All Nippon Airways (ANA) Flight information

NH #125  October 5, Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (HND) Depart 4:50pm Arrive 9:00pm +1 (OCT 6)

NH #3826 October 14, Osaka (KIX) to Tokyo (HND) Depart 5:30pm Arrive 6:55pm

NH #126 October 14, Tokyo (HND) to Los Angeles (LAX) Depart 9:05pm Arrive 3:10pm

Your Accommodations:

• Hilton Tokyo 4 nights OCT 6 –  10
• Centara Grand Hotel Osaka 4 nights OCT 10 – 14

Itinerary

Day 01/October 6/Arrival in Tokyo: Today, we’ll arrive at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport. After clearing immigration and customs entry formalities, you will be welcomed by your local guide in the Arrivals Hall for your transfer to your hotel. A good nights rest is in store at the Hilton Tokyo.

Day 02/October 7/Tokyo Exploration: Our exploration of Tokyo takes us to the Tsukiji Fish Market, and Ginza. Welcome Dinner

Day 03/October 8/Tokyo Exploration: Today we continue our exploration of Tokyo visiting The Imperial Palace East Garden, Meiji Shrine, Takashita Street and the famous Shibuya Crossing.

The Imperial Palace East Garden The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is a large park-like area located in the Chiyoda district of the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo and contains several buildings including the Fukiage Palace where the Emperor has his living quarters, the main palace where various ceremonies and receptions take place, some residences of the Imperial Family, an archive, museums and administrative offices. The East Gardens is where most of the administrative buildings for the palace are located and encompasses the former Honmaru and Ninomaru areas of Edo Castle, a total of 2,300,000 sq ft.

Meiji Shrine, a beautiful tribute to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Takeshita Street is is a 350-meter pedestrian shopping street in Harajuku, Tokyo, Japan A hub for fashion and culture trends, Takeshita Street is known for its unique shops, colorful clothing, and street food. The area became popular in the 1980s with the rise of the “Takenoko-zoku,” a group of young people who dressed in unique costumes.

Shibuya “Scramble Crossing, is the worlds busiest pedestrian crossing. This iconic location sees hundreds of people crossing the street in perfect harmony. During its busiest times, an estimated 1,000 to 2,500 people forge their way across this intersection every two minutes, enough to quickly fill up a football stadium. The phenomenon gave rise to its nickname “scramble,” as pedestrians cross from all directions. Here, you’ll also have the chance to pay your respects to the loyal dog Hachiko, whose statue is a beloved meeting spot and a feature in various anime.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 04/October 9/Tokyo Exploration: Today, we explore Tokyo, Japan’s dynamic capital, where tradition meets modernity. On today’s agenda:

• Sensoji Temple is perhaps the most famous and photographed of Tokyo’s temples. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in the capital, and the five-story pagoda, trails of incense and vast eaves will take you back to a Tokyo of time gone by.
• The Nakamise Shopping Street offers 250 meters of pedestrian shopping from Kaminarimon, the “Thunder Gate” to Hōzōmon, the “Treasure-House Gate” of Sensoji Temple. Crafts and souvenirs can be bought all along the street including the famous snacks and treats that have been enjoyed for generations.
• A bird’s-eye view of Tokyo from the tallest structure in Japan. Towering above the capital’s skyline, Tokyo Skytree soars 634 meters high and gives incredible, panoramic views of Tokyo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 05/October 10/Tokyo to Osaka: Leaving Tokyo behind, we depart in grand style and make stops along the way: Bullet Train, Mt. Fuji, Ropeway, Osaka.

Shinkansen, aka, The bullet train, is a high-speed railway network in Japan that connects cities and regions across the country. The Shinkansen is known for its speed and comfort. Maximum operating speed of 200 miles per hour.

Mt. Fuji –  Japan’s Mt. Fuji is an active volcano about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Commonly called “Fuji-san,” it’s the country’s tallest peak, at 3,776 meters. The Fuji Panoramic Ropeway ascends 400 meters (1312 feet) up to an observation deck near the peak of Mount Tenjo.

Osaka is a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It’s known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main historical landmark. It’s surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees. Sumiyoshi-taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 06/October 11/The World Expo

Day 07/October 12/Kyoto Exploration: A day trip to Kyoto, Golden Pavilion, Tea Ceremony, Tenryu-Ji, Arashiyama.

Kinkaku-ji, famously known as the Golden Pavilion. This temple is a beloved lakeside gem, featuring the Golden Pavilion suspended over the water on pillars, creating a mesmerizing reflection.  It is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

Tea Ceremony, The Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is a cultural ritual that involves the preparation and presentation of matcha, a powdered green tea, in a specialized space. The ceremony is deeply rooted in Zen philosophy and is considered a spiritual process that aims to bring peace and harmony to the guests.

Tenryu-Ji, an esteemed Zen temple honored with the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. The temple’s landscape garden is a masterpiece, with a central pond surrounded by rugged rocks, serene pine trees. Tenryū-ji, formally known as Tenryū Shiseizen-ji, is the head temple of the Tenryū-ji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, located in Susukinobaba-chō, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, primarily to venerate Gautama Buddha, and its first chief priest was Musō Soseki.

Arashiyama, aka, The Bamboo Forest, a place of natural beauty and cultural significance. The Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or Sagano Bamboo Forest is a natural bamboo forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. It consists mostly of mōsō bamboo and has several pathways. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 08/October 13/Osaka exploration: Dontonbori – Farewell Dinner

Dotonbori, located along the canal of the same name, is a street in the Namba district of Osaka’s Chuo ward that epitomizes the city’s nightlife. The colorful area is an explosion of neon lights, mouth watering street food, retro vibes, clubs, stores, and bars.

This evening, our last evening in Japan, we’ll celebrate in true Dontonbori fashion at our farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 09/October 14/Sayonara Japan

Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary, dates, accommodations, and transfers subject to change

Payment Schedule: Not adhering to the payment schedule can result in late payment fees, cancellation without notice, and/or rate increases.

• $1000/$1500/$3000/$3500 per person non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking. Amount depends on booking class and occupancy
• 2nd payment = 33% of the package price is due by March 10, 2025
• 3rd payment = 33% of the package price is due by June 9, 2025
• Full and final payment is due by August 20, 2025

All prices are in US Dollars. Due to exchange rate changes, taxes, and other factors, we do not guarantee the amount of the final Tour Fee until the Full and Final Payment Date; before said date, we may increase the Tour price. Except as expressly stated in the Itinerary, you are solely responsible for any Tour-related costs you incur.

Change/Cancellation: Notice of change/cancellation must be made in writing to Advantage International, LLC, and your cancellation date will be the date we receive your notice:

A name change can be requested but not guaranteed; additional fees will apply. All changes are subject to availability and rate differences and are not guaranteed.

Cancellation:

• $1000/$1500/$3000/$3500 per person is non-refundable if canceled on or before March 9, 2025. Amount depends on booking class and occupancy.
• 33% of the package price is non-refundable if canceled from March 10 – June 8, 2025
• 66% of the package price is non-refundable if canceled from June 9 – August 19, 2025
• 100% of the package price is non-refundable if canceled on or after August 20, 2025
  • We must receive your cancellation notice in writing by email, fax, or overnight courier, and your cancellation date will be the date we receive your notice.
  • Your decision not to participate in the Tour due to State Department warnings, fear of travel, or the like will be deemed a cancellation. If a flight or another delay for any reason prevents you from joining the Tour on the Tour start date, you will be considered a no-show, and we cannot provide a full or partial refund or credit toward a future Tour, but you may join the Tour late if you wish.

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Tour Participant Agreement

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