Enchanting Japan Tour

Arrive at Osaka airport. Board our airport transfer bus to Kyoto and check in at the 4-star Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo. Dinner at the hotel is included

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Leave the hotel and head to the Kiku-Masamune sake brewery for a tour and tasting. • Lunch at Kobe Shushinkan, a Japanese restaurant focusing on fine cuisine. • In the afternoon, visit Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto's most iconic and beautiful landmarks. A Zen Buddhist temple famous for its stunning golden exterior, which is covered in gold leaf. Set in a picturesque garden, and reflected beautifully in the surrounding pond, creating a captivating scene. • Walk in the Gion area (optional/if time permits) • Dinner at a local restaurant.

Visit Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most celebrated temples in Japan. Located in Kyoto, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime example of traditional Japanese architecture and culture. • Lunch at Nishiki Market, often referred to as "Kyoto's Kitchen," a historic marketplace located in the heart of the city. • Afternoon: Rickshaw experience in Arashiyama. A unique and traditional way to explore one of Kyoto's most scenic areas. Arashiyama is famous for its iconic Bamboo Grove. • Dinner in local restaurant is included: a Japanese Kaiseki meal. This is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that is regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. Originating from the Japanese tea ceremony, Kaiseki has evolved into a sophisticated dining experience that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, intricate presentation, and a balance of taste, texture, and appearance.

Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Today we say goodbye to Kyoto and head to Kanazawa, a city located in the Ishikawa Prefecture on Japan's central Honshu Island. Known for its rich history, well-preserved Edo-era districts, and beautiful traditional gardens, Kanazawa offers a glimpse into Japan's cultural and artistic heritage. • Take Express and Bullet trains for the 2 hour journey, arriving in Kanazawa at midday. • Note: Your main luggage will be sent from Kyoto via courier to arrive in Kanazawa the next day. Plan to pack a carry on bag with a change of clothes and personal items for the first night in Kanazawa. • Lunch in a local restaurant is included. • Afternoon: stroll on Higashi Chaya Street, known for its historic teahouses (called "chaya") where geisha would entertain guests. The area dates back to the Edo period and is characterized by its narrow, cobblestone streets lined with wooden buildings. • Mid-afternoon: enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony, known as "chanoyu" or "sado" (the way of tea). It is a traditional ritual centered around the preparation, serving, and enjoyment of matcha, a powdered green tea. The ceremony is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and considered an art form. • Check in at the 4-star Hotel Nikko Kanazawa • Dinner in a local restaurant is included.

• Morning tour of Kenroku-en, one of Japan's most famous and beautiful gardens, located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. • Before lunch we visit Ninja Temple, a Buddhist temple. Despite its nickname, the temple has no direct historical connection to actual ninjas. Instead, it earned the moniker because of its many deceptive and defensive features that resemble the cunning and stealth associated with ninjas. • Group lunch in a local restaurant • Afternoon tour and tasting at Yachiya Brewery, a historic sake brewery. Established in 1628, it's one of the oldest breweries in the region, known for producing high-quality sake using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. • Dinner in a local restaurant is included.

Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Check out of the hotel and head to Niigata via the bullet train from Kanazawa to Niigata. The train is part of Japan's high-speed Shinkansen network. • NOTE: Your main luggage will be sent from Kanazawa via courier to arrive in Niigata the next day. Plan to pack a carry on bag with a change of clothes and personal items for the first night in Niigata. • Arrival in Niigata midmorning. • We will enjoy a Soba Noodle making class at 11:30, followed by a Soba-centric lunch. • In the afternoon we will visit the Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Center, which offers a unique opportunity to explore and experience the rich craftsmanship and culinary traditions of the Tsubame-Sanjo region in Niigata. • Check in at 3-star Hotel Oyanagi (Niigata), known for a serene atmosphere and commitment to Japanese hospitality. The hotel offers a quintessential ryokan experience with modern amenities. • NOTE: A “ryokan” hotel is a traditional Japanese inn that offers a unique cultural experience deeply rooted in Japanese history and hospitality. Staying at a ryokan typically includes: o Tatami Rooms: Ryokan rooms are usually furnished with tatami mats (woven straw mats) instead of carpets. Guests sleep on futons, which are laid out on the tatami floors in the evening by the staff. o Onsen (Hot Springs): Ryokans are located near natural hot springs and offer communal baths (onsen) where guests can relax. • Dinner is included at Hotel Oyanagi, where they serve a multi-course traditional Japanese meal that highlights seasonal ingredients and local specialties. Accommodation: Hotel Oyanagi

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Morning visit at the Northern Museum, a historical and cultural center in Niigata. The museum is housed in the former residence of the wealthy Ito family, who were prominent landowners and influential figures in the region during the Edo period (1603- 1868). • Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Cuisine in Niigata prefecture, located on Japan's western coast along the Sea of Japan, is is known for its rich culinary traditions, particularly its emphasis on high-quality rice and seafood. • Dinner is included at Hotel Oyanagi, consisting a multi-course traditional Japanese meal, with chef’s menu variations, as we are dining multiple nights.

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Morning: Take a walk in Yahiko Park and visit the Yahoo Shrine. The park is a popular destination known for its natural beauty, particularly during the autumn season when the leaves change color. Yahiko Shrine is a prominent Shinto shrine with a rich history. It's dedicated to the deity of agriculture and prosperity, and it's known for its beautiful setting amidst lush nature. • Afternoon tour and tasting at Sasaiwai Brewery, a sake brewery, known for its traditional sake production methods and high-quality brews. The brewery often emphasizes using local rice and pure water from the region to create its sake. Niigata is famous for its sake. • Dinner is included at Hotel Oyanagi, multi-course meal, with chef’s menu variations, as we are dining multiple nights.

• Check out of the hotel. Today we travel to Tokyo. • Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • NOTE: Your main luggage will be sent from Niigata via courier to arrive in Tokyo the next day. Plan to pack a carry on bag with a change of clothes and personal items for the first night in Tokyo. • Late morning visit to Ponshukan marketplace for sake tasting and shopping. • Guest can get a lunch box for the train in Ponshukan Station. • Bullet Train at midday, arriving in Tokyo at 2:30 PM. • Afternoon: Visit the Imperial Palace East Garden in Tokyo. Also known as Kokyo Higashi Gyoen, it is a historic and scenic park in the heart of Tokyo. It's part of the grounds of the Imperial Palace but is open to the public, offering an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The gardens are situated on the former site of Edo Castle, and we can explore beautifully landscaped gardens, historical ruins, and remnants of the castle's old structures. • Check in at the 4-star Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo • Dinner is included at a local restaurant.

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Morning: Visit and tour with our local guide at Tsukiji Market, once the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. Known for its bustling atmosphere, it is famous for its fresh seafood, including sushi and sashimi, and its diverse range of other food items. • Lunch at a local restaurant near the market. • Afternoon: Sumida River Cruise, a popular boat tour that travels along the Sumida River in Tokyo. It offers a scenic way to explore the city from the water, passing by various landmarks and neighborhoods. The cruise typically starts near Asakusa and travels towards areas like Odaiba, Tokyo Bay, and the waterfront district. • Later, take a walk on Kappabashi Kitchen Tools Street, home to a display of realistic- looking plastic food samples, which are used to showcase menu items in restaurants. These food models are often quite detailed and lifelike, making them a popular attraction for visitors interested in Japanese food culture. • Dinner is included at a local restaurant.

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Morning: Join your tour director and local guide for a walk through the Asakusa of Tokyo, a vibrant and historic district known for its traditional atmosphere and cultural landmarks. We will visit Nakamise, a lively street lined with traditional shops and stalls selling souvenirs, snacks, and crafts. It’s a great place to experience traditional Japanese shopping and street food. • Midday: Sushi Making Class & lunch. Learn from expert chefs to prepare sushi using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Hands-on training in crafting sushi, roll techniques, and presentation, culminating in savoring your creations. • Free afternoon with the option of shopping in the Shinjuku area of the city, famous for its vibrant entertainment scene, numerous shopping malls, theaters, and restaurants. It is also home to Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest train stations in the world. • Farewell Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu for dinner. It is a storied local restaurant and a popular izakaya in the Nishi-Azabu district of Tokyo. It's renowned for its authentic Japanese dining experience and traditional atmosphere. The restaurant features a distinctive, rustic decor with wooden interiors and a lively, bustling vibe. Gonpachi Nishi- Azabu is especially famous for inspiring the iconic fight scene in Quentin Tarantino’s film "Kill Bill," which has contributed to its fame and popularity. The menu includes a variety of classic Japanese dishes.

• Local transportation: coach bus and guide. • Check out of the hotel. • Transfer to Tokyo Narita airport (NRT) is included