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Japan holiday, ancient and modern

COUNTRY:
Japan
HOLIDAY TYPE:
A small group adventure
DEPARTURES:
2012: 23 Mar, 30 Mar, 6 Apr, 13 Apr, 10 May, 28 Sep, 12 Oct
2013: 22 Mar, 29 Mar, 5 Apr, 12 Apr, 19 Apr, 27 Sep, 11 Oct
PRICE:
From £3499 - £3649 (16 days) including UK flights
MORE INFO:
From £2799 - £2849 excluding flights. Single supplement £515.
VOUCHERS:
Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday
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Japan holiday, ancient and modern

Japan holiday, ancient and modern

Small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.

How this holiday makes a difference

As a part of our continued commitment to responsible tourism, we operate this trip in a way that aims to reduce impacts and to give as much back as possible to the local communities.

We use predominantly locally owned and run accommodation. Where possible this is Ryokans. These are traditional Japanese guesthouses and are locally owned and run. By using them we hope to not only contribute to the local economy but also provide an insight into local culture. We use a Japan’s excellent rail system to get around on the trip. This means that the huge journeys across Japan are by rail not by the more polluting air travel.

We have had a long-term relationship with our operator who has experience with working with National Geographic and supports responsible tourism initiatives. We use a UK leaders to assist our local oprator and they already committed to Responsible Tourism, have received training and get additional refresher training on a regular basis. The leaders will give a briefing on Responsible Tourism issues to help you understand how you can help reduce you impact and maximise the benefits of your visit. The group size is limited to 16 to reduce cultural and environmental impacts.

We have at our offices worked to reduce our carbon footprint through a reduction of energy use and energy conservation measures. We also actively try reduce the waste produced by having active reduction and recycling policies in place. We run annual staff workshops on Responsible Tourism. Global warming is a reality and to help you make a difference by reducing the carbon dioxide that is produced when you travel we offer a chance to carbon balance your flights. We encourage all our clients to do this and do so for all our staff travel. Go on do your bit!

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Story of the holiday provider

This tour operator was the first to get access to China over 30 years ago and the first to take a truck to Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side. They have since expanded into 91 countries. Their product is driven by their clients because they listen to feedback and have to constantly evolve to provide a greater experience and better value. The exclusive centres they use have been grown organically and are often owned by ex-leaders. The holidays remain innovative, though you will now be travelling in a Mercedes 16-seater sprinter coach rather than a rusty old Bedford overland truck.

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Holiday provider no: 55

Japan holiday, ancient and modern

Reviewed 20 Apr 2009 by Cindy Faithfull5 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


being in a totally different culture, the people were so friendly and helpful, it was the best!

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


take plenty of money and be prepared to eat different foods and go with the flow

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


yes

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


fab

Reviewed 08 Apr 2009 by Julia Young5 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


So many to choose from! Watching the sumo world championships in Osaka there was a terrific moment when the crowd went wild as a top wrestler lost his bout - cushions in the air! It was a great sight... and every time we found another new vista complete with cherry blossoms, such as the donjon at Matsumoto, with the snowy Japanese Alps as backdrop, I realised how lucky I was to be there. Best for me though was perhaps a lovely outdoor hot spring bath overlooking the forest near Jigokudani Yaen-koen, pure heaven! No! The Itsukishima Shrine off Miyajima Island - plus how everyone made my birthday so special (thanks Steve!). Every day was exciting from start to finish.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Top tips - chat to Japanese people as you go - they are so friendly! I had great chats with people on the trains, in the onsen, in the grounds of places we visited, at the sumo! It made it all the more interesting.... plus - check the weather & be prepared...

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


I was really happy to stay in the ryokans, and to eat in smaller restaurants (even if they groaned with size of our group all at once sometimes) and it was good to see that our guide, Steve, was on good terms with the people at all these places, which helped make me feel we were getting down to local benefit from our visit. We travelled almost exclusively by train, and not only did this seem more eco friendly and efficient, it was relaxing and a great way to see the countryside. Full marks.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


My holiday was absolutely fantastic - I have never had such a great time, never loved somewhere so much, never actually had my breath taken away so often, absorbed so much atmosphere, relaxed so completely or felt so carefree and happy as I did on this trip to Japan - and I have travelled super extensively. I was happy all the time, my expectations were greatly met and then exceeded - it was beautiful and perfect!
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Holiday Reviews

We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!

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