19 Days
Osaka * Country Home Stay * Kyoto * Matsue * Himeji & Hagi or Hiroshima & Kinosaki

Your journey begins in Tokyo, one of the most cutting edge cities in the world. This bustling metropolis offers an array of things to do and experience. Visit the sacred Meiji Shrine, an island of serenity in an otherwise fast paced modern city filled with ancient Edo art and modern high fashion. Hit the Ginza district and stop at Kabuki-za, Japan's largest kabuki theater. Travel to the seaside where you will be among the lucky few to stay in a real home, learn healthy Japanese cooking and share dinner with the local people to experience authentic Japan! Luxuriate in an outdoor bath overlooking the sea. Observe children practicing the 8th century Kagura Dance. It is performed to give thanks for a good harvest and as a purification ritual. A special treat is a visit to the quilt museum to see quilts made from antique kimonos. See gorgeous pottery at an authentic pottery workshop - known among artists the world over. In less visited Matsue explore the castle preserved in its original state and sip tea in an 18th century teahouse. Rejuvenate in the spas fed by geothermal sources below the town of Kinosaki, one of Japan's hot springs resort. Stay in a lovely country home built in traditional architecture away from the big city. Your wonderful host enthusiastically shares her culture, cuisine, art and age-old traditions while showing you how to properly wear a kimono! Visit 700-year-old temples and walk along the back streets of Kyoto to buy antique kimonos where the local people shop. Stay overnight in a temple in the secluded town of Koyasan where you will experience a monk's lifestyle, their vegetarian cuisine and attend morning prayers. Travel to Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. You will return with a better understanding of JapanIs rich cultural heritage and true essence of eastern hospitality.

TOUR CODE: RJ
TOUR DATES:
2012: Mar 21 - Apr 5, Nov 17 - Dec 2
2013: Mar 26 - Apr 9, Nov 12 - 26

2012 TOUR PRICES:
Land Package: From $8670 (2 members)

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

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