Tour Duration: 12 days Tour Code: 28102012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$4993 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
FUKUOKA, JAPAN Arrive in Fukuoka and transfer to your hotel (check in from mid-afternoon). Your Tour Director will meet you at the hotel.
2
FUKUOKA Today's sightseeing tour takes you to the Kushida Shrine with its colourful Yamakasa floats which parade through the city each July, and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, where you will be able to see traditional potters, weavers and papermakers at work. Finish your trip with a visit to the Asahi Brewery, complete with tastings! Your Tour Director will help you get the most out of your free afternoon and evening in this cosmopolitan city. (B)
3
FUKUOKA -NAGASAKI Journey on to the vibrant city of Nagaski today, stopping en route to see the beautiful Dazaifu Temple and its traditional gardens and surrounds. Perhaps enjoy a snack of sweet bean bun, a local delicacy sold by vendors around the temple. This afternoon, visit the Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Park in Nagasaki, with its stone column marking the exact point above which the atomic bomb exploded on August 9, 1945. You will also visit the adjoining Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum with its haunting exhibits, and the Peace Park, devoted to the wish for world peace. This evening, enjoy a ride on the cable car to Inasa- Yama lookout, offering superb views over the city and harbour. (B)
4
NAGASAKI Nagasaki was Japan's main contact with the West for centuries. Explore this aspect of the city today, visiting the Nagaski Museum of History and Culture, "Spectacles Bridge" and the 26 Martyrs Memorial, commemorating a harsh crackdown on outside religions in the 16th century. Finally, enjoy exploring the Dutch Slopes and Glover Garden, a beautiful hillside garden lined with the former homes of some of the early European residents. (B)
5
NAGASAKI -KUMAMOTO On your way out of Nagasaki, stop at Shimabara Castle with its magnificent display of samurai armor, and the nearby Samurai District, where Shimabara samurai made their homes for generations. Then board a ferry for the short ride to Kumamoto, where you will visit imposing Kumamoto Castle and the famous Suizen-Ji Gardens. (B)
6
KUMAMOTO-BEPPU Enjoy the spectacular volcanic scenery of Mt Aso en route to the port town of Beppu. Visit the Traditional Bamboo Craft Centre, where you will see incredible examples of the uses of this versatile material, and Beppu's famous "hells", a collection of hot springs results. Tonight, you will have the opportunity to visit a traditional onsen (hot water bath) for a soak. (B)
7
BEPPU-MATSUYAMA This morning, take a ferry across to nearby Shikoku Island, a destination for Buddhist pilgrims for over a thousand years. Enjoy a visit to one of Japan's most beautiful original castles, Matsuyama jo, and the nearby Nimomaru gardens. (B)
8
MATSUYAMA-TAKAMATSU Today, follow part of the famous pilgrim trail, and visit the largest of the 88 pilgrimage temples, Zentsu-ji. You might be lucky enough to see henro (pilgrims) in their distinctive white robes, enacting their rituals. You will also enjoy time in Ritsurinkoen, exhibition hall featured on the Japanese 10 yen coin. (B)
9
TAKAMATSU-OKAYAMA Today's journey takes you over the Seto Bridge, which connects Shikoku Island to the main island of Japan. This afternoon, arrive in Okayama, an important castle stronghold during the Edo period, and the setting of a popular Japanese fairy tale about Momotaro, the "Peach Boy". (B)
10
OKAYAMA-OSAKA This morning, visit the Ohara Museum of Art and beautiful Korakuen garden, ranked as one of the best landscape gardens in Japan. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Kurashiki Bikan historical quarter, an area carefully preserved to give visitors a glimpse of life during the shogunate. This afternoon, drive to Osaka. (B)
11
OSAKA Your tour ends with a transfer to the airport. (B)
HOTELS: accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities.
MEALS: on tour 10 breakfasts (B).
GUIDES: English speaking Tour Director on tour.
All local taxes /service charges.
Meals Breakfast - 10 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 0
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Optional Excursions
