Wabi Sabi Japan

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                      Wabi Sabi Japan
  • 
                      Wabi Sabi Japan
  • 
                      Wabi Sabi Japan

The Concept

This 9-day tour has a strong emphasis on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) concepts, and introduces students to Japanese language and culture by visiting many well-known and iconic sites.

 After 1 night in Tokyo, take a side-trip to Disneyland and choose to travel by bullet train via Takayama to each city. The tour then continues to Hiroshima, where students can visit a number of sites including the Peace Memorial Park. Students also have time to explore, try out their language and sample Japan’s unique food, arts and amazing shopping.

 Suitable for both primary and secondary students, Japanese language students will improve their language skills and gain a greater understanding of Japanese culture. Students will also gain self-confidence and learn to solve challenges as a team. This itinerary is easily adaptable to schools wishing to incorporate a visit to their sister school. 

Language

Itinerary Day By Day

DAY 1 AUSTRALIA – TOKYO

Fly from Australia and arrive into Tokyo airport. Meet and Greet on arrival in Japan where you will exchange your voucher for your JR (subject to arrival time in Tokyo). Rail pass, before making your way to the train station for the trip into Tokyo. Your accommodation is a short walk from the train station. Accommodation for the next 2 nights is at our preferred youth hostel.

DAY 2 TOKYO (B)

After breakfast, travel by train (local ticket, own expense) to Disneyland and spend a fun day cramming in as much fun and excitement as you can handle. Return to your accommodation. Dinner is at own arrangements, at one of the many well-priced restaurants near your accommodation.

DAY 3 TOKYO – TAKAYAMA (B) (RAIL PASS – DAY 1)

This morning the adventure begins after breakfast at your accommodation, using your JR Rail pass and arriving at 2pm in the traditional township of Takayama. Buy your bento box on the train! Your guide will meet you on arrival, and transfer you by private coach to your traditional hands on Gohei-mochi making workshop (Grilled Rice Cake). After the class, you will transfer by private coach to your accommodation for this evening. Dinner is at your own arrangements. Accommodation for the next 2 nights is at our preferred youth hostel.

DAY 4 TAKAYAMA (B) (RAIL PASS –DAY 2)

After breakfast, make your way to Takayama bus terminal, catch the local bus to Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato), an open-air museum exhibiting over 30 traditional thatched roof houses constructed like hands in prayer. Enjoy a chop stick making workshop in one of the thatched roof houses. Catch the local bus back to Takayama bus terminal and walk to your accommodation. Dinner is at own arrangements.

DAY 5 TAKAYAMA – KYOTO (B) (RAIL PASS – DAY 3)

After breakfast, travel to Kyoto on your JR Rail pass. On arrival into Kyoto, make your way to the accommodation. Spend the afternoon walking around this magnificent city. Enjoy some free time this evening to explore Kyoto city at night, as there are many interesting places to see and things to do within the close proximity of the accommodation. Accommodation for the next 2 nights is at our preferred youth hostel.

DAY 6 KYOTO (B)

Explore the city of Kyoto with its many cultural and historical sites. We offer a number of cultural activities you can select from, including fan painting, activities at the Kyoto Handicrafts Centre, and sushi making to name a few. Schools may also prefer to visit Harry Potter World at Universal Studios, rather than visit Disneyland in Tokyo (full day activities).

DAY 7 KYOTO – HIROSHIMA (B) (RAIL PASS –DAY 5)

After breakfast, travel on the Shinkansen to Hiroshima. On arrival, make your way to your accommodation. In the afternoon, we recommend catching the ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, see the beautiful deer or even take a walk on one of the hiking trails. The rest of the evening is at own arrangements. Accommodation for the next 2 nights is at our preferred youth hostel.

DAY 8 HIROSHIMA (RAIL PASS – DAY 6)

Commence your self-guided walking tour of Hiroshima. There are many places of interest to visit, including the Peace Memorial Park, the A-Bomb Dome, and the Hiroshima Memorial Cathedral for World Peace, all within walking distance of your accommodation. Dinner is at own arrangements this evening.

DAY 9 HIROSHIMA – OSAKA (RAIL PASS – DAY 7)

Travel by Shinkansen to Osaka airport, to connect with your flight back to Australia.

DAY 10 ARRIVE IN AUSTRALIA

Inclusions
  • Return airfares and taxes with Qantas Airways
  • Meet and greet on arrival in Japan
  • 8 nights’ accommodation (youth hostel)
  • Breakfast daily (except in Hiroshima)
  • Gohei-mochi making workshop with transfers
  • Local bus tickets to Hida Folk Village (Hida-no-sato) and chopstick making workshop
  • 7 days JR Rail pass
  • Disneyland ‘school special’ Passport
  • 8% consumption tax and service charges in Japan