Depart:  March 16, 2008     Return:  March 24, 2008        Tour No:  SIJ-316-8

  Depart:  June 15, 2008       Return:  June 23, 2007          Tour No:  SIJ-615-8

Tour Price per person: March: $3450 Twin, $3425 Triple, $3855 Single

Tour Price per person: June: $3475 Twin:, $3450 Triple, $3880 Single

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Day 1 - Sunday        HONOLULU

We leave Honolulu via air with meal served on board.  Due to crossing the International Date Line, you will lose one day.

Day 2 - Monday        OSAKA                                      (D)

We arrive at Osaka Airport in the afternoon.  After clearance of customs and immigration formalities we transfer to our hotel in Osaka city by motorcoach.  Dinner and  accommodations at  RAMADA HOTEL OSAKA.

Day 3 - Tuesday                    OSAKA / NARA / KYOTO                      (B)

Breakfast at our hotel.  This morning we visit Kaiyukan Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.  Then, we proceed to Nara for a visit to Todaiji Temple with its huge bronze image of Buddha; the Kasuga Grand Shrine, one of the major Shinto shrines and the Nara Deer Park.  The friendly deer roam freely in the park.  After the tour of Nara , we proceed to Kyoto .  Upon arrival in Kyoto we visit, Nijyo Castle , best known for its so called nightingale floors which was designed to make squeaking bird-like sounds when walked upon, a warning of possible intruders.  This castle was created by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.  Tonight you get a chance to explore the various cuisines of Japan as you have dinner on your own.  You will be aided by your escort and guide on your food adventures throughout the trip whenever you are on your own.  Accommodations at KYOTO ROYAL HOTEL or similar.

Day 4 - Wednesday             KYOTO                                               (B)

Breakfast at our hotel. We will embark on a city tour of Kyoto by motorcoach, visiting the Heian Shrine with iris flowers in full bloom; the Kiyomizu temple; Kinkakuji Temple also known as the Golden Pavilion; and then its on to Arashiyama and Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, the birthplace of Japanese cinema – where history is kept alive.  If you are lucky you may be able to see samurai movies being shot on authentic outdoor Edo-period sets.  The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Kyoto with the help of your escort and guide.  Dinner is on your own with the help of your escort and guide.  Accommodations at KYOTO ROYAL HOTEL or similar.

Day 5 - Thursday       KYOTO / ATAMI / HAKONE                            (B) (L) (D)

Breakfast at our hotel. This morning we transfer to Kyoto Station by taxi.  Upon our arrival we depart Kyoto Station for Atami aboard the Shinkansen bullet train, with tourist class reserved seats.  A box lunch will be served on board.  Upon arrival at Atami Station we start our tour of Hakone National Park with a visit to the scenic Jukkoku Pass where we enjoy the fantastic view if Mt. Fuji and its neighboring areas.  We glimpse Japan ’s past history of the samurai era at the Hakone Seisho Barrier and the interesting

museum.  Next, we enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Hakone , followed by a visit to Owakudani Valley with its steaming hot springs .  *In spring (if weather permits) we will be going to Nirayama to savor Japan ’s most delicious strawberries.  You can enjoy the delectable morsels to your heart’s content.  Tonight’s dinner will be at the hotel.

Dinner and accommodations at  HAKONE HOTEL KOWAKIEN.

Day 6 - Friday                 HAKONE / KAMAKURA / TOKYO                          (B)

Breakfast at our hotel.  This morning, we leave Hakone for Kamakura , driving along the Shonan Coast Driveway.  Upon arrival at Kamakura we will embark on our tour to visit Daibutsu, a gigantic statue of the Great Buddha in a sitting position.  Kamakura , once capital of Japan during the period of the samurai, gives you the flavor of Old Japan.  We then proceed to Tokyo for a tour of the Imperial Palace Plaza to view Nijyubashi, the famous bridge leading to the palace’s main entrance.  Then it’s on to the Senso-ji Temple popularly known as Asakusa Kannon Temple .  Nakamise Dori, the street leading to the temple is a treasure trove of traditional wares, foods and other goodies where we can shop for great souvenirs.  Dinner is on your own with the help of the escort and guide.  Accommodations at SHINAGAWA PRINCE HOTEL NEW WING.

Day 7 - Saturday             TOKYO                                                                        (B)

Breakfast at our hotel.  We have a special treat today, as we visit Tokyo Disney Sea , “where adventure and imagination set sail”.  It is one of Disney’s newest parks.  The park features attractions inspired from the seas of the world.  Return to Tokyo .  Dinner is on your own with the help of the escort and guide.  Accommodations at the SHINAGAWA PRINCE HOTEL NEW WING

Day 8 - Sunday          TOKYO                                                                       (B)

Breakfast at our hotel.  We depart our hotel by train to Mikata, just outside of Tokyo .  From there we embark on the fantasy world of manga (Japanese style comics) and anime (animation) at the Ghibli Museum .  It was co-founded by one of the best known names in the field, Hayao Miyazaki along with his mentor Isao Takahata.  Miyazaki has collaborated with Disney to produce several animated cartoon films in recent years.  Sprited Away, which has won many awards worldwide is one of the films produced by the Miyazaki – Disney joint venture.  Afternoon is at your leisure to shop or explore Tokyo further.  Your escort and guide can help you with advice on activities.  We return to our Tokyo hotel.  Dinner is on your own with the help of the escort and guide.  Accommodations at the SHINAGAWA PRINCE HOTEL NEW WING.

Day 9 – Monday        TOKYO / HONOLULU                                                   (B)

Breakfast at our hotel.  The day is free until your departure from the hotel to the airport.  An optional tour to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market by taking the subway will be offered to the early risers who would like to watch the fish auction and do last minute shopping.  You may also want to join us for a visit the Sengakuji Temple , the final resting place of the 47 loyal samurais.  The temple is a short walk from our hotel.  We leave our hotel in the late afternoon for Narita International Airport by motorcoach.  Depart Narita for Honolulu via air.  We arrive at Honolulu International Airport the same day. We gain one day crossing the International Date Line.

Please retain your ticket copy and boarding passes in the event you need them later for proof of your flights (to accumulate frequent flyer miles, for example).  We are unable to supply ticket copies after your return.

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