Pre-Tour departs on Friday, June 13, arrives in Bangkok, Sunday, June 22, 2008.
Post-Tour departs on Saturday, June 28, and returns to the States on Sunday, July 6, 2008.
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Day 1, Arrive Tokyo
Transfer to Shiba Park Hotel or Keio Plaza Hotel.
Day 2, Tokyo
Morning city tour to Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Kannon temple and Tasaki Pearl. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 3, Tokyo/Nikko/Tokyo
Full-day excursion to Nikko, visiting Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Waterfall. (L)
Day 4, Tokyo/Mt. Fuji/Hakone
Drive halfway up Mt. Fuji. Continue to the historic Hakone Barrier, cruise on Lake Ashi, and ride the Mt. Komagatake Aerial Cableway. Overnight at Hotel Kowaki-en. (L)
Day 5, Hakone/Takayama
Bullet train to Nagoya, and then into the Japanese Alps and charming Takayama, so-called "Little Kyoto." This afternoon, visit the Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum and the traditional wooden houses of old Kami Sannomachi Town. Overnight at Hida Hotel Plaza.
Day 6, Takayama/Kanazawa
After a visit to the morning market, depart along a scenic route to Shirakawago, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic significance. Visit the Folk Museum and unique "joined hands" farmhouse, and then learn to make paper by hand in Gokayama, another World Heritage Site. Continve to Kanazawa. Overnight at Miyako Hotel.
Day 7, Kanazawa/Kyoto
Morning tour includes Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan; a Kutaniyaki pottery kiln, and a stroll through Nagamachi district, known for its historic samurai-class homes. Afternoon, take a train to Kyoto. Overnight at New Miyako Hotel or Westin Miyako Hotel.
Day 8, Kyoto
Morning city tour to Golden Pavilion, Nijojo Castle, and Imperial Palace. Afternoon excursion by motorcoach to ancient capital of Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, and Deer Park. (L)
Day 9, Kyoto/Osaka
Depart by coach to Osaka airport for your onward flight. |
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Day 8, Kyoto/Hiroshima
Transfer to Kyoto Station and board a bullet train to Hiroshima. Visit the colorful Itsukushima Shrine with its red torii gate in Miyajima and Peace Memorial Park with its museum of nuclear devastation. Overnight at Granvia Hotel. (L)
Day 9, Hiroshima/Okayama/Osaka
Bullet train to Kurashiki. Visit Ohara Museum of Art and Kurashiki Folkcraft Museum. After lunch take a train to Okayama and visit Korakuen Garden, laid out in 1700 and one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. Train to Osaka. Overnight at Hotel New Hankyu or Rihga Royal Hotel. (L)
Day 10, Depart Osaka
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. |
