Best Beyond Discoveries: Autumn Tour

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Single Supplement: USD $1260.00

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The outer Tsukiji Fish Market offers a variety of freshly prepared food products and ingredients. Travel in between the different stores and taste a few of their dishes, freshly prepared with some of the best ingredients.

The Imperial Palace is located in the center of Tokyo, only a short walk away from Tokyo station. The palace is home to the current Imperial Family. The inner grounds of the palace is not open to the public, except on January 2nd and December 23rd where guests are able to enter and see the current members of the Imperial Family from a balcony. Visitors can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) for its looks. The bridge in the back was formerly a wooden bridge with two levels, from which the name Nijubashi (Double Bridge) is derived.

Take a lesson from an expert and prepare fresh sushi. Experience the difference in the taste of Japanese-grown ingredients. Then, enjoy eating your masterpiece for lunch after completing your sushi lesson.

The Sensoji Temple located in Asakusa is one of the most popular Buddhist temples to visit. The temple was built and completed in the year 645 and is Tokyo’s oldest temple. The surrounding area offers shopping for souvenirs and food. The Sanja Festival is one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals and is held every May at Asakusa Temple.

The Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest structure ever built and the world’s second tallest structure ever built at the time of its completion. Located not too far from Asakusa, this 634 meter tall tower is now one of the most popular destinations for visitors. The main observatory is 350 meters high and the second observation deck is 450 meters high and both offer a breathtaking view of the city.

Mt. Fuji is a widely-known symbol of Japan. At 3,773 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain. “Station (gome)” is the unit representing one tenth of the length from the trail entrance to the top.The fifth station Mt. Fuji is the fifth point from the base at the height of 2,305 meter. Being the end of the Fuji Subaru Line toll road and the highest point that general cars can reach. From the observatory you can see below Komitake Shrine, an ancient place for prayer that has been visited by worshippers and disciplinant, and Yamanaka-ko, the largest lake among the five Fuji lakes.

One of the most popular ways to get around Hakone is by taking the Hakone Ropeway. The ropeway travels between Sounzan and Togendai. The Hakone Ropeway gives visitors a beautiful view of Hakone and on a clear day, it is possible to get a nice view of Mount Fuji as well.

Owakudani is located in Hakone and is an area around a crater where gaseous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers exist. Just like most of Hakone, on a clear day, it is possible to see Mount Fuji as well. There are hiking trails available for guests, but these trails are difficult for inexperience hikers.

The shinkansen (or "bullet train") is a type of high speed train that travels between most of the major cities in Japan. By taking the shinkansen, trips between destinations that might take almost a full day by car can be reached in a few hours. The bullet trains can run up to 320 kilometers per hour (close to 200 miles per hour), and are known to be generally on time, comfortable and safe.

The Miho Museum is located in the city of Koka and along with Koka’s ninja attractions, is a fun side trip from Kyoto. This museum has a unique architecture that blends in well with its surroundings and artwork display. This museum features many exhibits of world history and culture.

The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is located only 15 minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station to the eastern side of Kyoto. This temple is one of the most popular temples in Kyoto and is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple features a large wooden terrace that offers a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn colors during the fall season with the city of Kyoto in the background.

In the northern part of central Kyoto is Nijo Castle, where it was once the former Kyoto residence of the shogun. This area is also listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This area was once home to the shogun when he would visit Kyoto. This place serves as the best examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era because most of the buildings here survived since they were originally built.

The famous Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Temple is located in northern Kyoto and is most known for the building covered in gold leaf. This famous building is the number one most popular destination for tourist visiting Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion sits overlooking a large pond and various small attractions and shops are available for visitors.

Arashiyama is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto and is a well-known destination for both the cherry blossoms and fall colors seasons. North of the famous Togetsukyo Bridge is Sagano, and together they make this place a nice little getaway from temples and shrines to enjoy nature. Popular destinations include the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama.

Located in the Arashiyama district in Kyoto, the Tenryu- Ji Temple is Arashiyama’s most popular temple. The temple is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The original buildings of Tenryu-Ji Temple was lost many times throughout its history, except for Tenryu-Ji’s garden. The Tenryu-Ji Temple Zen Garden that visitors see today is the original garden and landscape.

One of the most popular and well-known spots for visitors is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. A nice walking path takes visitors through the groves of bamboos. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is also one of the most famous and photographed places in all of Kyoto and brings many visitors every year during the autumn color season.

Take the chance of interacting with a maiko while drinking tea, ask her about her profession, training, and lifestyle. What is different between her life and other girls in Japan? Drink a cup of tea with her, and fulfill some of your curiosity, and even take a picture with her.

Located only 20 minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station, is the Gion Geisha District. The Gion Geisha District is one of the most famous and popular destinations for tourist visiting Kyoto. This area is filled with restaurants, teahouses, shops, and other attractions to entertain guests. The machiya merchant houses along with river and the occasional geisha walking around, brings visitors from everywhere to experience everything that this area has to offer.

The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Grand Shrine is located in southern Kyoto and is one of the most famous and visited shrines in Kyoto. This shrine is only five minutes away from Kyoto Station by train, and features over a thousand vermillion colored torii gates that brings many tourist to this shrine every year.

Located north of Nara Park is one of Japan’s most historic and famous temple called the Todai-Ji Temple. This temple is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple’s main hall named Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden building in the world. It is home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha siting at fifteen meters tall.

Located in central Nara is Nara Park, it is one of the most famous and popular parks in Japan. The park is famous and popular because it is home to over one thousand deer. The deer roam freely throughout the park and visitors are able to get up close and feed the deer as well. This park is conveniently located near most of Nara’s main tourist destinations, which include Todai-Ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-Ji Temple, and the Nara National Museum.

Shinsaibashi is Osaka’s main and most popular shopping center. This crowded area is full of stores that cover everything from clothes to food and entertainment. Nearby this busy shopping center is also the famous entertainment district called Namba. This area also is full of restaurants and shops as well.

The Kiseki no Hoshi Botanical Museum has various exhibits that are meant to be experienced by your 5 senses and show a lifestyle of coexistence. There are 8 unique areas utilizing various plants.

The Water Temple is the residence of Ninnaji Shingon, the oldest sect of Tantric Buddhism in Japan, founded in 815. Few projects of Tadao Ando are better than this work; the architect's contribution to the culture of their country. More than just a building, it is a sensory experience that represents a radical change in the Millenary tradition of building temples in Japan.

Ritsurin Koen Park is one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape garden located in the city of Takamastu. Many consider this garden to belong on the list of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. This spacious and beautiful park features many ponds, hills, trees, bridges, and pavilions. There are a number of walking routes throughout the park and provides views that would leave any guest satisfied.

The Benesse House is the most popular destination for guests visiting Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. This building is both a modern art museum and a resort hotel. The main attraction is building is the modern art museum, where different works of art are displayed from both Japan and all over the world. Visitors staying at the hotel have twenty-four hour access to the museum and there is also restaurants, cafes, shops, and a spa. Visitor do not have to stay at the hotel to have access to all the amazing facilities at the Benesse House.

The Chichu Art Museum is one of the most popular museums located on Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. The museum itself is a combination of art and architecture, even though most of the building is underground, it uses natural light to brighten up the artwork. Only a few people are allowed in at a time for the museum because appreciating the artwork in the museum is best viewed with as few people around as possible. There is a small café and waiting area, and it is also advised for guests to arrive early because the crowds will get rather large.

The Lee Ulfan Museum is one of the most popular museums located on Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. This museum features artwork by a Korean artist named Lee Ufan. There are various displays of concrete, iron, stone, and other paintings created by Lee Ufan. The building was also designed by Ando Tadao, the same person responsible for designing many of the buildings on Naoshima, including the Benesse House, Chichu Art Museum, and other projects on the island.

Kurashiki’s canal area is one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved canals that date back as far to the Edo Period. The canals were once used to transport rice into the storehouses where they would be shipped to cities such as Osaka and Tokyo (was known as Edo during those times). Now this historic area is the most popular destination for tourist visiting Kurashiki. Many of the historic storehouses have been turned into shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums for guests to enjoy.

Located in Kurashiki’s historic canal area is the Ohara Museum of Art was Japan’s first museum of Western Art. This museum was the first museum built for western art in all of Japan and holds many displays of western art. There are many masterpieces of art on display from famous artist, such as Picasso, Pollock, Modigliani, and many more. There are three buildings that visitors can visit, the main gallery, annex, and the Kojima Museum. Each building features different displays of western art, Japanese art, sculptures, and other forms of art.

The Hiroshima Peace Park is a memorial park located in the center of the Hiroshima City. Many of the memorials related to the dropping of the atomic bomb are located in and around this area. The park is the location to the memorials such as the A-Bomb Dome, Children’s Peace Monument, and the Peace Memorial Museum. This area is also listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Peace Memorial Museum is one of the main destinations for guests visiting the Hiroshima Peace Park. The features the history of Hiroshima, effects of the atomic bomb, and its aftermath. Guests visiting the museum can explore the various artifacts and displays related to the atomic blast.

One of the most famous and well known shrines in Japan is the Itsukushima Shrine. This location is one of Japan’s top three most scenic places along with the famous Matsushima Bay and Amanohashidate, and brings plenty of tourist every year. This shrine and its famous torii gate are built over the water, which makes it seem like it is floating in the sea. Guests can stay in the ryokan hotels nearby or ride one of the many boat cruises while here.

Iwakuni’s Kintaikyo Bridge is one of its most visited destination among tourist. This beautiful and unique bridge was originally built in the year 1673 and was rebuilt in the year 1953 after a typhoon destroyed the original in 1950. Entirely made out of wood onto five stone pillars, many visitors cross this bridge every day and is a popular destination during the cherry blossom season.

Located within the Quasi National Park in the Yamaguchi Prefecture is the Akiyoshido Cave. This cave is famous in Japan for being the country’s largest cave and the second largest cave in all of Asia. This large limestone cave is provided with plenty of lighting and paths for visitors to easily navigate and explore.

Located near the beaches of Nagato City in the Yamaguchi Prefecture is the stunning red torii gates of the Motonosumi-Inari Shrine. Like the famous Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, except smaller, stands a total of 123 red torii gates. The trail leads up a small mountain towards a cliff that overlooks the Sea of Japan. The ocean, beach, plants, and red gates will be sure to provide an unforgettable memory for those that come out to this shrine.

The city of Hagi once prospered as a castle town during the Edo Period and was the capital of the Mori Clan, which was one of the most powerful clans during that time. The former castle town of Hagi is open for the public to explore and learn about the historical figures that once lived here. There are many former residences, museums, and other fun activities for visitors to explore.

Located in the well preserved castle town of Hagi City is the former Kikuya Residence. The Kikuya family was once a former samurai family that became a merchant family, and helped contribute to the city of Hagi and its people. Visitors can explore this old Japanese residence and learn how this family once lived in the past. There is a beautiful garden and several rooms featuring items such as kitchen utensils to woodblocks.

The Hagiyaki-Kaikan is located outside the eastern gates of the Hagi Castle Ruins in the city of Hagi. Hagiyaki pottery is one of Japan’s most famous type of pottery, it is used for tea and tea ceremonies. The building holds a number of pottery for visitors to appreciate, on the first floor is a shop selling the pottery, and on the second floor is a small museum. The first floor of the building sells hagiyaki pottery for guests to purchase. The second floor of the building hosts a small museum where guests can explore the pottery on display, some as old from the 1600s.

The main attraction of Izumo is the Izumo Grand Shrine. The date of construction and completion is unknown, but is regarded as one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. The deity that resides in this grand shrine is the god of marriage. This shrine is very popular throughout Japan as couples come to pray for a happy marriage.

Located in the city of Matsue is one of Japan’s twelve original castles, which means it has never been destroyed in its history since completion. Inside the castle there are various original artifacts and items that date back from the 1600s. The top of the castle offers a fantastic view of the surrounding area for guests that wish to reach the top.

One of the most enjoyable activities for guests visiting the Matsue Castle area is taking one of the Horikawa boat tours. There are many boat tours available for guests that would take them around Matsue Castle and the surrounding canals. There are several stops along most of the boat tours and there are often recordings in other languages which teach about the local history of the area.

The city of Matsue hosts many tourist attractions, and one of the most popular attractions is the former samurai district of Matsue. Many of the buildings and homes in this district once belonged to samurai families and have been preserved. Now many of the buildings and homes in this area is open for the public to explore. One of the most popular buildings in this district is the Matsue Buke Yashiki, which is the former residence of a high ranking samurai family. This former residence is a great example of how a high ranking samurai family once lived and features many weapons and other artifacts.

The Adachi Museum of Art is another one of Matsue’s most popular museums and destination. This museum is best known for its award winning garden and art exhibits. Guests are able to enjoy one of the best gardens in Japan and view over more than one thousand pieces of art. One of the most popular exhibits is the museum’s ceramics exhibit.

Tottori’s most famous and popular attraction is the Tottori Sand Dunes. There is plenty for guests to do at the sand dunes. Activities include camel rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, hang gliding, paragliding, sandboarding, and other fun activities. There is also the Sand Museum, where large sand sculptures by artist from around the world are put on display.

Located along the cost of the Sea of Japan in the Hyogo Prefecture is the Kinosaki Onsen town. Kinosaki Onsen is regarded as one of the best onsen destinations for the Kansai area. There are plenty of traditional ryokan hotels, public bath houses, foot baths, and other activities available for visitors.

The most popular attraction in the city of Asago, is the Takeda Castle Ruins. The castle ruins are situated close to a quarter mile above sea level and takes a little bit of a hike to reach. These ruins are often referred to as Japan’s own Machu Picchu and provide a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

Himeji Castle is located in the city of Himeji and is only a five minute bus ride away from Himeji Station. Himeji Castle the most popular and visited castle in Japan, it is also listed both as one of Japan’s national treasure castles and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This castle is also one of Japan’s twelve original castles, which means it was never destroyed in its history and has been standing since it was originally completed in the year 1609. The surrounding area is also one of Japan’s most popular cherry blossom destinations during the spring.

Located right next to the famous Himeji Castle is the beautiful Kokoen Garden. This garden was constructed and completed in the year 1992 where noble residences once stood in the past. The landscape features various trees, flowers, bamboos, ponds, and waterfalls. Visitors can explore and enjoy the tea at the tea house or at the restaurant located on the garden grounds.

There are many restaurants located within Kobe that serve Japanese or international cuisine, but there are many places that offer Kobe beef. Kobe is known around the world for its famous Kobe beef, which is beautifully marbled, delicious, and very expensive beef. The most popular way to enjoy Kobe beef is in a restaurant where the chef grills the meat in front of the guests. Eating Kobe beef is a popular activity for tourist visiting Kobe and can provide a delicious and unforgettable experience.