US$ Okinawa & Takayama Spring Festival - Cherry Blossom Special Tour - 13 days 12 nights. Tour Start Dates: /6

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1 Okinawa & Takayama Spring Festival - Cherry Blossom Special Tour - 13 days 12 nights US$ Tour Start Dates: /6 TOUR COST INCLUDES: 10 nights Western style and 2 nights Japanese style accommodation Meet and greet upon arrival at Naha Airport Domestic flight from Naha to Osaka Airport transfers on arrival and departure Private luxury coach transfers between destinations in Japan Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide Gratuities Meals Breakfast everyday 8 lunches and 4 dinners Admission fees and activities Entry fees to sites, gardens, and museums listed in the itinerary Green Tea Ceremony Nishijin Kimono Show Miyako Odori Cherry Blossom Dancing Performance Show Bullet Train Ride Takayama Spring Festival Hakone Ropeway All prices are per person, based on double or triple occupancy. International flights are not included on our tours -this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money! We can arrange international flights for US customers if needed, please ask for details.

2 ITINERARY 2 Day 01: Naha Airport Welcome to Naha - the capital and largest city of Okinawa Prefecture. You will be greeted by our tour guide and direct transfer you to hotel. Day 02: Naha (Former Navy Underground Headquarters / Shuri Castle / Tamaudun Mausoleum / Shikinaen Garden / Kokusaidori) Let's tour around Naha city today. First we will bring you to the Former Navy Underground Headquarters which consists of several hundred meters of underground corridors and rooms that served as the Japanese navy's headquarters during the war. We then proceed to Shuri Castle - is a symbol of the unique history and culture of Okinawa. The castle's history is also the history of the Kingdom of the Ryukyus itself. TheTamaudun Mausoleum is located near Shuri Castle and it was the Royal Mausoleum for the Ryukyu Kingdom. It is one of the World Heritage sites of Okinawa. Let's proceed to Shikinaen Garden, located just two kilometers south of Shurijo Castle. Shikina-en Gardens was the second home of the Ryukyuan kings and was also called the southern residence. Centered on a pond that is designed after the Chinese character for "heart", the garden offers a wonderful promenade with a pond where floats a hexagonal Chinese-style building linked by an arched stone bridge. In the evening we will visit the most famous kokusaidori street which offers on its 1.6 kilometer long stretch plenty of souvenirs and fashion shops, restaurants and a multitude of other boutiques. Day 03: Northern Honto (Nago Pineapple Park / Nakijin Castle Ruins / Ocean Expo Park - Churaumi Aquarium) The pineapple is one of Okinawa's most prized crops. First in the morning we will visit Nago Pineapple Park has many interesting exhibits explaining the history, cultivation and refinement of the Okinawan pineapple. Visitors can see pineapples growing all year round and can also discover the process of pineapple cultivation, explore the parks winery and enjoy samples of pineapple and pineapple wine. Next we proceed to Nakijin Castle. It was the residence of the Ryukyuan Kingdom governor and is currently in ruins. The castle is strategically sited on a lone hill, well defended by natural features (river, cliffs and deep valley). The fortress includes several sacred Utaki groves, reflecting the gusuku's role as a center of religious activity. It is famous for the Hikan cherries which bloom in northern Okinawa between mid-january and early February. Then let's enjoy & experience the Churaumi Aquarium in Ocean Expo Park. At the Aquarium, an intriguing world of marine life found in Okinawa is spread out before you. A sea of coral dazzled with sunlight exhibits over 800 different coral colonies. With its enormous capacity, a gigantic tank called The Kuroshio Sea Tank the largest fish in the world, the whale shark, and the world's first successfully bred-in-captivity manta can also be seen. Moreover, you can experience the sea of Okinawa when you journey into the deep sea attraction, which recreates Okinawa's mystery-enshrouded deep sea.

3 3 Day 04: Central Honto (Manzamo / BIOS no OKA / Ryukyu Mura / Zakimi Castle Ruins / American Village) Today we will visit Cape Manza, also called as Manzamo, are gorgeous cliffs with crashing waves and a natural vantage point where over 10,000 people at once can sit on the cliff and enjoy the spectacular view. We then proceed to BIOS no OKA a subtropical safari in Okinawa. Relax on a river cruise through the jungle & on the hill, there is a nature park with a botanic garden like variety of orchids. Next, let's experience the Okinawan style & culture in Ryukyu Mura. It is an authentic re-creation of an ancient Okinawan village. Old Ryukyuan homes were brought from all over the islands and reassembled here in the village to preserve the heritage of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The park was created in the hope that this unique heritage could be shared by all who visit. Perched high on a hill-top in present day Yomitan Village, romantic Zakimi Castle offers a commanding 360 degree view of central Okinawa, and a window into Okinawa s past. The ruins are an excellent display of fine masonry work from the early part of the 15th century. In the evening we will proceed to the last destination for today which is the Mihama American Village. It is a large entertainment complex located in central Okinawa Honto. Many American military bases are located in the area, and the entertainment complex' theme of Americana provides a nostalgic pleasure for residents of the bases as well as an interesting diversion for the locals. The most recognizable feature of the American Village is the large Ferris Wheel. The Americana theme is found at many establishments, such as fashion shops selling American brand clothing or restaurants specializing in hot dogs and hamburgers. Day 05: Southern Honto (Okinawa World - Gyokusendo Cave / Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum / Himeyuri Peace Museum / Ryukyu Glass Village / Awamori Masahiro Gallery) In the morning we will visit Okinawa World. It is a theme park about Okinawan culture. The park's main attractions are a massive natural cave & a craft village. With a total length of five kilometers, Gyokusendo Cave is the longest of the many caves in the south of Okinawa Island and the second longest cave in the entire country. 850 meters of the cave are open to the public and feature spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. The inside of the cave is well maintained and the walking paths are comfortable and well lit. Next we proceed to Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum which is located at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, the largest war memorial in Okinawa. The images of war and model exhibits constitute an appeal for everlasting peace. And then later follow up a visit to Himeyuri Peace Museum where you learn about preciousness of lives and tragedy of war and to know about 220 Himeyuri two high schools girls & teachers who were conscripted as nurses during WWII. The Ryukyu Glass Village is the largest glass factory in Okinawa. The production process of cups and goldfishes can be seen at the same time, and glass making can also be experienced here. And the last destination of the tour will be Awamori Masahiro Gallery where you can see how "Awamori"- alcoholic beverage indigenous to and unique to Okinawa is made and also you can learn the history of it. On the 2nd floor, the collection of vintage Awamori which is about 40 years of age are displayed. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

4 4 Day 06: Naha Airport, Osaka Kansai Airport After breakfast, transfer to the Naha airport for your domestic flight to Osaka. Upon arrival Osaka, our tour guide will greet you and direct transfer to the hotel. Overnight: Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or similar class Day 07: Osaka (Osaka Castle), Nara (Todaiji Temple / Deer Park), Uji (Green Tea Ceremony), Kyoto (Kiyomizu Temple) In the morning we will travel to Osaka Castle by private coach. The construction of the castle began in 1583 on the ruins of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, and it was the largest of its time. From Osaka, our coach departs to Nara, the oldest capital city of Japan. We will visit Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in Japan. This temple also houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha at 16.3 meters high, and the surrounding park is filled with over 1,000 Sika deer. Then, we proceed to Uji where we will experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. From Uji, our coach departs to Kyoto, a historical city that was spared from air raids and the atomic bomb for its cultural and historical value during World War II. We will visit the famous Kiymizu Temple, best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in the spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. We will stay two nights in Kyoto. Overnight: Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto or similar class Day 08: Kyoto (Heian Shrine / Heian Shrine Garden / Nishijin Kimono Show / Golden Pavilion / Miyako Odori - Cherry Blossom Dancing Performance Show / Gion) Today we will continue our tour of Kyoto, once the capital of Japan and still considered its cultural center. First is a visit to the spectacular Heian Shrine, where we see an extensive stroll garden of the Meiji period with a grove of weeping cherry trees. Of special note are the stepping stones in the pond, which were actually the pillars of a 16th century stone bridge that once spanned the Kamo River. Here you also find the largest Torii Gate in Japan spanning the road leading to the shrine. Then proceed to the Nishijin Textile Center where you can view displays of kimonos and even watch a kimono fashion show. Next, visit the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) covered with 18 carat gold leaf. This three story structure was originally built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397 and was rebuilt and restored over the years. Its history inspired the fictional book The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, by Yukio Mishima. We have a special treat this afternoon - Miyako Odori (Cherry Blossom Dancing Performance Show). This dance is performed by the geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha). The first performance in 1872 was promoted as part of the Exhibition for the Promotion of Domestic Industry, as a measure to promote prosperity in Kyoto after the city's decline as a result of the capital having been moved to Tokyo in Infusion of new ideas into this annual event has made it very popular. It is now one of the main events in Kyoto. Lastly, we will tour Gion, the old Geisha Quarter, and Pontocho, whose cobblestone alleys vibrate with night life. Overnight: Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto or similar class Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

5 5 Day 09: Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride, Kanazawa (Kenrokuen Garden), Shirakawa-go, Takayama (Takayama Night Festival) After breakfast, experience a Shinkansen bullet train ride, which can reach speeds of up to 300 km/hr. Then transfer to Kanazawa to visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three most beautiful strolling gardens of Japan. The name Kenrokuen literally means a garden combining the 6 attributes of a perfect landscape: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramas. Here, you'll find the oldest fountain in Japan and Kotoji-toro, the two-legged stone lantern that is the icon of Kenrokuen and Kanazawa. From Kanazawa we cross the mountains by coach to the World Heritage listed rural area of Shirakawa-go. In this very photogenic village, we will walk past thatched roof farm houses and cultivated fields and see unspoiled Edo period wooden buildings. Then, we will continue on to Takayama where a festival, which dates back to the 15th century, will be heating up. This city is located amongst the Japanese Alps and is known as "Little Kyoto" for its preserved historical structures and environment. Due to its remote position in the mountains, it was cut off from the rest of Japan for most of its history and thus has maintained a very unique and traditional atmosphere. This festival is also known as the Sanno Festival because it is centered on Sanno Shrine. It is held on the 14th and 15th of April to pray for a good harvest. The highlight of the festival is in the evening when colorful dashi (floats) are led through the streets amid cheers and drums. These ornate floats are decorated with intricate wood carvings and beautiful metal works. Overnight: Okada Ryokan or similar class Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 10: Takayama (Morning Market / Takayama Jinya / Old Town / Takayama Festival) After breakfast we will continue sightseeing in Takayama, including the Morning Market, Takayama Jinya and Old Town. You can browse the market stalls for local crafts and fresh farm products. Takayama's Old Town has been beautifully preserved, with many buildings and whole streets of houses dating from the Edo Period ( ). On some streets, like Sannomachi Street, you can find many old homes, shops, coffee houses and sake breweries, some of which have been in business for centuries. In the afternoon, we will continue to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Takayama Spring Festival, watching floats as they parade through Old Town. Tonight, we will stay at the Yatsugatake Onsen Ryokan, where you can soak in the therapeutic waters of a spa bath and feast on a traditional Japanese Kaiseki banquet dinner. Overnight: Yatsugatake Royal Hotel or similar class Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Day 11: Mt Fuji, Gotemba Peace Park, Hakone (Hakone Ropeway / Owakudani) After enjoying a Japanese breakfast at the ryokan, we will travel to Mt. Fuji on our private luxury coach. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery, from thick vegetation to lowlands to rolling clouds. We will stop at Mt. Fuji 5th station (depending on weather) to admire the world famous peak. Next, we head to Gotemba Peace Park, take in the scenic view of Mt. Fuji and thousands of cherry blossoms. From Gotemba we will proceed to Hakone and take a 20 minute ropeway from Togendai to Owakundani. Much of the area here is considered an active volcanic zone since its creation from the eruption of Mount Hakone some 3,000 years ago. There, you can view hot springs and hot rivers, where sulfurous fumes still linger. Owakundani also has splendid views of Mount Fuji in good weather. Then, proceed to Tokyo. Overnight: Hotel New Otani Tokyo or similar class

6 6 Day 12: Tokyo (Asakusa Sensoji Temple / Tokyo Edo Museum / Imperial Palace / Tokyo Tower / Odaiba) In the morning you will be taken to Asakusa Kannon Temple, an active place of worship where you can see the largest paper lantern in Japan. Here, discover the difference between a Shinto Shrine and a Buddhist Temple, then explore Nakamise Market, which resembles a traditional style shopping street of a bygone era. Next is a visit to Edo Tokyo Museum, where you can learn the history of Tokyo from the time when it was a small village called Edo. The museum also offers many good picture taking opportunities, for example with vehicles and items which were used in the past. Then we will proceed to the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle. You can explore the park, surrounded by moats and stone fortifications, in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, we will visit the the world's tallest self supporting steel tower. At 333 meters high, Tokyo Tower is 13 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. We will go up 150 meters to the main observatory deck and get a bird's eye view of Tokyo. From there we will cross the Rainbow Bridge, and be treated to stunning views of Tokyo Bay. We will travel to the man made islands of Odaiba and see cutting edge architecture, as well as the night view of Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge. Overnight: Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar class Overnight: Hotel New Otani Tokyo or similar class (NOTE 1) NOTE1: If you wish to stay in the center of Tokyo for the last night, we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel New Otani Tokyo instead of Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu for an additional $50 per person. In this case, airport transfer is not included but your tour guide will help you with directions to the airport. Day 13: Tour End After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 am and Narita Airport can be reached by hotel shuttle bus. NOTE 2: If you would like to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to book hotel accommodations. Meals: Breakfast