Japans Hidden Treasures

br />Discover how Japan has undergone centuries of transformations, from its first ancient capital Nara, to its present capital of Tokyo. From Nagano to Kyoto, temples to stunning gardens, this exclusive tour gives you a better understanding and appreciation for this East Asian land. Local expert historians provide fascinating background on Japan’s history, Geisha life, and the skill of wood block printmaking. Highlights include travel via the famous Shinkansen, or “bullet train,” to Nagano and a cable car ride in Hakone for spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.

Day 1: Overnight flight
Discover how Japan has undergone centuries of transformations, from its first ancient capital Nara, to its present capital of Tokyo. From Nagano to Kyoto, temples to stunning gardens, this exclusive tour gives you a better understanding and appreciation for this East Asian land. Four guest lecturers provide fascinating background on Japan’s history, Geisha life, relationships of Zen & tea ceremonies, and wood block printing. Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan, the vibrant and energetic capital city. Crossing the International Dateline en route, skip a full day ahead.

Day 2: Arrive Tokyo, Japan
Arrive in Japan's vibrant and energetic capital of Tokyo. Welcome to "The Land of the Rising Sun" where you are about to embark on a journey unlike any other.

Day 3: Tokyo
Begin your day at the Meiji Shrine, honoring both Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, and learn about the emperor’s role in Japan’s modernization. Later, stroll through Nakamise Shopping Arcade, one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, before visiting Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple. A brief stop is made outside the gates of the Imperial Palace before returning to the hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 4: Tokyo - Hakone - Tokyo
Leave Tokyo and travel to Hakone, part of a magnificent national park, and enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi, well known for its reflection of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). A ride on the Hakone Ropeway cable car provides spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi and Mt. Futago. The valley contains clear lakes, volcanic peaks, steaming hot springs and shady valleys. See the treasures at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, where the artist uses kimonos as his paper and silk thread to create these outstanding tie-dye kimonos.

Day 5: Tokyo - Nagano
Travel via the famous Shinkansen, or “bullet train,” to Nagano, home of the 1998 Winter Olympics. This afternoon you will take a walking tour to the Zenkoji Temple. One of the most visited temples in Japan, Zenkoji was founded 1,400 years ago and stores what many believe to be the first Buddhist statue ever brought into Japan. A replica of this statue is displayed to the public every seven years. Next, visit Jigokudani Yaen Koen, where wild monkeys bathe in hot springs. Enjoy some leisure time in Obuse Town, a historical site and home to three major museums all linked to the famous painter Katsushika Hokusai.

Day 6: Nagano - Takayama
Matsumoto Castle, designated a national treasure, is your first stop this morning. Next, visit the Ukiyoe Museum, which showcases fine wood block prints of Japanese customs and history. At Daio Wasabi Nojo Farm, where pungent wasabi is grown, you make pickles and enjoy a lunch of soba noodles and tempura. In the late afternoon, arrive at your resort hotel with the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn. Savor a traditional dinner this evening, dressed in a time-honored kimono. Later, you may enjoy the luxurious hot spring baths at your hotel.

Day 7: Takayama - Kanazawa
Begin the day with a stroll to the morning market. Visit Takayama Jinya, the regional headquarters during the Edo period and host to one of Japan's greatest festivals. See many of the floats and marionettes during a visit to Matsuri-no-Mori. Drive through Shirakawago and Gokayama and see traditional farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. Learn how to make Japanese paper at Gokayama Washi-no-Sato.

Day 8: Kanazawa
Return to the days of the samurai when you visit Nomura Family House, the traditional residence of Nagamachi Samuraithen. Stroll through the Oumicho Fish Market which provided food for feudal lords and citizens for about 270 years. Visit the traditional Geisha district of Higashi and a Shima (tea house). Enjoy an afternoon at Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden.

Day 9: Kanazawa - Kyoto
After a morning drive, arrive at Miho Museum, also known as the “Museum in the Mountains.” The museum was the dream of Mihoko Koyama, heiress to the Toyobo textile business, and houses a collection of antiques.

Day 10: Kyoto
In Kyoto visit two temples considered national treasures: Kiyomizu Temple, with its panoramic views and Sanjusangen-do Temple, which houses more than 1,030 standing Buddhist statues in its main hall. Your next visit is to the Kodaiji Temple and includes a traditional tea ceremony. At Nijo Castle, see elaborate wood carvings and wall paintings. With two concentric fortifications, this unique castle also features the Ninomaru Garden designed by the famous landscape architect and tea master Kobori Enshu. Visit the Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy.

Day 11: Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
Travel to Nara, Japan's first capital. Todaiji Temple houses one of the largest bronze statues in the world. The Great Buddha Hall, dating from 1709, is the world's largest wooden structure and a national treasure. Kasuguga Taisha Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Nara and one of the "Three Great Shrines" in Japan. Your day concludes with a visit to Byodoin Temple, with its remarkable Phoenix Hall. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a special farewell dinner and private Geisha performance.

Day 12: Kyoto - Osaka - Tour Concludes
As you depart this fascinating land, take a moment to reflect on all you have learned about its rich history and traditional culture. On your return home, cross the International Dateline and gain a day, arriving in the U.S. the same day you departed Japan.

Don't miss our current specials: FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
10/21/2010 - 11/1/2010	$4,449
3/24/2011 - 4/4/2011	$4,449
4/17/2011 - 4/28/2011	$4,449
5/12/2011 - 5/23/2011	$3,899
6/9/2011 - 6/20/2011	$3,899
7/14/2011 - 7/25/2011	$3,899
9/15/2011 - 9/26/2011	$3,899
10/13/2011 - 10/24/2011	$3,899
10/27/2011 - 11/7/2011	$3,799
11/3/2011 - 11/14/2011	$3,799
3/22/2012 - 4/2/2012	$3,699
4/19/2012 - 4/30/2012	$3,699
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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