Inside Japan

11 DAYS FROM $9,995

• Explore the timeless Iya Valley, dotted with thatched cottages, shrines, and vine bridges. • Spend the night at a traditional Mount Koya monastery, and join a prayer ceremony. • Stay at the futuristic Benesse House on Naoshima, Japan’s island of art.

Signature Land Light/Moderate

DAYS 1–4 I OSAKA, JAPAN/KYOTO/ MOUNT KOYA Arrive in Osaka and transfer to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan. Explore exquisite temples and meet with a former geisha. Then travel to Mount Koya, headquarters of the Shingon Buddhist sect. Meet a temple priest and enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner. Kyoto Hotel Okura; Eko-In Monastery (or similar) | Meals: 3B, 3L, 2D DAYS 5–6 I IYA VALLEY Ferry across the Inland Sea to Shikoku, stopping in Tokushima to see costumes and floats from the city’s 400-year-old dance festival. Continue to the Iya Valley and settle into a ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn. Visit the Chiiori Trust, a project that preserves rural traditions; see the Okuiya Niju Kazurabashi vine bridges; and explore a local village. Hotel Hikyonoyu Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAYS 7–8 I NAOSHIMA Visit Zentsuji, the birthplace of Buddhist priest Kobo Daishi. Ferry to the isle of Naoshima—a mecca of contemporary art and architecture— and spend two nights at the Benesse House, designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando. Benesse House | Meals: 2B, 2L, 2D

DAYS 9–11 I HIROSHIMA/MIYAJIMA/OSAKA Pay a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum. Enjoy a full-day excursion on Itsukushima Island, popularly called Miyajima. Cap off our journey with a traditional tea ceremony. Return to Osaka and catch your flight home. Sheraton Grand Hotel Meals: 3B, 2L, 1D

A National Geographic Expert, Expedition Leader, and local guides will accompany this trip.

Karen Kasmauski Storyteller Karen Kasmauski has produced 25 stories for National Geographic magazine on topics ranging from earthquakes in Japan to oil exploration in Alaska. Her book, Impact: From the Frontlines of Global Health, published by National Geographic, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Karen is a senior fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers. Find the departure(s) Karen will join on our website.

INFORMATION

Dates: This expedition is offered in March, April, May, September, and October. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Visit website for complete details and dates.

PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS | |

Travel independently—with all the benefits of traveling with National Geographic. Choose a unique itinerary curated by National Geographic and pick dates that work for you. Then set out to explore a fascinating place with just the companions you choose, whether it’s your spouse, your family, or a group of friends. You’ll be accompanied by your own private guides and occasionally join small groups for a safari or an afternoon cruise, depending on your destination. Stay in top accommodations, including some of the world’s leading sustainable lodges; and enjoy plenty of free time to pursue your interests and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

TANZANIA PRIVATE EXPEDITION

PAGE 71

PERU PRIVATE EXPEDITION

PAGE 55 GREEK ISLES PRIVATE EXPEDITION

PAGE 64

• A wide variety of daily activities and excursions that can be tailored to your pace and your interests

• The insight and expertise of Englishspeaking private guides who accompany you throughout the trip, as well as local experts you meet along the way

• Outstanding accommodations selected for their location, character, and high level of service, including some of the world’s leading sustainable hotels and lodges

• All breakfasts and select lunches and dinners, including specially arranged meals with local entertainment

• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure and transportation during your trip

• Entrance fees and local taxes

YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKS PRIVATE EXPEDITION

PAGE 62 THE PRIVATE GUIDE EXPERIENCE

During your trip, you’ll be accompanied by top private guides, who share their wealth of knowledge and their inside perspective about the place you’re exploring. They’ll also have recommendations to help you make the most of your free time. As you travel, you’ll also be joined by local experts, who shed light on the culture and natural history you encounter.