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Japan with Wayne Hamilton Tokyo - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Kumamoto - Fukuoka

11 Days / 10 Nights

19 August 2020 - 29 August 2020

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Introduction

Day 1: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, Tokyo (Wed, 19 August)

Flight Information

Day Itinerary

Upon arrival into Narita, Japan, you will be met and transferred to your Hotel for check in.

The remainder of you day will be at leisure.

At over 13 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area

in the world. This massive, wealthy and fascinating metropolis offers high-tech visions of the future alongside

glimpses of traditional Japan. Huge and varied in its geography, Tokyo Metropolis spans not just the city but also

spectacular, rugged mountains to the west and beautiful subtropical islands to the south. The various districts of this

phenomenal city vary wildly in character, from the electronic blare of Akihabara to the magnificent Imperial gardens

and shrines of Chiyoda, from the lively youth culture mecca of Shibuya to the splendid pottery shops and temple

markets of Asakusa. If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find

something entirely different. Tokyo truly has a little bit of everything for everyone.

Accommodation Destination Start End Duration

Shinjuku Washington Hotel Tokyo 19 Aug 22 Aug 3 Nights

Karasuma Kyoto Hotel Kyoto 22 Aug 24 Aug 2 Nights

Hotel New Hiroden Hiroshima 24 Aug 26 Aug 2 Nights

Kumamoto Castle Kumamoto 26 Aug 27 Aug 1 Night

The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka Fukuoka 27 Aug 29 Aug 2 Nights

Date Flight Airline Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time

19

Aug

JL 774

(Scheduled)

JAL [JL] Melbourne International

Airport [MEL]

00:05 Narita International Airport

[NRT]

09:05

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Overnight: Shinjuku Washington Hotel

Shinjuku Washington Hotel is conveniently located in the center of Shinjuku, one of the Tokyo’s most popular and

active locales, next to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and close to shopping and entertainment

venues. The hotel has a variety of room-types that can accommodate single visitors as well as families and larger

groups. Rooms are well-furnished with a work desk, Television, telephone, high-speed internet access, air

conditioning, hairdryer, refrigerator, bath, shower and toilet. Guests have a variety of dining options at Shinjuku

Washington Hotel, including Manhattan Table, Café & Bar, Steak & Shabu-shabu Fujita, Serari-geihinkan, and Yakichi.

Included

Arrival transfer

Day 2: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, Tokyo (Thu, 20 August)

Day Itinerary

After breakfast depart for a Full day Tokyo sightseeing tour.

Visit Meiji Shrine, Roppongi Hill Observatory and Sensoji Temple.

You will also enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant.

Tokyo

Roppongi District

Roppongi District is a tourist haven in central Tokyo, featuring a variety of shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

With several embassies, the district is home to a large expat community, and is one of the most diverse areas in

Tokyo in terms of nationalities.

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Attractions include the Tokyo City View Observation deck on the 52nd floor of the 238 m tall Mori Tower and the

open-air Sky Deck on the roof of the building, along with Japan’s largest art museum, the National Art Center, the

Mori Art Museum, and the Suntory Museum which together form the Roppongi ‘Art Triangle’.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Sightseeing

Day 3: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, Tokyo (Fri, 21 August)

Day Itinerary

Enjoy another full day guided sightseeing tour.

Today visit Yamashita Park, Yokohama marine Tower, China Town and Kotokuinn.

Again enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Sightseeing

Day 4: Karasuma Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto (Sat, 22 August)

Day Itinerary

After breakfast depart for the Train Station and board the Bullet Train for Kyoto.

On arrival meet with your coach and driver and depart for visit to the Higashiyama district. Enjoy a traditional

Japanese Tea Ceromony and stroll the Gion area.

Afterwards depart for the Hotel and check in. Your luggage will have already been delivered to the Hotel.

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If you want to explore a city filled with shrines, temples and historical structures, Kyoto should be first on your list.

This city has seventeen historic sites that has been proclaimed as World Heritage Sites. Visit Nijo Castle to see an

example of Japanese architecture combined with beautiful interior decorating. While you’re there take a trip to the

Gekkeikan Okura Show to experience the journey of sake-brewing history that include 6120 brewing tools through

the ages and a space where you can listen to the recordings of brewing songs of the past. For a magnificent view of

Koyoto city travellers stand on Kiyomizu Temple’s large wooden verandah that is built suspended over a deep valley.

Higashiyama Higashi Chaya District

The Higashiyama Higashi Chaya District is the largest of three chaya districts just outside the city of Kanazawa and

has been designated as one of Japan’s cultural assets. Literally translated, the word ‘chaya’ means teahouse, and in

context, refers to traditional eating places where guests are entertained with songs and dances performed by geisha

girls, a tradition dating back to the Edo period.

The Shima Teahouse and Kaikaro Teahouse are open to the public while interesting shops and cafes populate the

other buildings along the central street of the district. One of the highlights on the street is Hakuze, a shop that sells

gold leaf products and displays a tea ceremony room that is completely covered in gold leaf. Geisha performances

are held in the chaya districts every Saturday.

Overnight: Karasuma Kyoto Hotel

Located at the intersection of Shijo and Karasuma streets, in the heart of Kyoto’s downtown, the hotel has won the

hearts of visitors through its unrivalled access and the welcoming, conscientious service offered by the Kyoto Hotel

group, all at reasonable prices.

Included

Breakfast

Bullet Train Tokyo - Kyoto

Sightseeing

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Day 5: Karasuma Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto (Sun, 23 August)

Day Itinerary

After breakfast depart for a full day sightseeing tour of Kyoto.

Visit Kinkakuji Temple, Arashimyama, Tenryuji, Bamboo Groves, Inari Shrine.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and dinne including free flowing drinks with Maiko Performance.

Kyoto Dining with Maiko

Guests can enjoy a refined taste of Kyoto, in the stylish Gion Hatanaka Ryokan in front of Yassaka Jinja Temple.

Guests eat in a traditional tatami room and converse with lovely and elegant Maiko (apprentice geiko) from

Miyakawa and Gion. The Maiko also perform the traditional Kyoto dance, known as Kyomai. It is a fun and

unforgettable experience in Kyoto at the Gion Hatanaka Ryokan.

Kyoto

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Sightseeing

Day 6: Hotel New Hiroden, Hiroshima (Mon, 24 August)

Day Itinerary

After breakfast depart for the Train Station and board the Bullet Train for Hiroshima.

On arrival the Hotel is very close by so you will transfer to the Hotel by Foot.

Your luggage will have already been delivered to the Hotel.

Hiroshima has a deep historical significance – it was the first city ever to suffer an atomic blast, which wreaked

devastation across the urban hub on 6 August 1945. The only remaining building in the area was the Genbaku Dome,

which is now known as the 'City of Peace' and has become a worldwide symbol of hope for everlasting peace.

Hiroshima-jo is a replica of the original castle where Japanese elders came together for centuries to discuss

strategies and politics. Today Hiroshima is a thriving tourist destination with an interesting food scene and a very

vibrant nightlife. Cultural experiences include the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the Mazda

Museum.

Overnight: Hotel New Hiroden

Hotel New Hiroden is conveniently located 3 minutes to the West of JR Hiroshima Station South Exit, within easy

reach from the heart of the city. The hotel stands out elegantly beside the banks of Kyobashi River, one of the six

rivers that flow through the city. Facilities include guest rooms, conference rooms, banquet halls, restaurants, and a

bar as well. The hotel is perfectly suited for both business and tourist use.

Included

Breakfast

Bullet Train Kyoto - Hiroshima

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Day 7: Hotel New Hiroden, Hiroshima (Tue, 25 August)

Day Itinerary

After breakfast depart for a full day sightseeing tour of Hiroshima.

Visit Itsukushima Shrine, Shishiiwa Observatory in Miyajima Island and the Peace Memorial Park.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Hiroshima

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Sightseeing

Day 8: Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto (Wed, 26 August)

Day Itinerary

After breakfast depart on foot for the Train Station and board the Bullet Train for Kumamoto.

For this day you will need to prepare and overnight bag for your 1 night stay in Kumamoto. Your regular luggage will

be delivered to the Hotel in Hakata separately.

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An array of cultural and natural attractions make Kumamoto a premium travel destination. The city is best known for

its striking ancient architecture, including Kumamoto Castle, crafted from wood and stone, and the Hosokawa

Residence, once home to the region’s most powerful Samurai warriors. Once you’ve seen these key sites, take a

wander through beautiful Suizenji Garden is one of Japan’s most acclaimed traditional gardens, dating to 1636, when

it was established as a tea garden, or head to Lake Ezu for a lazy day at the waterside. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss

trying the famous Kumamoto Ramen, a tasty noodle broth with pork, fried garlic and garlic oil (known as marr oil).

Thrillseekers can visit Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, accessible via a cable car.

Overnight: Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle is located in Chūō-ku, Kumamoto. The well fortified hilltop Japanese castle is one of the most

impressive castles in Japan. Visitors to the castle grounds and its buildings, can enjoy one of the most complete

castle experiences in Japan. Most of the castle's buildings are modern reconstructions of a high quality, with new

buildings continually being added. During late March and early April, the castle becomes a popular cherry blossom

spot, boasting around 800 cherry trees.

Included

Breakfast

Bullet Train Hiroshima – Kumamoto

Day 9: The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka, Fukuoka (Thu, 27 August)

Day Itinerary

After breakfast enjoy a half day sightseeing tour including Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Garden and enjoy lunch at a

local restaurant before transferring to the Train station for the Bullet Train to Hakata.

On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Hotel for check in.

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An evocative mix of ancient and modern, Fukuoka is located on Kyushu Island’s northern coast and forms the capital

of Fukuoka Prefecture, as well as Japan’s sixth-largest city. Visit centuries-old temples; indulge in retail therapy at the

ultra-modern Canal City Hakata (mall); take in an exhibition at Fukuoka Art Museum, housed in the tranquil grounds

of Ohori Park; or savour the city’s famous tonkotsu ramen – a thick, creamy Japanese noodle soup – at any of its

many street markets. Visitors can also enjoy visiting the following highlights: the Momochi Seaside Park, the Fukuoka

Castle Ruins and the Shofukuji Temple, Japan’s first Zen temple. Other popular activities include: hiking, golfing,

swimming, river cruises, coastal cycling routes and fascinating cultural tours.

Suizenji Park

Suizenji Jojuen is a Japanese garden situated in Suizenji Park landscaped around a natural spring pond. It was built by

the Hosokawa family in the 17th century. The placement of the pond, trees, and hills represent the 53 Stations of the

Tokaido, which was a famous route that ran from Edo to Kyoto. Tourists can visit the spacious landscape by strolling

along the circular path.

Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka

A stylish, European-style accommodation in Fukuoka, The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka is 5-minutes away from Hakata

Station, and a 15-minute drive from Fukuoka Airport. Guest rooms include a TV, free internet access and a

refrigerator. The hotel offers easy access to points of interest including Canal City Hakata, the lively Tenjin area and

Fukuoka Dome.

Included

Breakfast

Sightseeing

Bullet Train Kumamoto - Hakata

Day 10: The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka, Fukuoka (Fri, 28 August)

Day Itinerary

Today enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Hakata.

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Visit Ohori Park, Hakata Machiya Furusatokan and Dazaihu Tenmangu Shrine.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Sightseeing

Day 11: End of Itinerary (Sat, 29 August)

Day Itinerary

Early departure with packed breakfast to the Airport.

Flight Information

Included

Breakfast

Departure transfer

Date Flight Airline Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time

29

Aug

JL 3052

(Scheduled)

JAL [JL] Fukuoka International

Airport [FUK]

07:20 Narita International Airport

[NRT]

09:10

29

Aug

JL 773

(Scheduled)

JAL [JL] Narita International Airport

[NRT]

10:30 Melbourne International

Airport [MEL]

21:55