Japan: Illinois College Group May 24 June 7, 2017 (Tentative Dates)

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1 Japan: Illinois College Group May 24 June 7, 2017 (Tentative Dates) Your Tour Includes Round-trip airfare from Chicago (ORD) Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges Intra-Asian flights and ground transportation Accommodations at superior first class hotels 21 meals: 13 buffet breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D) Comprehensive touring incl. admission fees Experienced, English speaking Tour Director Itinerary Wednesday May 24: Depart Chicago Your fascinating sojourn to mysterious Japan begins as you depart today on your overnight flight. Thursday May 25: Arrive Tokyo. Welcome to Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun. Evening arrival in Tokyo, Japan s vibrant capital. Tokyo is a great mix of ancient Japanese culture and modern, dazzling architectural landmarks which you ll be able to explore over the next few days. Your tour host warmly welcomes you upon arrival and escorts you to your conveniently located hotel. Your host will share with you some vital information about Japan, Tokyo and your upcoming tour program. Hotel New Otani. Friday May 26: Tokyo Morning guided Tokyo tours to explore some of the amazing highlights. Start with a visit to the 1093 ft tall Tokyo Tower. From here you may enjoy bird s eye views of the sprawling metropolis. Then, tour the historic Imperial Palace district dating back to the 15th century. The emperor and his family

2 still live in the western part of the Imperial Palace. You ll see the charming East Outer Garden with views of the ancient castle walls and ruins. Your tour continues with a visit to Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo s most spectacular and sacred Buddhist temple. Narrow alleys filled with small shops, restaurants and tranquil gardens surround the temple. Stroll along Nakamise Street nearby, filled with stores stocking treasure troves of traditional Japanese wares and crafts. You ll also visit the nearby exciting Ginza district renowned for its superior shopping, dining and entertainment. The balance of the day is free for independent pursuits (B) Saturday May 27: Mt. Fuji & Hakone Excursion Japan s pastoral countryside unfolds as you depart Tokyo today for Mt. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The main attraction here is majestic Mt. Fuji, a dormant volcano that last erupted almost 300 years ago. The mountain s perfectly shaped cone has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Weather permitting, drive up to the fifth station of the snow capped peak for panoramic vistas. Visit the nearby hot spring resort town of Hakone before embarking on a scenic boat ride on tranquil Lake Ashi. Later, drive through Owakudani Valley for a sweeping view of Hakone National Park and Mt. Fuji before returning to Tokyo late this afternoon. (B) Sunday May 28: Tokyo. Spend a day at leisure to explore Tokyo from your conveniently located hotel. For a real taste of Japan, get up early and head for the colorful wholesale fish market! You may also join an optional excursion outside Tokyo to Nikko. Nikko is a magnificent complex of shrines dedicated to the first shogun, adorned with some of the finest woodcarvings in all of Japan. (B) Monday May 29: Tokyo/Takayama. This morning, embark on a thrilling train ride via the super-express Bullet Shinkansen train headed for Nagoya. Here, transfer to a limited-express train for a scenic ride to Takayama, a delightful small town nestled in the majestic Japanese Alps. Over the next few days you ll travel back in time as you explore rural Japan where traditional-style architecture, ancient culture and fascinating customs have been proudly preserved. After settling into your hotel in the heart of Takayama, embark on a guided walk through the enchanting narrow streets of the Kami-sannomachi district graced with beautiful old wooden homes, delightful small shops, coffee houses and sake breweries, many of which have been in business for centuries. You ll also view the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall featuring huge floats, decorated with intricate carvings, gilded wood and detailed metalwork, that are paraded through the streets of Takayama during festival times. Visit the Folkcraft Museum, formerly a private residence that is a

3 prime example of Meiji Era architecture. Savor dinner at your hotel tonight. Hida Plaza Hotel (B,D) Tuesday May 30: Takayama. After breakfast, join your guide for a stroll through the fascinating Jinya-mae Morning Market along the Miyagawa River in the old town. This 200-year old colorful market bustles with farmers selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and traditional local crafts. Proceed to the Takayama Jinya, a complex of 17th century buildings that once housed officials of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Today, it is a museum with historical displays from the time of direct rule to the Meiji Era. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore the quaint old town on your own, delight in the unique atmosphere Takayama is renowned for, and possibly relax in a soothing traditional hot spring bath! (B) Wednesday May 31: Takayama/Shirakawago/Kanazawa. Today enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside to the rural region of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you ll discover fascinating examples of old steep thatched roof houses. This unique architectural style, harmonized into the magnificent mountain landscape, was developed over 100 years ago to survive the harsh winters. You ll visit one of these houses and learn more about daily life in this remote area. Proceed to the village of Gokayama where you ll enjoy a demonstration of traditional Japanese papermaking techniques. Later this afternoon arrive in Kanazawa, blending modern living with traditional heritage. Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel Kanazawa (B, D) Thursday June 1: Kanazawa/Kyoto. Today enjoy a visit to the historic Oumicho Market, a busy and colorful market and explore along with local residents some of the 200 shops selling seafood, vegetables, fruits, flowers, regional specialties and more. Later you ll be whisked back in time to the exciting Edo period when you visit the Nagamachi district, a small neighborhood of narrow, cobblestone streets where brave samurai warriors once lived. Many homes are still occupied by the samurai descendants but you ll visit the Nomura Family house that is open to the public where you can admire the stone lanterns and bridges in the garden as well as the cypress-wood ceiling in the residence. Proceed to the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of the finest gardens in Japan and marvel at the waterfalls, ponds and charming tea-houses. Later, stroll through the charming Higashi Geisha district before transferring to the station for your train ride to splendid Kyoto. Embodying Japan s rich culture and complex history, Kyoto has over 2000 temples and shrines, delightful gardens and exceptionally preserved wooden buildings. The sights, wonderful local cuisine and exceptional arts and crafts are certain to enchant you! Upon arrival in Kyoto, transfer to your centrally located hotel. Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa (B)

4 Friday June 2: Kyoto. The capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is a world-class gem, a true oasis. Today, a local expert leads you on a guided tour exploring some of the city s highlights. Begin at Nijo Castle, renowned for its ornate interiors. Your next stop is one of Kyoto s most inspiring sights, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji. As you approach the temple via a tree-shaded path, emerge into an exquisite Japanese-style garden on the other side of which stands the fabled pavilion. It is built on pillars magnificently suspended over a lake. Proceed to the colorful Handicraft Center where you can see demonstrations of traditional Japanese arts and crafts. This afternoon visit renowned Kiyomizu Temple, founded in the 8th century. Situated halfway up the Otowayama Hill it encompasses a vast area and affords stunning views of Kyoto. Wander along the narrow winding alleys leading up to the temple, lined with magnificently preserved old houses, craftmen s workshops and tea houses. Soak up the flavor of traditional Japanese atmosphere, and perhaps purchase some exquisite locally crafted souvenirs. Later, return to your hotel. (B) Saturday June 3: Kyoto/Hiroshima via Bullet train. After breakfast this morning depart via bullet train Hiroshima. Upon arrival in Hiroshima, transfer to your hotel. Ana Crowne Plaza Hiroshima (B) Sunday June 4: Hiroshima/Kyoto via Bullet train. After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum. This important museum is dedicated to documenting the World War II atomic bombing. You ll see the Atomic Bomb dome. Next, venture to Miyajima, regarded as one of the most scenic places in Japan. You will see the Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima, best known for its "floating" torii gate. Transfer to station for bullet train back to Kyoto. Arrive and transfer to your hotel in Kyoto. (B) Monday June 5: Kyoto. A day to explore ancient Kyoto s grace and beauty on your own. You may visit some of the smaller and serene temples, marvel at splendid classical Japanese gardens, see the exquisitely dressed geishas at the colorful Gion corner, or join a traditional tea ceremony. Perhaps visit the acclaimed Miho Museum, built on a wooded mountain-top outside Kyoto. Also available is an optional excursion to Nara, Japan s first capital and symbol of tranquility, where you may see the world s largest indoor Buddha. (B) Tuesday June 6: Kyoto Today you will visit Ritsumeikan University. After a day of visiting with the partner University, take a brief walk over to Ryoanju Garden. Round trip transportation will be included. Today s visit to the University may be switched to a different day in Kyoto. (B)

5 Wednesday June 7: Kyoto/USA. Transfer to the airport for your return flight. Your amazing trip to Japan ends on arrival in Chicago. (B) Optional Tours Tokyo Nikko Full Day Excursion with Lunch Enjoy a full day guided excursion to the World Heritage Site of Nikko, a magnificent complex of shrines dedicated to the first shogun. After arriving in Nikko, located high up the mountains, visit Toshogu Shrine, famous for its magnificent complex of colorful structures featuring the superb craftsmanship of Japan s 17th-century artisans. Drive up a zigzag road with 20 hairpin curves before arriving at the restaurant where a Japanese style lunch is served. Later, visit Lake Chuzenji created by an eruption of Mt. Nantai and see the impressive Kegon Waterfalls. Return to Tokyo this evening. Tour is subject to availability. Kyoto Nara Afternoon Tour On this optional half-day excursion, travel outside Kyoto to Nara, Japan s first capital and symbol of tranquility. Here, see the Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world s largest wooden structures with the bronze Great Buddha, also the Kasuga Taisha Shrine surrounded by 3000 stone and bronze lanterns and the nearby Deer Park where deer are thought to be the shrine messengers. Later, return to Kyoto. Hotels Tokyo Takayama Kanazawa Kyoto Hiroshima Hotel New Otani Hida Plaza Hotel Ana Crowne Plaza Kanazawa Hotel Kyoto Royal Hotel & Spa ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima

6 United States Tour Operators Association $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program smartours, as an Active Member of USTOA, is required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of smartours customers in the unlikely event of smartours bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 Million posted by smartours may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by smartours. More details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 345 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1801, New York, New York 10001, or by to information@ustoa.com or by visiting their website at