October 18 - 25, 2010
$2,565 per person
(based on double occupancy)

Tour Includes:
• Tour Escort from Hawaii
• Hotel Accommodations as indicated
• Airfare from Honolulu to Japan roundtrip
• Ground Transportation as needed
• Daily Breakfast and One Dinner
• Admission to all sights, attractions, and tours as indicated by itinerary

A morning flight takes us to Japan.

We arrive in the afternoon in Osaka.  Upon arrival we must pass through immigrations and customs.  From there we will head to our hotel.  After we check in you are free to relax.

Our tour begins with a visit to the Kyoto Imperial Palace.  This location was the home of the Japanese Imperial family for a thousand years before moving to Edo at the end of the 19th Century.  From there we will visit Ginkakuji or the Silver Pavilion, built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, and was meant to be covered in silver leaf, like his father's retirement pavilion, Kinkakuji.  However, due to circumstance he was not able to complete it before his death and it now stands as an example of wabi-sabi, a philosophy in the western world known as imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.  Our last stop will be to Nishiki Ichiba, also known as Kyoto's Kitchen.  Here in downtown Kyoto, you will find all the ingredients that represent Kyoto's local specialties.

In the morning we will visit Toji Temple, where on the 21st of each month, they hold a large flea market celebrating the day when Kobo Daishi entered into eternal meditation.  Here you will find antiques, kimono, local foods, and other souvenirs.  You will also have a chance to explore the temple grounds as well.
In the afternoon, we leave Kyoto to Ogoto Onsen, where we can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax. 

We return to Kyoto to see the Jidai Matsuri.  This festival is one of Kyoto's three top festivals and celebrates the city's history as Japan's capital for over a thousand years.  This two hour procession chronicles the various periods of Kyoto's history in full costume.

After the parade we will return to the hotel and do some shopping nearby, such as 100 yen shopping.

Our first stop will be a visit to the Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art.  This is a collection of fine art ranging from ceramics to paintings and more.  The original owner of the home was a wealthy businessman and avid orchid cultivator.  The home was preserved by the local city government and Asahi Beer company.

We will also visit Tofukuji, which was founded in 1235 and is the head of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.  Its Sanmon is the oldest Zen gate in Japan and is considered a national treasure. 

On our last day you are free to do as you please.  You may explore the city further, go shopping, take in a show, or visit with friends.  Your escort will be on hand to assist you in doing what you would like to do.
We are also offering two optional tours at additional cost:

Option #1: Kyoto Morning Tour

Visit three of Kyoto's most famous sites, Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, and Nishi Hongwanji.  Nijo Castle was the Tokugawa Shogun's residence in Kyoto.  The Golden Pavilion is famous for its gold leaf covered exterior.  Nishi Hongwanji is the head temple for Jodo Shinshu and holds remarkable art and architecture.

Option #2: Miho Museum

The morning is free to relax and finish packing.  In the afternoon we will head to Osaka to catch our evening flight back to Honolulu.