Duration:  10 nights
Starts in:   Tokyo
Finishes in:   Kyoto

Group size:  Max 8 People

Cost:   See Date Boxes Below

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For the Japanese Mount Fuji occupies a place at the very heart of the culture, with its iconic beauty representing all the nation hold dear.
The Fuji Paths Tour follows the old Nakasendo route from Tokyo passing Mt.Fuji and on to Kyoto taking you deep into the world of old Japan.  From the peak of Mt. Fuji, way above the clouds the view stretches out for hundreds of kilometres. To the east lies Tokyo where the tour begins before heading to Kawaguchiko just north of Fuji-san with its five magnificent crater lakes. Here in the great mountain's shadow you can swim in the lakes, relax in the hot springs and visit a traditionally thatched village. And, for those who want to take the challenge, a hike up Mt. Fuji beckons. Westward bound the tour heads to the castle town of Matsumoto and down through the Kiso valley with it preserved towns from the Edo era (1603 - 1868). The last few days of the tour are spent in the ancient capital, Kyoto with its myriad World Heritage sites and national treasures. Taking in the best of the country's natural and traditional beauty, the Fuji Paths tour is the ideal vacation for those who want to capture the nostalgic vision of Japan.

 

If you wish to split away from the group at anytime we’ll give you a mobile phone so that if you get too lost, you’ll have a lifeline to your guide.

2011 Tour Dates

* The prices stated above are per person

2012 Tour Dates

* The prices stated above are per person

* Ryokan- Traditional Japanese Inn, sleeping on futons in rooms floored with tatami mats.

Notes

If you would like to stay a few extra days, we will be happy to help with any arrangements. If you are flying out from Osaka, the airport is just 85 minutes away. Alternatively, Tokyo is 2 ½ hours away by bullet train. For more details about this, including the prices and dates, please see our website or email us at info@dragonflytours-japan.com

Daily Breakdown

Day 1 - Tokyo

Your Tour Leader will meet you at the airport (up to two days before the tour begins) and transfer with you to your hotel in the heart of the city, an ideal base from which to explore. In the evening we’ll head to Shinjuku and the entertainment area of Kabukicho where, after a walking tour of the area, we’ll feast at a local restaurant. A perfect introduction to local cuisine, and chance to meet the other members of the group. After dinner we’ll go up onto the 45th floor of the Metropolitan Building for fantastic 360 degree views of the city.

Day 2 – Tokyo

Early this morning we’ll go to the Tsukiji fish market, a fascinating world of chaos, with some of the world’s finest sashimi. After having a look around the stalls, why not have some for breakfast?

Later in the morning we’ll make our way over to Asakusa. The location of the first temple in what is now called Tokyo, and the old gateway to the Yoshiwara, the floating world, during the Edo era. It’s steeped in history and has a bustling atmosphere. Take some free time here to browse the market stalls and explore the side streets hiding the real treasures.

Following a bite for lunch we’ll take the Sumida River cruise to Tokyo Bay passing under a number of colourful bridges. From there we’ll go to the famous Scramble Crossing in Shibuya where hundreds of people swarm over the road as the lights turn green.

Day 3 – Kawaguchiko

Today, after breakfast we’ll set off to Kawaguchiko at the base of Mt. Fuji, an ideal location from which to climb the iconic volcano and explore the surrounding crater lakes.

Nb. The climb of Mt. Fuji is optional, and if you decide not to take the challenge there are plenty other hikes nearby which are less strenuous and less hard on the knees - or you can just chill out by the lakes and soak in some of the many local hotsprings.

Those who decide to do the walk up Mt. Fuji we will start walking in the evening enabling us to reach the summit of 3776m in time to see the magnificent sunrise in the small hours. We’ll send you more details in regards to the hike in your info pack, but one thing to keep in mind is that although it’s not technically difficult nor particularly challenging physically it shouldn't be underestimated. Despite being around 35 degrees Celsius at the bottom of the mountain, at the summit it’s near freezing. Proper clothing and boots must be brought out and after the hike we’ll be able to forward your kit to the last hotel on the tour to save you lugging it all around.

Day 4 – Kawaguchiko

Today is a free day to relax and potter around as you feel. Most probably you’ll want to head down to one of the lakes and have the occasional dip in the clear waters. A rewarding soak in one of the local hot springs is also recommended and is perfect for fatigued legs.

Other places of interest nearby include the traditional thatched-roofed village of Iyashi no Sato for a window of what life was like in rural Japan. There is also a collection of caves nearby formed by lava flows which can also be explored, and the Chureito Pagoda with its classic picture postcard setting of Mt. Fuji as the backdrop is also an option.

Day 5 – Matsumoto

This morning we’ll take the train to Matsumoto, an old castle town boasting one of the best preserved castles in the country. Surrounded by a moat and clad in black weatherboard gives the castle a slightly sinister appearance sitting as it has done since the 1580’s. Built in a time when the use of firearms were changing the way wars were fought and won, gun holes were incorporated into the design and there is a collection of the firearms from the era on display inside. After taking a look around the castle you'll have time to explore some of the castle district close to the hotel.

Day 6 – Magome

During the Edo era (1603 – 1868) there were five central highways leading to Edo (Tokyo) linking the country together for trade and troop movement. Along these highways were numerous post towns and checkpoints which kept an eye on what was being moved through, collecting taxes ,checking papers and always watchful for criminals, spies and insurgents.

At the end of the Edo era as the Emperor regained his power the checkpoints across the country, along with many relics from the feudal times including samurai estates and castles were broken up and destroyed marking a new age of change and modernization. The old highways evolved into the massive concrete road networks which we see today, the old post towns became the immense hi-tech sprawling cities.

One of these old highways connecting Edo to Kyoto was called the Nakasendo running through the Japanese Alps and along the Kiso valley. Mainly because of the terrain its an area with a much slower pace of development and home to the town of Magome, and the neighbouring town of Tsumago, two of the best preserved areas from the Edo period. These days the locals go to painstaking lengths maintain their towns, preserving the old charm from days gone by.

Today, after checking out we’ll hop on the train to Magome, tucked away in the beautiful area of the Kiso Valley, also known for its lacquer ware among other crafts. Here you’ll be staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.

Day 7 – Magome

Today we’ll walk along a stretch of the old Nakasendo Highway. We'll pass hamlets, and old farmhouses, forests and paddy fields passing an old notice board with messages from the federal days stating decrees and laws by the shogun. The Rekishi Shiryokan museum is also worth a visit with an extensive collection. Enjoy, and soak in the atmosphere.

Day 8 – Kyoto

This morning we’ll continue our journey through the Kiso Valley by train to Nagoya. From there we’ll catch the bullet train to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan and the centre of history and culture.

In Kyoto we’ll visit the grand stilted temple of Kiyomizudera perched in the Eastern Mountains with its legendary platform and 3 water springs said to have magical properties. You'll have the chance to browse some of the souvenir shops on the main slope from the temple before we walk through the old cobbled streets to Gion, a preserved geisha district where you’ll have the opportunity to see a cultural performance in the evening.

Day 9 – Kyoto

You’ll have the option this morning to start the day off with the tea ceremony at a tea house that has been performing the ceremony for 7 generations. Not only will you observe the intricate ritual, but you’ll also have the chance to make some matcha. It's not as easy as it looks.

Later, walk along the Path of Philosophy to Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion with its outstanding Zen Garden dating back to the 15th century. After this you can either hop on the bus back to the hotel or downtown, or you can walk with your tour leader through the quiet local residential area to the Kyoto Craft Centre.

Day 10 – Kyoto

Today we’ll hit the "big three". Three of the best World Heritage Sites in Kyoto starting with Ryoanji Zen Garden famous for its 15 stones where only 14 can be seen from any single point. Around the back of the temple there is a water receptacle with 4 kanji chiselled on it saying something so simple, but so profound that you'll know you've been Zenned.

If you have been to Japan before you will no doubt have visited many of the major sights around Kyoto. We are happy to provide suggestions and guidance for lesser known spots if you prefer.

Next on the itinerary is a trip just up the road to Kinkakuji – the Golden Pavilion, another of the "must see" sights of Japan with it’s immense beauty reflected in the surrounding pond.

After a bite for lunch one of the local restaurants and perhaps a glass of beer too, we’ll head over to Nijojo, (Nijo Castle) to complete this day of history and culture. With elaborate national treasures painted on the sliding doors, the squeaky nightingale floorboards, and complex ceilings what more could you want to finish the day?

For those who still have the energy, there is also the option of a trip to the excellent Nishiki Food Market.

Day 11 – End of Tour.

There is nothing scheduled on today’s itinerary. If you decide to fly out from Osaka, the airport is just 85 minutes away by train. If you decide to fly out from Tokyo, Tokyo is only 2½ hours away by bullet train. Let us know and we’ll be happy to help with any arrangements. Alternatively why not stay a few extra nights in Kyoto – there is plenty more to see and do in the area!

Accommodation

Tokyo: Yaesu Terminal Hotel (81) 03 3281 3771

Efficient business hotel in a fantastic location.

Breakfast included

Kawaguchiko: Fuji Royal Hotel. (81) 0555 73 2228

Hotel by the lake with hotsprings.

Breakfast included

Matsumoto:  Richmond Hotel. (81) 0263 37 5000

City hotel in the castle district.

Breakfast included

Magome: Tajima Ryokan.

Atmospheric and homely Edo inn.

Breakfast and dinner included.

Kyoto: Towa.  (81) 075 371 5421

New traditionally styled ryokan.

Breakfast included

Please note that the accommodation above is standard for the Fuji Paths Tour and is at times subject to change to a similar or better hotel.

All hotels have been selected with location and comfort in mind.

Ryokan Towa, Kyoto	Yaesu Terminal Hotel, Tokyo	Richmond Hotel, Matsumoto
Tajimaya Ryokan, Magome	Fuji Royal, Kawaguchiko

Flexibility

The itineraries in our tours are flexible, and do vary occasionally, sometimes due to weather or ongoing events such as festivals which guests may want to see. In addition if there is something else you’d like to do or see on your trip please mention this to your Tour Leader and we’ll try our best to include it.

In addition if there is something else you’d like to do or see on your trip please mention this to your guide and we’ll try our best to ensure you can do it.

Transportation

As with all our tours we use the extremely efficient, clean, safe and reliable public transportation network. - It's the most efficient way to get around, and by far it's the best way to experience the country and its people.

Baggage Forwarding

If you bring too much luggage with you, or buy too many souvenirs during the tour; we can easily arrange to forward your belongings from hotel to hotel. The service is cheap and reliable.

Minimum Numbers

The minimum number of customers on the Fuji Paths Tour is two as we believe it’s unfair to cancel tours when larger numbers are not met.

Single Supplement

Because the group size is kept to a maximum of 8, we have to charge a single supplement of £250 if you are travelling alone.  For this you'll be ensured to have a room to yourself for the entirety of the tour.

What Is Included?

• All Accommodation (10 nights).
• Tour Leader guidance and support.
• All Transportation from city to city.
• Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
• Breakfast every morning.
• Group Meal on Day 1.
• Dinner on Days 6 & 7. (Traditional Japanese)
• Tour Info-Pack.
• 100% Financial Protection through the TTA.

What’s Not Included?

• Meals, except for the ones stated above.
• Local Transportation (subways and buses within the cities).
• Entrance Fees into shrines, temples and museums.
• Travel Insurance.
• Flights to and from Japan.

Feel free to drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help with any queries or advice.