Collection of new tailor-made tours promises to capture the essence of cultural melting-pot
18 November 2015, On the Go Tours – the award-winning tour operator specializing in locally led group tours and tailor-made holidays to worldwide destinations – has launched a selection of tours across Japan; tipped as next year’s must-visit destination. With the first tour scheduled for April 2016 – just in time for budding Cherry Blossoms - each tour has been designed to showcase the country’s distinctive culture and captivating landscapes, offering fully immersive experiences.
Following a recent surge in demand from travellers and Japan’s position as a ‘bucket list’ destination, On the Go Tours has extended its product offering to include the dynamic country. Each tour promises to showcase the many faces of Japan, from exploring Tokyo’s melting pot of restaurants and bustling markets, to scenic bike rides across rice fields and ancient Buddha temples; travellers will also be able to experience little-known places like Tsumago, the jewel of the Kiso Valley, where they can walk through the charming Gion Geisha District.
A country that’s rich in wildlife and bicultural diversity, trips also include visits to the Fuji Hakone National Park, at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and the UNESCO listed Miyajima Island. There will also be a chance to swim in the country’s hot springs - Japan’s ‘healing waters’- and roam their iconic Cherry Blossom gardens.
The new range offers flexible itineraries spanning from eight to 14 days, starting from $1,779, and are split into three tour groups: Group Tour and smaller Private and Festival Tours, with a focus on exciting days and comfortable nights. The Festival Tours focus on seasonal celebrations, including the stunning Sapporo Snow Festival, spanning Tokyo all the way to mountainous Yudanaka and Bonin Island.
As with all On The Go Tours, guides are on-hand for the highlights, offering unrivalled knowledge of their native country. The tours also allow for plenty of free time for independent exploration, be it to attend a Baseball match – Japan’s favorite modern sporting event – or to eat sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo.
On the Go’s Top Picks
Group Tour: Best of Japan
Why? For travellers with less time to spare, they can explore the ‘best of’ the country in just eight days. The tour kicks-off in Tokyo and includes a guided walk of the Geisha District in Kyoto, visit the iconic Big Buddha and the Zen Temple of Hokokuj and ride the Romancecar express train to Hakone’s hot spring baths. The trip concludes in iconic Tokyo.
Price: $2,899 per person
Dates: 8 days from 5 March 2016
Private Tours: Land of the Rising Sun
Why? Touching down in Tokyo, that’s where the adventure will begin taking in the sights of the bustling city with a tour guide. Every foodie’s dream, the tour includes a traditional Japanese cooking class, sourcing ingredients fresh from the market. Other tour highlights: a 16th century castle in Takayama, a cycling tour of Hida, a visit to holy Nara and historical Hiroshima. The trip concludes in Osaka, Japan’s second city.
Price: starting from $4,669
Dates: 14 days, from 01 April 2016
Festival Tours: Cherry Blossom Festival
Why? An enchanting journey across Japan’s unforgettable Cherry Blossom gardens in the Spring time. The tour also includes a visit to the Ninja and Samurai Temples of Kanazawa and Kyoto, home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Price: starting from $6,839 per person
Dates: 14 day tour, 02 April – 15 April and 16 April – 29 April 2016
To book, please visit www.onthegotours.com/USA or call +1 866 377 6147.