Japan's Hidden Treasures

Discover a place where ancient traditions exist side by side with modern civilization and the historic cornerstones of Japanese culture, the Samurai and Geisha, are still revered today. See how Japan has undergone centuries of transformations, from its first ancient capital, Nara, to its present-day capital, Tokyo. From Nagano to Kyoto, from original temples to stunning Japanese gardens, this tour will leave you with a better understanding and appreciation for this East Asian land. Three guest lecturers provide fascinating background on the history of Japan, the life of a Geisha, and the restoration of the Byodoin Temple.

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Tour Operator

Collette Vacations

Duration

13 Days

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Overnight Flight	Overnight flight: Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan, the seat of Japanese government and home to the Imperial Palace. Lose a day en route as you cross the International Dateline.
Day 2	Tokyo	Arrive Tokyo: Arrive in Japan's vibrant and energetic capital of Tokyo. Welcome to "The Land of the Rising Sun" where you are about to embark on a journey unlike any other.
Day 3	Tokyo	Tokyo, Japan: Intertwining ancient Japanese culture with modern society, Tokyo encompasses centuries of art, culture and history. Visit the Tokyo Tower, the world's largest self-supporting iron structure, edging out the Eiffel Tower by 43 feet. At the Meiji Shrine, honoring both Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, who ruled from 1867 - 1912, learn why he is recognized as the central figure in Japan's rapid modernization. Later, stroll through Nakamise Shopping Arcade, one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, followed by a visit to Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple. A brief stop is made outside the gates of the Imperial Palace before returning to the hotel. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner. Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 4	Tokyo	Tokyo - Hakone - Tokyo: Leave Tokyo and travel to Hakone, part of a magnificent national park, and enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi, well known for its reflection of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). A ride on the Komagatake Ropeway cable car provides spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi and Mt. Futago. The valley contains clear lakes, volcanic peaks, steaming hot springs and shady valleys. Legend says that eating just one black egg that has been boiled in the healthy sulfur springs of the valley can add five to seven years to a person's life! See the treasures contained at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, where the artist uses kimonos as his paper and silk thread as his paint to create the most outstanding tie-dye kimonos in the world. Today breakfast is included.
Day 5	Nagano	Tokyo - Nagano: This morning you will travel via the famous Shinkansen, or "bullet train," to Nagano, home of the 1998 winter Olympics. Continue to Jigokudani Yaen Koen, the only place on earth where wild monkeys bathe in hot springs. Enjoy some leisure time in Obuse Town, an historical site and home to three major museums all linked to the famous painter Katsushika Hokusai who spent his latter years living here. Your lunch features local beef delicacies allowing you to sample the amazing flavors of this region. Today breakfast and lunch are included.
Day 6	Nagano	Nagano: This morning you will take a walking tour to the Zenkoji Temple. One of the most visited temples in Japan, Zenkoji was founded 1,400 years ago and stores what many believe to be the first Buddhist statue ever brought into Japan. A replica of this statue is displayed to the public every seven years. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore on your own. Today breakfast is included.
Day 7	Takayama	Nagano - Takayama: This morning make a brief stop at Matsumoto Castle, built in 1504 and designated a national treasure. Next, visit the Ukiyoe Museum, which showcases fine wood block prints of Japanese customs and history. A special experience awaits you with a visit to Daio Wasabi Nojo Farm, where pungent wasabi is grown. Here you will make pickles and enjoy a local lunch of soba noodles and tempura. In the late afternoon, arrive at a traditional Japanese inn where you will spend the night and have a complete Japanese experience. This evening, dressed in a time-honored kimono, you will savor a traditional dinner. Later, you may enjoy the luxurious hot spring baths at your hotel. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 8	Kanazawa	Takayama - Kanazawa: Begin the day with a stroll to the morning market then visit Takayama Jinya, the regional headquarters during the Edo period and host to one of Japan's greatest festivals. See many of the floats and marionettes during a visit to Matsuri-no-Mori. Later, a drive through Shirakawago and Gokayama showcases farmhouses with steep thatched roofs, a style called "gassho-zukuri," which translates into "hands-clasped in prayer." Learn how to make Japanese paper at Gokayama Washi-no-Sato. Washi is usually made from bark but can also be formed from bamboo or grains. Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 9	Kanazawa	Kanazawa: Return to the days of the samurai when you visit Nomura Family House, the traditional residence of Nagamachi Samurai. Continuing your tour, stroll through the Oumicho Fish Market, which has been providing food for feudal lords and citizens for about 270 years. Visit the traditional Geisha district of Higashi and a Shima (tea house). An afternoon spent at Kanazawa Castle, built in 1583, and Kenrokuen Garden, constructed as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, will certainly offer the time and environment for reflection. Today breakfast is included.
Day 10	Otsu	Kanazawa - Otsu: The morning drive brings you to Miho Museum, also known as the "Museum in the Mountains." The museum was the dream of Mihoko Koyama, the heiress to the Toyobo textile business and houses a private collection of Asian and Western antiques. Continue to Otsu, once briefly the capital of Japan, where your hotel is located on the shores of Lake Biwa, the largest fresh water lake in Japan. Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 11	Kyoto	Otsu - Kyoto: In Kyoto visit two temples considered national treasures, Kiyomizu Temple, with its panoramic views of this former Imperial capital and Sanjusangen-do Temple, which houses more than 1,030 standing Buddhist statues in its main hall. At Nijo Castle, built in 1626, see elaborate wood carvings and wall paintings. With two concentric fortifications, this unique castle also features the Ninomaru Garden designed by the famous landscape architect and tea master Kobori Enshu. Visit the Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, originally built in 1397, and dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. You will also enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto during the afternoon. This evening you may take an optional excursion to Gion Corner, a popular night spot where you can experience an overview of seven kinds of Japanese traditional arts and entertainment. Today breakfast is included.
Day 12	Kyoto	Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto: Today, travel to Nara, Japan's first capital. Todaiji Temple, completed in 1752, houses one of the largest bronze statues in the world. The Great Buddha Hall, dating from 1709, is the world's largest wooden structure and a national treasure. Kasuguga Taisha Shrine, situated in a forest, is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Nara and one of the "Three Great Shrines" in Japan, known for its thousands of lanterns. Your day concludes with a visit to Byodoin Temple, with its remarkable Phoenix Hall, dating back 950 years. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a special farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 13	Osaka	Kyoto - Osaka - Tour Concludes: As you depart this fascinating land, take a moment to reflect on all you have learned about the rich history and traditional culture of this country. On your return home, you will cross the International Dateline and gain a day, arriving in the U.S. the same day you departed Japan. Today breakfast is included.

Dates/Pricing

Lodging

	Overnight flight		Park Hotel, Tokyo
	Metropolitan Hotel, Nagano		Takayama Green Hotel, Takayama
	Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, Kanazawa		Otsu Prince Hotel, Otsu
	Hotel Nikko Princess, Kyoto

Dining

Total meals - 18	Breakfasts - 11
Lunches - 2	Dinners - 5

Disclaimer

Base Rates Per Person
Air rates are based from the following airport: San Francisco Intl Airport

Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on double occupancy and include fuel surcharges and internal flights, these rates are subject to change. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Taxes and fees are additional, for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices above.

*All special offers are valid on non-group and new bookings only. Special offers can not be combined with any other offer, except AARP discounts.