2. Trip Overview Location: Japan Dates: February 8 – February 21, 2009 (arrival & departure dates in Japan) Duration: 14 days/13 nights Group Size: 10-20+ guests Accommodation: 3-4 star hotels Activities: skiing & sightseeing
3. Day 1: Arrive Tokyo Sunday, February 8, 2009 We’ll pick you up at Tokyo’s Narita Airport and drive to our hotel in the heart of Shinjuku. Hotel: Keio Plaza Transportation: Chartered bus Guide: Yes
4. Days 2-3: Tokyo Sightseeing Monday, Feb 9 - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 No trip to Japan would be complete without experiencing the hustle and bustle of one of the most densely populated cities in the world – Tokyo. On Monday we’ll visit Tokyo’s highlights, including Asakusa Temple, Imperial Palace Plaza, Akihabara Electric Town and much more. Tuesday is a free day to explore Tokyo on your own. Enjoy nightlife at Tokyo’s Ni Chome area. Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Included Meals: Daily breakfast Transportation: Chartered bus, Day 2 Only Guide: Day 2 Only
5. Day 4: Bullet Train to Nagano/Hakuba Wednesday, February 11, 2009 This morning we’ll board Japan’s famed Bullet Train for the high-speed journey to Nagano. We’ll then board a chartered bus and head straight to Hakuba. Hotel: Hakuba Tokyu Hotel or Hotel Hakuba Included Meals: Breakfast Transportation: Train & chartered bus Guide: Yes
6. Days 5-8: Hakuba Thursday, Feb 12 – Sunday, Feb 15, 2009 You’ll spend the next four days skiing at your choice of Hakuba ski resorts. Evenings will be spent relaxing in the hot springs, checking out the local nightlife, or joining up with the Gay Ski Weekend crew. Hotel: Hakuba Tokyu Hotel or Hotel Hakuba Included Meals: Breakfast Transportation: Local shuttle Guide: No
7. Day 9: Back Country Skiing or Free Day Monday, February 16, 2009 Those looking to get deep into the powdery backcountry for a day will love this optional tour. You will be led by our certified expert guiding team that has years of experience in this region. Those who prefer groomed terrain can enjoy another day of incredible powder at one of Hakuba’s resorts or enjoy a free day for sightseeing. Hotel: Hakuba Tokyu Hotel or Hotel Hakuba Included Meals: Breakfast Transportation: Local shuttles/van Guide: Only for Back Country Option
8. Day 10: Matsumoto & Kyoto Tuesday, February 17, 2009 This morning we’ll board our bus and head to Matsumoto. We’ll tour Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s historic castles which dates back to the sixteenth century. Following the tour, we’ll board a train for Kyoto, arriving in time for dinner. Hotel: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto Included Meals: Breakfast Transportation: Train & chartered bus Guide: Yes
9. Days 11-13: Kyoto & Nara Wednesday, Feb 18 - Friday, Feb 20, 2009 Over the next three days we will explore the cultural heart of Japan, the 1200-year old city of Kyoto and Nara, Japan’s first capital. Between them, they feature literally thousands of temples, shrines and gardens, and we will visit the highlights, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wednesday and Thursday will include guided tours, Friday will be a free day to explore Kyoto on your own. Hotel: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto Included Meals: Breakfast Transportation: Chartered bus Guide: For Days 11 & 12 only
10. Day 14: Depart for Home Saturday, February 21, 2009 After breakfast we’ll head to Kansai International Airport for our flight home. Sayonara! Included Meals: Breakfast Transportation: Chartered bus Guide: No
