Seoul, South Korea Maiko geishas, Kyoto, Japan
DAY 9 • Tokyo • Taiko drumming experience • Explore Asakusa Visit a taiko( traditional Japanese drums) studio, and learn about these instruments with a drum master. Then, explore the Asakusa area, and stroll down streets lined with shops, as well as visit the oldest temple in Tokyo. Meals: B, L | Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
DAY 10 • Tokyo • Optional Mount Fuji Discoveries tour Explore Tokyo at your own pace. Or, you may choose to join our full-day optional excursion, Mount Fuji Discoveries, and explore the artistic
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 12, visit a family-owned pearl farm in Toba, Japan where we’ ll meet with the local ama, or“ sea women.” and natural wonders of Japan’ s Kawaguchiko region, including a stop to view iconic Mount Fuji. Meals: B | Lotte City Hotel Kinshicho or similar
DAY 11 • Tokyo • Bullet train to Nagoya • Train ride to Ise • Shrine visit • Toba Board the shinkansen, or bullet train, to Nagoya, followed by a ride on the express train to Ujiyamada Station. Then, visit the Ise Shrine complex, with structures dating back 2,000 years. Dinner is at our hotel, styled after a traditional ryokan— typically an elaborate, multicourse meal. Meals: B, D | Hotel Todaya or similar
DAY 12 • Toba • Meet local ama Visit a pearl farming family for a hands-on experience harvesting pearls. Then, have lunch with the local ama,“ sea women” who free dive without a breathing apparatus, and learn about their profession and lifestyle. Meals: B, L, D | Hotel Todaya or similar
DAY 13 • Toba • Train ride to Kyoto • Excursion to Nara • Todaiji Temple Depart for Kyoto by train. Along the way, stop to visit Nara’ s eighth-century Todaiji Temple. As we explore, we’ ll likely notice another charming feature of its park area: its tame, free-roaming deer. Then, enjoy free time in Kyoto.
Meals: B, L, D | Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae or similar
DAY 14 • Kyoto • Traditional maiko demonstration • Kinkakuji Temple • Nishiki Market Take part in a tour of Kyoto including the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Then, enjoy a traditional maiko performance during lunch, followed by a visit to Kinkakuji Temple. Afterwards, we’ ll head to explore Nishiki Market.
Meals: B, L | Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae or similar
DAY 15 • Kyoto • Tenryuji Garden • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Witness the scenic beauty of the Arashiyama district, including Tenryuji Garden, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the sprawling Nijo Castle Complex. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Meals: B, L, D | Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae or similar
DAY 16 • Return to U. S. Transfer to the airport in Osaka for your flight home, or on to Hiroshima: City of Peace if you’ re taking our post-trip extension.
Meals: B
Want to know more? Find the full itinerary and dates & pricing at www. oattravel. com / jko
32 South Korea & Japan: Temples, Shrines & Seaside Treasures