Travel Impressions

Discover Japan 47 DAY 7: TAKAYAMA TO KANAZAWA Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. After taking a walk through the village, continue to a neighboring town where you will have the opportunity to try your hand at making Japanese washi paper. After lunch, continue to Kanazawa to the Nomura Samurai House to see how the samurai once lived. Then, enjoy a walk through the Old District. (B, L, D) DAY 8: KANAZAWA TO KYOTO Wander through Kenroku-en Garden this morning, the "Garden of the Six Sublimities." Next, visit the Kanazawa Museum and enjoy lunch before transferring to the railway station to board the Thunderbird Express fast train to Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital. (B, L, D) DAY 9: KYOTO This morning, see the famous Kinkakuji, a Zen temple known as the Golden Pavilion. Next, you will visit the Ryoanji Temple complex, which means "Temple of the Peaceful Dragon." You will then head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse, where you will learn about origami and calligraphy, witness the art of ikebana and enjoy a tea ceremony. (B, L, D) DAY 10: KYOTO – DAY TOUR TO NARA Today, you will travel to Nara. For 74 years during the 8 th century, Nara was Japan's capital, and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain. Visit Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden structure, and Kasuga Taisha, Nara's most celebrated shrine. Wander through Nara Park before returning to Kyoto, stopping at Fushimi Inari Shrine. (B, L, D) DAY 11: KYOTO TO KOYA-SAN Travel to Koya-San, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and home to over 100 temples. The center of Shingon Buddhism for over 1,200 years, you will visit Kongobunji Temple, the head monastery, and Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery. Tonight you stay in a Buddhist temple lodge, known as a shukubo. This evening, enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian dinner, called shojin ryori. (B, L, D) DAY 12: KOYA-SAN TO OSAKA Rise early this morning to witness the monks chant their morning prayers, followed by a traditional shojin ryori breakfast. Later, drive to Osaka, known for its flamboyance, fun-loving people and amazing food. Visit Osaka Castle, known for its sweeping views of the city from its hilltop perch, and take a cruise along the Yodogawa River. Osaka is known as Japan's Kitchen, and tonight, you can wander down Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample local delicacies before enjoying a sumptuous farewell dinner. (B, L, D) DAY 13: OSAKA TO US Fly to the US, arriving home later the same day or the following morning, depending on flight schedules. (B) MEALS INCLUDED: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner Consult your travel agent for more details on this and other escorted tours. *RATES ARE PER PERSON, BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND INCLUDE: Visa services for US and Canadian passport holders only Group airport transfers Domestic airfare and current taxes (within Japan) Domestic ground transportation (within Japan) Accommodations & taxes • Meals as indicated Sightseeing and entrance fees with English-speaking guide National Escort throughout with Local Insider Guides at each destination Sensoji Temple, Tokyo CULTURAL EXPERIENCES • Add seven years to your life when you eat a hard-boiled egg cooked in the Hakone hot springs • Embrace your inner farmer while making pickled vegetables at a wasabi farm • Visit one of the many sake breweries in Takayama for a taste of this popular beverage • Bring home a personal souvenir when you make your own Japanese washi paper • A memorable overnight stay at a Buddhist temple lodge, complete with their Buddhist vegetarian breakfast and dinner, shojin ryori GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES & RATES Outbound Return To USA Rates* MAR 25, 2015 APR 6, 2015 APR 1, 2015 APR 13, 2015 APR 15, 2015 APR 27, 2015 APR 22, 2015 MAY 4, 2015 SEP 16, 2015 SEP 28, 2015 SEP 30, 2015 OCT 12, 2015 OCT 14, 2015 OCT 26, 2015 NOTE: SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT APPLIES. $6,490

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