Yokoso Japan!
May 15 - 24, 2023
- Jim Bove
- 334563
- PIT
- 0 days
Announcements & Reminders
- Passports: Please apply for your passport now if you don't have one! And if you do have one, please check your expiration date, if your passport is due to expire within three months after the trip, please renew it. Read More
- Himeji Castle Added!: Hi! I just worked out the details of Himeji Castle as a half-day excursion. In order to get the great rate of $55 per person (a major savings on the cost of getting there, plus we would be on our own with no guide or translator) the entire group has to go, so I am adding it into the trip cost. Being that close to a world heritage site, and one of the most beautiful castles in the world, and not to see it?? that didn't make sense to me, so it is now official- we will be able to see it! Read More
Itinerary
The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.
Day 1, Monday May 15: Overnight Flight
Depart from the USA.
Day 2, Tuesday May 16: Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Arrive in the bustling, neon city of Tokyo. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel for an arrival briefing and dinner. (D)
Day 3, Wednesday May 17: Tokyo
Japan's capital is a densely packed visual feast, with lots to see and do. We'll start with a guided sightseeing tour with a local expert. Visit the Imperial Palace Plaza and the Ginza District. This afternoon, continue your sightseeing with a visit to the Meiji Shrine and explore the colorful and trendy Harajuku neighborhood—a hub for Japanese pop culture—and make a photo stop at the busiest intersection in the world, Shibuya Crossing. Tonight, ascend to the top of Shibuya Sky Deck for an evening viewing of the city. (B)
Day 4, Thursday May 18: Tokyo
Start your day with a visit to the Ueno Park and museum. Then visit Ameyoko Street for the stand food for lunch on your own and shopping. Then visit the Sumo Museum to understand the history and culture behind this historic sport. Later this afternoon, visit Akihabara, the town of Japanese Anime and stop in the Tokyu Hands store! Continue to Asakusa Kannon Temple, and enjoy shopping on Nakamise Street. (B,D)
Day 5, Friday May 19: Atami
Mount Fuji is the highest point in Japan at 12,389 feet and one of the country's three revered “holy mountains.” Journey to the breathtaking Kawaguchiko 5th Station, the base point from which most hikers start their ascent to the summit. After lunch, continue to Hakone for sightseeing, including a cruise on the stunning Lake Ashi. Then enjoy a round-trip ride on the nearby Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, an aerial tram that offers spectacular views as it takes you to the summit of imposing Mount Komagatake. Continue on to the coastal resort city of Atami in time for dinner. (B,D)
Day 6, Saturday May 20: Kyoto
Travel at speeds of up to 200 mph as you journey to Kyoto aboard the unique Japan Rail Shinkansen bullet train. But before you depart, perhaps shop for a Bento Box in the train station. Arrive in the former Japanese imperial capital of Kyoto and enjoy an evening walking tour of the Gion District. (B,D)
Day 7, Sunday May 21: Kyoto
Wake up in Kyoto, where all of the emperors of Japan lived from 794 until 1868. This morning, see the mountainside Kiyomizu-dera Temple (and the dance stage) then visit the shimmering Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Have time for lunch on your own. Then continue your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Ryoanji Temple with its unique zen rock garden. Finally, visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, a Shinto temple famous for its more than 5,000 vibrant orange toriis, or symbolic gateways. This evening is free for you to discover one of Kyoto's many temples or gardens at your own pace. (B,D)
Day 8, Monday May 22: Kyoto
Enjoy a full-day excursion to nearby Nara, once the imperial capital of Japan and home to some of the country's most culturally significant attractions. Begin your sightseeing tour by seeing the Kasuga Shrine, famous for its hundreds of lovely bronze lanterns donated by worshippers. Explore Naramachi street and have time for lunch on your own. Then visit the magnificent Todaiji Temple, considered one of the world's oldest and largest wooden structures. Finally, conclude your afternoon visiting serene Nara Park, noted for its free-roaming deer as well as some of the country's oldest Buddhist temples. Return to Kyoto where you'll learn the art of Japanese cooking during a sushi-making class! (Vegetarian options available for those who do not eat fish). (B,D)
Day 9, Tuesday May 23: Osaka
Depart for Osaka this morning and enjoy an excursion to Hemiji Castle. If there is any extra free time in Osaka, you may want to explore Osaka Castle and Park, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Japan Folk Art Museum, Minami (namba) neighborhood, Kuromon Market, and/or the Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street. This evening is one final dinner while abroad in wonderful Japan. (B,D)
Day 10, Wednesday May 24: Departure
Depart for Kansai International Airport in Osaka for your return flight to the USA. (B)
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