Day 1/2

Day 1 • Depart North America for Osaka, Japan

Day 2 • Arrive in Osaka

Welcome to Osaka! Known as Japan’s commercial and culinary capital, Osaka features an atmosphere completely distinct from Tokyo. Upon arriving at the airport, you will be escorted to your hotel by a Super Value representative where you can take time to explore the area or rest for tomorrow’s sightseeing.(Dinner)

Day 3

Day 3 • Osaka • Nada • Kobe

A morning tour of Osaka city will give you a diverse view of life in modern Japan. Pay a visit to a local marketplace to see fresh produce and other foods. After lunch, visit Osaka Castle, the largest castle in Japan. Learn about Japan’s reunification in the late 1500's with the detailed models and exhibits inside. Venture into Nada, a district famous for its deliciously pure water, used to produce Japan’s finest sake where you can visit a local brewery and partake in taste-testing. For dinner, 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 Enclosed by mountainous terrain on three sides and the crescent-shaped Osaka Bay to its west, the Osaka region is located in the outskirts of Japan’s Midwest. The area was fueled by a network of transportation channels by land and sea and also in close proximity to two ancient capitals, Kyoto and Nara. Consequently, by the 9th century, Osaka had grown into the largest commercial center in Japan. Sakisyu Seaside Cosmo The only area that connects between the underwater tunnel and Osaka. A piece of land that can see Osaka port and Mt. Tempoza (the lowest mountain in Japan) from far away. Nipponbashi Denden Town Known as the “Electric Shop Street” in Osaka, closely resembling Akihabara in Tokyo. Kuromon Market Also called “The kitchen of Osaka”, this market is the most active and busiest food market in Osaka where approximately over 180 of their food shops sell a variety of the freshest food. This definitely a must for visitors! Osaka Castle Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583, the current Osaka castle, five stories on the outside and eight stories on the inside, is the result of a privately-financed renovation completed in 1931. The first seven stories are devoted to museum display while the eighth floor serves as the observation deck. The Osaka Castle is not only the largest castle in Japan, but also the trademark of Osaka tourism. Nada The district of Nada in Kobe City boasts fine quality (shrine) water perfect for brewing sake and producing high quality rice. When the transport of cargo by sea became widely available in 18th century, the area has since thrived on sake production. Nada sake is now highly reputed all over Japan. Sake Brewery Museum The building operated as a brewery long before being renovated into a museum. There you will learn interesting details about the brewing of sake and be introduced to the brewery equipments of the past. Complimentary tasting is included! Kobe Kobe was the hub of a thriving trade with China during the Southern Sung Dynasty. In 1867, the Tokugawa Shogunate signed the An-zheng Treaty with the United States fleet, thus forcing Kobe to open its trade with the west. For over a hundred years thereafter, Western and Japanese civilization blended in Kobe, resulting in a now highly graceful and charming culture intertwined of diversity. Neither Europeans nor Americans ever imagined that the people of Kobe, who used to be the ones to imitate practices of drinking coffee, eating steak, and baking pastry would now be the ones setting the par that others now imitate. The steaks, coffee, and pastry of Kobe have risen to worldwide prominence. Mosaic Kobe Harborland This seaside shopping center with its three level open-space design makes for a great shopping time. The unconventional walkways are connected to each other by stairs and bridges. Every turn you take brings you to another surprise. The center features close to 100 popular establishments, including all types of restaurants, fashion boutiques, variety goods stores, and jewelry shops. Once you’re there, you won’t want to leave!

Day 4

Day 4 • Nara • Kyoto

The day starts off at Nara Park. 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, visit the beautiful Nijo Castle, personal residence of the great Shogun Tokugawa. Spend the night at a lakeside Japanese hot spring resort. After an early check-in, change into a traditional Japanese robe or yukata, and enjoy a bath in the relaxing hot springs. Dinner is served as a Kyoto-style Kaiskei banquet where you can engage in one of the most famous Japanese inventions: Karaoke! (3 meals)

Nara Nara is considered the spiritual home of the Japanese. Approximately 1,500 years ago, the four islands of Japan were divided among warring clans. It was not until the birth of the Yamato dynasty based in Nara that Japan first gained the semblance of a nation and began its own recorded history. It was during this era in Nara that Japan’s national identity was first formed and the foundation of a unified civilization was first laid. Nara Park The park not only showcases many important historical monuments of Nara (such as the Todaiji, the Kofukuji, the Nara Public Museum, and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine), but also keeps a number of spotted deer for the enjoyment of visitors. There crackers are sold so visitors can feed the deer. Nara Daibutsu Standing 14.98 meters tall, weighing 380 tons, with a face that stretches 5.33 meters and a 3.6 meter long hand, the Nara Daibutsu is the biggest bronze statue of Buddha in the world. Rumor has it that you will get astounding results from your fortune telling drawings in the presence of this kind-faced Buddha. Try it and see for yourself! Nijo Castle Built in 1603, the Nijo Castle in Kyoto was the personal residence of the great Shogun Tokugawa. Apart from its splendid architecture, the castle has witnessed two major historical events within the last 400 years. The first when Toyotomi Hideyori formally surrendered to Tokugawa Ieyasu inside the castle, officially ending the civil war and the second when Tokugawa Yoshinobu announced inside this castle the return of sovereignty to the Meiji Emperor, officially ending Shogunate governance in Japan.

Day 5

Day 5 • Kyoto

Kiyomizu Temple is peaceful and nature-filled playground of sorts, perfect for a morning stroll. Venture off to Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, old-fashioned side streets of Kyoto lined with shops selling local specialties. Afterwards, pay 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, learn about Kyoto’s rich and luxurious textile culture through a kimono fashion show. This evening is spent with free time in Gion, the geisha district of Kyoto, a bustling late night hang out. Before dinner, you will be provided with a map of Kyoto to discover the city on your own. (3 meals)

Kyoto Kyoto was the nation’s capitol for a period of 1075 years (from 794 to 1869 A.D.) and is now considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city draws its beauty from its sophisticated, unique art culture and its rich, glorious history. It is no surprise that Kyoto lays claim to 17 of the world’s landmarks which have been inducted into UNESCO’s World Heritage list (Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Nijo Castle, Tenryuji Temple, etc.). Kiyomizu Temple It is the oldest temple and the most renowned tourist spot in Kyoto. The temple was built in the year 798, occupying a total of 130,000 square meters. The current temple is a 1633 restoration and is based mainly on a pillar and beam framework. The main sanctum, built against the wall of a cliff, is 19 meters in width and 16 meters in depth. Directly in front of the main sanctum is an elevated “Kiyomizu Stage” that is propped up by 139 wooden pillars. From there, you have a beautiful view of Kyoto city. Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka Designated by Japan as an important historical architectural preservation district. The age of the district is evident where well-preserved streets emanate an air of the distant past. The shops that fill these streets sell local specialty goods of Kyoto such as Kiyomizu (pottery ware), Yusen-Zome (colorful and artisan tapestry), hsichimiya (type of seasoning), otabe (sweet snack made of dough), tsukemono (pickled products), Kyogashi (assortment of sweets), traditional hand-held fans, incense, green tea, and more. Kinkakuji Temple Built in 1397, it was originally a country chateau for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, later named Rokuonji and converted into a Buddhist temple. Because it is covered with gold foil, the temple is also known as Kinkakuji. Mishima Yukio, the Japanese novelist and political radical, used this place as a setting for his widely celebrated novel, “Kinkakuji”, making this scenic spot internationally known. Nishijin Textile Center Nishijin fabric is a fine quality textile produced by the Nishijin district to make kimonos. The Nishijin Textile Center was established by professionals within the textile industry to introduce its history and development , and to serve as a showroom for textile products. The center offers on-site weaving demonstrations and Kimono fashion shows. Gion Gion was a red light district during the Edo period. Today, apart from the presence of many traditional shops, still hidden within the streets and alleys are many of the classic up-scale tea houses and ryotei (traditional Japanese inns). The art of Geishas entertaining guests with their dances still exists in this area. If you are lucky, you may run into a genuine, fully-costumed Geisha of Kyoto while roaming these streets.

Day 6

Day 6 • Kameoka • Kyoto • Osaka

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. At the Kyoto Imperial Palace, observe where Japanese Emperors once lived and see traditional architecture at its finest. Spend the night exploring Osaka’s nightlife in the rich food and shopping districts of Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori on your own with our our included city maps. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Sagano Romantic Train The entire length of the train ride is 7.3 kilometers. It takes about 25 minutes to travel the entire distance one way. This romantic train route winds along the pleasant Hozagawa river valley. Cherry blossoms overwhelm this area during spring, lush greenery covers the landscape during summer, and crimson maple leaves color the entire mountain during autumn. Let this amazing natural scenery immerse you in joyful tranquility. Sagano/Arashiyama The Sagano is a retreat destination used by ancient nobility for pleasure excursions. The scenery is sublime, especially when cherry blossoms surface in the spring and when maple leaves turn bright red in the fall. Thus, the area has been known for ageds as a prime location for observing these wonders of nature. Meanwhile, old town Arashiyama has kept intact many of its antiquated dwellings and temples. All of its residents maintain cherry trees and maple trees in their yards so this old town can express even more of its irrisistible charm during the spring and autumn seasons. Togetsukyo Bridge Serving as the center of the Arashiyama scenic area, the bridge of a timber surface stretches over the Oi-gawa River with its frame resting on steel pillars. Its antiquated beauty complements the pristine natural surroundings of Arashiyama. 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. Tenryuji Temple It is figuratively regarded as the first of five magnificent “mountains” in Kyoto (the word “mountain” in Japanese also means Buddhist sect). The garden, designed by Musō Soseki, features a circular promenade around the Sōgen Pond, blending to perfection the elegance of nobility lifestyle and profound tranquility of Zen Buddhism. It is one of the most famous gardens in Kyoto and is also registered as a Unisco’s World Heritage Landmark. Kyoto Imperial Palace This palace is formerly the residence of emperors. Important ceremonies were performed in the main hall, a key section of the palace. It was in this hall that the emperors Tasho, Showa, and Heisei each held their coronation ceremonies. The Small Court Room (Kogosho) in the northern section was used by the emperor to receive dukes and earls and in the Ogakumonsho (Imperial Study) on the east side, the emperor composed his songs and poetry. The Oike-niwa, is a large, cleverly-designed Japanese garden, beautifully adorned with a bridge, flowing water, and fine sand. Shinsaibashi Here in the largest and most significant shopping district in Osaka, you will find a gathering of giant shopping malls, more traditional stores, and an endless array of tiny shops owned and run by the locals. There are also numerous eateries, among which you will not only find a wide variety of Japanese food, but also cuisines from all over the world. Dotonbori Assembled within this area of no more than 200 meters wide and 700 meters long serves the most fancy and happening restaurants of Osaka. The area also has the highest concentration of eateries serving Japanese delicacies. Osaka is reputed as “the kitchen of the world” and Dotonbori is no less than its culinary center.

Day 7

Day 7 • Depart from Osaka

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)