Springtime Flower Tour of Japan
Day 1: Friday, 20th of April
Check in at the Qantas Airways check in counter from 06:45am. After check in make your way to the departure gate. Here you will meet your tour hosts Haydn Thompson and Keith Hillier who will introduce you to your fellow tour members. Depart Melbourne for Narita-Tokyo on Qantas Airways flight QF79 at 09:10 which arrives at 18:35. Welcome to Japan!
We will take the escalator to the train station within the airport to issue our 7 Day Japan Rail Passes which we will commence using from tomorrow morning.
We will then board our waiting charter bus to our accommodation at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel which is located directly in front of the station.
Also in front of the Shinagawa Prince Hotel is a fun little bar for anyone who feels like a drink before bed.
Day 2: Saturday, 21st of April
This morning is an early start as a busy day awaits. After breakfast we will board a bullet train from Shinagawa Station to Tokyo Station. (10 min) We will then board the 08:30 Komachi bullet train from Tokyo Station to arrive at Sendai at 10:15am. Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region and will be our home for the next three nights. Our accommodation at the Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East is brilliantly located next door to the station.
Our rooms won't be ready straight away, so we will return to Sendai Station and take a short bullet train ride to Fukushima. (20 min)
Those who don't feel like a day at the races will visit Hanamiyama Park which in English is called Flower Watching Park. Every year thousands of visitors flock to one of Japan's most popular cherry blossom locations where one can look over Fukushima and the snow capped Azuma Mountains.
Racing enthusiasts can enjoy magnificent springtime racing at arguably Japan's most beautiful racetrack. Today's feature race at Fukushima Racecourse is the Group 3 Himba Stakes over 1600 metres. From the comfort of our reserved seats, we can also watch on their racetrack monitors the races held in both Kyoto and Tokyo.
A Welcome To Japan Dinner has been arranged for tonight at a local Japanese Izakaya called Hana No Mai. An Izakaya is a traditional Japanese style pub with plenty of character and charm serving small bite size dishes. *Drinks are also included! Cheers, or as they say in Japan, "kampai".
Day 3: Sunday, 22nd of April
Tour members not attending the races today will have an opportunity to explore the sights of Sendai. A local guide and charter vehicle will be available from 09:00am.
In the morning we will visit the Shiogama Wholesale Seafood Market. Japan is known for its amazing range of fresh seafood. Next we will visit a place called Matsushima Bay which is celebrated as having one of the three most scenic views in Japan along with Miyajima and Amanohashidate. We will board a local cruise boat and sail around the amazing collection of 200 small Islands covered by pine trees.
Lunch has now been arranged at one of the local restaurants. Also take time to explore the streets of Matsushima.
In the afternoon we will visit the Mitsui Outlet Shopping Mall where Japanese and international brands can be purchased at discount prices.
*Those who loved their experience at the Fukushima Races are welcome to return again today. From their on course vision the Group 2 Japanese Oaks Trial in Tokyo and the Group 2 Yomiuri Mile Cup in Kyoto can be seen.
Day 4: Monday, 23rd of April
An exciting day of springtime sightseeing awaits. From Sendai Station we will board an 08:58am Hayate bullet train to Ichinoseki Station. (34 min) Here we will board a waiting charter bus which will take us to the spectacular Geibikei Gorge where we will take a calm, 90 minute traditional wooden boat ride amongst picturesque natural scenery with the local spring time flowers of pink cherry blossoms and purple wisteria scheduled to bloom. Be amazed by the dramatic tall sheer cliffs and unique rock formations on the way.
Next Japanese Champion Geisha Ms Kaori Minakawa will introduce the beautiful performing art of Japanese dance to our group.
Foodies, or in particular meat lovers, will absolutely love our next stop. The famous Maesawa Beef is locally produced in this area. It is said that Matsuzaka Beef in the West and Maesawa Beef in the East are the most delicious beef brands in Japan. This exquisitely marbled meat is so soft that it melts in your mouth. To ensure its quality, only a few restaurants are designated as official distributors. We will visit a restaurant called Ogata for lunch!
Our charter vehicle will next take us to Hiraizumi Chusonji Temple, the historic home for the Tendai sect of Buddhism established in 850. The golden hall called Konjikido decorated entirely with gold leaf (similar to Kyoto's Golden Pavilion) is the highlight. Photography is strictly prohibited within the golden hall.
Next our charter will take us to Kitakami Tenshochi Park which stretches along the shores of the Kitakami River. This park houses over 10,000 cherry blossom trees and 100,000 azaleas. And our visit coincides with cherry blossom season so we have much to look forward to as we explore one of Japan's best cherry blossom viewing locations.
From Kitakami Station we will board a Hayabusa bullet train back to Sendai.
Day 5: Tuesday, 24th of April
Today we will check out of the Metropolitan Hotel and from Sendai Station we will board a bullet train to Tokyo Station. Within Tokyo Station we will board a Yamanote Line Loop System train to Hamamatsu-Cho Station. Our accommodation at the newly built Shiba Park 151 is an 8 minute walk from the station. As we will have our luggage with us I recommend we board a taxi for convenience.
After check in we will commence exploring the sights of Tokyo and board a train to Ueno where we will walk through the picturesque Ueno Park and view the spring colours. At the end of the park is the iconic Ueno Ameyoko Market, a larger version of the Victoria Market we have in Melbourne. Here we can explore the numerous laneways full of bargains. Everything imaginable is for sale including Japanese arts and crafts, neck ties, suits, fashion wear, Japanese teas and spices.
For those not interested in shopping, there are plenty of cafes where you can escape the crowds.
Next we will board a subway for Asakusa - a very historical part of Tokyo located beside the Sumida River. The Asakusa Kannon Temple is surrounded by the Nakamise shopping arcade where many bargain souvenirs can be found.
From Asakusa Station take the train to Tobu Skytree Station. Here we will visit the 634 metre tall Observation Deck within the Tokyo Skytree – one of Tokyo’s newest landmarks from where we can see a spectacular view of the Tokyo Skyline. Take time to explore the range of eateries and shops. In particular, visit the Chiba Institute of Technology where we can experience future technologies and innovation, the latest in robotics to planet exploration.
Day 6: Wednesday, 25th of April
An early start this morning as we will board a charter bus which will take us to commemorate the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Hodogaya Commonwealth Cemetery in Yokohama. This year's service will be hosted by the New Zealand Embassy with a special service to take place in the New Zealand section followed by a laying of the wreath in the Australian section. In total 280 Australians are buried in this beautifully manicured garden. Many soldiers died during their internment during World War 2. One of Australia's Victoria Cross recipients Ray Simpson is buried at Hodogaya.
Our charter vehicle will next take us back to Tokyo to spend ANZAC Day at the Hobgoblin Sports Bar. Here on their many screens we can watch the races from Flemington and Randwick and the traditional Essendon versus Collingwood game at the MCG. We can't guarantee a game of two-up, but the afternoon promises to be enjoyable amongst good mates.
Day 7: Thursday, 26th of April
Meet in the lobby at 09:00am for our day of Tokyo sightseeing. Using our Pasmo Cards, we will board a train for Harajuku to visit the famous Meiji Shrine which attracts millions of visitors each year. There is no better example of classic Shinto architecture in Tokyo. From the station we will walk to the shrine through the impressive Torii Gate via the densely wooded forest
Next we will take the train to Shinjuku, the busiest train station in the world. Use the South Exit to visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, this large park features more than one thousand cherry trees of over a dozen varieties in Western and Japanese style gardens. The many varieties of cherry trees ensures the park benefits from a long blooming period from mid-March to late April.
We will return to Shinjuku and take time to explore some of the great shopping that surrounds the station. Popular destinations include Takashimaya Times Square department store and the quirky shop called Tokyu Hands which sells a wide range of unique gadgets.
From Shinjuku we will board a local train to the Ginza, Tokyo's most famous shopping and entertainment district. Take time to explore the many department stores with specialty shops before we return to our hotel.
Day 8: Friday, 27th of April
Today is the final day of our 7 Day Japan Rail Pass. Check out of the Shiba Park Hotel 151 and from Tokyo Station we will board a bullet train to Kyoto Station. During this journey we will travel through an area called Shizuoka. Should the weather be fine, for a 10 minute period we should be able to see a clear view of Mount Fuji in the distance.
Our accommodation is at the Kyoto Tower Hotel which is brilliantly located across the road from Kyoto Station. As the name of the hotel suggests, a large observation tower is attached to our hotel.
After check in we will board a subway two stops for Shijo Station. Commence exploring the sights of Shijo, the busiest shopping district in Kyoto. Here we will find a number of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore. We will walk down to the Nishiki Food Markets (10 min) where we can try various Japanese foods from traditional sweets to fresh seafood.
In the late afternoon we will visit Gion, Kyoto's famous entertainment district which is open until late at night. Gion is the one place in Japan where you may see Maiko or Geisha scampering between appointments. As darkness falls, watch the traditional lanterns gradually come to life as we wander down tiny alleys housing a variety of restaurants offering tempting cuisine. Gion is also famous as a haven for Japanese textiles and crafts.
Day 9: Saturday, 28th of April
From 08:30am a charter bus and an English speaking local tour guide will provide a full day of sightseeing where we will visit many of the beautiful and historical sights in Kyoto.
Today’s itinerary will commence with a visit to Kiyomizudera Temple. Walk up this attractive winding road lined with colourful souvenir and craft shops. Kiyomizudera is famous for its giant wooden stage overlooking panoramic views of Kyoto and its main hall purely constructed of wood and sustained by huge columns and beams without the use of a single nail, screw or bolt.
Next we will travel to Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, overlooking a large pond, and surrounded by a magnificent Japanese garden.
We next visit Arashiyama and the Sagano Bamboo Forest.
Arashiyama is a popular destination in spring season for its magnificent range of flowers, lovely gardens and impressive mountain backdrop. The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple and Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves
*Lunch will be payable on the spot at one of the many eateries in the area.
For dinner tonight we may visit Porta, the underground shopping mall which is connected to Kyoto Station. This complex houses a wide range of affordable restaurants which will be suitable for dinner.
Day 10: Sunday, 29th of April
Today is free for personal sightseeing and shopping in Kyoto. There is an opportunity to attend Kyoto Racecourse to witness Japan's famous 3,200 metre Tenno Sho (Emperor's Cup) from the comfort of our reserved seating. Recent winners of this race have included champions such as Deep Impact and Kitasan Black.
We will take the train to the racetrack as rail is the quickest and most efficient way to get to the course.
Day 11: Monday, 30th of April
Today is a free day for final sightseeing and shopping. Kyoto Station is surrounded by a wealth of shopping with a wide range of specialty shops.
For those that want to do sightseeing, we recommend a visit to Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Anyone who has seen Memoirs of a Geisha will be familiar with the thousands of red Torii gates which stretch towards Mt Inari. From Kyoto Station we board a local train on the JR Nara Line to JR Inari Station (5 min) and follow the walking path to the shrine.
In the afternoon we will board a Hikari bullet train #522 at 13:32 which arrives in Shinagawa at 16:03, Change trains and board the Narita Express #41 at 16:20 which arrives at Narita Airport Terminal 2 at 17:25.
Check in at the Qantas International counter and depart Narita Tokyo for Melbourne on Qantas Airways flight QF80 at 20:05.
Day 12: Tuesday, 01st of May
Qantas Airways flight QF80 arrives in Melbourne at 07:45am. Welcome home!
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