Our occasional newsletter is now online.
Archive for the ‘News’ Category
Winter 2010/11 newsletter
Thursday, February 17th, 20112012 tour dates online
Thursday, February 17th, 2011We have added tour dates for 2012 to our website. Please see the individual tour pages.
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Nara & Asuka Self-Guided Walking
Friday, February 4th, 2011
Nara from Nigatsu-do temple
Ideal for those who prefer a less-busy schedule and a lot of flexibility, The first of our two-centre self-guided trips focuses on two of Japan’s former capitals. You spend four nights in world-famous Nara, which has 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit Todai-ji temple with its giant bronze Buddha, Bigatsu-do temple, and nearby Nara park. Walk Japan’s oldest road, the Yamanobe-no-michi, with the option of more local, historical trails. You will move by train to Asuka, capital of the early nation of Japan during the 6th and 7th centuries. Asuka is a quiet and unspoilt rural village that is a pleasure to explore either on foot or by bicycle (which can be rented locally).
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Extra date for Shoguns and Samurai
Monday, November 1st, 2010We have added a new departure date in April 2011 for the Shoguns and Samurai tour.
Book now to guarantee your place!
2010 Photo competition
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010Our 2010 photo competition is over, and the winners have been decided.
1st PRIZE
Mike Stephens, UK
Photo taken on Shoguns and Samurai tour, October 2009
“We arrived at the Jigokudani Onsen quite late so we only had half an hour with the snow monkeys. Luckly it had not got to dark to be able to get a few good shots. Unfortunately most of the monkeys had left the water by them but however…. we got to see the park rangers feeding the monkey troop with the massive Japanese apples and watch all the fights over them!”
2ndPRIZE
Maureen Markham, Australia
Photo taken on Shoguns and Samurai tour, April 2010
“…taken in Magome and to me it was the epitomy of what is Japan.”
3rd PRIZE
James Gosling, UK
Photo taken on Shoguns and Samurai tour, May 2010
“It was taken when we were in Takayama and we happened to cross with a life size version of town mascot, the sarubobo doll, and a number of excited local children!”
If you have photos taken on one of our trips, then enter it now for the 2011 competition!
Staying connected in Japan
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010It is a question we often get asked. “How do I access the internet while I am in Japan?” or “Will my mobile phone work?”
Well, it is not actually as easy as you may think. This may be a blessing for some people; those who want to get away from email and Facebook and all those status updates.
But for those of you who really want to connect to the outside world, we thought we’d share our experiences.
Japan does have one of the best broadband networks in the world. Even in the smallest village you can often now get 100mb/s broadband service, thanks to super-fast fibre-optic or cable internet.
Japan also has until recently led the way in internet on the mobile/cellphone, although this lead is being quickly eroded by the booming smart phone market in other countries. For the visitor, however, it is slightly complicated; the fact is that connecting can be complicated. The main problem is that due to most people having internet-enabled phones, there is not much of a need for internet cafes.
2011 dates added
Friday, June 4th, 2010Walking tours that put a spring in your step
Monday, March 22nd, 2010Frommers have mentioned our Nakasendo Trail tour as one of their recommended spring walking trips.
Walking Tours That Put a Spring In Your Step
2009 Photo Competition
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009We are pleased to announce the winners of our 2009 photo competition!
First prize goes to Paul Rainsberry from Canada, with this shot of schoolchildren.
Runners up were P.J. Heller from the USA and Lynne Carter from the UK.
To see the winning photos click here.
Our 2010 competition is now underway, and open to any photos taken on one of our tours.
