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JAPAN ENCOUNTER 11 DAY SOLOS TOUR - OCT/NOV 2016

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Japan is a country steeped in mythical traditions and modern wonders. This 11-day journey uncovers the highlights of this fascinating country. Like the history, the country is varied and diverse: from the ancient cities like Kyoto to one of the holiest mountains in Japan, Koya-San; from the historically relevant city of Hiroshima and on to the beautifully preserved

village of Tsumago; countryside backdropped by mountains, lakes and waterfalls to the bustling futuristic city of Tokyo. You’ll be mesmerised by the searing skyscrapers and neon lights of Tokyo to sacred temples and shrines in Kyoto. Japan is a country that truly balances yin and yang. A highlight of the tour is experiencing spending a

night in a mountain-top Shukubo Temple. Come on this magical journey and experience all that Japan has to offer.

Book your place today! This is a small group tour limited to only 9.



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DETAILED ITINERARYJAPAN ENCOUNTER

Day 1 [25 October 2016]: Kyoto Meals included: dinner

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan.You will be met on arrival of your flight and transferred to your hotel as a group. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can’t arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you’re able to attend. We’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you’re going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We’ll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. After

your meeting, enjoy a welcome dinner with your leader at a local restaurant.

§ Accommodation: Nikko Princess Hotel, Kyoto. Standard room with ensuite.

Day 2 [26 October 2016]: Kyoto Meals included: breakfast

On the morning of Day 2 an orientation walk takes us to some of Kyoto’s more important sites, including: the imposing and opulent Nijo Castle – formerly home of the Tokugawa shoguns. From here it is a short bus ride to the Ryoan-ji, perhaps Japan’s most famous Zen garden. We finish off at Kyoto’s handicraft centre noted for its fine selection of woodblock prints. The rest of the afternoon you are free for further exploration at your own leisurely pace. Please note: your leader will need to leave you for free time on day 2, to activate the Japan Rail Pass for the group, which usually takes 1-2 hours, though they will make suggestions as

to how you may like to fill your time before this.Recommended is a gentle stroll through the nearby eastern hills along the ‘Path of Philosophy’ that links Ginkaku-ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, with Nanzen-ji Temple. This walk can be extended south through well-preserved ‘old town’ areas to Kiyamizu-dera (Temple of Clear Water) from where there is a justifiably famous view across a wooded gorge toward Kyoto. Alternatively, you can visit the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji temple, which was immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel “The Golden Pavilion”. Kyoto is a city that lends itself to walking, and there are numerous possibilities for exploration. Close to our hotel the architecturally impressive Higashi Honganji temple and the almost surreal Sanjusangendo, home to 1001 statues of Kannon, (the bodhisattva of compassion whose name, incidentally, was later taken up by the camera company Canon) – both make for an interesting



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visit. Also nearby is Japan’s largest pagoda at Toji. Another recommendation is to take a walk in the wooded hills of Inari Mountain, famous for its Shinto ‘fox temple’ and atmospheric tunnels of red torii gates. In the late afternoon there will be a short walking tour of Gion – the geisha district – with its many old teahouses, some of them mentioned in the widely acclaimed novel “Memoirs of a Geisha”. At the end of the tour a good idea is to take traditional dinner in one of the many restaurants that occupy this exciting area.

§ Accommodation: Nikko Princess Hotel, Kyoto. Standard room with ensuite.

§ Included Activities: • Kyoto city tour • Kyoto’s handicraft Centre • Kinkakuji Temple

Day 3 [27 October 2016]: Kyoto to Koya-SanMeals included: breakfast, dinner

As we travel on public transport for the next few days we will forward our big luggage to

Hiroshima and take a smaller bag with us to Koya-San. Today we travel by train to Koya-San on a journey which, at least in its latter stages, travels through some of the finest scenery in all Japan. The last leg of the journey takes us on a mountain road rising almost to the heavens and certainly to a World very different from the one we have left behind. 3000 feet above sea-level Mount Koya, in similarity with Mt Athas in Greece, is home to scores of monasteries, the first of which was founded by Kobo Daishi in AD816. The most impressive sight on Mount Koya is without doubt the massive and mysterious Okunoin cemetery, resting place of many of Japanese history’s most famous personages. Some 200,000 stone statues, wooden totems and other, sometimes bizarre, memorials (including a rocket that marks the site of a mausoleum interring the workers of an aerospace company!) lie throughout this moss-laden forest. At the centre of it all, and the reason that this

is such a popular resting place for those who could afford the privilege of proximity, is the mausoleum of Japan’s greatest saint, Kobo Daishi. According to popular belief Kobo Daishi never actually died but instead, in AD835, went into a state of catatonic meditation within the mausoleum. One day, upon the advent of the future Buddha Maitreya (Jap. Miroku), it is believed Kobo Daishi will reawaken to lead all humanity to salvation! The cemetery is particularly atmospheric around dawn or dusk. After visiting the more interesting of the mountain’s sights, we make our way to the comfortable shukubo temple lodgings that will be our home for the night. Tonight you will be served Shojin Ryori (Monk Food) for dinner.

§ Accommodation: Kumagai Ji, Koya San

§ Included Activities:

• Koya San Tour

Day 4 [28 October 2016]: Koya-San to HiroshimaMeals included: breakfast



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Fortified by a delicious temple breakfast you will return by cable railway to Gokurabashi and make your way to Osaka where you will board your first Bullet Train of the trip for your journey to Hiroshima. As you speed your way south you will stop en route and pay a visit to Japan’s most impressive samurai Castle at Himeiji. This castle was once featured in the James Bond film “You Only Live Twice”. It is packed with innovative defensive techniques perhaps one of the reasons why it was never captured. You will spend the night at a city centre hotel close to Hiroshima’s Peace Park.

§ Accommodation: Hotel Granvia, Hiroshima. Standard room with ensuite.

Day 5 [29 October 2016]: HiroshimaMeals included: breakfast

Today you will visit the A-Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, both of which stand testimony to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target

for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. In the afternoon you might like to head for the enchanting island of Miyajima, which you will reach after a short ferry ride across the Inland Sea. The island is home to the venerable Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, famous for its huge vermilion gate or torii which rises majestically out of the sea. At high tide it is considered to be one of the most beautiful sights in Japan. The size and physical landscape of Miyajima makes it an ideal place for walking. There is the lovely Momaji Park (known as Maple Valley), from where it is possible to walk or take a cable car up to the top of Mt. Misen. The summit is home to a colony of wild monkeys, and provides fine, sweeping views over western Honshu and the island-studded Inland Sea. Also of note is Daisho-in Temple.

§ Accommodation: Hotel Granvia, Hiroshima. Standard room with ensuite.

§ Included Activities: • Himeji Castle

• Hiroshima Peace Museum• Miyajima day trip

Day 6 [30 October 2016]: Hiroshima to TsumagoMeals included: breakfast

We will again forward our larger bags on to Tokyo today to make travelling to Tsumago & Matsumoto easier. Today you will return to the Bullet Train tracks and head north to the mountainous centre of Japan to spend a night in a ryokan near the medieval village of Tsumago. (approx 2.5 hours travel time) Once a post town during the days of the Shogun, Tsumago is the best preserved of the many staging posts along the Edo period Nakasendo Highway. The highway once connected Tokyo with Kyoto and was immortalised in the famous woodblock prints of Hiroshige.

§ Accommodation: Hotel Kisojo, Tsumago. Standard room with ensuite.

§ Included Activities: • Naksendo walk



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Day 7 [31 October 2016]: Tsumago to MatsumotoMeals included: breakfast

This morning you will have time to explore Tsumago and also have the opportunity to walk along a short section of the Nakasendo Highway towards the next village of Magome. We will then take the train (approx. 2 hours) and head north to the mountainous centre of Japan and the picturesque castle town of Matsumoto. This afternoon you will stroll through the former merchant district of Nakamachi, where you can find lovely local crafts, treasures and great restaurants. Matsumoto’s atmosphere is surprisingly cosmopolitan, while maintaining its historic charm and tradition. It has pretty streets and friendly people. You will have the option of visiting the city’s most famous site, the Matsumoto Castle, formerly known as Fukashi Castle. It has an elegant black roof and is sometimes nicknamed Crow Castle. It is one of Japan’s four castles to

be listed as national treasures.

§ Accommodation: Dormy Inn, Matsumoto. Standard room with ensuite.

Day 8 [1 November 2016]: Matsumoto to TokyoMeals included: breakfast

In the morning we make our way by local train and then Bullet Train, to Japan’s amazing capital, Tokyo. Upon arrival we will be transferred to our centrally-located hotel where we will be based for the next three nights. Tokyo is well-known for its bustling energy and futuristic architecture. However, it also has a gentler side, and its citizens often reveal themselves – particularly outside of working hours – to be some of the friendliest of any capital city in the world. There are also many vestiges of the past, with historic temples and shrines still to be found in some of the most unexpected places, as well as an abundance of parks and gardens which are particularly exquisite in spring when the

cherry trees and azaleas are in bloom.

§ Accommodation: Hotel Niwa, Tokyo. Standard room with ensuite.

Day 9 [2 November 2016]: TokyoMeals included: breakfast

Today we have a varied, full-day tour of the city beginning in the lively Senso-ji temple district of Asakusa, with its many interesting craft and souvenir stalls. After lunch we are afforded an alternative view of Tokyo as we relax on a short cruise down the Sumida River. Our boat drops us off at the delightful Hama Rikyu gardens where we have time to stroll along paths that were once the sole preserve of the shogun. Later we make our way to the shopping district of Ginza where, depending on the theatre schedule, we have the chance to see a short performance of Kabuki, one of Japan’s more spectacular performing arts.



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§ Included Activities: • Tokyo city tour• Sumida boat trip


Today you are free to further explore Tokyo at your own pace. There are endless opportunities for sightseeing in and around Tokyo; in the east of the city the districts of Shibuya and

Harajuku are a magnet for the city’s breathtakingly trendy youth and are particularly interesting, as is the important Meiji Jingu Shrine. A day trip to Mt Fuji is highly recommended and can be pre-booked before departure. Alternatively, your leader will be on hand to make suggestions and recommendations on what to see and do.In the evening, you may like to come together one last time to bid Japan sayonara and farewell. This dinner is optional and at your own cost.



Your tour concludes today after breakfastYou will be transferred as a group to the airport to board your flight home. However, please advise if you wish to stay on and explore Tokyo further at your own leisure.

TOUR PRICING $8,274PP PLUS INTERNATIONAL AIRFARESTOUR DATES: 25 OCTOBER - 4 NOVEMBER 2016


Participation in this tour requires a good level of fitness and you should be in general good health. The tours frequently include walking for extended periods often over uneven ground and/or uphill. Factors such as bumpy roads, dust, traffic, stairs, humidity, delays and unfamiliar customs and cultures also add to the physical toll. Keep in mind you will sometimes need to carry your own bags.

Altitude sickness: You may also be affected by altitude sickness. Parts of our trip go above 2800 metres where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!

Before your trip: Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatising to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip: While our tour guides have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.

Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience:

For more information please see www.twosacrowd.com.au/altitude

Diving in the Galapagos: Due to our guide’s internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity.

FITNESS AND HEALTH WHILE TRAVELLING IN SOUTH AMERICA

Terms & Conditions: • Prices are per person and based on sole use rooms throughout • Prices are correct as at 10 July 2015 and are subject to change until paid in full • Refer to our website www.twosacrowd.com.au for full terms and conditions. ©2015 Travel Passion Pty Ltd | ABN 32 140 754 856 trading as Two’s a Crowd.

Two’s a Crowd and the disk logo are registered trademarks of Travel Passion Pty Ltd.

NEED MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT THE TEAM: Phone: 1300 55 45 01 (AUS) or 0800 895 145 (NZ) Email: [email protected]

ABOUT TWO’S A CROWD: Two’s a Crowd is owned and operated by Noonan’s Travel (Licence No. 32931) which has been providing travel services since 1978. Two’s a Crowd was born out of our recognition of the growing number of people travelling solo whose needs are not well served.

Our commitment is to make solo travel more enjoyable and affordable.

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T R A V E L S !

23 Dec 2015 &

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES: § 10 nights accommodation as per the itinerary.

§ Sole use of rooms throughout Japan.

§ Local English speaking tour leader throughout the tour.

§ Local guides at some sights.

§ All transport, sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary.

§ Group airport arrival and departure transfers.

§ 7-day Japan Rail Pass (standard class/adult).

§ All meals as indicated in the itinerary (10 x breakfasts and 2 x dinners).

§ Two’s a Crowd tour host throughout.

§ Comprehensive travel insurance with CHI. (Underwritten by Alliance). Additional premium may apply based on age or any pre-established medical conditions. Please refer to the CHI PDS for policy terms and conditions.

TOUR EXCLUDES: § Visas: Please make sure you have at least 6

months passport validity. No pre-organised tourist visa is required for Japan if travelling on an Australian or NZ passport. Please ask the Two’s a Crowd Team for Visa advise if travelling on a different passport.

§ Early/late check in/out service at hotels (surcharge if request).

§ Services and meals if not mentioned in itinerary.

§ All drinks, including water, soft drink and alcohol on all included or optional excursion.

§ Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature.

§ International flights (Two’s a Crowd can arrange these for you).

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