AAA

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, is the Ryoanji Temple complex, which means "Temple of the Peaceful Dragon." Head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse to learn about origami and calligraphy, witness the art of ikebana, and enjoy a tea ceremony. (B, L, D) DAY 10: 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. Travel there to visit Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden structure, and Kasuga Taisha, the city'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, therein lies Kongobunji Temple, the head monastery, and Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery. Tonight, stay in a Buddhist temple lodge, known as a shukubo. This evening, enjoy a shojin ryori Buddhist vegetarian dinner. (B, L, D) DAY 12: KOYA-SAN TO OSAKA Rise early to witness the monks chant their morning prayers, followed by a traditional shojin ryori breakfast. Later, drive to Osaka, renowned for its flamboyance, fun-loving people, and amazing food. Visit Osaka Castle 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, to sample local delicacies before enjoying a sumptuous farewell dinner. (B, L, D) DAY 13: OSAKA TO U.S. Fly to the U.S., 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 U.S. and Canadian passport-holders only Group airport transfers Domestic airfare and current taxes (within Japan) Domestic ground transportation (within Japan) Accommodations and taxes • Meals as indicated Sightseeing and entrance fees with English-speaking guide National Escort throughout with local insider guides at each destination CULTURAL EXPERIENCES • Add a purported 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 Mar 16, 2016 Mar 23, 2016 Mar 30, 2016 Apr 6, 2016 Apr 13, 2016 Apr 20, 2016 May 18, 2016 Sep 14, 2016 Sep 21, 2016 Sep 28, 2016 Oct 12, 2016 Oct 23, 2016 Mar 28, 2016 Apr 4, 2016 Apr 11, 2016 Apr 18, 2016 Apr 25, 2016 May 2, 2016 May 30, 2016 Sep 26, 2016 Oct 3, 2016 Oct 10, 2016 Oct 24, 2016 Nov 4, 2016 $6,590 $6,590 $6,590 $6,590 $6,590 $6,590 $6,590 $6,590 $6,590 $6,590 $6,590 $6,590 GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES & RATES Outbound Return To USA Rates* NOTE: SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT APPLIES. Kyoto

• Cover