Immerse yourself into Japanese history, architecture and customs in a unique way during this overland journey to legendary Kyoto. This unforgettable city was the center of Japan's cultural and political universe and signs of the spirit and tradition are everywhere. See typical Japanese structures including a spectacular castle built for a Samurai lord, temples and shrines, including three UNESCO World heritage sites. Dinner will be a memorable experience as you enjoy dining with a Geisha performance. Next, enjoy a Wagashi Making Class and continue the day exploring Nara. The city of Nara, second only to Kyoto as the richest collection of traditional sites in Japan, is home to some of the country's best temples and shrines, along with several fine gardens, museums and traditional neighborhoods.
01MIDMZQ-A: Kyoto & Nara
Duration: 2 Days/1 Nights
Departs from: Maizuru
Re-join ship: Maizuru
Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.
Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.
VISA INFORMATION:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Japan. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
The local currency is the Japanese Yen. Japanese Yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).
DAY ONE - Maizuru / Kyoto
Disembark the ship in Maizuru and begin your overland excursion with an approximate 2-hour drive to Kyoto, the spiritual heart of Japan. Kyoto is a sophisticated city on the island of Honshu with thousands of classical Buddhist temples, stunning gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. A visit to Kyoto is the perfect introduction to the diversity and tolerance of various eastern religions like the Shinto, the Buddhism and the Zen philosophy.
Commence your Japanese full immertion experience with the visit of the famous Golden Pavilion. This beautiful temple was built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as a villa in the Muromachi Period in 1397 and later converted as a temple. It burned down in 1950, but was rebuilt in 1955. It is three-stories high with the second and the third story covered with pure gold foil, totaling 2 tons. The Golden Pavilion, situated in a serene, park-like setting is amongst Kyoto's best known sites. The mirror reflection of the temple on the still pond in the garden presents a marvelous scenario for wonderful pictures.
Then head to Arashiyama Bamboo District, which is one of the city's top attractions, and immerse yourself in the mystical bamboo path at Arashiyama. This is a great change of pace for your day in Kyoto. The Togetsukyo Bridge (lit. "Moon Crossing Bridge") is Arashiyama's most iconic landmark. It was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in the 1930s. The bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested mountainside in the background. Enjoy a little free time to explore this peculiar area before your Japanese style lunch.
After lunch proceed to Nijo Castle. The castle was built in 1611 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Hon-maru (main court) burned down in 1788, and the only original part remaining is the Ni-no-maru (second court). The present Hon-maru was re-built in 1827, and is a copy of the one that originally stood in the grounds of Kyoto Imperial Palace. This UNESCO World heritage castle is also famous for its many cultural treasures from the Momoyama Era (16th century), such as the Karamon (Chinese Gate), Ni-no-maru Garden and pictures on the doors in the building.
Next, enjoy the matcha tea ritual: a unique quiet celebration performed with grace and beauty. The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a symbol of peace, harmony and happiness. It's a spiritual experience that demonstrates respect through etiquette and grace, which are integral facets of Japanese culture. The matcha tea powder ceremony also promotes social bonding, and provides an occasion for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves away from the worries of the outside world.
Check in at the hotel and get ready for the last part of your day that is a special dinner with a Geisha Performance. Geisha are professional entertainers who attend guests during meals and other occasions, wearing Kimono since Edo period (1603-1867). They are regarded as "traditional and iconic Japanese women" who have learned graceful behavior, traditional custom and various Japanese arts such as dance and playing musical instruments. Their role is to make guests feel at ease with conversation, using special dialect, drinking games and dance performances. Dinner with them are very limited access even for Japanese people because they have a strong "connection" business custom that the first time customers are not allowed to make a reservation since old days.
DAY TWO - Kyoto / Nara / Maizuru
After breakfast and check out, experience a unique cooking class of Wagashi at Kyoto style house "Kanshundo".
Kyogashi is one of the Wagashi used by the Imperial court, nobles, temples and shrines, tea houses, and so on in festivals and ceremonies. Make seasonal real Kyogashi products under the guidance of your Japanese Chef. Enjoy this special class, that is held in a traditional building with wooden beams, and have a taste of your sweet creation with matcha green tea.
Afterwards, proceed for 1-hour drive to reach your lunch venue. Then head to Nara. Nara Park is one of the must-see areas in Nara City. The vast area covers 660 hectares and is renowned for its free-roaming deer and world famous temples. Feeding the deers is an attraction in itself. Kasuga Taisha Shrine originally constructed in 768 A.D. by the Fujiwaras, a prominent feudal family, the shrine has been rebuilt over 50 times in accordance with Shinto custom to purify the site. More than 2,000 stone lanterns line the pathways, and are lit only three times a year on special festival days. Upon arrival, pass through the torii gate to experience the unique architectural style of the shrine, including the shape of the roof and the brilliant vermilion and green halls.
To end your magnificent exploration of Japan, visit the Todai-ji Temple. The temple is famous for its great image of Buddha, a symbol of Nara, and the temple building itself is the largest existing wooden structure in the world. The present temple building was reconstructed in the mid-Edo Period (1603-1867). It measures 187 feet (57 metres) wide, 164 feet (50 metres) deep and 157 feet (48 metres) in height.
Afterwards relax and enjoy the approx. 2.5 hour scenic journey back to Maizuru and your ship.
Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires moderate to extensive walking (often on gravel pathways) plus climbing steps during site visits. The tour therefore is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or guests utilising a wheelchair. We recommend wearing layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Trip essentials should fit into a carry-on bag that can be accommodated. Remember to bring your camera and some Japanese Yen for any local purchases. Shoes need to be removed at the entrance to Nijo Castle. The tour sequence may vary and traffic patterns may affect tour timings.
Programme Includes:
· One-night stay at Daiwa Royal Hotel - Kyoto
· One breakfast, Two Japanese-Style lunch, one traditional set menu Japanese dinner with Geisha performance (two drinks, choice of soft drinks, beer or wine with lunch and dinner)
· One Wagashi Making class
One Tea Cerimony
· All sightseeing, internal visits and transfers as per itinerary
Not Included:
Any meals and drinks not specified above, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.
