Golden Route Plus
11 days featuring Kyoto, Tokyo, Kanazawa and Takayama
The best introduction to Japanese language and culture is a learning program combining large cities with visits to regional towns, showcasing old and new cultural experiences.
Travelling by high speed train the program is easily adapted to visit your sister school or for any other cultural experience you may like to add.
Inclusions
- Return economy airfares and taxes
- 2 nights accommodation Tokyo*
- 1 night accommodation Takayama
- 1 night accommodation Kanazawa
- 3 nights accommodation Kyoto
- Transfers as required by private coach
- JR Rail Pass (7 day)
- Entrance fees to attractions as required
- Am meals as listed I the itinerary
- Entrance fees as listed in the itinerary and as required
*depending on your flight arrival times
Tour Exclusions
- Passport and visa fees and charges
- Personal expenses (i.e. laundry)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Excess baggage charges (if applicable)
Important Travel Insurance Information
FBI Travel will be able to assist you with the costs on a case by case basis and help you with a travel insurance policy to cover you as required. If you have pre-existing medical conditions which require additional cover please contact FBI Travel for assistance.
Tour Itinerary
Golden Route Tour plus
Day 1: Australia - Tokyo
On arrival into Tokyo meet our representative after you collect your luggage. They will assist you with your JR Pass exchange (if required) before your group transfers to your hotel (by train or coach) and check in.
Experienced teachers may choose to follow their own sightseeing path today using the train network to see places of interest. Alternatively, we will recommend an itinerary today which will see you returning to your hotel mid-afternoon to rest before dinner this evening at your hotel.
Please note you may be on an overnight flight and check in may not be possible. Drop your bags at the hotel and continue with your program for today.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Tokyo
After breakfast there is much to see today. Take the train to Odaiba Island and visit Miraikan Science Museum, Sony Explorascience Centre and Toyota Megaweb Centre before returning to your hotel later this afternoon. Enjoy lunch at the Diver Street Food Court (OA). Dinner is arranged this evening.
A guide can be arranged for today if the teacher is not experienced in leading a group but is not considered necessary due to the ease of getting around the Japanese train network.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Tokyo
After breakfast make your way to Disneyland, returning later this afternoon. Dinner is OA this evening.
For those groups not visiting Disneyland today we can provide suggestions for a full day of language and cultural learning including a visit to Ikebukuro Disaster and Emergency Centre, sushi making (including lunch) and a visit to Tokyo Skytree for spectacular views across Tokyo. We also recommend leaving some leisure time later this afternoon for exploring downtown Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Tokyo – Yamanashi Prefecture – Tokyo
After breakfast meet your guide and board your private coach for travel to Yamanashi Prefecture. Visit Mt Fuji Heritage Centre before making your way up to Mt Fuji 5th Station for lunch (OA) and views of the summit, weather permitting! Then make your way to the Maglev Exhibition Centre for an exhilarating view of the new Maglev train travelling at 600 kms p/h, while learning about the advanced technology employed and future plans for the Maglev rail network. Return to Tokyo late afternoon and prepare for dinner this evening.
We can also offer schools an environment and sustainability experience at Mt Fuji showcasing sustainable farming methods, tuna fishing and more. Contact us for more information.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Tokyo – Takayama
After breakfast, head to the station for your morning train to Takayama (3 hours). On arrival, meet our representative and head to your nearby hotel and check in. Buy your lunch at the station to eat on the train.
The afternoon is for you to wander around the old village, see local exhibits and visit temples and other places of cultural significance. Enjoy the slower pace of life before dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6: Takayama – Shirakawa – Kanazawa
After breakfast meet your private coach for the trip to Shirakawa (1 hour). Spend time visiting the traditional village of Shirakawa-go and buy lunch here before heading onto Kanazawa. Arrive at your hotel and check in and enjoy some leisure time before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Kanazawa – Kyoto
After breakfast you will visit the highlight of Kanazawa, the well preserved Edo-period village. Compact and easy to navigate, the history of the Samurai, Geisha and the trade merchants is easily accessible and a highlight of your program. Enjoy your day in Kanazawa before boarding the highspeed train later this afternoon for travel to Kyoto. Arrive and check in to your hotel near Kyoto station. Dinner is OA this evening, we recommend the food court beneath your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Kyoto
After breakfast explore Kyoto (self-guided) and all its cultural highlights. From temples, pavilions palaces and shrines the choice is yours but be sure to allow time to visit the spectacular Teramachi and Shinkyogoku market and shopping district during the day. Dinner is arranged for this evening at a local restaurant.
We can suggest a walking itinerary for today, including some travel by local bus. Please contact us for more information.
A guide can be provided for today for teachers not experienced with leading groups in Japan
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9: Kyoto
After breakfast you have options for today. Popular suggestions are:
- A day trip to Nara
- Day trip to Osaka and Universal Studios
- Day trip to Osaka Aquarium and Legoland Japan
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Monkey Park and market district for shopping
Return to your hotel in time for dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10: Kyoto – Australia
After breakfast enjoy some leisure time for some last minute souvenir shopping before transferring to the airport for your return home
Flight times vary, both day and night flights are available
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Australia
Return home
Meals: Breakfast
Register and reserve your place now.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the FBI Educational Group Travel Department on (03) 8573 0900 or email marcusl@fbitravel.com.au
Terms & Conditions:*Itinerary subject to change.