Dates: 12 Apr (Mon) – 22 April (Thu) 2027 10 days


A fun, personalised, trip to Japan with cousins, Matt & Lyn. for 6 fabulous friends. We will catch the end of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms, visit some famous sites and live like locals in Lyn’s 2 charming cottages midway between Osaka and Kyoto. This trip includes a focus on education in Japan with a visit to a local primary school, an international school and a university.

Lyn has been sharing Japan with friends since 2019 and has a wealth of knowledge about the Kansai region, having lived there for over 27 years and raising two daughters. Matt is fluent in Japanese and loves taking trips to Japan. He started his working life in Cairns in the 1990s, where he worked as a Japanese-speaking tour guide He lived in Japan for over 10 years before becoming a Maths Teacher. 

Funds raised from this trip will allow us to offer two $900 scholarships to senior students at South Grafton High School and to support earthquake relief in Japan through Lyn’s local Rotary Club.

With two guides, you’re guaranteed to get experiences and insights into Japan that will put a smile on your face for many years to come.

Inclusions:

• Fully escorted by Lyn & Matt, bilingual Australians with extensive knowledge of Japan

• All accommodation - most nights in a traditional Japanese home

• 1 night Himeji

• All meals

• All transport within Japan – cars, buses, trains, bullet train, monorail, bicycles, taxis

• Most sightseeing, activities and entrance fees

• Assistance with planning should you wish to extend your time in Japan.
  

Cost: AU$4,950 per person *based on twin share
+ AU $700 for single supplement

** All guests must have travel insurance and purchase their own airfares
(flights approx.$700 return from Cairns, $1500 return from Gold Coast)

Itinerary

Mon. 12 Apr 2027 (S)

Ex Australia: Depart on JQ 15 from Cairns Airport at 12:25
Alternatively: Meet at Kansai Airport at 19:30 or meet at accommodation. Transfers by private vehicle from Kansai Airport to Lyn’s home.

Light supper

Tue. 13 Apr 2027 (B,L,D)

After our first breakfast and coffee at home, we will take a guided walk around our village and pop in to a neighbour’s house to learn about how ancestors are remembered and respected. After lunch, we will explore the many natural and activities within Banpaku Park (site of 1970 World Expo) and, if the weather is good, we’ll take a picnic under the cherry blossoms. Expo City - Japan’s largest shopping mall and ferris wheel adjoin the park so we’ve got lots of options. On the way home, you may like to experience another very popular activity in Japan - soaking in an outdoor hot spring 800m from our home.

Wed. 14 Apr 2027 (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will dive straight in to the bustle of the Namba area of Osaka and learn why Osaka is nicknamed the ‘kitchen of Japan.’ We will explore this colourful area, try many of the foods Osaka is famous for, check out a chunk of the Berlin Wall and we’re going to see real sumo wrestlers. From 6 pm we will be ringside, learning a lot about the history of sumo and maybe you will compete against a real sumo wrestler.

Thu. 15 Apr 2027 (B, L, D)

Quite often, the best holiday memories involve interactions with the locals. We might start the day with an ikebana lesson at home and then visit a school. Nakaosan could show us around his sake brewery or you might like to shop in a supermarket. Lyn is always keen to drag people to karaoke and for them to experience a haircut in Japan. There is also a new display home village with over 40 homes showing the latest in Japanese architecture and interior design.
We will make dinner together tonight so you will learn how to prepare Shabu Shabu or Okonomiyaki. An early night will be good as we have 2 busy days ahead.

Sat 17 Apr 2027 (B, L, D)

Today we will probably go to Nara - home to lots of World Heritage buildings and a bunch of friendly deer. On the way back home, we may stop in Namba and walk through the covered streets lined with shops to Shinsaibashi - famous for its neon lights and the Glico Man. Being a Saturday night, it’s fun to simply people watch for an update on the latest fashions.

Sun 18 Apr 2027 (B, D)

There are no fixed plans until mid afternoon but a 6 km drive up to Katsuoji Temple and Minoh Waterfall is a great option. Alternatively, you might like to get a haircut, find a bargain at a second-hand shop, soak in the onsen down the road, play golf, ride our e-bikes or do nothing.
Around 3:30 pm, Ogawasan will come and dress us up for a photo shoot in kimono! Our traditional house makes a great backdrop.

We might invite some neighbors for a bit of sushi and beer tonight. Lyn’s neighbor, Hide, is in Rotary and he could tell us about their work in earthquake relief too.

Mon 19 Apr 2027 (B, L, D)

Today we will take a Shinkansen (bullet train) straight to Himeji, a pretty little city with the best castle in Japan and Lyn’s favourite garden, Kokoen. There will be time to climb to the top of Himeji Castle or ride in a jinrikisha (rickshaw). Mid afternoon, we will check in to our hotel and there’ll be a few hours to shop at your leisure. Try not to snack too much because dinner will be tabehodai Kobe Beef (all you can eat) - or an alternative restaurant of your choice. We will probably go to karaoke tonight - don’t worry, their magic microphones make everyone sound good - even Matt!
Overnight: Himeji

Tue 20 Apr 2027 (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will take the slower train back into Osaka, passing by what was the largest suspension bridge in the world until 2022 and stopping in Kobe to visit the Hanshin Earthquake Museum. Next stop will be Hanshin Department Store and Osaka Grand Front where there are loads of shops and a green oasis right beside the busiest train station in Western Japan. If you can wait long enough, we’ll head home to feast on those gourmet foods we bought in the food halls.

Wed 21 Apr 2026 (B, L, D)

Most likely we will visit another educational institution today and tick off some of those things we haven’t had time for yet.

Lunch at our local golf course (1 km up the road) is quite a treat as the bento is both delicious and beautiful. The views from the restaurant go from Kyoto to Hyogo prefectures so we’ll be able to recall all the places we’ve been.

For dinner, we might do another simple cooking lesson so you can go home with the confidence to reproduce this meal in Australia.

Thu. 22 Apr 2026 (B, L)

You have this morning to do that final shop, hike, massage or whatever else. Matt and Lyn will be available to help you do that efficiently. If you are extending your trip, then we will help you get to the train. If you are returning to Australia, taxis will pick you up mid - late afternoon and drive you to Kansai Airport. (Jetstar flights to Australia leave in the evenings)