Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do.
Your adventure starts in Tokyo, one of the most amazing cities in Asia, if not the world. On a clear day you may even see Japan's tallest mountain, Mt Fuji standing boldly in the distance to the West of the city. A bus trip takes you to Kawaguchi, the perfect base for exploration of the walking trails tracing the base of the mountain. Your guide will help you throughout the personal challenge of conquering Mt Fuji. Watch daybreak over the land of the rising sun, with spectacular views over the surrounding lowlands. Return to Tokyo for recovery and maybe even indulge yourself in a rejuvenating Shiatsu massage!
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated trip notes please visit our website: www.intrepidtravel.com
Arrival at Narita Airport and follow the instructions listed in joining instructions to get to your hotel (Intrepid Travel does not arrange transfers in Tokyo - please make your own way to the starting point hotel). The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore and information will be left at the Ryokan for those who arrive early to do some sightseeing. On a clear day you will see Mt Fuji standing boldly in the distance to the West of the city.
To stay in a Ryokan is a traditional Japanese experience, as this is how a typical family lives. Rooms have a tatami (straw) matt floor and are furnished sparingly, often with just a low table. You will sleep in the traditional style, using a futon, which is spread out on the tatami mat. During the day the futon is kept in the closet, then the Ryokan staff will prepare your bed for you before bedtime. Shoes are removed at the main entrance to the Ryokan, where you put on the provided slippers. Slippers are used for walking around but should be removed before stepping onto the tatami mat. A yukata (Japanese bath robe) is also provided, to be worn during your stay. The yukata can be used for both walking around the Ryokan and as pajamas.
Meals included: None
Overnight: Sakura Ryokan, Tokyo.
Located within an easy walking distance of Asakusa, Kappabashi street (several min walk) and Ueno Park, this traditional Japanese Inn also offers convenient access to all major tourist attractions in Tokyo, including Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza and Narita airport. Offering family style service, the Sakura Ryokan provides its guests with access to free internet, a common bath, dining room, coin-operated laundry, vending machine and international telephone. The clean rooms have private bathroom, TV and air-conditioning.
Today you have time to grab some final provisions before taking the two-hour bus trip to the town of Kawaguchi at the base of Mt Fuji. It is recommended that you leave your main luggage at the ryokan in Tokyo and carry a daypack with you.
At 3,776 m high, Mt Fuji is Japan's tallest mountain and a national symbol. Snow-capped throughout most of the year, views of its majestic volcanic cone are breathtaking. Often shrouded by clouds, you are most likely to get a clear view outside of climbing season in the late autumn, winter and early spring when the air is fairly clear.
At Fuji Yoshida, at the base of the mountain, we visit the 400 year old Sengen Jinja shrine, an atmospheric shrine dedicated to the official Shinto Goddess of Mt Fuji and the starting point of the traditional pilgrimage trail that we will follow up the mountain. Walking through the lush forests on the lower reaches of the mountain and past remains of what was once the main route up the mountain until the road was built to the fifth station we begin our hike to the summit.
For those who do not wish to climb Mt Fuji (you must advise Intrepid at time of booking), you will return to Kawaguchi town and do day walks in the area.
We spend a night at one of the many mountain huts that are on the path up the mountain. Hiking at your own pace, the climb should take around 9 to 11 hours at a slow and easygoing speed from the Sengen-jinja to the summit and an overnight stay will help your body acclimatise to the altitude. Weather and time permitting, you have time to hike the crater for an hour or two and check out the spectacular views of Mt Fuji's different sides. You also have the opportunity to send some postcards to your friends and family from the post office on the summit.
After a leisurely descent to the 5th station you catch a bus back to Tokyo for a hot shower and a good night's sleep!
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR CLIMBERS ON MOUNT FUJI:
* Alert your guide if you have any difficulty.
* The weather on the summit can deteriorate in a matter of minutes, with thick mist reducing visibility to 3 m. Rainstorms and wind up to 120 km/h can occur at times. Please hold the rope, which will lead you to safety.
* If you are separated from your guide or lose sight of the trail, STOP IMMEDIATELY, stay where you are and blow your whistle to attract attention. PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO FIND YOUR WAY OUT.
* When climbing the summit please make sure that you carry with you the following:
- warm clothing
- a torch/flashlight (and spare batteries)
- a rain coat
- some energy food and plenty of water
- a whistle.
* To avoid altitude sickness we tackle the mountain at a slow pace and make frequent breaks. If you do not allow your body sufficient time to adjust to increases in altitude you may experience altitude sickness. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness and nausea.
* The completion of the climb to the summit is subject to weather conditions, your fitness and appropriate clothing. Your guides will make this decision.
Meals included: 1 breakfast (day 3)
Overnight: simple multishare mountain hut, Mt Fuji (day 3) and Sakura Ryokan, Tokyo (day 4)
There are mountain huts at all the stages up the mountain (from 5 to 8). The accommodation is very simple, with mattresses arranged on the floor. At times there can be very little personal space.
Today and tomorrow are at your leisure in and around Tokyo and a chance to buy some special souvenirs or do some final sightseeing! You may even choose to indulge in a rejuvenating Shiatsu massage or a soak in the Ryokan's bath. Your guide can offer advice on how to make the most of your time before you depart - bike rides around Tokyo, other nearby hikes for those with something left in their legs or some of the many historically and culturally significant sights.
Please note that your hotel check-out time is 10am unless you negotiate late check-out directly with the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
After the trip: Your feedback is important to us. We have made many trip changes over the years based on past traveller feedback. So if you want to tell us anything, from how great the service was at a particular hotel or how delicious an included meal was or if you have any improvement suggestions then please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
We'll even give you 5% off your next Intrepid trip if you fill in feedback within 4 weeks. Thanks!
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your
group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing
customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in the Trip
Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any
additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Sakura Ryokan
2-6-2, Iriya Taito-ku
Tokyo
Japan
Phone: +81 (03) 3876 8118
Fax: +81 (03) 3873 9456
Narita airport is approximately 60 km from Tokyo and a taxi would cost you about $US250. Therefore, we recommend you take the train. It is not too complicated and there are plenty of people around to help you out if you need it. The train station is located under the airport, very close to the exit from immigration. We suggest that you take the KEISEI SKYLINER train from the airport. Get off at the final stop, UENO, and follow the signs to the subway in the direction of KITA-SENJU, and get off at the first stop IRIYA..
IRIYA is one stop from Ueno on the grey 'Hibiya' line.
Access - 6 minutes on foot along KOTOTOI street towards ASAKUSA from the No.1 or No.2 exit of IRIYA station on the subway HIBIYA line. Walk for about 80 meters to the left on an angle from the traffic light ahead of the SEVEN ELEVEN. It is also located 15 minutes on foot from the JR UGUISUDANI station (south exit) or 5 minutes by taxi.
If you have any problems please call the ryokan from a public phone and they will help you with directions.
Located within an easy walking distance of Asakusa, Kappabashi Street (5 minutes walk) and Ueno Park, this traditional Japanese inn also offers convenient access to all major tourist attractions in Tokyo, including the Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza and Narita Airport. Offering family-style service, the Sakura Ryokan provides its guests with access to free internet, a common bath, dining room, coin-operated laundry, vending machine and IDD telephone. The clean rooms have private bathroom, TV and air-conditioning.
Sakura Ryokan
2-6-2, Iriya Taito-ku
Tokyo
Japan
Phone: +81 (03) 3876 8118
Fax: +81 (03) 3873 9456
Free spirited adventures. Short Breaks are small group adventures that offer the freedom and flexibility of independent travel while removing some of the hassles of travelling on your own. With plenty of opportunity to have a real life experience or two along the way these trips are a great add on to a longer adventure, or just a short break in an amazing destination.
Traditional Japanese Inn (3 nts), mountain hut (1 nt)
Please keep in mind that accommodation as shown in the itinerary is subject to availability at time of booking. The closest available alternative will be substituted if our first choice hotels are not available. Deductions or supplements may be applied to the trip price as a result.
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Allow USD $70 for meals not included.
3 Breakfasts
Bus, hiking
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional
activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included
activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Climb Mt Fuji
rating definitions
Be prepared for some serious physical activity. This may be treks of up to 6 hours per day in steep terrain, or extended bike rides of more than one day. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.
rating definitions
Expect to rough it every now and again, whether it's very simple group-share accommodation at a homestay, a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, the odd cold shower or an encounter with a squat toilet.
1. Mt Fuji is a rewarding but difficult climb. We do offer the option to do guided day walks of the area instead. Please advise your preference at time of booking. Unless otherwise advised the itinerary including the Mt Fuji climb will be booked.
2. Although the official climbing season is from 1 July to 31 August conditions at the summit vary greatly. If you are climbing a month either side of the season, please contact Intrepid about chances of reaching the summit.
3. It is important to come prepared with clothing for cold and wet weather. Please refer to the 'what to bring' section below for more information.
4. In the event that you are not able to climb Mt Fuji due to weather conditions you will participate in hikes of the surrounding area. You will often get the best views of the Mountain outside of the climbing season.5.
Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partner.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php for links to various travel insurance providers.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary
depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible,
but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up to date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsability to have the correct travel documentation. Nationals of most countries do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. South African residents are amongst those who are required to get a visa. Please check for any changes prior to your departure.
All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of our group leader or company representative any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our local operators and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
When selecting your trip please read the Intrepid brochure and itinerary carefully, and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please contact us at help@intrepidtravel.com should you require any clarification on what is involved on your itinerary. As we rely on public transport and do quite a bit of walking to get to our hotels you do need to be reasonably physically fit and able to carry your luggage. For travellers over 70 years a completed Intrepid Medical certificate is required.
Intrepid reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
For the Fuji climb on this trip the general rule is you will need to be quite fit and the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. You will be walking up to an altitude of approximately 3,770 metres above sea level and it will be demanding trekking. You will be walking with your day pack, with the possibility of extreme variations in temperature. We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the months before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Doing mountain walks or climbing long stair cases with a pack is good preparation (try putting a few bricks in your pack for real training). Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trek to its fullest.
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website:
www.oanda.com.
Please check the latest exchange rate for the Japanese Yen at your local bank or in the newspaper. It has been changing frequently in the past year. Japan is predominantly a cash society and locals carry large amounts of cash for daily business. Travellers cheques can be used although their use is quite limited and exchanging can be very time consuming. We recommend you arrive in Japan with as much Yen that you feel comfortable carrying and Yen travellers cheques.
Cash from non Japanese bank accounts via the Cirrus and Maestro system by direct debiting (as well as Mastercard and Visa cash advance) is now available at all post office ATM's around the country as well as all 7 Eleven convenience stores ATM's making it very easy to get access to cash throughout the trip at each location.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by a group leader. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however on occasion your leader may be new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.intrepidtravel.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we have been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. To make things easier we established The Intrepid Foundation Inc. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation are matched dollar for dollar by Intrepid Travel and every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your group leader for information on the projects we support in-country through The Intrepid Foundation; or go to our website: www.theintrepidfoundation.org
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. In addition, laundry services can be found outside our hotel in all major cities. There may be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non polluting/biodegradable soap.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Please note that some airlines we use on our trips may have a luggage limit of 10-15kg per person over which excess luggage fees may apply. We advise that you pack to keep your luggage under this weight limit as excess luggage fees are the sole responsibility of the traveller.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by refilling from the tap or from drinking water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation.
You will leave your large luggage in Tokyo so its size and weight doesn't matter too much, but remember your airline restrictions and make sure it is manageable for you to carry on your own. Many inns do not allow suitcases with wheels into rooms with tatami mat floors, so it is better not to use these. Please leave your main luggage at your hotel in Tokyo and take a day pack with your necessary clothing and personal belongings for the trip to Mt Fuji. It is in your best interest to pack as lightly as possible because you will need to carry your own pack up the mountain. You will need to carry a change of clothes, torch/flashlight, toiletries, warm clothes and any other essentials (see checklist below). Please ensure you bring appropriate footweat and rainwear as rain is common on Mt Fuji.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher, health requirements arranged, money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card, money pouch, first aid kit including blister treatment, day pack to carry your personal needs during your 3 day/2 night excursion to Mt Fuji, alarm clock and torch/flashlight, mosquito repellent, refillable water bottle, tampons are difficult to buy in Japan, Japanese language phrase book. For the climb it is recommended to bring durable walking boots/shoes with ankle support and good grip; a warm hat and water proof gloves; thermal underwear /warm clothes all year round; wind and rain proof jacket or raincoat and windproof pants; water and energy food, which can be purchased in Tokyo or Kawaguchi before you start the climb.
Due to staying at local ryokans with tatami floors and the need to remove footwear each time you enter your room, shoes that are easy to slip on and off can make things a little easier.
While Japan is known for its 'out there' fashions it is important to remember that we spend time at temples, working monastries, holy shrines, recreated villages and castles, cooking schools and ancient gardens where it is important to be respectful to the staff and other visitors by covering shoulders with t-shirts (no singlets) and wearing at least long shorts (knee length).
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy at www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
While life jackets are available on water craft in Asia, there may be occasions where child size life jackets are not readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense.
All Intrepid travellers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of
travelling with Intrepid. The wording of this form follows:
"I understand that travelling with Intrepid may involve risks (and rewards)
above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that
I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that
I am travelling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the
standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical
facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of
the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. I
have read and understood the Intrepid trip notes for the trip I am
undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions
I have to Intrepid's representatives.
I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel.
I release Intrepid Travel from any liabilities connected to these risks to
the maximum extent permitted by law."
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
Thanks!
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There are five categories - real life experiences, travelling families, local friends, landscapes, icons - each with a fabulous prizes.For more information,
entry form and competition conditions, please visit www.intrepidtravel.com/photocomp. Send entries to
The Editor,
Intrepid Travel,
PO Box 2781,
Fitzroy DC 3065,
Victoria, Australia.
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