A division of the Atlas Travel Network
Collette Tours Authorized Representative
1-800-942-3301
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Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Day 1
Overnight flight Discover how Japan has undergone centuries of transformations, from its first ancient capital Nara, to its present capital of Tokyo. From Nagano to Kyoto, temples to stunning gardens, this exclusive tour gives you a better understanding and appreciation for this East Asian land. Three guest lecturers provide fascinating background on Japan’s history, Geisha life, and the restoration of the Byodoin Temple. Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan, the vibrant and energetic capital city. Crossing the International Dateline en route, skip a full day ahead. Day 2 Arrive Tokyo Arrive in Japan''s vibrant and energetic capital of Tokyo. Welcome to "The Land of the Rising Sun" where you are about to embark on a journey unlike any other. Day 3 Tokyo, Japan Begin your day at the Meiji Shrine, honoring both Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, and learn about the emperor’s role in Japan’s modernization. Later, stroll through Nakamise Shopping Arcade, one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, before visiting Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo''s oldest Buddhist Temple. A brief stop is made outside the gates of the Imperial Palace before returning to the hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner. Day 4 Tokyo - Hakone - Tokyo Leave Tokyo and travel to Hakone, part of a magnificent national park, and enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi, well known for its reflection of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). A ride on the Komagatake Ropeway cable car provides spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi and Mt. Futago. The valley contains clear lakes, volcanic peaks, steaming hot springs and shady valleys. See the treasures at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, where the artist uses kimonos as his paper and silk thread to create these outstanding tie-dye kimonos. Day 5 Tokyo - Nagano Travel via the famous Shinkansen, or “bullet train,” to Nagano, home of the 1998 Winter Olympics. This afternoon you will take a walking tour to the Zenkoji Temple. One of the most visited temples in Japan, Zenkoji was founded 1,400 years ago and stores what many believe to be the first Buddhist statue ever brought into Japan. A replica of this statue is displayed to the public every seven years. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore on your own. Day 6 Nagano Enjoy some leisure time in Obuse Town, an historical site and home to three major museums all linked to the famous painter Katsushika Hokusai. Your lunch features local beef delicacies. Next, visit Jigokudani Yaen Koen, where wild monkeys bathe in hot springs. Day 7 Nagano - Takayama Matsumoto Castle, designated a national treasure, is your first stop this morning. Next, visit the Ukiyoe Museum, which showcases fine wood block prints of Japanese customs and history. At Daio Wasabi Nojo Farm, where pungent wasabi is grown, you make pickles and enjoy a lunch of soba noodles and tempura. In the late afternoon, arrive at a traditional Japanese inn where you will spend the night and have a complete Japanese experience. Savor a traditional dinner this evening, dressed in a time-honored kimono. Later, you may enjoy the luxurious hot spring baths at your hotel. Day 8 Takayama - Kanazawa Begin the day with a stroll to the morning market. Visit Takayama Jinya, the regional headquarters during the Edo period and host to one of Japan''s greatest festivals. See many of the floats and marionettes during a visit to Matsuri-no-Mori. Drive through Shirakawago and Gokayama and see traditional farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. Learn how to make Japanese paper at Gokayama Washi-no-Sato. Day 9 Kanazawa Return to the days of the samurai when you visit Nomura Family House, the traditional residence of Nagamachi Samuraithen. Stroll through the Oumicho Fish Market which provided food for feudal lords and citizens for about 270 years. Visit the traditional Geisha district of Higashi and a Shima (tea house). Enjoy an afternoon at Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden. Day 10 Kanazawa - Otsu After a morning drive, arrive at Miho Museum, also known as the “Museum in the Mountains.” The museum was the dream of Mihoko Koyama, heiress to the Toyobo textile business, and houses a collection of antiques. Continue to Otsu, once briefly the capital of Japan. Day 11 Otsu - Kyoto In Kyoto visit two temples considered national treasures: Kiyomizu Temple, with its panoramic views and Sanjusangen-do Temple, which houses more than 1,030 standing Buddhist statues in its main hall. At Nijo Castle, see elaborate wood carvings and wall paintings. With two concentric fortifications, this unique castle also features the Ninomaru Garden designed by the famous landscape architect and tea master Kobori Enshu. Visit the Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto during the afternoon. This evening you may take an optional excursion to Gion Corner, a popular night spot for an overview of seven kinds of Japanese traditional arts and entertainment. Day 12 Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto Travel to Nara, Japan''s first capital. Todaiji Temple houses one of the largest bronze statues in the world. The Great Buddha Hall, dating from 1709, is the world''s largest wooden structure and a national treasure. Kasuguga Taisha Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Nara and one of the "Three Great Shrines" in Japan. Your day concludes with a visit to Byodoin Temple, with its remarkable Phoenix Hall. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a special farewell dinner. Day 13 Kyoto - Osaka - Tour Concludes As you depart this fascinating land, take a moment to reflect on all you have learned about its rich history and traditional culture. On your return home, cross the International Dateline and gain a day, arriving in the U.S. the same day you departed Japan.
This tour includes Tokyo, Hakone, Nagano, Takayama, Kanazawa, Otsu, Kyoto, Nara and more.
EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS IN JAPAN: Local historians and an archaeologist enhance your journey with discussions that explore the history, culture and modern life of this fascinating region of the world. Learn about the history and skill of wood block printmaking. Printmaking is composed of the division of labor of many craftsmen, such as painters and engravers. Through ukiyo-e you can experience ancient Japan through image and depicting customs, styles, and traditions of the geisha era. Learn about the history, restoration and preservation of the Byodoin Temple, one of the few surviving examples of Heian-era (794-1185) architecture left in Japan. Learn about the role of a Geisha throughout Japanese history until modern times and the skills necessary to become a Geisha including performance of music, singing and dancing. Learn about the fascinating history of Japan from the first contact with the West in 1542 to the transition from a medieval to a modern power during a lecture in Tokyo by a local historian. Know Before You Go... Each client is responsible for proper medical documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on this tour. Please contact your local travel clinic or personal physician for specific details on the destinations you are travelling to and from. Not all vendors accept credit cards or travellers checks; therefore, it is recommended you bring UK Pounds to exchange for your personal expenses.
If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times. Passport & Visa Information Time Zone
Japan is 10 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. Voltage in Asia is 220 - 240, 50 cycles. Elevation No significant elevation is encountered. |
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Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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