Shukokai Union Junior Tour 2025
11 night tour of JaPan
A training and cultural experience for our Junior students and their families.
Tour Overview
Proposed dates: 10th December - 21st December 2025
Please note participants from Auckland will depart NZ on the 9th of December.
•We will be basing ourselves in Kobe, Hiroshima & Kyoto. These cities give us easy access to all of Kansai and the Hiroshima region.
•We will be training with Ishitobi Hanshi and other Union Instructors at various locations, and attending Sensei’s Annual Tournament, the Ishitobi Ha Shukokai Championships.
•And of course, tons of culture including, temples, shrines, and FOOD!
Tour Itinerary
Depart Melbourne 10th December 2025
Depart Auckland 9th December 2025
Kobe - 6 nights
•Kobe 6 nights including - 3 training sessions with Sensei Ishitobi Hanshi and training with Sensei Mizoguchi
TRAINING: 3 training sessions
with Sensei Ishitobi Hanshi
with Sensei Mizoguchi (we will train with Sensei’s squad of juniors)
Participation in the Ishitobi Ha Shukokai Championships.
CULTURE:
Himeji castle & gardens
Arima Onsen
and a very special bus tour…
Hiroshima - 3 nights
TRAINING: 1 training session
with Seiko and Yukinori Sensei’s at the Yoshiura Dojo. Seiko Sensei is the current Hiroshima regional Head Kata Coach
CULTURE:
Hiroshima Peace Park
A-Bomb Dome
Mitake Dera
Miyajima (iconic Gi photo spot)
Kyoto - 2 nights
TRAINING: 1 final very special training session, in the oldest dojo in Honshu.
CULTURE:
Kyoto Budokan
Heian Shrine
Kyou Mizu Dera
Golden Pavillion
Ninaji Zen Temple
1000 Buddhas
Inari Shrine sunset hike
and many many more!
Depart from Japan on the 21st of December (overnight flight home)
The group will fly out of Kansai International (Osaka)
“ I have been on multiple tours to Japan and every time, I feel like I get closer to Japan.
There are people from different clubs who join the tour, and we start forming close relationships with each other, and after the tour finishes, I would visit their dojos in Australia to train together which also creates a stronger bond between us.
I would strongly encourage first timers and people who have previously visited Japan to do it with their club as it is a very different experience! ”
— Jordan Kwok (JP Tours in 2017, 2019, 2023)
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Every element of this tour has been expertly curated in consultation with SSU Chief Instructors; so that you can have a unique and authentic experience without having to lift a finger.
Our Junior Karate & Culture Tour Includes:
Return flights Ex Melbourne & Auckland
Airport transfers in Japan
6 nights accommodation Kobe (includes breakfast)
3 nights accommodation Hiroshima (includes breakfast)
2 nights accommodation Kyoto (includes breakfast)
5 day JR West rail pass
New JP Made Karate Gi Uniform choice of Kata or Kumite gi
checkout the Uniforms at www.jpmade.com.au
Luggage portage transfers! (The best invention, ever)
All training sessions
JTB support and personalised app
On the ground, Japanese-speaking tour guide with over 30 years experience (Craig Catania)
Your Sensei’s and I have planned a range of exciting activities leading up to the tour to help you prepare and make the most of your experience!
PRICING
The below prices are an estimated cost per person and are subject to change.
These prices are inclusive of all travel taxes and GST.
Prices listed are for departing from Melbourne.
Prices listed for Departing Auckland (AKL) are quoted in AUD
Adult travellers are aged 12yrs and above, Junior travellers are 11yrs and Under.
Adult Full Fare - Karate participant 12yrs & Above
Triple Share: $ 6600 ex Mel $6900 ex AKL
Double/Twin: $ 6740 ex Mel $7040 ex AKL
Single: $ 7260 ex Mel $7560 ex AKL
Junior Fare (Karate Participant) 11yr & Under
Triple Share: $ 5890 ex Mel $6190 ex AKL
Twin: $ 5990 ex Mel $6290 ex AKL
Adult Full Fare - No Karate
Triple Share: $ 6300 ex Mel $6600 ex AKL
Double/Twin: $ 6440 ex Mel $6740 ex AKL
Junior Fare - No Karate
Triple Share: $ 5490 ex Mel $5790 ex AKL
Twin: $ 5600 ex Mel $5900 ex AKL
Prices listed above do not include travel insurance and spending money.
NOW - Expressions of interest open.
14 March 2025 - Expressions of interest close.
May 30th 2025 - Bookings Open & Deposit Due
- Deposit will be $1650 pp
- Bookings taken via web portal
August 2025 - Second Payment Due
October 2025 - Final Payment Due
What happens next?
You will need 6 months validity when we enter Japan, so get onto applying for or renewing your Passport.
