Tokyo and Kyoto
4 Nights program, offered in conjunction with embarkation.
Kyoto is Japan's cultural hub, and the very essence of traditional Japanese life. The futuristic Bullet Train, or Shinkansen, will whisk you away from modern-day Tokyo to historic Kyoto, where you'll step back 600 years into Japan's Classic Period. This ancient artistic, cultural and religious capital features 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, a trio of palaces, dozens of perfectly-sculpted gardens, and scores of fascinating museums. A visit to Mount Fuji includes a drive up to the 5th station for spectacular views. Experience modern Japan during your full-day tour of Tokyo.
Daily Details
Day 1 Upon arrival at theTokyo International Airport, you will be met outside the customs hall and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day and evening at your leisure. Overnight at the Imperial Hotel - Tokyo.
Day 2 After breakfast at the hotel, begin a day of sightseeing in Tokyo. In addition to the highlights of the city, you will visit the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Emperor Shoken. Continue on to the Imperial Place Plaza, from which you can view the two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Eyeglass Bridge, or Meganebashi. The bridge in the rear, formerly a wooden bridge with two levels, is named Double Bridge, or Nijubashi. The palace buildings and inner gardens are not open to the public. A visit to the Tokyo Tower Observatory offers a bird's-eye view of this modern metropolis, while a ride on a rickshaw at Asakusa will give you a feel for Tokyo's historic period. A stop will be made for lunch at a local restaurant. Spend the evening at your leisure. Overnight at the Imperial Hotel - Tokyo.
Day 3 After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for the drive to Mt. Fuji-Hakone National Park. Enjoy a two-hour drive to Lake Kawaguchi via the Chuo Expressway, then visit the fifth station of Mt. Fuji for panoramic views over this scenic area. Following lunch at a local restaurant, you'll proceed to Hakone for a boat cruise on Lake Ashi for more scenic views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Afterward, drive through the Owakudani Valley on your way to the Odawara Station, where you'll board the JR Super express bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening at your leisure. Overnight at the Westin Miyako Hotel - Kyoto.
Day 4 After breakfast at the hotel, you will begin your day of sightseeing in Kyoto. Your city tour includes visits to the Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen temple formally known as Rokuonji, and dating back to 1397. The present building was erected in 1955 after a fanatical monk burned the pavilion. Next, you will proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nijo Castle, residence of the founder of the Edo Shogunate. Complete your immersion into Kyoto tradition with two Japanese cultural experiences, calligraphy and origami. Lunch at a local restaurant is included. Spend the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay at the Westin Miyako Hotel - Kyoto.
Day 5 After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend your morning sightseeing in Osaka, including visits to the 16th-century Osaka Castle and Shiten-nouji Temple. The Buddhist Temple is typical of the Asuka Period, and was built by Shotoku Taishi 1,400 years ago. Following lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the Osaka Tempo-zan Port and your waiting cruiseship.


Notes
Program includes: Two nights at the Westin Miyako - Kyoto, Two nights at the Imperial Hotel - Tokyo, Half-day orientation tour of Osaka, Full-day tour of Kyoto, Full-day tour of Tokyo, Visit to Mount Fuji and lake cruise, Transfer between Odawara and Kyoto by Bullet Train, Breakfast daily, Three lunches, Transfers as applicable. Guests booking this program as a PRE cruise tour will fly into Tokyo. The official hotel check-in time is 3 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. To ensure early check-in, you have the option of purchasing hotel accommodations for an extra night. Late check-out may be arranged and paid directly to the hotel on a space availability basis. Your hotel stay includes breakfast, tax, service charges and luggage handling.