Day 1
US - Osaka/Kyoto Aloft
Begin your journey to Japan today with departures from your hometown gateway. All meals today will be aloft.
Cross the International Date Line
Day 2
Osaka/Kyoto Miyako Hotel
Our flight is scheduled to arrive at Osaka International Airport in the late afternoon. Upon arrival we will proceed through immigration and customs formalities. We will then be met by a G H A Travel Agency Co., Ltd. representative and escorted to our private motorcoach. Depending on traffic, our ride into Kyoto will take about 1½ hours. We should arrive at the Miyako Hotel in the eastern foothills of Kyoto in the evening.
The evening is free for relaxation after our long journey.
Day 3
Kyoto (B, L) Miyako Hotel
Our first full day in Kyoto will begin with a morning breakfast seminar in the hotel. Our enrichment lecturer will begin a series of discussions on the city of Kyoto and its 1200th anniversary. The morning briefings will serve as an excellent opportunity to prepare for daily excursions. After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin to explore the ancient capital city of Japan - Kyoto. Our escorted morning sightseeing tour by private motorcoach will help you familiarize yourself with the city. We will start our tour with a visit to the Gosho - the Old Imperial Palace. With permission from the Imperial Household Agency, we will have the opportunity to see Mi-kuruma-yose (Honorable Carriage Approach), Shodaibu-no-ma (Room of Dignitaries), Seiryoden (Serene and Cool Chamber), Shishiden (Ceremonial Hall) and other structures within the compound walls.
After our tour of the Imperial Palace grounds, we will travel to the western section of Kyoto - Arashiyama - to enjoy on of the last remnants of rural Kyoto. We will stroll through bamboo forests and out-of-the-way temples to the thatched hut of Mukai Kyorai (1651-1704). Along the way we can see some remaining minka (traditional country houses) with their clay walls and weathered thatched roofs. Mukai Kyorai was a student of the poet Basho and wrote many of his works here in this quiet section of Kyoto.
The morning tour will culiminate in a magnificent luncheon at the villa of famous Japanese silent screen star - Denjiro Okochi. The Okochi Sanso Villa is located in the middle of a bamboo forest on the top of Mt. Ogura. The villa is famous for its gardens and panoramic view of Kyoto. Our lunch will feature kaiseki cuisine. After lunch we will have a moment to stroll through the gardens before returning to the hotel. Enroute to the hotel, we will stop at the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art to see the special exhibition - "Beauty of Japan". The evening will be free.
Day 4
Kyoto (B, L) Miyako Hotel
Our day will begin with another breakfast seminar. After breakfast we will begin a full day tour of Kyoto.
Kyoto is well-known the world over for its numerous temples and gardens. Today we will visit the two most famous gardens in Kyoto - Saihoji and Ryoanji. Our first stop will be the famous moss garden of Saihoji. Saihoji is closed to the general public and advance arrangements are necessary to enter. These strict regulations have kept the crowds to a minimum, enabling the moss garden to flourish. In striking contrast to Ryoanji with its man made rock arrangements, Saihoji is a work of glorious nature. Prior to visiting the garden, we will have the fortunate opportunity to participate in the religious rite of kitou (to chant the sutra for your happiness and ancestry). We will also practice our hand in traditional Japanese calligraphy. After the formalities, we will venture into the garden and enjoy its verdant splendor.
After lunch at a traditional Kyoto-style restaurant, we will travel to Ryoanji which is open to the public and is famous for its rock garden. The gardens of Japan have long been classified into two general types, the hill type (tsukiyama) and the flat garden (hiraniwa), the former features hills and ponds and the latter a flat area without hills or ponds. The most famous example of flat gardens is at the Ryoanji Temple, where, enclosed by a low wall on three sides, fifteen rocks of varying sizes are grouped on a flat piece of ground covered with white sand. This garden, which is attributed to So-ami, is supposed to represent a tiger fleeing from one island to another with its cubs against the attack of a leopard. There is not a single tree or shrub, but the trees outside the walls and the distant view beyond serve as a background. All Participants will have the opportunity to sit on the ancient wooden steps overlooking the garden and contemplate in the grand Zen tradition.
From Ryoanji we will travel by private motorcoach to visit Kinkakuji. The Golden Pavilion as it is commonly referred to is a famous relic of the Muromachi Period (1392-1573). It was originally the villa of a Court noble named Saionji Kintsune, but was greatly improved by its second owner, the third Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408), who spent the latter part of his life here in retirement. He built the Golden Pavilion and laid out the garden in 1394. His son and successor, Yoshimochi, in obedience to his father's will, converted the villa into a Buddhist temple under the name of Rokuonji. Though the garden remains to attest the refined and artistic life of the Shoguns five centuries ago, most of the buildings were destroyed by repeated fires, culminating in the tragic loss through willful arson of the treasured Golden Pavilion in July 1950. A new building, an exact reproduction of the original, was erected in October 1955 on the same spot. Our day will close with a return to the Miyako Hotel.
Day 5
Kyoto (B, L) Miyako Hotel
Today is designed to give Participants a more intimate glimpse of traditional Kyoto. The group will be divided into three small groups and each will visit three distinct areas of Kyoto. Depending on the group, stops include an indigo textile factory, blinds shop, antique doll shop, buckets & casks maker, sake factory and small temple.
Lunch will highlight a small and unique establishment specializing in a delicacy of the Kyoto region. Group 1 - Heihachi-jaya, Group 2 - Misoka-An Kawanichi-ya, and Group 3 - Minoko.
Day 6
Kyoto/Nara (B, L) Miyako Hotel
After our morning seminar, we will travel by private motorcoach to Nara. Nara is considered the grand theater of early Japanese history. It is here that traditional Japanese arts, crafts, literature and industries flourished. Our coach will stop first at Todaiji Temple - home of the Great Buddha. We will most likely be greeted by deer in the Deer Park that marks the entrance to the temple grounds. The Great Buddha, completed in 749 AD, is considered the holiest object of Todaiji. Weighing over 452 tons and measuring 54 feet in height, the image is truly a sight to remember. Our last stop before lunch is Kasuga Shrine. Founded in 768 AD by the Fujiwara family, the shrine is famous for over 3,000 stone lanterns that line both sides of the road leading to hillside compound.
For lunch we will enjoy a break from the traditional Japanese cuisine and savor a Western-syle meal.
After lunch we will return to Kyoto to visit the Heian Shrine. The Shrine was built in 1895 in order to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto by the Emperor Kammu.
Our private motorcoach will take us back to our hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 7
Kyoto (B) Miyako Hotel
After our breakfast seminar, we will make a morning visit to the Katsura Villa and Gardens (pending approval). The remainder of the day will be free for individual exploration. A hospitality desk will be set up in the hotel for information and assistance. At 4:30 pm, a reception will be held.
Day 8
Kyoto/Osaka (B, L, D) Chikiriya Ryokan
After our breakfast seminar, we will pack our bags for delivery to our Japanese inn in Kyoto.
Today will focus on the greater Kansai region with a visit to the Osaka industrial belt. We will visit the home of Matsushita Electronics - the world's largest electronics manufacturer. Here we will see firsthand how Japan researches, develops and manufactures products for worldwide distribution.
Upon our return to Kyoto, we will experience traditional Japanese accommodations and enjoy exquisite Kyoto cuisine. At our inn we will sleep on cotton futons, enjoy the luxury of traditional hot baths and wear the traditional yukata (cotton kimono) and tanzen (overcoat). Remember to wear your yukata to meals and to bed! Oyasumi nasai.
Day 9
Kyoto (B, L, D) Chikiriya Ryokan
This morning our breakfast seminar will be held in traditional Japanese-style.
Today we will enjoy a leisurely drive to the north of Kyoto to enjoy the spectacular fall foliage. Just north of Kyoto is the city of Ohara, situated at the Western foot of Mt. Hiei. The small town is famous for its special customs and two small temples.
The two small temples are the Sanzen-in and Jakko-in. The ceremonial hall at Sanzen-in is known for its ceiling shaped like the bottom of a boat. Depicted on the ceiling and walls are paintings of the 25 Bodhisattva and mandalas by Eshin. The Jakko-in is a nunnery buried in perfect seclusion. It is well known as the place where the Empress Dowager Kenreimon-in, mother of the infant-Emperor Antoku, became a nun in May 1185. She spent the rest of her life there after her Imperial son had shared the fatal end of the Taira clan at Dannoura (near Shimonoseki). Her tomb is on the hill behind the temple.
Upon our return to Kyoto we will relax in the comfort of our Japanese-style rooms. The evening will end with a special farewell dinner at our inn.
Day 10
Kyoto/USA or Tokyo (B) Imperial Hotel
Today marks the close of the Kyoto Program. After our breakfast, we will have the morning free to relax or make some final souvenir purchases.
For those returning to the USA, motorcoaches will transport passengers to the Osaka International Airport. For those participating in the Tokyo Extension, the group will transfer to Kyoto Station for the Bullet Train ride to Tokyo. Upon arrival at Tokyo Station, we will transfer to our hotel.
Day 11
Tokyo (B, L) Imperial Hotel
Today the morning seminar will begin with a discussion on Tokyo - the capital of Japan. After breakfast we will have a full day to explore this great city of Asia.
Tokyo is comprised of numerous districts, each with its own unique local community flavor. The oldest and perhaps the most interesting of these areas is Shitamachi. We will visit the famous Asakusa Kannon Temple, which has always been favored by worshipers. It is said to have been founded in the 7th century by three fisherman, who found in their nets on day a tiny image of Kannon, only 2.1 inches in height. Lining the walkway to the temple is the Nakamise Arcade with rows of small booths selling souvenirs and trinkets.
For lunch today we will enjoy a very unique dining experience. Just over the Sumida River from Asakusa Kannon Temple is the Asahi Brewery Headquarters. The building which houses the headquarters and beer house is the Flame d'Or Building which was designed by the famous French architect - Philippe Stark. All throughout Tokyo you will find major architectural contributions by individuals from around the globe.
The afternoon will be free for individual pursuits.
Day 12
Tokyo (B) Imperial Hotel
After the morning seminar, the day will begin with an exclusive visit to the Shinkansen Centralized Traffic Control Center (CTC). After riding the bullet train from Kyoto, this visit will give you an insider's view of this amazing transportation system.
After lunch we will travel to Shinjuku in the west side of Tokyo. We will have an opportunity to visit the new Tokyo Metropolitan Government Headquarters designed by Tange. This mammoth complex takes its design from the facade of Notre Dame.
The day will close with a tranquil stroll through the trees to Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his consort. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage centers in Japan. Completed in 1920, it displays the pure simplicity of a Shinto shrine. The large torii at the entrances of the grounds are made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood over 1,700 years old.
Day 13
Tokyo/USA (B) Aloft
After the final breakfast seminar, the morning will be free before our transfer to Narita International Airport for our return flight to the USA.
Tour Disbands
Tour Proposal
Contents
1. Hotel (Deluxe/First Class)
Kyoto 6 nights Miyako Hotel 15 TWN/5 SGL
2 nights Chikiriya Inn
OPTIONAL POST TOUR
Tokyo 3 nights Imperial or similar
2. Meals
Breakfast (B) 8 Times (Meeting room included for breakfast seminars)
Lunch (L) 6 Times (Soft drink/juice/beer included)
Dinner (D) 2 Times
OPTIONAL POST TOUR
Breakfast (B) 3 Times
Lunch (L) 1 Time
3. Admission
All included
4. Porterage
Two pieces per person included
5. Baggage Transfer
Osaka Airport to Miyako Hotel in Kyoto 2 ton baggage van
Miyako Hotel to Chikiriya Inn 2 ton baggage van
Chikiriya Inn to Osaka Airport 2 ton baggage van
Chikiriya Inn to Tokyo Hotel Via takkyubin delivery
This baggage transfer configuration will ease baggage handling throughout the program.
6. Transportation
Private Chartered Motorcoach
OPTIONAL TOKYO POST TOUR
Tourist Class Train (JR) Shinkansen and Chartered Motorcoach
7. Tour Guide
Top A Rank English-speaking guide throughout the program. Two additional guides will be available for Kyoto Insider's Day.
8. Tolls/Parking/Driver Tip
All included
9. Airport Tax
Not included
10. Signature Travel Handbook
The Signature Travel Handbook is an exclusive guidebook designed to give each traveler information about the program itinerary. Contents include historical information about key sights, museum schedules, ideas for leisure time, and tips for finding places to shop and eat. The guide also contains handy Japanese phrases and expressions.
Responsibility
Gregory Howell & Associates, Inc. acts only as agent in all matters connected with the making and securing of reservations for transportation, accommodations, tours and/or other arrangements for the retail clients of the agency and for various disclosed principals and contactors in the form of airlines, ship lines, tour wholesalers, limousine services, and owners or contractors providing accommodations, transportation, and/or services, hereinafter referred to as "suppliers". This travel agency does not own, manage or control, or operate any transportation vehicle, hotel, restaurant, insurance company, tour or sightseeing company or any other service that would fit into the classification of "supplier". As an agent, all coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets issued by this travel agency and/or other "suppliers" are subject to any and all related tariffs as well as the terms and conditions specified by each "supplier". The acceptance of such coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets shall be deemed to be consent to the foregoing conditions and also to the further condition that neither this travel agency nor of its representatives shall become liable or responsible for any loss, injury, or damage to person, property or otherwise in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services resulting directly or indirectly from any act of God, including, but not limited to dangers incident to the sea, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of governments or other authorities, de jure or de facto, wars, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, defaults, delays or cancellations of or changes in itinerary, routing of schedules from any cause beyond the control of this travel agency or from any loss or damage resulting from insufficient or improperly issued passports, visas or other documents and that neither this travel agency nor any of its representatives shall become liable or responsible for any additional liability sustained or incurred as a result of the foregoing clauses. This travel agency is not responsible nor liable for defaults of "suppliers" or any other person, company or incorporation not directly under its control. In the case of air, ship, rail, automobile, or other form of transportation, the passenger contract in use by the provider of such transportation, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and such airline, ship line, railroad, car rental, or other company.
Kyoto: A Legendary City's 1200th Birthday