When the famous Haiku poet Matsuo Basho set off on his pilgrimage to the North he was to discover rural Japan, a land of lush landscapes and rich in legend. As you journey through the pilgrimage towns of Tohoku and on to remote Sado Island you’ll experience some of the same Japan as the great poet.

The bustling capital city is where you'll start your journey, with a stay in the historic Asakusa area of Tokyo. Your hotel is close to Senso-ji temple, the focal point of the traditions of this old city. As the neon glow of Tokyo fades over the horizon your first stop is Nikko with the opulent shrines and temples of Tosho-gu. Amidst the lush greenery of the national park you will feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Highlights include the impressive Kegon waterfalls, the hot spring temple at Yumoto and a cable car ride for some great views of Chuzenji Lake as well as hiking trails if you wish.

During your stay in Sendai there are two day trip opportunities; Matsushima with its island studded bay, or Yamadera, home to an impressive temple complex clinging to the side of the mountain.

Nyuto Onsen is one of Japan's very best hot spring destinations and here you will stay at a historic ryokan with its own wonderful waters to enjoy. Hidden amongst forests the selection of spas is fantastic. You can also visit Lake Tazawa from here and during the summer months a hike on Mt. Komagatake is an option too.

Travel on via the attractive port town of Akita to Mt. Haguro where you'll stay as a true pilgrim at an atmospheric shukubo (pilgrim's lodgings), where the spirit of the Yamabushi (mountain priests) still lives on.

Stunning coastal landscapes await you at Sado Island where we have arranged for you to pick up a hire car so that you can fully explore the island. Begin your touring perhaps by taking the breathtaking skyline road and visiting the fascinating gold mine which in its day was one of the
most productive in the world. In the evening you may have the chance to catch a performance of traditional noh theatre.

Transport includes several journeys on the incredible high-speed Shinkansen 'Bullet Train', and a guide service is included in Tokyo and Nikko, giving an excellent introduction to Japan. With six evening meals included as well as breakfast every day, this is also a food lover's tour; traditional vegetarian temple cuisine in Haguro-san matched by multi-course feasts at your ryokan stays means you will never go hungry!

Sendai volunteering option

We are happy to announce a two night volunteering option in collaboration with the non-profit organisation "It's Not Just Mud". Why not get stuck in helping communities affected by the Tohoku tsunami? You'll be working alongside local people in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture either helping with some light physical labour or helping at community events taking place at temporary housing centres and sports centres.

If you take this option then will travel from Nikko to Sendai on Day 6 and spend the afternoon sightseeing as planned. You will then stay in basic accommodation in Ishinomaki for two nights as a Volunteer. Volunteers share rooms (single sex), sleeping on futons. Simple but hearty meals are included and cooked together on site. Day 7 will be spent doing volunteer work. On Day 8 you will rejoin the standard itinerary for the journey to Nyuto Onsen.

Inside Japan Tours will make a donation to "It's Not Just Mud" for each volunteer. The donation will be equal to the cost of two nights in the Sendai hotel.

Prices:
2012
Standard:
Twin: Ł2380 Single: Ł3020

Upgrade:
Twin: Ł2930 Single: Ł3980

Click for full details of pricing including extra nights

What's Included:

14 nights accommodation in Japan (6 nights Japanese style)
InsideJapan Tours' complimentary Info-Pack
Breakfast every day
6 evening meals
Meet and Greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport
Most transport between destinations incl. airport transfers
4 day flexi East Japan Rail Pass and Nikko Free Pass
Tokyo Pasmo card for use on subway
Car hire on Sado Island (Toyota Vitz or similar)
8 hours private guide service in Tokyo
1/2 day private guide service in Nikko incl. entrance fees and lunch
Tokyo transport card with 2,500 yen of credit

What's NOT Included:

International Flights
Local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination (unless covered by the included passes)
Day 11/12 – Taxi transfers to/from Haguro-san
Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums (except during Nikko guiding)
Petrol (gas) for car hire
Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The prices above are guaranteed for all bookings made at least four weeks prior to the start date of your package. Bookings made less than four weeks prior to the start date of your package are accepted on a case by case basis and there may be changes to the price.

Supplements

There is no seasonal supplement for this itinerary

Black Out Dates
Please note that during certain Japanese holiday periods, the prices detailed in the web-site & in the brochure are NOT valid for packages if any of the nights' accommodation fall within the following dates:

New Year - 29th December to 4th January
Golden Week - 29th April to 5th May
Obon Festival - 9th August to 17th August

Please contact us for pricing if your trip falls within any of these periods.

Included evening meals are in Nikko (2), Nyuto Onsen (1), Mt. Haguro (1)and Sado Island (2)

Please download a PDF of our terms and conditions (135k).

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Tokyo

Meals: None

You’ll be met on arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport and will be given the tickets for your by express train and taxi transfer to your Tokyo hotel. Asakusa is the historic quarter of the capital city and home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. You have the remainder of today to settle in and explore the nearby sights all just footsteps from your hotel. There are numerous restaurants nearby and plenty of exciting options to ease you into your Japanese experience.

Day 2 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll be met at your hotel by an English speaking guide - a great chance to ask questions and hear a local’s insight into Tokyo and Japan. The plan today is up to you; perhaps visit Hama Rikyu gardens, followed by a walk to the impressive Meiji Shrine and a view of Tokyo from the Metropolitan Government Buildings. Your guide will have plenty of suggestions and the Info-Pack we provide in advance is also full of ideas. The day is very flexible allowing you to get a good taste of the city.

Day 3 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

You have another full day in Tokyo to explore this fantastic city using your transport pass or you could perhaps visit the nearby seaside town of Kamakura. Exciting Tokyo has plenty to offer but Kamakura is a short trip away although many miles away from Tokyo in terms of atmosphere and environment with gardens and temples as well as the Great Buddha watching over the town.

Day 4 Nikko

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Travel to Nikko will be by local train. As for all your journeys full instructions will be in your Info-Pack. You’ll be met on arrival by a local guide and lunch is included. The craftsmanship of the Tosho-gu shrines is truly amazing - keep an eye out for the “hear-no-evil” monkeys carved into the buildings. Your hotel this evening is a short walk from Tosho-gu – possibly the closest you’ll ever stay to a World Heritage site. A sumptuous dinner is included this evening and tomorrow night

Day 5 Nikko

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

You’ll have a full day to explore the National Park and discover a wealth of natural beauty and the local transport is covered by the included bus pass. Highlights include the impressive Kegon waterfalls, the hot spring temple at Yumoto and a cable car ride for some great views of Chuzen-ji Lake as well as hiking trails if you wish.

Day 6 Sendai

Meals: Breakfast

You will take the local train, transferring to the ‘Bullet Train’ on to the city of Sendai, the gateway to the north. You will stay at one of the city’s newest hotels set in a great location giving you easy access to everything in the city. Just a short walk from the station, you will be able to use the loop bus taking in historical sights such as the castle ruins and the mausoleum of Sendai’s founding father, Date Masamune. Sendai is a modern city with a rich history. You may also like to try Sendai’s speciality food tonight – Gyuutan otherwise known as cow’s tongue. We also have a volunteering option in Sendai - see the text to the right and ask us for details.

Day 7 Sendai

Meals: Breakfast

This second day in Sendai will give you the chance to visit the famous island-studded bay of Matsushima. Although the characterisations of the various little islands as tortoises, whales and human profiles may stretch your imagination, this is a beautiful area and the boat trip around the bay is well worthwhile. The small town of Matsushima also has a sleepy temple complex to wander around with a fine collection of Japanese art. In the evening you’ll be free to sample some of the local cuisine in Matsushima or Sendai.

Day 8 Nyuto Onsen

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Once again, you will board the ‘Bullet Train’ taking you much further north to Tazawa-ko station. From here it is a local bus ride into the surrounding mountains to your destination, Nyuto Onsen. Quite simply one of the most impressive hot springs in Japan, the baths here are scattered through forests and mountains and are a real treat! Dinner is again included at your Japanese style ryokan.

Day 9 Akita

Meals: Breakfast

Before moving on today to Akita, we recommend stopping off at either Lake Tazawa (for a cycle around the lake or a boat cruise across) or Kakunodate (for its samurai houses). In Akita itself you can enjoy some fine sea food as well as enjoy a stroll through Senshu-koen Park created from the ruins of the old Kubota Castle.

Day 10 Mt Haguro

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Today you will travel south down the Japan Sea Coast before heading inland once more to Mt. Haguro, one of the Dewa Sanzan sacred mountains. Here you will be staying at a pilgrim's lodging (shukubo) which is a fantastic experience with great meals included. For the full experience you will need to make the pilgrimage up the 2446 steps to the top of the mountain (or there is a bus!). You may also wish to visit the Yamabushi museum in the centre of Haguro village.

Day 11 Niigata

Meals: Breakfast

You will take the express train to the western coastal city of Niigata. This small city is the main port for the western board of Japan and is renowned for its excellent sea food. There is plenty to offer in the city with an array of restaurants and good bars to choose from in the evening. You will be staying in a western style hotel close to the station and close to the best food and drink in town.

Day 12 Sado Island

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

You will take the ferry from Niigata to Sado Island today. The sixth biggest of Japan’s islands, Sado was used as the place of harshest exile for opponents of the ruling dynasties. Dangerous political opponents were banished here to live side by side with subversive artists, playwrights and actors; thus developed Sado’s uniquely rich culture and heritage. On arrival at Sado’s main port we have arranged for you to pick up a hire car and from there it’s a short drive to your Japanese-style accommodation. After dropping off your bags, you may want to begin your touring of the island perhaps taking the breathtaking skyline road and visiting the fascinating gold mine which in its day was one of the most productive in the world.

Day 13 Sado Island

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Today you will be able to take the car out and explore this beautiful island. As well as the natural sights, you may be lucky enough to encounter the Sado drummers or you may want to visit one of the islands sake distilleries. You will have another traditional meal included today which will include crab for which the island is renowned.

Day 14 Tokyo*

Meals: Breakfast

After dropping off your car, you will take the ferry back to the mainland and head for your final ‘Bullet Train’ journey back to the capital city. You will be staying in Shinjuku, the heart of Tokyo for a final night and neon finale to your trip.

Day 15 Depart

Meals: Breakfast

It’s time to head home. You will travel by bus back to Narita Airport where you take your flight onwards.

Photos

Chuzonji, Hiraizumi's ancient temple complex

Taiko drum workshop on Sado Island

Sightseeing boats on the Geibikei Gorge

The pilgrim route, Mt. Haguro

Matsushima Bay at sunset

The pagoda at Mt. Haguro is over 300 years old and marks the start of the pilgrimage climb

Prayers and wishes at a Kyoto temple

The view from Sado Skyline Road

Pricing Information

2012
Standard Price:		Ł2380 (Single Price: Ł3020)
Upgrade Price:		Ł2930 (Single Price: Ł3980)

Extra Nights:
Standard Grade
	Start: Twin Share pp Ł65 Single pp Ł65 End: Twin Share pp Ł65 Single pp Ł80
Superior Grade
	Start: Twin Share pp Ł90 Single pp Ł110 End: Twin Share pp Ł115 Single pp Ł175

Accommodation

Standard

Upgrade

Asakusa Blue Wave Inn

Tokyo

Moderate Hotel

The Blue Wave Inn is located just a stone's throw from Sensoji Temple, the oldest and most venerated in Tokyo. Rooms are modern and bright and fully en-suite. The Ginza and Asakusa subway lines are just a short walk away meaning access to the rest of Tokyo is easy and the nearby Tobu line provides direct trains to Nikko.

Nikko Oedo Onsen Kirifuri

Nikko

Japanese Style

The Oedo Onsen Kirifuri is a Japanese style ryokan hotel designed and operated by Oedo Onsen, a hot springs specialist company from Tokyo. As you would expect, there are some great hot spring baths here to try both indoors and outside. Massage and spa services are also offered and you will also find a swimming pool (summer only), indoor tennis court, table tennis room, karaoke room and gift shops. The Kirifuri is located in the green countryside of Nikko, a 15 minute ride by complimentary shuttle bus from Nikko station. Some great walks as well as the World Heritage sights of Nikko are close at hand.

Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai

Sendai

Business Hotel

Opened in 2008 and located just 6 minutes on foot from Sendai Station, this hotel has a real touch of class about it - modern rooms and sleek, sophisticated public spaces. The hotel has its own restaurant which does a great breakfast buffet.

Nyuto Onsen Tsurunoyu

Nyuto Onsen

Ryokan (JP)

The Tsurunoyu is the jewel in the crown of the stunning collection of 6 hot spring ryokan in Nyuto Onsen. It features beautiful outdoor and indoor hot springs baths for which people travel across Japan to sample. You'll be staying here so will have extended access! Food is a real treat too and the traditional Japanese style rooms are very atmospheric. Set within a forest this is hot spring bathing par excellence!

Richmond Hotel Akita

Akita

Business Hotel

The Richmond Akita is a smart business hotel located just a few minutes stroll from the train station. Opened in 2009 the rooms are all western style, modern, en suite and with Internet access. A tasty Japanese buffet breakfast is served in the hotel’s own restaurant. All in all a great value base for your time in northern Japan.

Katsukane Shukubo

Mt Haguro

Shukubo (JP)

The Katsukane Shukubo is a traditional inn with thatched roof and wooden construction located at the foot of Mt. Haguro just a few steps from the pilgrims trail leading to the top of this sacred mountain. Rooms are traditional Japanese style with bathing at the shared but private use bath house. Vegetarian pilgrim's meals are served and the Shukubo gives a very warm welcome indeed.

Niigata Tokyu Inn

Niigata

Business Hotel

Located immediately outside the main exit to Niigata Station, the Tokyu Inn is a business hotel providing good quality, comfortable accommodation. Free internet is available in all rooms along with complimentary coffee and green tea. The hotel has two restaurants one of which specialises in Shabu-Shabu.

Kagetsu

Sado Island

Ryokan (JP)

Kagetsu is a Japanese style hotel located a short taxi ride or 15 minute walk from the ferry terminal in Ryotsu. The hotel features a garden running down to Kamo Lake, hot spring baths and nice Japanese style rooms.

Shinjuku Sunroute Plaza

Tokyo

Moderate Hotel

The Shinjuku Sunroute Plaza is conveniently located on the south side of Shinjuku station and opened in late 2007. The building has a sleek and modern design throughout, from the spacious lobby area to the well-appointed guestrooms, which offer flatscreen TV with video-on-demand and spacious bathrooms. The hotel has its own restaurant and bar and also a guest lounge providing internet access and complimentary hot drinks. The hotel is in a fantastic location in the lively Shinjuku district of Tokyo, with an endless choice of shopping, dining and entertainment options within a few minutes' walk. The hotel is also just two minutes on foot from Shinjuku station, offering easy access to other areas of the city.

Asakusa View Hotel

Tokyo

Superior Hotel

Located in the heart of Tokyo's most traditional district, the Asakusa View Hotel offers 5 star accommodation and friendly service. Directly outside the hotel is Tokyo's newest subway line, the Tsukuba Express which links Asakusa with Akihabara electronics district. The View Hotel is the best hotel in this area and as the name suggests, the upper floors command great views over Tokyo, with the sky bar a great place to unwind at the end of the day whilst enjoying a drink and the spectacular view. The hotel has a pool and fitness centre (extra charge applies).

Senhime Monogatari

Nikko

Deluxe Hotel

The Senhime Monogatari is situated in an ideal location just a short walking distance from the Toshogu Shrine World Heritate Site. All the Japanese style ensuite rooms face the Otani river, with separate inddor and outdoor hot spring baths also available. A choice of Western or Japanese-style breakfast is served, and dinners using local seasonal ingredients can be served in the room.

Hotel Metropolitan Sendai

Sendai

Superior Hotel

This is a smart hotel which has all the facilities you would expect and is located just a short stroll from Sendai station. The hotel has a number of restaurants. "Hayase" serves Japanese food, "Tori" specialises in Chinese whilst "Palphony" is a coffee shop open from 0700 to 2300. The Sky Lounge "Bellechapeau" offers great views of the city and is a good place to enjoy a relaxing drink in the evening. The hotel has its own Jacuzzi and sauna and 24hr room service is available.

Yama no Yado

Nyuto Onsen

Standard Ryokan (JP)

The Yama no Yado is a small traditional inn with just a dozen rooms, situated one kilometre from Tsurunoyu onsen. Guests can use the hot spring baths at the inn, as well as having free access to Tsurunoyu. The restaurant serves nabe - fresh mountain vegetables and tofu in an iron pot with udon noodles - as well as the local speciality, wild deer sashimi.

Hotel Nikko Niigata

Niigata

Superior Hotel

The Nikko Hotel which is located on the banks of the river Shinano, Japan’s longest river. The building towers skywards and has been designed to look like a luxury liner floating on the river. This is a top class five star hotel and has a range of restaurants and bars and all the facilities you would expect from an international hotel of this quality. The views from the Sky restaurant and bar are spectacular.

Yoshidaya Ryokan

Sado Island

Ryokan (JP)

This Japanese-style hotel has a wonderful view of the Lake Kamo, the salt water lake which is fed from the Sea of Japan. There are 70 Japanese-style rooms, and each guest room has its own private bath and toilet. The hotel has hot spring baths for both women and men and on the roof there are outdoor hot spring baths with a commanding views of the lake. Fresh locally caught seafood will be the dish of the day here.

Hilton Hotel Tokyo

Tokyo

Superior Hotel

The 5 Star Hilton Hotel is located amidst Shinjuku's sparkling skyscrapers and makes for a fantastic base for a stay in the capital city. The bright lights and excitement of Shinjuku are just a short walk (or complimentary shuttle bus ride) away and the excellent transport links make for quick access to all of Tokyo - the hotel is directly connected to a subway stop. The spacious rooms, which feature nice Japanese touches such as shoji screens, have stunning views over the city and are all newly refurbished. The hotel boasts a choice of seven top quality restaurants and bars as well as a 24/7 fitness centre (extra fee applies) with indoor swimming pool and roof top tennis courts. The hotel is renowned for its service with English speaking staff on hand to offer advice and recommendations for your time in Tokyo.