The incredible country of Japan plays host to one of Asia's most dynamic cultures. Home to serene mountain .... provides
Destination Training and Updates: Japan September 2016
Japan An overview
Japan Nestled on the eastern frontier of Asia, the nation of Japan is a juxtaposition of past and future. A stone’s throw from the vibrant, neon glow of downtown Tokyo hides peaceful Zen gardens that are pictures of simplicity and calm. Contemporary art museums flank centuries-old Buddhist temples and skyscrapers erupt from cityscapes a bullet train away from the towering natural wonder of Mount Fuji. For the culturally curious, Japan is a hub of adventure waiting to be uncovered.
Population : 127.3 million
People : Japanese
Language : Japanese
Currency : Japanese Yen
Time zone : GMT +9 Hours
Japan The incredible country of Japan plays host to one of Asia’s most dynamic cultures. Home to serene mountain villages and vibrant megacities alike, Japan is where the world of traditional and super-modern collide – its cultural common denominator an aura of order and balance. For visitors, Japan is both a destination of spectacular natural scenery and urban wonder, with enough history and heritage to fill a lifetime of travel.
Japan Highlights • Traditional Izkaya restaurant • Ancient tea ritual and ceremony • Japanese cooking lesson in Tokyo • Geisha experience in Kyoto • Kyoto back street bicycle tour • Explore the back streets in Osaka • Stay at Ryokan, a local Japanese traditional inns • Enjoy bathing in an Onsen, Japanese hot spring • Travel on the Shinkansen bullet train • Watch famous snow monkeys in the North
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Our Destinations Where we operate
Japan Map
Takayama Kanazawa Tokyo Kyoto Hiroshima
Osaka
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Tokyo Japan’s bustling capital is a perfect combination of ultramodern and traditional Japanese culture. Tokyo has everything to offer: from high-tech skyscrapers, hidden shrines, and a vibrant food scene, to the weird and wonderful fashion world of Shibuya and Harajuku. Tokyo is the typical gateway into Japan and is home to the Buffalo Tours Office. It also has easy access to Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko for day trips.
Kyoto All the most iconic sites of Japan are in Kyoto and should have pride of place on all itineraries. With over 3,000 temples and shrines, and beautifully preserved entertainment districts, it is a fantastic introduction to Japan’s traditional Geisha and Samurai culture. Many people come to Kyoto and dress in traditional kimono/yukata, and it is the best place to take part in a Tea Ceremony. Kyoto is well placed to visit Osaka, Kanazawa and Takayama.
Hakone Not far from downtown Tokyo, Hakone is one of the best places to witness the majesty of Mount Fuji for yourself. It is also a fantastic place to stay in a traditional Ryokan Inn and learn more about how life was lived in the 18th Century Edo period.
Takayama Takayama is an old town in the Japanese Alps with a very distinct culture and dramatic scenery. The distinct architecture of Shirakawago town is an easy day trip from Takayama and is beautiful in any season, including winter. The best way to get there is from Tokyo then onwards to Kyoto or Kanazawa. 10
Kanazawa Nicknamed ‘Little Kyoto’, Kanazawa offers the same rich cultural heritage but on a smaller scale. It is one of the best places to learn about traditional Geisha, Samurai and Zen cultures, with many original districts still thriving. A new Shinkansen rail line has opened recently, linking Kanazawa directly with Tokyo.
Osaka Delve into the past with some of Japan’s best museums and race into the future on the loud, bright and modern streets of Osaka. This unassuming city has a lot to offer including, Shogun era castles, Universal Studios and some of the best food in Japan. It is only 30 minutes to Kyoto by train and also the gateway to Koyasan. 11
Koyasan Koyasan is small, secluded temple town developed around the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. Temple stays are the main attraction here. Spend the night in a temple, eat vegetarian food with the monks and attend morning prayers. With atmospheric walks in the area, through forests containing Buddhist statues and graves, it is a relaxing overnight break from bustling Osaka.
Hiroshima The city of Hiroshima is, sadly, most famous for the moment it became the first city targeted with an atomic bomb. Today you can pay your respects and learn more at the fantastic Peace memorial Park and Museum. Hiroshima is also the gateway to the idyllic Miyajima island and its floating Tori Gate. These destinations make a perfect overnight trip from Osaka. 12
When To Travel Four distinct seasons
Spring Spring is a great time to travel as it warm but not too hot and there is very little rain. Cherry Blossom Season runs from March to April. At this time it is incredibly busy, sometimes hard to find hotels at the weekends and travel becomes more expensive, yet it is a truly special time to visit..
Summer Although not an official season, Tsuyu in June experiences extremely high rainfall and leads into summer. When the rains end, summer starts with high temperatures and humidity. Summer festivals fill cities with dancing, beer gardens and plenty of evening entertainment. 14
Autumn Temperature and humidity drops at the start of September and by November leaves are turning red creating as much spectacle as cherry blossom. Evening illuminations of trees bring large crowds, especially to Kyoto on weekends.
Winter The north east and Hokkaido experience heavy snows and are great for skiing. The rest of Japan may experience small snowfalls. There are fewer tourists, expect in Takayama as the area looks especially beautiful in winter.
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What’s new? Cherry Blossom Season Cherry Blossom is an important part of Japanese culture and scenery, as both a signifier of the changing seasons and the unofficial national flower. The seasonal spectacle is celebrated with hanami parties under the trees.
Sento & Onsen in Tokyo & Vicinity Japanese traditional baths, Sento and Onsen, are targeting tourists as demand starts to fall with busy locals. These relaxing spa-type experiences are a great way to experience authentic Japanese tradition.
Spring Rose Festival Kyu Furukawa Gardens is nationally regarded as a place of unique and rare beauty. The grounds have not only preserved style from the early Taisho period, they’re also known for their dainty rose flowers.
Kanazama Shinkansen Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet train has extended its service to Kanazawa, where connections are easy to get to Kyoto. Kanazawa is a great destination in itself with one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. 16
Why Travel with Buffalo Tours? Buffalo Tours Japan
Why travel with Buffalo Tours? Buffalo Tours Japan is proud to extend the expertise and passion of 21 years of travel management to those seeking out the wonders of Japan. Our flexible strategy, with client’s needs forefront and centre, has adapted our strengths to meet the demands of this distinct destination. We focus on: • • •
Convenient and comprehensive transport services to make travelling between each unique destination flawless, and an experience in itself. Going beyond the traditional coach bus tour with unique and interactive experiences that highlight local traditions and people. Great value and a flexible touring style to suit any price point and itinerary.
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The perfect blend of guided and independent touring Our commitment to value means we will help clients navigate the intricacies of tourism in Japan and support everything they wish to discover at best price, whatever the price point. If this means no guide then we give our clients the tools they need to discover their own Japan. An ideal itinerary will include half day and full day private tours as introductions to each destination. Our expert guides will then set clients up with information, tickets and advice for how to spend their following days self-guided, with all services offered through Buffalo Tours. These include: • • • •
Rail passes (private and public) Entrance passes (museums and sites) Activities (tea ceremonies and cooking classes) Hotels (3-5*, plus Ryokans)
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Bringing it all together A truly unique journey
Japan Highlights | 15D
For the perfect first-time visitor, explore the very best of Japan on an illuminating journey from Tokyo to Kyoto. •
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From frenetic urban streets to historic icons, this highlights tour encompasses the dynamic and fascinating allure of Japan in two weeks. Take in the natural wonders of Mount Fuji and Takayama, the cultural highlights of Kanazawa and Kyoto and the history of Hiroshima. 21
Essential Japan | 10D
Taste of Japan | 8D
For the perfect first-time visitor with limited time, explore the very best of Japan on an illuminating journey from Tokyo to Kyoto. These are shorter versions of the Japan Highlights • •
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Begin your journey in the pulsing, urban metropolis of Tokyo. Settle in for a traditional experience within an old-fashioned Ryokan inn in Hakone and enjoy a delicious multi-course meal before a soak in the Onsen hot springs. Within the traditional districts of the geisha and samurai in Kyoto, get a fascinating firsthand look at the country’s history. 22
Transportation Local transport and the Japan Rail Pass
Japan’s Local Transport City Transport Transport in Japanese cities is fast, clean and efficient. We have tried to incorporate this as much as possible into our itineraries as private transport costs can be prohibitive. All cities provide reasonably priced transport cards.
• Local transport will be the preferred option for tours • Private transport can be provided on request but it is not cost effective • Local transport is suitable for all ages and nearly all motilities
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Japan Rail Pass Unlimited Travel The Japan Rail Pass provides unlimited 7, 14 and 21 day travel on all JR train lines, ferries and buses. It is the most cost efficient way to travel in Japan. A 7 day pass is only a little more than a return Tokyo to Kyoto fare.
• Can only be issued to people visiting Japan on a tourist visa. • A voucher is exchanged on arrival in Japan using their passport, at specific JR Rail Pass exchange offices. • The rail pass entitles people to a reserved seat but tickets can only be issued after the voucher is exchanged for a rail pass. • The starting date can be specified and does not need to be the same day the voucher is exchanged. 25
Our Tours Buffalo Tours’ Top Picks
Japan Tours : Tokyo Tokyo Pop Culture Afternoon Private Set off on a guided walking journey in the iconic district of Harajuku, a dazzling residential area famous for quirky design and bold, youthful fashion. Wander through backstreets, visit a maid cafe, experience Japanese youth culture and enjoy some shopping in Tokyo’s most fascinating commercial districts ! • Enjoy the eccentric trends of Japanese youth and discover its roots in the district of Harajuku. • Watch the fascinating fashion mecca unfold with a wander through the streets, admiring the boutiques and bold design. • Visit Akihabara the centre of Anime and “Otaku” Culture.
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Japan Tours : Tokyo Asakusa and Sensoji Temple Walk Private Take a guided walk through the old “shitmachi” districts of Tokyo visiting Japans oldest shopping street Nakamise Dori which leads to Senso-ji with it’s giant red lanterns. Visit Kappabashi, or kitchen street, which furnishes Tokyo’s restaurants.
• See one of Tokyo’s most picturesque temples. • Visit shops that have been around for over a century. • Take in the variety of products available at Kappabashi Kitchen Street ,with everything from cutlery and shop fittings to the plastic display food used outside restaurants.
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Japan Tours : Kyoto Gion Kimono Tour Private Explore the Gion Geisha district of Kyoto in the most local way you can, in a traditional kimono! Be fitted and styled before embarking on your walk around the Gion District. The pictures you take on this tour will be unforgettable.
• Be fitted and styled with a kimono from a choice of over 200 designs. • Visit Yasaka Shrine, the local colourful shrine of the area. • Learn about Geisha and their lives in the old style streets.
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Japan Tours : Kyoto The Zen of Temples And Tea Private Tour From Yasaka Shrine next to Gion make your way through the preserved Higashiyama Temple District. Take part in a Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional home before visiting a neighboring Zen temple garden with original tea houses.
• Visit Ninenzaka, a preserved street with restored shop houses to imagine Kyoto of yesteryear. • Learn about the zen of tea at a traditional ceremony. • Relax in the Zen Gardens of Kodaiji Temple and view it’s lavishly decorated buildings.
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Japan Tours : Kyoto Morning Bento Class Take part in a morning Bento Cooking Class to learn about this classic lunch favourite. Focus on typical Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura and miso soup. This is a great way to learn about the cultural background of the Japanese “Bento” and take a few tips home too.
• Cook 4 to 5 dishes to make a boxed bento lunch and enjoy your bento at the end of your lesson. • Wear “samue” buddhist monk working clothes. • There is also an Izakaya (Japanese style pub food) afternoon class.
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Japan Tours : Osaka Osaka Castle and Aqualiner Private On this half day tour, visit Osaka Castle and learn about the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for almost 300 years. Then take the Aqualiner for a short cruise to get a different perspective of Osaka from the rivers and canals.
• Visit Osaka Castle, reconstructed to show what it looked like 400 years ago. • Learn about the Shoguns that ruled Japan. • Relax aboard the Aqualiner and take in the views of Osaka on this hour long cruise.
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Japan Tours : Hiroshima Peace Museum and Miyajima Full Day Private Tour Explore the city of Hiroshima by public transport and it’s famous trams that were donated from all over Japan to help build the city after the Second World War. Take a ferry to Miyajima where deer roam freely in the forests and sleep on the paths. • Experience the incredible Peace Museum and Peace Park. • Travel on the historic Hiroshima trams. • Pay a visit to Miyajima and view the floating Tori Gate from Itsukushima shrine.
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“Changing Lives through Travel”
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