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Grandeur of Japan President's Trip:<br>Inland Sea, Alps and Cherry Blossoms
Join Scott and Diane Avera on this exclusive journey, filled with specially planned experiences to bring you face-to-face with Japans rich cultural heritage. Well enjoy delightful cuisine, ancient traditions and breathtaking natural beauty. Timed to coincide with Japans springtime glory, well also visit places renowned for the brilliance of their cherry blossoms.
Additional Information
Day 1 - April 1, 2023: Welcome to Kyoto
On arrival at Kansai International Airport, we include a warm meet-and-greet and your bus transfer into the heart of Kyoto, where you’ll check in to the deluxe Hotel Granvia. Our President’s Trip guests will enjoy upgraded accommodations on the Granvia Floor that offers spectacular views from the 14th and 15th floors and exclusive access to the private Granvia Lounge. The rest of this day is yours to relax and explore as you wish.
Day 2 - April 2, 2023: Kyoto: History, Culture & Beauty
Spared from the World War II bombings that devastated so many other Japanese cities, ancient Kyoto #WHS# is filled with important architectural landmarks, both cultural and historic, and green spaces that reveal the Japanese reverence for natural beauty. Led by our engaging resident Trip Leader, our in-depth sightseeing includes a specially-arranged tour of Saihō-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple rarely visited by other Americans. We’ll stroll through the soaring green columns of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. After a fun rickshaw ride and lunch, we’ll marvel at Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion and take a guided stroll along the Philosopher’s Path. Lined by hundreds of cherry trees, this stone-paved path follows a canal and is one of the best places to experience Kyoto’s springtime beauty! This evening’s Welcome Dinner is highlighted by a Geisha performance that promises a fascinating look into one of Japan’s oldest and perhaps least understood traditions. Meals B+L+D
Day 3 - April 3, 2023: Excursion to the Inland Sea - Miyajima Island + Hiroshima
After an early breakfast, we’ll head to the station to board the Hikari Super Express Train to Hiroshima where we will embark on a scenic voyage across island-dotted Inland Sea. Delight in the ethereal beauty of one of Japan’s most picturesque regions as we make our way to Miyajima Island for our expertly guided tour of Itsukushima Shrine #WHS# . With its forested mountain backdrop and unique 12th-century architecture, this revered site is best known for a magnificent red Torii gate that appears to float above the sea during high tide. Our lunch on the island will feature Okonomiyaki, a regional favorite similar to a crepe with all the tasty ingredients on top, rather than inside, the pancake. Returning to the main island of Honshu, our day continues with a guided tour of Hiroshima. Tracing its history to the 16th century when it was a growing castle town, Hiroshima grew into a thriving port during the Meiji Period. With a population of more than a quarter-million in 1945, Hiroshima entered the annals of history as the first city to be hit by an atomic bomb. More than half of the city was completely destroyed, but one of the few surviving structures was a building close to the detonation site. Today, its surviving walls and what remains of its dome stand in Peace Memorial Park #WHS# close to the Peace Memorial Museum and Memorial Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims. Visiting these sights promises a sobering yet inspiring experience—a reminder of war’s devastating toll and humanity’s great resilience. After sightseeing, we’ll take the high-speed train back to Kyoto where the evening is at leisure. Our Japanese guide and Trip Leader will be happy to offer dining recommendations and assistance. Meals B+L
Day 4 - April 4, 2023: Ancient Japan Fushimi Inari Shrine + Nara
Our foray into ancient chapters of Japan’s history and culture begins this morning at Fushimi Inari Shrine—dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Dating back to the 8th century, this is one of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines, best known today for the thousands of vermilion-hued torii gates that straddle the shrine’s forested trails. In places, the gates are clustered so closely together that they form a virtual tunnel that sunlight barely seems to penetrate. Our morning ends at Gekkeikan, one of Japan’s largest breweries, where we’ll enjoy a sake tasting as we learn about the ancient traditions of this popular beverage. We’ll relax with a one-hour river cruise before sitting down to lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll discover the ancient capital of Nara #WHS# where Buddhism was introduced to Japan nearly 1,500 years ago. We’ll stroll through beautiful Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, and visit Todaiji Temple, an immense wooden structure that traces its history to the 8th century. Inside, we’ll marvel at Daibutsu; this enormous bronze image of a seated Buddha towers nearly 50 feet and is flanked by two exquisitely-carved and gilded Bodhisattvas. Then we’ll walk along the lantern-lined paths of Nara to visit Kasuga Taisha. Established about the same time that Nara was founded, this celebrated Shinto shrine is especially striking with its vermilion-hued columns and architectural flourishes. This evening’s Teppanyaki dinner showcases the culinary skills and prowess of Japanese chefs. Meals B+L+D
Day 5 - April 5, 2023: Onward to Kanazawa
After breakfast, we’ll check out and head to the rail station to board our express train. It’s a scenic 2-hour journey to Kanazawa, a vibrant and historically rich city in the heart of the beautiful Hokuriku region on the Sea of Japan coast. In the 1400’s, Kanazawa was home to the Maeda Clan, a powerful family second only to the Tokugawa Clan. Not wanting to challenge or antagonize the more powerful Tokugawas, the Maeda were careful to avoid any hint that they might have military ambitions. Instead, they devoted much of their wealth to developing local artisans; we’ll discover one aspect of this cultural legacy as we watch skilled artisans at work in the Kutani Pottery Kiln. We’ll delve into other chapters of Kanazawa’s history in Nagamachi, a remarkably well-preserved district that was once home to some of the city’s most important families. Among these local landmarks, the splendidly restored Nomura Samurai Residence stands out with its impressive front gate and beautifully landscaped garden. Inside, you’ll see valuable artifacts that offer a glimpse into the daily life of a mighty Samurai who loyally served the Maeda family. Our sightseeing ends at Kenrokuen Garden; regarded as one of the three finest gardens in all of Japan, these beautifully landscaped grounds were once a part of the outer gardens of Kanazawa Castle, built by the ruling Maeda Clan. In addition to its picturesque vistas of ponds, streams, bridges, teahouses and flowers, Kenrokuen is home to myriad cherry trees that we expect to see in their full springtime glory! We’ll spend the night at the deluxe Nikko Hotel here in Kanazawa. Meals B+L
Day 6 - April 6, 2023: Across the Alps to Shirakawago + Takayama
Departing Kanazawa after breakfast, this morning’s scenic overland journey brings us into the bucolic mountain landscapes of the Japan Alps. Our first stop will be high on a hillside at Shiroyama Observatory. From this alpine viewing deck, you’ll have breathtaking vistas of Shirakawago #WHS#, a pastoral region famous for its timeless villages, centuries-old farmhouses, and forested mountain backdrop. From our high vantage point, we’ll descend into the valley for a guided stroll through the riverside village of Ogimachi. Here we’ll discover traditional thatch-roofed farmhouses with thick, steeply-pitched roofs designed and built to withstand the heavy alpine snows that blanket the region in winter. Known as Gassho-zukuri, which means “constructed like hands in prayer,” their distinctive roofs call to mind the hands of Buddhist monks held together in prayer. After lunch, we’ll tour one of these old Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Though economic necessity has driven many villagers to convert their old homes into restaurants and guesthouses, our visit will offer insight into what life was like here when most families earned their livelihood through the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. After sightseeing, we’ll continue to Takayama and check in to the deluxe Associa Takayama Resort for a pleasant 2-night stay. Meals B+L+D
Day 7 - April 7, 2023: History + Culture in an Alpine Town
Nestled amidst the scenic mountain landscapes of the Japan Alps, the enduring town of Takayama is hailed as the crown jewel of Gifu Prefecture. It’s rich with history, culturally vibrant and absolutely charming! Setting out this morning, our full day of exploration begins with a guided stroll through the morning market, where we’ll mingle with city residents as they engage with the many vendors selling a wide variety of fresh produce, ready-to-eat snacks and local crafts. We’ll also visit the Jinya Samurai Residence, a beautifully preserved building of the Edo Period that attests to the extraordinary skill of Takayama’s carpenters and the high quality of the region’s mountain-grown timber. Lined with old merchant shops and homes, the charming Kami Sannomachi district is a virtual living museum of a typical Japanese mountain town in the 18th and 19th centuries. We’ll end our morning at the Kusakabe Folk Museum, set inside the former residence of the wealthy Kusakabe family who lived here in the early 1800’s. For lunch, we’ll savor Hida beef—a variety of Wagyu beef raised here in Gifu Prefecture and renowned for its intense marbling and delicious flavor. In the afternoon, our sightseeing continues at the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall where we’ll learn about Takayama’s seasonal festivals and traditions that date back 400 years. Many of the parade floats we’ll see here are centuries old and some are decorated with mechanical figures that move and dance. Takayama is also famed for its many fine sake breweries and we’ll end this day with a sake tasting. Returning to our hotel, the rest of this afternoon and evening are free to relax, explore and dine as you wish. Meals B+L
Day 8 - April 8, 2023: Onward to Hakone National Park
This morning’s scenic rail journey takes us via Nagoya to Mishima, an inviting town situated at the base of the Izu Peninsula. On arrival, we’ll be escorted to the Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu, an authentic Japanese-style inn known for its spectacular mountain vistas. Our group enjoys upgraded rooms with private, en suite Onsen the perfect place to unwind and recharge after a day of exploration! This afternoon, we’ll discover Hakone National Park, an enchanting region famed for its scenic beauty and pine-forested mountains. Our relaxing cruise across Lake Ashi is a delightful way to take in these magnificent vistas. With clear weather, we’ll even get our first glimpse of Mt. Fuji! Next, the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway will bring us to the summit of Hakone’s highest peak, a mountain that has been revered for centuries by followers of Japan’s Shinto religion. The view from the top is simply breathtaking with clear-day views of Mt. Fuji and the Pacific Ocean. Back at our Ryokan-style hotel, you’ll have time to take advantage of your private ensuite Onsen bath before we gather for dinner. Meals B+D
Day 9 - April 9, 2023: Mt. Fuji + Onward to Tokyo
Captured in numerous wood-block prints over the centuries and soaring over 12,000 feet, the nearly-perfect conical silhouette of Japan’s highest mountain is a revered symbol. Though most Japanese visitors are now recreational, Mt. Fuji has long been an important pilgrimage site and the lower reaches are dotted with shrines that bear witness to Mt. Fuji’s spiritual and historical importance. This morning, we’ll check out from our Ryokan and journey up to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji. Situated at an altitude over 6,000 feet, about halfway to the summit, this is a popular starting point for hearty adventurers looking to ascend to the top. It’s also a wonderful spot for us to marvel in panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside with its lakes and deeply forested slopes. We’ll make a stop for you to enjoy lunch on your own before continuing on to Tokyo. Upon arrival in the capital, we’ll check in to our deluxe hotel where upgraded Plaza Premier Guestrooms have been reserved for our intimate group of travelers. This evening’s dinner cruise on a Yakatabune boat promises a congenial experience and breathtaking nighttime views of Tokyo’s dramatic skyline. Meals B+D
Day 10 - April 10, 2023: City Sights + Cherry Blossoms
At this point in our trip, you’ve probably already noticed that fish is a dietary staple on this island nation, even showing up in some of our breakfast buffet spreads. We’ve seen it served raw as sashimi, grilled, broiled and made into fish cakes for soups and other dishes. This morning, we’ll begin our full-day sightseeing tour at the world-famous Tsukiji Outer Fish Market where city residents and top chefs come, usually on a daily basis, to procure the freshest seafood. Then we’ll join one such skilled chef to learn the timeless art of preparing sushi. Of course, we’ll finish this culinary experience with a sampling of our fresh, handmade sushi. Our afternoon continues with a guided stroll along the Nakameguro Canal. This city district outside of the downtown area is one of Tokyo’s most sophisticated and vibrant areas—home to cool cafes, trendy interior design stores, hip boutiques and popular restaurants. But come Spring, it’s best known as one of the best places in the city to experience Sakura – the delicate pink cherry blossoms that line both sides of the canal! Before returning to our hotel, we’ll enjoy a walking tour in the Ginza. Filled with sophisticated boutiques, pricey cocktail and sushi bars, and upscale department stores, this is one of Japan’s premier shopping and entertainment districts. Meals B
Day 11 - April 11, 2023: Tokyo Highlights + Farewell Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll depart the hotel midmorning for a special cultural experience at the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, founded by Kunio Kobayashi, a Bonsai Master and 4-time winner of the distinguished Prime Minister’s Award. We’ll begin with a Tea Ceremony in their traditional tatami-matted room and continue with a Bonsai lesson, learning how these miniature, ancient trees are carefully cultivated and shaped. Of course, we’ll also have a chance to admire the Museum’s wondrous Bonsai collection that includes specimens that are centuries old! In the afternoon, we’ll continue our Tokyo sightseeing at Asakusa Kannon Temple, founded nearly 1,400 years ago and dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Entering the temple grounds through the massive 1,000-year-old Thunder Gate, we’ll discover a lively arcade of shops and merchant stalls selling traditional sweets, savory snacks, colorful handicrafts and souvenirs. We’ll end our touring atop the Shibuya Sky Deck. Soaring high above one of the city’s most vibrant districts, this 360° open-air observation deck offers breathtaking views of the capital. Back at the hotel, you’ll have time to refresh before our Farewell Dinner. Meals B+D
Day 12 - April 12, 2023: Depart Tokyo
After breakfast, we’ll take the comfortable Narita Airport Limousine Coach to the airport for our homeward flights. Meals B
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