Day Zero (Friday 13 November 2020)

Optional evening drinks and a chance to meet fellow travellers at Lyn’s apartment in City Terraces, Cairns.
As Jetstar flights from Australia and New Zealand hub in Cairns, you might also consider a stopover in Cairns prior to or after our trip to Japan.

Day 1 (Saturday 14 November 2020)

Guests travelling from Cairns, Australia depart at 13:00h on JQ 15
Or meet at Kansai Airport at 19:30, or you may travel directly to our home.

Light supper and sweet dreams in your home away from home.

Day 2 (Sunday 15 November 2020)

For our first full day, we will start with a guided walk around my dysfunctional, old village and pop in to a neighbour’s home. We will chat about Japanese priorities, values, obligations and whatever strikes your fancy. After lunch in a typical, family restaurant, we will enjoy strolling under the maple trees at Expo 70 Park , see the latest in Japanese architecture at a display home village and ride on Japan’s largest Ferris Wheel - if we feel like it. Home is only 3 km away so we’re very much free to do as we please.

Day 3 (Monday 16 November 2020)

An exciting day exploring Kyoto’s hidden alleyways, quaint tea houses, artisan workshops and the spectacular Ikenobo floral art exhibition. Of course we will also visit some of Kyoto’s World Heritage sights, including my favorite –Kiyomizu temple which will be a picture with the autumn colours.

Day 4 (Tuesday 17 November 2020)

After a busy day yesterday, we will take things a little slower today. I will help facilitate whatever activities you choose. For example, you might like to shop at a Japanese supermarket or DIY store, see inside a local school, play golf, go antique shopping at the second hand stores, have a lazy day at home, try ikebana, or learn  how to cook Shabu Shabu, Chukamen, or  Okonomiyaki

Day 5 (Wednesday 18 November 2020)

Today we will eat our way around Osaka - the foodies capital of Japan.  Dotonbori is abuzz with interesting shops, performances, boat rides, cabarets and opportunities to make various crafts. We can enjoy the sights from trains, ferris wheels, rooftops, a castle, boats, cafes and even park benches inside the huge grounds of Osaka Castle. Expect the unexpected!

Day 6 (Thursday 19 November 2020)

This will be our second day to enjoy as you wish and I will help facilitate making that happen. For example, you might like to visit a Japanese hospital and better understand their public health system, try your hand at calligraphy or flower arrangement, go to karaoke, hike up a mountain, play pachinko, go shopping at a 100 yen store, experience a Japanese massage, soak in a hot spring or try Japanese home-style cooking.

Day 7 (Friday 20 November 2020)

Today we will head to Arashiyama and take a 2 hour boat ride down the Hozu River under the blaze of autumn leaves. After lunch is a little cafe of our choice, we will also visit the famous bamboo forest. On our way home, we will stop for dinner at a high-tech sushi restaurant or our local, little restaurant. If you’re still up for more, we can always drop in to our nearby hot spring bathhouse or refresh with a Japanese lager or chu-hai.

Day 8 (Saturday 21 November 2020)

Today we will enjoy this waterfall and mountain area quite close to 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.

Late afternoon we will have some time to shop for things you’d like to take home.

Day 9 (Sunday 22 November 2020)

We will enjoy a slow start to the day with an optional stroll around our neighbourhood. We will send our suitcases to the airport (or your next destination) so we can travel lightly for our last 2 days. Around midday, 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 be joined by a personal friend who will give us insight into the lives of Buddhist priests as we eat a traditional vegetarian dinner. We will all experience sleeping on futons on tatami this evening.

Day 10 (Monday 23 November 2020)

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. We will be able to take our time. Mid afternoon, we will head back down the mountain, for our final, farewell dinner. Those leaving Japan for Australia will head to Kansai Airport and depart late evening (JQ 16 to Cairns departs at 9 pm).