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P a g e 4 Classic Japan Tokyo - Hakone - Nagoya - Hiroshima - Osaka Prefecture 12 Days / 11 Nights 0 Persons Date of Issue: 18 September 2017 06 May 2018-17 May 2018 Click here to view your Digital Itinerary
P a g e 5 Overview Japan is an amazing and fascinating fusion of the old and the new..with stunning landscapes and noble traditions, it balances the fine line between its medieval heritage and its 21st century innovations. This Classic Japan tour takes you offers an experience of one of the world's most enigmatic destinations, taking you from the bright lights of Tokyo and across the volcanic vistas of central Japan to the ancient capital of Kyoto, a cultural jewel and a rich repository of the country's glorious past. Accommodation Destination Nights Basis Room Type Overnight Travel 1 Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome Tokyo 3 B&B The Prince Hakone Lake Ashi Hakone Hakone 1 B&B Royal Park Hotel Nagoya Nagoya 1 B&B Hotel Granvia Hiroshima Hiroshima 1 B&B Crowne Plaza Ana Osaka Osaka Prefecture 3 B&B Overnight Travel 1 Key B&B: Bed and breakfast Price 3099 per person Included All Air Fares and Airport Taxes Accommodation & Meal as mentioned Tour duration includes two nights overnight travel All Transfer by Chartered Coach as mentioned in the itinerary Admissions as mentioned in the itinerary 2nd Class of Bullet trains English Speaking guide as mentioned in the itinerary Necessary expense for the guide Toll, Parking and driver tip Excluded Travel insurance Drinks on meals Laundry service Any expenses of personal nature Any additional items not specified in the program
P a g e 6 Day 1: Overnight Travel (Sun, 6 May) Day 2: Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, Tokyo (Mon, 7 May) Tokyo At over 13 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world. This massive, wealthy and fascinating metropolis offers high-tech visions of the future alongside glimpses of traditional Japan. Huge and varied in its geography, Tokyo Metropolis spans not just the city but also spectacular, rugged mountains to the west and exquisite subtropical islands to the south. It's best thought of not as a single city, but a constellation of cities that have grown together. The various districts of this phenomenal city vary wildly in character, from the electronic blare of Akihabara to the magnificent Imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda, from the lively youth culture mecca of Shibuya to the splendid pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa. If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find something entirely different. Tokyo truly has a little bit of everything for everyone. Day Itinerary NRT-TOKYO On Arrival at Tokyo s Narita International Airport, you will be met by your English speaking Tour guide at the arrival lobby. Transfer to your hotel is about a 90 minute drive Rest of the day at leisure Dinner at local returant Overnight: Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, in Tokyo occupies floors B2, 1st, 24th to 38th of the Shiodome Tower. An underpass directly connects the hotel to the Shimbashi and Shiodome stations. The airport limousine bus arrives and departs from the front entrance on the first floor at regular intervals, for easy access to the Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport. The hotel is conveniently situated within a 5 minute walk of the Ginza district. Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome offers a wide range of facilities designed to meet the needs of guests. The onsite specialty restaurants feature beautiful views of Tokyo, and the authentic city spa, Mandara offers a rejuvenating experience.
P a g e 7 Included Bed & Breakfast Day 3: Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, Tokyo (Tue, 8 May) Day Itinerary TOKYO This morning we depart for a full day tour of Tokyo. We will start with a visit to The Tokyo Tower, the second tallest structure in Japan. The tower was built in 1958 and has been visited by over 150 million people to date. Take in the specular view from the observation deck! Thereafter visit the Asakusa District which is situated along the west bank of the Sumida-gawa River and Sensoji Temple which is the oldest temple in Tokyo and remains an important center of worship drawing around 30 million visitors every year and pick up some souvenirs on Nakamise Shopping street. Take a stroll through Ginza, Tokyo s best-known upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, and, at around 10 million Yen per square km of land, also some of the priciest real estate in Japan. Here you will have some free time for lunch. You can admire the view of Nijubashi Bridge and the surrounding scenery at this National Garden that was formerly a private garden of the Royal Family. Later, we arrive at the Odaiba area which is a popular highly modern shopping and entertainment district on a manmade island in Tokyo Bay. Modern city planning provides Odaiba with plenty of green space and a very pleasant division between vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Overnight in Tokyo Dinner at local restaurant. Activities Ginza District Tokyo Tower Sensoji Temple Odiaba Asakusa District Tokyo Ginza District Ginza District is Tokyo s best-known upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, and, at around 10 million Yen per square km of land, also some of the priciest real estate in Japan. Almost every leading brand name in fashion and cosmetics is represented here, and the classy beauty parlors, department stores, art galleries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs offer pleasant and luxurious ways for visitors to spend their time.
P a g e 8 Tokyo Tower At 332.9 metres, the Tokyo Tower is the second-tallest structure in Japan. The tower was built in 1958 and has been visited by over 150 million people to date. The tower s main sources of revenue are tourism and antenna leasing. There are two observation platforms one at 150 m and the other at 250 m. The tower is a lattice tower similar to the Eiffel Tower and is painted white and international orange to comply with air safety regulations. The lighting that illuminates the tower at night changes by season and for important events. Directly under the tower there is a 4-storey building called Foot Town that houses a wax museum, an aquariu, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Sensoji Temple Better known to the Japanese people as the temple of the Asakusa Kannon, Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo and remains an important center of worship drawing around 30 million visitors every year. Legend holds it that, in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River. Even though they put the statue back into the river, it kept returning to them, so a temple was built nearby for the goddess. A stately 5-storey pagoda devoted to the goddess stands in the main hall and there is a quiet contemplative garden kept in the distinctive Japanese style within the temple. Asakusa District The Asakusa District of Tokyo is situated along the west bank of the Sumida-gawa River. The town has an old, traditional feel to it and visitors can take a 30-minute rickshaw ride to the local attractions, or it can be easily explored on foot. The Sensoji, a 7th century Buddhist Temple with a fascinating history is the main attraction of the area as is the Nakamise, a shopping street that leads to the temple, where pilgrims and visitors have been buying traditional snacks, sweets and souvenirs for centuries. Asakusa also hosts many traditional events and festivals, the most popular of which is the fireworks display which is watched by over a million people every year. Tokyo At over 13 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world. This massive, wealthy and fascinating metropolis offers high-tech visions of the future alongside glimpses of traditional Japan. Huge and varied in its geography, Tokyo Metropolis spans not just the city but also spectacular, rugged mountains to the west and exquisite subtropical islands to the south. It's best thought of not as a single city, but a constellation of cities that have grown together. The various districts of this phenomenal city vary wildly in character, from the electronic blare of Akihabara to the magnificent Imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda, from the lively youth culture mecca of Shibuya to the splendid pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa. If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find something entirely different. Tokyo truly has a little bit of everything for everyone. Included Bed & Breakfast Day 4: Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, Tokyo (Wed, 9 May) Day Itinerary TOKYO-KAMAKURA-YOKOHAMA-TOKYO Today we head off to Kamakura and Yokohama. The drive to Kamakura is about one and half hours.
P a g e 9 Take a tour of the Great Buddha of Kamakura, also known as Daibutsu which is situated in the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. Transfer to opposite side of Kotokuin and find another amazing Shinto shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachiman, which was established in 1828. Thereafter stroll and savor Komachi street where you enjoy historical street and lot of scrumptious snacks you can get while walking. After lunch transfer to Yokohama area, about one hour drive After you enjoy viewing our historical Japanese sites, visit Chinatown, Japan s largest and most colourful center of Chinese stores and restaurants. Take a leisurely walk at the Yamashita Park, famous for its waterfront views of the Port of Yokohama. Overnight in Tokyo Dinner at local restaurant. Activities Kamakura Yokohama Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Yamashita Park Yokohama Chinatown Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple Kamakura The small coastal city of Kamakura features a wealth of cultural and sacred sites complemented by superb natural beauty. With a heritage that dates back to 1192, when it was established as a seat of military and political power, it is not surprising that the town is liberally dotted with age-old historical and religious sites. These are complemented by Kamakura s idyllic white-sand beaches and lush forests lined with hiking trails. Yokohama Located on the western coast of Tokyo Bay directly south of Tokyo, Yokohama, the capital of Kanagawa prefecture, is the second largest city in Japan with a population of over three million. This modern city has much to offer travellers eager to experience the technology, elegance, and innovation of Japan. Attractions include Marine Tower, the largest on-land lighthouse in the world; Sankeien, a spacious garden exhibiting historic buildings and tea houses; and Yokohama Chinatown, Japan s largest and most colourful centre of Chinese stores and restaurants. Many festivals and events are held throughout the year and visitors can experience Yokohama s thriving art-culture by visiting the galleries and museums around the city. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Tsurugaoka Hachimangū is the most important Shinto shrine in the city of Kamakura, in Japan. It is situated at the geographical and cultural centre of the city, which has largely grown around it. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and the samurai. Visitors reach the shrine from Kamakura's waterfront and through the entire city centre, sighting multiple torii gates on the way.
P a g e 10 Included Bed & Breakfast Day 5: The Prince Hakone Lake Ashi Hakone, Hakone (Thu, 10 May) Hakone Hakone is a city in Japan that lies within the borders of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu national park in the Ashigarashimo District of Kanagawa Prefecture. Tourists specifically travel here for the spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Other attractions in the area include walks to Hakone Shrine on the shore of Lake Ashi, day-trips through the Hakone Open-Air Museum and explorations to Mount Kintoki to view the ruins of old-japan. No visit is complete without eating a black egg hard-boiled in the Great Boiling Valley of Owakudani. Legend has it that these eggs add some extra years to your lifespan. Day Itinerary TOKYO-MT.FUJI-HAKONE After breakfast we leave for Mt.Fuji, Japan s highest mountain at 3776 meters The coach will head up to the 5th Station along the Subaru Line, at 2,300 meters above sea level (weather permitting). At this height, you will be amazed by the spectacular, breath-taking views from above the clouds. Lunch at 5th Station or grab some snacks and eat in a coach (Lunch on own arrangements) We then head towards Hakone which is a city in Japan that lies within the borders of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu national park in the Ashigarashimo District of Kanagawa Prefecture. After we arrive at Hakone area, visit Owakudani Valley and feel the volcanic activity and this place is a famous for boiled eggs using the hot spring s water. Hakone boat cruise is one of the must experience activities while in Hakone. Take in Hakone s beautiful scenery on a cruise around Lake Ashi. Dinner: hotel or local restaurant Overnight: The Prince Hakone Lake Ashi Hakone The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko is a luxurious resort hotel surrounded by Lake Ashi and mountain ranges. There are a variety of room types, especially Mt. Fuji View Twin Room facing to Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi. Kaede Spa is one of the facilities which is recommended. You can enjoy time full of beauty, relaxation and healing, and it will bring you hospitality inspired by traditional Japanese culture. There is also a hot spring with the scenery of Lake Ashi.
P a g e 11 Activities Mount Fuji Hakone Hakone Boat Cruise Owakudani Valley Mount Fuji Mount Fuji is Japan s highest mountain and most famous landmark, lying within the borders of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is known as one of the Three Holy Mountains and legend has it that Mount Fuji was a samurai training ground. Although the mountain can be seen from certain points in Tokyo, it is best viewed from Hakone, Kawaguchiko, Kamakura, Enoshima or Gotemba. The official climbing season starts early July to mid-september for those who wish to hike the 3776 metres to the top. Sunrise from the summit is one of the most sought after views in Japan. Visitors have a wide selection of hiking trails to choose from including the Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba and Fujinomiya Trails. Hakone Hakone is a city in Japan that lies within the borders of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu national park in the Ashigarashimo District of Kanagawa Prefecture. Tourists specifically travel here for the spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Other attractions in the area include walks to Hakone Shrine on the shore of Lake Ashi, day-trips through the Hakone Open-Air Museum and explorations to Mount Kintoki to view the ruins of old-japan. No visit is complete without eating a black egg hard-boiled in the Great Boiling Valley of Owakudani. Legend has it that these eggs add some extra years to your lifespan. Included Bed & Breakfast Day 6: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya, Nagoya (Fri, 11 May) Nagoya Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture. The town developed around the Nagoya Castle that was built during the rule of Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612 and rebuilt in 1959 after it was destroyed in World War II. Today Nagoya is one of the few truly modern cities in Japan. Nagoya is also the birthplace of one of the biggest car manufacturers in Japan so be sure to visit the Toyota Automobile Museum. Nagoya City Science Museum is an enormous amalgamation of
P a g e 12 modern technology, life sciences exhibitions and general science displays. Nagoya has a cosmopolitan atmosphere that combines interesting museums with historical temples and diverse shopping areas. Day Itinerary HAKONE-SHIZUOKA-NAGOYA Today we leave for Nagoya. On the way we stop at Shizuoka, located between Tokyo and Osaka, has Mt. Fuji and other natural attractions. Also, it has been producing about 40% of Japan's tea. Above all Makinohara large tea plantation is a major production area for the production of about 20% of Japan's tea. At Greenpia Makinohara you will have a chance to immerse themselves in the world of Japanese tea, by participating directly to a picking session of young green tea leaves. After lunch, we continue towards Nagoya. Visit Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology Preserving and utilizing the old factory and industrial heritage at the birthplace of Toyota, this facility was established by the 13 Toyota Group companies. Centered on textiles and automobiles, the site introduces the industrial and technological revolutions through real machines and moving exhibits. Dinner: Local Restaurant Overnight: Royal Park Hotel Nagoya ROYAL PARK HOTEL THE NAGOYA is conveniently located in a highly visible location on Sakura Dori, about 5 minutes on foot from the JR Nagoya Station (Sakuradori Exit), the largest train terminal in the Chubu Region. Monsieur ITOH can equally feed and entertain individuals or groups with both Japanese and western buffet breakfast, hearty lunches at reasonable prices, casual dinners on grilled foods and wine, and a standup bar for lounging. Activities Shizuoka Nagoya Greenpia Makinohara
P a g e 13 Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology Tea Plantation Shizuoka Situated halfway between Tokyo and Nagoya, along the Pacific coast of Honshu Island, the capital city of Shizuoka is the second largest in the region. The city offers top-notch views of the iconic Mount Fuji best enjoyed from the pinetree-lined Miho Beach and the Nihondaira Plateau. Shizuoka is known as the Tea Capital of Japan and offers visitors an array of tea houses and tea shops. Visitors can look forward to exploring a variety of wonderful attractions including: the 17th-century ornate shrine of Kunozan Toshogu, the original burial place of the famous leader Tokugawa Leyasu; the Sunpu Castle Park, home to the ruins of the historical castle; and the 2000-year-old Toro, an archaeological site displaying ancient dwellings from the Yayoi Period. Nagoya Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture. The town developed around the Nagoya Castle that was built during the rule of Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612 and rebuilt in 1959 after it was destroyed in World War II. Today Nagoya is one of the few truly modern cities in Japan. Nagoya is also the birthplace of one of the biggest car manufacturers in Japan so be sure to visit the Toyota Automobile Museum. Nagoya City Science Museum is an enormous amalgamation of modern technology, life sciences exhibitions and general science displays. Nagoya has a cosmopolitan atmosphere that combines interesting museums with historical temples and diverse shopping areas. Included Bed & Breakfast Day 7: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima, Hiroshima (Sat, 12 May) Hiroshima Hiroshima has a deep historical significance it was the first city ever to suffer an atomic blast, which wreaked devastation across the urban hub on 6 August 1945. The only remaining building in the area was the Genbaku Dome, which is now known as the City of Peace and has become a worldwide symbol of hope for everlasting peace. Hiroshima-jo is a replica of the original castle where Japanese elders came together for centuries to discuss strategies and politics. Today Hiroshima is a thriving tourist destination with an interesting food scene and a very vibrant nightlife. Cultural experiences include the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the Mazda Museum. Day Itinerary NAGOYA-HIROSHIMA-MIYAJIMA-HIROSHIMA This morning we leave for Nagoya station. We board the bullet train for Hiroshima Hiroshima has a deep historical significance it was the first city ever to suffer an atomic blast, which wreaked devastation across the urban hub on 6Aug 1945. Lunch: Local Restaurant on own arrangements. Thereafter, you will take a ferry to visit Miyajima Island, well known for Itsukushima Shrine which has more than 1400 years of history, and is a registered World Heritage Site.
P a g e 14 Dinner: Local Restaurant Overnight: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima The Hotel Granvia Hiroshima is directly connected to JR shinkansen (bullet train) from Hiroshima. This hotel has 3 Michelin stars and offers 6 restaurants, massage services and modern rooms with free WiFi. Its rooms have air conditioning, heating, refrigerator, trouser press and a flat-screen TV with pay movies. It also has karaoke rooms, souvenir shop and laundry and dry cleaning. Dish Parade The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast daily. The Sky Restaurant and Lounge L & R offers views of the city and offers creative dishes. There are other places to eat, like the Japanese restaurant and Chinese restaurant Setouchi Kouran-in. Granvia Hiroshima Hotel is a 20-minute tram ride from Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima and 10 minutes drive from Hiroshima Castle and Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium. Activities Miyajima Ferry Port Itsukushima Shrine Miyajima Island Hiroshima Itsukushima Shrine Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine, located in the city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan. The shrine and its torii gate were built over water, with the illusion that they are floating on the sea during high tide. The shrine complex is composed of many buildings, including a prayer hall, main hall, as well as a noh theatre stage, linked together by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea. Miyajima Island Located just off the coast of Hiroshima, the serenely beautiful island of Miyajima is considered one of the crown jewels of Japan. Known as The Island of Gods due to its abundance of well-preserved shrines and temples, Miyajima is best known for its remarkable floating Itsukushima Shrine boasting a majestic vermilion gate which rises up out of the calm sea. Miyajima s only village retains a classically Japanese Edo-era look featuring a particularly attractive seafront promenade. The nearby main shopping street, Omotesando, is lined with charming shops and restaurants serving an array of traditional Japanese culinary delights. Spend your days lazing on the idyllic beaches; hiking in the virgin forest of Mount Misen, whose summit provides panoramic views across the Inland Sea; or exploring the wide range of traditional cultural sites on offer.
P a g e 15 Hiroshima Hiroshima has a deep historical significance it was the first city ever to suffer an atomic blast, which wreaked devastation across the urban hub on 6 August 1945. The only remaining building in the area was the Genbaku Dome, which is now known as the City of Peace and has become a worldwide symbol of hope for everlasting peace. Hiroshima-jo is a replica of the original castle where Japanese elders came together for centuries to discuss strategies and politics. Today Hiroshima is a thriving tourist destination with an interesting food scene and a very vibrant nightlife. Cultural experiences include the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the Mazda Museum. Included Bed & Breakfast Day 8: Crowne Plaza Ana Osaka, Osaka Prefecture (Sun, 13 May) Osaka Prefecture Situated in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Osaka is Japan's second smallest prefecture after Kagawa. The eponymous prefectural capital is a large port city known for its innovative modern architecture, vibrant nightlife and delicious street food. Visitors can look forward to exploring a number of historic temples and shrines, as well as an impressive variety of museums such as the National Museum of Ethnology, the Osaka Museum of History, and the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses. Other popular attractions in the area include the beautifully restored 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle and the 300-metre-high Abeno Harukas, the nation s tallest skyscaper offering magnificent views from an observation deck on the 60th foor. Day Itinerary HIROSHIMA-KOBE-OSAKA Today we start with a half day tour of Hiroshima, visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome. The A- Bomb dome is the only remaining building in the area is now known as the City of Peace and has become a worldwide symbol of hope for everlasting peace. Enter the Peace Memorial Museum and you will learn what exactly happened at the time. After lunch we head to Hiroshima station to board the bullet to Shin Kobe Station. On arrival a short coach tour of Kobe Visit the Jain Temple in Kobe, one of the temples outside of India, opened in June 1985. Kobe had many foreign settlements in the late 19th century in Kitano-cho, Kobe, popularly known as ijinkan (foreigners residences). They are usually associated with Western style residences; but in the 20th century the Asian including the Indian influence in this neighborhood has been on the rise. The Kobe Mosque shows some Islamic influence from India, as does the Kobe Jain Temple nearby. In the evening we make our way to Osaka (about 1-hour drive) Dinner: Local Restaurant
P a g e 16 Overnight: Crowne Plaza Ana Osaka Crowne Plaza Ana Osaka is located a short distance from the JR Osaka Rail Station and an hour drive from the Kansai International Airport. Guests can find their Osaka accommodation within minutes of Japan's world-famous Kita- Shinchi entertainment district, so their options are endless when it comes to dining, shopping and traveling around the area to enjoy the sights. Crowne Plaza Ana Osaka offers a variety of room styles that include double bed guest rooms with work desks, and Presidential suites with separate living areas. The sparkling indoor pool is refreshing and beautiful, and the on-site fitness centre is open 24 hours a day to ensure guests can work out, regardless of their schedule. Activities Kobe Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Jain Temple Kobe Kobe The bustling metropolis of Kobe is one of Japan s largest cities, with a striking setting facing Osaka Bay and backed by the Rokko Mountains. Mount Rokko, the highest peak in the range, is linked to the city by a cableway and offers magnificent views over the metropolitan area and the ocean beyond. From here, a separate ropeway leads to the Arima Onsen, where a hot springs health spa has been operating since the 8th century, when it was first established by Buddhist monks. Don t leave town without trying the marbled Kobe beef, renowned in global gourmet circles for its flavour and tenderness. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Situated in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is located in central Hiroshima, in Japan. The museum documents the atomic bombing of Hiroshima that took place in World War II. Comprising of two buildings, the memorial museum is one of the more prominent features in the city. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a huge park that measures over 120,000 square metres. The memorial park features trees, lawns, as well as walking paths, contrasting to the surrounding downtown area. On the fourth anniversary of the tragedy, the area was dedicated to peace memorial facilities, and become the Peace Park. Visitors to the area can see the A-Bomb Dome, which was one of the few buildings to remain standing after the explosion, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
P a g e 17 Included Bed & Breakfast Day 9: Crowne Plaza Ana Osaka, Osaka Prefecture (Mon, 14 May) Day Itinerary OSAKA-NARA-OSAKA Today we explore Nara and Osaka. Drive to Nara takes about an hour On arrival in Nara will make our way to Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha). You will be surprised to see this biggest Buddha statue which is 15 metres tall and you also feel a sacred atmosphere inside the temple which was constructed in 752. After enjoying viewing a great Buddha statue, you can also enjoy strolling Nara Park where you will see about 1,200 deer wandering. Next, you will see Kasuga Grand Shrine from outside which is a Shinto shrine of the Fujiwara family. The shrine was established in 768 and was rebuilt many times over the centuries. After viewing Kasuga Shrine, we head to Kofukuji temple, the temple of the most powerful family in Japan, the Fujiwara's. It was established in Nara in 710, at the same time as the capital. After you enter a sacred world, jump into a very modern and vibrant side of Osaka, Shinsaibashi, is a popular shopping district in Osaka which has a long history as a regional centre of commerce. You will have some free time for shopping and Lunch Dinner: Local Restaurant Activities Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha) Nara Park Kasuga Grand Shrine Kofukuji Temple Shinsaibashi Nara Osaka Nara Park Nara Park is one of Japan's oldest public parks, located in central Nara, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. The park is home to plenty of freely roaming and relatively tame deer, which are considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods. The park's 1200 deer are a symbol of the city, as well as a natural treasure. Visitors are able to buy crackers that are sold around the park, and feed them to the deer. Kasuga Grand Shrine Kasuga Grand Shrine is a Shinto shrine of the Fujiwara family, located in Nara, Japan. The shrine was established in 768 and was rebuilt many times over the centuries. Today the shrine's offering hall can be visited free of charge, past
P a g e 18 this visitors must pay to get a closer view of the shrine's inner buildings. The main sanctuary, contains multiple shrine buildings that display the epitome of Kasuga shrine architecture. Kofukuji Temple During the Heian period, Kofukuji was the temple of the most powerful family in Japan, the Fujiwara's. It was established in Nara in 710, at the same time as the capital. Presently only two buildings of historic value remain, a five storey pagoda and a three storey pagoda. The five storey pagoda is the second tallest in Japan, measuring 50 metres, and is a landmark and symbol of Nara. Nara Nara is the home of Buddhism in Japan and in the heart of the city a sculpture called the Great Buddha sits on the world s largest wooden structure. Tourists take leisurely strolls through Nara Park with its 1200 sacred deer finding shelter among the Japanese yew trees, Japanese cedars, wisteria and Japanese andromeda. It is no wonder that Nara is known as one of the most relaxed cities in Japan. The city is drenched in rich history and the oldest existing Buddhist temple in Japan, Horyu-ji Temple is inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Osaka Osaka is a large port city and a busy commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu, known for its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife and delicious street food. This bustling city features a number of appealing attractions, most notably its restored 16th-century Shogunate Osaka Castle, surrounded by a moat and plum, peach and cherryblossom trees. The city also boasts an impressive array of museums including the National Museum of Ethnology, the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses and the Japan Folk Crafts Museum. Other must-see attractions include the Universal Studios Japan and the Expo Commemoration Park, which features the iconic Tower of the Sun. Included Bed & Breakfast Day 10: Crowne Plaza Ana Osaka, Osaka Prefecture (Tue, 15 May) Day Itinerary OSAKA-KYOTO-OSAKA This morning after an hours drive, you finally enter Japan s most ancient city, Kyoto. We will see the most famous architecture, Kinkakuji temple also known as the Golden Pavillion, is a Zen temple situated. Next you have a chance to experience the Kimono without having to worry about bringing your own additional clothing at the Nishijin Textile Center. (Hair and makeup is not included). There are over 150 fashionable common (fine pattern) kimonos to choose from. You can have pictures taken inside the textile center. After you enjoy wearing kimono, stroll Gion district is one of the oldest districts of the city of Kyoto and was created to accommodate visitors to the Yasaka Shrine. This district is now one of the most exclusive geiko districts in Japan geisha are referred to as geiko in Kyoto. You will have some free time for lunch.
P a g e 19 Later, you arrive at Fushimi Inari Taisha, located in southern Kyoto and is a very important Shinto shrine. The shrine is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates and its network of trails. The trails lead into the forest of Mount Inari, which is 233m high and belongs to the shrine grounds. Dinner: Local Restaurant Activities Kinkakuji Temple Nishijin Textile Center Gion District Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto Gion District The Gion District is one of the oldest districts of the city of Kyoto and was created to accommodate visitors to the Yasaka Shrine. This district is now one of the most exclusive geiko districts in Japan geisha are referred to as geiko in Kyoto. Traditional establishments called machiya (townhouses) or ochaya (tea houses) where patrons have been entertained by geiko since the times of the samurai still exist in Gion. There are numerous modern restaurants, clubs, bars and tourist-orientated establishments that are also popular with the locals. Fushimi Inari Shrine Fushimi Inari Taisha is located in southern Kyoto and is a very important Shinto shrine. The shrine is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates and its network of trails. The trails lead into the forest of Mount Inari, which is 233m high and belongs to the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari Taisha is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, Inari. Foxes are said to be Inari's messengers, and many statues of them can be seen all across the shrine grounds. Kyoto If you want to explore a city filled with shrines, temples and historical structures, Kyoto should be first on your list. This city has seventeen historic sites that has been proclaimed as World Heritage Sites. Visit Nijo Castle to see an example of Japanese architecture combined with beautiful interior decorating. While you re there take a trip to the Gekkeikan Okura Show to experience the journey of sake-brewing history that include 6120 brewing tools through the ages and a space where you can listen to the recordings of brewing songs of the past. For a magnificent view of Koyoto city travellers stand on Kiyomizu Temple s large wooden verandah that is built suspended over a deep valley. Included Bed & Breakfast Day 11: Overnight Travel (Wed, 16 May) Day 12: Departure (Thu, 17 May)
P a g e 20 Transport Flight Information Date Flight Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time Class Ref 06 May CX 344 (Scheduled) Gatwick Airport [LGW] 12:55 Hong Kong International Airport [HKG] 7:20 (May 07) 07 May CX 504 (Scheduled) Hong Kong International Airport [HKG] 9:05 Narita International Airport [NRT] 14:30 16 May CX 595 (Scheduled) Kansai International Airport [KIX] 19:10 Hong Kong International Airport [HKG] 22:10 (May 17) 17 May CX 343 (Scheduled) Hong Kong International Airport [HKG] 0:55 Gatwick Airport [LGW] 6:30 Transfers Date Pick Up Drop Off Time Vehicle 07 May Narita International Airport [NRT] Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome Guided 10 May Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome The Prince Hakone Lake Ashi Hakone Guided 11 May The Prince Hakone Lake Ashi Hakone Royal Park Hotel Nagoya Guided 12 May Royal Park Hotel Nagoya Hotel Granvia Hiroshima Guided 13 May Hotel Granvia Hiroshima Crowne Plaza Ana Osaka Guided