A Northern Soul: the undiscovered Japan - £1400 / $2660


2004’s A Northern Soul tour proved to be one of our most popular itineraries and so we are looking forward to more explorations into Tohoku for 2005.

To the North-East of Tokyo the Tohoku region stretches out for nearly a 700 miles, a gentler Japan than that of the western coast; one characterised by its paddy fields, ancient mountaintop monasteries, friendly rural towns and villages. ‘A Northern Soul’ will connect you with the Japan few tourists ever visit.

The Northern Soul tour brings you some of Japan’s most unique experiences; stunning temples in Nikko; Naruko Onsen, a remote hot spring resort set in a beautiful valley; quiet reflection and contemplation at temple lodgings on Mt. Haguro; the laid back city of Sendai.

The context for all of this is set with two nights in Tokyo to start your Northern Soul adventure. This is modern urban living on an enormous scale. The view from the top of Shinjuku’s Government Metropolitan building says it all with concrete as far as the eye can see in every direction: This is the World’s largest conurbation and home to 35 million Japanese. The streets are constantly buzzing with activity; the neon lights ablaze as soon as dusk descends and the suited salary-men who helped drive Japan’s economic revolution pour out of the offices and into the bars, restaurants and hostess clubs.

You’ll return to Tokyo on the 14th day of the tour. But until then you’ll leave life at a hundred miles an hour behind and step into a different world. At Mt. Haguro’s temple lodgings you will have all the time in the World to relax. You’ll awaken to a Buddhist vegetarian breakfast and the chanting of the temple monks at morning prayer and fall asleep breathing cool clean air under star filled mountain top skies. We'll also be venturing across the Japan Sea to Sado Island, a place with a unique history being first an island of harsh exile and then the site of Japan's own gold rush. Today the island has a flourishing local arts scene which includes beautiful Okessa Odori dancing, pulsating taiko drumming and traditional Noh drama.

With two nights in Nikko, a town situated within beautiful mountainous country and home of Toshogu shrine and a stay in a hotspring ryokan in the remote Onsen resort of Naruko, a Northern Soul is a chance to get away from it all.

We won’t, however, be leaving modern Japan behind completely; in between the rural retreats we will visit Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region and Niigata, a lively port town on the Japan sea coast.

Sumptuous evening meals are included at most destinations as well as three rides on the World renowned high-speed ‘Bullet’ train. With your tour ‘Buddy’ always on hand to assist, you are sure to get the most out of this fascinating trip.

Ideal for anyone returning to Japan or for first time visitors who are looking for something different, A Northern Soul is your chance to go beyond the regular tourist haunts and experience some of what lies at the heart of Japan. A 14 night adventure to treasure.


Important Practical Information

Transport: Please note that all transfers are by public transport making use of Japan’s first-rate transport network. All the hotels and ryokan have been chosen for their location close to the nearest station. However, you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators. We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag with wheels or a rucksack are most appropriate for this tour. Clothes washing machines are available in Tokyo and Niigata for a small fee.

Accommodation: The hotels in Tokyo, Nikko and Niigata are equipped with full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet) as is the Ryokan is Hiraizumi. In Naruko Onsen and Sendai some rooms are equipped with en-suite bathrooms and there are large communal baths to use as well. We will try to ensure that all guests have access to private bathing facilities but this is not guaranteed. At the temple lodging on Mt Haguro bathing and toilet facilities are communal only. We do not charge a single supplement but we may ask single travellers to share a room (same sex share) in Sendai, Naruko Onsen, Mt. Haguro and Sado.

Early Check-in: Upon arrival you may well be tired after a long international flight. The hotel in Tokyo has a strictly 4pm check-in time. You will not be able to use your room before then unless you pay for an anytime check-in (£40 / $75 per person). If you feel you will need to use your room before 4pm please take up this option as it will be sure to make the start of your holiday more relaxing and pleasurable!

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