My 2016 brochure is out now and bookings are open!

My 2016 brochure is (finally) out!

It took a bit longer than I had hoped, but my 2016 brochure is hot off the press. I'd like to thank Leonie Cheetham, who produced all the illustrations for us. It looks fantastic, and as one of my past travellers, you really captured the feeling of Japan and my tours in your work. Thank you Jason for doing all the layout too. If you would like a brochure mailed to you, go to this link.

 

 

Bookings now open

With my brochure out and website updated, bookings for 2016 are now open. All my tours have availablitiy, but some are selling quite fast. Classic Sakura for instance has just two twin spots remaining. All my tours have been tweaked for 2016, and I have two brand new tours. Tohoku Sakura takes in the cherry blossoms of northern Japan in late April, and Earth & Fire is a ceramics and art tour of western Japan in October. I'm really looking forward to them. Both of my walking tours have also been extended by popular demand.

Spring green tour report

It's been a while since we returned, but I would like to thank all my fellow travellers who joined me on my City Lights & Alpine Trails tour, and North to Kamui Mintara tour in May and June. This time, we had great weather at Kamikochi, so some of us did the extended climb to Dake-sawa, for views of the valley (pic right). For my northern tour, we also had fine weather all the way to Kamui Mintara, so could enjoy many nature walks with blooming azaleas and other flowers.

Trek Larapinta

In my off-season, I joined a tour of the West McDonnell Ranges in Central Australia with Trek Larapinta. I did a 6 day trek of the Larapinta Trail with three friends, fully supported by two wonderful guides, Sean & Warren. They cooked great meals, and kept us safe on the remote tracks. A particular highlight was sleeping in a swag under the stars for one night!  Like my tours, they have a maximum of ten people, and we had a very nice group. I highly recommend Trek Larapinta!

September tour on sale! Save $200 per person

September tour on sale City Lights & Alpine Trails

 From now until 20 March, my City Lights & Alpine Trails tour (19 Sep) is on sale at $3990 (+$700 single joiners), saving you $200 per person. This tour is perfect for travellers who want to visit both city and country areas. Join me on beautiful nature walks on the roof of Japan and along part of the Nakasendo. We'll also see the finale of the Sumo Tournament in Tokyo too. To take advantage of this special offer, get your booking form to me by Friday 20 March.

Orange Half Marathon

I'm a regular runner, and I run races between tours. Last weekend, I headed over the Blue Mountains to Orange, when I ran the half marathon in 1hr 31min. If you enjoy running, and can get a small group together, maybe we can run together in Japan in 2016. Let me know.

Cherry blossom hanami at castle sites in Japan 

 In a few weeks time, the cherry blossom reports will be in the news as the Sakura begin their journey from south to north. The Sakura can be fickle, but this year they seem ready to burst at the 'right' time, which is a relief for me! You can see the predictions here. I'm really looking forward to seeing the Sakura at the Tsuyama Caste ruin site and newly renovated Himeji Castle on my Classic Sakura tour, and also at Matsumoto Castle on my Sakura Highland tour. After my tours, I'm also really excited about heading way north, to see the last of the Sakura at Hirosaki Castle with my family.

Availability for 2015

Most of my 2015 tours have now sold out, however I still have availability for:

City Lights & Alpine Trails in Sep
Spirit of Japan walking tour in Oct

Both tours are guaranteed to depart.

In general, my tours tend to sell out at least six months before departure, and with just space for ten travellers, they can fill suddenly, so if you want to travel, please get in touch.