Land Of The Rising Sun

All content by Intrepid

14 days (ex Tokyo)

Destinations visited: Japan, Tokyo, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

LAST MINUTE OFFER

Leave Jul 14, 2012 and save 15% $3,417

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Description

Ever-welcoming and always fascinating, Japan is a land of ancient cultures, austere traditions and groundbreaking technology. Experience the best that this diverse country has to offer from the excitement of lively Tokyo to the sacred resting places of shoguns at Nikko. Feast on local delights at a Takayama market, make a sobering visit to the Hiroshima Peace Park and explore magnificent Kyoto temples. Discover ancient castles, lush countryside and fascinating feudal history on this authentic travel adventure. If you pack a good sense of humour and leave all inhibitions behind, the Land of the Rising Sun rarely disappoints.

Highlights

Be dazzled by a gold-plated temple.
Reflect on the past in Hiroshima.
Experience the collision of old and new Japan.
Delve into geisha culture in Kyoto.
Visit the resting place of a Tokugawa shogun.
See neon-hued Tokyo city lights.
Sip sake in Takayama.
Soak in a traditional outdoor onsen in Hakone.

Itinerary

Day 1 Tokyo

Arrive in Japan and travel down the bustling, neon-lit streets of central Tokyo. Beneath the lights, high-tech gadgetry and crowded suburbs is a city steeped in ancient tradition. Visit Tokyo's iconic Ueno Park where delicate cherry blossom trees provide a beautiful backdrop to various museums or catch the train to Ginza for some retail opulence.

Day 2 Tokyo/Nikko

Experience Japan's sleek, modern trains while watching the breathtaking Japanese scenery fly by on your way to regal Nikko.

Day 3 Nikko

Boasting some of Japan's most renowned shrines and temples, Nikko houses several sacred sites including Toshu-gu Shrine, the resting place of the founding Tokugawa shogun. If ornate architecture and multicoloured carvings don't appeal, hiking the cedar-covered shores of Lake Chuzenji is a pleasant alternative.

Days 4-5 Hakone

Relax on a cruise across Ashino-ko before enjoying picturesque views of the region from a cable car ride through the surrounding mountains - perhaps catch a glimpse Mt Fuji looming in the distance. Don't miss the chance to soak in one of Hakone's many outdoor onsen (hot springs).

Days 6-7 Takayama

Traditional markets and food festivals make Takayama a treat to visit all year round. Nestled in the Japanese Alps, the Hida Folk Village is a great place to see traditional thatched-roof houses and life among artisans. Gobble a delicious taiyaki and explore.

Days 8-10 Hiroshima

This rebuilt and reborn Hiroshima city has a vibrant energy that belies its tragic history. Sights like the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum make for a moving experience or perhaps visit the nearby island of Miyajima to see the free-roaming deer.

Days 11-14 Kyoto

Gain insight into feudal Japan at Himeji-jo castle, en route to Japan's ancient capital, Kyoto. Temples framed by golden trimming, like the magnificent Kinkaku-ji, are on today's agenda, followed by a wander through the geisha district of Gion. Bid new friends farewell as the sun sets over the Land of the Rising Sun.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Guesthouse (7 nts), Ryokan (5 nts), Hotel (1 nt)

Transport

Bus, Train, Train (bullet), Ferry, Boat, Cable car

Budget

Allow USD $400 for meals not included.

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