Sat. May 10th Arrive in Tokyo

Arrival at Narita airport and transfer to hotel

Welcome Dinner

Overnight at The Okura Tokyo

Sun. May 11th Asakusa

Breakfast at hotel

This morning, we will have a panoramic view of Tokyo city from the tallest tower in Earth, and 2nd tallest structure in the world: Tokyo Skytree. Reaching a full height of 634.0 metres (2,080 ft), this amazing feat of modern architecture is located at the historical center of the city and draws on traditional building techniques more than 1400 years old.

Then, we will visit Asakusa, the oldest Geisha district in the city. Here you will find the iconic Kaminarimon, the main gate of Senso-ji Temple, with its huge red lantern guarded by the god of wind and the god of thunder. As you head towards the main hall and Asakusa Shrine, you will pass through Nakamise-dori Street, a commercial alley filled with small shops that sell local sweets, handmade figurines, and colorful souvenirs.

After lunch, you will be taken to Meiji Shrine. Tokyo`s most famous shrine is dedicated to the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji while the park that surrounds the shrine is a forest of some 120,000 trees of 365 different species, making you forget that you are in the world`s largest city. Outside of Meiji Shrine you will find Harajuku, the shopping haven for all fashionistas and the popular meeting place for teenagers who are usually in eccentric clothing. The landmark of Harajuku is Takeshita Street, a 400-meter long alley filled with boutiques, shops, and cafes. Neighboring Harajuku is Omotesando, commonly referred to as Tokyo

Mon. May 12th Tsukiji Market, Kokugikan stadium, Kaiseki Dinner

Breakfast at hotel

CE Lecture (2hrs)

Tsukiji Outer Market is Japan

Tues. May 13th Kanazawa

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfer to Tokyo Station to catch a train to Kanazawa by Shinkansen (Bullet Train)!

Running at speeds of up to 320 km/h, the shinkansen is known for punctuality (most trains depart on time to the second), comfort (relatively silent cars with spacious, always forward facing seats), safety (no fatal accidents in its history) and efficiency.

Lunch: Luxury bento (Japanese take-out homemade meal) to enjoy during your travel.

The central part of Kanazawa was once dotted with a number of geisha houses, but in 1820, these were moved to three specific districts away from the city centre. The largest one of these

Wed. May 14th Shirakawago

Breakfast at hotel

CE- Lecture (3 hrs)

After lunch we will visit Kenroku-en, one of the third most beautiful garden in Japan, and its Kanazawa Castle. Kenroku-en, located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan, is a strolling style garden constructed during the Edo period by the Maeda clan. Along with Kairaku-en and K?raku-en, Kenroku-en is considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and is noted for its beauty across all seasons.

A Japanese mountain settlement in what was once considered a wild and unexplored region. Because of the area

Thurs. May 15th Takayma

Breakfast at hotel

Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine pays tribute to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war. Nestled in the charming Takayama Old Town, the shrine is renowned for its picturesque location surrounded by cherry blossom trees. Each April, it becomes the focal point of the Takayama Spring Festival, showcasing adorned floats and traditional performances. As a site of worship and cultural significance, the shrine draws both locals and tourists who appreciate its architecture, natural beauty, and participation in traditional ceremonies, solidifying its role as a significant cultural and religious landmark in the region.

Lunch at Aji No Yohei

Visit Takayama and have a walk in the old town and try sake in one of the multiple Sake Breweries of this Area!

Dinner at Funatsuru

Meals - B.L.D

Overnight at The Mitsui Kyoto

Fri. May 16th Kyoto

Breakfast at hotel

CE Lecture (3 hrs)

Lunch at Hyoto

Nijo Castle, an ornamental castle that was originally built to serve as the private villa of a powerful feudal lord. The main building was completed in the early 1600s and has since then been known for its Momoyama-style architecture, decorated sliding doors, and

Sat. May 17th Kyoto

Breakfast at the hotel

CE Lecture (3 hrs)

Also known as the

Sun. May 18th Kyoto

Breakfast at the hotel

Our first visit will be the Todai-ji Temple, the landmark of Nara that was built in the 8th century to serve as the head Buddhist temple in Japan. The most notable part of the temple is the Daibutsu-den, the largest wooden building in the world where you can find a 15-metre tall bronze Buddha. You will also see a number of deer strolling outside the temple or in the nearby Nara Park.

Next we will go to Kasuga Taisha, the most celebrated Shinto shrine in Nara, famous for its bronze and stone lanterns. The bronze ones, which can be seen hanging from the buildings, have been donated to the shrine by its worshippers. Both the stone and the bronze lanterns are only lit twice in a year during the Lantern Festival in February and in August. From Todai-ji, the best route to the shrine is via the backstreets, passing by some local shops and houses and walking through a small forest

Lunch at Musoan
Traditional Hot Pot

One of the most unusual Shinto shrines in Japan, composed by thousands of vermilion Torii gates following trails inside the forests of Mt Inari. The Shrine, also featured in

Mon. May 19th Osaka

Breakfast at hotel

CE Lecture (hrs)

Food tour lunch in Dotonbori

It is Osaka's best known sight and the symbol of the city. The construction started in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Tues. May 20th Depart for the U.S.

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfer to the airport

Pricing

$11750 Per Person

Based on Double Occupancy

Contact Jodi Murphy
610 420-9364
cruiseandtravelpartners@comcast.net

Cruise and Travel Partners

Japan - SOLD OUT

Itinerary