SMALL GROUP TOURSHYPERJAPAN’s J-Pop & Go!
10 Nights

CLASSICTokyo > Hakone > Kyoto > Hiroshima > Osaka > TokyoEnter the imagination of Japan’sfinest animator at the Studio
Ghibli Museum
Take an evening walking tourof Kyoto’s Gion geisha district

Take a boat ride across Lake Ashi
in the shadow of Mount Fuji

Get in touch with your spiritualside with a session of zazen
meditation in Kyoto
Enjoy iconic okonomiyaki
in Hiroshima

Attend the AnimeJapan
convention in Tokyo(March departure only)

Tour Overview
HYPERJAPAN is the UK’s biggest celebrationof Japanese pop culture and food, attracting
an ever-increasing throng of guests to its
convention in London every year. Now,HYPERJAPAN has collaborated with InsideJapan
Tours to create the ultimate J-culture adventure:
J-Pop & Go!
Juxtaposing colourful cafés, video gamearcades, and kawaii (cute) street fashions
with ancient temples, exquisite gardens andspectacular natural scenery; our J-Pop & Go!
trip is the perfect immersion into both kitschy
pop culture and traditional Japan.
Covering five incredible destinations in tennights, this fast-paced tour will introduce you
to some of Japan’s most important pop culture
haunts, as well as some of its most venerated
historical sites. The ultimate aim is to give
you an insight into how the modern and thetraditional are interwoven in today’s society.

Mid-range tours that cover Japan’s classic
sights or interest-specific itineraries (e.g.
hiking, cultural activities, specific regions)
Style Facts• Three-star accommodation• En suite rooms in all locations (except atsome unique traditional accommodation)• Airport meet-and-greet and transfers• Breakfast every day plus some lunches &dinners

Mount FujiHakoneKyoto

Osaka

In Tokyo you’ll dive head first into the world ofHayao Miyazaki at the Studio Ghibli Museum.
On top of this, our March departure will include
tickets for the annual Animejapan event.

IJT CLASSIC TOURSTokyo

As you speed west toward Kyoto, Japan’s
capital of culture and history, you’ll stop off
for one night in Hakone – an area in the FujiHakone-Izu National Park, famed for its hot
spring baths, beautiful traditional inns andspectacular views of Mount Fuji. Then, with twonights in Kyoto, you’ll have a chance to sample
some more traditional experiences: try zazen
meditation at a Zen temple, spot geisha in theGion district and marvel at one of the UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
Further west still, a sobering visit to Hiroshima’s
Peace Park and Museum, and the stunning
Miyajima Island will be followed by a nightin vibrant Osaka, where you’ll try your handat tatedo (sword fighting as practiced inthe movies!) and visit the electric areas of
Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori. Then speed backto Tokyo on the famous bullet train for yourfinal nights in Japan.

• Selected entrance fees included• Solo travellers: a single room is available
throughout on payment of a mandatory
supplement

Hiroshima

Day by day
Many of our customers choose to arrive aday or two early to get over jet-lag and get
the most out of the tour. Whatever the case,we will be happy to make arrangements tosuit your needs
Day 1 Tokyo (D)Welcome to Japan! On arrival into Tokyo you will
be met by your driver and travel, by shared shuttle,
to your hotel in the Ikebukuro district, where you’ll
be met by your tour leader. There is plenty to keep
you stimulated in this pulsating shopping andentertainment district of Tokyo. Later this evening
you convene with your tour leader and the rest of
the group for a welcome meeting. Then head out
together for an included welcome meal.
Day 2 Tokyo (B, L)
This morning involves an extensive walking tourof the city. Your tour leader will introduce you to
the wacky street fashions of Harajuku, take you for

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a stroll through the woods to Meiji Shrine, show
you the famous scramble crossing at Shibuya. For
those travelling at other times of year, visits to thePokémon Center Mega Tokyo and Sunshine CitySky Circus Observatory will be included instead.
Day 3 Tokyo (B)Today your tour leader will show you different
areas of Tokyo, so that you get to see all sides ofthis vast and varied city. It may begin early with avisit to Tsukiji Fish Market where we recommendthat you try the sushi, as you will not come by it
fresher than this!
Then onto the tranquility of Hamarikyu Gardens
before taking the monorail across the bay to thehyper-modern, glittering neon island of Odaiba –stopping to admire the giant animated Ghibli clockat Shiodome on the way. Following this, your tour
leader will be heading towards Akihabara “electrictown”, Tokyo’s mecca for geek culture.
After enjoying an energetic taiko drumming class inAkihabara, you’ll have the afternoon at leisure.
If you fancy something different, we recommend
a visit to the towering Skytree for amazing views
across the city, or the futuristic National Museumof Emerging Science and Innovation (called theMiraikan).
Day 4 Hakone (B)Leaving the city behind, on day four you’ll travelout of Tokyo by bullet train, then on by bus tonearby Hakone – a beautiful area of forests,
volcanoes and lakes just a stone’s throw from
Mount Fuji. Anime buffs will know that Hakone isalso the location of Tokyo-3 in the post-apocalyptic
Japan of the popular Neon Genesis Evangelion
series – and you’ll have a chance to visit theEvangelion gift shop whilst you are here.
During your stay in Hakone you’ll take a boat ride
across the beautiful Lake Ashi and hopefully enjoyview of Mount Fuji from the Komagatake Ropewaythat takes you up the mountainside to explore thearea.
Tonight, you’ll stay at a charming traditional ryokan
inn with tatami mat floors, futon mattresses andsome lovely indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.
Hot spring bathing is an integral and very enjoyable
part of Japanese culture, so make sure you takeadvantage of these! An optional dinner will be onoffer in one of the nearby village restaurants.
Day 5 Kyoto (B)Today, it’s back on the bus for a short stretch
before you rocket across Japan’s largest island ofHonshu at speeds of up to 320 kph (200 mph),
arriving in Kyoto, the cultural jewel in Japan’scrown. There will be plenty of time to soak up thehistory and culture as your tour leader guides you
through back streets, past temples and shrines
to the traditional Gion geisha district of the city.
In the early evening you will take a walking tour
with a local expert - a chance to spot a geisha
hurrying between appointments! A wealth of great
restaurant choices await this evening.
Day 6 Kyoto (B)On day six you will continue your discovery ofJapan’s traditional side with a session of zazen
meditation at Ryosoku-in Temple. Then you’ll betaken around Kyoto by your tour leader who will
put together a specific itinerary to show you someof the city’s hidden gems based on the group’s

interest, the season and the weather. Of course,
if you would like to break away from the group,
there are a variety of great options available. We
recommend a lesson in yuzen dyeing, a kimono
show at the Nishijin textile centre, or an afternoonat the Toei Movie Park – where you can dress up
as a historical character and wander authentic film
sets. There is also a great manga museum forthose who would like to learn about the history ofJapan’s beloved comic book form.

Our tours aim to be as flexible as possible,
so there is no set-in-stone itinerary for eachday. You will be provided on the ground with
Day-by-Day sheets and the tour leader will
outline what they are going to do each day indetail. If you would like to break away from thegroup and do something different, they will beavailable to offer advice, and help you plan
your day.

Day 7 Hiroshima (B, D)
This morning, after a two-hour bullet train ride toHiroshima, you will make the fifteen-minute ferryjourney to Miyajima – a tiny island with fantastic
natural beauty, a friendly resident population ofdeer, and a show-stopping view across the bay
from Itsukushima Shrine.
Returning to Hiroshima later in the day, you’llsample the local speciality, okonomiyaki: a savoury
pancake made from noodles and vegetables, friedon a hotplate in the middle of your table.
Day 8 Osaka (B)This morning you’ll make a visit to Hiroshima’s
Peace Park and Museum, which provides ahaunting reminder of the atrocities of World War II– as well as delivering a powerful message ofpeace for future generations.
Later, you will take the train to Osaka, where you
will have the opportunity to participate in a tatedo
stage-fighting workshop, where you’ll learn how towield a samurai sword, like they do in films. The
locals love their food and drink too, so be sure toenjoy the nightlife in this big, bold city.
Day 9 Tokyo (B)This morning you’ll have a chance to see somemore of Osaka – one of Japan’s most exciting andvibrant cities. You will be visiting Dotonbori, thetakoyaki (octopus & batter ball) paradise, before
heading over to Doguyasuji – or “cooking toolsstreet” (more interesting than it sounds!).
Other options for the day are a visit to Universal
Studios Japan or Osaka Castle, before you shootback to Tokyo on the bullet train. Whatever you
do, don’t forget to try some of Osaka’s famousstreet food!
If you are travelling on the March departure, youwill take an early train up to Tokyo where you willattend AnimeJapan, the biggest convention of itskind.
Day 10 Tokyo (B, D)
Today you’ll have a final full day to enjoy the many
delights of Japan’s capital city. Tickets to thefabulous Studio Ghibli Museum, home to theimaginative heights of director Hayao Miyazaki, areincluded – definitely a must for any fan of anime.
This evening you will say goodbye to Japan andyour tour group with a final meal together.
Day 11 Tour ends (B)Finally, it’s time to say sayonara to Japan as you
catch the shared shuttle bus to Narita or Haneda
Airport for your flight home. Have a safe journeyhome!

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What’s included

Sample Accommodation

Your comprehensive InsideJapan Info-Pack10 nights’ accommodation
Breakfast every day, one lunch and three

Please note that accommodation is subject tochange. Final details of the accommodation
will be included in your Info-Pack, which will
be sent out approximately four weeks before
departure. If you’d like to know more, pleasespeak to your travel consultant.

evening meals

Full-time services of your InsideJapan
tour leader

All transport between destinations:

Transport passes in Hakone, Kyoto andMiyajima, and an IC transport card with
4,500 yen credit for city transport

Tickets to Tokyo’s Anime Japan event (Marchdeparture only)Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in TokyoCable car and boat ride across Lake Ashiin Hakone

Evening walking tour of Kyoto’s Gion
geisha districtZazen meditation session at Ryosoku-inTemple

Visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Museum
Tatedo swordplay experience in OsakaTickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum
Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip
Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Kyoto andfrom Hiroshima to Tokyo

Arrival and departure transfers by shared
shuttle bus

NOT Included

r International flightsr Any local transport (subways, taxis, buses)

unless covered by the included transport passesr Any entrances fees (including those formuseums, temples & shrines) unless otherwise
specifiedr Baggage handling and luggage forwarding
unless otherwise specified - you will be
expected to carry your own luggage

The B Ikebukuro, Tokyo
The B Hotel in Ikebukuro combines modern andstylish décor in this well-located hotel providing for
a comfortable stay in one of Tokyo’s most exciting
districts. The rooms are western style and have ensuite bathrooms and there is a very good Pizza
restaurant on the second floor. The hotel has free
WiFi throughout.
Fuji Hakone Guesthouse, Hakone
The Fuji-Hakone Guest House is a simple
Japanese-style, family-run accommodation withfriendly, English-speaking staff. Free Wi-Fi isavailable.

The breakfast buffet has a wide range of healthy
Japanese and Western dishes including a
regional seasonal menu. There isn’t an on-siterestaurant open for lunch or dinner, but you’respoilt for choice with where to eat in Hiroshima.
Vista Osaka Namba, Osaka
We’re only in Osaka for one night, which is why
we’ve chosen a hotel located close the vibrant‘Dotonbori’ food and shopping street.
As it’s a fairly new hotel, the rooms are welldesigned and comfortable and all are ensuite. .
Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, Tokyo
The Shinjuku Sunroute Plaza is a modern hotel
located slap-bang in the centre of Tokyo, in thebuzzing Shinjuku district, ideally located to serve
as a base for exploring Tokyo. Not only are there
endless shopping, dining, drinking andentertainment options within a few minutes’ walkof your front door, but you are just two minutes’
walk from Shinjuku Station - the world’s busiest,
with links to all Tokyo’s districts and beyond. An
excellent buffet breakfast is on offer to guests.

Established in 1984, the guesthouse is an
excellent budget accommodation located inHakone - the perfect base for your explorationof the beautiful national park area surrounding
Mount Fuji. Rooms are simple but comfortable,
and designed in traditional Japanese style, withshoji paper screens and futon mattresses laid out
on tatami-mat floors. They do not have attachedbathroom facilities or toilets.
The guesthouse’s prime feature is its indoor andoutdoor onsen baths, fed by natural volcanic hot
spring water. Bathing facilities at the guesthouseare shared, (as is the norm in Japanese-style inns),
but you can book the baths for private use.
Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo, Kyoto
Located in the underappreciated Nijo district, theRoyal Park Canvas is a fashionable base for kicking
back in Kyoto. Complimentary specialty coffee isserved in the lounge throughout the day, and the
local area is teeming with cafes and restaurants
just waiting to be explored. Also nearby is theSanjo-kai shopping arcade, which is chock-a-blockwith small shops, supermarkets, gelato shops, andother gems.
Guest rooms are compact, comfortable and makethoughtful use of colours to accent the features ofthe room; like paint on a canvas. Among thehighlights of the hotel is its 'Instagrammable' lobby
and the large gender segregated public baths
which guests can enjoy at no extra cost.
In the morning you’ll be able to kick start your daywith a generous buffet of Japanese and western
dishes alongside bread and pastries from Kyoto’s
renowned Shinshindo bakery, founded in 1923.
Intergate Hotel, Hiroshima
This modern, stylish mid-range hotel is a great
choice for your stay in Hiroshima. The cosy rooms
have attractive wooden accents and contemporary
colour palette, and come with Wi-Fi access,Simmons mattresses, and loungewear. After a dayof sightseeing or travelling you might like to takeadvantage of the communal indoor baths(separated by gender) or relax in the Intergate
Lounge where snacks and drinks are available
throughout the day.

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Important Tour Information
Fitness
Even when not using public transport, sightseeingin Japan often involves walking between sights,
climbing up steps in temples and being ‘on thego’ for much of the day. To enjoy any of our SmallGroup Tours you should be of moderate fitness,able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty andable to maintain a pace that is comfortable for themajority of the group.
Dietary Requirements
There are a number of meals included on all ourtours. Please let us know in advance if you haveany special dietary requirements and we will try toensure that included meals meet these needs.
In addition, please note that dietary requirements(such as vegetarianism, gluten-free diets and evensome allergies) are very uncommon in Japan someals for those with specific requirements may be
simpler and less varied.
On this tour you’ll be staying in a Japanese styleaccommodation, where you will be served atraditional dinner, as well as a Japanese breakfast
in the morning.
En suite / shared facilities
Culturally, communal bathing is common practicein Japan. Please note that in some traditional
accommodations fully private en suite facilities
may not be available. Shared facilities (whenincluded) will always be separated by gender.
Policy on single rooms
There is a single supplement for this tour. Single
travellers will have a single room at all of thewestern style hotels. However you will be asked toshare with another single traveller of the same sex
at the Japanese style stays (1 night).
Double rooms
Please note that in Japan, twin rooms are verymuch the norm, and there are far fewer double
rooms available. Please understand that we will
not be able to offer a double in every hotel on thistour.

Luggage
We highly recommend that to make your stay
more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large
suitcases will be an inconvenience to you as you
will have to carry your bags for short distances attimes and some stations do not have escalators orelevators/lifts.
For ease of transit, we will be forwarding yourluggage on two occasions and you will be without
your main baggage for 1 night in Hakone and 1
night in Osaka.
You will need a small overnight bag (e.g. backpack)for use when we forward our main bags to thenext location.
Transport on tour
Please note that most transfers are by public
transport making use of Japan’s first-rate transport
network. This tour uses a mixture of trains, taxis,
public buses and boats, as well as private coaches
for some transfers and sightseeing.
International Flights
This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals
and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport or Tokyo
Haneda Airport. Please note that the included
meet-and-greet and airport transfer to the firsthotel is ONLY available from these two airports.
Check-inUpon arrival you will probably be tired after a longinternational flight. Please note that rooms at theTokyo hotel are only available from 3pm.
Hotels in Japan operate strict check-in policies. If
you have an early arrival you can either book anextra night for any-time check-in, or the hotel will
be happy to securely store your luggage for you
whilst you go for a drink or explore the local area.
The tour leader will be staying at the first hotel for
two nights before the tour starts so they will beavailable for advice if you choose to book pre tournights. We recommend booking at least one extra
night to check in and relax before the tour begins.

A double grade does NOT guarantee double
rooms throughout.
Your tour leader
Our tours are led on the ground by a fluent English
speaker, now a resident of Japan and able tospeak Japanese. They are there to ensure that you
get the most out of your trip and that the wholeadventure goes smoothly. The tour leader travels
with the group and stays at the same hotels andryokan, so please feel free to ask for help or advice
at any time.
Your tour leader is not a guide so may not know
every historical detail of every shrine, temple orpalace, yet they are available pretty much all day
every day and will even be happy to accompany
tour members out at night on occasion!
Please note that the tour leader reserves the rightto deny participation in an activity if they feel that
it is in the safety or best interest of you and/or any
other members of the group. Similarly, dangerous
weather conditions may lead to cancellation ofsuch an activity.

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www.InsideJapanTours.com • info@insidejapantours.com UK: 0117 244 3380

US: 303 952 0379

AUS: 07 3186 8800

ABTA No.Y6295