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Essence Of Japan - Independent Adventure Tour
Number Of Nights: 10

Operates: Every Wednesday (May 11, 2011 through July 20, 2011)

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

Visits: Tokyo (3 Nights) / Matsumoto (1 Night) / Takayama (2 Nights) /
Visits: Kanazawa (1 Night) / Kyoto (3 Nights)

Train: Individual Tickets Included
Bus: Individual Tickets Included
Meals: None

From: $2,025 Per Person Double Occupancy

Note: This Tour Will Operate With 1 Person.

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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, we will explain where and how to do this), 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 for over 25 years. Our tour itineraries may feature a path less taken, but we think this is the only way to really experience Japan. 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, you will become a Japan expert.
Day 1 (Wed): Arrive Tokyo (Narita Airport) / Transfer To Hotel (Bus Coupon)
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.
Three nights' accommodations at the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo.

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Day 2 (Thu): 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 (Fri): Tokyo Day At Leisure
Complete day at leisure to explore Tokyo on your own. Your Tour Information book will include instructions on self-guided tours to many of the popular tourist areas in and around Tokyo. Our instructions include train and subway suggestions, area maps, suggested walking route along with a brief description of the important sights. Transportation and admission fees are on your own account.

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Matsumoto Castle Day 4 (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.
Day 5 (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.
Two nights’ accommodation at the Hida Hotel Plaza or similar.

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Day 6 (Mon): Takayama Day At Leisure
Complete day at leisure to explore Takayama on your own. There is a lively morning market located along the Miyagawa River where local farmers and craftsmen sell their produce and handicrafts. You may choose to visit the Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum, built in 1897, it is a superb example of traditional Takayama architecture. Take a walk through Shiroyama Park or perhaps visit Hida Kokubunji Temple, the ouldest temple in the city, only a 5 minuet walk from the station.		 Picture
Day 7 (Tue): Takayama To Kanazawa via Shirakawago By Local Bus On Your Own (Bus Ticket Included)
Walk to the Bus Stop in front of Takayama Station and board a local bus on your own for a scenic drive to Shirakawago (World Heritage Site), famous for its unique farmhouses called Gassho-Zukuri or joined-hands farmhouses. Explore Shiragawago before getting on another bus for Kanazawa on your own. Upon arrival at Kanazawa, walk to your hotel on your own.
Overnight accommodation at the Hotel Kanazawa or similar.

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Kanazawa Castle

Day 8 (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, walk to your hotel on your own. 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.
Three nights' accommodations at the Hotel Granvia Kyoto.
Bonus Offer: Complimentary upgrade to a Superior Room, subject to availability at time of reservation.

Bonus Offer From Ampac Tours: You will receive a complimentary Kyoto City Bus All-Day Pass. We have arranged to have this pass delivered to you upon hotel check-in.
Day 9 (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.

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Picture Day 10 (Fri): Kyoto Day At Leisure
Complete day at leisure to explore Kyoto on your own. Your Tour Information book will include instructions on self-guided tours to many of the popular tourist areas in and around Kyoto. Our instructions include bus schedules, area maps, suggested walking route along with a brief description of the important sights. Transportation and admission fees are on your own account.

Day 11 (Sat): Transfer To Kansai International Airport (Transfer Included) / Depart Osaka
Check-out of your hotel room by the posted time. Transfer by 9-passenger van to Kansai International Airport, the ride will take around 2.5 hours. The transfer includes 1-piece of checked luggage per person. Additional luggage is charged at ¥1000 per piece paid directly to your driver.

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Tour Price
Note: This Tour Will Operate With 1 Person.
Program
Number
Of Nights
Meals
Operates Wednesday
Per Person
Double Occupancy
Per Person
Single Room
Valid From
Valid To
Essence Of Japan 10 None May 11, 2011 July 20, 2011 $2,025 $3.125

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.
 
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