Taste Of Japan - Independent Adventure Tour

Number Of Nights: 4

Operates: Daily (Until Dec 25, 2009)
Except: Aug 6, 7, 11-14, 20, 21, 27, 28; Sep 3, 10, 17-20; Oct 1, 8, 9, 15, 22, 29; Nov 19.

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

Type Of Tour: Land Only

Visits: Tokyo (2 Nights) / Kyoto (2 Nights)

Highlights: Tokyo Afternoon Tour, Mt. Fuji & Hakone Tour,
Bullet Train To Kyoto, Kyoto Morning Tour, Nara Afternoon Tour

From: $1,675 Per Person Double Occupancy

Minimum: 1 Person

Meals: 2 Lunches

Japan 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: Arrive Tokyo (Narita)
After entry procedures, transfer to your hotel by Airport Limousine Bus on your own. We provide you with a pre-paid bus coupon and detailed instructions with an airport map.
Two nights’ accommodations at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel (Main Tower).

Day 2: Join Tokyo Morning Tour / Afternoon At Leisure
This morning join a sightseeing tour of Tokyo which will include a visit to the Tokyo Tower Observatory for a panoramic view of the city. Drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza (a short photo stop at the outer garden) visit Asakusa Kannon Temple with bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Drive through Ginza, the most celebrated shopping area in Japan. Tour ends at Tasaki Pearl Gallery where you will be introduced to cultured pearl making. Return transfer to your hotel provided by Tasaki Pearl Gallery. Afternoon and evening at leisure.

Day 3: Join Mt. Fuji & Hakone Sightseeing (Lunch) / Odawara To Kyoto By Bullet Train (Train Ticket Included)
Morning drive to halfway up Mt. Fuji followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Proceed to Hakone for a cruise on Lake Ashi followed by cable car up Mt. Komagatake. Drop-off at Odawara Station. Board Bullet train for Kyoto on your own. Get off at Kyoto Station and walk to your hotel on your own.
Two nights‘ accommodations at the New Miyako Hotel.

Important Note: Mt. Komagatake Aerial Cableway is skipped due to traffic conditions without alternative on the following days: Aug. 1-2, 8-9, 16, 22-23, 29-30, Sep. 5, 12, 22, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Nov. 21.

Mt. Komagatake Ropeway or Cruise on Lake Ashi may also be omitted or substituted depending on traffic, weather conditions, or for other operational reasons.

When "Fuji Visitor Center" is closed, or if the tour is behind schedule due to traffic conditions, the "Fuji Visitor Center" may be skipped.

When the road up to Mt. Fuji's 5th station is closed or for operational reasons you will go up the highest possible point.

	Day 4: Join Kyoto Morning Tour & Nara Afternoon Tour (Lunch) This morning join a sightseeing tour of Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Handicraft Center. Lunch at the Kyoto Handicraft Center. This afternoon join a sightseeing tour to Nara: Todaiji Temple (largest indoor Buddha statue in Japan), vermillion-hued Kasuga Shrine and Deer Park. Return to your hotel. Important Note: On Tuesdays in Jan, Jul, Aug & Dec, Nijo Castle is closed and you will visit Ryoanji Temple instead. Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed on Saturday, Sunday, national holidays and a few other days, visit Nishi Honganji Temple instead.

	Day 5: 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
Hotel Click Tour Name For Hotel Description	Number Of Nights	Meals	Valid From	Valid To	Per Person Double Occupancy	Single Room Extra
Taste Of Japan	4	2 Lunches	Jan 05, 2009	Dec 25, 2009	$1,675	$400
Note: This tour does not operate on Aug 6, 7, 11-14, 20, 21, 27, 28; Sep 3, 10, 17-20; Oct 1, 8, 9, 15, 22, 29; Nov 19.
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.