Takayama Autumn Festival - 12 Daysgo guidedon't leave home without it

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Takayama Autumn Festival - 12 Days updated on 29-11-2014

www.onthegotours.comUK020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com    AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com     NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or otherreasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection ofcosts at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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Escorted Group Tour: Autumn in Japanis simply spectacular, as the countrytransforms into stunning hues of yellow,orange and red. Take in the highlights ofJapan during this beautiful season andwitness the festivities of the colourfulTakayama Autumn Festival on this specialdeparture.

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Trip Highlights• Tokyo - Explore the famous Sensoji

Temple in Asakusa, cruise the SumidaRiver, stroll through the Hamarikyugardens, go shopping in the Harajukuarea, and pay a visit to the Meiji shrine

• Takamaya Autumn Festival - See a hugeprocession of festival floats pass throughthe streets, accompanied by hundreds oflocals in colourful traditional dress, andjoin in the exciting festive atmosphereacross the town

• Nikko - Take a day trip to this small townand see the UNESCO-listed Tosho-guShrine and Shonkyo bridge

• Kyoto - Explore the ancient and culturalcapital of Japan on board a private coach,

and enjoy afternoon tea with a Geisha orMaiko (young Geisha) where you will seea traditional dance and can ask questionsabout this usually hidden way of life

• Matsumoto - Visit Matsumoto castle, oneof the only original castles in Japan, givinga real sense of ancient Japan and how thesamurai used to live and fight

• Hakone - Visit Hakone National Park andmarvel at views of the iconic Mount Fuji,plus visit the Hakone Open Air Museum ofsculptures, explore Owakudani volcanicvalley - home to active sulphur vents andhot springs, and enjoy a cruise acrossLake Ashi

• Hida Folk Village - See a collection of oldfarm houses from across the region thathave been brought together and rebuilt ona hillside overlooking Takayama

What's Included• 11 nights' 3 - 4 star accommodation

(including 2 nights in a traditionalJapanese Inn in Takayama and 1 nightat one of Japan's most famous hotels theFujiya in Hakone)

• 11 breakfasts and 1 dinner• Meet and greet airport arrival and

departure transfers by shared shuttle bus• 7 day Japan Rail Pass• Train from Shinjuku to Matsumoto,

Takayama to Kyoto, Kyoto to Odawaraand Hakone Yumoto to Tokyo

• Private coach to Takayama• Private coach for sightseeing in Kyoto• Hakone Free Pass• Services of an English speaking local tour

guide• Sumida River Bus and Hamarikyu

Gardens in Tokyo• Nikko Day trip by Ltd Express Train• Entry to Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto,

Hido Folk Village in Tayamara and theHakone Open Air Museum

• Afternoon tea with a Geisha• Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to

Takayama, and Kyoto to Tokyo• Maximum group size: 18 persons

What's Not Included• Entrance Fees: USD $40 - $50• International flights and visas• Laundry, drinks, items of a personal

nature

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 : TokyoUpon arrival you will be met at Tokyo Narita Airportby your local tour guide and transferred to yourhotel by shuttle bus. You will also be supplied withan IC Card, with 3000 yen worth of credit, whichwill allow you to travel on buses, subways and over-ground railways in Tokyo and around the country.Overnight - Tokyo

Day 2 : TokyoToday enjoy a full day of guided sightseeing inJapan’s buzzing capital city. We will start the day atthe Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building; risingup above the city we will be able to admire viewsfrom the tower's lofty heights. Next we will visitMeiji shrine, one of Tokyo’s most formal shrines,followed by a tour of the Harajuku shopping area.In the afternoon we will explore the Hamarikyugardens where we will enjoy a break in a localtea house. Later we will take a Sumida River Busto the historic Asakusa area, where we will visitthe Sensoji temple and explore Nakamise dori.Overnight - Tokyo (B)

Day 3 : Nikko Day Trip

go guideJapan

don't leave home without it

Takayama Autumn Festival - 12 Days updated on 29-11-2014

www.onthegotours.comUK020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com    AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com     NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or otherreasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection ofcosts at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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Breakfast – Tokyo – Nikko – Tokyo. We take aday trip to Nikko today taking advantage of thedirect Ltd Express trains from Shinjuku station, justa short walk from our hotel. We will visit the WorldHeritage sights of Tosho-gu - Japan's most lavishlydecorated shrine, and also see the Shonkyo bridge.Set amidst beautiful natural scenery, Nikko haslong found itself as a centre for Buddhist and Shintoworship, and is always a favourite day trip fromTokyo. Overnight - Tokyo (B)

Day 4 : MatsumotoBreakfast – Tokyo – Matsumoto. Today a directexpress train will take us to Matsumoto, fromTokyo’s Shinjuku Station, with a journey time ofaround two and a half hours. The train will takeus through the suburbs of Tokyo before reachingthe open countryside with paddy fields, rivers,lakes and the Japanese Alps (so remember tokeep your eye out for Mount Fuji!). Upon arrival inMatsumoto we will head to its historic castle. Enjoythe rest of the day at your own leisure. Overnight- Matsumoto (B)

Day 5 : Takayama AutumnFestival

Breakfast – Matsumoto – Takayama. This morninga private coach will take us on a two hourjourney through the picturesque Japanese Alps toTakayama, a delightful town in the heart of theHida Mountains. It just so happens that our tourperfectly coincides with the revelry of the TakayamaAutumn Festival, which sees the streets of thissmall town burst into a kaleidoscope of colour everyyear. Lucky us!

Here we will witness a huge procession of festivalfloats pass through the streets, accompanied byhundreds of locals in colourful traditional dress.These ornately decorated floats will feature intricatemechanical dolls, which move and dance to therhythm of music under the control of skilledpuppeteers hidden within the floats. This popularautumn festival sees locals and travellers alikeflock to this procession, creating a exciting festiveatmosphere throughout the town. Overnight -Takayama (B)

Day 6 : Hida Folk VillageToday we will head to the outskirts of town to thefascinating Hida folk village, where old farm housesfrom across the region have been brought togetherand rebuilt on a hillside overlooking the town. Thisis a wonderful time to relax, explore and check out

some local craft displays. We will head back intotown later. Overnight - Takayama (B)

Day 7 : Takayama to Kyoto

Breakfast – Takayama – Kyoto. Leaving Takayamabehind, this morning we will travel on to Kyoto,Japan's ancient capital and the cultural centreof the nation. From Takayama we will use ourJapan Rail Passes to travel by Ltd Express trainto Nagoya where we will make the easy change tothe Shinkansen for Kyoto. Our total journey time willbe around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Upon arrival inKyoto we will enjoy a tasty evening meal in a localrestaurant. Overnight - Kyoto (B, D)

Day 8 : Sightseeing &Afternoon TeaToday enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Kyoto,and no need to worry about getting tired – we willhave a private coach at our disposal to drive usfrom place to place! There is no fixed itinerary forthe morning, so we are free to explore the cityas we wish. Some key highlights of Kyoto includeKinkakuji - the city's famous Golden Pavilion zentemple which is decorated with gold leaf and standsover a tranquil pond. And from Kikakuji, there isKiyomizu Dera Temple in the east – an impressivewooden structure perched on a hillside surroundedby woodland and looks out across the city.

In the afternoon we will visit Ochaya Tomikku, atraditional tea house in the Gion Geisha district.Here we will enjoy Green tea and a Japanesecake or a drink and snacks in the company of aGeisha or Maiko (young Geisha). The Geisha willdemonstrate a traditional dance and we will begiven an introduction of the life of a Geisha in Kyoto.You will then be able to take photographs and posequestions to the Geisha as well, for a brief glimpseinto this usually hidden world.Overnight - Kyoto (B)

Day 9 : Day trip from Kyoto

You are free to spend today doing whatevertakes your fancy. Why not use your includedJapan Rail Pass to make a day trip to Hiroshima,Nara or perhaps Osaka – Japan’s second city.Alternatively, stay in Kyoto and discover all thisfascinating city has to offer.(B)

Day 10 : Kyoto to HakoneBreakfast – Kyoto – Hakone. Today a bullet trainwill take us to Hakone National Park, in the foothillsof the iconic Mount Fuji, where we will spend theday exploring the local area. Here you will haveaccess to unlimited travel on nearly all the localmodes of transport here – from mountain busesand railway to cable cars and funicular railways,thanks to your Hakone Free Pass card. We will alsopay a visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum, animpressive outdoor sculpture garden. (B)

Day 11 : Hakone to Tokyo

Breakfast – Hakone – Tokyo. We will start todaywith a visit to Owakudani volcanic valley - home toactive sulphur vents and hot springs, and a cruiseacross Lake Ashi – if the weather permits we mayeven get a clear view of Mt Fuji.

Later we will begin our train journey back to Tokyo,where we will be staying in Shinjuku, one ofthe most modern districts in the city. Today is agreat opportunity to do any last minute shoppingor sightseeing before our tour comes to an endtomorrow. Overnight - Tokyo (B)

Day 12 : Goodbye Japan!Today our tour comes to an end! Transfer toNarita International Airport by shared shuttle bus foronward travel. (B)

go guideJapan

don't leave home without it

Takayama Autumn Festival - 12 Days updated on 29-11-2014

www.onthegotours.comUK020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com    AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com     NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or otherreasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection ofcosts at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

HealthWhile Japan is considered safe make sure youare up to date on routine vaccinations; it is alsorecommended to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A,Hepatitis B and Japanese B Encephalitis.

Japan does have mosquitoes in the summermonths, but Malaria is not a problem in Japan. If youare allergic to bites from mosquitoes please takeappropriate precautions; anti-mosquito sprays andcreams are widely available in Japan or you couldbring your own from home.

Water is safe to drink in all areas of Japan.

ClimateWeather conditions vary in Japan depending onlocation and time of year. Typically summers arehot and humid, whilst winters are significantlycolder - especially in the mountains, with a dryclimate and light snowfall. Spring and Autumn offerwarm days and cool nights, making this a wonderfultime to explore the highlights of Japan. June isconsidered the rainy season with hot and muggyweather. Temperatures do vary depending on theregion, so be sure to check in advance whentravelling to the far north or far south of Japan.

CurrencyThe official currency in Japan is Japanese Yen(JPY).

USD $1 - JPY 117 GBP £1 - JPY 185AUD $1 - JPY 101 Euro €1 - JPY 147

Most major currencies can be exchanged at theairport, post office, banks or major hotels; andtraveller’s cheques can be exchanged in majorbanks, larger hotels and some duty free shops.While credit cards are becoming increasinglypopular in Japan, they are not commonly used formaking purchases as in western countries so youare best to pay in cash where possible.

Avoid cash machines at banks as these do notnormally accept foreign-issued cards. Instead usethe Post Office cash machines from which youwill be able to take out money using Visa cards,MasterCard, Cirrus or Maestro. Note that PostOffices may only be open during office hours Monto Fri. Convenience store chain 7-Eleven will haveATMs in almost all of its stores which will acceptmost foreign-issued credit and debit cards.

Time & VoltageTime: Japan is 9 hours ahead of GMT and does notobserve daylight savings.

Voltage: In Japan the standard voltage is differentfrom other regions of the world at 100V, and poweroutlets accept a flat 2-pin plug (similar to NorthAmerican outlets). To cover all bases, it is best topack an international travel adaptor!

FoodOne of the best things about visiting any country issampling its cuisine and during your stay in Japanyou’ll probably be wishing to do just that. ManyJapanese restaurants specialise in one particulartype of food. Sushi is of course the most famousdish, but Japanese food does not stop with raw fish;other specialities include teriyaki (marinated beef/chicken/fish seared on a hot plate), sukiyaki (thinslices of beef, bean curd and vegetables cooked insoy sauce and then dipped in egg), and tempura(deep fried sea-food and vegetables).

If everything so far sounds a bit meat and fishorientated don't be alarmed - there are vegetarianoptions in Japan. Try the wonderful zaru soba(buck-wheat noodles served cold), a bowl of Udon(thicker noodles) in a mountain vegetable soup,tofu steak or a vegetable okonomiyaki (savourypancake). If you are feeling adventurous youcould try natto, this is a sticky and slightly smellyconcoction made of fermented soya beans.

If you want a more general selection, then the bestplace to go is an Izakaya (Japanese pub) whereyou will find an extensive and pretty cheap choiceof food and drink. Izakaya often offer tabehodai ornomihodai - for a set price you get an hour or two toeat or drink as much as you like. Choosing exactlywhat to eat is made easier by well illustrated menusor plastic food displays at the doorway – just pointand see what you get. In major cities you will alsofind plenty of Western-style restaurants.

Each region of Japan also has its own specialityfoods, unique to or particularly famous in that onearea of the country. These are nearly always madefrom locally produced ingredients.

Transportation - Private ToursWhen travelling with us to Japan on a Private Touryou will be met upon arrival at the airport andescorted by shuttle bus to your start hotel. Whileour tours do include a day of guided sightseeingin Tokyo and Kyoto, the remainder of your tour isindependently led, meaning you will be responsiblefor getting from place to place.

Thankfully transportation in Japan is modern,punctual and easy to use. And to help you getstarted you will be provided with various travelvouchers which will cover most of the journeys youwill make during your stay in Japan. These will thenneed to be exchanged for actual tickets upon yourarrival.Exchanging your vouchersYou will need to exchange the vouchers for actualtickets after your arrival in Japan. We recommendmaking the exchange at a mainline station in Tokyo.Instructions on how and where to do this will be inthe Japan Rail Pass pamphlet you will be providedwith. Note that you will need to show your passportwhen you make the exchange, and when you makethe exchange you will be asked to state the dateyou wish to start using the passes.Please note that many ticket offices do not openuntil 9 or 10am, so be sure to make the exchange inadvance if you plan on making an early start. Plusremember to check your Japan Rail Pass pamphlet

you will receive with the vouchers for specific ticketoffice opening hours.Reserving a seat for your journeyYou can make seat reservations for no extra chargeusing your Japan Rail ticket – simply apply atany JR ticket office or at the time you make theexchange. You can reserve seats whenever youlike; days in advance, the day before each journey;even just turn up at the station a few minutes beforethe train departs and (subject to availability) you canreserve seats. If you like to be very organised youcan even make all your seat reservations right atthe start of your trip. You will not be penalised if youend up not using a reservation, though it is politeto turn the reservation in at a ticket office so thatother people can use those seats. Alternatively youcan just turn up and travel in the unreserved seatscarriage of any JR train.

Transportation - EscortedGroup ToursIf travelling with us to Japan on an Escorted GroupTour you will be met at the airport by tour guide andtransferred to your hotel by shuttle bus. In the firstfew days of your tour our guide will escort the tourgroup to a railway station for you to exchange yourrail vouchers (given upon arrival) for actual railwaytickets that will be needed on the tour. The processis quick and easy and your guide will be there toassist.

Rooming ArrangementsMost hotels and Ryokans in Japan offer singlerooms fitted with one bed and twin share/ doublerooms fitted with two single beds. It is relativelyuncommon to find twin share/ double rooms withone large bed. If you have requested a twin share/double room with one large bed we will alwaysrequest this particular rooming configuration withthe hotel, though it is not guaranteed and you mayoften be accommodated in a twin share/ doubleroom with two single beds. Further triple sharerooms and family suites are very hard to come by.

VisasUK, AUS, NZ, USA and CAN passport holders donot require a visa at present to enter Japan fortouristic purposes for a stay of up to 90 days.

South African passport holders can obtain a visaprior to arrival for touristic purposes, for a stay of upto 90 days.

A full passport with two full blank pages and atleast 6 months validity beyond date of exit fromJapan upon entrance is essential. Please checkyour personal visa requirements with your embassyif you are from another country.

Please double-check all visa requirements with theJapan embassy at least one month before travel asthe above is intended as a guide.

Please Note: Visa information is subject to change.Contact your nearest Japanese Embassy for themost up to date information. Visa procurement

go guideJapan

don't leave home without it

Takayama Autumn Festival - 12 Days updated on 29-11-2014

www.onthegotours.comUK020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com    AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com     NZ 0800 44 77 69     CAN 1 866 890 7038     USA 1 866 377 6147     SA 0800 982 686

This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or otherreasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection ofcosts at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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remains the responsibility of the passenger and notthat of On The Go.