A Different View of Japan

Itinerary:

Day 01 LAX - Osaka
We begin our journey with the hospitality of Japan Airlines as we depart LAX and cross the International Date Line.

Day 02 Osaka
We arrive Osaka Kensai International Airport and are met by our local English speaking guide and taken to The Rihga Royal Hotel for a pleasant night's rest.

Day 03 Himeji - Okayama
After breakfast we head south. Until 1999, the Shikoku Island was only accessible by boat. Now a series of bridges spans the six scenic islands, including one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, Akashi Strait Grand Bridge. Our stop at the bridge includes a brief tour of the promenade and a view of the bridge’s construction from below street level. We then continue on to Honshu to Himeji. Perhaps the most beautiful castle in Japan is Himeji Castle (The White Heron Castle). We will view the surrounding grounds from the 5-story donjon and, after free walking time in the city, view the Illuminated castle at night. We will stay at the Nikko Himeji Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 04 Hiroshima
We continue our journey in Okayama City and enjoy the serenity of Koraku'en Garden. Our next destination is west to Kurashiki, a picturesque town in the Bikan Historic area. We will visit Ohara Museum and its private Japanese and western collection and here we can take a relaxing stroll along the banks of the Kurashiki Riverlined by willow trees. We continue to Hiroshima. Rihga Royal Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 05 Hiroshima
We start our day with a boat ride to the neighboring island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a magnificent structure of red pillars with white walls. On the way back to Hiroshima we make a side trip to Iwakuni City, to see the Kintaibashi Bridge, a 200-meter-long five arched wooden bridge made without nails. We end the day with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Museum and Memorial Park Tonight we are again at the Rihga Royal Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 06 Fukuoka
Today we head west to the Akiyoshi-dai Plateau National Park, Japan's largest limestone plateau and a natural monument. We enter the amazing Shuho-so Caverns where limestone formations fill the most spacious caverns in the Orient. After lunch, our coach will proceed to Shimonoseki, a harbor that faces Kyushu Island across the Kamon Strait. Across the Kamon Bridge on the southern most of Japan's main islands, Kyushu, we relax tonight at onsen (traditional Japanese hot-spring spa) in Kokura. You will find a yukata (clothing for the public bath) in your room at the Yahata Royal Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 07 Beppu
After breakfast we head to Yufuin. On the way we pass through the Ao no Domo. To save the locals from using a treacherous, cliff-hanging trail a monk hand-chiseled a 185 meter tunnel that took him 30 years. The Ao no Domo tunnel is located in the beautiful Yaba-Kei Gorge, just one of the magnificent sights in this scenic area. We pass through the natural geothermal area on the edge of Mt. Yufu and Kuju. Yufuin is a traditional city that is preserved as a historical site. We then pass through the natural geothermal area on the skirt of Mt. Yufu and Kuju and arrive at Beppu the king of natural hot-spring spas. Next, our tour takes us to the Hells. These Hells (Jigoku). The Hells are boiling ponds created by volcanic activity and their Japanese name refers to the burning hell of Buddhist sutras. Each Hell has it's own attraction. Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) is the aquamarine color of seawater; Chinoke Jigoku (Blood-Pond Hell) is a blood-red because of dissolved red clay, and Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell) is a geyser. Tonight we enjoy a relaxing hot spring spa (onsen) at the Beppu Bay Royal Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 08 Kumamoto
This morning we resume the journey inland to the Aso Volcanic Area where we ride a ropeway cable car to take a closer look at the 3,000 ft. summit of Mt. Nake-dake, one of the major volcanoes of the world. We can view the Komezuka Rice Mound and Kusasenri Meadows on different slopes of the mountain range. Located about halfway down Kyushu's western side is our next destination, Kumamoto. Kumamoto has a fine castle and the beautiful Suizenji Garden, both originating in the first half of the 17th century. Once an important castle town, it is now the progressive capital of Kumamoto Prefecture, yet still has a small town atmosphere. Tonight we stay in Kumamoto at the Nikko Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 09 Nagasaki
Unlike Kumamoto, our next destination, Nagasaki, doesn't have a castle. Its charm is more subtle, with houses perched on terraced slopes rising from the U-shaped harbor. A city of small streets and distinctive neighborhoods, Nagasaki opened its harbor to European vessels in 1571 and became a port of call for Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese merchants. Even today people seek to exprience the city's intermingled cultures. We will stay at The New Nagasaki Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Kyoto-Osaka
After a hearty breakfast we fly from Nagasaki to Osaka Itami Airport and continue to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Our full day of touring includes Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion), Nijo Castle and Kyoto Handicraft Center. We will stay in Osaka at the Rihga Royal Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Osaka-Kyoto-Osaka
Today is a free day. There will be complimentry round trip service to Kyoto, an easy city to visit and good for shopping. Your English-speaking guide will be on hand to give you some suggestions. Our final night in Japan will be in the Rihga Royal Hotel. (B)

Day 12 Osaka - LAX
We return to LAX from Osaka by way of Tokyo.

B=Breakfast   L=Lunch   D=Dinner

Tour package includes:

  • 5-star hotels
  • Round trip airfares from Los Angeles
  • Domestic flight
  • All meals (except on free day)
  • An English-speaking guide
  • Tours, entrance fees
  • All airport transfers
  • Experienced tour leader to assist you
  • Travel Protection Plan Insurance provided at no additional cost, if you make your final payment at least 45 days prior to departure date.


Per person double occupancy

Single supplement

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