HinoMaple Tours (Website) January 29, 2012
Posted by drutang in Uncategorized.add a comment
Another step has been taken, and so quickly too. It is a very small step but the official HinoMaple website has just gone live. It is nothing to look at other than a splash page that takes you to the blog (Dru’s Misadventures) that started it all, this website, the Facebook Page, and my e-mail. I’m hoping to migrate the blog over there in the next month or so, and then a revamp of this site is next. Let’s see what we can achieve in a short time.
Happy New Year, Welcome to HinoMaple Tours!! January 17, 2012
Posted by drutang in Uncategorized.add a comment
Happy New Year everyone. Some exciting news on my side of business. I am in the transition of transforming my tour website into a full fledged website. There have been several steps going on behind the scenes here in Tokyo but things are coming along. Hopefully a lot will happen this year and I will be able to tell you all about it. In fact, the first bit of news is now official. I am changing the website name from Dru’s Tokyo Tours to HinoMaple Tours. While focused in Tokyo, I can still travel out to other regions of Japan if necessary.
HinoMaple is a combination of the words Hinomaru and Maple Leaf. Hinomaru is the name of the Japanese flag, specifically the sun, and the Maple Leaf is on the Canadian flag. As I am living in Japan, and I am from Canada, this is a very natural combination. Hino is also a very popular word for tour operators in Japan, which is part of this website’s business.
HinoMaple Tours itself is just the start. I will be adding more services and switching to a new website during the year. I am currently behind in getting everything done but hopefully I can give a better update in a few months. My fingers are crossed.
Travel Advisory (Japan) March 14, 2011
Posted by drutang in Uncategorized.add a comment
As all of you should know, a huge earthquake has struck Japan on March 11, 2011. This post is being written on the 14th, 3 days after the initial earthquake. There are still lots of aftershocks, however they have subsided now. For those reconsidering their travel plans, I have this information for you:
Hokkaido: This area was not heavily affected. Travel to Sapporo should be safe.
Tohoku (Sendai, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate): This area should be avoided. Do not travel here unless it is absolutely necessary.
Kanto (Tokyo, Chiba, Kanagawa,…): This area should be avoided. Due to the infrastructure problems, namely electricity, I highly recommend that you adjust your plans to avoid Tokyo and the Kanto region. If you were planning to visit Nagoya, Kansai (Kyoto, Osaka), or anywhere else further south-east, try to head straight there and avoid staying in Tokyo for more than a day or two. Everything is relatively normal however trains are not running smoothly and power outages are to be expected in the suburban regions. Your trip will not be enjoyable. The city is SAFE if you do choose to visit but mobility will be limited.
Aichi (Nagoya), Kansai (Kyoto, Nara, Osaka), Shikoku, Chugoku (Hiroshima, Okayama), Kyushu, Okinawa: These areas are all safe. There are no problems for anyone there. Travel is fine.nn
I would consider this to be true for at least the next week.
Morning Tours August 3, 2010
Posted by drutang in Uncategorized.add a comment
Dru Tours will be offering morning tours within the central Tokyo area, starting today! If a full day tour is not your thing, don’t worry, you can reserve a private morning tour. Morning tours last anywhere from 2-4 hours. Each tour costs ¥6000 for the first 2 hours and ¥3000 for each hour after that.
For a limited time only, get 20% off when you book a Morning Tour. Offer lasts until the end of August. Discounted tours are valid only until the end of September. Tours are all subject to availability. If you’d like an afternoon tour rather than a morning tour, that can be arranged. Full details on various tours will be coming over the next few months. Please be patient. If you’d like more information, please contact me at dru.japan@gmail.com
Summer Sale July 23, 2010
Posted by drutang in Uncategorized.add a comment
For a limited time, I’m offering a small discount to anyone who books a tour. If you book for August or September before August 1st, I will give you a 20% discount. This offer is dependent on my availability. Please mention this website to be eligible.
Mt. Fuji May 22, 2010
Posted by drutang in Tours.Tags: Hiking, Hiking in Japan, Japan, Mt. Fuji
add a comment
Mt. Fuji is the most iconic image of Japan. This is a sample day tour of Mt. Fuji. Overnight tours can be available at double the price of the day tour. Do note that hiking up Mt. Fuji is allowed from July to August. Outside of that time, it is very dangerous to hike and you are required to have a trained guide to accompany you. I am not a professional climber, but I do know Mt. Fuji well.
Mt. Fuji
700 Meet at Shinjuku Station and proceed to purchase tickets to Mt. Fuji
715 Purchase any necessary supplies at a convenience store
745 Depart for Mt. Fuji
1010 Arrive at Mt. Fuji
1030 Begin the hike
1500 Arrive at the peak of Mt. Fuji
A trip up Mt. Fuji starts in the early morning. Meeting in Shinjuku is the best. Getting there early is important so we can stock up on supplies. It is very expensive to purchase supplies on the mountain, but it is possible.
After the bus ride to the fifth station, a little rest is encouraged to get used to the altitude. It is also the best time to purchase any forgotten items.
The time it takes to reach the top is estimated to take 4.5 hours at the fastest. It will depend purely on the person. If you are completely out of shape, it can take 8 hours. I highly recommend assessing yourself to see if you are truly willing to try it. If the chances of reaching the top in a safe time to return to Tokyo cannot be met, I will inform you. From there, you will have two choices. To either continue and look for lodging somewhere at the base of the mountain, or cut the hike short and not reach the peak.
At the top of Mt. Fuji, there will be the option of a tour around the caldera. This can take an hour. You will be advised as to whether this is possible or not depending on the time remaining.
The trip to the base can be as quick as 1.5 hours, but as long as 5. Again, this will depend on your fitness.
Note:
Due to the inherent dangers of hiking, please be aware that I cannot guarantee your complete safety for this journey. People do die hiking up Mt. Fuji however the likelihood is very slim. By taking this tour, you agree that I am not liable for any injuries that you may sustain. Being prepared is still your responsibility. If we are stuck at the top of Mt. Fuji overnight, you are responsible for bringing any gear that may be needed. While I will make recommendations based on a day trip of overnight trip, being prepared for any emergency is still up to you.
If you opt for an overnight trip, be advised that climbing times will be extremely long. This is due to the amount of bikers climbing at the same time. It’s extremely difficult to judge how long it will take on any given date or time. You will also have the option to start in the late afternoon or at night. An overnight trip would include looking for supplies on the day of the hike.
Before climbing Mt. Fuji, it is important to have the proper clothing. I will provide you with a basic list of things you will need and what clothing is needed. Do note that everyone is different and that your needs may differ to what I would recommend. It is ultimately up to you to be fully prepared for the hike. I will do my best to help you with everything, but you are responsible for your own preparation and safety.
Please remember that I am not a trained professional hiker. I am just a guide. It is still your responsibility to stop when you feel tired. If you start to experience altitude sickness, STOP. It is common for people to get some altitude sickness. Be aware of your body at all times during the hike.
If we do miss the last bus off the mountain and back to Tokyo, accommodation can be found for the night. I cannot guarantee lodging but I will do everything possible to find something.
Due to the changeability of the weather, I cannot guarantee sun, or the ability to see a sunrise or sunset. I will notify you of my opinions on whether to go on the hike or not a day or two prior to the departure date. You may cancel the trip at any time, up to and including, the date of departure. Do be aware that cancellation charges do apply, but you may convert the tour into a tour of Tokyo instead. If you opt for a regular Tokyo tour, the tour price will be the same as a single day Mt. Fuji hike.
Price: The basic fee for this tour is ¥30,000 for a day trip. There will be a fee for the hotel, wherever it may be, if we miss the last train to return to Tokyo. This is to be paid regardless of who was at fault for missing the train. If you purchase a special two day tour, ¥50,000 you can get a day trip up Mt. Fuji and a day back in Tokyo. This plan will cover the costs of a hotel if we miss the last train back to Tokyo. Do note that this does not apply to overnight trips that are planned. These prices do not include my transportation fees. This is calculated on the day we depart as it’s impossible to quote the exact costs as the return trip has many variables.
The price does include my food and drink costs.
Nikko May 21, 2010
Posted by drutang in Tours.Tags: Japan, Nikko, Tochigi
add a comment
Nikko is one of the most famous sites in Japan. It is also the closest World Heritage Site to Tokyo and a good day trip.
Nikko
700 Depart Tokyo for Nikko
900 Arrive in Nikko
9~1200 Explore several temples around Nikko
12~1300 Lunch
13~1800 Explore Nikko
Note: Due to the vastness of Nikko, there is no way to gauge how long it will take for you to enjoy the various temples of Nikko. We could finish early or we could be rushing at times. Please be aware of this. Unfortunately, if there is not enough time, we may not be capable of seeing every site.
Most trains depart for Nikko around 730am. Due to the early nature of the trains, we will have to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure from the station itself.
Upon arriving in Nikko, the first thing to do is to head into the temple district, or old Nikko. It’s a short bus ride from the station to old Nikko.
Once in the temple district, visits to Toshigu Shrine, Taiyuinbyo, Rinnoji, and Futarasan Shrine are a must. Visiting these temples and shrines can take most of the day. A walk over to Shinkyo Bridge is also recommended but it isn’t spectacular.
A trip up Irohazuka to Lake Chuzenji is also a must if there is time. If you love Initial D or nature, it might be best to visit this lake, above Nikko, in the morning and try to return back to Nikko by the afternoon.
The return trip home will be late and the last direct train departs at 1800. To keep things simple, this is the best time to return to Tokyo.
Transportation
Due to the logistics of reaching Nikko, I cannot give a quote on ticket prices, nor can I inform you of which station we will depart. If money is an issue, taking local trains can be arranged, but it is recommended to take the reserved express trains. Trains depart from Asakusa, Ikebukuro, and Shinjuku. My train costs are NOT included in the final cost of the tour. If you are holding a JR Pass, it is recommended to depart from either Shinjuku or Ikebukuro; however using the bullet train is possible but probably more expensive depending on the number of people traveling in the group.
Pickup: Free pickup service is offered at any hotel within central Tokyo. The time we meet at your hotel will be considered the start of your tour. For the Nikko tour, please be advised that start times depend on the location of your hotel and estimated times to arrive at the station. If you are staying outside the Yamanote line, please ask regarding the possible charges for hotel pickup. Meeting at a major station on or near the Yamanote line is also possible. At the end of the tour, return service is also available. Please inquire regarding a return service.
Price: The cost of this tour is ¥30,000 for a 13 hour tour. This price does not include my transportation costs. Costs for transportation will be calculated based on the location of your hotel. If you wish to have a pickup at your hotel, there may be a ¥2000 charge depending on the location of your hotel. Hotels located near the departure stations will be free.
Payment must be made a minimum of one day prior to the tour date. This is in order to purchase the train tickets. Payment may be made in the lobby of your hotel. Transportation costs for you and I must be made on top of the base tour price.
If the tour ventures into a cafe, you will be responsible for the purchase of a simple coffee. Tours can be extended for as much time as you’d like. Please inquire regarding any costs associated with extending a tour.
Tokyo Cruise May 20, 2010
Posted by drutang in Tours.Tags: Asakusa, Hamarikyu Garden, Japan, Nakamise Shopping, Odaiba, Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo, Tokyo Cruise, Tokyo Water Cruise
add a comment
The Sumida River is a unique area and the only place you can enjoy a cruise. On a bright sunny day, this tour is beautiful. During the Cherry Blossom season, it can be stunning.
Tokyo Cruise
9~11 Asakusa
11~1130 Cruise to Hamarikyu Gardens
1130~13 Hamarikyu Gardens
13~1330 Cruise to Odaiba
1330~1430 Lunch
1430~1530 Shopping
1530~16 Odaiba Tour
16~17 Palette Town
1700~1800 Odaiba Parks
A cruise along the Sumida River is a wonderful experience. It’s best to start off in Asakusa to check out the Nakamise Shopping Street and the Asakusa Temple. Going, hopefully before the crowds will afford you a nice and relaxing visit to this area.
The first segment of the cruise is a 30 minute cruise down the Sumida River to the Hamarikyu Gardens. The cost of the cruise includes the entry fee into the gardens. This is a nice leisurely cruise that will allow you to enjoy all of the interesting architecture that Tokyo has to offer.
Hamarikyu Gardens are one of the most famous gardens in Tokyo. While not often visited by locals, it’s still a great place to enjoy the beauties of a city garden.
Hopping back onto the cruise ship, a quick stop at one of the terminals will allow us to continue on to Odaiba. There are a few options to the landing point, with one option cruising under Rainbow Bridge and another going past it. Both options are nice and both provide a different experience.
Once in Odaiba, time will be spent exploring all of the various areas with the time spent at each location varying depending on you enjoyment.
Note: Due to the infrequency of the cruises, timing is very important. I cannot guarantee departure times unless you agree to allow me to pre-purchase tickets. In order to truly enjoy your time in each area, this would not be possible. Also note that at anytime, the cruise itself can be cancelled and a trip via rapid transit is possible.
Pickup: Free pickup service is offered at any hotel within central Tokyo. The time we meet at your hotel will be considered the start of your tour. If you are staying outside the Yamanote line, please ask regarding the possible charges for hotel pickup. Meeting at a major station on or near the Yamanote line is also possible. At the end of the tour, return service is also available. Please inquire regarding a return service.
Price: The cost of this tour is ¥25,000 for a 9 hour tour. This price includes my transportation fee on any trains or buses and lunch costs but does not include the cruise fee. The cruise fee between Asakusa and Hamarikyu is ¥720 and from Hamarikyu to Odaiba, it’s ¥660. These prices are approximate and subject to change on the cruise ship operators side. If the tour ventures into a cafe, you will be responsible for the purchase of a simple coffee. Tours can be extended for as much time as you’d like. Please inquire regarding any costs associated with extending a tour.
Shiodome/Tokyo Tower/Roppongi May 19, 2010
Posted by drutang in Tours.Tags: Kyu Shoba Garden, Roppongi, Shiba Park, Shiodome, Shiosite, Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple
2 comments
On this tour plan, you’ll be able to visit some of Tokyo’s most beautiful gardens, the most famous landmark in Tokyo, and the most famous place on Tokyo to enjoy the nightlife.
Shiodome, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi
9~10 Hamarikyu Garden
10~11 Shiodome Shiosite
11~12 Kyu Shoba Garden
12~13 Lunch
13~14 Daimon and Zojoji
14~15 Shiba Park to Tokyo Tower
15~16 Tokyo Tower
16~18 Roppongi
This tour starts with a beautiful walk inside one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo. Hamarikyu Gardens is a large garden area that is perfect for a relaxing morning. It is one of the few areas to see some of Tokyo’s natural wildlife.
Next to the gardens is Shiodome. This is a relatively new area that has dozens of skyscrapers. Nippon Television has their studios here and if you arrive early enough, you can see a live taping of one of their morning shows. There can also be a few festivals depending on the time of year.
Depending on time, Kyu Shoba Garden is another famous garden to visit. It is also conveniently located near Tokyo Tower providing a nice short stop along the way.
Note: If we are short on time, we can skip this garden. While it is beautiful, Hamarikyu is more significant than this garden.
Zojoji and Shiba Park are one of the better secrets of Tokyo. Often overlooked by tourists, they provide great views of Tokyo Tower and allows time to relax and reflect on some of the things you have seen on your trip. It is a nice oasis of calm within the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tokyo Tower is the quintessential landmark of Tokyo. A trip may or may not include a trip to the top. The top is nice for the views but it can be busy at times. If you are lucky, there may be a live concert being played at the top of the tower.
Roppongi is a nice hop from Tokyo Tower. It is nice to see some of the older sites such as the older clubbing town, but it is also well-known for its two newer developments, Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown. Both are wonderful to visit and make a nice exciting end to the day compared to the relaxing morning.
Pickup: Free pickup service is offered at any hotel within central Tokyo. The time we meet at your hotel will be considered the start of your tour. If you are staying outside the Yamanote line, please ask regarding the possible charges for hotel pickup. Meeting at a major station on or near the Yamanote line is also possible. At the end of the tour, return service is also available. Please inquire regarding a return service.
Price: The cost of this tour is ¥25,000 for a 9 hour tour. This price includes my transportation fee and lunch costs. There is also a cost of ¥450 for entry into the two gardens. These are to be paid upon entry of the gardens itself. If the tour ventures into a cafe, you will be responsible for the purchase of a simple coffee. Tours can be extended for as much time as you’d like. Please inquire regarding any costs associated with extending a tour.
Ueno/Akihabara May 9, 2010
Posted by drutang in Tours.Tags: Akihabara, Ameyokocho, Japan, Nippori, Tokyo, Ueno, Ueno Park, Yanaka Cemetary
add a comment
Ueno is one of the tourist hot spots in Tokyo. Ueno Park is one of the biggest public parks with several reputable museums inside. After, if there is time, a venture to nearby Akihabara is a nice crazy way to end the day.
Ueno/Akihabara
9~10 Yanaka Cemetery
11~13 Ueno Park
13~14 Lunch
14~15 Ameyokocho
15~18 Akihabara
Yanaka Cemetery is one of the largest, if not the largest cemetery in Tokyo. It has the best examples of new and old style Japanese graves. It’s a beautiful park like atmosphere that is steeped with history.
If the mood serves you, a one hour walk in the neighborhoods of Ueno is nice as we head to Ueno Park. Most people only look at the big city, but a walk to Ueno is a pleasant change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the city centres.
Once at Ueno Park, a leisurely stroll down the tree-lined paths and a look at the major pond is a must. During the cherry blossom season, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms and even see the crazy crowds of party goers within the park. A trip to the park can also include a trip to one if the museums or even Ueno Zoo.
Note: Tour prices do not include the entry fee into these attractions. If I were to accompany you on this leg of the tour, you would be responsible for my entry fee as well. Otherwise, I would meet you at a predetermined location when you finish.
Ameyokocho is a fun yet crowded place to visit. You can enjoy the Asian style market and find a lit of cheap treats. It’s a fun way to see what Tokyo has to offer for the, relatively, budgeted shopper.
Due to the nature if the tour, I cannot guarantee that we will have time to visit Akihabara. However, it is quite possible to do so within a day. Akihabara itself could take nearly a full day to visit. This tour would include orientation of the area and a visit to some of the major attractions Akihabara has to offer.
Pickup: Free pickup service is offered at any hotel within central Tokyo. The time we meet at your hotel will be considered the start of your tour. If you are staying outside the Yamanote line, please ask regarding the possible charges for hotel pickup. Meeting at a major station on or near the Yamanote line is also possible. At the end of the tour, return service is also available. Please inquire regarding a return service.
Price: The cost of this tour is ¥25,000 for a 9 hour tour. This price includes my transportation fee and lunch costs. If the tour ventures into a cafe, you will be responsible for the purchase of a simple coffee. Tours can be extended for as much time as you’d like. Please inquire regarding any costs associated with extending a tour.
