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Japanese food is one of the world’s most famous cuisines – which is a well earned reputation and rightly so! Tokyo is one of the most amazing cities in Asia, if not the world. Put them together and you have a great place to learn more about Japanese food while having fun seeing some of the great sights this extraordinary city has to offer. We have designed a comprehensive itinerary to discover as many of the famous aspects of Japanese food – sushi, sashimi, hand made noodles – as well surprising the traveler with some of the not so famous but equally interesting and, more importantly, delicious! We do this all from our wonderful traditional inn base of the Shigetsu ryokan in the Asakusa area, the heart of Tokyo’s old ‘downtown’ area where many aspects of Japanese food were developed or refined nearly 400 years ago, and a short way from the city’s current heart and all you expect from the New Tokyo. This tour is filled with guided sightseeing of the many of the different areas which are scattered around Tokyo, as well as some free time to do some extra sites based on your interests and preferences, all with an overriding food focus. Market visits, soba noodle making school visit, traditional breakfasts, Tsukiji fish market breakfast, hands on Japanese cooking school visit and much more focused on this wonderful cuisine is mixed into discovering Tokyo – everything from Kaubuki Theatre, Sony technology, stunning Japanese gardens, Ginza shopping, Sumo training and of course the famous night time Neon jungles.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Important Notes
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
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.
Arrival at Narita Airport and follow the instructions listed in joining instructions to get to the old downtown area of Tokyo's 400 year old past and Shigetsu Ryokan (Intrepid Travel does not arrange transfers in Tokyo - please make your own way to the starting point hotel). This wonderful local inn (ryokan) is only a few minutes walk from the scenic Sumida River and busy Asakusa, with its famous Sensoji Temple, shops, bars, amusement centers and restaurants.
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.
Meals: None included.
Overnight: Shigetsu Ryokan, Tokyo.
The Shigetsu Ryokan also has a wonderful Cypress decorated Japanese-style bath. Located on the top floor, you will have great views of the nearby temples and pagoda as you soak your worries away. The bath is gender segregated and the Ryokan will give you some further instructions regarding the experience.
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. Your room will also be equiped with modern conveniences, such as airconditioning, private bathroom facilities, mini-bar, TV, IDD telephone and Japanese tea.
Asakusa is a great place to start both days of travel around Tokyo and dive into Japanese cuisine. After a traditional breakfast at our ryokan we let the century old restaurants and ancient streets tell their story of how they helped shaped the current eating habits of today's Tokyoite. We have a quick look at the famous Kappabashi dori and the rows of plastic food stores, which supply Japan's restaurants with their window displays. The plastic food models are realistic works of art because they function as an advertisement of the food on offer at a given restaurant. Then onto a morning market Japan style - fruit, veggies and lots of fish and dried seafood! We sample some of the more unusual items that take our fancy.
Participate in a hands-on cooking class at the home of Ms. Kiyoko Konishi, one of Japan's leading cookbook authors and authorities on traditional Japanese cuisine. During the morning session she helps you prepare typical Japanese dishes of interest, including sushi, fish, noodle dishes and 'Nikujaga' traditional Japanese-style beef stew. At the end of class you get to feast of your creations for lunch. Then there is some free time to see some things this amazing city has to offer; whether it is the Akihabara Electronics town, Sony Building, Ginza shopping area, Harajuku youth culture hub, traditional Japanese garden, a view from the 45th floor of Shinjuku's City hall, Meiji Shrine or Kabuki performance. We use the world standard transportation system the city boasts to get around quickly and easily so everything is easily and quickly available... with the right guidance.
Enjoy a traditional 7 course Japanese dinner in the ryokan (when available). You will be served 'sansai ryori' or moutain vegetables, including a mix of many different types of seasonal vegetables and beautifully presented seafood - prepared in different ways throughout the year (baked, smoked, grilled, steamed). When dinner in the ryokan is not available we eat at one of the many fine resteraunts that Tokyo has to offer - shabu-shabu, sushi, unagi, sansai ryori, the list is endless!
Our second day has us starting early and visiting Tsukiji market - by weight and money turnover the largest market in the world - for a look at the auctions, the 2,500 tonne of seafood sold everyday as well as having a wonderful fresh breakfast - sushi is the recommendation but we are spoilt for choice. We then head to Ryogoku - the Sumo center of Japan - and catch some of the wrestlers training and try and get an insight into their unusual and infamous diet. It is then off to a 350 year old noodle restaurant now famous as a place chefs come to learn some secret and ancient food arts. Join in and make some of your own buck wheat noodles - which are then cooked so you eat what you have made for lunch. After lunch there is time to do some of your own sightseeing depending on your interests. There is so much in Tokyo and we don't want to peg you down too much. Come prepared for a bit of flexible to take in any seasonal and special festivals the city is famous for - cherry viewing, summer fireworks, naked men carrying 2 ton, 400 year old floats to the local shrine...
Meals included: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
Overnight: Shigetsu Ryokan
Today is at your leisure in Tokyo and a chance to buy some special souvenirs or do some final sightseeing! Your guide can offer advice on how to make the most of your time before you depart. Please note that your hotel check-out time is 10am unless you negotiate late check-out directly with the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast included.
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!
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
This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. On most itineraries of this type you have the ease of 'Western-style' accommodation and any transport used is comfortable.
You may be required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary could include easy paced walks or possibly bike rides, but these are not overly exerting.
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.
Home cooking school visit
Soba noodle making restaurant visit
Tsukiji fish market visit
Sumo stable visit (if possible)
We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with Intrepid.
We suggest you bring along USD50 for additional sightseeing.
Tokyo Edo Museum - 8USD
Tokyo National Museum - 12USD
Tokyo Sword Museum - 5USD
Shitamachi Edo Period Museum - 5USD
Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum - 5USD
Tokyo Bonsai Garden - 12 USD
Mori Art Museum - 12USD
Many attractions, like the Edo-Tokyo Museum, are closed on Monday.
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.
1. Please note that during Sumo tournaments the stables are not accessible to the public. Another activity will be substituted in its place. Also, the Tsukiji fish markets are closed every national holiday and every Sunday.
2. Although it is a great opportunity to stay in a Japanese-style room at the Japanese Inn we understand that it may not be for everyone. The Inn has Western-style rooms. Please advise us of your preference at time of booking. Unless otherwise advised the Japanese-style room will be booked.
3. Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partner.
Traditional Japanese Inn with private bathroom (3 nts)
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, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
Subway and walking.
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.
Shigetsu Ryokan
1-31-11 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tokyo
Japan
Phone: +81 3 3843 2345
Fax: +81 3 3843 2348
Ryokan Shigetsu is located right around the corner of the main street in Asakusa, "Nakamise-dori." This traditional ryokan in Tokyo has tatami mat rooms and is located in the historic Asakusa district.
Narita airport is approximately 60km 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. Go to the ticket office and ask for Keisei Line to Ueno Keisei station. Ask for "kaisoku no densha" or "tokyu no densha" which are the express local trains costing approximately 1,000yen and takes about 1 and a quarter hours to Ueno Keisei station (2 or 3 an hour until around 10pm, slower local trains after that still run). It is also possible to ask for the next Skyliner (1 or 2 per hour) which is 1,920yen and takes an hour. Many trains leave from the same platform so be sure to ask someone getting on the train that it's the right one.
On arrival at Ueno Keisei station, follow the yellow signs that say 'ginza line'. It is a short 3 minute walk and then get on any train going to Asakusa. It takes just five minutes and Asakusa station is the end of the line, 3 stops. It is a 5 minute walk to Shigetsu Ryokan. Check-in is after 1.00 pm but you can leave your luggage at reception if you arrive before then, it will be safe there. There will be a notice from your leader at reception.
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your Short Break Adventure as scheduled, please contact the telephone number listed in the 'Joining Point' section of the Trip notes.
Pre Booked arrival transfers may be available in your region, please ask your agent at the time of booking. 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 your hotel. Note. 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 commence your Short Break Adventure is at your own expense.
Shigetsu Ryokan
1-31-11 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tokyo
Japan
Phone: +81 3 3843 2345
Fax: +81 3 3843 2348
Ryokan Shigetsu is located right around the corner of the main street in Asakusa, "Nakamise-dori." This traditional ryokan in Tokyo has tatami mat rooms and is located in the historic Asakusa district.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
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.
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.
It is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Your travel agent can assist. Most Nationalities can receive a 90 day tourist visa at immigration on arrival.
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.
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.
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).
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, Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day, Alarm clock and torch/flashlight, Mosquito repellent, Refillable water bottle,Tampons are difficult to buy in Japan, Japanese phrase book, Warm clothes in the winter months (Oct to April). It is recommended to bring thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, hat and gloves, raincoat or umbrella especially winter.
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.
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.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar, up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$300,000 for all donors in each financial year. 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 the region, through The Intrepid Foundation; or go to our website: www.theintrepidfoundation.org
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."
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Thanks!
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