15 Days
Osaka * Kyoto * Country Home Stay * Tokyo * Kakunodate * Soma * Tokyo

The ancient culture of the samurai in Japan created extremes of immense beauty and brutality. Experience ultimate Japanese hospitality while staying in an ancestral country home and learn about the brave and honorable samurai warriors. Explore the contrasts of Japan from Tokyo's ultramodern high rises to Kyoto's ancient pathways. Visit shrine markets and the old geisha district and new Japan's hi-tech, pop culture and cutting edge art and architecture. Enjoy a private koto (Japanese harp) performance and kendo (Japanese fencing) passed down from the samurai. Visit temples and shrines dedicated to famous samurai lords and legends. See the courtly masked noh (musical drama), stay in a ryokan, a Japanese style inn and learn proper sushi etiquette. Admire the cherry blossoms while relaxing in an invigorating hot spring bath with up close views of Mt. Fuji and Himeji - perhaps the best castle architecture in all of Japan! Rejuvenate in the therapeutic baths in the Japanese Alps and tour an Edo-period town with original, well preserved samurai residences. In July attend the Naomaoi Festival featuring parades, horses and heroics.

TOUR CODE: JS
TOUR DATES:
2012: Apr 27 - May 11, Jul 11 - 25
2013: Similar dates

2012 TOUR PRICES:
Land Package: From $7980 (2 members)

Approx. International Air: $1025 (Los Angeles / Osaka and Tokyo / Los Angeles)

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Pre or post tour extensions available - call 1-800-825-1680 to plan your next adventure!