Day 1: ARRIVAL IN TOKYO

You'll arrive today at New Tokyo International Airport (Narita). After clearing immigration, you'll retrieve your baggage and meet your rep after you clear customs in the arrivals lobby on the first floor, and proceed to the Airport Shuttle .

Welcome to Tokyo! Your van ride will provide a first view of the Japanese capital, so modern and familiar, and yet so different. Streets are busy but orderly and neat, lights and signs glitter everywhere, alternating with serene green oases. You'll find your room ready at the New Takanawa Prince Hotel, where you'll be staying for three nights.

After you check in, it's time to get to know Tokyo on your own, and appreciate its urban life: spotless streets, a pace that's fast but always in control, bicycles left unlocked, vending machines dispensing superb hot coffee in cans (or whiskey, if you wish), and signs in English.

Tokyo Tower Observatory

Day 2: TOKYO (L)

We'll call for you in morning not only to show you the sights of Tokyo, but also to experience the Japanese way of life. You'll ascend the Tokyo Tower to the observatory level for a commanding view of the city. You'll experience the ritual of a tea ceremony in a traditionally designed harmonious Japanese garden. We'll continue to the Imperial Palace Plaza, then take a Japanese barbecue lunch at Chinzanso. It's more than just a hibachi! Then it's on to see Tokyo from a different perspective, as we cruise along the Sumida River. We'll also visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, for an understanding of Japanese spirituality, so closely tied to the physical environment.

Toshogu Shrine

Day 3: TOKYO - NIKKO - TOKYO (L)

Extraordinary beauty awaits within easy reach of Tokyo, as we'll see in our travels today. Our coach will call for us this morning, and take us toward the Shinto pilgrimage center of Nikko, considered by many the indispensable destination outside the capital. We'll pay a morning visit to the Toshogu Shrine, one of the most spectacular temple complexes in Japan. You'll marvel at the intricately carved details. Then we'll follow the Irohazaka road with its notorious hairpin turns upward into the mountains, where we'll stop to take a traditional Japanese lunch. We'll visit Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, where a viewing platform is sited for the perfect photo. We'll return to Tokyo to conclude our day in the exciting Ginza district or Shinjyuku, each full of restaurants, electronic showcases, and avant-garde shops on every level of glittering buildings. Stay in the area for dinner, by all means, before you make you way back on your own to your hotel.

Day 4: TOKYO - MT. FUJI - HAKONE (L)

Your motor coach will pick you up in the morning, and before long, you'll be out past the suburbs and into the neatly tended countryside beyond. Mount Fuji with its perfect, snow-capped conical shape will hover into view, every more impressive as we approach. We'll continue right onto the slopes of Japan's highest mountain, and ascend to the halfway point at 2300 meters (7600 feet) for spectacular views of rolling fields, orchards, lakes, and streams. We'll take our lunch at the Highland Resort, then continue with a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi, and a breathtaking ride on the Mt. Komagatake aerial tramway. A comfortable bed will be waiting in nearby Hakone at the Hotel Kowaki-en, where you can delight in a relaxing hot-springs bath.

Mt.Fuji & Komagatake Aerial cableway

Day 5: HAKONE - KYOTO - NARA - KYOTO (L)

We'll set out in the morning to drive to Odawara station on the main railway line, and board the ultra-modern Shinkansen (Bullet Train) for the speedy trip into Kyoto. We'll take our lunch at the New Miyako Hotel, our lodging place for the next three days. Then it's off to nearby Nara, the first capital of a united Japan. Highlights will include the Todaiji Temple with its huge Buddha; the 3000 lanterns of the Kasuga Shrine, and the Deer Park, where the animals are free to roam.

Kasuga Shrine

Day 6: KYOTO (L)

We'll tour the major sites of the ancient capital of Japan this morning, including the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle with its exquisite interiors, and the ancient Imperial Palace. (On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, we'll take in the Higashi Honganji Temple instead.) After lunch at Kyoto's Handicraft Center, we'll visit Sanjusangendo Hall with its 1,001 impressive images of Buddha, vermilion-hued Heian Shrine, and Kiyomizu Temple with its wooden verandah.

Kiyomizu Temple

Day 7: KYOTO - HIROSHIMA - MIYAJIMA - KYOTO

In the morning, we'll board the Bullet Train once again, and set out for Hiroshima. The city was totally rebuilt after the atomic bombing of 1945, but relics remain as solemn reminders, along with traditional temples. Among other sites, we'll see the venerable Itsukushima Shrine complex in Miyajima , dating from more than a thousand years ago. Beyond the Otorii (Grand Gate), it appears to float above the surface of the sea. Our visit will include the Peace Memorial Park, before we return to Kyoto by the Bullet Train.

Itsukushima Shrine

Day 8: KYOTO - TOKYO

Board the Bullet Train for the return trip to Tokyo. It's so fast that you'll have most of the day to explore Tokyo, shop, relax, or all three, exactly as you wish. The sights, sounds, and street scenes of Tokyo are endlessly fascinating, even if you make no plans at all. Perhaps you'll stroll the famous Nakamise shopping street, or Akihabara, the neighborhood where next year's miniature cell phones and video cameras are on sale right now. Of course, if you'd like to take a cruise on Tokyo Bay or a day trip, we're at your disposal to make the arrangements. You'll return to the New Takanawa Prince Hotel for your last night.

Shinkansen Train

Day 9: DEPARTURE FROM TOKYO

We've arranged your transportation to Narita Airport in time to check in and catch your homeward-bound flight. By now you'll understand the traditional word of farewell: Sayonara.

This tour departs on: Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays: April through Oct except Apr 26-30 , May 3, 16 , July 14 , August 11 , September 15, 17 , 20, October 6, 8 , 15

Rate per person in US$ :

$2774 in double occupancy.
$2507 per child 6-11 sharing parents' room.
$3389 in single occupancy.

Rate includes:

* Transportation from Tokyo Airport to your hotel and return

* Hotel accommodations as described, including taxes and service charge

* Ground transportation to Mount Fuji by motor coach

* Bullet Train transportation as described

* Tours as listed, including entrance fees and guide service

* 5 lunches (L) as indicated

* Handling of luggage limited to one item between Tokyo and Kyoto

Not included:

* Air transportation

* Trip interruption and cancellation insurance (please see our insurance brochure).

* Gratuities

* Meals or beverages other than five lunches

* Charge per extra luggage item Tokyo/Kyoto, $22 paid locally

Concerning your visit to Mount Fuji, please note:

1. The ride on the Mt. Komagatake Aerial Cableway might be omitted, depending on traffic conditions, especially on local holidays.

2. Due to winter and spring road closures, we will ascend to the highest accessible point on Mount Fuji, and not necessarily the Fifth Station.

3. Weather and operational conditions could cause other changes or substitutions due to conditions beyond our control.

4. With advance notice, we'll be pleased to arrange audio tour tapes in French, German, Spanish, Korean, or Chinese at no charge.