous buffet dinner and breakfast is included each day of your stay where you can try a range of Japanese and western dishes.
Stay: Hotel Selan – 1/3
Saturday March 21: Nagano
After breakfast, board your charter bus to Matsumoto City within Nagano Prefecture. Explore Matsumoto Castle one of the oldest and most complete of Japan’s original castles, it is one of the four castles designated as a National Treasure. With the magnificent backdrop of the Japanese Alps, the grand, black and white castle is the popular symbol of Matsumoto city.
Located on the castle grounds you can also visit the Matsumoto City Museum. JPY 600/300. The museum provides a history of Matsumoto Castle and exhibits a collection of folk art from around the region.
Your vehicle will next take you to Obuse which is a small town famous for its arts and crafts where you will have sufficient time to explore. The famous u-kiyoe artist Katsushika Hokusai, well-known for his series of woodblock prints entitled ‘Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji’, frequented the small town of Obuse.
Visit the Hokusai Museum JPY 1,000 / 700 and see many of his works on display within the museum and throughout the town including the beautifully ornate painting of a phoenix on the ceiling of Ganshoin Temple.
Stay: Hotel Selan – 2/3
Sunday March 22: Nagano
The Hotel Selan bus will drive you to Nagano City where you can visit a restaurant called Gotoku-Tei for a delicious Japanese lunch. The owner of this restaurant is Mr Akira Miyashita - a trained Samurai who will explain the history of Japan’s samurai culture. Akira san will show you some of the weapons and armour that a samurai used for survival.
Under the care of Nagano Tourism Organisation, enjoy a Friendship Exchange with new friends and exchange small gifts.
From 2pm, you will visit the gymnasium of Kouhoku Junior High School. Join the ECC Junior Conversation School for games and activities.
From 4pm, in the same gymnasium, you will be guests of the Matsuhiro Ikuseikai Kendo Club. Here you can learn about the traditional martial art which has descended from swordsmanship.
From 5pm, you will say good bye to your new friends and return to the Hotel Seran for dinner.
Stay: Hotel Seran – 3/3
Monday March 23: Nagano - Kyoto
Check out of the Hotel Selan and board a Wide View Shinano train #6 from Nagano at 09:00am which arrives in Nagoya at 12:01. The views on this train journey are spectacular as you travel through so much of Japan’s beautiful mountains. The purpose of the “wide view” train is to give passengers maximum opportunity to see the landscapes from the comfort of their seat. Within Nagoya Station, board the Hikari #509 at 12:18 which arrives in Kyoto at 13:11.
Upon arrival in Kyoto, walk across the road to your accommodation at the Kyoto Tower Hotel. As the name suggests, the hotel is famous for its large Observation Tower on top of the hotel.
After check in: Explore the sights of Japan's old capital by boarding a Subway Karasuma Line train using your Pasmo Cards to Shijo Station, the busiest shopping district in Kyoto. Here you will find a number of shops to explore. From Shijo Station, walk down to the Nishiki Food Market (10 min) where you can try various Japanese foods, from traditional sweets to fresh seafood.
In the late afternoon, walk towards Gion, Kyoto's famous entertainment district which is open until late at night. Gion is the one place in Japan where you may see Maiko or Geisha scampering between appointments. As darkness falls, watch the traditional lanterns gradually come to life as we wander down tiny alleys housing a variety of restaurants offering tempting cuisine. Gion is also famous as a haven for Japanese textile shops.
Stay: Kyoto Tower Hotel – 1/3
Tuesday March 24: Kyoto
From 08:30 meet your English speaking local tour guide and board your charter bus for a full day’s sightseeing tour of Kyoto. Your itinerary will include a visit and entry to Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizudera Temple, Heian Shrine and Kinkakuji – The Golden Pavilion. Lunch will be payable on the spot at one of the eateries in the Teramachi shopping district.
For dinner, try one of the many restaurants in the Underground City at the base of Kyoto Station called Porta. Make sure you take the many escalators to the top of Kyoto Station to the Sky Plaza Observation Deck. Here you can enjoy a free panoramic view of the surrounding area of Kyoto.
Stay: Kyoto Tower Hotel – 2/3
Wednesday March 25: Kyoto
It’s time to make some beautiful Japanese art. From 10:00 to 12:30, you will visit the Kyo-Yuzen Workshop at Marumasu Nishimuraya. Here, the students can experience Japanese crafts by creating their own work of art using traditional Kyo-Yuzen dyeing techniques. During this workshop, the students will get to make a Japanese style handkerchief and a t-shirt.
From Kyoto Station, board the Subway Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station to Karasuma Oike Station (5 min). Exit the station from No. 4-1 subway exit, walk along Oike Street and turn left at Ogawa Street. The Marumasu Nishimuraya is a short distance on the left hand side. Return to Kyoto Station area for lunch.
In the afternoon, make a visit to the Toei Kyoto Studio Park – the only theme park in Japan where you can observe filming of period dramas.
Here you can explore the streets from the Edo period which is used to shoot more than 200 films per year. Highlights of this theme park include the Ninja Show, Ninja Mystery House, 3D Maze, the Ninja Fort and a chance to hire a costume of a ninja or a geisha. *Note some attractions are payable on the spot.
From Kyoto Station, board the JR Sagano Line to Uzumasa Station (16 min). From Uzamasa Station it is a 5 minute walk to the Studio Park’s Satsueijo (Filming) Entrance.
Stay: Kyoto Tower Hotel – 3/3
Thursday March 26: Kyoto – Tokyo
Today is the final day of your 7 Day Japan Rail Pass. Check out of the Kyoto Tower Hotel and from Kyoto Station board a Hikari Bullet Train to Tokyo Station (180 min). When travelling through Shizuoka keep a lookout for Mount Fuji in the distance. Please sit on the left hand side of the train for the best view. Within Tokyo Station change trains and board a local train to Ueno Station. (5 mins) Your accommodation in Ueno is at the New Izu Hotel which is a 5 minute walk from the Central Exit of Ueno Station.
After check in, walk through Ueno Park where you can see many Japanese at play. At the end of the park is the Ueno Markets or “Ameyoko” as it is known to the locals. Walk along the narrow lanes of the market which offer a wide range of goods such as meats, fish, fruit, vegetables, teas, spices and fashion wear. Some of the venders sell confectionery which is always popular. We recommend you have lunch at one of the many eateries around Ueno Station.
Stay: New Izu Hotel – 1/3
Friday March 27: Tokyo
Take a day trip to Disneyland! From Ueno Station board a subway on the Hibiya Line to Hatchobori Station (10 mins) and then board a JR Keiyo Line train to Maihama Station. (11 mins)
You will all have a Tokyo Disneyland Passport which entitles the holder to entry and an unlimited number of rides and shows with a full day of fun and excitement!
Tokyo Disneyland's attractions include World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown & Tomorrowland. Come nightfall the fireworks display and Electrical Dreamlights Parade is well worth the wait should you have the energy to stay all day
Stay: New Izu Hotel – 2/3
Saturday March 28: Tokyo
From Ueno Station board a board a subway train for Asakusa which is one of the most historical parts of Tokyo. The area is famous for the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the surrounding Nakamise shopping arcade. Explore the long corridors full of souvenir shops selling authentic Japanese Arts and Crafts at competitive prices.
Return to Ueno station and then board a train to Akihabara or “Electric Town” as it is known to foreign tourists. Akihabara sells the latest in computers, TV’s, videos, DVDs and much more. It is worth just the window shop to see the latest models of electronics.
From 14:00 you will visit a Japanese baseball game at Tokyo Dome to watch the Tokyo Giants play the Yakult Swallows. Baseball games provide wonderful atmosphere, so pick a team and join in the fun. To access Tokyo Dome which is right in the heart of Tokyo, take a train from Ueno Station to Akihabara Station and then board the Chuo Line to Suidobashi.
Stay: New Izu Hotel – 3/3
Sunday March 29: Tokyo
Check out of the New Izu Hotel and leave your luggage in storage for the day. In the morning board a JR Yamanote Line train for Harajuku and walk through the densely wooded park till you reach the Meiji Shrine. There is no better example of classic Shinto architecture. Many young Japanese couples choose to have their wedding photos in the gardens of this beautiful Shrine. Return to Harajuku Station and make your way down Takeshita Street for an entertaining shopping strip which caters for the latest in teen fashion.
Next board a train for one stop to Shibuya and use the Hachiko exit for one of the most impressive intersections in the world. Each surrounding tall building has a giant T.V. screens advertising an array of products. Make sure you purchase a refreshment at Starbucks from where you can see a great view of Shibuya from behind their glassed windows. Each time the pedestrian lights turn green, watch the hundreds of people cross this busy intersection.Time permitting, board a train for the hustle and bustle of the Ginza. Exploring the wide range of shopping is very entertaining. Make sure you visit the Sony Corporation Showroom and the basement of any of the department stores, home to a most lavish food court. Here many foods are prepared on the spot and individually wrapped and displayed for sale.
Later in the day, return to the New Izu Hotel, pick up your luggage and from Ueno Station board the JR Yamanote Line to Shinagawa Station. An 18:10 train arrives at 18:30. Change to the Keikyu Lines and board the Keikyu Airport Express train at 18:43 which arrives at Haneda International Terminal Station at 18:55. Check in and depart Tokyo- Haneda for Sydney on Qantas Airways flight QF26 at 22:00.
Monday March 30: Arrive Sydney
Qantas Airways flight QF26 arrives in Sydney at 09:30. Clear customs with your luggage and depart Sydney for Albury on Qantas Airways flight QF2207 at 11:10 which arrives in Albury at 12:45. Welcome home.
Thursday, March 19: Albury – Sydney
Meet and assemble at the Qantas Airways domestic “Group check in” counter at Albury Airport from 15:30. (3:30pm) Check in as a group and depart Albury for Sydney on Qantas Airways flight QF2214 at 17:10 which arrives at 18:25. Board the courtesy bus from the Domestic Terminal to the International Terminal and depart Sydney for Tokyo-Haneda on Qantas flight QF025 at 21:35.
Friday March 20: Haneda Tokyo – Nagano
Qantas Airways flight QF025 arrives in Tokyo at 05:00am. Welcome to Japan!
Clear customs and take some time to relax. From 06:45 you will be able to access your 7 Day Japan Rail Passes for immediate use at the Travel Service Centre located in the arrival lobby near the Monorail Ticket gate. Using your Pasmo Cards board the monorail to Hamamatsucho Station (14 min) and then board a JR Yamanote Line train to Tokyo Station. (5 min)
Board the Asama bullet train #605 at 09:04 which arrives at Nagano Station at 10:39. This train journey through the fruit and vegetable growing prefectures of Yamanashi and Nagano is quite spectacular. The Hotel Selan has been advised that you will board these trains and will wait at the exit with a sign board with your name on it. Board your waiting courtesy vehicle provided by the Hotel Selan which will take you directly to the star attraction of Nagano - Zenkoji Temple. Founded over 1,400 years ago, Zenkoji has over 8 million visitors each year. Explore the long lanes of souvenir and craft shops which lead to the temple.
Next board your courtesy vehicle which will take you to visit the famous Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka. Here you can marvel at these cute monkeys that bathe each day in the local volcanic bath which has made the area famous. To get to the monkeys you need to walk for 30 minutes down a beautiful forest track, so wear some comfortable shoes for this pleasant walk. (JPY 680 / 340)
Just a short drive from the Snow Monkeys is your accommodation at the Hotel Selan which is located on top of Mt Kosha, providing amazing alpine views.
Here you can try their Japanese outdoor natural hot spring baths. A generous buffet dinner and breakfast is included each day of your stay where you can try a range of Japanese and western dishes.
Stay: Hotel Selan – 1/3
Saturday March 21: Nagano
After breakfast, board your charter bus to Matsumoto City within Nagano Prefecture. Explore Matsumoto Castle one of the oldest and most complete of Japan’s original castles, it is one of the four castles designated as a National Treasure. With the magnificent backdrop of the Japanese Alps, the grand, black and white castle is the popular symbol of Matsumoto city.
Located on the castle grounds you can also visit the Matsumoto City Museum. JPY 600/300. The museum provides a history of Matsumoto Castle and exhibits a collection of folk art from around the region.
Your vehicle will next take you to Obuse which is a small town famous for its arts and crafts where you will have sufficient time to explore. The famous u-kiyoe artist Katsushika Hokusai, well-known for his series of woodblock prints entitled ‘Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji’, frequented the small town of Obuse.
Visit the Hokusai Museum JPY 1,000 / 700 and see many of his works on display within the museum and throughout the town including the beautifully ornate painting of a phoenix on the ceiling of Ganshoin Temple.
Stay: Hotel Selan – 2/3
Sunday March 22: Nagano
The Hotel Selan bus will drive you to Nagano City where you can visit a restaurant called Gotoku-Tei for a delicious Japanese lunch. The owner of this restaurant is Mr Akira Miyashita - a trained Samurai who will explain the history of Japan’s samurai culture. Akira san will show you some of the weapons and armour that a samurai used for survival.
Under the care of Nagano Tourism Organisation, enjoy a Friendship Exchange with new friends and exchange small gifts.
From 2pm, you will visit the gymnasium of Kouhoku Junior High School. Join the ECC Junior Conversation School for games and activities.
From 4pm, in the same gymnasium, you will be guests of the Matsuhiro Ikuseikai Kendo Club. Here you can learn about the traditional martial art which has descended from swordsmanship.
From 5pm, you will say good bye to your new friends and return to the Hotel Seran for dinner.
Stay: Hotel Seran – 3/3
Monday March 23: Nagano - Kyoto
Check out of the Hotel Selan and board a Wide View Shinano train #6 from Nagano at 09:00am which arrives in Nagoya at 12:01. The views on this train journey are spectacular as you travel through so much of Japan’s beautiful mountains. The purpose of the “wide view” train is to give passengers maximum opportunity to see the landscapes from the comfort of their seat. Within Nagoya Station, board the Hikari #509 at 12:18 which arrives in Kyoto at 13:11.
Upon arrival in Kyoto, walk across the road to your accommodation at the Kyoto Tower Hotel. As the name suggests, the hotel is famous for its large Observation Tower on top of the hotel.
After check in: Explore the sights of Japan's old capital by boarding a Subway Karasuma Line train using your Pasmo Cards to Shijo Station, the busiest shopping district in Kyoto. Here you will find a number of shops to explore. From Shijo Station, walk down to the Nishiki Food Market (10 min) where you can try various Japanese foods, from traditional sweets to fresh seafood.
In the late afternoon, walk towards Gion, Kyoto's famous entertainment district which is open until late at night. Gion is the one place in Japan where you may see Maiko or Geisha scampering between appointments. As darkness falls, watch the traditional lanterns gradually come to life as we wander down tiny alleys housing a variety of restaurants offering tempting cuisine. Gion is also famous as a haven for Japanese textile shops.
Stay: Kyoto Tower Hotel – 1/3
Tuesday March 24: Kyoto
From 08:30 meet your English speaking local tour guide and board your charter bus for a full day’s sightseeing tour of Kyoto. Your itinerary will include a visit and entry to Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizudera Temple, Heian Shrine and Kinkakuji – The Golden Pavilion. Lunch will be payable on the spot at one of the eateries in the Teramachi shopping district.
For dinner, try one of the many restaurants in the Underground City at the base of Kyoto Station called Porta. Make sure you take the many escalators to the top of Kyoto Station to the Sky Plaza Observation Deck. Here you can enjoy a free panoramic view of the surrounding area of Kyoto.
Stay: Kyoto Tower Hotel – 2/3
Wednesday March 25: Kyoto
It’s time to make some beautiful Japanese art. From 10:00 to 12:30, you will visit the Kyo-Yuzen Workshop at Marumasu Nishimuraya. Here, the students can experience Japanese crafts by creating their own work of art using traditional Kyo-Yuzen dyeing techniques. During this workshop, the students will get to make a Japanese style handkerchief and a t-shirt.
From Kyoto Station, board the Subway Karasuma Line from Kyoto Station to Karasuma Oike Station (5 min). Exit the station from No. 4-1 subway exit, walk along Oike Street and turn left at Ogawa Street. The Marumasu Nishimuraya is a short distance on the left hand side. Return to Kyoto Station area for lunch.
In the afternoon, make a visit to the Toei Kyoto Studio Park – the only theme park in Japan where you can observe filming of period dramas.
Here you can explore the streets from the Edo period which is used to shoot more than 200 films per year. Highlights of this theme park include the Ninja Show, Ninja Mystery House, 3D Maze, the Ninja Fort and a chance to hire a costume of a ninja or a geisha. *Note some attractions are payable on the spot.
From Kyoto Station, board the JR Sagano Line to Uzumasa Station (16 min). From Uzamasa Station it is a 5 minute walk to the Studio Park’s Satsueijo (Filming) Entrance.
Stay: Kyoto Tower Hotel – 3/3
Thursday March 26: Kyoto – Tokyo
Today is the final day of your 7 Day Japan Rail Pass. Check out of the Kyoto Tower Hotel and from Kyoto Station board a Hikari Bullet Train to Tokyo Station (180 min). When travelling through Shizuoka keep a lookout for Mount Fuji in the distance. Please sit on the left hand side of the train for the best view. Within Tokyo Station change trains and board a local train to Ueno Station. (5 mins) Your accommodation in Ueno is at the New Izu Hotel which is a 5 minute walk from the Central Exit of Ueno Station.
After check in, walk through Ueno Park where you can see many Japanese at play. At the end of the park is the Ueno Markets or “Ameyoko” as it is known to the locals. Walk along the narrow lanes of the market which offer a wide range of goods such as meats, fish, fruit, vegetables, teas, spices and fashion wear. Some of the venders sell confectionery which is always popular. We recommend you have lunch at one of the many eateries around Ueno Station.
Stay: New Izu Hotel – 1/3
Friday March 27: Tokyo
Take a day trip to Disneyland! From Ueno Station board a subway on the Hibiya Line to Hatchobori Station (10 mins) and then board a JR Keiyo Line train to Maihama Station. (11 mins)
You will all have a Tokyo Disneyland Passport which entitles the holder to entry and an unlimited number of rides and shows with a full day of fun and excitement!
Tokyo Disneyland's attractions include World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown & Tomorrowland. Come nightfall the fireworks display and Electrical Dreamlights Parade is well worth the wait should you have the energy to stay all day
Stay: New Izu Hotel – 2/3
Saturday March 28: Tokyo
From Ueno Station board a board a subway train for Asakusa which is one of the most historical parts of Tokyo. The area is famous for the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the surrounding Nakamise shopping arcade. Explore the long corridors full of souvenir shops selling authentic Japanese Arts and Crafts at competitive prices.
Return to Ueno station and then board a train to Akihabara or “Electric Town” as it is known to foreign tourists. Akihabara sells the latest in computers, TV’s, videos, DVDs and much more. It is worth just the window shop to see the latest models of electronics.
From 14:00 you will visit a Japanese baseball game at Tokyo Dome to watch the Tokyo Giants play the Yakult Swallows. Baseball games provide wonderful atmosphere, so pick a team and join in the fun. To access Tokyo Dome which is right in the heart of Tokyo, take a train from Ueno Station to Akihabara Station and then board the Chuo Line to Suidobashi.
Stay: New Izu Hotel – 3/3
Sunday March 29: Tokyo
Check out of the New Izu Hotel and leave your luggage in storage for the day. In the morning board a JR Yamanote Line train for Harajuku and walk through the densely wooded park till you reach the Meiji Shrine. There is no better example of classic Shinto architecture. Many young Japanese couples choose to have their wedding photos in the gardens of this beautiful Shrine. Return to Harajuku Station and make your way down Takeshita Street for an entertaining shopping strip which caters for the latest in teen fashion.
Next board a train for one stop to Shibuya and use the Hachiko exit for one of the most impressive intersections in the world. Each surrounding tall building has a giant T.V. screens advertising an array of products. Make sure you purchase a refreshment at Starbucks from where you can see a great view of Shibuya from behind their glassed windows. Each time the pedestrian lights turn green, watch the hundreds of people cross this busy intersection.Time permitting, board a train for the hustle and bustle of the Ginza. Exploring the wide range of shopping is very entertaining. Make sure you visit the Sony Corporation Showroom and the basement of any of the department stores, home to a most lavish food court. Here many foods are prepared on the spot and individually wrapped and displayed for sale.
Later in the day, return to the New Izu Hotel, pick up your luggage and from Ueno Station board the JR Yamanote Line to Shinagawa Station. An 18:10 train arrives at 18:30. Change to the Keikyu Lines and board the Keikyu Airport Express train at 18:43 which arrives at Haneda International Terminal Station at 18:55. Check in and depart Tokyo- Haneda for Sydney on Qantas Airways flight QF26 at 22:00.
Monday March 30: Arrive Sydney
Qantas Airways flight QF26 arrives in Sydney at 09:30. Clear customs with your luggage and depart Sydney for Albury on Qantas Airways flight QF2207 at 11:10 which arrives in Albury at 12:45. Welcome home.
