Visit Japan as it becomes a beautiful winter wonderland. Fuyu = Winter
At the start of the year the temperatures are cool, things are less crowded, and the Japanese are still as warm-hearted and welcoming as ever.
February brings the Setsubun Festival, fireworks at Mt Fuji, monkeys hanging out in hotsprings, and magical snowy landscapes.
WHEN
27th January
to
7th February
2017
(12 days)
WHERE
Tokyo
Kawaguchiko
Kyoto
Oki-shima
Shibu Onsen
HOW MUCH
$4895 AUD per person
(based on twin share)
single supplement available
GROUP SIZE
maximum of 6 people
THE ITINERARY
Friday 27th TOKYO
Arrival day. We’ll kick off our tour this evening with a lovely traditional style dinner and meet our fellow travellers.
Saturday 28th TOKYO
An early start to see the hustle of the fish markets at Tsukuji.
The International Forum is an icon of Tokyo architecture and its sweeping form is a wonder to photograph. Perhaps a walk on to the nearby Imperial Palace, or elsewhere, depending on group interest.
Sunday 29th KAWAGUCHIKO
Time to leave the big smoke and get some fresh air and a look at imposing Mt Fuji. There are amazing views around every bend.
We’ll rug up tonight to catch Kawaguchiko’s winter fireworks.
Monday 30th KAWAGUCHIKO
Up early to photograph Mt Fuji over the lake. Then, plenty of time to explore or relax. The choice is yours.
Tuesday 31st TRAVEL TO KYOTO
Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan. Tradition is revered here in ways that have been lost in other cities. The town is filled to the gills with temples and shrines; and kimono clad people still stroll the atmospheric streets.
Wednesday 1st KYOTO COUNTRYSIDE
The streets around old Higashiyama and Kiyomizu Temple fill up quickly during the day, but are perfect for an early morning wander.
We’ll catch a ferry to sleepy Okishima, Japan’s only inhabited lake island. Life on Okishima is slow, and the mostly elderly residents seem to shun development, preferring to preserve their slow way of life. There are few roads, and very few motorized vehicles, most get about by foot or by bicycle. We’ll have plenty of time to do the same.
Thursday 2nd KYOTO COUNTRYSIDE
After some morning exploring, we’ll return to our friendly ryokan in Kyoto city this afternoon.
Friday 3rd KYOTO
With so many things to see and do in Kyoto, you’ll have some free time today to catch up on anything that you’ve missed.
At the shrine just near our ryokan Setsubun celebrations will be in full swing today. There will be bean throwing to chase away demons that may be lurking, performances by geisha, and lots of general jovality.
Saturday 4th TRAVEL TO NAGANO (SHIBU ONSEN)
It’s time to slow the pace down and enjoy the natural side of Japan. Surrounded by mountains, the temperatures are cooler in Nagano and the people friendly. I should know – this is the area where I lived for over 5 years.
We’ll stay in another lovely family run ryokan where we’ll be entertained by a geisha over dinner. There’ll be lots of opportunity to chat and of course take pictures too.
Sunday 5th NAGANO (SHIBU ONSEN)
Time for some monkey business. The Japanese have been using restorative hot baths for centuries. The monkeys caught on quickly and when the humans moved out of a bath in Jigokudani, they moved in.
Luckily, there are plenty of human only hot baths available too right by our ryokan. Feel free to try one, or all of them. As evening falls you’ll see locals and visitors alike robed up dashing from bath house to bathhouse.
Monday 6th TRAVEL TO TOKYO
Back to where it all began. We’ll have a final dinner together before saying “sayonara”.
Tuesday 7th TOKYO
Departure day. Time to pack everything up and if you’ve still got time and room in your suitcase perhaps a spot of souvenir shopping.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included are all of your accommodation and transport throughout the trip.
A 14 day JR pass is also included, so if you want to stay on a little longer, your transport is already covered – BONUS! Kym will meet you at the airport on the first day of the tour. If you plan to arrive earlier, your JR pass will be sent to you with very detailed instructions on how to get to the hotel.
All entrance fees and activities listed in the itinerary are covered.
Breakfast and dinner are included. We’ve left lunch to you so you can let your tastebuds explore all the culinary offerings
WHAT'S NOT
All that’s left are:
Your flights to/from Tokyo (to Narita is easiest, but Haneda is also okay).
Travel insurance
Lunches, snacks, beverages, personal items and any souvenirs you wish to buy.
REQUIREMENTS
Travel insurance is a must. Not that I envisage anything going wrong and nor should you, but life is unpredictable.
A camera that has manual control. This trip is about pushing you as a photographer, so time to get past those auto settings! An SLR is great, but micro 4/3 systems and advanced compacts offer so much control these days that they are perfect for travel too. A small but sturdy tripod would also be useful.
A reasonable level of fitness. There won’t be any mountain climbing or extreme anything, but there will be a lot of walking around. Bring your comfy shoes.
Still have questions? Ask here or give Kym a call on 0417 270 478.
