Meaningful travel company Rickshaw Travel has announced the launch of its new Japan trips, which will be available from 31st August 2017.
From 31st August, travellers will be able to book a range of bite-size trips across Japan, including Hiroshima, Takayama, Nara and Kyoto. With Japan being added to Rickshaw Travel’s growing collection, the independent tour operator now offers trips in 26 destinations across Asia, Central and South America, and Africa.
Lloyd Kane, Director at Rickshaw Travel, said: “We are thrilled to launch our new Japan experiences as this destination has been in demand for some time. Our trips will give travellers the opportunity to discover iconic highlights and immerse themselves in Japan’s thriving culture by visiting the heart of local communities, enjoying enriching experiences and learning new skills.”
In the first half of 2017 (January to June), Japan had already welcomed 13,757,300 visitors, up by more than 17 per cent compared to the same period in 2016, according to figures from Japan National Tourism Organisation. There has also been an increase in visitors coming to the country for tourism (up 26 per cent) as opposed to business.
Rickshaw Travel’s new trips include a mix of popular highlights and meaningful experiences which offer travellers a taste of authentic Japanese culture, history and adventure. Whether it’s sake tasting in a local brewery or learning how to become a traditional Japanese gardener, visitors will get the chance to experience the real Japan and travel in a way that the local people and environment also have a positive and beneficial experience.
Each of Rickshaw’s bite-size trips can be combined together like a jigsaw (using a minimum of three trips) to create a personalised itinerary. Their new bite-size trips include:
- Hakone: Stay at the foot of Mount Fuji and beside Ashino-ko Lake, a spectacular setting from which to take in the majesty of Fuji whilst experiencing the town’s attractions. Three days, two nights. Prices start from £545 per person, based on standard accommodation.
- Hiroshima: Known for its tragic past, today Hiroshima is a vibrant cosmopolitan city full of leafy boulevards, wild nightlife and a thriving food scene. Spend some time at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial park, reflecting on the history that unfolded here. Three days, two nights. Prices start from £368 per person, based on standard accommodation.
- Kanazawa: On Japan’s north coast, Kanazawa is a seafood-lover’s paradise. The city is bursting with culture and history, from the beautifully preserved Sumurai & Geisha districts to one of the country’s finest gardens surrounding the impressive Kenroku-en Castle. Three days, two nights. Prices start from £285 per person, based on standard accommodation.
- Kyoto: If your image of Japan is one of ancient temples, perfectly manicured zen gardens and traditional tea ceremonies, then you simply must visit Kyoto. Discover the city’s hidden backstreets on a cycling tour along narrow streets. Three days, two nights. Prices start from £415 per person, based on standard accommodation.
- Matsumoto: Nestled amongst Japan’s beautiful Alpine mountains lies the cosmopolitan little city of Matsumoto. Take in the views and soak up the relaxing Alpine atmosphere. Three days, two nights. Prices start from £248 per person, based on standard accommodation.
- Osaka: Osaka is known for its unique culinary delicacies, giant skyscrapers and Samurai past. During the three-day tour, travellers will have the opportunity to get under the skin of the city, whether they choose to visit temples, conquer steps to stunning views and bask in the neon lights of the central district’s bustling markets and arcades. Three days, two nights. Prices start from £275 per person, based on standard accommodation.
- Takayama: Travellers will spend two nights in this atmospheric town, wandering the streets of the Sanmachi-suji district and getting lost in its culture and intangible charm. Learn all about the art of Sake making on a tasting tour in a brewery and even opt to try your hand at a spot of Japanese Gardening. Three days, two nights. Prices start from £398 per person, based on standard accommodation.
- Tokyo: One of the world’s truly great cities, and also one of the most surprising, Tokyo is a thrilling mix of the past and future. Amongst the sci-fi neon signs and cutting edge architecture, you’ll still find beautiful remnants of Japan’s shogun past waiting to be explored. Three days, two nights. Prices start from £365 per person, based on standard accommodation.
If all these amazing trips give you too much choice, Rickshaw have also created some suggested itineraries:
- Japan in a Nutshell: This compact itinerary is perfect if you’re short on time but want to take in three of Japan’s most famous cities: Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. 10 days, nine nights. Prices start from £1,598 based on standard accommodation.
- Ancient Forts and Futuristic Cities: This varied itinerary combines the range of incredible contrasts that make up Japan, while you spend just over two weeks exploring the heart of the country. You’ll be whisked off (on hi-tech bullet trains, no less) to experience the unique pop-culture of Japan’s neon-lit cities, taste amazing foodie treats and marvel at the majestic Mt. Fuji and historic sites. 15 days, 14 nights. Prices start from £2,985 per person based on standard accommodation.
Meaningful travel – or travelling in a way that everybody benefits from – is the core ethos of Rickshaw: the traveller benefits from enriching experiences where they learn something new (about the destination, culture, a skill or about themselves) and at the same time the local people, animals and/or environment benefit too.
Rickshaw Travel’s individual approach to independent exploration enables adventurous holidaymakers to visit the heart of a destination and experience the real spirit of a local culture. Rickshaw specialises in offering small-scale, authentic accommodation that truly reflects the character of each destination.
To find out more, visit https://www.rickshawtravel.co.uk/asia/japan.
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Notes to Editors:
*N.B. Trip prices are subject to change
For further press information, please contact:
Melissa Hobson/Natalie Garland/James Brooke.
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8927
E: [email protected]
About Rickshaw Travel
Rickshaw Travel is an independent tour operator based in Brighton. They are committed to providing enriching, immersive travel experiences that take holidaymakers off the beaten path and into the heart of local communities.
Meaningful travel – or travelling in a way that everybody benefits from – is the core ethos of Rickshaw: the traveller benefits from enriching experiences where they learn something new (about the destination, culture, a skill or about themselves) and at the same time the local people, animals and/or environment benefit too.
Rickshaw Travel’s individual approach to independent exploration enables adventurous holidaymakers to visit the heart of a destination and experience the real spirit of a local culture. Rickshaw specialises in offering small-scale, authentic accommodation that truly reflects the character of each destination.
Rickshaw are proud to have built up a team of passionate Travel Specialists who each have extensive travel experience in their own dedicated destinations. They pride themselves on being open and honest about the places they have visited and are on hand to inspire and support travellers. The company’s style of travel is unique – Rickshaw’s dedicated Product Team has worked alongside the company’s in-destination partners to create a choice of carefully selected bite-size trips, typically 2-4 days long, which can be combined to create the perfect itinerary. Rickshaw’s bite-size trips include a range of local excursions, charming authentic accommodation and some transfers to ensure a hassle-free holiday.
Protecting nature and wildlife – and encouraging travellers to do the same – is also key for the Rickshaw team. The company has partnered with World Animal Protection to develop an Animal Welfare Policy, has committed to supporting the end of elephant riding by signing World Animal Protection’s elephant-friendly pledge, and is in the process of auditing trips involving any type of wild animal interaction.
Rickshaw Travel now offers trips in 26 destinations across Asia, Central and South America, and Africa, including Cuba, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, India, Costa Rica, Peru, Borneo, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Chile and Brazil and is launching Japan by September 2017. The company’s turnover and passengers carried increased by 50% from 2015 to 2017 and the company is aiming for a further 30% increase by 2019.
For more information, visit https://www.rickshawtravel.co.uk/, https://www.facebook.com/rickshawtravel/, https://twitter.com/Rickshaw_Travel or https://www.instagram.com/rickshaw_travel/ or call 01273 934 823.
