From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps

A delightful cultural experience awaits you at the Yoshi-ima Ryokan, owned by the same family for generations in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, where Geisha and Kabuki traditions began centuries ago! Add this option to your trip on Day 4 for just $195 per person double ($200 single). Enjoy a lovely tatami-matted room, a traditional Japanese dinner, breakfast and tea ceremony.

Small Group Discoveries for our World Travelers

• Fully escorted by our expert Trip Leader, our uniquely in-depth tour features World Heritage Sites like Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima. Our special cultural activities offer a deeper look into Japan’s rich culture... Dine with Geisha, try your hand at noodle making, sample fine regional sake and learn how to don a kimono. Hear colorful stories of Kyoto’s Geisha traditions as you stroll with your guide in the historic Gion district, where Geisha traditions began long ago. Travel to ancient Nara, Japan’s first capital, and tour its magnificent temples. With special permission rarely granted to visitors, we take you to the early morning Tuna auction where the bidding is fierce and competitive! Discover 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

Our Small Group Sojourn includes...

• Escorted comprehensive sightseeing every day, including all entrance fees 12 meals: 10 buffet breakfasts and 2 lunches 10 nights accommodation in our handpicked deluxe hotels All on-tour transportation including the famous Bullet Train Luggage handling and all hotel taxes & service charges GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Day 1 - Welcome to Kyoto!
Check in to the ANA Hotel, wonderfully situated in the heart of Kyoto.

Day 2 - The Best of Kyoto #WHS#
Spend the day exploring the most significant historic treasures of this captivating city. Expertly guided city sightseeing includes Nijo Castle with its ingenious “Nightingale Floor,” the vermilion-hued Heian Shrine and Kinkakuji Temple – the glittering Golden Pavilion. You’ll also delve into Japan’s enduring traditions when you dine with Geisha at midday and tour the tranquil Zen meditation gardens of Kodaiji Temple. Meals B,L

Day 3 - Excursion to the Inland Sea... Miyajima #WHS# and Hiroshima
Traveling by train and ferry, this unforgettable day explores some of Japan’s most iconic sites. Cross the island-dotted Inland Sea to Miyajima Island and marvel at Itsukushima Shrine, established in the 6th century. Just off shore, the magnificent, oft-photographed red Torii Gate rises majestically from the sea. In Hiroshima, visit Peace Memorial Park #WHS# where the Memorial Museum stands as a sobering reminder of the destruction wrought by the Atomic bomb. Meals B

Day 4 - Excursion to Nara #WHS#
This morning’s excursion to Nara showcases the impressive highlights of Japan’s first capital. Visit Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden structure in the world and home to an enormous statue of Buddha. Then stroll along the lovely forested pathways of Kasuga Shrine, lined with carved stone lanterns, and stroll in Nara’s world-famous deer park, home to more than 1,000 tame deer.

When booking your tour, be sure to ask about a special opportunity to stay in a traditional Japanese inn… Owned and operated by the same family for generations, the inviting Yoshi-ima Ryokan is located in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, immortalized in the bestselling novel Memoirs of a Geisha! Slumber peacefully on a futon in your tatami-matted room and enjoy an authentic Japanese dinner, breakfast and tea ceremony… All for just $195 per person, double ($200 single). Please note: Capacity at this intimate inn is limited.

Day 5 - Travel to Kanazawa
Travel by rail to Kanazawa and visit the Nomura Samurai Residence and Kutani Kosen Pottery Studio to see skilled artisans at work. Then explore Kenrokuen, revered as one of the very best traditional landscape gardens in all of Japan. At our specially arranged Kimono demonstration, you’ll learn about the intricacies of donning this traditional silk garment. Overnight at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel. Meals B

Day 6 - Into the Japan Alps to Shirakawago #WHS# and Takayama
Journey to the mountain hamlet of Shirakawago, famous for its ancient “Joined Hands” farmhouses. These unique homes, many built by hand more than 100 years ago, derive their name from the steeply pitched thatch roofs which give the appearance of two hands joined together in prayer. At lunch, you’ll learn how tasty Soba noodles are made. Continue to the deluxe Associa Takayama Resort. Meals B,L

Day 7 - Full day sightseeing in Takayama
Visit the city’s morning market and then admire perfectly-preserved buildings like Takayama Jinya, an imposing government hall of the Edo period. Enjoy a tasting of fine regional sake and tour the fascinating Folk Craft Museum. At the Festival Floats Exhibit Hall, you’ll see enormous parade floats dating back 400 years, many with cleverly-engineered figures that can be animated when these floats are used in the town’s colorful spring and autumn festivals. Meals B

Day 8 - Onward to Tokyo
Journey by rail to Tokyo and transfer to the Keio Plaza Hotel, ideally located in bustling Shinjuku. After time to refresh in your spacious Plaza Premier Room, join your guide for a walking tour in the vibrant, modern district where you’re staying. Meals B

Day 9 - Tsukiji Fish Market and Tokyo city sightseeing
By special arrangement, you can witness Tokyo’s early morning tuna auction, a privilege rarely granted to visitors. Here, Japan’s best chefs bid thousands of dollars for the finest tuna. After breakfast, your tour continues as you walk along the colorful Nakamise Arcade to Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest in the city. Take in panoramic views from atop the Tokyo City View Observatory and learn more about Japan’s ancient ways at our exclusive Zen meditation experience. Meals B

Day 10 - Full day excursion to Mt. Fuji and Hakone
Travel to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji and continue to Hakone National Park. Enjoy a cruise across the placid waters of picturesque Lak Ashi and ascend Mt. Komagatake by cable car for sweeping views over mountains and forest. Experience the Earth’s powerful geothermal forces in the Owakudani Valley and then return to Tokyo.

Day 11 - Depart Tokyo
Your tour with us finishes today after breakfast. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/24/2012 - 6/4/2012	$4,799
6/22/2012 - 7/3/2012	$4,799
7/15/2012 - 7/26/2012	$4,899
9/13/2012 - 9/24/2012	$4,799
9/20/2012 - 10/1/2012	$4,799
10/4/2012 - 10/15/2012	$5,499
10/19/2012 - 10/30/2012	$4,899
4/19/2013 - 4/30/2013	$4,899
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
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.

A delightful cultural experience awaits you at the Yoshi-ima Ryokan, owned by the same family for generations in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, where Geisha and Kabuki traditions began centuries ago! Add this option to your trip on Day 4 for just $195 per person double ($200 single). Enjoy a lovely tatami-matted room, a traditional Japanese dinner, breakfast and tea ceremony.

Small Group Discoveries for our World Travelers

• Fully escorted by our expert Trip Leader, our uniquely in-depth tour features World Heritage Sites like Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima. Our special cultural activities offer a deeper look into Japan’s rich culture... Dine with Geisha, try your hand at noodle making, sample fine regional sake and learn how to don a kimono. Hear colorful stories of Kyoto’s Geisha traditions as you stroll with your guide in the historic Gion district, where Geisha traditions began long ago. Travel to ancient Nara, Japan’s first capital, and tour its magnificent temples. With special permission rarely granted to visitors, we take you to the early morning Tuna auction where the bidding is fierce and competitive! Discover 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

Our Small Group Sojourn includes...

• Escorted comprehensive sightseeing every day, including all entrance fees 12 meals: 10 buffet breakfasts and 2 lunches 10 nights accommodation in our handpicked deluxe hotels All on-tour transportation including the famous Bullet Train Luggage handling and all hotel taxes & service charges GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance

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