Arrive in Tokyo, and transfer to hotel for check in. (Airport transfer is not included for land only guests)

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Ladies – Today we spend the day at the Tokyo International Great Quilt Festival 2019 and enjoy “the Largest Quilt Show in the World”. Gentlemen – This morning, we visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building observatory and the Edo Tokyo Museum Japan’s premier museum dedicated to the history of Tokyo.

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This morning, we visit Asakusa temple, including a stroll down the colourful Nakamise shopping street and the Nippori Textile Town which offers a wide range of textiles, including quilting fabrics, at wholesale prices. This afternoon ladies will visit Yoko Saito’s shop. Gentlemen enjoy afternoon at leisure.

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Today we take a day trip to Lake Kawaguchi, located within Mount Fuji national park, one of the five lakes surrounding the foot of Mount Fuji. We will also visit the Kubota-Ichiku Museum, a beautiful site built into and incorporating its tranquil natural surroundings, to see an amazing collection of handmade kimonos. Travel to Nagoya by bullet train for overnight stay.

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Ladies – This morning we check out of the hotel and visit Arimatsu Shibori town and enjoy a hands-on workshop of tie-Shibori, and visit the museum and exhibition of the history of Shibori dyeing. Afternoon travel to Kyoto and enjoy a tour to the World Heritage Listed Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Later we have the opportunity to make a shawl and view the beautiful display of various Shibori works at Shibori Kaikan. Transfer to hotel and check in. Gentlemen – enjoy sightseeing in Nagoya, and Kyoto and transfer to hotel for check in.

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Ladies – We will also visit the Nishijin weaving centre and enjoy a hands-on experience of weaving a table centre (approx. 20cm x 30cm in size), we also have the opportunity to watch a beautiful Kimono fashion show. Gentlemen – Morning sightseeing tour to Fushimi Inari Shrine. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Kyoto or join an optional tour. Dinner at hotel.

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Get a taste of the Kyoto countryside and take a trip to the peaceful southwest region of Sagano. Meander through the spring green walkways of Sagano’s famous bamboo forest and visit the various specialty handicraft shops dotting the surrounding area.
Cost: $60 per person / minimum of 8 people required to operate.

Free day at leisure. This morning why not visit the Toji Temple flea market, or enjoy more fabric shopping and a visit to the Nishiki food arcade. Perhaps this afternoon follow your tour leader to visit colourful Kyoto Yoshida Shrine only open for 2 days in February each year. It is part of the 800-year-old Setsubun Festival, an annual spring ritual of the chasing away of evil spirits to guarantee a happy year.

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Spend a unique evening experiencing a traditional Japanese Kaiseki-style dinner in a private room with the accompaniment of a Geisha, followed by a traditional dance performance and an opportunity to chat and interact with the Geisha for the evening.
Cost: $160 per person / minimum of 8 people required to operate.

Ladies – Today we travel to Tokushima by chartered coach. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the 400-year-old House of Indigo Aino Yakata and enjoy the hands-on experience of indigo dyeing to create your own stole. Gentlemen – enjoy sightseeing in Tokushima, with a visit to the museum to enjoy a performance of the Awa Odori dance.

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Today, we visit an art-site in the countryside, the “Scarecrow Village”. Mrs Ayano originally created life-size dolls to protect her crops but they became so popular that she began to populate the landscape with them and they are now found scattered all over the village. We then travel on to Iya Valley. Its tall peaks and deep gorges were historically a safe haven for the Heike Samurai Clan. Return to Takamatsu and visit Ritsurin Park, a beautiful scenic garden comprised of six ponds and thirteen hills artfully arranged against pine tree-clad surrounds.

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Transfer today to Takamatsu Airport for flight to Haneda. Upon arrival transfer to hotel and check in. For our last night in Japan we will gather to enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening.

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Enjoy your last day in Japan with some last-minute souvenir hunting or an optional half day activity. Check out from hotel at 11:00am, where your tour concludes. Afternoon leave hotel for airport in Tokyo and departure for Australia. (Airport transfer is not included for land only guests)

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Arrive in Australia where you tour ends.

Transfer today to Takamatsu Airport for flight to Sapporo via Haneda. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for check in. This evening we make our way to the Sapporo TV Tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the sculptures from the observatory deck.

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Free day at leisure to explore the Sapporo Festival one of the largest and distinctive winter events held in Odori Park.

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Morning free at leisure. This afternoon we visit the small harbour city of Otaru with its beautifully preserved canal famous for its glassworks, music boxes and sake distilleries. Visit the canal and see the magical lights and snow lanterns which decorate this romantic city. After dinner return to Sapporo.

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Enjoy your last day in Japan with some last-minute souvenir hunting or an optional half day activity. Check out from hotel at 11:00am, where your tour concludes. Afternoon leave hotel and transfer to Sapporo (Chitose) Airport for departure to Australia. (Airport transfer is not included for land only guests)

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Arrive in Australia where you tour ends.