Upcoming Tours

Group travel is too rigid, solo travel can be a bit lonely and independent travel is inefficient.
We like to think we’ve got the perfect balance.

With a maximum of 8 people,
where we go and what we do will be a mix of your specific interests, the season and my expertise.

Please take a look at the tours on offer and share this with your friends.

Cherry Blossom 1
11 Days AU$4,980

20 March (Wed) – 30 March (Sat), 2024

We will be in Japan for the peak of cherry blossoms so our itinerary will make the most of enjoying the flowers in both quiet and famous places. Some highlights of this trip will be staying in a ryokan on Miyajima Island, zipping across the country by shinkansen and visiting the Atomic Bomb memorial in Hiroshima. As we will be mainly based at my home, midway between Osaka and Kyoto, we can also enjoy experiencing typical life in a old village that now borders suburbia.Bike rides, supermarkets, golf, hiking trails, massage, shopping - it’s all nearby.

March is still fairly cold so our evening will include hearty meals, warm sake, and hot baths before snuggling into bed.

Cherry Blossom 2
12 Days AU$4,980

30 March (Sat) – 10 April (Wed), 2024

Imagine our little party of new friends eating bento while cherry blossoms float from the tree above. Contrast that with the bright lights of Osaka and Kyoto, doing traditional handcrafts, singing karaoke and sleeping in a capsule hotel. And contrast that with exploring Japanese gardens and experiencing life in a Buddhist temple at the top of the World Heritage Mt Koya.

We will be as busy or as relaxed as you wish. I’ll also help you take on some of the challenges in my book Turning Japanese in 101 easy steps.

Japan Gently
16 Days Adults AU $5,280

07 June (Wed) – 22 June(Thur), 2023

June is a lovely time of year in Japan. The rice fields are freshly planted, fireflies shine their lights for a few, brief weeks and daytime temperatures are very comfortable. Most people are at work and we will be based in one place so you will get a feel for daily life.

Some days we will visit iconic places in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Okayama. On other days, you can enjoy the peacefulness of our quiet home beside the bamboo forest, play a game of golf, go shopping, practice your Japanese on the locals, take a cooking lesson from my neighbor, paint, write or enjoy a good book.

This trip is longer than the others so we can take things a little more gently. I’ll be able to organise activities that meet your specific interests - whether it’s gardens, pottery, Japanese fabrics, architecture, history, education, food - even exporting goods.

Autumn Fire
12 Days AU$4,880

18 Nov (Sat) – 29 Nov (Wed), 2023

This trip is called Autumn Fire because the dates coincide with Japan’s peak time for spectacular, autumn colours.  Some of the most famous places to enjoy the autumn colours are near our home, midway between Osaka and Kyoto. As part of the autumn season celebrations, we will experience an ikebana exhibition, take a scenic boat ride down a river in Kyoto and overnight in a Buddhist Temple at the top of Mt Koya.

The itinerary has been extended by two days so that we can take things a little slower - savouring the sights, sounds and tastes of Japan during Fall. If you’re over 50 and enjoy a bit of adventure, then please join us.

Day 3 Tuesday 17 December 2024

Kyoto is the most famous city in Japan for temples, shrines and history. We will explore hidden alleyways, quaint tea houses, artisan workshops and some of Kyoto’s World Heritage sights, such as Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Inari Shrine. See if you can tell the difference between a real Geisha and a tourist dressed in kimono!Let’s go to Expo Park. This large park is only 3 km from our home and has a beautiful Japanese garden as well as huge, open spaces. It is also beside the largest shopping mall and the tallest ferris wheel in Japan. If we’re feeling cold, we could also visit a hot spring.

Day 4 Wednesday 18 December 2024

In the morning, Francis will do dialysis and we will practice our calligraphy or Japanese sweet making. Early afternoon we will head into Osaka - a city of 19 million people and the foodies capital of Japan.  So much to see and so many delicious foods to try. We will also enjoy the Christmas markets.

Day 5 Thursday 19 December 2024

Universal Studios Japan. This huge theme park takes us into the world of making movies with lots of shows and rides. It’s a little taste of the USA in Japan.

Day 10 Tuesday 24 December 2024

Our last morning is for doing some of those things you really wanted to do. Maybe try Wagyu steak or Kaiseki. Mid-afternoon, we will be picked up and driven to Kansai airport for a final dinner of Osaka’s favourite meal Okonomiyaki. Our flight departs around 9 pm and within 7 hours, we will be back in Cairns for the sunrise on Christmas Day.

Cost per person:

Flights & luggage: Approx. $1,300
Insurance: ? * This is the biggest question. Can Francis get insurance? Also, can Francis do dialysis on Christmas Day in Cairns?

Fully inclusive 10 days accommodation, all meals, entrance fees, private guide and transport:
$5,350 per person (based on 3 guests)

Total : $6,650 + insurance per person

I would require a deposit of $1,800 per person to book flights and the balance by 10 November 2024.

Dates: 21 Nov (Fri) – 02 Dec (Tue) 2025 12 days
* Fly Cairns to Kansai direct in 7 hours.

This trip for a maximum of 8 people over 50 is timed to maximise your experience of Japan’s Autumn colours and includes activities with Rotarians of Ibaraki City, Osaka We will spend 9 nights in Lyn & Will’s two traditional cottages in Ibaraki, midway between Kyoto and Osaka, one night in a Buddhist Temple at the top of a mountain and one night in a compact hotel, right in the middle of Osaka. Having a convenient home base most of the time allows everyone flexibility. Some can go shopping, while others hike down a mountain or play a round of golf.

As the nights could be getting down to single digits, hot baths at home or a soak in the hot spring down the road go well with drinking hot sake and bargain-priced wine around a bubbling pot of shabu shabu.

Inclusions:

• Fully escorted by Lyn, a bilingual Australian with extensive knowledge of Japan

• All accommodation - most nights in a traditional Japanese home

• An overnight stay in a Buddhist Temple

• A sleep in a tiny hotel (men & women separated)

• All meals

• All transport within Japan – domestic flight, trains, bullet trains, cable car, monorail, bicycles, taxis

• Most sightseeing, activities and entrance fees

• Assistance with planning should you wish to extend your time in Japan.
  
  Cost: AU$4,980 ** All guests must have travel insurance

Itinerary

Day 1 (Friday 21 November 2025)　（S)

Guests travelling from Cairns, Australia depart at 12:25h on JQ 15
Chauffeur to our home base

Day 4 (Monday 24 November 2025) (B,L,D)

Being the capital of Japan for most of it’s history and home to over 1,000 temples, Kyoto remains the cultural capital of Japan. It’s also on every tourist’s hit list so we’ll plan carefully and decide together where we want to go. Nishiki Market and Gion are popular with foodies, while others might prefer a 2 hour boat and fabric hunting.

Day 5 (Tuesday 25 November 2025) (B, D)

Heading west, our first stop is the Kobe Earthquake Museum. We will then head to Himeji to see the World Heritage Himeji Castle and visit Lyn’s favourite garden in Japan - Kokoen.
In the evening, we will zip back to Osaka on the shinkansen (bullet train)

Day 7 (Thursday 27 November 2025) (B,D)

Around 10 a.m, we will head right through Osaka, deep into the mountains of Wakayama and up a cable car to the top of Mt Koya, the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. Nestled in amongst towering conifers are many temples and shrines, some with World Heritage status.  We will gain insight into the lives of Buddhist priests as we eat a traditional vegetarian dinner and sleep on futons.

Day 8 (Friday 28 November 2025) (B,L,D)

Early morning, you may like to join the priests in prayer and meditation. Alternatively, you may snuggle into your futon and stay there until breakfast. Mt Koya has many UNESCO World Heritage sites to see and is a photograph’s paradise. Around 10 am, we will head back down the mountain into the bustling city of Osaka. Lyn will show you around her second home with all it’s craziness and introduce you to the many foods Osaka is famous for. We will stay in a tiny hotel tonight in the centre of Osaka - a huge contrast to our night before.

Day 9 (Saturday 29 November 2025) (B,L, D)
No visit to Japan is complete without seeing some deer. We will go to Nara where lots of deer roam freely around a giant buddha who is housed in the largest wooden building in the world. More UNESCO World Heritage sites today.

There’s also a very fancy restaurant in Nara that I’d like you to experience.

Late afternoon, we’ll train back home for a quiet evening.

Day 10 (Sunday 30 November 2025) (B,L,D)

Today we will get to know a few more neighbours who maintain their traditional customs. Nakao-san is a 5th generation sake brewer. He will show us around, explain the processes and lead us through a tasting session. We may also meet a local potter or Japanese sweet maker. Lyn also likes to show people the latest in home design in a display home village about 4 km from home.

Around 4 pm, Ogawa-san will help you to dress in kimono and we’ll do a photo shoot at home.

Day 11 (Monday 01 December 2025) (B, L, D)

Now that the crazy weekend crowds in search of the perfect autumn photos are back at work, we will go to see Katsuoji Temple and Minoh Waterfall about 6 km from our home. Apart from postcard shots of temples, towering maples ablaze with colour and a foot bath for any sore feet, we will snack on tempura maple leaves, yuzu ice cream and other local specialties. Pottery buffs will also love this place. Keen walkers can take on a long hike while others can go by car. .

Late afternoon we will have some time to shop for things you’d like to take home and time to take on some of the challenges in my book Turning Japanese in 101 easy steps.

For our last evening, we’ll invite the Ibaraki Rotarians to join us for dinner in a restaurant.

Day 12 (Tuesday 02 December 2025) (B, L, D)

On this last day, we have until around 4 pm unplanned so you can decide what you want to do and Lyn will help. Those of us leaving Japan for Australia will head to Kansai Airport and depart late evening (JQ 16 to Cairns departs at 9 pm).

Dates: 05 June (Wed) – 20 June (Thur), 2024 16 days in Japan

If you’d like to explore Japan at a gentle pace with just a few fun people, then this trip may be for you. As well as leading you to all sorts of wonderful castles, ancient temples, enticing restaurants and ultra modern places, this trip will include overnight stays on Miyajima Island, near Hiroshima and at the top Mt Hiei - where you may possibly meet one of the monks who has run a thousand marathons in a thousand days. We will be taking a gentler path up and down the mountain, travelling by train and cable car. As this trip is specifically for those who wish to travel ‘Gently,’ I’ve also included days when you can do as little or as much as you like.

June is a wonderful time to be in Japan with many flowers in bloom and the freshly-planted rice fields bursting with life. We’ll take time to savor the scenery, stop along the way and change our plans as we go. We will eat out often and some evenings will be spent at home, learning how to make shabu shabu, okonomiyaki and sushi. We can try various sake and snacks, before drifting off to sleep to the sound of frogs in the rice fields. Our little group, and having a home base, allows us to fine-tune and individualise the itinerary as we go so your trip to Japan can be just what you wanted.

If you’re over 50, enjoy making new friends and sharing new experiences, then please join us.

Inclusions:

• Fully escorted by Lyn, a bilingual Australian with extensive knowledge of Japan

• All accommodation - most nights in a traditional Japanese home

• WiFi

• Most meals

• All transport within Japan – trains, cable car, monorail, bicycles, taxis

• All sightseeing, listed activities and entrance fees

• Assistance if you are planning further travel around Japan

Pricing : AU$5,480 per person

Draft Itinerary

Day 2 Thursday 06 June 2024 (B, D)

Wake up in your home in Japan. After breakfast, we will explore the village including seeing the 1300 year old shrine, the rice fields and visiting a neighbour.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we will take a bit of a walk or drive in the nearby mountains. We will spend the evening listening to the frogs as the 6th of the 6th is the frog-listening festival. If you’re keen, we can also head to the local hot spring (600m down the road) before bed.

Day 5 Sunday 09 June 2024 (B, D)

A day to live like a local. You might like to get a Japanese haircut, go for a bike ride, help the farmers work the fields, shop at the local hardware store or supermarket. I can give you a guided history tour of the area or maybe you would like to find some bargains at a second hand shops, learn a few words in Japanese, or try ikebana. For dinner, we’re going to learn how to cook Chukamen, Okonomiyaki or Chirashizushi and you’re welcome to help.

Day 6 Monday 10 June 2024 (B, D)

Now that the tourist hoards are back to work, we will explore Kyoto by taxi and on foot. We will find hidden alleyways, quaint tea houses, artisan workshops and some of Kyoto’s World Heritage sights, such as the bamboo forest, the Golden Pavilion or Kiyomizudera.

We might also add in a visit to Eigamura, where samurai movies are filmed. I will give you some options and we’ll decide as we go.

Day 7 Tuesday 11 June 2024 (B, D)

We will head west towards Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, stopping en route at Himeji Castle and the lovely Korakuen Gardens. Dinner will be served at our ryokan (Japanese Inn) on Miyajima Island. I guarantee your cameras will be buzzing as we stroll around this picture perfect setting.

Day 11 Sat 15 June 2024 (B, D)

There is a full day cruise around Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, on Saturdays. It will take about 2 hours each way to get there and will depend on the weather so we’ll decide a few days before if we do this.

I will have other options closer to home that may appeal more.

Day 13 Monday 17 June 2024 (B, D)

Here is a third day when you tell me what you’d like to do and I try to make it happen. Things will be familiar by now so I can drop people off in different places - the spa, golf course, hair dresser, hardware store, shopping mall, hiking trail etc. We also have e-bicycles if you fancy exploring a little on your own.

Day 14 Tuesday 18 June 2024 (B, D)

Today we’re going to the top of Mt Koya - the home of Shingon Buddhism, towering trees and the burial site of Kobo Daishi. Don’t worry - this trip is Japan Gently so we will travel by cable car and train. For the good walkers, there are some lovely mountain trails while, for the history buffs, Mt Koya is the site of power struggles between the church and state.

We will enjoy dinner, bed and breakfast in a Buddhist Temple at the top of the mountain.

Day 15 Wednesday 19 June 2024 (B, D)

After breakfast, we will travel back down the mountain and explore the markets, crafts and famous sites in Kyoto. As this will be our last evening, we will have a special dinner together.

Day 16 Thursday 20 June 2024 (B, L)

We will enjoy a slow start to the day with time to take one last stroll around the village or to do some last minute shopping.

Our final lunch will probably at the golf course up the road with views stretching over all the cities we will have explored.

Mid - late afternoon, I will help those continuing their travels and escort others to Kansai Airport.
(9 pm departure for Jetstar flight 16 to Cairns).

Sun. 02 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

Morning walk around our quiet neighbourhood.

Picnic lunch under the cherry blossoms at Banpaku Koen.

Afternoon options include: a ride on Japan’s tallest ferris wheel, exploring the latest in housing design, a tea ceremony and browsing pottery.

In the evening, a neighbour will teach us how to make okonomiyaki and introduce us to Japanese sake.

Mon. 03 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

An amazing day eating our way around Osaka, the foodies capital of Japan. We’ll travel by train, boat, ferris wheel and monorail.

With a population of 8 million, this city has something for everyone.

Wed. 05 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

I’m excited to take you to Arashiyama today

While it’s very touristy, it’s a great place to get photos that are unmistakably in Japan. if you’re feeling genki (happy/energetic) we could also go to Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) or Toei film studio.

In the evening, we’ll sample various Japanese drinks and maybe head to the local hot spring for a bath before bed.

Thu. 06 April, 2023 (B,D)

I’m thinking you might be ready for a bit of a quieter day but we can decide as we go. Maybe a haircut, a visit to the supermarket, shopping in second hand shops, a bike ride, Universal Studios, an ikebana or calligraphy lesson, karaoke. So many possibilities!

Fri. 07 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

We’ll be travelling to Mt Koya - the centre of Shingon Buddhism. Perched at the top of a mountain, we’ll explore some of the 100 temples and stay overnight in a Buddhist temple. You may choose to join in early morning prayers or just enjoy the silence and scenery.

Sat. 08 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

Around midday, we’ll head back down the mountain and immerse ourselves in the hustle and bustle of south Osaka. I’ll show you around areas that are hidden from tourists and avoided by Japanese. You will see the most efficient body disposal system in the world, a red-light district, and 360 degree view over this city of foodies. If you’re feeling brave, you might try eating blowfish or go to Spa World. And, as  we’ll  be staying in a capsule hotel in Shinsaibashi tonight, we’ll go to a gaijin bar too. I suspect this day will be the most memorable of all as there will be so many new experiences.

Sun. 09 April, 2023 (B,D)

After breakfast at the capsule hotel, we’ll head home and you can do as little or as much as you please. You might enjoy being pampered head to foot at our local onsen, head for the shopping mall, get a cool new haircut, go to karaoke….

Maybe we’ll head to the local revolving sushi for dinner or get it delivered if we’d rather stay home.

Mon. 10 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

Phew. We missed the weekend crowds in Kyoto and the kids are back in school. Today we will explore the higashiyama area of Kyoto, including Kiyomizudera, the Philospher’s walk and Chion-ji Temple. While we’re in the area, we might also pop in to the Kyoto handicrafts centre and Heian shrine. Oh, and since it’s cherry blossom season, let’s go to the  Miyako Odori performance too.

We will sleep well tonight!

Tue. 11 April, 2023 (B,L,D)

Today you’re invited to join the Minoh Volunteer guides and hike 8 km around the Minoh mountains. As well as the famous waterfall, you’ll meet a lovely bunch of people who were probably mountain goats in a previous life! The volunteer guides are well-versed in the flora and fauna and this is one of their easiest hikes. At the end, you will be rewarded with public facilities to soak your tired feet.

And if 8km sounds a bit much, you might opt for a bike ride on an e-bike, get pampered at the local onsen, or chill at home.

As this is our last evening, we’ll have a special meal to remember.

Wed. 12 April 2023 (B,L)

Oh no. It’s our last day already. We’ll have a leisurely morning doing any of those last minute things you wanted to include. If you’d like to stay in Japan longer and maybe fly home from Tokyo, I’m happy to help you organise that too.

Spring’s New Beginnings

Expression of interest form:

Dates: April 6 (Mon) – April 15 (Wed) 2020 9 Days in Japan

We arrive just as the children are starting school and the business year begins. Japanese people love to celebrate the start of new adventures and their enthusiasm for April even puts a smile on the faces of the grumpy, old men in my village. I look forward to showing you around all my favorite places where cherry blossoms are in abundance, especially those, quiet, serene places in the mountains. Our adventures will take us to many World Heritage sites, such as the largest bronze Buddha in the world, the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Himeji Castle and Yoshino - the most famous place in Japan for cherry blossoms. Because most meals are included in the price, there is no fussing with paying the bill. It’s on me! We can go to a performance by the famous Miyako (training Geisha) of Gion, learn how to cook from my neighbour, go bike-riding along ancient roads, sing our hearts out in a karaoke box, hike in the nearby mountains, relax at our local hot spring, dress up as ninja, sip sake, visit a local school etc. And, because we’re a small group and I’ve been helping foreigners to explore Japan for nearly 30 years, we have the freedom to decide many things as we go.

Inclusions:

• Fully escorted by Lyn, a bilingual Australian with extensive knowledge of Japan

• 7 nights stay in a traditional Japanese home

• Free WiFi

• One overnight stay in a Japanese ryokan with onsen outdoor baths

• Almost all meals

• All transport within Japan – trains, cable car, monorail, bicycles, taxis

• All sightseeing, activities and entrance fees

• Assistance with planning further travel around Japan

Pricing:

Adult in Double/Twin room: AU$3450
Single room – additional: AU$600
Child aged 2 –12: 20% discount

Sun. 05 April, 2020 (B,L,D)

In the morning, we will head up a nearby mountain to the delightful Katsuoji Temple, famous for curing an emperor from ill health. We will then go to Mino waterfall and follow the stream through the beautiful Mino National Park, stopping en route at ancient sacred site of mountain Buddhism. (2 km, sealed walking path)

On our way home, we can drop in at the local hardware store, second hand store or supermarket.

Tonight’s dinner will include an easy cooking lesson from Ogawa Sensei so you can go home knowing how to prepare Shabu Shabu, Takoyaki or Sushi.

Autumn Festa in Japan

I’m Interested! Please send me more information about this trip:

Dates: 09 (Wed) - 20 (Sun) October 2024 (12 days) AU $ 4,840

This trip is timed to coincide with our local festival celebrating the harvest, the intoxicating scent of kinmokusei in the air and generally-perfect weather.  As well as visiting some of those iconic sights, such as the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto and Himeji Castle, many evenings will be spent learning how to cook Japanese style, trying your hand at calligraphy or ikebana, taste testing Japanese beer and sake or soaking in a hot spring. If you enjoy writing, history or architecture, this trip will also provide lots of inspiration. (Feel free to start your holiday reading with Turning Japanese in 101 easy steps or take a peak at the latest in Japanese housing at https://abc-housing.asahi.co.jp/kinki/wellbe/minoh/)

If you would like the time to complete a project away from the distractions of daily life and would like to stay on longer in my house, this is also an option.

Inclusions:

• Fully escorted by Lyn, a bilingual Australian with extensive knowledge of Japan

• All accommodation - most nights in a traditional Japanese home with WiFi

• Most meals

• Two overnight stays e.g. Zen Buddhist temple, Capsule Hotel or Love Hotel

• All transport within Japan – trains, cable car, monorail, bicycles, taxis

• Most sightseeing, activities and entrance fees

• Assistance with planning any further travel around Japan

Autumn Fire

I’m Interested! Please send me more information about this tour:

Dates: Nov 19 (Sat) – Nov 30 (Wed) 2022

This trip is called Autumn Fire because the dates coincide with Japan’s peak time for spectacular, autumn colours.  Some of the most famous places to enjoy the autumn colours are near our home, midway between Osaka and Kyoto. As part of the autumn season celebrations, we will experience an ikebana exhibition and take a scenic boat ride down a river in Kyoto. Daytime temperatures will be comfortable but the evenings will be getting cool. The cool evenings are ideal for soaking in a hot spring and there are 3 hot springs “bath houses” within 5 km of our home. As well as exploring the bustling cities of Osaka & Kyoto, this trip will include a visit to a castle, a ride on the bullet train and a night in a Zen Buddhist temple.

Inclusions:

• Fully escorted by Lyn, a bilingual Australian with extensive knowledge of Japan

• All accommodation - most nights in a traditional Japanese home with fast, unlimited WiFi

• Overnight stay in a Zen Buddhist temple.

• Most meals (as per itinerary)

• All transport within Japan – trains, cable car, monorail, boats, bicycles, taxis

• All sightseeing, activities and entrance fees (as per itinerary)

• Assistance with planning further travel around Japan if you wish to extend.

Thu. 23 Mar 2023 (B,L,D)

We will start our adventures locally with a guided walk around the village and pop in to a neighbour’s house. Around midday, we will enjoy lunch at the golf course up the road before heading to Banpaku Koen, the largest park in Osaka, famous for cherry blossoms and only 3 km down the road. The afternoon and evening will be spent exploring the many attractions within the park - from traditional gardens to modern architecture and pottery from all over Japan. Japanese love to do Hanami, a picnic under the cherry blossoms. We will join them for dinner. On the way home, you may like to experience another very popular activity in Japan - a soak in a hot spring 800m from our home.

Fri. 24 Mar 2023 (B, L, D)

Today we will explore Osaka - known as the kitchen of Japan because this is the city where good food is prized. Osakans are known for their friendly, joking manner and most of Japan’s comedians are from this region. As well as seeing lots of cherry blossoms,shotengai and Osaka castle, we’re heading to the sumo! This only happens once a year so we’re in luck.

Tue. 28 Mar 2023 (B, L, D)

After a traditional Japanese breakfast, we’ll explore Miyajima Island in daylight and maybe feed the deer that roam freely. A short ferry ride and a train will take us back to Hiroshima City where we will visit the Atomic Bomb memorial and museum. The shinkansen (bullet train) will whisk us home in a couple of hours. Depending on how we’re feeling, we may stop for dinner in Kobe on the way home.

Wed. 29 Mar 2023 (B, D)

If we missed stopping at Kobe last night, we could double back today and visit the Earthquake memorial museum. Kobe has a history of trading with foreigners so there is a bit of a westernised feel to this city built between the sea and steep hills. Kobe is also famous for beef and Ikuta Jinja - one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Or, if you fancy a day of living like a local that’s possible too. For the kids at heart, you might like the bright lights of Universal Studios Japan.

Thu. 30 Mar 2023 (B, L, D)

Today we’ll head back to Kyoto and walk through the famous bamboo grove of Arashiyama, marvel at one of Japan’s most famous gardens and cool our feet in the Hozu river.  After another lunch under the cherry blossoms, we might head to Eigamura, Japan’s only traditional movie studio/theme park and the home of Godzilla or go and see the famous Golden Pavilion. On the way home, we might stop for sushi or karaoke but it’s your call.

Fri. 31 Mar 2023 (B, D)

One of my favourite places to go is Katsuoji Temple and it is only 6 km from home. This mountain top temple is said to beat illness, following the recovery of an emperor who went there about 1,200 years ago. It’s close to Minoh waterfall and we can take a long hike or a short one. At the foot of the mountain we are back into the hustle and bustle of city life.

As this is our last night, we’ll have a special dinner together.

Sat. 01 April 2023 (B)

There are no fixed plans for today. You’ll have the morning at least to make that last minute purchase, get a haircut, soak in the onsen down the road. Maybe one last picnic under the cherry blossoms or a bike ride. I’ll go by your wishes.

Those leaving Japan or going on domestic flights will head to either Itami or Kansai Airport. (Jetstar flight JQ 16 to Cairns departs around 9 pm)