Japan Racing & Expo Tour 2025

Japan is renowned worldwide as a nation steeped in a culture that combines both tradition and modernity. Thousands of years as an isolated island country allowed Japan to under go various cultural evolutions in solitude, creating a truly unique traditional culture. Discover more about it through a range of cultural experiences. Many aspects of traditional Japanese culture are accessible to visitors including the opportunity to try on Kimono's/traditional dress and participate in ancient ceremonies.

Arrival into Sapporo.

Hokkaido, the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands. The area comprises a variety of nature from the Hidaka Mountain range to the plains between the mountains and the windy sea shores. While most of the area of is covered with mountains, the plains between the mountains are well used; numerous farms and ranches dot the scenery.

Horses have been bred in the area since the late 19th century and there are now nearly 700 horse ranches in the area. Now the area raises the main portion of Thoroughbreds in Japan, and the regions horses have started to gain a good reputation outside of Japan, winning several overseas races.

Sapporo is the vibrant capital of Hokkaido and offers visitors a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty.

Proceed to your hotel for check in. Here you will stay for the next five nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

This evening there will be a welcome drink and nibbles at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning board your coach where you will travel to Biei to visit Shikisai no oka, a panoramic flower garden. Spanning 15 hectares at the foot of Tokachidake mountain range the garden features 30 types of flowers that bloom in colourful stripes across the hills.

Today lunch will be at a local restaurant.

You will also visit Blue Pond, a stunning man-made pond located in Biei. The pond is famous for its vivid blue hue with ranges from milky light blue to deep turquoise. The unique colour is attributed to natural minerals dissolved in the water, particularly aluminium hydroxide.

Continue to Furano where you will visit Farm Tomita, renowned lavender farm. The farm grows five varieties of lavender along with other colourful flowers like poppies and tulips, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape.

This afternoon return to Sapporo where the remainder of the afternoon and evening will be at your leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today you will travel to Sapporo Racecourse for today’s races.

Sapporo Racecourse stands out as a premier destination for horse racing in Japan, combining thrilling races with family- friendly facilities and stunning views. It's rich history, along with modern upgrades, ensures that it remains a beloved venue for both seasoned bettors and casual spectators. Whether you're a local or a tourist, attending a race at Sapporo Racecourse offers an exciting glimpse into Japan's vibrant horse racing culture.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today you will travel to Sapporo Racecourse for today’s races.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today you will visit Northern Horse park, a horse theme park, affiliated with Northern Farm Stud for lunch.

The Northern Horse Park offers a variety of activities and events that make it easy for guests to interact with the horses.

This afternoon you will visit Big Red Farm. Home to stallions, mares, foals, yearling and horses in training. Big Red Farm is certified as one of the NAR Hokkaido racing stables, highlighting its significance in the Japanese horse racing industry.

Big Red farms facilities are extensive and state-of-the-art. The main farm boasts a covered uphill course of 1100m, a truck course at 1200m, stables that can accommodate 310 horses and nine walking machines.

Big Red Farm has attracted notable stallions for retirement and stud duties such as Benbatl, a multiple Group 1 winner. The farm has also been home to the likes of ‘I’ll have Another’ the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner.

Return to your hotel where the remainder of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure to explore your surrounds and enjoy some delicious foods of the region. The food of Hokkaido is one of the northern island's biggest attractions, especially the high- quality seafood caught in its cold waters and the agricultural products grown on its wide farmlands.

Breakfast at the hotel prior to check out.

This morning transfer to New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido for your flight to Osaka.

Flight Sapporo to Osaka.

You will be met by your local coach and driver and transferred to your accommodation. Here you will stay for the next three nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

A vibrant metropolis with a rich history, Osaka is also renowned as the friendliest city in Japan. Japan’s second largest city, Osaka, is known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food and local specialties like okonomiyaki and takoyako. What better place to immerse yourself in culture and embrace all that this city has to offer in the coming days during Expo 2025 Osaka.

The remainder of your evening is at your leisure to explore the delights of Osaka.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning you will transfer from your accommodation to World Expo 2025.

World Expo is one of the oldest and largest international events, held every five years since 1851. It is a global platform for achievement, innovation, collaboration, and cooperation. Expo 88’ in Australia redefined Brisbane as a city orientated towards culture and leisure.

Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, is set to be a remarkable event that promises to captivate visitors from around the globe.

The central theme of Expo 2025 is ‘Designing Future Society for our Lives' focusing on innovative solutions to global challenges.

Expo 2025 will focus on developing and adopting best practices from around the world to drive co-creation by the global community in designing a sustainable society that supports social challenges, emerging sciences, and evolving technologies. Visitors can expect to engage with exhibits that highlight advancements in various fields, making it an essential platform for innovation and inspiration. The event will serve as a "living lab" where visitors can engage with cutting-edge technologies and concepts designed to improve everyday life and promote sustainability.

Expo 2025 will attract global leaders, innovators, and professionals, providing unparalleled networking opportunities. For business visitors, this is a chance to connect with key players across various industries, explore potential collaborations, and discover new market trends.

Attending Expo 2025 offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. The event will feature traditional activities such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy demonstrations, and ikebana (flower arranging) exhibits. This cultural backdrop complements the technological showcases, allowing visitors to experience the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that defines Japan.

Expect a lively atmosphere brimming with diverse entertainment options including water shows, projection mapping, music performances, and traditional Japanese festivals.

With its rich blend of innovation, culture, gastronomy, and sustainability, Expo 2025 in Osaka is poised to be an unforgettable event that not only showcases advancements but also fosters global connections.

After the day exploring Expo, you will board your motorcoach for the return transfer to your accommodation.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning transfer by motorcoach from your accommodation to World Expo 2025 for your second day.

Theme Weeks are a key component of Expo 2025 Osaka, designed to address global issues and explore solutions through dialogue and collaboration.

The focused theme of this week is peace, human security and dignity week.

This theme week addresses critical global issues related to peace, security, and human dignity. Exhibits will showcase efforts to combat hunger, poverty, and social inequality, while promoting human rights, gender equality, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

The Expo is an important opportunity to project a modern and diverse Australia, and showcase the best of Australian business, innovation, exports, sport, and culture to a highly influential global audience.

Inside the Australia Pavilion, visitors will embark on a one-of-a- kind immersive adventure following the sun across Australia.

This multisensory experience will allow visitors to hear the sounds of our unique fauna, gaze into the night sky, and celebrate our ocean environment, while also helping visitors to understand First Nations’ connection to Country over tens of thousands of years and how this ancient knowledge can help us build a future society.

This afternoon you will board your motorcoach for the return transfer to your accommodation.

The remainder of your evening is at your leisure in Osaka once more.

Breakfast at the hotel prior to check out. This morning travel from Osaka to Kyoto.

As Japan’s former imperial capital, Kyoto offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.Kyoto’s pace is notably slower than that of Tokyo or Osaka, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its historical and cultural offerings. The city boasts an impressive 1,600 temples, alongside numerous shrines, gardens and traditional districts like Gion.

Enjoy the sights of Kyoto on arrival. You will also visit Fushimi Inari Shrine. Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine in Southern Kyoto, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.

Visit Kizakura Museum, located in the Fushimi Sake District of Kyoto, is dedicated to the folklore surrounding kappa, mythical turtle-like creatures from Japanese legend, while also showcasing the history of the Kizakura Brewery.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kyoto.

This afternoon visit Kiyomizu Temple, or "Pure Water Temple," is a historic Buddhist temple. Founded in 780 AD, renowned for its stunning wooden stage that offers breathtaking views of the city

Spend time exploring Ninezaka & Sannenzaka, a historic, gently sloping street renowned for its traditional wooden buildings, charming shops, and tea houses, which beautifully preserve the essence of old Kyoto.

Transfer to your accommodation for check in. Here you will stay for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning board your motorcoach for a full day tour of Kyoto.

This morning visit Kinkakuji a zen temple in Northern Kyoto famous for its top two floors covered completely in gold leaf. Visitors will stand before the Kannon with thankful hearts – feelings of gratitude for coming into this world, your tranquil daily lives, and your loved ones, friends, and acquaintances who are always there beside you. In other words, worshipping Kannon means taking a hard look at your true self.

Continue onto Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, renowned for its towering bamboo stalks that create a serene and mystical atmosphere, making it a captivating destination for both nature lovers and photographers alike.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kyoto.

Spend your afternoon exploring Tenryuji, established in to honor Emperor Go-Daigo, Tenryuji is a prominent Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto's Arashiyama district and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its exquisite gardens and significant architectural heritage.

Return to your hotel where the remainder of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure.

Breakfast at your hotel prior to check out.

This concludes your tour