Inclusions:
- Economy airfares, taxes and fuel surcharges from Auckland with a full-service Chinese or other Asian carrier (e.g. China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China, China Airlines, Korean Airlines, Thai Airways or similar)
- 11 nights 3-4 star locally rated twin-share accommodation
- Daily meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Coach transportation
- Airport/hotel shuttle bus or limousine bus transfer(s)
- Admissions to scenic attractions
- English speaking tour guide(s) service
- Tipping
Exclusions:
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses and anything optional
- Visa (if applicable)
Itinerary:
Day 1: New Zealand - Osaka
Take an international flight from Australia to Osaka via a connecting city.
Note: Some flights may depart one day later.
Day 2: Osaka
Arrive in Osaka. Your friendly tour representative will be waiting for you at the airport arrival hall. You will then make your way to the hotel.
Day 3: Osaka - Nara - Osaka - Amagasaki (B, D)
This morning travel to Kasuga-Taisha Shrine – a UNESCO world heritage site. It is Nara’s most celebrated shrine. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns and stone lanterns that lead up the shrine. Next, visit Todaiji Temple (Great Eastern Temple), with its Great Buddha Hall – the world’s largest wooden building. This impressive building houses a huge 15m tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. Then wander through Nara Park, where over 1,200 tame sika deer roam freely. Later head to Namba and Dotonbori area in the city’s South encompasses premier shopping districts, restaurants and bars. Then move on to something more modern – the Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory, which provides an unparalleled elevated view of Osaka. The viewing platform is suspended between two 40-story towers, at 173 metres above the city streets. Tonight you will enjoy a buffet dinner at the hotel with your fellow travellers.
Day 4: Amagasaki - Himeji - Kurashiki - Hiroshima (B)
Today travel to Himeji Castle, which is the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO-registered complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight – hence the popular name ‘Shirasagi-jō’ – White Heron Castle. In 1945 an American firebomb was dropped into the top floor of the keep, but didn’t ignite, and the castle was renovated in 1956. Himeji Castle is the most visited in Japan, and the site offers some wonderful views of surrounding Himeji city. Later travel to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter located in Okayama prefecture, known for its traditional historic buildings situated along a picturesque canal.
Day 5: Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima - Amagasaki (B)
Today take a ferry to Miyajima – a small island in Hiroshima Bay known for its forests and ancient temples. Here you will visit Itsukushima Shrine a UNESCO world heritage site famous for its floating torii gate. Head back to Hiroshima to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb explosion in World War II.
Day 6: Amagasaki - Kyoto - Amagasaki (B)
This morning, visit Kinkakuji: Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen. Next, we get a taste of Kyoto by visiting Nishiki Market located in downtown Kyoto. Try local specialities while walking down a five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Then head to Gion also known as Geisha district. Delve into Kyoto’s rich history while admiring the beautifully preserved architecture and traditional customs. Lastly, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine – famous for the magical, seemingly unending path of over 5000 vibrant orange torii gates that wind through the hills making it one of the most popular shrines in Japan.
Day 7: Amagasaki - Kanazawa (B)
Your first stop today is Omicho Market located in Kanazawa. Known as Kanazawa’s Kitchen, it is a colourful and bustling fresh food market with over 200 shops and stalls. Next visit Nomura Clan Samurai House, the historic residence of the Nomura Samurai clan. The house and grounds provide an insight into the lifestyle of the Samurai class during the 16th-19th centuries and feature beautiful architecture, gardens, and décor such as painted screen doors. You will also visit Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. Developed over 200 years ago, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species.
Day 8: Kanazawa - Shirakawago - Takayama - Matsumoto (B)
Today travel to Shirakawago Village, a World Heritage site where 114 Gassho-style houses with steeply-pitched roofs in the shape of a triangle. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. Enjoy some free time to explore the sights at Shirakawago observation deck (approx. 10 min by foot), where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Shirakawago. Next, head to Kami-Sannomachi Street also called Takayama Old Town, a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan, with houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868). It is well known for its charming architecture, unique cafes and old saké breweries famous for some of the best tasting saké in Japan.
Day 9: Matsumoto - Mount Fuji - Tokyo (B)
This morning you will visit Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dramatic black exterior. The keep, or “tenshu”, completed around 1593, is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. Then head to Arakurayama Sengen Park where the Instagram-famous Chureito Pagoda is located. Witness the breathtaking view of Chureito Pagoda* backdropped by the iconic snow-capped Mount Fuji*. Later visit Oshino Hakkai. Known as the springs of Mount Fuji, it’s a small village with a scenic view of Mount Fuji*. The eight crystal clear ponds are fed by melting snow filtering down from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji, through porous layers of lava, resulting in the finest clear spring water that is revered by locals. Here you will also find many restaurants, souvenir shops and food vendors around the ponds.
Note*: The visibility of Mount Fuji is subject to weather. In mid-March, the parking lot at Chureito Pagoda will be closed off and you will need to walk up the stairs (approx. 398 steps) to see Chureito Pagoda. Alternatively, you may explore Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine if you do not wish to walk up the steps.
Day 10: Tokyo - Kamakura - Yokohama - Tokyo (B)
Today visit the incredible Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Kotoku-in Temple located in Kamakura. Constructed in 1252 and once covered in gold, the bronze Great Buddha is an impressive sight. This is followed by Komachi-Dori Shopping Street, a fashionable street located in the middle of the ancient city of Kamakura. Next, head to Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a historical building erected a century ago as customs buildings for Yokohama Port. The two warehouses survived the 1923 Kanto earthquake and remained unscathed from World War II thanks to its iron reinforcements. Building No.2 is now home to a number of shops, bars and restaurants while building No. 1 is used for a wide range of events, exhibitions, fashion shows and concerts.
Day 11: Tokyo (B)
Enjoy a free day of leisure in Tokyo.
You may join the guided World Heritage Nikko Day Tour (NZD$320pp incl. lunch) or visit Tokyo Disneyland/Tokyo DisneySea (NZD$140pp admission only excl. transfers).
Optional Nikko Day Tour:
Enhance your experience in this World Heritage Nikko Day Tour by coach. Nikko is a major centre for Buddhism and the Shinto religion. It is located in a valley and surrounded by beautiful deciduous forests and majestic waterfalls. Feast your eyes upon the breathtaking countryside, sacred shrines, and stunning temples as you explore Nikko. Visit Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Shinto worship, well known for its distinctive architecture made up of a large number of wood carvings and gold leaf decorations on the buildings. Absorb the natural splendour of Lake Chuzenji created by an eruption of Mt. Nantai, a symbol of Nikko. You also visit Kegon Falls known as one of Japan's 3 great waterfalls, Kegon Falls towers an impressive 97 meters and gushes water from Lake Chuzenji.
Day 12: Tokyo (B, D)
This morning visit Tokyo Sky Tree, the landmark of Tokyo. Opening in May 2012, the Skytree is a television and radio broadcast site and contains a restaurant and two viewing platforms. At 634 metres, this is the 2nd-tallest structure in the world! Next, visit Senso-ji Temple located in Asakusa. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple and is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Later take a stroll to Nakamise Shopping Street, a centuries-old promenade of shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs like kimonos and bottles of saké. Then visit Imperial Palace Plaza, the residence for the Japanese Imperial Family. You can enjoy the natural sceneries surrounding the palace grounds, including the Lotus Moat and Nijubashi (Double Bridge). The next stop is Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. Built as an island fortress in the 19th century, Odaiba will be a venue location for the 2020 Olympic Games and is already a popular leisure and sightseeing area. Tonight you will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travellers.
Day 13: Tokyo - New Zealand (B)
Spend today free at leisure as time permits before boarding a limousine bus to the airport for your flight home.
Day 14: New Zealand
Arrive home today.
Note: Some flights may arrive on day 13.
Travel Dates:
- 23 March***, 30 March***
- 6 April***, 13 April***
- 11 May, 25 May
- 8 June, 22 June
- 14 September, 28 September**
- 12 October, 26 October*
- 09 November*, 23 November*
* = Autumn Leaves Surcharge: NZD$350
** = School Holiday Surcharge: NZD$450
*** = Cherry Blossom Season Surcharge: NZD$550
Please note: Cherry blossoms and crimson leaves are highly seasonal and subject to climate conditions. These are historically the best times to view the blooms, but we can’t guarantee they will flower on these dates.
Hotel Accommodation:
- Kansai Airport: Hotel Nikko Kansai or similar
- Amagasaki: Hotel Vischio Amagasaki by Granvia or similar
- Hiroshima: Hotel New Hiroden or similar
- Kanazawa: Hotel Vista Kanazawa or similar
- Matsumoto: Hotel Buena Vista or similar
- Tokyo: Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar
Note: The hotels listed are not guaranteed and are based on local ratings. Nexus Holidays reserves the right to substitute other hotels than those listed above. Hotel locations can be within or outside itinerary cities. If a change becomes necessary for any reason, the hotel substituted will be of equivalent quality to those shown (3-4 star local rating). Double-bedded rooms may be requested but are never guaranteed. We endeavour to always book non-smoking rooms however these cannot be guaranteed. Hotel rooms in Japan are smaller in sizes compare to other countries.
Conditions
Valid from Jul 20, 2019
Expires Aug 31, 2019
Limit: 4 per user and 2 as gift for others
Bookings essential and must be made by 15th October 2019. Departure dates for 2020: 23 March***, 30 March***, 6 April***, 13 April***, 11 May, 25 May, 8 June, 22 June, 14 September, 28 September**, 12 October, 26 October*, 09 November*, 23 November* Subject to availability. International flights from Auckland included. * = Autumn Leaves Surcharge: NZD$350 , ** = School Holiday Surcharge: NZD$450 , *** = Cherry Blossom Season Surcharge: NZD$550. Must be used in 1 visit. Cannot combine coupons to lengthen stay. Deal valid for one person on a twin-share basis i.e. two vouchers must be purchased at this price. Single supplement fee of NZD$1400 applies for solo travellers. Includes Economy airfares, taxes & fuel surcharges from Auckland with a full-service Chinese or other Asian carrier (e.g. China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China, China Airlines, Korean Airlines, Thai Airways or similar); 11 nights 3-4 star locally rated twin share accommodation; Daily meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); Coach transportation; Airport/Hotel shuttle bus or limousine bus transfer(s); Admissions to scenic attractions; English speaking tour guide(s) service; Tipping. Excludes, Travel insurance (strongly recommended), Visa (if applicable), Personal expenditure & anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions/itinerary. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Travel insurance recommended. Value of deal is based on current rates, which are subject to change. No refunds unless required by law. No cashback. Not to be used with other offers.
See the rules that apply to all deals.
