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Japan Unveiled cruise. |
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17 DAYS/16 NIGHTS DAYS 1 & 2 OSAKA/KYOTO Arrive in Osaka, and transfer to Kyoto. Check into the deluxe Kyoto Hotel Okura. DAY 3 KYOTO Spend the day exploring what the Japanese call Nihon no Furasato, meaning "The Heart of Japan." The capital of Japan for more than 11 centuries, it remains a living museum of Japan's artistic and cultural heritage. Visit Kiyomizu Temple, dedicated to the 11-faced Buddhist deity, Kannon. Built on stilts, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an outstanding view of the city. Stone steps lead down to the Otowa no taki (Sound of Feathers) Waterfall. Pilgrims often drink the water which is said to cure all illnesses. BLD DAY 4 SIGHTSEEING IN KYOTO The Ryoanji (Peaceful Dragon) Temple, founded in 1450 is world famous for its stone Zen garden. The Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is named for the gold leaf on Japanese lacquer that covers the second and third floors. Kinkakuji functions as a Zen shariden, that is, it houses sacred relics of Buddha. Nijo Castle has thick outer walls, a moat, hidden rooms where the shogun's samurai could observe visitors, and corridors constructed with "nightingale floors" that squeak to warn of anyone approaching. BL DAY 5 SIGHTSEEING IN NARA/KOBE Todaiji Temple is famous for its mighty bronze Buddha, the Daibutsu - the largest bronze statue in the world. The seated giant weighs 550 tons and incorporates 290 pounds of gold. A huge pillar to the right of the statue is thought to open the path of enlightenment to those who can crawl through the hole in its base. Horyuji Temple, founded in 607, is the oldest intact temple complex in Japan, and houses the world's oldest wooden buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds more than 2,300 items considered of historical importance, including a vast collection of Buddhist art. Transfer to Kobe and check into your hotel, the deluxe Hotel Okura Kobe. BL DAY 6 KOBE The morning is at your leisure in Kobe. Enjoy an afternoon tour of Himeji Castle and embark the Spirit of Oceanus in the late afternoon. BD DAYS 7-17 CRUISE FROM KOBE TO NIIGATA/TOKYO For complete cruise details, see Japan Unveiled 60a. (Extended Stay available on these itineraries) Request: Cruise 60a or Cruise 61a Booking/Availability. |
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Two Cruising Seasons: Each Sublime Hanami is the season of cherry blossoms - Hanami is Japan's word for cherry blossom viewing. In the 7th century, fashionable Japanese would picnic as petals of pale pink and white fell from the blossoming trees above them. Today's hanami is much the same, although now TV viewers can follow the "Sakura (cherry blossom) Front Line" on the weather map as flowers begin blossoming in the south and make their way north. Momiji is the time of falling maple leaves - Autumn brings warm, pleasant days and an exceptionally clear blue sky, setting off the vivid reds and yellows of the season. The Japanese view maple leaf autumn colors much as they do cherry blossoms, and celebrate with picnics to admire the scenery. The beauty of momiji is compared to a brocade made of colorful woven threads, and Japanese people travel great distances to view this dramatic foliage. |
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Japan
Unveiled
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