Japan Alps - Independent Adventure Tour

Number Of Nights: 8

Operates:

2009: Every Thursday (Until Dec 17, 2009)

2010: Every Thursday (Jan 04- Dec 17, 2010)

Starts: Tokyo (Narita Airport)
Ends: Osaka (Kansai Airport)

Visits: Tokyo (2 Nights) / Matsumoto (1 Night) / Takayama (1 Night) /
Visits: Shirakawago (1 Night) / Kanazawa (1 Night) / Kyoto (2 Nights)

Train: Individual Tickets Included
Bus: Individual Tickets Included
Meals: 1 Japanese Breakfast (JB) & 1 Japanese Dinner (JD)

Note: This Tour Will Operate With 1 Person.

Japan Alps Tour

What Is A “Independent Adventure Tour”?
For the most part, a Independent Adventure Tour is a “Self-Guided Tour, they are designed for people who don't need a lot of hand holding, but want to leave nothing to chance. We make all the arrangements for you, train and bus tickets (when the tour includes a Japan Rail Pass, you have to make your own train reservations), guided sightseeing tours where available, hotel accommodations, and we provide you with written instructions every step of the way.

Before you leave home you will receive a tour book created just for you along with a daily itinerary. Your information book includes instructions on how to ride the trains and buses, about dining, cultural information and self-guided sightseeing suggestions for each city you will visit. We also include airport maps for arrival and departure; train station maps; city maps showing your hotel, train stations and sightseeing spots; plus a hotel information sheet for every hotel with the name and address in both English and Japanese along with instructions on how to reach each hotel.

We have been a pioneer when it comes to independent travel in Japan and we've been doing this a long time, next year will be our 25th anniversary. Our tour itineraries may feature a path less taken, but we think that‘s the way to really experience a country. If you have an adventurous spirit and an open mind, then a “Backroads Adventure Tour”, may just be the tour for you.

We will share with you our years of experience, knowledge and insider tips. With a little reading on your part, we will make you a Japan expert.

Day 1 (Thu): Arrive Tokyo (Narita Airport)
Transfer To Hotel By Airport Limousine On Your Own (Transfer Included)
After entry procedures, transfer to your hotel by Airport Limousine Bus. A prepaid bus coupon and detailed instructions with an airport map will be furnished.
Two nights' accommodations at the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo or similar.

Asakusa Temple

Day 2 (Fri): Morning At Leisure / Join Tokyo Afternoon Tour
This morning is at leisure for you to explore Tokyo on your own. This afternoon join a sightseeing tour of Tokyo which will include a visit to the Seaside Top Observatory for a panoramic view of the city and Tokyo Bay. Enjoy a boat ride up the Sumida River, visit Asakusa Kannon Temple with bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza (a short photo stop at the outer garden) and drive through Ginza, the most celebrated shopping area in Japan. Return to your hotel, evening at leisure.

Day 3 (Sat): Tokyo To Matsumoto By Limited Express Train On Your Own (Train Ticket Included)
Walk to Shinjuku Station (about 5 minutes). Take a Limited Express train to Matsumoto. When you arrive, walk to your hotel (about 5 minutes). The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Matsumoto. Matsumoto is noted for having one of the best preserved castles in Japan, completed in the late 16th century, it is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.
Overnight accommodation at the Matsumoto Tokyu Inn or similar.

Matsumoto Castle

Takayama

Day 4 (Sun): Matsumoto To Takayama By Local Bus On Your Own (Bus Ticket Included)
This morning walk to the bus station. Board a local bus bound for Takayama. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Japan Alps as you wind your way through picturesque valleys. Arrive in Takayama, an ancient city dubbed “Little Kyoto”. Get off at Takayama Bus Station and walk to your hotel. Remainder of day is at leisure for you to stroll the ancient streets of Kami Sannomachi lined with traditional Japanese wooden houses. This evening you may want to enjoy the onsen (hot springs) bath available at your hotel. Some say the water is hot enough to boil a lobster, but that's the way the Japanese like it.
Overnight accommodation at the Hida Hotel Plaza or similar.

Day 5 (Mon): Takayama To Shirakawago By Local Bus On Your Own (Bus Ticket Included) (JD)
This morning you may choose to visit the lively morning market along the river, considered one of the best morning markets in Japan. Walk to Takayama Bus Station and board a bus for a scenic drive to Shirakawago (World Heritage Site), famous for its unique farmhouses called Gassho-Zukuri or joined-hands farmhouses. Upon arrival at Shirakawago Bus Stop, walk to the Shimizu Inn. Note: Your accommodation this evening is in a Minshuku, a family-run inn. Sleep Japanese-style in a private guest room in a Gassho-Zukuri farmhouse that is over 200 years old. You will share the bath and toilet facilities with the other guests. There are only 3 guest rooms so it won't be too crowded.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore this quaint hamlet before dinner. Dinner this evening will be a special meal prepared by the owner and served in the main room of the farmhouse. You will sit on the floor around the open fire pit while enjoying true Hida cuisine.
Overnight accommodation at the Shimizu Inn.

Shirakawago

Kenrokuen Garden

Day 6 (Tue): Shirakawago To Kanazawa By Local Bus On Your Own (Bus Ticket Included) (JB)
Japanese breakfast. This morning enjoy a typical Japanese country breakfast. Walk back to the Bus Stop and board a morning bus for Kanazawa. Upon arrival at Kanazawa, walk to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Kanazawa. Sightseeing highlights include Kenrokuen Garden (one of the 3 best traditional gardens in Japan), Museum for Traditional Products & Crafts, Kosenyo pottery kiln (Kutani), Saihitsuan (Kaga Yuzen Dyeing) and the Nagamachi district of samurai houses.
Overnight accommodation at the Miyako Hotel Kanazawa or similar.

Day 7 (Wed): Kanazawa To Kyoto By Limited Express Train On Your Own (Train Ticket Included)
This morning you may choose to take a stroll through Chaya-machi street, lined with former Geisha houses built in the early 19th century or stroll through the bustling Omicho open-air market. Walk to Kanazawa Station and board a train for the classical city of Kyoto. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, ride the complimentary hotel shuttle bus to the hotel. Remainder of day free for you to stroll through the back alleys lined with shops where craftsmen still hand paint paper lanterns or turn simple bamboo into chopstick holders and serving dishes.
Two nights' accommodations at the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto or similar.

Golden Pavilion

Day 8 (Thu): Join Kyoto Morning Tour / Afternoon At Leisure
This morning join a sightseeing tour of Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Handicraft Center. Tour terminates at Kyoto Handicraft Center. Return to your hotel, courtesy of Kyoto Handicraft Center.
Optional Nara Afternoon Tour is available for purchase. Click Here For Optional Tour Description.

	Day 9 (Fri): Depart Kyoto / Transfer To Kansai Airport By Shuttle Van On Your Own (Transfer Included) Your room is available until normal check-out time. Transfer to Kansai International Airport by Shuttle Van.
	Note: This tour may be extended by adding extra nights in Japan. Please e-mail for more information.

Tour Price Note: This Tour Will Operate With 1 Person.
Program	Number Of Nights	Japanese Meals	Operates Every: Thursday		Per Person Double Occupancy	Per Person Single Room
			Valid From	Valid To
Japan Alps	8	1 Breakfast & 1 Dinner	Jan 04, 2010	Mar 31, 2010	$1,960	$2,710
			Apr 01, 2010	Apr 17, 2010	$1,950	$2,810
			Apr 18, 2010	Sep 15, 2010	$1,895	$2,720
			Sep 16, 2010	Nov 13, 2010	$1,950	$2,810
			Nov 14, 2010	Dec 17, 2010	$1,895	$2,720

Hida Hotel Plaza Surcharge
May 02	$60 Per Room Per Night
Aug 15, 29	$60 Per Room Per Night
Sep 19	$60 Per Room Per Night
Oct 10	$60 Per Room Per Night

Visa: Not required for U.S. citizens for stay up to 90 days. A valid passport is required for international travel. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your intended stay.