Amaco Small Group Tours invites you to attend our ‘Japan—A Journey Through Ancient Traditions’ Small Group Tour and conference.
We have carefully designed a bespoke itinerary encompassing the ancient and modern cultures of this spellbinding country.
Your introduction to this fascinating country takes you to the main island of Honshu. Few places blend ancient traditions and cutting-edge contemporary culture as well, or as interestingly, as Japan. Here, you’ll find the height of modernity alongside some of the world’s most beautiful ancient temples and gardens, all woven together by incredible cuisine and one of Asia’s most interesting cultural perspectives. It is the land of anime and pachinko, exquisite cuisine, and electronics and robotics innovation that transforms how we live and work. Its Kyoto temples fringed by cherry blossoms, the outrageous couture of Harajuku girls on a Tokyo Sunday, and geisha in kimonos and painted faces.
Japan’s insular past may be gone, but many old ways remain. You can still see local women dressed in meticulous kimonos navigating the streets and sushi masters using techniques from the 17th century. This is what makes Japan so fascinating – firmly rooted in tradition but hurtling into the future!
We travel in March hoping to catch the Sakura or ‘cherry blossoms’. Though not guaranteed, spring will be in the air. Locals are obsessive about forecasting when the first bud will be in full bloom each season.
The itinerary begins in Tokyo – the nation’s capital since the start of the Meiji Restoration in 1868 when, among other major changes to the nation’s political and social structure, Japan came out of its self-imposed isolation. After suffering extensive damage during World War II, Tokyo has since rebuilt itself into one of the world’s most energetic, vibrant cities.
You’ll visit the Asakusa district, one of the most iconic districts in Tokyo. Steeped in history, the neighbourhood is a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. The district streets are lined with temples, street food, and shops selling traditional wares.
No Tokyo itinerary is complete without a visit to the Tsujiki Outer Market. Stepping into the market, you are greeted by rows of shops, stalls, and vendors showcasing an impressive array of seafood, including fish, shellfish, and exotic delicacies from the seas around Japan. Daily auctions are held featuring over 450 types of seafood, a unique experience that offers insight into a country obsessed with the freshest possible ingredients for its seafood-centric cuisine. The skilful fishmongers expertly slicing and preparing the catches of the day are truly a sight to behold. You’ll take a masterclass in the art of sushi making and savour the fruits of your labour.
You’ll head to Tokyo’s west and visit Meiji Jingu, the foremost Shinto shrine in Tokyo. Built in 1920, it honours Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who were instrumental in Japan’s modernisation and development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The shrine is a symbol of Japan’s rich cultural heritage and serves as a place for visitors to pay their respects to the spirits of the emperor and empress.
Just a stone’s throw away and in complete contrast is the Harajuku neighbourhood, a fashion hub known for being the birthplace of kawaii (cute) culture, where Japan’s youth flock to show off their subculture looks and niche fashion.
You’ll leave the big city behind and hop on a bullet train in first-class style to Takayama. You’ll spend two
nights here, where ancient cultures come alive.
Steeped in 17th-century traditional architecture, the enchanting riverside town is located amidst the beautiful scenery of the Japanese Alps. Isolated from the rest of the country, the town has retained much of its historic charm, evident in the narrow lanes and well-preserved wooden houses in the old town, Sanmachi Street.
Just as enthralling is Shirakawa-go. Located deep in the mountains in the heart of the Gifu prefecture, this charming village is a UNESCO world heritage site. Known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, the structures are made of wooden beams and straw thatch, creating a unique architectural style characteristic of the region.
You’ll then arrive in Kanazawa. Situated on the western coast of Honshu Island, diagonally northwest of Tokyo, Kanazawa is not on the radar of many foreign tourists, but it has long been a destination of choice for the Japanese themselves. The historic preservation of Kanazawa’s samurai, geisha and merchant districts make it one of the foremost examples of life in Edo Period Japan (1603-1868).
You’ll spend two nights in Kanazawa, strolling through the preserved streets and visiting the Kenroku-en garden—one of Japan’s most celebrated. Known for its stunning landscapes, tranquil ponds, and rich history, the stunning Kanazawa Castle looms above.
Another bullet train whizzes you to Hiroshima. Few destinations can be as sobering, whose name immediately conjures the atomic annihilation that occurred there at 08:15 on 6 August 1945, in the final days of World War II. Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a poignant reminder of this world-changing piece of history. The park also features numerous monuments and memorials, each offering a unique perspective on the tragedy and its aftermath.
You’ll then venture to the Seto Inland Sea, visiting the small island of Miyajima. It’s famous for its stunning scenery, characterised by the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float on the water during high tide. The island is considered sacred and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
Any visit to Hiroshima must also include a sampling of its signature cuisine, okonomiyaki. This layered pancake of egg, cabbage, pork, soba or udon noodles, vegetables, and more is typically prepared in a hot pan in front of the customer.
Kyoto is a short bullet train ride away and where you’ll be enveloped in Japan’s old traditions for your last three nights. Once the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto was built in 794, and it was modeled after the Chinese capital of Chang’an. During World War II, Kyoto was spared much of the devastation that other Japanese cities faced, and as a result, retains many of its historic buildings – so much so that there are almost 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kyoto. Indeed, so well-preserved is its old quarter that many buildings are as ornate and stunning today as they were during Kyoto’s heyday as the capital of Japan.
You’ll visit the Golden Pavilion, one of the must-see attractions in Kyoto. It is a Zen Buddhist temple originally built in the 14th century and is known for its stunning gold-leaf exterior and beautiful reflection in the surrounding pond. The temple is set in a tranquil garden and features several other buildings and shrines. Built as a pleasure pavilion by a 15th-century shogun and burned down by a deranged monk in the 1950s, it has now been rebuilt to its previous exquisite perfection.
Next on the itinerary is Nijo Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This feudal-era castle was built in the 17th century for the Tokugawa shoguns. It is surrounded by moats and walls and features several impressive gates and gardens. There are many buildings and chambers to explore, including the Ninomaru Palace with its beautifully painted screens and intricate woodwork.
Kyoto is the birthplace of the time-honoured custom of a traditional geisha, which began in the 17th century and typically includes song performances with a shamisen (a three-stringed instrument). Though once a central part of Japanese culture, today, the art of the geisha is largely one of historical preservation. You’ll enjoy a Maiko performance – a captivating traditional Japanese art form that showcases the grace, beauty, and artistry of apprentice geishas. These young women undergo extensive dance, music, and traditional customs training to become geishas, the epitome of refined elegance and sophistication.
Your itinerary concludes with a group transfer to Osaka Airport.
The all-inclusive travel package covers carefully selected accommodation, touring, entrance fees, and many specially arranged activities not available to the public. We also include most meals and take great care to ensure those with special dietary requirements are looked after.
We hope you can join us as we travel through Japan in March 2025. As with all Amaco Conferences, we’ve capped the maximum number of participants at just 30. This helps ensure your comfort and touring pleasure.
8 March 2025 @ 6:30pm
21 March 2025 @ 9:00am
Starts: Tokyo, Japan
Ends: Kyoto, Japan
Conference Participant: $995 pp
Non-Conference Participant: $795 pp
Amaco Family Price: $15,995 pp
(For previous Amaco Conference Participants)
Early Bird Price: $16,995 pp
(For bookings made before 30 September 2024)
Standard Price: $17,995 pp
(For bookings made after 1 October 2024)
Single Supplement (if travelling alone): $4,995
Amaco is not only a member of ATIA (the Australian Travel Industry Association) and CATO (Council of Australian Tour Operators) but we are also ATAS Travel Accredited. This means we have met strict industry financial, operational, and management standards and criteria. Only the best industry agents achieve this accreditation, meaning you can travel with us knowing that you’re in safe and capable hands.
With almost 30 years of experience in planning and running conferences, we understand that participants may want to add additional travel destinations and adventures before or after the all-inclusive packages we provide.
Other conference operators might discourage you from doing this. Sometimes, it’s because of the added complexity it creates and at other times they’ll try to talk you out of it simply because they don’t have capable or experienced staff with the breadth and depth of the advisors we employ.
We encourage all participants to make the most of the time away. This might mean departing earlier than the rest of the group and visiting other destinations before meeting up with the main group at the conference or staying on at the conclusion and doing some additional travel.
Our travel advisors are perfectly positioned to assist you with making these arrangements and will do all the hard work for you – seamlessly combining your personalised itinerary with the group program.
Amaco is an Accredited Education Provider for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine. Over the years members of our tea have also worked closely with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the Australian Medical Association, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and various dental and specialist associations and colleges.
Each conference we run includes an education syllabus that assists GP’s, pharmacists and health professionals to improve the quality of care they provide to patients and customers while at the same time providing them the opportunity to travel to and experience new and exciting destinations.
Our conference will allow delegates the opportunity to earn CPD hours / points based on the content and time in sessions. As has been the case with past conferences, we will work closely with participants affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.
The content of the education sessions will be relevant to GPs, Medical Specialists, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses, and other health providers. We encourage all attendees to register for the conference sessions.
The Education Committee for the Japan – A Journey Through Ancient Traditions conference will be selected in late 2024, with final conference topics to be chosen based on the feedback from our previous conference attendees and with input from the RACGP, ACRRM, and medical journals. Suitable speakers will be approached based on the topics selected.
Subject to final accreditation, the Japan – A Journey Through Ancient Traditions Conference will include up to 14 hours of accredited education.
ACRRM members can also expect the education program to be accredited and to earn CPD points. RACGP and ACRRM accreditation will be applied for under the triennium 2023 to 2025.
As has been the case in the past, Amaco will work with pharmacy bodies and those affiliated with other associations to ensure they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.
We welcome applications from potential presenters and encourage anyone interested to contact us for further information.
