iExplore Japan Experience

Tour Description

Ancient temples and futuristic cities; mist-shrouded mountains and lightning-fast bullet trains; kimono-clad geisha and suit-clad businessmen: Japan offers all of this and more. The Japanese archipelago has long been a favorite of more adventurous travelers. With Japanese culture more fashionable than ever, there has never been a better time to explore this multifaceted country.

While the bustling cities won't fail to impress those in search of the modern Japanese success story - skyscrapers, bullet trains, and trendy nightlife - beneath the brash modernity beats an ancient heart. This is the realm of emperors and shoguns, the exquisite art of the geisha and the skill of the sumo wrestler. A land of great natural beauty where ancient festivals are celebrated according to the seasons and food is elevated to an art form.

Japan consists of four major islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu) and thousands of smaller ones with a combined total of 17,000 miles (27,000 km) of coastline. Two-thirds of the country is covered in mountains, including more than 70 volcanoes, some of them quite active.

Itinerary

Days of operation: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays; April & October; everyday except Thursday. For other days the program can be done on a private basis and at additional cost.

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo, Japan

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you will be met by an English-speaking assistant for airport shuttle to your hotel.

The sheer level of energy is the most striking aspect of Japan's capital city, Tokyo. More than anything else, Tokyo is a place where the urgent rhythms of consumer culture collide with the quieter moments that linger from older traditions. The Zennest of calms leavens its hectic madness. What makes Tokyo fascinating is the tension between mammoth scale and meticulous detail. Sightseeing in its streets can be a neon assault that leaves you elated and breathless or an encounter with the exquisite art of understatement. Jump aboard the subway and see how one city is really many.

Togo Murano designed Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa, one of Japan's leading architects. Every one of his design concepts from the exterior of the grand banquet halls to the restaurant interiors to the handpicked furnishings all harmonizes beautifully, despite their different functions. This is the largest hotel in the Takanawa complex and it is a monument to individuality, decor and functionality. Like its other two counterparts, the New Takanawa Prince sits majestically on the beautifully landscaped grounds of a 10-acre Japanese garden.

Although the exteriors are definitely state-of-the-art, each guest room offers a relaxed, at-home atmosphere with its handcrafted furniture and crystal chandelier. The private balcony, custom-designed carpet, draperies and bedspread give each room its own individuality.

Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa

Day 2: Tokyo

Today is a full-day coach tour of Tokyo visiting the Tokyo Tower Observatory, Happoen Garden, Imperial Palace Plaza, a Sumida River Cruise, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and the Nakamise Shopping Street.

Completed in 1958 the Tokyo Tower, at 333 meters (1,093 feet) tall, it is higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, on which it is based. The ground floor has an aquarium and elevators to the observation deck. Other floors house various amusements. Visit the main observation deck at 150 meters (492 feet).

Take part in a traditional tea ceremony at the "Happoen" Japanese Garden followed by lunch at a Chinzanso Restaurant.

Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun, started building Imperial Palace Plaza here in 1590. In the Edo period his successors made this into the world's largest castle, only the inner circle remains. The emperor and his family still live in the western part of the grounds in the Imperial Palace, rebuilt after the previous one was bombed in World War II. The most famous landmark is the Nijubashi; a double arched stone bridge, east of the palace. Completed in 1888, it was the palace's main entrance. The huge Otemon (Big Hand Gate), rebuilt in 1967, was the main gate before Niju-bashi was built. Now it is the entrance to the East Garden of the Imperial Palace.

Enjoy a 40-minute Sumida River Cruise boat ride from Hinode pier of Tokyo Bay to Asakusa. The river was the most important waterway for the development of Tokyo.

Popularly known as Asakusa Kannon, Asakusa Kannon Temple (Senso-ji Temple) is Tokyo's most sacred and spectacular temple. In AD 628, two fishermen fished a small gold statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, from the Sumida River. Their master built a shrine to Kannon and then in 645, the holy man Shokai build a temple to her. Its fame, wealth, and size grew until Tokugawa Ieyasu bestowed upon it a large stipend of land.

Continue on to Nakamise Shopping Street. This street is a treasure trove of traditional wares, including specialists in obi sashes, hair combs, fans, dolls, and kimonos.

After the sightseeing tour you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch

Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa

Day 3: Tokyo- Nikko- Tokyo

Today is a full-day coach tour to UNESCO World Heritage site of Nikko with including visits to Toshogu Shrine, Irohazaka Zigzag Driveway and a Japanese style lunch by Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfall.

The shrines and temples of Nikko, together with their natural surroundings, have for centuries been a sacred site known for its architectural and decorative masterpieces. They are closely associated with the history of the Tokugawa Shoguns. In the afternoon, you will return to Tokyo. The tour disbands upon arrival at Shinjuku or Ginza. The tour guide will instruct you on how to get back to your hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch

Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa

Day 4: Tokyo- Mt. Fuji- Hakone

After breakfast at the hotel, board the morning coach tour to Hakone visiting Mt. Fuji Visitor Center and 5th Station en-route. Please pack overnight bag for Hakone. Your remaining luggage will be transported to Kyoto.]

Stop and enjoy lunch at local restaurant near Lake Kawaguchi. In the afternoon take a Lake Ashi Boat Cruise and go to the Mt. Komagatake Aerial Ropeway. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and balance of the day at leisure.

Hakone is a hilly hot-spring town whose scattered attractions are both cultural and natural. Popular as a resort since the 9th century, it can be very crowded. The Hakone area extends across the collapsed remains of a huge volcano, which was active until 3-4,000 years ago, leaving a legacy today of hot springs.

Hakone Hotel Kowaki-en is an attractive hotel located in Hakone, Japan's most popular resort area. It is a favorite resort destination among local Japanese travelers and foreigner travelers alike. The quiet countryside setting surrounding the hotel will help you forget the chaotic urban bustle of nearby Tokyo. A comfortable hotel with 220 well serviced rooms accompanied by a rich selection of amenities and facilities. A few of the features of the Hotel Kowaki-en include a spacious, comfortable lobby with close proximity and view of a wonderful Japanese garden. A variety of Western, Chinese and traditional Japanese restaurants are available, and we boast of having the biggest convention facilities available in the Hakone area.

Breakfast, Lunch

Hakone Hotel Kowaki-en

Day 5: Hakone- Nara- Kyoto

After breakfast at the hotel, take the motor coach to transfer to Odawara train station. Board the Shinkansen "Bullet Train" to Kyoto. Arrive at the Kyoto train station and your hotel for check-in.

If you can visit only one city in Japan, Kyoto is the one. This ancient city was the capital of Japan for more than a thousand years and is still considered the country's spiritual capital. Kyoto is graced with an abundance of temples, palaces, gardens and museums, as well as plenty of tourists, so expect crowds.

After lunch at the New Miyako Hotel, depart on an afternoon coach excursion to Nara, visiting Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park and Kasuga Shrine.

The Todai-ji complex consists of a vast Buddha hall, sub-temples, halls, pagodas, and gates of exceptional historical and architectural interest.

The construction of Todai-ji, completed in 752, was ordered by Emperor Shomyo, ostensibly to house Nara's great Buddha image, but also to consolidate the position of the city as the capital and powerful center of Buddhism. Nara Park is a 1,300-acre area where most of the temples are located. Over 1,000 tame deer, regarded as messengers of the gods, roam the park.

Originally built as the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara's, one of the families who helped to establish Nara, Kasuga Shrine is one of the best known and most photographed Shinto sites. The original building was completed in 710 but, according to the strictures of purity and renewal governing Shinto beliefs, the structure, like the Great Shine at Ise, was demolished and rebuilt in identical fashion every 20 years. Return to Kyoto and enjoy the evening at leisure.

There are many Ryokans (inns) in Kyoto and Yoshi-Ima is one of these traditional Japanese Inns. Its location is a very central part of the city and facing the preserving area which has old fashioned wooden houses used to be high ranked tea houses (enjoyed as night clubs in former days). Maiko and Geisha usually appear with gorgeous kimono and white face in this area at night. Also, some historical places (such as "Yasaka shrine", "Kiyomizu temple", "Kodaiji temple" etc.) are within your walking distance. In addition, Yoshi-Ima serves authentic Japanese meal cuisine (This is included in your accommodation fee) for both dinner and breakfast (actually, we can serve western style breakfast as well, so you can choose your favorite style after enjoying Japanese style dinner.) also English speaking stuff will welcome you. You will definitely get a good chance to experience another culture by staying at Yoshi-Ima.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ryokan Gion Yoshi-Ima

Day 6: Kyoto

Today has a full-day coach tour of Kyoto visiting Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Sanjusangendo Hall, Heisan Shrine and Kiyomizu-dero Temple.

Kinkaku-ji Temple is more familiar to foreign tourists as the Golden Pavilion. The visitor approaches the temple along a tree-shaded path and emerges into a bright garden, on the other side of which stands the fabled pavilion. An exact replica of the original, destroyed by arson in 1950, the graceful three-story structure is totally covered in gold leaf and topped by a bronze phoenix.

Nijo Castle features unusually ornate interiors and so-called nightingale floors. The latter were designed to make bird-like squeaking sounds when walked upon, a warning of possible intruders. The complex was created by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) and symbolized the power and riches of the newly established Edo-based shogun.

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) was the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Sanjusangendo is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and its present structures date from 1266.

Heisan Shrine is one of Kyoto's largest and newest shrines. Built in 1895, the shrine was intended to help boost the city's morale and economy, which were both at a low ebb after Tokyo was made capital in 1868. With its vermilion pillars and green tiles, the shrine harks back to Tong Dynasty China. Its pond garden is famous for irises and a Chinese-style covered bridge.

While many other famous temples are the preserves of certain sects, Kiyomizu-dera Temple seems to belong to everyone. For over 1,000 years, pilgrims have climbed the slope to pray to the temple's 11-headed Kannon image and drink from its sacred spring. The main hall's veranda, a nail-less miracle of Japanese joinery, offers wonderful views of Kyoto. To view the temple, walk to the pagoda across the ravine and you will see why the expression "to jump off Kiyomizu's stage" is the Japanese equivalent of "to take the plunge". On the temple's north side is a small shrine where love charms can be purchased.

At the end of the coach tour you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ryokan Gion Yoshi-Ima

Day 7: Kyoto- Hiroshima- Miyajima- Kyoto

After breakfast at the hotel, take a taxi to the New Miyako Hotel to join the "Hiroshima & Miyajima" coach tour. Please note: The tour departs the New Miyako Hotel at 8:00am. Then, board the Shinkansen "Bullet Train" for Hiroshima. Upon arrival, you will transfer by coach to Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine for tour. Stop for lunch, payable directly.

Return to Hiroshima to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome); the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945. Through the efforts of many people, including those of the city of Hiroshima, it has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing. Not only is it a stark and powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by humankind, it also expresses the hope for world peace and the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons.

From Hiroshima, board the Shinkansen "Bullet Train" to Kyoto and transfer to your hotel.

Breakfast

New Miyako Hotel - Standard Room

Day 8: Depart

Meet your English-speaking assistant in the hotel lobby, with your luggage, for transfer to Kyoto Station by taxi. Transfer from Kyoto Station by JR limited express train in a non-reserved seat to Kansai International Airport for your departing flight.

Breakfast

Departures

Days of operation for this itinerary are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays in April and October and every day except Thursdays in the other months. This program can also be done on a private basis at an additional cost. Ask your iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.

Pricing Information

2011 Prices:

January, February and December:

$4,669 per person double occupancy.

$5,569 solo traveler.

March to November:

$4,749 per person double occupancy.

$5,719 solo traveler.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of November, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Inclusions:

· Hotel accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary, in standard room category.

· 7 American breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners included.

· Transfers and sightseeing on a seat in coach basis with English-speaking guide or assistant.

· Tourist class reserved seat on super express and limited express trains. Non-reserved seat on local train.

· Admission fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary.

· Baggage handling: 1 piece of baggage per person will be delivered from Tokyo to Kyoto on Day 4. Please prepare a small overnight bag for your stay in Hakone.

Exclusions:

· International and domestic airfare and taxes

· Optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in itinerary

· Holiday restrictions or surcharges

· Meals other than those indicated

· Items of a personal nature

· Travel Insurance

· Departure tax

· Gratuities

· Visa fees

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

Options and Extras

Tour Notes