April 04, 2020 - April 14, 2020
The J Cubed Tour
Join Jodi in Japan = J Cubed
Join Jodi in Japan for her G Adventures Ambassador of Change adventure.
*April 4-14, 2020
Experience a Planeterra Project | Hagi Community Homestay
Get to know a local family at this G Adventures for Good-supported community homestay in Hagi, a farming, fishing and historical heritage town. In recent years, due to the rapidly aging population and limited income opportunities in many of the rural areas of Japan, many community members have had to leave Hagi in order to make a living. Learn about local history and customs, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with your hosts.
Wander off the beaten path
Join us as we wander away from Japan's big cities and popular sites with this 11-day tour that takes you to destinations that are often overlooked. Visit the treasured castle of Matsumoto and learn about samurai culture, relax in a traditional hot spring-fed onsen, explore the quaint city of Hagi by bicycle, and settle in at a community homestay to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. Of course, there's time before and after to explore Tokyo and Kyoto, making this trip a well-rounded glimpse into Japan's past and present.
*Depart the USA by April 3 to arrive in Tokyo by April 4
WHATS INCLUDED
- Your G for Good Moment: Hagi Community Homestay, Hagi
- Your Hands-On Moment: Traditional Paper-making Lesson, Mihomisumi-eki
- Modern Tokyo walking tour
- Zenkoji Temple visit (Nagano)
- Jigokudani Monkey Park visit (Matsumoto)
- Matsumoto Castle visit
- Hagi orientation walk
- Hagi cycling tour
- Tottori sand dunes visit
- Tottori fish market visit
- Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine visit
- Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (7 nts), traditional inn (1 nt, shared facilities), homestay (2 nts, multi-share).
Meals
3 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Transportation
Bus, bullet train, local train, bicycle, walking.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Itinerary Summary
April 4, 2020 | Day 1 | Tokyo
Arrive at any time. Welcome Meeting at 6PM
April 5, 2020 | Day 2 | Tokyo
Take a CEO-led walking tour of eclectic modern Tokyo from the hub of Shinjuku to Shibuya through to Harajuku. The rest of the day is free for exploring more of the city.
April 6, 2020 | Day 3 | Tokyo & Nagano
Journey to Nagano, located in the Japanese Alps and host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics. Discover the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and watch Japanese snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs.
April 7, 2020 | Day 4 | Nagano
Enjoy a day-trip to quaint Matsumoto and visit one of Japan's most treasured castles. Return to Nagano and explore historic Zenkoji Temple.
April 8, 2020 | Day 5 | Nagano & Otsu
Travel to Otsu in Shiga prefecture. Located on the banks of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, the area is known for the Ogoto Onsens. Settle in and relax with a dip in the healing waters of these Japanese style hot springs, and dine on traditional fare. Meals included: Dinner
April 9, 2020 | Day 6 | Otsu & Hagi
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the Ryokan this morning before a long travel day. In the early evening, arrive in the quaint city of Hagi, a former castle town that boasts feudal architecture. Take part in a welcome ceremony with the local residents, and meet your host family at a community homestay, a G Adventures for Good project. Get to know each other as you enjoy dinner together. Exclusive Inclusions: Your G for Good Moment Hagi Community Homestay Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
April 10, 2020 | Day 7 | Hagi
Explore rural Hagi on a guided morning cycle and spot samurai architecture along the way. Enjoy free time to wander the narrow streets or opt to visit some of the beautiful old samurai and merchant residences which are open to the public. In the late afternoon, return to your homestay and enjoy dinner with your host family. Exclusive Inclusions: Your G for Good Moment Hagi Community Homestay. Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
April 11, 2020 Day 8 | Hagi & Tottori
Bid farewell to your host family after enjoying breakfast together. Later, travel to Miho-misumi by train, taking in scenic views along the way. Learn the art of making "washi," a UNESCO-recognized traditional Japanese paper before continuing to the seaside town of Tottori. Exclusive Inclusions: Your Hands-On Moment Traditional Paper-making Lesson. Meals included: Breakfast
April 12, 2020 | Day 9 | Tottori & Kyoto
Spend the morning exploring Tottori's scenic sand dunes, some reaching 50m (164 ft) in height. After, visit the local fish market and opt for a fresh seafood lunch. In the late afternoon, travel to Kyoto for two nights in the traditional heart of Japan.
April 13, 2020 | Day 10 | Kyoto
Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famed for an impressive 10,000 red torii gates. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this picturesque city. Opt to experience zen gardens, teahouses, shrines, and local gift shops – and maybe even spot a real-life geisha.
April 14, 2020 | Day 11 | Kyoto
Depart at any time.
Please let us know if you would like to add-on a pre or post hotel stay in Tokyo or Kyoto on the sign-up page.
Please let us know if you are traveling solo or with someone else.
Per Person Pricing
(Based on double occupancy)
Sign me up! | Booking w/ a friend | 4399.00 |
Single supplement may not be available. Price is based on double occupancy. $4399 per person x 2 =$8798. If you are a returning G Adventures traveler and have filled out the survey upon returning from your tour you qualify for a 5% discount. Lotus Global Tours will confirm with G Adventures. If you are traveling solo we will match you with a roommate.
Additional Services
Item | Price |
---|---|
International Flight | Request Quote |
Pre-night Hotel Tokyo | $115 per night |
Post-night Hotel Kyoto | $TBD Request Quote |
Arrival Transfer | Airport Pick-up | $70 |
DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS
$350 Deposit is due at time of booking. Space is limited and not guaranteed until deposit is processed. You will receive a confirmation after your deposit is confirmed. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK ANY FLIGHTS UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION FROM JODI. We recommend you submit your deposit by October 1, 2019. FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE JANUARY 15, 2020