Program Details
Program dates: Monday 29th March ~ Friday 9th April 2010

Program duration: 11 nights, 12 days

Highlights: 2 nights Hong Kong, 7 nights in Japan including 5 nights homestay in Tauranga's sister city "Hitachi", Ibaraki Ken, Japan.  Enjoy the famous "Sakura Matsuri" cherry blossom festival, Visit Nikko's Toushogu Shrine and Shinkyo Bridge.  Discover Tokyo with 2 nights in the city and an oppoertunity to go to Disneyland or Kamakura (The ancient Capital of Japan).  Escorted by Japanese speaking kiwi escort from Tauranga.

Cost: Per person twin share: $4795  Single room surcharge applies.

Included in the above fees are:

• Return coach transfers  Tauranga~Auckland International Airport~Tauranga

• Return Flight to Japan with Cathay Pacific

• 2 nights Hotel in Hong Kong, return airport transfers and 3.5 sightseeing tour of the city

• 1 night hotel accommodation in Hitachi, Dinner and breakfast included

• 5 night homestay with a Hitachi City based host family, all meals included

• Discovery tour of Hitachi city with local guide

• Enjoy the Hitachi Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Matsuri).  Option to join in the famous road race.

• Day trip to the spectacular Nikko, see the world heritage site of Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls and the Shinkyo bridge, said to be one of the three finest bridges in Japan.

• Farwell dinner party with host families

• Transfer to Tokyo by highway bus

• Half day sightseeing tour of Tokyo with Hato Bus Tours

• 2 nights hotel in Tokyo's Ginza Capital Hotel including breakfasts and 1 dinner.

• Free day in Tokyo.  Go to Disneyland or Join a tour to Kamakura to see the Big Budha (extra cost)

• Japanese speaking escort from Lets Homestay, Tauranga, with group throughout tour (except homebound flight)

• Extension option on homebound journey to stay on in Hong Kong or China, please apply.

Not Included in the fees are:

• Some meals as indicated on itinerary

• Road race during cherry blossom festival (2000JPY)

• Optional tour cost on day 8 (Disneyland 6300JPY or Kamakura 10300JPY)

• Travel Insurance (must be obtained individually)

• Personal Spending Money

Conditions: Tour numbers must reach 10 to be operational/all costs are subject to change without notice due to tariff rises and currency fluctuations until paid in full/$500 non refundable deposit per person required at time of booking/full payment required by 30th January 2010/valid for sales until 30th January 2010 or until sold out/Please contact us for single supplement cost if required in Tokyo and Hong Kong/travel insurance is required/once paid in full this package is non refundable and non transferable.

Important Dates

Applications required by	20th December 2009
$500 deposit due	On receipt of application (non-refundable)
Balance of Program fees due	30th January 2010
Host Information	Early March
Tauranga Departure Day	Monday 29th March
Depart Japan	Thursday 8th April
Return home to Auckland	Friday 9th April

   Program Key Points

Participants
The program is open to residents and friends of Tauranga City.  All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  

Tour Escort
The tour will be escorted by Stuart Cundy from Lets Homestay.  See escort profile  

Departure
Participants will meet in Tauranga and depart by bus to Auckland International Airport as a group.

Hong Kong
2 nights in Hong Kong on the way with a half day sightseeing tour of the city breaks the journey and offers people an option of extending their stay in China on the homebound journey.

Japan Arrival
The group will be met by Hitachi Dentetsu Travel staff at Narita International Airport and transfer by bus to Hitachi City.  1 night in a hotel in Hitachi to refresh before the homestay.

The Homestay
5 nights homestay with a Hitachi City family arranged by Kiwi Hitachi Club.  During the homestay enjoy fantastic hospitality and Hitachi City's famous Cherry Blossom Festival.  

Kiwi Hitachi's Japanese Cultural Experience
Try on a "Kimono",  try cooking some Japanese food.  Kiwi Hitachi have a cultural session for you to experience a little extra during your stay in Hitachi.  

Sakura Festival (Matsuri)
Enjoy the timing of Hitachi's renowned "Sakura Matsuri".  Partake in the popular Road Race, see the cherry blossoms lit up in the evening and enjoy a “Hanami” with your hosts.  Hanami is the culture of enjoying food and drink under the cherry blossoms.  

Nikko Day Trip
Travel to the iconic tourist location of Nikko.  Visit Toshogu Shrine, a World Heritage Site, see the famous 3 monkeys.  See Lake Chuzenji, Japan's answer to Queenstown and the spectacular Kegon Falls.  

Tokyo sights
With the experienced Hato Bus and an English speaking guide, enjoy a few of the key lighlights of Tokyo, including Tokyo Tower, Asakusa's Sensoji Temple, and the Nakamise shopping street.  

Tokyo Disneyland or Kamakura Option 
During a fee day in Tokyo, you may choose from Kamakura walking tour with English speaking guide, or a day at Tokyo’s Disneyland, or just spend the day exploring Tokyo at your leisure.  All tours are extra cost.

Tokyo Accommodation
You will be staying two nights in the Ginza Capital Hotel.  It is conveniently located, close to train stations, shops and the famous Tokyo Tsukiji Fish market.

Transfer to Narita Airport on Departure
Travel to Narita International Airport in the relaxing limousine bus service.  Auckland~Tauranga transfer on arrival back to Auckland International terminal transfer back to Tauranga.

Handling and Support
The program is being handled by Hitachi Dentetsu Travel and Kiwi Hitachi Club based in Hitachi City.  Hitachi City office is also a principle supporter.  Lets Homestay, Tauranga and House of Travel, Tauranga are the principle coordinators on the NZ side and supported by Tauranga City Council and Tourism Bay of Plenty.

Lets Homestay Contact Details:
Stuart Cundy
Email: stuart@letshomestay.com
Tel: (07) 543 3220

House of Travel, Tauranga
Debra Lamartinie
Email: debral@hot.co.nz
Tel: 577 3079

Hitachi Dentetsu Contact
Mr Masahiro Kumasaka
3-4-6 Saiwai-Cho
Hitachi City Ibaraki ken,
Japan
Tel: +81 (294) 21 6787