Japan SAMPLE ITINERARY

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1 Japan SAMPLE ITINERARY Despite its long history and prominent position on the global stage Japan remains a tantalizing mystery to most of the world. Boasting a truly unique cultural heritage and rich in scenic wonders Japan offers all the ingredients for a memorable and invigorating holiday in the Far East. The Culinary Wonders of Japan STAY IMMERSE INDULGE SAVOR

2 Value How we compare Rarely does the cheapest option lead to a good experience. But that doesn t mean you want value for money. We have compared some tours for you across a range of cost levels to see what some other luxury providers charge, you may find it interesting Abercrombie & Kent Signature China & Pingyao From $6,695 per person This is the cheapest private tour available, not customized to your specific tastes but off-the-shelf. This 11-night journey certainly includes many highlights but is very light on unique features you wouldn tfind on any other itinerary. Hotels are very good but stock choices not aimed at catering to individual tastes. There is almost no family aspect to the trip and therefore only suitable for those looking for a superficial overview of Chinese culture. A similar tour with Mandarin Journeys, tailored to your tastes and featuring the highest quality service would cost around 15% less. Artisans of Leisure Best of Japan From $28,175 per person Undoubtedly a classy and comprehensive private journey for the most demanding first-time visitor to Japan. While offering the very best of everything Japan has to offer, the prohibitive tour cost does not represent the best value we feel. Hotels can be very expensive in Japan and some private experiences, like an authentic Geisha experience, can set you back $1000 per person or more. That said, the current rate of the Yen versus the Dollar should yield a better value journey, even at the top level. A similar tour with Mandarin Journeys, tailored to your tastes and featuring the highest quality service would cost around 30% less. Abercrombie & Kent Signature Indochina & Angkor Wat From $5,795 per person This well-paced overview tour of the Indochina region does offer some compelling hotels and activities, we particularly like the choice of hotels in Hanoi and SiemReap. The tour is however quite superficial and boiler plate, never offering the kind of excursions that take you out of the tourist zone and into the explorer realm. We would have included a private walking food tour with a renowned chef in Hanoi; a sunset picnic near the temples of Angkor; a Vespa tour in Saigon with a local expert guide, and much more. A similar tour with Mandarin Journeys, tailored to your tastes and featuring the highest quality service would cost around 15% less. STAY IMMERSE INDULGE SAVOR

3 International Arrival in Tokyo Day 1 Konichiwa! You will arrive at Narita Airport and be greeted by airport staff who will direct you to your seat-sharing shuttle mini-van. From here we will transfer you to your hotel. If an airport assistant is required to attend your clients before 8:00AM or after 8:00PM, there may be a surcharge. Your first day in Tokyo will be unguided. We will be making you expert PDFs on the city and dining so you may explore on your own. Overnight in Tokyo 3/25/2015 Mandarin Journeys Asia 3

4 Tokyo Day 2 Today experience a two-pronged food tour. First, we will take you outside of Tokyo s city centre to visit an authentic Sumo stable. Here you will be able to watch these huge warriors during their asageiko (a morning training session). As they spar, work out, and communicate with their coaches. Afterwards, we will take you out to lunch like a sumo! The Sumo wrestlers diet typically consists of Chankonabe, (a one pot protein rich stew) served with sides of rice. Don t worry, the stew is actually quite healthy unless you consume an entire pot each! In the evening, we will move from rich fare to light, taking you to one of Tokyo s premier Sushi restaurants. Typically the Japanese eschew restaurants that Westerners have colonized. Your experience will be Michelin starred but fully Japanese in terms of atmosphere and clientele. This will not be dining at Sushi Jiro, but a much more local and in-the-know restaurant. Overnight in Tokyo 3/25/2015 Mandarin Journeys Asia 4

5 Tokyo Kyoto Day 3 Rise early so you may hear the calls of irasshai (welcome) beckoning you from merchant and fishmonger stalls. Today enjoy a guided tour of the Tsukiji Fish Market. You will be able to explore rows of fresh fish, sample freshly caught & prepared sushi and see where the Sushi masters of Japan, and the world, get their fresh catch. This venue is a must visit before it closes and relocates in Afterwards, visit a sushi-making workshop in a stylish classroom in central Tokyo. Here you will have the chance to try and master the perfections of this ancient art-form, under the skillful eye of a master Sushi Chef. Your afternoon is free to explore Tokyo as you see fit. In the evening, we will go from the minimalist style of cuisine to the maximum style of entertainment Tokyo is famous for. You will be heading to the gaudy district of Shinjuku for a meal unlike any other at Robot Restaurant. While the meal is standard, the service is anything but boring. You will witness an hour-long stage show of flashing lights, futuristic cheerleaders and yes, robot combat on a glittering LED stage. This is a truly an otherworldly experience that combines Japan s love of tech and manga. Afterwards, roam the glittering streets of Shinjuku before returning to your hotel for your next adventure. Overnight in Tokyo 3/25/2015 Mandarin Journeys Asia 5

6 Tokyo - Kyoto Day 4 Today, you will meet your guide at your hotel. They will take you by taxi or metro (Please pay locally) to the Tokyo Central Station where you will take a Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kyoto. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your accommodation, we recommend a stay in a Ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) here you will be able to experience the traditional Japanese hospitality and environment which makes Kyoto such a restorative environment. In the late afternoon take a tour of Kyoto s beautiful Zen gardens. Here you will have a simple lunch with a Buddhist monk, who will go over the finer points of Japanese Zen with you and the meaning behind the unique arrangements of sand and stone. In the early evening, return to your Ryokan, where you will enjoy a kaiseki (set meal) feast. Ryokans are famous for using the freshest local ingredients, which create a progressive story as the meals are consumed. Overnight in Kyoto 3/25/2015 Mandarin Journeys Asia 6

7 Kyoto Day 5 Today, after breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of beautiful temples and parks. These beautiful structures will evoke the peace and serenity the city of Kyoto is famous for. During the afternoon explore the city on your own, discovering its many streets and alleyways. We are happy to give you recommendations as to which restaurants are worth your time. In the evening, you will be taken to the ultimate in Japanese culture & dining: an authentic Kyoto-Geisha experience. Located deep within the famed Gion District, this venue will offer you privacy and authenticity as you witness the elaborate rituals of the Geisha. Tea-pouring rituals, songs, musical performances and story-telling, this will be an unforgettable meal. Overnight in Kyoto 3/25/2015 Mandarin Journeys Asia 7

8 Kyoto Osaka Day 6 Today by bullet train, you will transfer from Kyoto to Osaka. Upon arrival you will be met by your private guide and be taken to your hotel to rest. In the afternoon, take a full day tour of Osaka s many foodie landmarks. Your tour will wind through the district of Doguyasuji, where you can see the stunning array of cooking utensils and instruments Japanese chefs normally purchase. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of the Dotonbori District. You will have a chance to mingle with locals as you dine on Japanese street food classics like Takoyaki (fried octopus balls), steamed pork buns, and Okonomiyaki (griddled seafood pancakes). As a rousing nightcap to your evening, have your guide drop you off at either a vibrant Haishin Tigers game, or to the pub Beer Belly, which will offer an array of Japanese microbrews to sample. Overnight in Osaka 3/25/2015 Mandarin Journeys Asia 8

9 Osaka Day 7 In the early afternoon, you will depart by JR rail for Japan s famed Suntory whisky distillery. Here, you will have a chance to sample drams of Japan s finest whiskies, as well as examining the labor-intensive process that produces such fine spirits. Afterwards, we will return you to Osaka for lunch at one of its quirkiest venues, the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum. Here you will see a tribute unlike any other to the founder of the instant noodles college students all over the world have come to love (and loath!). For your lunch, you will be able to personalize your own instant ramen flavours. In the evening, we will book you a table at a revered Kappo-style restaurant. These restaurants are unique for their pride in small intimate settings, where the chef cooks every meal before your eyes. This style has begun to spread beyond Osaka and influence different cuisines world- wide. Overnight in Osaka. 3/25/2015 Mandarin Journeys Asia 9

10 Osaka - Kobe Day 8 Today please take the short bullet train ride from Osaka to Kobe. Upon arrival your private guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Afterwards, visit several Sake breweries in and around Kobe. Known for its crystal-clear spring water, Kobe is the largest sake-producing region in Japan. Try several varieties of this delicious and potent brew before returning to Kobe. In the evening, a dinner will be arranged for you to try the famous Kobe beef. The term Kobe Beef refers to several types of cattle; the difference is in how they are raised and how their meat is marbled. No matter what variety of this delicacy you select, it will be a melt-in-your-mouth food experience unlike any steak you ve ever had. Overnight in Kobe 3/25/2015 Mandarin Journeys Asia 10

11 Kobe - Departure Day 9 Your foodie tour of Japan concludes today. If you would like, we can, of course, extend your experience. Would you perhaps, like to fly to Hokkaido to sample some of the best Uni (sea urchin) in the world, or arranging for a final meal in Tokyo of the dangerous (yet delicious) Fugu Sashimi. Please let us know if you have further culinary options and we will be happy to assist you in any way possible. 3/25/2015 Mandarin Journeys Asia 11

12 Reviews What clients say A customized top holiday experience is a considerable investment. We urge you to research our credentials and make sure we are the right agency for you before committing to a holiday. That will involve speaking to us of course, but also checking our references carefully. MJ planned an excellent leisure trip for me to Japan and China in July-August The trip was 2 weeks and included all hotels, both long haul and short hall flights, trains, local transportation, dinner reservations each night, and full day guides in each city. Cities visited included Tokyo, Kyoto, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The trip was planned and executed flawlessly. There was not one detail, reservation, travel arrangement that was miscommunicated or out of order. For this to occur on a two week, complex, international itinerary speaks volumes to the quality, reliability, and thoroughness of Marc and Mandarin Journeys. The guides in each city superb and highly knowledgeable re. the local sights, culture, languages, and transportation. Stayed in a older courtyard house/hotel in Beijing (Hans Royal Garden) and 300 year old Ryokanin Kyoto. The trip was thoroughly enjoyed. MJ even arranged vintage motorcycles with side cars as the transportation from central Beijing to a non touristy, less travelled part of the Great Wall. I highly recommend Mandarin Journeys for anyone that wants a non touristy, comprehensive trip to the Far East Mr Steve Randich CIO Finra, former CIO Citigroup Our family recently used Mandarin Journeys for a 3-week/5 destinations trip to China and Thailand, and we highly recommend them. They were attentive and responsive during the planning process, which for us involved multiple changes along the way, and they helped us manage everything seamlessly. They designed a premium, customized program with activities suited to us and expert guides who completely enhanced the experience. And they were in touch throughout to ensure things went according to plan. They took the time to understand what we were looking for and delivered beyond our expectations. I'm sure we will be "repeat" customers. MrsMary Gerzema & John Gerzema VP Global Media at The Estee Lauder Companies & NYT Bestselling Author Read dozens more independent reviews on LinkedIn Wish to speak to a past client? We will be happy to provide references STAY IMMERSE INDULGE SAVOR