SMALL GROUP TOURS

Hidden Japan
12 Nights

CLASSIC

Kyoto > Mount Koya > Tokushima > Takamatsu > Kotohira > Matsuyama > Hiroshima > Kyoto

Visit Kyoto’s famous UNESCO
Heritage sites and Hiroshima’s
peace museum
Spend the night in a traditional
Buddhist temple lodging on
spiritual Mount Koya
Visit Joge, a small rural town
for a real peek into Japanese
way of life
Watch and participate in a
traditional festival dance
performance in Tokushima
Explore the verdant Iya Valley,
with its rugged gorges and rivers,
straddled by vine bridges
Explore Naoshima “Art Island”
with an expert local guide

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

Tour Overview
Are you looking for more depth of cultural
insight, with experiences that take you awayfrom the tourist trail? This tour gives you both.
Although a number of World Heritage sites
are incorporated in the trip, you can still feel
liberated from the pressure of merely ticking
destination boxes, as we steer you towards theroad less travelled.
Skipping Tokyo allows more time to discover
Japan’s intriguing south-central regions, which
is why this tour begins and ends in Kyoto:
Japan’s historic and cultural capital. Here, you’ll
get to know your group and meet a trainee
geisha, as well as exploring the temples andgardens that reveal themselves behind every
sliding screen, and around every corner in thisincredible city.
A private bus ride south of the former capitalbrings us to sacred Mount Koya. We offer anovernight stay in a shukubo temple lodging,with a meal of vegetarian Buddhist cuisine
and the chance to join the monks in theirmorning prayers. A ferry ride then brings us to
Tokushima, on Shikoku Island, where you’ll beable to witness and participate (if you dare!)in the colourful and vibrant Awa Odori dance
festival. Then take in the beautiful views fromatop Mount Bizan, and catch a traditional
Bunraku puppet show, where you can evenmeet the master puppeteers.
Takamatsu boasts a top-class Japanese garden
and is the gateway to Naoshima Island and
its Art House Projects, which you will uncoverwith an expert local guide. We then headinland to Kotohira, home to the island’s most
famous shrine, Konpira-san, located atop 1,368
steps. Our stay here is in a wonderful ryokan
inn, complete with outdoor hot spring baths.
This is a great base from which to explore thebeautiful Iya Valley region, steeped in samurai
history and raw natural beauty. Our last stopon Shikoku Island is in Matsuyama, home toa magnificent original samurai castle and theoldest bathhouse in Japan.
We then take a ferry back to the mainisland of Honshu to visit the sobering Peace
Memorial Museum and inspiring Peace Parkin Hiroshima. The following day we will take atrip out to the“floating” torii gate on Miyajima
Island, inhabited by friendly shika deer.
Finally, before whizzing back to Kyoto by bullet
train we will visit the historic town of Joge for a
day of cultural activities with the locals.

Mount Fuji
Kyoto

Takamatsu
Hiroshima

Tokushima
Kotohira
Matsuyama

Among the famous sights and less-frequented
destinations, your full-time tour leader will
be ever-present and prove to be worth theirweight in gold, as they explain the finer pointsof local custom in these fascinating andcontrasting locations.

Day by day
Many of our customers choose to arrive a
day 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 Kyoto (D)Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at one of the
Osaka airport you will be met by our representative
and take a shared taxi transfer to your hotel in
Kyoto. Your tour leader will be waiting to greet you
in the lobby, and this evening you’ll convene withyour group at a welcome meeting before you all

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Mount Koya

ABTA No.Y6295

head out for a delicious included meal at one of
the area’s fantastic restaurants.
Day 2 Kyoto (B)Refreshed after a relaxing arrival day, your tour
leader will take the group on an extensive tour of
Kyoto using public transport. Aptly known as the“City of Ten Thousand Temples” - Kyoto is burstingwith history, culture and incredible sights.
Your tour leader will introduce you to their favourite
locations and a number of entrance fees will
be included today. You will stroll the Philosophers’Path, and gaze on Ginkakuji’s resplendent Silver
Pavilion. You are sure to have a fascinating day.
In the afternoon you will enjoy afternoon tea witha maiko (trainee geisha) in the traditional Gion
district.
Day 3 Mount Koya (B, L, D)
Today you will leave the beaten track and travel
by private coach, heading south to Mount Koya, aremote mountaintop temple community and thespiritual home of Shingon Buddhism. Mount Koya
is located deep in the mountains of Wakayama
Prefecture and is home to a collection of ancient
temples, shrines and pagodas – not to mention
Okunoin, the largest cemetery in Japan. Locatedwithin a towering Japanese cedar forest, thisatmospheric graveyard is a real wonder, seemingly
extending interminably through the early morning
mist. Today you will have the services of a local
guide to explain the history and significance of
these sites, with lunch and entrance fees included.
This evening, you will be staying at a traditional
Buddhist temple lodging, where you will be served
shojin ryori - vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.
Day 4 Tokushima (B)Today, it’s early to rise for optional (but highly
recommended!) morning prayers at the worshiphall of your temple lodging. This is a unique
opportunity to witness ancient rituals being
played out as the new day breaks. After a healthy
breakfast, we head by private coach to Wakayama
Port, from where we board the ferry to Tokushimaon Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four mainislands.
Tokushima is most famous as the location of thelargest dance festival in Japan, the Awa Odori. You
will visit the Awa Odori Kaikan Museum to learn
about the nationally revered festival, watch a dance
performance and then have the opportunity toshow off your festival dance moves, under thefriendly guidance of the professionals. Then it’sa cable car to the top of nearby Mount Bizan for
fantastic views across the city and coast.
Day 5 Takamatsu (B)We will spend the morning at the Awa Jurobe
Yashiki puppet theatre, where you’ll have the rareopportunity to see traditional bunraku puppet
theatre in an authentic setting, and then meet themaster puppeteers. Afterwards, we make our way
to Takamatsu, where you’ll have plenty of time towander the beautiful Ritsurin Gardens, some of thebest landscape gardens in Japan. Your tour leader
is sure to take you out in town for a fabulous
optional meal tonight.
Day 6 Takamatsu/Naoshima (B, L)
On day six you will be making a day trip from
Takamatsu to the nearby island of Naoshima,internationally known for its world-class art, set inbeautiful natural scenery. You’ll have the benefitof a local guide, who will explain the history of theisland’s art projects and introduce you to someof its most impressive sights. We will be sure tostop for lunch before visiting both Benesse House
and Chichu Art museums, home to works byfamous artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Claude
Monet. A late afternoon ferry will bring you back to
Takamatsu, where you will spend a second night.
Day 7 Kotohira (B, D)
Today you’ll be making the scenic train ride from
Takamatsu to Kotohira, a town best known as
the location of Shikoku’s largest shrine complex– Konpira-san. In the afternoon you’ll have thechance to visit a small sake brewery and museum,
then scale the 1,368 steps to Konpira-san’s inner
shrine, a climb that’s well worth the effort, as you’ll
be rewarded with spectacular views across thearea. There is also a kabuki theatre next to theaccommodation, where you can explore back- andunder-stage areas, to marvel at the mechanics of
one of Japan’s traditional theatre forms. Tonight,
you’ll be staying at a beautiful ryokan inn with its
own hot spring baths and fabulous Japanese-styleevening meal.
Day 8 Kotohira (B, L, D)
Today, you take a private bus bound for the Iya
Valley, a lush and undeveloped area of natural
beauty, particularly famous for its imposing gorges,
clear rivers and vine bridges. We’ll take a boatride, have a delicious included lunch perched ona precipice above, and cross the centuries-old
Kazurabashi vine bridge, apparently used by thedefeated and retreating Heike samurai clan in
the 12th century. We will also have time to visit acharming rural samurai residence before making
our way back to Kotohira, where a second night of
hot spring baths and feasting awaits.
Day 9 Matsuyama (B)After breakfast we will transfer by train acrossShikoku Island to Matsuyama, home to the oldest
hot spring baths in Japan, and one of the country’sfinest samurai-era castles. Later, we’ll visit the
castle and its grounds, then you’ll have free time
to explore the city at your leisure. Dogo Onsen, thetown’s famous bathhouse, is conveniently locatedright next to your hotel. It is said to have existed
for over 3,000 years, and currently undergoinga 7 year long restoration period for us to enjoy
for many more generations to come. It is still
accessibly by the public and even has a set ofbaths reserved exclusively for the use of the royalfamily. But don’t worry – there are separate baths
for common folk, so you’ll also have a chance tobathe in the restorative waters this evening if
you choose.

Day 11 Hiroshima (B)The destination today, only a short ferry ride away,
will offer a laid-back alternative to the bustle ofHiroshima. Miyajima, a tiny island known for its
friendly resident population of deer and
Itsukushima Shrine, boasts one of Japan’s most
iconic views. We recommend hiking (or catching
the cable car!) to the top of Mount Misen forfabulous views across the Seto Inland Sea, anational park in its own right. Whilst the
Omotesando shopping street is full of great local
crafts and confectionary, the shrine will offer
spirituality and the forest of Momijidani Park somepeace amongst the foliage. If you wish to staylonger, your tour leader will be at hand to give you
guidance and tips.
Day 12 Kyoto (B, D)
Today you will take a side trip to Joge, a small
historic town which has proved a perfect match forour ‘Hidden Japan’ concept.
Little known to foreign tourists, Joge is renowned
for its wonderful examples of original Meiji &Taisho era architecture and taking a walk down
Joge’s main street really does feel like you’ve
stepped back in time. We’ve arranged a full day ofcultural activities with local guides and you will
have plenty of opportunities to meet and interact
with members of the local community.
You’ll try yourself at the traditional martial art of
Kendo, and after lunch you’ll have a tour of thetown with a local guide. You’ll then be whisked
back to Kyoto on a super-fast Nozomi shinkansenbullet train, leaving you time to freshen up andhead out to a local restaurant for a farewell
evening meal with your tour leader and group. We
suggest an evening of karaoke to really see out thetour with a bang!
Day 13 Tour ends (B)It’s time to say goodbye and make your way byshared shuttle bus to one of Osaka airports, Itami
or Kansai International, for your flight home, or tostart your onward journey. Stay in touch - we hope
to see you again soon!

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 fromthe group and do something different, they will
be available to offer advice, and help you plan
your day.

Day 10 Hiroshima (B, D)
We will transfer to Matsuyama Port and then takea ferry to Hiroshima, back on Japan’s main island.
Hiroshima will always be remembered for the
tragic events of 1945, and today you will visit theinspiring Peace Park and sobering museum for an
insight into the dropping of the world’s first atomic
bomb. Informative and even-handed, this museum
is a must-see on any visit to Hiroshima. After athought-provoking afternoon, the perfect antidote
is to stroll the splendid riverside, take a waterside
coffee, or hit lively Hondori shopping arcade. For
our included meal, we’ll opt for okonomiyaki,
Hiroshima’s best-known dish. This savoury noodleand cabbage-based pancake comes with a variety
of fillings and is cooked on a hot plate in front ofyou, offering a culinary show and great food.

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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

What’s included

Sample Accommodation

Your comprehensive InsideJapan Info-PackAirport transfers by shared taxi
12 nights’ accommodation
Breakfast every day, three lunches and six

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
Selected entrance fees & local transport
in KyotoAfternoon tea with a maiko in Kyoto
Full-day private guide in Mount Koya, including
lunch & entrance fees

Tickets to Awa Odori Kaikan Museum, Mount
Bizan Ropeway, Awa Jurobe Yashiki Puppet
Theatre in Tokushima & Ritsurin Gardens in
Takamatsu

Iya Valley entrance fees & lunchFull-day private guide service in Naoshima
Hiroshima Peace Museum & Park
Okonomiyaki dinner in Hiroshima
Visit to Miyajima Island including entrance fees
Luggage forwarding from Kyoto to Tokushima
and from Kotohira to Hiroshima

Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip
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

Royal Park Kyoto Sanjo, Kyoto
The Royal Park Hotel is a modern, stylish hotel in agreat location in central Kyoto.
Rooms are Western-style, en suite and generally
quite generously sized. The hotel has its own
restaurant (with meals made using seasonal
produce), bar and bakery-café as well as a usefulconcierge service. All rooms also feature free Wi-Fi
internet and there is a coin laundry and massage
service should you have need of either. The hotel
is conveniently located just a short walk from both
City Hall (Shiyakusho) Station and Sanjo Station(about 15 minutes by taxi from JR Kyoto Station),making this a great base for a very comfortable
and convenient stay in Kyoto.
Renge-in Shukubo, Mount Koya
Renge-in is a traditional temple on Mount Koya
dedicated to Shingon Buddhism. The temple has
a long history and connections to the Tokugawa
clan who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. As
befits a place dedicated to meditation, the temple’s
lodgings are simple and classic Japanese style withtatami mat floors and futon mattresses to sleepon. Bathing facilities are shared but all rooms havetheir own toilet. Dinner and breakfast are included
in your stay at Renge-in so you can look forward
to sampling shojin-ryori (Buddhist cuisine) - strictly
vegetarian home cooking. Guests are welcome toattend morning devotional exercises along withthe monks. The ceremony will of course be inJapanese, but it is a truly unique and atmosphericexperience nonetheless – not to be missed.

Sakura No Sho, Kotohira
The Sakura no Sho is a modern hotel withtraditional Japanese rooms and excellent service.
Located at the foot of the pilgrims’ steps to
Konpira-san shrine, this is certainly the best place
in town to relax, with inviting indoor and outdoor
hot spring baths. The food at the Sakura no Sho is
first class, with an array of Japanese- and Westernstyle dishes available to suit all tastes.
Candeo Matsuyama, Matsuyama
Candeo Matsuyama Okaido is a smart Western
hotel located in a prime spot in Matsuyama city,
just across the road from the tram stop and withthe shopping and dining area on your doorstep.
Rooms are compact but comfortable and modern.
A real highlight is the top-floor Sky Spa, with indoor
and open-air hot spring baths offering views out
towards Matsuyama Castle, ideal for relaxing after
a busy day of sightseeing.
Vista Hotel, Hiroshima
The Vista Hotel in Hiroshima is a Western style
hotel, near to the Atomic Bomb Dome and thePeace Memorial Park, this hotel is set in a great
location within the city. It has stylish, modern
rooms with full on suit facilities. The hotel serves abuffet breakfast with continental and Japanese
options. It also has a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi
and a comfortable lounge.

Hotel Sunroute, Tokushima
Hotel Sunroute is a great base for your time inTokushima. Rooms are simply decorated, with atelevision, en suite bathroom, toiletries, a fridge
and a hairdryer. On the top floor of the hotel
are communal hot spring baths with great views
cross the city. There is a convenience store andcoin-operated laundry facilities within the hotel
should you need them, along with a Japanese andChinese restaurant. Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Sunroute is a Japanese hotel chain with numerous
properties across the country. With friendly service,comfortable rooms and excellent locations (allwithin walking distance of a main train station),
the Sunroute is a great moderate accommodation
option.
JR Clement Hotel, Takamatsu
The Clement is a superior hotel located near
the waterfront in the attractive harbour townof Takamatsu.
The hotel enjoys great views over the sea andtown. Rooms are well-sized and there is a choiceof restaurants, including a good bakery. Wiredinternet is available in the rooms and rental laptops
are also available. Takamatsu’s stunning Ritsurin
Gardens are just a short distance away and there
are ferries on your doorstep for an easy day trip toNaoshima “Art Island”.

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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

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 Small
Group Tours you should be of moderate fitness,able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty andable to maintain a pace that is comfortable for the
majority of the group.
Dietary Requirements
There are a number of meals included on all our
tours. 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 stay at a number of Japanesestyle accommodation, you will be served a
traditional 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. We will do our best tosecure rooms on tour with private toilet and sinkhowever some accommodations are not able tooffer private bathing facilities. Shared facilities(when included) will always be separated bygender.
Policy on single rooms
Single rooms are guaranteed at all night stops on
this tour through payment of a mandatory single
supplement.
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.
A double grade does not guarantee double rooms
throughout.

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.
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 bag for 1 night on Mount Koya and 1
night in Matsuyama.
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,
trams, and ferries as well as private coaches forsome transfers and sightseeing.
International Flights
This tour starts and finishes in Kyoto for arrivals
and departures at Osaka, Kansai or Itami airports.
Please note that the included meet-and-greet andairport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available
from these two airports.
Check-inUpon arrival you will probably be tired after a longinternational flight. Please note that rooms at the
Kyoto hotel are only available from 3pm.
Hotels in Japan operate strict check-in policies. If
you have an early arrival you can either book an
extra 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.

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 is available pretty much all day
every day and will even be happy to accompany
tour members out at night on occasion!

PA G E 4
www.InsideJapanTours.com • info@insidejapantours.com UK: 0117 244 3380

US: 303 952 0379

AUS: 07 3186 8800

ABTA No.Y6295