Day 1/2

Day 1 • Depart North America for Tokyo, Japan

Day 2 • Arrive in Narita, Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s largest metropolis! Upon arriving at the airport, you will be escorted to your nearby hotel by a Super Value representative where you can take time to explore Narita or rest for tomorrow’s sightseeing.(Dinner)

Day 3

Day 3 • Tokyo

Begin your tour at the Imperial Palace, home to Japan’s Imperial Family, then on to Asakusa’s Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most festive temple. Visit the world famous Ginza which is Japan’s quintessential, up-scale shopping district lined with high-fashion/high-tech labels and department stores. Following an afternoon visit to the beautifully serene Meiji Shrine, we are allotted free time in Shinjuku, otherwise known as Tokyo’s playground, with the Shinjuku city guide information provided by Super Value Tours, you can explore the nightlife of this magical city. Here, you can also explore Shinjuku train station, an amazing sprawling mini-metropolis in itself. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Imperial Palace The Imperial Palace is the current home to the Emperor and his family. Surrounded by public parks, the palace is immersed within a sea of majestic bonsai trees, creating a quintessential oasis engulfed within the city. Though public entrance is only permitted twice a year, the castle itself is a relevant cultural symbol and regarded as a must-see site for visitors. Asakusa Asakusa is the well-preserved and still vivacious old Edo district. It is best known for the Sensoji Temple, the oldest and most popular temple in the city where yearly festivals are held. Thousands of locals celebrate here every year to commemorate the life of Buddha. Through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) leading to the temple is the famous Nakamise Dori, an area that has won itself a festive reputation, attracting many local specialists who sell unique Japanese delicacies within its crowded streets. Ginza In Ginza, set your soles on some of the most expensive real estate on our planet. This part of Tokyo is the quintessential, high-end shopping mecca for people to see and be seen. In Ginza not everything (or anything) is affordable, but for the same reason people visit Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles or Fifth Avenue in New York, the intrigue is the essence of the surroundings. So whether you’re browsing the extravagant department stores and towering, glossy retail shops or simply lounging with a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as you watch Tokyo’s high society pass by. Meiji Shrine The Meiji Shrine was built in 1920 for the worship of the Meiji Emperor and his wife, Empress Shoken. The main wooden torii (gateways used to separate sacred spaces from the secular) erected on the walkway to the main sanctum was made from the timber of imported juniper trees at least 1,500 years old. Flourishing trees fill the surrounding gardens and with birds chirping in the background, the atmosphere is peaceful but solemn. Every new year, over three million people visit the Meiji Shrine, making it the most popular place to commemorate the year in Tokyo. It is also where locals come to pay respects to late emperor Meiji’s enshrined soul, making it a place symbolic of celebration and solemn spiritual reverence. Shinjuku Shinjuku is an area otherwise known as Tokyo’s playground where we can explore the nightlife of the magical city. This district exemplifies modern Tokyo and boasts countless movie theaters, department stores, fashion boutiques, shopping plazas, neon signs, restaurants, and a dizzying array of most everything Tokyo has to offer. At Shinjuku Station, Tokyo’s busiest station, an estimated 3.3 million people pass by per day, making it the busiest station in the world. Here, we can also explore Shinjuku train station, a spectacular sprawling mini-metropolis in itself.

Day 4

Day 4 • Hakone • Atami

We begin the morning at The Hakone National park, located at the foot of Mount Fuji. On clear days, Japan’s highest peak can be admired from all three major attractions in the park: Lake Ashi, the Hakone Ropeway, and Owakudani Valley. We spend our night in Atami, a coastal vacationing spot for local Japanese. Surrounded by breathtaking ocean vistas, experience an onsen resort hotel where you can indulge in the amenities only found with hotspring. Together, we dine over a celebratory kaiseki dinner and partake in the most loved and appreciated Japanese pastime ever invented- Karaoke!(3 meals)

The Hakone National park For years the beauty of Mount Fuji, with its distinguishable snow-covered cone and perennially colorful landscapes has inspired poems and famous works of art. The Hakone National park, graced by layers of flourishing foliage, is located at the foot of Mount Fuji and engulfed by surrounding hills. With the emerald green Lake Ashi located right in the park’s center and Mount Fuji rising in the background, the breathtaking scenery is regarded as the best that Japan has to offer. The Hakone Ropeway While on the ropeway, take in the beautiful sight of the crystal blue Lake Ashi and the lava steam emitting from the Owakudani Valley. If the weather is clear, you can also admire the majesty of Mount Fuji. Lake Ashi Among the ten great lakes of Japan, its bright green reflections highlight the sea of mountains that surrounds it. It is the most precious jewel of Hakone National Park. In fact, it is believed the best view of the magnificent Mount Fuji is from Lake Ashi. Owakudani Valley (“Valley of Great Boiling”) emits the smell of smell of fizzing sulfur from miles away. This once active volcanic area still boils with life. So hot is the natural spring water that it is used to cook black boiled eggs; it is fabled that eating one egg adds seven years of life! To reach Owakudani, we take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, a brief cable car ride where, weather permitting, we’ll be able to admire Japan’s highest peak from an elevated perspective. Atami Atami (its name literally meaning “hot ocean”) is a coastal, hot spring holiday spot for vacationing Japanese. With its countless beaches, coastlines, natural hot springs and comfortable weather conditions, Atami has become a year-round vacation hotspot. It is in this area of the peninsula that one can find hot springs with a recorded history of more than a thousand years. The area is now recognized in Japan as a prominent hot spring center.

Day 5

Day 5 • Atami • Osaka • Nada • Kobe • Osaka

Start the day with a ride on the Shinkansen Bullet Train, one of the fastest trains in the world. This experience transitions you between the modern Kanto region and the more traditional Kansai area where we will first visit Osaka Castle, the largest castle in Japan and offers fantastic view from top floor and exhibits relevant historical information about Japan’s reunification in the late fifteen hundreds. Venture into Nada, a district famous for its deliciously pure water, the primary ingredient in producing Japan’s finest sake. We will tour a local brewery and partake in taste-testing. For dinner, we spend the night in Kobe to enjoy Kobe Beef, teppanyaki style. Spend the remainder of the night relaxing at the Mosaic Kobe Harborland, an atmospheric rendezvous spot where locals come to shop, socialize, and stroll peacefully by the waterfront.(3 meals)

Osaka Castle Our train trip transitions us between the modern Kanto region (eastern Japan) and the more traditional Kansai (western Japan) area where we will visit Osaka Castle, the largest castle in Japan. The structure, now presented as a museum, offers fantastic views from the top floor and exhibits with relevant historical information about Japan’s reunification in the late fifteen hundreds. Nada Nada is highly reputed all over Japan for having the perfect combination of elements for sake brewing including water quality, rice composition, and climate. This is relevant to the tradition of sake brewing because amongst the countless things unique to Japan, sake is one of the most important. Sake drinking is a popular pastime for business and pleasure and most locals consider it an important part of their culture. In Nada, we too can indulge in a little drinking (adults only!) as we take you on a tour through a local sake brewery (similar to an American micro-brewery) where our hosts will teach us about the art of sake brewing via demonstrations and taste-testing. We’ve expressly selected this brewery out of this area’s dozens for its quality and service. They also recently received an award for best sake in the annual Belgium sake contest. Mosaic Harborland Spend the remainder of the night at the Mosaic Kobe Harborland, a popular rendezvous spot amongst locals. At night, this romantic ocean-side getaway is where people come to shop, indulge in desserts and take late night strolls by the waterfront. It is a scenic opportunity that captures Kobe’s authentic nightlife.

Day 6

Day 6 • Nara • Kyoto

The day start off at Nara Park, we will play with free roaming deer, fabled messengers from the heavens. Inside the park is Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark and home to Nara Daibutsu, the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. In Kyoto, we visit the beautiful Nijo Castle, personal residence of the great Shogun Tokugawa. The evening is spent in Gion, the geisha district of Kyoto, a bustling late-night hangout. Tonight after dinner, you will be provided with a map of Kyoto to discover the city on your own. (3 meals)

Nara Nara was the original capital of Japan and is today considered a symbol of spiritual tranquility. In Japan, deer are fabled messengers of the heavens and many of them run wild in the peaceful, green pastures of Nara Park. In fact, these deer are quite sociable (even forward at times) and are considered a major drawing point for visitors. However, the park’s main attraction is the Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark claimed to be the world’s largest wooden edifice. Todai-Ji Temple Inside the Todai-ji is Nara Daibutsu, one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues. Visitors come from around the world to visit this humbling and immaculate figure in hopes of attaining a little extra luck. Kyoto Admirers have claimed that Kyoto, Japan’s second capital, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In this city alone 17 landmarks have been inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage list. Kyoto is a city known for its sophistication and grace which can be seen within the tranquil, cobble-stoned alleyways and the city’s refined citizens. Nijo Castle Built in 1603, the Nijo Castle was the personal residence of the great Tokugawa Shogunate. The site is a history buff’s paradise as some of the most pivotal moments in Japanese history have occurred within the confines of this castle. The structure itself is a work of art in terms of its traditional Japanese architecture. After visiting the castle, we encourage our guests to take in the magnificent beauty of the surrounding gardens. Gion Gion is the geisha district of Kyoto. It is not unusual to catch a glimpse of geisha dawning full regalia stepping lightly through the streets at night. This part of town is bustling with nightlife where locals come to eat, shop and be entertained. Guests are given free time to explore this sector of Kyoto to join in the festivities.

Day 7

Day 7 • Kameoka • Kyoto • Lake Biwa

The day starts with a scenic ride along the Sagano Romantic Train following the rushing rivers of the breathtaking Hozagawa Valley. Outside of Arashiyama, take a brief walk along the bamboo path, a fairytale-like forest, to Tenryuji Temple. Afterwards, a visit at Kinkakuji Temple, built as a chateau for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it now serves as a Buddhist temple. At the Nishijin Textile Center, observe Japan’s rich and luxurious textile culture through a kimono fashion show. Spend the night at a lakeside Japanese hot spring resort. Tonight after change to ukata enjoy a Kyoto styled kaiseki banquet, an extensive meal created from the most refined and delicate seasonal ingredients. (3 meals)

Sagano Romantic Train We will start the day off taking a slow, relaxing ride along the Saganao Romantic Train. The train follows the Hozagawa Valley with its rushing rivers and colorful, seasonal foliage. We hope you will breeze through the natural valley, a wonderful way to start off the day. Arashiyama Just outside Kyoto lies Arashiyama, a quaint mixture of shops and natural wonders encircled by vast mountain area. With every season comes a different charm which has long made Arashiyama a popular getaway for residents any given time of the year. Take a walk along the Bamboo Walking Path where tall, slender bamboo reeds tower towards the sun, creating a shaded enclosure around a balmy pathway. Rows and rows of soft, smooth colors of green line the road, making this scenic spot the archetype of Japanese tranquility. Further along is the Tenryuji Temple, yet another site in Kyoto honored by the UNESCO World Heritage list. The temple’s graceful Japanese garden is one of the oldest in Japan, built for nobility in 1339. Togetsukyo In the graceful art of the Japanese language, Togetsukyo translates to ‘moon-crossing’ bridge. Located in the heart of Arashiyama, this timber bridge offers stellar views of the mountain backdrop and blooming spring flowers. Lingering lovers stroll across the Oi-gawa River much like those pictured in Japanese love stories. Bamboo Walking Path A flourishing bamboo forest that lies near the Arashiyama train station occupies bamboo trees of cloud-reaching heights which sway with alluring beauty at the passing of a breeze. Take a stroll on a forest trail to discover hidden poetry within the engulfing serenity.hours. Kinkaku-Ji As if constructed from a million golden sheets of origami, the Golden Pavilion Temple (Kinkaku-ji) seems to hover above water. The top two levels of Kinkaku-ji are covered in actual gold leaf, making it a truly spectacular sight on a brightly lit day. Built as a château for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it now serves as a Buddhist temple. ishijin Textile Center In Japan, textiles are revered as a significant form of art and the Japanese specialize in weaving rich, silky fabrics. The Nishijin Textile Center offers us a chance to observe spinning techniques as well as a modern, slightly kitchy, but fun version of a kimono fashion show. A plethora of handmade items are available in the showroom.

Day 8

Day 8 • Kyoto • Osaka

Kiyomizu Temple is peaceful and nature-filled playground of sorts, perfect for a morning stroll. We venture off to Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, old-fashioned side streets of Kyoto lined with shops selling local specialties. At the Kyoto Imperial Palace we will observe where Japanese Emperors lived at once and architecture at its finest. Spend the night experiencing Osaka’s nightlife in shopping and food districts Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori on your own with the city guide provided by Super Value Tours.(Breakfast and Lunch)

Kiyomizu Temple Aside from the stellar views of Kyoto from the overhanging cliffs, Kiyomizu Temple is a favorite visiting ground because the surrounding area is undoubtedly breathtaking. It is also perhaps the most well known attraction in Kyoto because of the many different shrines, some of which offer blessings in love or health. A drink from the natural spring is said to offer luck and is a refreshing treat on sunny days where hours can be spent traversing the different pathways beyond the temple. Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka Aside from the stellar views of Kyoto from the overhanging cliffs, Kiyomizu Temple is a favorite visiting ground because the surrounding area is undoubtedly breathtaking. It is also perhaps the most well known attraction in Kyoto because of the many different shrines, some of which offer blessings in love or health. A drink from the natural spring is said to offer luck and is a refreshing treat on sunny days where hours can be spent traversing the different pathways beyond the temple. Kyoto Imperial Palace The Kyoto Imperial Palace is another great feat in Japanese architecture. Outside, the palace is surrounded by regal bonsai trees and lush Japanese gardens built by the Tokugawa government. A stroll around the luxurious vicinity offers a look into the lives of royalty. Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori streets are the heart of Osaka’s shopping district. The surrounding nightlife is constantly moving with vibrant excitement. The area offers hundreds of different food and snack options to choose from which can be enjoyed while watching local crowds moving about. The relentless energy of the lights, movement and sounds around you will keep you entertained for hours.

Day 9

Day 9 • Osaka • Departure

You will be escorted to the airport for your next destination by a Super Value representative. Sai-yo-na-ra (Good bye - Since it must be so)! (Breakfast)