TAKAYAMA SPRING FESTIVAL - 2009

8 days from Osaka to Tokyo (JP-8T)

Dates and Prices:

Starting at: $2,398.00*

USA Departure: 04/11/09

Vacation Overview

One weekend in spring and autumn, Japan's hidden cultural capital Takayama comes alive with matsuri, one of Japan's most beautiful festival. During the year, the tall and beautifully decorated floats are stored in storehouses, which are scattered across Takayama's old town. Several of the festival floats are decorated with so called karakuri ningyo, sophisticated mechanical dolls that can move and dance. The crowds filling the streets, decked out in their fine kimono add to the wonderful festival atmosphere.

Itinerary

Day 1 USA GATEWAY CITY-OSAKA

Depart your home airport to Japan, the magnificent "Land of the Rising Sun". Our destination is Osaka, the western gateway for foreign travelers. Enjoy meals on board.

Day 2 ARRIVAL OSAKA

After arriving at the Kansai Int’l airport, you will be met and greeted by our representative for transfer to the hotel.

Hotel: Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or similar

Day 3 NARA-KYOTO

We shall start from Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden-built temple in Nara. Then we proceed to Kyoto, the ancient capital, noted for its preservation of ancient cultural heritages and scenic natural beauty for over a thousand years. Kinkakuji Temple and Kiyomizu Temple, both are arguably the most significant cultural interests in Kyoto. At the Kiyomizu Temple, we have a photo opportunity with Maiko-dressed model. Then we proceed to the Nishijin Textile Center dedicated to weavers who for centuries produced elegant textiles for the Imperial family and nobility. Enjoy the Kimono Fashion Show. (B,L,D)

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto or similar

Day 4 TAKAYAMA SANNO SPRING FESTIVAL

Whitehorse

After breakfast, we shall go straight to Takayama to enjoy its Spring Sanno Festival, the annual festival of the Hie Shrine in Takayama old town. The Takayama Festival is a very popular event, visited by several hundred thousand of people across Japan and the world. At the festival, from morning to late afternoon of festival days, the festival floats (Yatai) are displayed in the streets of Takayama. You can surely enjoy old town and atmosphere of the festival throughout your stay. (B,D)

Hotel: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort or similar

Day 5 TAKAYAMA-AZUMINO

We continue to enjoy the festival in the morning, and after lunch we shall proceed to Shirakawa Gassho Village. It is on the UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1995, and retains the historic landscape with some 150 traditional vernacular farmhouse-style houses. Then at Azumino Wasabi Plantation, where we can enjoy some food made with wasabi, such as wasabi ice-cream and wasabi juice. (B,L,D)

Hotel: Isawa Onsen Shinko Hotel or similar

Day 6 MT. FUJI-TOKYO

Today we shall drive up to the world-famous, breathtaking Mt. Fuji's 5th Station (subject to weather conditions). Its beauty will take your breath away and leave you in awe of its splendor. Then we shall drive to Hakone, be mesmerized by its tranquility and scenic views. Proceed to visit Owakudani, the sulphurous erupting area with smoky hot rivers and hot springs. We shall embark on a serene and mesmerizing boat ride on Lake Ashi, which fills the crater of the extinct volcano Mt. Hakone. In the evening, you can enjoy shopping at Shinjuku, called western Capital of Tokyo. (B,L,D)

Hotel: Akasaka Excel Tokyu Hotel or similar

Day 7 TOKYO

Today's first stop is the Imperial Palace, the official residence of the Japanese Imperial Family. Then we visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. A variety of traditional and distinctive souvenirs are available. In the afternoon, we proceed to Meiji Shrine to commemorate the Meiji Emperor and Empress Showa. Drive through Ginza then to World's famous Akihabara Electric Street. Odaiba Park is a large artificial island, featuring many hyper-modern and the area is now a very popular shopping and entertainment destination. (B,L,D)

Hotel: Narita Excel Tokyu Hotel or similar

Day 12 TOKYO-USA GATEWAY CITY

Your pleasant and memorable Takayama tour ends today. After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the flight home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan with our optional excursion tour. (B)

Tour Price Includes

Round trip air fare from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Honolulu
Accommodations, 5 nights Western style hotel, 1 night Japanese style Inn
13 meals as listed on this itinerary (Mixture of Japanese and Western cuisine)
Service of Multi-lingual Professional Tour Guides throughout
All ground transportation during tour (Private motor coach), Admission Fee
Package prices are per person, based on double occupancy (2 people sharing 1 room)

Not Included in the Tour Price

Federal Inspection Fees for the U.S. Customs and immigration; International Air Transportation Tax; agricultural tax; any other taxes; security fee; airport taxes of $520.00 (Tax price is subject to change.)
Passports; visas and vaccinations; laundry; telephone; mini bar; alcohol; beverages and food not on the regular table menu (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant); optional excursions; porterage at airports; travel protection insurance; excess baggage fees; all other items of a personal nature
Gratuities to your tour guide and tour driver(Approx.$80.00)
Add-on fare for other US cities; East Coast $300.00, Midwest and West coast $200.00
Peak season surcharge of $300.00 per person applicable for Jun-Aug & Dec departure
Single room supplements of $680.00 and triple reductions of $100.00 may be applicable
Land Only Arrangements available at $1898.00 per person(no-tax)

Add on air fare extension to Saigon/Hanoi/Manila/Bangkok $400.00, Taipei/Hong Kong $300.00, Seoul $400.00, Okinawa $250.00 and more

Please contact us for detailed information.