8 Day Independent Wonders of Japan

• Incredible sightseeing, including the ancient Sensoji Temple, explore the buzzing cities of Tokyo and Osaka, and experience the iconic shinkansen bullet train
• 7 nights in central 3-star hotels (4-star upgrade available)
• Daily Breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
• Full Day Tokyo tour including lunch
• Osaka downtown foodie tour including dinner
• Ride the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka
• Stay in the heart of Tokyo and Osaka
• Optional day trips to Mt Fuji, Nikko and Kyoto (additional cost)
• Option to extend your trip to Hiroshima

• Osaka – Visit the expansive grounds of Osaka Castle, a grand monument of feudal Japan
• Osaka – Stroll through lively, colourful Dōtonbori and Shinsaibashi
• Kyoto – See this ancient capital’s most famous temples and shrines – Kinkakuji, Heian Jingu and Fushimi Inari
• Kyoto – Revel in the lush, peaceful green splendour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Naruto – See some of the greatest whirlpools in the world in the Naruto Strait
• Takamatsu – Explore exquisite Ritsurin Garden, a National Treasure
• Matsuyama – View beautiful Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s few original surviving castles
• Matsuyama - See the history of the oldest hot springs in Japan - Dogo Onsen
• Beppu – Tour the Hells of Beppu, a bizarre series of hot springs
• Nagasaki – Discover the devastating effects of the atomic bomb at the Atomic Bomb Museum
• Nagasaki – See the grand European mansions of Nagasaki’s past at Glover Garden
• Hiroshima – Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Genbaku Dome to understand the tragedies of Japan’s past

This is a land only package.

This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination. 

The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.

It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, CLICK HERE.

Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.

If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.

If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.

Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”

Leisurely Paced Tour: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.

Tipping

Tipping in Canada is a complex cultural practice. While not technically mandatory, it's deeply ingrained in the service industry and considered a crucial part of an employee's income. Understanding the tipping etiquette can be confusing for visitors, as it varies depending on the type of service, location, and even the bill amount. Here is some information to assist you with tipping in the Canada.

Tipping in the Canada is expected, but not mandatory. Generally 15-20% of the bill (before tax) is considered standard for good service, while higher tips are customary for exceptional service. Some restaurants may automatically add gratuity, so check your bill carefully. 

Tipping your tour leader in the Canada is not as common as tipping in restaurants, but it's certainly a kind gesture and a way to show your appreciation for their hard work and guidance throughout your trip. If you had a good experience, CAD$5-$10 per person per day is a decent starting point. For exceptional service or longer tours, aim for CAD$10-$20 or a lump sum at the end.

Ultimately, tipping your tour leader is a personal decision. If you felt they provided a valuable service and made your trip more enjoyable, a tip is a thoughtful way to express your thanks. Remember, even a small gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation for their hard work.

While navigating the intricacies of tipping can feel overwhelming at first, understanding the basics will ensure you navigate this cultural practice confidently during your visit to Canada.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.

Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:

1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $768.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.

2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement. 

You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub

During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.

Luggage Requirements
Please note that to enhance everyone's comfort during the tour we have a strict luggage allowance of one suitcase per person. This policy helps us ensure a more spacious and enjoyable travel experience for all. If you have excess luggage, please contact our sales team as soon as possible, for arrangements to be made.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package, different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveler has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:

• Independent - On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible.

All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.

Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.

It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.

To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

• Nikko World Heritage 1 Day Tour by bus with lunch (Day 3) - $256 per person
• Mt Fuji Day Tour by bullet train with lunch (Day 4) - $333 per person
• Green Tea Ceremony in Tokyo - Morning (Day 4) - $83 per person
• Tsukiji Market Tour & Sushi-Making Experience (Day 3) - $358 per person
• Kyoto 1 Day Tour from Osaka by bus with lunch (Day 6) - $269 per person
• Osaka Walking 1 Day Tour by public transportation with lunch (Day 6) - $256 per person

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

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