Japan, Land of the Rising Sun

Featuring visits to Osaka, Kobe, Mt. Fuji, Tokyo and an array of cultural activities

• A comprehensive look at Japan including visits to Osaka, Awaji, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Nikko and an extended stay in Tokyo
• All sightseeing as listed in the itinerary highlighted by visits to Mt. Fuji (Fifth Station), Hakone National Park, and numerous Shinto shrines and holy sites
• A leisurely pace with time for shopping and relaxation
• Fully escorted by Chris Galloway, your Sports Leisure Tour Director, and a Japanese guide (Note that Chris is an Asian Studies major at The University of Colorado, exposing him to many aspects of the Japanese culture – a valuable addition to your travels!)
• Stay in first class hotels
• 16 meals including full American breakfast daily and traditional Asian dinners
• Door-to-door airport transportation
• Round trip airfare to Osaka/from Tokyo
• 4900/5600 Gold Passport Points

• Days 1-2

  Depart USA for Japan – Depart from Sacramento for Japan via Seattle this morning at 10am. The travel time from Seattle to Tokyo is 10 hours, 25 minutes. Then just a quick 1 hour, 30 minute flight to Osaka where our tour begins. Note that you have crossed the International Date Line and “gained” a day. Upon clearing immigration and customs, travel to your hotel by motorcoach to rest and relax. Later that night, you might enjoy a stroll around the “Umeda,” a bustling district of restaurants, shops, and bars. Savor your first taste of the local culture with a Welcome Dinner served at a popular local restaurant. Osaka – 2 nights (D)

• Day 3 - Osaka, Awaji, Kobe, and Kyoto

  Depart Osaka by coach for Awaji Island crossing the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, also known as the Pearl Bridge – the longest suspension bridge in the world. Here you will enjoy a panoramic view of Akashi Strait and Seto Inland Sea. On Awaji Island, visit the Akashi Kaikyo National Park, the former site of the “Japan Flora 2000” Awaji Flower Expo. Visits to Kiku-Masamune “Sake” Brewery and Hanshin-Awaji Great Earthquake Memorial Park complete the day of sightseeing. Tonight, dine on world-renown Kobe beef for dinner before returning to your hotel. (B,D)

• Day 4 - Kyoto

  A tour of the sites of Kyoto begins the day. Your first stop is at Nijo Castle, a massive complex of which 8000 square meters is occupied by buildings. Commissioned by Tokugawa Ieyasu, built by the feudal lords of Western Japan and completed in 1626, it was to be the residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Next, visit the famous Golden Pavilion, named for its gold-leaf gilding. It is a Zen temple nestled in a beautiful, serene garden and appearing to float atop a reflecting pond. The afternoon is at your leisure with the opportunity to visit the Nishiki Koji, a market selling local products. Tonight, enjoy a “Yakitori” dinner, which is chicken marinated in soy sauce and sake, and grilled on skewers. Kyoto – 2 nights (B,D)

• Day 5 - Nara and Kyoto

  Nara is today’s destination where you will visit the Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and home to an enormous statue of Buddha. The temple is also the headquarters of the Kegon School of Buddhism. Next, visit Sacred Deer Park, a tribute to the Sika deer, an animal believed to be the messenger between humans and the Shinto Gods. During your visit to the Kasuga Shinto Shrine you will learn about the Shinto religion. Afterwards, participate and learn the etiquette of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the city of Uji, a Korean Barbeque at a local restaurant is on the menu tonight for dinner

• Day 6 - Kyoto, Hakone National Park and Lake Kawaguchi

  Travel from Kyoto to Odawara by the high-speed super express train “Hikari #376,” also known as the “Bullet Train.” At Odawara, enjoy a tour of Hakone National Park and scenic views of Mt. Fuji. The tour includes a mini-cruise on Lake Ashi and a visit to the Chokokuno-Mori Open Air Museum. Continue to Lake Kawaguchi where you will lodge for the night and enjoy an optional hot springs bath! A Japanese dinner is yours tonight. Lake Kawaguchi/Yamanashi (B,D)

• Day 7 - Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji, Yamanashi and Tokyo

  Begin your day with a drive up to the Fifth Station of the awe inspiring Mt. Fuji (7,500 ft), an active volcano and the highest mountain peak in Japan. Afterwards, continue to Yamanshi Prefecture where you’ll experience the art of Japanese “Washi” paper making, a procedure done completely by hand. Return to Tokyo tonight for hotel check-in and dinner at a local restaurant. Tokyo – 3 nights (B,D)

• Day 8 - Tokyo

  Accompanied by an English speaking guide, tour Tokyo today by coach. You will visit several of the city’s most famous historical sites: the Meiji Shinto Shrine, Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Kannon Temple and take a cruise on the Sumida River. Time for shopping follows on one of Tokyo’s busiest streets in the Ginza District, a place known for trendy, high-fashion boutiques and department stores. There is something for everyone to be found here. Tonight, dinner will be at a local restaurant where you will dine on “Shabu-Shabu,” a Japanese “hot pot” dish consisting of thinly sliced beef and vegetables cooked at the table in boiling water and accompanied by various dipping sauces. (B,D)

• Day 9 - Nikko and Tokyo

  Visit the city of Nikko and drink in the natural beauty of the area. Your first stop is the Nikko Toshogu, a Shinto shrine, commemorating Tokugawa Ieyasu, the leader who built the Nijo Castle that you previously visited. Next, visit Lake Chuzenji, created after an eruption of Mt. Nantai. Afterwards, you’ll see the Kegon Waterfalls, a series of waterfalls created from the lava flow. Lunch is at a local restaurant. This afternoon, experience one of Japan’s oldest art forms, Kabuki Theatre, known for the stylization of its drama and for the elaborate make-up worn by the performers. Tonight’s Farewell Dinner is served at the hotel. (B,D)

• Day 10 - Departure from Japan

  Your nonstop return flight from Tokyo departs at 3pm, crossing the date line and arriving in Seattle the same day! From there it’s just a short connection to Sacramento with your arrival scheduled for approximately 12:30 p.m. Our fleet of Carey vehicles is waiting to drive you home, your time in “The Land of the Rising Sun” complete. (B)