PRICE BASED ON TOURS STARTING:

3 September 2024

5 November 2024

Cherry Blossoms: In spring, late March to early April is historically the best time to view pink and white cherry blossoms (sakura).

Hydrangea: In the warmer and less crowded months, you may catch blue, purple and pink flowers such as native hydrangea (ajisai) from June to July.

Autumn Leaves: In November, the colourful leaves (koyo) of autumn are what cherry blossoms are to spring. Witness fall foliage turn different shades of vivid red, orange and yellow.

Note: Bloom and fall timings are not guaranteed as they are highly seasonal and subject to changing climate conditions.

Price based on departing from Sydney

Extra charges apply for:

• Melbourne ($100pp)
• Brisbane ($300pp)
• Perth ($300pp)
• Adelaide ($300pp)

OPTIONAL PROGRAMS

Specially-crafted optional programs provide flexibility for you to explore further. Optional programs are expertly guided and include dedicated coach transportation, admissions and more. Optional programs will operate with a minimum of 15 passengers and must be booked at least 5 months before departure.

Kyoto Full Day Tour with Monkey Park from $250pp*
Begin the tour with a hike up to the hilltop Iwatayama Monkey Park and get up close to free-roaming monkeys, a truly unique experience! Next, stroll through the Kimono Forest at Arashiyama, an artistic installation of 600 pillars featuring traditional kimono design, and then lose yourself in the soaring Bamboo Grove. Conclude the day at the must-see Kiyomizu Temple, a signature World Heritage site celebrated for its spectacular mountainous backdrop and beautiful Otowa waterfall.
Note: If the Monkey Park is closed for any reason, an alternative experience such as Ryoanji Temple or Sagano Romantic Train will be arranged, subject to local conditions on the day.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto

Kanazawa Full Day Tour with Gold Leaf Experience from $220pp*
The tour takes you to Kenrokuen Garden, the drawcard of Kanazawa and one of the three perfect gardens of Japan, beautiful in any season with peerless scenery and fancy designs at every turn. Then, visit Omicho Market, Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market, for lunch on your own accord. In the afternoon, try your hand at decorating souvenirs that you can take home with Kanazawa’s famous gold leaves. Conclude the day with an opportunity to shop for local gifts such as crafts, pottery, sweets and pickles on the traditional streets of the Higashiyama District.

Kenrokuen Gardens, Kanazawa

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Exclusions

Meals not stated, drinks on meals, departure airport transfer, optional programs, travel insurance (strongly recommended), visas (if required), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.

Payment

A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.

Fitness

A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own baggage to and from hotels, terminals and stations. Airport transfer services may not arrive directly at the hotel reception and a short walk between the station and hotel may be required. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.

Pace

The pace of this tour is leisurely. The tour covers several prefectures of Japan and involves some early starts and one long travel day – see the itinerary for an indication of the distances travelled by coach. One to two nights at each destination is standard. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or alternatively, you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs (at your own expense).

Solo Occupancy

A single supplement from $850 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy. Single rooms are typically smaller than twin rooms in Japan.

Triple Share

Triple share is not available.

Extra Accommodation

Pre-tour accommodation with breakfast in the same tour hotel located in Amagasaki or similar location can be added for one or two persons subject to availability of the following rates: Valid for travel in May to October: from $290 per room per night; Valid for travel in March, April and November: from $390 per room per night.

Please note transfers are not included for extended stays such as early arrival in Osaka.

Post-tour accommodation in Tokyo with breakfast in the same tour hotel located in Tokyo, can be added for one or two persons subject to availability of the following rates: Valid for travel in May to October: from $290 per room per night; Valid for travel in March, April and November: from $390 per room per night.

Child

This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 8 years of age. Children 8 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.

Price

Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.

Amendment

Each amendment is subject to a fee from $75 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.

Cancellation

Cancellation is subject to a fee from $550 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.

Deviation

Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.

Passport

Each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.

Visa

A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting Japan for the purpose of short-term tourism, however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.

Health

It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended.

Transfers

Airport transfers operate at designated times and may be group or independent services using private or public transportation. A short walk to the hotel carrying your own luggage may be required from the drop off point. Transfers are not included if you arrive early in Osaka. Departure transfer to the airport in Tokyo is not included.

Baggage

Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. A light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Due to bullet train baggage restrictions, your bag will be transferred separately and you may be required to pack a separate light bag or backpack containing overnight essentials. Porterage is not included and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.

Meals

Breakfasts offered by the Japanese accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. The welcome dinner is an authentic Japanese meal purposefully chosen to complement the local experience. For meals not included, you will be taken to places with options where possible. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your tour leader whilst on tour.

Accommodation

The size of hotel rooms in Japan are generally smaller than Western standards. Hotels are carefully hand-selected for room sizes at least 18 sqm for your comfort. Single rooms are typically smaller than twin rooms. Hotels in Japan generally have very few rooms with double bed configuration. Requests for rooms with double beds cannot be guaranteed in advance and if not available, twin beds will be provided. Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All hotel ratings are local or self-ratings provided by the supplier. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. Due to the popular culture of smoking in Japan, non-smoking or deodourised rooms will be requested by default – please notify hotel reception if this an issue. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am – actual times may vary.

Tipping

Driver tipping, parking and toll fees are included. Tour guide tipping is discretionary and recommended as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.

Flights

The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.

Fuel

In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.

Group Size

You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 30 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 36 passengers. If the tour does not operate, you will be offered a credit. The operation of optional programs is subject to a minimum group size. If the minimum number for optional programs is not reached, you will be refunded.

Blooms

The timing of cherry blossom, autumn leaf and other blooms are not guaranteed as they are highly seasonal from region to region and subject to changing climate conditions. Suggested dates are only an estimate of the best viewing periods based on historical data. Cherry blossom festival season is one of the most incredible times to visit Japan. Cherry blossom full blooms last over a one week time window, during which, it is lively and crowded every year and expected to be especially busy due to unprecedented pent up demand for post-pandemic travel to Japan.

Tour Extensions

Packaged tour extensions must be booked at least 10 months before departure or before flights are issued.

Optional Programs

Optional programs are subject to a minimum of 15 passengers and must be booked at least 5 months before departure. If the optional programs do not operate, you will be refunded.

Itinerary

The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.

Breakaway

Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.

Documentation

Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.

Force Majeure

Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.