October 18 - 25, 2012
Price TBA
(based on double occupancy)

Tour Includes:
• Tour Escort from Hawaii
• Hotel Accommodations at one hotel for duration of tour
• Airfare from Honolulu to Osaka roundtrip
• Ground Transportation as indicated in the Itinerary
• 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 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.  There is a lovely view of the city from the second floor.  The home was preserved by the local city government and Asahi Beer company.

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.

From there we will go to Sanjusangendo, a Buddhist temple famous for its one thousand statues of the thousand armed Kannon.  Its name comes from the thirty three planks between the pillar of the temple.  Originally built in the middle of the twelfth century.

We will also visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, a shinto shrine dedicated to the god of rice.  Also associated with business the shrine is famous for its many torii or gates that form a corridor along the path to the shrine.  There are also numerous statues of foxes, who were seen as messengers to the gods.  Many of these statues hold keys in their mouths to the rice granary.  It is in a beautiful setting and offers nice views of the city.

Today we will get 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 on imperial grounds 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.  We can head 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.

We head west to the Arashiyama area.  There we will visit the Misora Hibari Museum, Tenryuji, and a local kimono factory.  Misora Hibari was a famous Japanese Enka singer.  Her museum tells the story of her life and showcases many treasures from her throughout her career.  Tenryuji is one of the five great temples of Kyoto and is famous for its zen garden.  There will also be a chance to visit a local kimono maker, where we can see how these traditional pieces of clothing are made.  As an option, you may enjoy a foot bath at the local train station.

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

For lovers of art, archaeology, and architecture, this museum was designed by the famous architect, I.M. Pei.  It is built into the side of a mountain and was designed to appear part of the natural landscape.  It holds the private collection of Mihoko Koyama, whose collection numbers around 2000 pieces and valued at anywhere from $300 million to nearly $1 billion.  The collection includes art pieces and artifacts from across ancient civilizations from the Middle East through India and into the East.

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.