10 Days Best of Japan | Gion Festival

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

**INFORMATION**
From KIX Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 70 mins (Bus)
From ITM Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 30 mins (Bus)

Today your vacation will be spent enjoying the fun and celebrations of the Kyoto Gion Festival. Considered the most famous festival in all Japan, indulge in delicious Japanese foods from a yatai (Japanese food booth), festival & carnival games, activities, parades, Japanese arts & crafts, displays, and more during this lively, month long event celebrating Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine!

The Gion Festival is filled with enjoyable Japanese matsuri events and performances, but the festivals main procession of floats on the 17th is a must in Kyoto. Named the Yamaboko Junko, the procession is marked with thirty-two lavish floats decorated with gorgeous, luxuriously-equipped items as they parade through the city. Weighing up to 12 tons and marching to the sound of taiko drums and traditional Japanese music, the entire display is regarded as a moving art museum by the local Kyoto festival goers!
Be sure to check out the food booths for some a wide selection of delicious Japanese festival foods and enjoy the festival at your leisure!

Our Japan tour begins the day by heading to the Himeji prefecture to invade the remarkable Himeji-jo, or Himeji Castle. Himeji-jo was registered as a UNESCO distinguished site in 1993, representing Japanese castle architecture at its peak. Nicknamed White Heron Castle due to the Japanese castle's graceful white walls, Himeji Castle maintains almost all of it's original structures from its initial construction in the early 1600’s. Unlike some of the country's other castles, this classic Japanese castle has overcome wars, earthquakes, and natural disasters over the last four centuries. After overcoming war, natural disasters, and going through restorative work, the castle grounds are perfect to enjoy scenic views of Japanese flowers and nature!

After our time in Himeji, our Japan tour will move to the Okayama Prefecture to explore the well-preserved Kurashiki district. Kurashiki is a beautiful streetscape of storehouses and merchant homes and is included as an Important Traditional Structures Conservation Area by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The name Kurashiki can be roughly translated as town of storehouses and the area historically served as an important rice distribution center. The city canal area dates back to the days of the Edo Period and offers enjoyable gondola-style boat rides if time permits. Enjoy this scenic area before we make our way to our hotel.

Our vacation begins with a Hiroshima tour through the city's can't miss destinations. One of the main highlights in Hiroshima is Miyajima, an island south of Hiroshima known for its Itsukushima Shrine, or floating torii gate. During high tide, the torii gate looks as though it is floating in water, creating a unique sight, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful sights. Miyajima is also known for its mouthwatering momiji manju (maple leaf shaped cake with red beans) and delicious oysters which you can enjoy while your tour group explores scenic island.

In the afternoon our Highlights Japan Tour will venture to the A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath of World War Two's atomic bombing. Surrounding the magnificent A-Bomb Dome is the Peace Park Memorial where travelers can see and read about the history of the war. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved as a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace. Walk along the park with your tour guide to see famous attractions like Sadako’s statue and the Freedom Bell.
We then return to the hotel.

Our day begins with a visit to Nara to see Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple holds the World Guinness Record as the largest wooden building. Inside the temple, you will behold the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Just outside the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where you will be greeted by numerous deer that roam around freely. The deer here at the park are known to be friendly and may even bow at you for a little treat.

After our time in Nara, we will partake in a tea-ceremony to help you relax and learn more about Japanese culture. After the tea-ceremony, we have a stop at a sake museum to learn the history of Japan's national drink. We will also stop for a kaiten sushi lunch. From there, your Japan tour will head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red tori gates. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind.

Keeping with the traditional feel, we venture off to the traditional streets of Ninenzaka. This rustic shopping street hasn't changed since the Edo Period, making it a perfect backdrop for photos or to enjoy traditional Japanese architecture. We then proceed to the hotel.

For today, it's off to Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride.

Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan’s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight. After taking pictures, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko lunch. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the lunch is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

We will then take a bullet train to Atami. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding in comfort and speed, and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride. Your Japan tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen (Japanese hot springs), to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s adventure. An informal, cotton Kimono or Yukata will be provided for you to wear at the ryokan. Your vacation's ryokan includes a hot-spring onsite to enjoy at your leisure during your night's accommodation.

Our morning begins with a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Enjoy over 120 sculptures and artwork in Japan's first ever open air museum. There are multiple exhibition halls to fascinate children and adults alike, as well as a foot-bath by natural hot-springs for a bit of relaxation before we continue on to Hakone!.

Enjoy a ropeway to Owakudani, an active volcanic crater still steaming from its last eruption some 3,000 years ago. There you will get a taste of the local Japanese food, the black egg, cooked in one of the craters. It's said eating one of these eggs will add years to your life! We will also visit the Hakone Shrine before we make our way to our hotel!

Note: In the event of poor weather conditions, we will visit the Pola Museum of Art instead of the Open-Air Museum.

Today, your vacation will be devoted to exploring the multi-cultural spots of Tokyo. Our tour will first start in Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, the former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors, mouth-watering dishes, and incredible sushi meals at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily before we explore the sights in Tokyo! From there, your tour is off to the Fukagawa Edo Museum to get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. This charming museum is designed to replicate what life looked like during Japan's traditional days of Edo. Travel back in time and walk through the old city of Tokyo made to recreate life during Japan's Edo period.

From there, your tour group will delve into the old town district of Asakusa for some traditional Japanese souvenir and gift shopping at the Nakamise area. Your Japan tour will also travel through the majestic Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most popular temples. This is the perfect place to appreciate Japanese culture and take some spectacular shots of the famous shopping district. Enjoy Japanese arts and traditional snacks with your tour group through this can't miss Tokyo temple. For lunch, we will enjoy a delicious, authentic Teppan-Yaki meal before we head to Harajuku to do some shopping and to admire the unique Japanese scenery. Enjoy shopping in the trendy district home to the world-renowned Harajuku Fashion and Japanese street fashion style. Be sure to visit one of Harajuku's local restaurants and sample Harajuku Crepes or other extra kawaii Tokyo treats in the lively Takeshita Dori. The decadent Omotesando is also nearby, home to incredible Japanese cafes and luxury shopping!

Returning to our hotel, the tour bus will be passing by the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily. This crosswalk gathers as much foot traffic as New York City, and crossing is an experience unlike any other. While here, our Tokyo tour will also visit the popular Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the internationally-known story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner. This Tokyo spot is a popular meet-up area for couples and friends when visiting Shibuya Station. Anime fans have probably seen this famous statue and crosswalk in some of their favorite anime & manga works like Persona5 or Tokyo Ghoul. After making our way through the crossing with your tour guide, we will then return to the hotel.

Japan Deluxe Tours has cleared the day for you to enjoy Japan as you wish. You can either:
1) Explore Tokyo at your leisure
2) Visit Tokyo Disney Land, Tokyo DisneySea, or Hello Kitty's Sanrio Puroland
3) Join an optional, guided excursion tour through Nikko or Kamakura.
(Note: Fees are not included for additional tour options or excursions. Please contact us in advanced for prices & reservations)

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast.
Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

**INFORMATION**
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Narita Airport - about 90 mins(Bus)
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Haneda Airport - about 30 mins(Bus)