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Art island Naoshima and Kumano Tour 11 days

Cherry Blossom with Naoshima 11 days

amanohashidate

Ine Funaya

Naoshima

Kumano


The new discovery of Japan!! Stay in art island Naoshima, Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and unexplored regions for foreign tourists.

Tour Date : March.28 - April.07, 2018
Nights: 11 days 10 nights
Price: USD 3,800   Book Now!

Destinations
Osaka / Amanohashidate / Ine / Kinosaki onsen / Okayama / Naoshima / Kotohira / Tokushima / Mt.Koya / Kumano / Ise / Nara / Osaka

Wifi is available in the bus. wifi

Itinerary & Price Details

MAP

※View from a coach


Tour Date(Day 1 of the Itinerary to the end ): March.28 - April.07, 2018
Nights: 11 days 10 nights
Price: USD 3,800
Single room supplement:USD 800
Price (age 4-11): USD1,900

Extend Plan

You can also extend your vacation before / after the tour in Tokyo, Osaka. We can provide extension stay in the same hotel which as a tour uses for 15,000 yen per night, per person. Please contact us!


Child Rate

Please note that children age 4-11 participant are half price when sharing a bed with their parents or guardians.
Children age 3 and under participant are free of charge.

PLEASE NOTE

All prices are per person, based on double or triple occupancy.
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!

TOUR COST INCLUDES

8 nights Western style and 1 nights Japanese style and 1 night at Shukubo (guest house of temple in Koyasan) accommodation
Meet and greet upon arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Private coach transfers between destinations in Japan
Comprehensive escorted with our licensed professional English speaking tour guide
Meals described as in the itinerary
Admission fees and activities
Entry fees to sites, gardens, and museums listed in the itinerary

TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

International Airfares
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
Gratuities

ADDITION INFORMATION

Transport : Travel by air conditioned, private coach, baggage handling free
Arrival/Departure Airports : For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX)
Meal Requests : Vegetarian, halal or special meals can be arranged
Meet and Greet : Please note that the meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY availableii on the first day of the tour after 10:00 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, please arrange your own hotel transfer
Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • 46 days or more prior to arrival date in Japan: no penalty
  • 45-31 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 10% of the tour fee
  • 30-15 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 20% of the tour fee
  • 14- 8 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 30% of the tour fee
  • 7 - 3 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 50% of the tour fee
  • Less than 3 days prior to arrival date in Japan: 100% of the tour fee
  • ※The cancellation fee is based on the date (Japan Standard Time).
DAY1
Osaka castle

KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - OSAKA     28.Mar,2018 (Wed)
Welcome to Tokyo! You will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant at the airport. The assistant will get you in the bus to your hotel.

You can also extend your vacation before / after the tour in Osaka. Please contact us!


【About accomodation】
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka (WiFi=○) or similar
It is located in central Osaka and there are various kinds of restaurants due to the city is called "City of Food".

【Meals】   ×=Not include, ○=Include
B(breakfast)=×, L(lunch)=×, D(dinner)=×

Day2
Kitakinki tango railwayOSAKA - MAIZURU - AMANOHASHIDATE   29.Mar,2018 (Thu)
We start the day to head out to Nishimaizuru station by bus ,then transfer to the Kitakinki Tango Railway. We took the 50 minute ride between Nishi-Maizuru and Amanohashidate. From the train window, we could see several sandy beaches as we swished along the coast.
After the beautiful scenery short railroad trip, we will do sightseeing of Amanohashidat. We get on a cable car to the Kasamatsu park on the hill.
We also visit to the Nariai-ji Temple, is one of the 33 temples that are visited along the Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage in Western Japan. Appropriately, the temple's main object of worship is a carved wooden statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, that dates from the Heian Period.
Amanohashidate, the meaning of which is roughly bridge in heaven, is a 3.6 kilometer long, pine tree covered sand bar. It spans across Miyazu Bay on the Tango Peninsula, northern Kyoto Prefecture. It is ranked as one of Japan's three most scenic views.
Today, we stay at Amanohashidate area.


Amanohashidate

【About accomodation】
Miyatsu Royal Hotel (WiFi=○) or similar
The hotel which overlooks one of the three most beautiful views in Japan Amanohashidate. There are not only large communal bath but also open-air hot spring bath set in the cave.

【Meals】   ×=Not include, ○=Include
B(breakfast)=○, L(lunch)=○, D(dinner)=○

Day3
Ine Funaya

AMANOHASHIDATE - INE - TANGO PENINSULA - KINOSAKI ONSEN
30.Mar,2018 (Fri)
This is the day we visit Tango peninsula. The first stop is the town of Ine, lies within this “Kyoto by the Sea” region, and is a traditional area where the closest lifestyle to the sea in Japan continues even in the present day. In the town of Ine there are unique buildings called funaya, and a lifestyle which is centred on the fishing and farming industries has been carried on since olden times. Then, we also visit to sake brewery in the Funaya area.

Our journey will continue to north side of Tango peninsula. We stop at Kyoga-misaki cape, where is overlooking the Japan Sea. Kotohiki-hama Beach famous for naki-suna (the sand that makes sound when treaded on it). 

We then head out to Kinosaki Onsen area. Kinosaki is a laid-back place to roam around and soak in hot springs. Its biggest attractions are its Onsen, of which there are seven open to the public. Guests staying in town stroll the canal from bath to bath wearing Yukata ( summer kimono ) and Geta ( wooden sandals ). Most of the ryokan and hotels in town have their own Uchi-yu ( private baths ), but also provide their guests with free tickets to the public ones ( Soto-yu ). There are also a number of Ashi-yu, "foot baths" around town where you can soak your feet for free.




Kinosaki onsen

【About accomodation】
Tsuruya Ryokan (WiFi=×) or similar
It has large onsen (hot spring). Please enjoy taking bath.

【Meals】   ×=Not include, ○=Include
B(breakfast)=○, L(lunch)=○, D(dinner)=○

Day4
Izushi

KINOSAKI ONSEN - IZUSHI - OKAYAMA   31.Mar,2018 (Sat)
We start the dayto head out to Izushi, is a historical town described in the ancient books. Izushi is a small castle town now part of the city of Toyooka in northern Hyogo. It’s famous for its old-Japan atmosphere.

We drive to Korakuen-garden in Okayama. It is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Okayama Korakuen is a cultural heritage site for the world to treasure. The construction of garden was completed in 1700 and it was used as a place for entertaining important guests and also as a retreat for daimyo, although regular folk could also visit on certain days. In 1884, ownership was transferred to Okayama Prefecture and the garden was opened to the public.


Kourakuen garden

【About accomodation】
VIA INN Okayama Hotel (WiFi=○) or similar
The hotel is directly connected to the Okayama station.

【Meals】   ×=Not include, ○=Include
B(breakfast)=○, L(lunch)=○, D(dinner)=○

Day5
Naoshima

OKAYAMA - NAOSHIMA    01.Apr,2018 (Sun)
After leaving Okayama, we go over to Naoshima by a ferry from the Uno Port.
Naoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea that is known for its modern art museums, architecture and sculptures. Much of Naoshima's art was installed by the Benesse Corporation, which oversees art museums, installations and sculptures both on Naoshima and on neighboring islands. Benesse's museums were designed by the well known Japanese architect Ando Tadao and include the Chichu Art Museum and all the buildings of the Benesse House.
We visit Chichu Art Museum, Benesse house museum, Ando museum and Art house project.
Chichu Art Museum was constructed in 2004 as a site rethinking the relationship between nature and people. The museum was built mostly underground to avoid affecting the beautiful natural scenery of the Seto Inland sea. Artworks by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria are on permanent display in this building designed by Tadao Ando.
Benesse house Museum opened in 1992 as a facility integrating a museum with a hotel, based on the concept of "coexistence of nature, art and architecture." Designed by Tadao Ando, the facility is built on high ground overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and features large apertures that serve to open up the interior to the splendid natural surroundings.
A Tadao Ando-designed inner space, framed by unadorned concrete walls, infuses new life in this about 100-year-old traditional wooden house in Honmura. Here, contrasting elements of past/present, wood/concrete, light/shadow overlap in this space which condenses the essence of Tadao Ando's architecture. Learn about Ando's work and Naoshima history through photographs, sketches, and models, and see how the museum itself has revived this venerable old house.
Art house project, in this project, artists take empty houses scattered about residential areas and turn the spaces themselves into works of art, weaving in history and memories of the period when the buildings were lived in and used. Going from one of the houses to another, visitors pass through the Honmura district, where everyday life unfolds around them, in the process not only engaging with works of art, but also sensing the layers of time and history interwoven in the community and the fabric of local people's lives.

Naoshima

【About accomodation】
Benesse house or similar
Benesse House Museum opened in 1992 as a facility integrating a museum with a hotel, based on the concept of "coexistence of nature, art and architecture." Designed by Tadao Ando, the facility is built on high ground overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and features large apertures that serve to open up the interior to the splendid natural surroundings.

【Meals】   ×=Not include, ○=Include
B(breakfast)=○, L(lunch)=○, D(dinner)=○

Day6
Kompira-san

NAOSHIMA - TAKAMATSU - KOTOHIRA - TOKUSHIMA   02.Apr,2018 (Mon)
In the morning we leave Naoshima by ferry to Takamatsu.
Kotohira-gu ( also known as Kompira-san ) is a shinto shrine, is patron of sea ship transport and sailor. Located at 521 metres (1,709 ft) halfway to the top of Mount Zōzu, the shrine stands at the end of a long path, with 785 steps to the main shrine and a total of 1368 steps to the inner shrine.

Then, we will drive to the Tokushima, and stop by Awa-dance museum, has been almost every day, conducted performances of the Awa dance. You can viewing the performance of 40 minutes due to the exclusive communication with the Awaodori Kaikan Museum "wind of Awa". From old-fashioned dance to modern dance, please refer to the dance how that has changed along with the changing times.



Tamatsukuri Onsen Hotel

【About accomodation】
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokushima (WiFi=○) or similar

【Meals】   ×=Not include, ○=Include
B(breakfast)=○, L(lunch)=○, D(dinner)=○

Day7
Okunoin

TOKUSHIMA - Mt.KOYA    03.Apr,2018 (Tue)
Leaving Shikoku with a 2 hour boat ride to Honshu island, the tour continues to the sacred training spot of Buddhist monks at Koyasan mountains. 117 temples are located 1,000m (about 3,000ft) above sea level and Koyasan is designated as World Heirtage site of UNESCO.
The legendary monk Kobodaishi is one of the most historical religious figures. The mausoleum of Kobodaishi, Okunoin and lined up tall cedar trees approach to the mausoleum makes the area sacred atmosphere. And we can’t miss Danjo garan. Konpon Daito(Great Pagoda) is planned by Kobo Daishi,as a center of his monastic camplex. Canstruction began in 816,and was nearly completed some seventy years later. The design is a three-dimensional expression of the mandalas of Shingon Buddhism.Images of the eight patriaechs of Shingon Buddhism are also painted in the corners of the structure. We proceed to Kongobuji. Kongobuji is the administrative head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism.



Iwami Ginzan

【About accomodation】
Shukubo Sekisyo-in (Guest house managed by temple) or similar
Please enjoy experiencing Shojin Ryori (vegetarian meal made by Buddhist monks).
【Meals】   ×=Not include, ○=Include
B(breakfast)=○, L(lunch)=○, D(dinner)=○

Day8
Kumano hongu

Mt.KOYA - KUMANO - NACHI    04.Apr,2018 (Wed)
Today's excursion starts from Kumano area. The Kumano Kodo, or the ancient pilgrimage routes to the three Grand Shrines of Kumano (Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine, Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine and Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine), have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2004. The three Grand Shrines are usually called the Kumano Sanzan, and are central to the Kumano faith.
We visit to Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine today. The shrine, which is roofed with cypress bark (hiwadabuki), is sure to impress visitors, but also conveys a gentle warmth. A poet of the 12th-13th centuries wrote about how he was moved to tears when he visited it. A torii gate on the island is 34 meters tall, making it the tallest in Japan.

Then we head out to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. The Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine is reached by walking up the Daimon-zaka Slope trail, through a forest of centuries-old cedars fragrant with the trees' scent. At the top of the trail, another 473 stone steps lead to the gates of the shrine. A splendid view opens up upon reaching the plaza in front of the shrine. Next to it is the main hall of Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple, from which one can see Nachi Falls, one of Japan’s top three waterfalls, which has 133m in height. And we also take a river cruise.


Nachi Fall

【About accomodation】
Hotel Nakanoshima (WiFi=○) or similar one
A hotspring resort on an isolated island surrounded by the sea on all sides. As the name suggests, in the "Kishu Chomon no Yu" (in Japanese: listening to the Kishu surf) open-air bath you will enjoy superb views while listening to the sound of the waves
【Meals】   ×=Not include, ○=Include
B(breakfast)=○, L(lunch)=○, D(dinner)=○

Day9
Ise jingu

NACHI - ISE    05.Apr,2018 (Thu)
We drive to Ise area. Ise Jingu, officially 'Jingu', includes 125 jinja(shinto shrine), centered around Kotaijingu (Naiku), dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami, and Toyo'uke-daijingu(Geku), dedicated to Toyo'uke-no-Omikami. Its area is roughly the same size as Paris. More than 1,500 rituals are conducted here yearly to pray for the prosperity of the Imperial family, the peace of the world, and the huge harvest.

After lunch, we visit to parl island.This island is known as the birthplace of cultured pearl Aquaculture and it belongs to Mikimoto Pearl Museum Co., Ltd. In 1893, Mikimoto Kōkichi, a local entrepreneur, succeeded in producing cultured pearls on an island in Ise Bay called Ojima. We visit to parl museum, in the Pearl Museum, you’ll find stunning pieces of art made of pearl and precious stones and metals. And you can also learn more about Mikimoto’s pearl cultivation technique, which has been carefully preserved by each new generation of Mikimoto pearl makers.





Ise-shima

【About accomodation】
Ise-shima Royal Hotel (WiFi=○) or similar
This resort hotel is located on hill of Gulf of Matoya. They have spacious wide room and hot spring outdoor bath, seasonal dish and sincere hospitality.

【Meals】   ×=Not include, ○=Include
B(breakfast)=○, L(lunch)=○, D(dinner)=○

Day9
Horyuji Temple

ISE - NARA - OSAKA    06.Apr,2018 (Fri)
In the morning we head out to Nara. Nara is Japan's first permanent capital, Nara is one of the country's most rewarding destinations. With eight Unesco World Heritage Sites, it's second only to Kyoto as a repository of Japan's cultural legacy.

The Takamatsuzuka Tomb is an ancient circular tomb in Asuka village. The tomb is thought to have been built at some time between the end of the 7th century and the beginning of the 8th century. The mound of the tomb was built of alternating layers of clay and sand. It is about 16 meters in diameter and 5 meters high. Excavation yielded a burial chamber with painted fresco wall paintings of courtiers in Goguryeo-style garb. The paintings are in full color with red, blue, gold, and silver foil representing four male followers and four abigails together with the Azure Dragon, Black Tortoise, White Tiger, and Vermilion Bird groups of stars. The paintings are designated a National Treasure.

Then we visit to the grounds of Horyu-ji Temple, the world's oldest surviving wooden structures, conveying images of Japan as it existed more than 1,300 years ago, during the Asuka Period (A.D.mid 6th-beginning of 8th c.).

Next we visit to Chūgū-ji Temple is a temple in Nara Prefecture, that was founded as a nunnery in the seventh century by Shōtoku Taishi. Located immediately to the northeast of Hōryū-ji, its statue of Miroku and Tenjukoku mandala are National Treasures.
We drive to final destination Osaka.



Shraton Osaka

【About accomodation】
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka (WiFi=○) similar
It is located in central Osaka and there are various kinds of restaurants due to the city is called "City of Food".

【Meals】   ×=Not include, ○=Include
B(breakfast)=○, L(lunch)=○, D(dinner)=○

Day10
Kansai airport

OSAKA-KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT    07.Apr,2018 (Sat)
Time to get back home with unforgettable memory and lots of souvenir.Leaveing for Kansai International Airport by Hotel shattle.Return by air.

【Meals】   ×=Not include, ○=Include
B(breakfast)=○, L(lunch)=×, D(dinner)=×

Tokyo city tour: 1-13-10 Sanshin building 2A, Hatchobori,Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan