Japan's Kumano Kodo Cherry Blossom Tour March 2012
Fully escorted tour
TOUR DETAILS
20th March – 5th April 2012
From the first days of March with the flowering of the plum blossoms to the end of May when the last petals of the cherry blossoms fall from the trees in Northern Japan, spring is the time for awakening in both nature and human celebrations everywhere in Japan.
The Cherry Blossom is important throughout Japanese culture as it heralds the end of winter and the beginning of new life and spring. Come and join with us in the celebrations whilst also exploring both the modern city of Tokyo, and old original capital of Nara and the historic city of Kyoto.
Along the way we will walk in the footsteps of the pilgrims of ancient days along the Kumano Kodo trail, stay in a Buddhist Temple in spiritual Koyasan, bath in one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs at “Kamigoten Ryokan” in Ryujin. This Ryokan was originally built some 500 years ago for the Tokugawa Shogun.
Enjoy traditional cuisine from both the sea and the mountains and see how good you are at playing the Taiko Drums! Experience the bokhido (cave baths) at Urashima and join the fun at an Izakaya Pub (Japanese pub) in Tanabe.
This tour opens a new and different door each and every day.
INCLUSIONS:
- Return Economy airfares Brisbane (OR Sydney) to Tokyo return
- 14 nights accommodation
- 10 breakfasts : 4 lunches : 6 dinners
- All transportation as per brochure includingShinkansen (Bullet) Train
- All sightseeing as per brochure/itinerary
- Fully escorted ex Australia by Japan Holidays Staff
- Coach and Japanese/English speaking guides 26th March – 30th March whilst on the Kumano Kodo Sector of the Tour
- Train Kyoto to Arashiyama and return including riding the Hozu rapids
- Coach and Japanese/English speaking guide on 1stApril for our day tour Of Kyoto.
- Luggage (1 suitcase per person) transfer from Tokyo to Kyoto.
NOT INCLUDED * Airport and Airline taxes
* Transportation, entrance fees and/or meals on leisure days
BOOK TODAY
Call + 61 7 3300 2396
or use the online contact form
Image Gallery, click to view larger image:
Itinerary:
20th March 2012 - Depart Brisbane/Sydney for overnight flight to Tokyo
21st March 2012 - Arrive Narita International Terminal.
After clearing Immigration and Customs formalities we proceed to Tokyo and the Shiba Park Hotel for our three nights stay:
Accommodation: Shiba Park Hotel Tokyo In 21st March – Out 24th March
22nd March 2012 - Day at leisure.
Your tour escort is available for suggestions and assistance. Optional tours available and recommended to prebook prior to departure Australia.
23rd March 2012 - Day at leisure.
Optional tours available and recommended to prebook prior to departure Australia.
24th March 2012 - Tokyo – Nara
This morning please have your large luggage at the Concierge in the Foyer of the Shiba Park Hotel no later than 7:00am for transfer through to our Kyoto accommodation. Make our way to Tokyo Station and board the Shinkansen "Bullet" train to Kyoto and change to local line for Nara. Check-in to our accommodation and visit Nara Park and Todaiji Temple.
Accommodation: Ryokan Matsumae In 24th March – Out 25th March
25th March 2012 - Nara – Koyasan
This morning we take the train to Gokurakubashi where we change and take the Cable Car to Koyasan. It is a complex of temples, monasteries and assembly buildings amid 900m high mountains. This Holy place is designated as World Heritage. (D)
Accommodation: Temple Lodging Eko-in Koyasan or similar In 25th March – Out 26th March
26th March 2012 - Koyasan – Ryujin Onsen
Today we attend morning Buddhist Ceremony, breakfast and meet our guide who will take us sightseeing. Lunch in Koyasan and depart around 2:30pm to Ryujin Onsen (Ryokan Experience) for our overnight stay. It is one of Japan's three famous "Beautifying Hot Springs". Enjoy traditional Japanese dinner this evening (B/D)
Accommodation: Kamigoten Ryokan..Ryujin In 26th March – Out 27th March
27th March 2012 - Ryujin Onsen – Kawayu Onsen
Breakfast this morning and drive to Takahara and hike Kumano Kodo Takahara to Chikatsuyu-Oji (9.3kms)*. Picnic lunch in the mountains. Drive to Kawayu Onsen for two night stay and bath in the hot springs - (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Kawayu Midoriya Onsen In 27th March – Out 29th March
28th March 2012 - Kawayu Onsen – Kumano Kodo – Kawayu Onsen
After breakfast this morning visit the Visitor Centre and then walk Kumano Kodo Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha (7kms)**. Drive to Yunomine Onsen from Hongu (3.4kms) and visit Yunomine Onsen which is only one of two World Heritage Listed Hot Springs. Drive to Kawayu Onsen and enjoy Taiko (Japanese Drums) tonight. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Kawayu Midoriya Onsen
29th March 2012 - Kawayu Onsen – Katsuura
After breakfast this morning drive to boat launch and enjoy traditional boat ride on Kumanogawa River which is registered in the World Heritage List as a waterway pilgrimage route. . Drive to Katsuura for lunch and onto Daimonzaka and 1km walk*** to Kumano Nachi Taisha and waterfall. (B/D)
Accommodation: Hotel Urashima Katsuura In 29th March – Out 30th March
30th March 2012 - Katsuura – Tanabe
Breakfast and then this morning visit the Tuna Fish Market and local sightseeing to Tanabe. Evening at Izakaya Pub. (B/D)
Accommodation: Hotel Altier (or similar) In 30th March Out 31st March
31st March 2012 - Tanabe – Kyoto
Breakfast this morning and an 8:30am departure by train for Kyoto with remainder of day free. Your Tour Escort will be available to assist with suggestions. (B)
Accommodation: Hotel Palaceside- Kyoto In 31st March – Out 4th April
1st April 2012 - Kyoto
This morning we will be met by our local Tour guide and private coach for a full day sightseeing tour of Kyoto. Visit Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), the famous Ryoanji Zen Sand Garden, Nijo Castle. Lunch at local Machiya House restaurant hosted by Japan Holidays. After lunch travel to Fushimi which is renowned for its more than 10,000 vermillion torii gates. Evening at leisure. (B/L)
2nd April 2012 - Kyoto
Transfer by train to Arashiyama. Travel into the mountains on the "romance" train and return to Arashiyama down the gentle white water rapids. Remainder of afternoon at leisure to stroll Arashiyama or return to Kyoto. (B)
3rd April 2012 - Kyoto
Day at leisure. Free time to wander this beautiful city or maybe to return to some of the above sights to enjoy more time. Your Tour Escort will be available at 9:00am in the foyer for assistance. Evening at leisure. (B)
4th April 2012 - Kyoto –Kansai Airport for Departure
Check-out time is 1:00pm. The Hotel will hold our luggage until it is time to go Kyoto Station and board the JR "Haruka" for Kansai International Airport. (B)
Depart Kansai Airport evening flight
5th April 2012 - Arrive Brisbane/Sydney International Airport.
- *** End of Tour – Sayonara***
*…….On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the hardest, this days walk is 4.5. Alternative arrangements are available for those not wishing to walk.
**…..On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the hardest, this days walk is a 3. Alternative arrangements are available for those not wishing to walk.
***…On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the hardest, this 1km walk is a 1.5. If you walk the full distance there are approximately 800 steps for the most part they are quite wide. The bus is available to take you as far as the bus stop from where you can walk the last sector.
