Optional Services and Tours
We are not limited by set tours and attractions. We are only limited by your imagination and/or budget. Contact us if you have heard of a great place to visit or a fantastic Japan cultural experience. Relax and let us do it for you – where possible, we will organise transport, entrance fees, tour guide (if required) and provide a quote to get you there.
Just a sample of what Saizen Tours has to offer
Premium Group Package - $50 per person
v Student Tour Diary – Customised, bound diary includes Tour Participants, Tour Itinerary, Accommodation details, Japanese Vocabulary and Phrases to Remember, Japanese Customs, Daily Diary pages plus more.
v $20 International phone card
v Tour baggage tag
v Tour back sack
v Student ID Tag
v NB: Package cannot be sold individually, must be purchased by all group members.
International Telephone Cards
v $10, $20, $50, $100 denominations
v Reliability – can be used with any public telephone in Japan
v Can be used for local, inter-state and international calls from Australia and worldwide
v Built in cost control with using a prepaid card
v Voicemail box for messages from friends and family
Mobile Phone Rental Service
v Rental - $200.00 per phone per tour – 3000yen phone credit included
v Mobile phone and phone number is delivered to your school prior to your departure
v Allows parents the opportunity to contact their child 24 hours a day
v Added security for tour organiser / accompanying teachers
v No charge for incoming calls
Cash Passports
Cash Passport is a pre-paid PIN-protected travel money card that enables you to obtain local currency from over 1000,000 VISA and PLUS ATM’s around the world. It is a safer, more convenient way to get cash overseas.
v Cash Passport offers you access to local money around the world (all major tourist destinations overseas and in Australia where there is an ATM network).
v Withdrawals are made in the local currency of the country the cardholder is in.
v There is no need to carry identification.
v 24 hours a day fund access.
v Cash Passport cards are not a bank account therefore you do not have to be over 18 and cards can be brought as a gift.
v Cards are reloadable. If you are running short of money and overseas, you can have additional funds added by someone back at home. Contact Saizen Tours to reload your Cash Passport.
v Being a pre-paid product, there is no danger of overspending. Unused funds can be reclaimed upon returning home. Cash Passport cards will expire 3 years from date of issue.
v Parents can check child’s balance on-line
Sightseeing Options
v Kidzania, Tokyo – from 2200yen per person
This unique family entertainment is a child-sized replica of a real city with buildings, shops, theatres, etc complete with vehicles and pedestrians moving along its streets. You will learn all about the adult world and the value of money and work by experiencing up to 70 different jobs. You will be paid a salary in the official Kidzania currency of kidzos, with which you are able to buy goods and services at stores, restaurants, fitness clubs and other facilities. You can choose to work as a fireman, policewoman, flight attendant, doctor, photographer and more. For those of you who choose to work in a hamburger shop or bakery can actually get to eat whatever you make.
v Sumo Tournament, Kokugikan Tokyo – from 4500yen
Soak up the atmosphere as these famous wrestlers take to the floor in this 2000year old national pastime.
v Nipponbashi Kite Museum – from 500yen per person
Kites have a long history in Japan. The Kite Museum in Nihonbashi features kites from all over the country, China and other Asian countries. Students will have the opportunity to design and make their own kite as a souvenir from Japan.
v Ghibli Museum, Tokyo – from 1300yen per person
三鷹の森ジブリ美術館 A commercial museum featuring the Japanese anime work of Studio Ghibli. The museum is a fine arts museum, but does not take the concept of a usual fine arts museum. With many features that are child-oriented and a sprawling and occasionally mazelike interior, the museum is a playfully created place.
v Hiroshima A-Bomb Survivor Testimony Lecture – 1000yen per person
After a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, students will have the opportunity to attend a one-hour lecture and hear first hand from a Hiroshima A-Bomb Survivor.
v Kaiyukan, Osaka – from 1400yen per person
KAIYUKAN Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world.
Focusing on the Ring of Fire (Pan Pacific Volcanic Zone) and the Ring of Life (Pan Pacific Life Zone), KAIYUKAN Aquarium respects the dignity of life and natural environment. A Japanese word KAIYUKAN literally means "Playing in the Sea Pavilion." In this aquarium, visitors can enjoy creatures as if they are playing together in the sea.
Focusing on the Ring of Fire (Pan Pacific Volcanic Zone) and the Ring of Life (Pan Pacific Life Zone), KAIYUKAN Aquarium respects the dignity of life and natural environment. A Japanese word KAIYUKAN literally means "Playing in the Sea Pavilion." In this aquarium, visitors can enjoy creatures as if they are playing together in the sea.
v Eigamura, Kyoto – from 1500yen per person
In this park, numerous movies and over 200― television period dramas are filmed every year. You can take part in the acrobatic Ninja show, have your photo taken with a geisha or samurai or just wander the authentic grounds of ancient Japan.
v Tea Ceremony – Westin Miyako Hotel, Kyoto – 2100yen per person
Enjoy some quiet time as you watch the attendants making the matcha in a formal Japanese Tea Ceremony. Students will have opportunity to participate and taste the matcha.
v Gion Corner, Kyoto – 3700yen per person
See a delightful pageant of seven Japanese traditional arts: koto music, flower arrangement, tea ceremony, gagaku(court music dance), kyogen (ancient comic play), kyomai (Kyoto-style Japanese dance) and bunraku (puppet drama).
v Meet a Maiko Experience, Kyoto – 3000yen per person
Based on a minimum group size of 10 members.
This one-hour session will include an English introduction into life as a Maiko followed by a tea ceremony and individual photos up close with a Maiko.
Kyoto Cycling Tour Options
Tours include an attendant
v Kyoto Machiya House Tour – from 6000yen per person
This tour shows you Kyoto’s way of life and hidden secret in the structure of Machiya by strolling back-alley Kyoto where lots of Machiya still remain. It’s an opportunity to get to know Kyoto’s way of life. (Time required 3 hours)
v Kyoto Mystery Tour – from 6000yen per person
Kyoto has a history of more than1200 years. Behind the prosperity people say there are ‘Makai’ ominous zones. The legends of ghosts and demons live there. The tour shows you the hidden faces of Kyoto (Time required 3 hours)
v Kyoto Home Cooking Tour – from 9450yen per person
This tour is about experiencing Kyoto’s natural menu ‘Obanzai’. You will travel by bicycle to Nishiki-Market to purchase local ingredients and then learn to make some Japanese dishes. (Time required 5 hours)
Restaurant Options
Arrangement includes group reservation, menu order, pre-payment and full access details and maps.
All restaurants are conveniently located. All you need to do is turn up with your group!
Tokyo, Asakusa – Okonomiyaki Restaurant – Lunch 950yen per person
Tokyo, Shinjuku – Izakaya Robata Restaurant – Dinner 1800yen per person
Kyoto, Kinkakuji Area – Café – Lunch 800yen per person
Kyoto, Station Area – Izakaya Restaurant – Dinner 2000yen per person
Kyoto, Station Area – Small Japanese Restaurant – Dinner 1200yen per person
Kyoto, Handicraft Center – Buffet lunch 1850yen per person
Osaka, Osaka Castle – Morning/afternoon tea, make your own takoyaki - 950 per person
Hiroshima, Ala Carte Restaurant – Dinner 1800yen per person
Dinners can also be provided at traditional inns and youth hostels if these are in your itinerary
Escorted City Day Tour Options
Please note all the tours listed above include an English- speaking guide and travel is on an air-conditioned coach.
v Tokyo Morning Cityrama Tour - 4000yen per person
Take in Tokyo's most famous temples, shrines and gardens in the morning; have the afternoon free to explore! The tour begins with the tranquil Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan. Then, travel by bus past the National Diet Building on your way to the Imperial Palace East Garden, the site of the original Edo Castle. Then, on to Asakusa, where you can browse the many colorful stores lining the Nakamise walkway leading up to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. The tour then takes you to Ginza, Japan's world-renowned shopping and entertainment district.
v Tokyo Afternoon Tour – 4500yen per person
Have the morning free and then come and explore Tokyo by foot and by boat!
First, enjoy a sweeping view of the city from the "Seaside Top" observatory deck on the 40th floor of the World Trade Center Building, before heading over to Tokyo Bay to take a cruise up the Sumida River to Asakusa. Upon arrival in Asakusa, browse the many colorful stores lining the Nakamise walkway leading up to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. The tour then takes you through Ginza, the world-renowned shopping and entertainment district, on the way to the Imperial Palace Plaza where you can enjoy the splendid view of the moats and walls around the seat of Japan's imperial household.
First, enjoy a sweeping view of the city from the "Seaside Top" observatory deck on the 40th floor of the World Trade Center Building, before heading over to Tokyo Bay to take a cruise up the Sumida River to Asakusa. Upon arrival in Asakusa, browse the many colorful stores lining the Nakamise walkway leading up to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. The tour then takes you through Ginza, the world-renowned shopping and entertainment district, on the way to the Imperial Palace Plaza where you can enjoy the splendid view of the moats and walls around the seat of Japan's imperial household.
v Tokyo Dynamic Full Day Tour with lunch – 12,000 per person
Highlights of the Dynamic Tokyo package include a stunning view from atop Tokyo Tower, a Japanese tea ceremony in beautiful surroundings, and a visit to the Imperial Palace Plaza. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Tokyo Tower before participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Happo-en Japanese gardens. Savor lunch at the beautiful former manor, the Chinzanso restaurant, then take a stroll along the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace Plaza. Board a cruise at Hinode Pier for a 40-minute trip up the Sumida River to Asakusa. Browse the many colorful stores lining the Nakamise walkway leading up to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, before passing through Ginza, Japan's world-renowned shopping and entertainment district.
v Mt. Fuji & Hakone – Coach with lunch 13,000yen per person
Experience Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most famous symbol! Take in the amazing views from Mt.Fuji 5th Station (weather permitting) before moving to Hakone, where you will board a cruise boat and travel across Lake Ashi to Hakone-en Garden. From the garden, take the ropeway up Mt. Komagatake for a spectacular panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the valley below.
v Nikko and Kegon Waterfall – World Heritage Tour with lunch – 13,500yen pp
Local travelers want to visit this beautiful site at least once in their lifetime! On this day trip to Nikko, one of Japan’s most beautiful regions, visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to the first shogun of the Tokugawa era and famous for its carving of the “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil” monkeys. Travel up Irohazaka to Lake Chuzenji and marvel at Kegonnotaki Waterfall, considered one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan.
v Kyoto Morning Tour – 5600yen per person
Experience Kyoto’s 1,200 year history, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868. Visit Nijo Castle, the residence of the Tokugawa era shoguns, and marvel at the gold-leaf covered Golden Pavilion, which houses sacred relics of Buddha and is surrounded by an exquisitely beautiful garden. Take in Kyoto Imperial Palace, and watch craftsmen plying their trade at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, where you can purchase locally-made items.
v Kyoto Afternoon Tour – 5600yen per person
Visit some of Kyoto’s most exquisite landmarks! Walk through Sanjusangendo Temple, Japan’s longest wooden structure, which is famous for its 1,001 human-sized Kannon statues. Browse through specialty shops on the way up to Kiyomizudera Temple, from which you can get a sweeping view of the city. Visit Heian Jingu Shrine, a partial replica of the Imperial Palace, built to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the Heian Period.
v Kyoto Full Day Tour – 11,600yen per person
Experience Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794-1868. Visit Nijo Castle, the residence of the Tokugawa era shoguns, and the gold-leaf covered Golden Pavilion, which houses sacred relics of Buddha and is surrounded by exquisite gardens renowned for their beauty. Walk through the Kyoto Imperial Palace and watch traditional Japanese artisans work their craft at the Kyoto Handicraft Center. Visit Heian Jingu Shrine, a partial replica of the Imperial Palace. Walk through Sanjusangendo Temple, Japan’s longest wooden structure, famous for its 1,001 human-sized Kannon statues, and browse through the specialty shops leading up to Kiyomizudera Temple for a sweeping view of the city.
v Nara Afternoon Tour – 6600yen per person
See the great sights Nara has to offer! Travel from Kyoto to Nara by bus, where you can visit Todaiji, the largest wooden structure in the world and home of the Great Buddha, the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Mingle with the many deer at Nara Park, then proceed to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara’s most famous shrine.
v Kyoto Special Night – 11,300yen per person
Start the evening in style by participating in a tea ceremony and having dinner at a traditional Japanese inn. The meal, a simple, traditional, Zen-style spread, is well thought out to provide perfectly balanced nutrition. After dinner, take in Gion’s unique atmosphere by taking a stroll down its preserved district’s back streets. At the Gion Corner, enjoy watching tea ceremonies, traditional dancing, music, and performances. You may even be lucky enough to see a Maiko (apprentice geisha)!
