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I N S I D E JA PA N
1 1 D AY S F R O M
• 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.
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 1–4 I O SAKA, 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 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
s.
$9,995
Signature Land
Light/Moderate
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. Above: Crimson umbrellas frame the faces of maiko, or apprentice geisha, in Kyoto.
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