Day 1: ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
You arrive today at the New Tokyo International Airport (Narita). After clearing immigration, you'll retrieve your baggage and make your way to the shuttle van counter in the arrivals lobby on the first floor. Welcome to Tokyo! Your van ride to your hotel 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 check in at the Grand Palace, where you'll stay two nights. Then 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.

Day 2: TOKYO
We'll call for you in the morning to show you the sights of Tokyo. You'll ascend the Tokyo Tower to the observatory level for a commanding view of the city, and visit the Imperial Palace Plaza. Then it's on to the Asakusa Kannon Temple, a harmonious melding of design and spirituality. We'll also include time at the Tasaki Pearl Gallery, a multi-level emporium of pearls and much more, a must for visitors with fine taste. Your afternoon will be yours, to rest or to explore further on your own. Perhaps you'll take a cruise on Tokyo Bay, or browse remarkable modern electronics, or stroll the exciting neon-lit streets of Ginza. Feel free to wander in one of the safest cities anywhere. Of course, we're at your service to arrange excursions.

Asakusa Kannon Temple

Day 3: TOKYO - MOUNT FUJI - HAKONE - KYOTO (L)
Your motor coach will pick you up in the morning, and before long, you'll be speeding past the suburbs and into the neatly tended countryside beyond. Mount Fuji with its perfect, snow-capped conical shape will hover into view, ever 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. In the evening, we'll head for the station to board the Bullet Train, and speed our way to Kyoto. Your room will be ready at the New Miyako hotel, where you'll stay for two nights.

Mt. Fuji

Day 4: KYOTO - NARA - 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 (or Ryoanji Temple when Nijo Castle is closed), 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 continue to Nara, 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.

Day 5: KYOTO - DEPARTURE FROM OSAKA
Use your remaining time to explore Kyoto on your own. Perhaps you'll head for one of the historic outlying districts, such as Fushimi, with its canals and small sake breweries. If time permits, we can arrange a tour to the Imperial Palace, the Katsura Imperial Villa, or the Shugakuin Imperial Villa. In accordance with your flight schedule, we'll see you to Osaka's Kansai International Airport to begin your homeward journey.

Golden Pavilion

At the end of the tour and with advance notice, we can also arrange connections to Tokyo's Narita Airport for departure via Bullet Train.

Rate per person in US$:

Per Person $1010 in double occupancy.
Children Rate : $928 per child 6-11 sharing parents' room.
Per person $1230 in single occupancy.

Rate includes:

* Transportation from Tokyo Airport to your hotel and from Kyoto to Kansai Airport

* Hotel accommodations as described, including taxes and service charge

* Ground transportation to Mount Fuji by motor coach

* Bullet Train transportation to Kyoto

* Tours as listed, including entrance fees and guide service

* Two lunches with set menu (L)

Not included:

* Air transportation

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

* Gratuities

* Meals or beverages other than two lunches

* Baggage handling beyond first bag ($20 per extra item between Tokyo and Kyoto collected 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.

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.