FESTIVALS & TREASURES OF JAPAN ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Kyoto
Check-in to your modern deluxe hotel located in the center
of the city. Nikko Princess Hotel
Day 2 - Kyoto
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, dedicated to Inari – the Shinto
god of rice. By special arrangement, enjoy an exclusive tour
through the landscaped grounds of the Imperial Palace. Normally
closed to the public, this was the Emperor’s residence until
1868. After lunch, visit Kinkaku-ji Templec, the Golden Pavilion
and explore the Gion District, where Geisha traditions had their
start. Meals B,L
Day 3 - Kyoto / Nara / Kyoto
Today you travel to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Buddhism
was introduced here from China and many of Japan’s earliest
temples were built in Nara, including Todai-ji Temple, the
largest wooden building in the world. You also visit Deer Park
and Kasuga Shrine, famed for scenic pathways lined with stone
lanterns. Meals B,L
Day 4 - Kyoto / Fukui / Kanazawa
The spectacular, rugged northwest coast of Honshu Island
encompasses some of Japan’s most revered scenic vistas. Today,
you’ll journey along the Sea of Japan to the impressive Tojimbo
Cliffs, and then visit the venerated Eiheiji Temple, set in a
fragrant forest of towering cedars. Arrive in Kanazawa, and
check-in to your deluxe hotel. Meals B Nikko Hotel Kanazawa
Day 5 - Kanazawa
Delight in the beauty of Kenrokuen Garden – one of the three
finest traditional gardens in Japan. “Roku” means six, and
Kenrokuen is famed for its marvelous presentation of the six
critical elements of a classical garden, including majesty,
views and abundant water. Then explore the lanes and shops in
Omicho Market before visiting Nagamachi Samurai Residence where
cobblestone streets and well-preserved homes evoke the feudal
Samurai era. Later, spend time with skilled artisans to learn
about the craft of gold-leafing. Meals B,L
Day 6 - Kanazawa / Takayama
Travel to Takayama, a picturesque mountain town. Tour
Takayama Jinya, a complex of 17th century buildings that once
housed officials of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Sample sake at a
local brewery and stroll the streets of central Takayama – where
extraordinary preservation of its traditional architecture
transports you back to feudal Japan. After checking-in to your
deluxe hotel, visit the Takayama Night Festival – one of the
most famous evening festivals in all of Japan, with unique
traditions dating back to the 17th century. The nighttime
festivities, with bright, colorful lanterns illuminating the
many vendors and celebrants, herald the main celebrations the
following day. Meals B Associa Takayama Hotel
Day 7 - Takayama Yoiyama Festival
Explore Takayama at your own pace. Enjoy the celebrations of
the Festival, or wander the charming side streets of this small,
traditional city. The mountainous region of Takayama has many
hot springs resorts, and you can relax in the onsen – a
traditional Japanese thermal bath – that is located right in
your hotel. Meals B
Day 8 - Takayama / Matsumoto / Tokyo
Travel through the spectacular Japanese Alps to Matsumoto
and visit one of Japan’s most impressive castles. See a
marvelous collection of Japanese paintings at the Hokusai Museum
and continue to Tokyo where you check-in to your deluxe hotel,
centrally located in the exciting Shinjuku District, bustling
with shops and restaurants. Meals B Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 9 - Tokyo
Your sightseeing this morning includes the Imperial Palace
Plaza for a glimpse into the extremely private life of the
Imperial Family. Visit the beautifully landscaped grounds of the
Meiji Shrine and Asakusa Kannon Temple. Enter through the
temple’s massive “Thunder Gate” to explore Nakamise Arcade, an
emporium with sweets, kimonos, Japanese prints and souvenirs.
Meals B,D
Day 10 - Tokyo
Today the choice is yours – enjoy the city on your own or
join a morning tour: Go to Akihabara Electric Town to shop for
electronics products or visit the Anime Center to learn more
about Japan’s famous animation. Meals B
Day 11 - Tokyo
Your program with us finishes after breakfast. It’s easy to
discover more of Japan and Asia with our FreeStyle Travel. Meals
B
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