Japan

On the Colorful Road
Autumn

October 26 - November 7, 2008

$3,390 + tax

Itinerary:

Sunday October 26 Los Angeles–Tokyo
Our journey begins as we depart LAX and cross the International Date Line.

Monday October 27 Tokyo
We arrive in the evening at Tokyo Narita Airport where we are met by our local English-speaking guide and bused to a five-star hotel in the Shinjuku area.  New Otani Hotel

Tuesday October 28 Tokyo
Today we tour Tokyo, a unique melting pot of the old and new, and visit Nijobashi, where two bridges straddle the moat used to protect the Imperial Palace. We also visit Senoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest temple complex which attracts thousands of tourists who like to stroll the nearby alleys forgotten by time. Our bus driver and English-speaking guide will then take us over The Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba, the waterfront park at Tokyo’s Harbor. This new area offers great views of Tokyo and the finest shopping in the area.  New Otani Hotel   (B, L, D)

Wednesday October 29 Tokyo–Nikko–Tokyo
We leave Tokyo and head north to Nikko. Nikko is considered one of the most beautiful areas of Japan. We visit the sacred shrines of the Tokugawa Shoguns, and Toshogu Temple and Rinnoji (Buddhist) Temple. This area attracts thousands of worshippers daily.   New Otani Hotel  (B, L, D)

Thursday October 30 Tokyo
Free day. In the morning, we invite anyone not familiar with Tokyo's transportation system to join us so you can learn how to use it. We will then visit several interesting locations. In the afternoon you will be on your own to explore this amazing city. New Otani Hotel Tokyo  (B)

Friday October 31 Tokyo–Kamakura–Hakone
We leave Tokyo and head south, passing Yokohama to Kamakura where we visit the gigantic bronze statue of Buddha known as the Daibatsu. Our trip continues through the mountains in cable cars to Owakudani, Sounzan, and Gura. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, we arrive in an area famous for its therapeutic hot springs. Here we will enjoy pampering Japanese hospitality at a typical Japanese onsen resort (traditional Japanese hot-spring). Hakone Prince Hotel  (B, L, D)

Saturday November 1 Hakone–Kurumayama
We spend another day in Hakone and cruise Lake Ashinoyu at the foot of Mt. Fuji. It would be hard to find a mountain more highly valued for its beauty then Fuji-san, or a lake photographed more often than Hakone's Lake Ashi. We enjoy lunch by Lake Kawaghuchi, one of five famous lakes near Fuji Mountain, and then head to the mountain slopes of Nagano. You can enjoy the onsen at a beautiful hot spring resort and strolling around the hotel on the mountain.   Skypark Hotel  (B, L, D)

Sunday November 2 Kurumayama–Gifu
Today we step back in time and visit the two historic cities of the Kiso valley, Tsumago and Magome. These two cities are situated on the Old Edo Trail where each step takes you back in time. We end the day with another night at a beautiful hot spring resort. Gifu Miyako Hotel (B, L, D)

Monday November 3 Gifu–Takayama–Gifu
We start the day with a visit to the Takayama jinya (Administrative House), the summer residence of the Lord of Takayama built in the 1600s, and the nearby morning market. You will have some free time to visit Sanmachi Suji,  where streets are lined with traditional shops and sake breweries. One of the highlights of this trip is our next stop, the lovely little village of Shirakawa-go. Few tourists have visited this idyllic setting. Tonight we stay in the medieval town of Gifu. Gifu Miyako Hotel  (B, L, D)

Tuesday November 4 Gifu–Kyoto
This morning we take a funicular to the top of a nearby hill and, after a breathtaking view from Gifu Castle, we depart for Kyoto, “The City of Temples”. We pass by Japan’s largest lake, Biwako, on the way to a secluded back area of Kyoto. Here we are pleased to invite you to the Miho Museum, designed by the famous architect, I.M.Pei, who designed the Louvre Pyramid in Paris. In the Rotary, an unusual acoustical space where sounds resonate for ever five seconds, octagonal walls rise up to a square Roman Pantheon-like skylight. We will be guided by a curator through the special exhibitions of this museum. Today's final destination is just outside of Kyoto in Arashiyama. The Temple Tenryu-ji is one of the major temples of the Rinzai school of Zen. Rihga Royal Hotel  (B, L, D)

Wednesday November 5 Kyoto
Our full day tour of Kyoto includes visits to Kyomizu-dera Temple, the vibrant orange Hean--jingu Shrine, and the spectacular Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple with its beautiful garden. We finish the day by visiting the most famous Zen rock garden in the world, Ryoan-ji or Temple of the Peaceful Dragon in Arashiyama. Rihga Royal Hotel  (B, L, D)

Thursday November 6 Kyoto
Today you are free to explore Kyoto at your leisure. We invite you to ask your guide for directions and advice on your free day, possibly to visit Kyoto railway station which is the most modern station in the world and an interesting destination in itself. Rihga Royal Hotel (B)

Friday November 7 Kyoto-Nara-Osaka
On the way to Osaka airport for our return flight, the enchanting ancient capitol of Nara awaits us. Visitors rarely forget the magnificent five story high Great Buddha inside of the Todaiji. We are departing from Osaka Kansai International Airport to fly back to Los Angeles. (B)

Friday November 7 Osaka-LAX
Arrive Los Angeles, LAX International Airport.

B=Breakfast   L=Lunch   D=Dinner

$3,390+ tax
Per person double occupancy

Single supplement $950

This idyllic journey includes:
Tour leader
Hotels (five-star hotel in Tokyo center and classic, tradtional hotels in Hot Spring resort areas)
Airfare (from Los Angeles)
Transfers
English-speaking guide throughout all tours
All meals except lunch and dinner on free days
(No options to buy)