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Itinerary
Western Japan and the Inland Sea
May 30–June 13, 2009
| Program description | Register |
(B, L, D refers to included meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Saturday, May 30
Group flight departs Minneapolis.
Sunday, May 31
Arrive Osaka/Transfer to Kyoto (D)
Arrive in Osaka, probably in the early evening. Transfer by private coach to the Mitsui Garden hotel in Kyoto. Group dinner at the hotel.
Monday, June 1
Kyoto (B, D) — Introduction to Kyoto
Introductory meeting; introduction to Kyoto. Guided tours of the Heian Shrine, built in honor of the city’s founder, and Kiyomizu (“pure water”) temple, associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism. Late afternoon stroll through the Gion district, one of the best places in Kyoto to see geisha and maiko (geisha trainee), before a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Tuesday, June 2
Kyoto (B, L) — Heian Japan
Seminar on Heian Japan. Guided tours of Nanzenji, Eikan-do, and the Philosopher’s Path to Ginkakuji. Group lunch at a local restaurant. Remainder of the day free with dinner on your own.
Wednesday, June 3
Kyoto (B, D) — Buddhism and Shinto
Seminar on Buddhism and Shinto. Guided tours of Nijo Castle, Ryoanji, Kinkakuji. Lunch on your own. Group dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a kabuki performance.
Thursday, June 4
Kyoto to Koyasan (B, D) — Buddhist Architecture I
private coach to Nara. Guided tours of Byodo-in, Todaiji, Horyuji. Lunch on your own. Group dinner and overnight in Rengejo-in Temple. (Pack a separate overnight bag for today. Main luggage will be transported from Kyoto to Kobe.)
Friday, June 5
Koyasan to Kobe (B, L) — Buddhist Architecture II
Guided tours of Okuno-in, Kongobuji. Group lunch. Travel in private coach to Kobe. Dinner on your own.
Saturday, June 6
Kobe and Himeji (B, D) — Competing States and Competing Teams
Guided tours of Kobe and Himeji Castle. Schedules permitting, attend a baseball game in Kobe or Osaka. Evening: 6:50 p.m. depart on overnight Kansai Kisen ferry from Osaka to Beppu; dinner on board.
Sunday, June 7
Beppu and Unzen (B, L or D)
6:20 a.m. arrive in Beppu. Travel in private coach to Unzen. Seminar on Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christians). Perhaps take a soak in the hot springs. Group lunch or dinner. Stay overnight in traditional ryokan.
Monday, June 8
Beppu/Unzen to Nagasaki (B, D) — History of Nagasaki
Seminar on Nagasaki history. Travel in private coach to Nagasaki. Lunch on your own. Group dinner.
Tuesday, June 9
Nagasaki (B, D) — Japan in World War II
Seminar on Japan in World War II. Morning free with option to attend church service at Urakami cathedral (transfers in private coach included). Lunch on your own. Afternoon: guided tours of A-bomb site, Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park. Group dinner.
Wednesday, June 10
Nagasaki to Fukuoka (B, D) — Western Influences in Nagasaki
Guided tours of Suwa-jinja, Oura Church, Glover Garden, Dejima Museum. Lunch on your own. Travel by private coach to Fukuoka. Walk to group dinner at a local restaurant. (Pack a separate overnight bag for today. Main luggage will be transported from Nagasaki to Tokyo.)
Thursday, June 11
Fukuoka to Tokyo (B, D)
Walk to nearby train station with overnight bag. High-speed train to Tokyo. Transfer in private coach to hotel. Lunch on your own. Walk to group dinner at a local restaurant.
Friday, June 12
Tokyo (B, L, D) — Tokyo in a Day
Guided city tour: Meiji Shrine, Ginza, downtown, Asakusa. Group lunch and farewell group dinner.
Saturday, June 13
Depart Japan (B)
Early morning optional visit to the Tsukiji fish market. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Free time before transferring to the airport in a private coach for flights home.
Register
Register online, call toll-free 866-255-6523 or fax 507-786-8232. A deposit of $500 per person guarantees your space.
