Discover Japan's secret gems
No trip to Japan is complete without seeing some of the country’s postcard-like icons. Tokyo’s Shinjuku and Ginza precincts, Hakone’s Great Buddha, Kyoto’s Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion or a visit to Hiroshima might be all considered must-sees.
But there are many lesser-travelled and fascinating destinations in the land of the Rising Sun. Boutique tour operator Blue Dot Travel can take you to some of these “out of the way” places by offering two September 2023 Japan Tour departures to places where a serious cultural hit is guaranteed. Their core “Japan in Autumn” tour is a three-week small-group tour and for those with a little bit more time, they also offer an extra two-week “Tohoku Precinct” (Northern Honshu) tour where there are even less tourists.
Have you ever heard of Sado Island? There’s a two-night stay included in this cultural gem which will have you visiting the Taiko Drum Centre, staying in a classic Ryokan while trying some unusual foods and mixing with some locals. Chances are, you may be the only Australians on the island!
Or how about Shirakawago, a traditional UNESCO-listed village in the Ono precinct that time has forgotten. Then there’s the Higashi Chaya-gai district near Kanazawa, a well-preserved geisha district with lovely old wooden buildings. Stroll through the township, stop for a Japanese tea and be absorbed in the culture.
Blue Dot’s two Japanese tours depart Sydney or Melbourne on September 3 (Japan in Autumn) and September 23 (Tohoku Precinct, Northern Honshu). Or, they can be done together which will will save you $500 per person. Both tours will run as a small-group format with Blue Dot’s average group size of around 12 travellers (max,. 16). The tours will be hosted by an Australian tour leader (subject to min 8 travellers) and are fully guided with a local English-speaking guide.
So, if you’re new to Japan or want to go back, this tour is for you. You’ll see some of the core sights the country has to offer and some of the lesser-travelled gems. Must do Brisbane has travelled with Blue Dot Travel on several occasions and can safely say that they are arguably one of the best small tour travel operator in Australia.
Blue Dot Travel is a long-standing boutique tour company which specialises in taking like-minded travellers in small groups to unique destinations around the globe.
DISCOUNT OFFER
Our friends at Blue Dot Travel would also like to offer Must do Brisbane readers $250 per person per booking. Simply mention that you have seen this tour on Must do Brisbane to redeem this special discount offer upon booking your trip of a lifelime!
