Travel back in time and experience the two most ancient capitals in Japan; Kyoto and Nara. Take in the history and true culture of Japan at a tea ceremony in a local temple and an evening performance by an authentic Maiko Girl. Enjoy a full day sightseeing Kyoto and Nara with stops to the famous Kinkakuji Temple that has the top two floors completely covered in gold leaf and the Tadaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was constructed during the 8th century.
Please note: guests should schedule flights from Osaka's Kansai Airport at the end of program.
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Japan. It is the responsibility of the guest to obtain the appropriate visas before your cruise.
DAY 1 - ARRIVING OSAKA/ KYOTO
Arriving at Osaka's Kansai Airport, you are met by your local Silversea representative and transferred to your hotel in Kyoto. If your flight arrives significantly earlier than 1:00pm, you might consider adding an additional night to your program to insure that you can check in immediately upon arrival.
The balance of the day, including dinner this evening, is at your leisure.
Overnight at the Westin Miyako- Kyoto
DAY 2 - KYOTO
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning. Today includes a full day of sightseeing including a visit to Nijo Castle to examine the sumptuous paintings and carvings. Late afternoon, experience a tea ceremony at a local temple. The tea ceremony provides an engaging induction to the tradition and art of tea. Dating back hundreds of years, it is the most idealistic pastime of ancient Japan. Take in the peaceful garden views and surrounding pagodas before venturing to a local restaurant, where lunch will be provided (western-style menu.)
This afternoon's itinerary includes stops to the famous Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, where one can see that the two top floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Originally built by Shogun Shikaga Yoshimitshu as a villa during the Muromachi Period, and was later converted as a temple in 1397, the temple now houses many sacred relics of Buddha.
At the end of your visit, continue on to the Gion District and enjoy Japanese style beef or 'Shabu-Shabu' for dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at the Westin Miyako- Kyoto
DAY 3 - KYOTO / NARA
Breakfast is provided at the hotel, before your full day sightseeing tour of Nara begins. Your first stop this morning is to the Tadai-ji Temple, the largest single wooden structure in the world. It contains the largest bronze Buddha in the world. Today it is the Head Temple of the Kegon Sect of Buddhism, serving as a place of prayer for peace and affluence on earth, as well as a center of Buddhist doctrinal research. Legend has it that it took over 2 million workers to build it. The Buddha was completed in 751, having consumed most of Japan's bronze production for several years and leaving the country nearly bankrupt.
The afternoon serves as an introduction to the two main religions of Japan. The Kasuga Taisha Shrine, your next stop, is considered by many to be one of the best Shinto shrines in Japan. Originally the royal shrine of the powerful Fujiwara family, the shrine was founded in 768 and, according to Shinto concepts of purity, was torn down and rebuilt every 20 years in its original form until 1863. Walk down the road to the second torii gate and pass under 3,000 lanterns built out of stone.
Enjoy lunch this afternoon (western-style menu) at a local restaurant in Nara before heading back to Kyoto. Stop and visit the Nishiki Market, which is said to be the largest market in Kyoto with over 125 shops and dating back over 400 years. One can find an assortment of produce such as Kyoto specialties like Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi as you stroll through nearly 5 blocks of vendors and food stands.
This evening, experience a performance from a Maiko Girl as you enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (Japanese-style.)
Overnight at the Westin Miyako- Kyoto
DAY 4 - KYOTO/ KOBE
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking-out and starting your half day tour of Kyoto. Enjoy stops at Sanjusangendo and Fushimi Inari Shrine, before transferring to the Kobe pier to embark your cruise.
The Sanjusangendo temple houses more than 1,000 standing Buddhist statues in its main hall. The site is a one-of-a-kind experience and is regarded by some as a true national treasure of Japan.
Then see the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine, which has more than 10,000 red-painted torii gates leading into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari.
Your tour comes to an end, however the staff and crew are waiting to welcome you aboard. Bon Voyage!
For rates and availability please contact Silversea Cruises
Please note: Guests will be expected to remove their shoes in order to enter some of the sites as well as at the local Japanese restaurants included in this program.
Program Inclusions:
- Three nights at the Westin Miyako Hotel or similar- Deluxe Room
- Included Meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Transfers to/ from airport and pier and all internal transfers needed for tours itinerary
Luggage Information:
All luggage travels with you throughout this tour.
Visa Information:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Japan. It is the responsibility of the guest to obtain the appropriate visas before your cruise.
Accessibility:
This tour includes long walks and may include several steps at local attractions. We do not recommend this tour mobility impaired guests and those who require a wheelchair.
Minimum Participation:
All Land Programs require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not obtained, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel a specific departure.
This description is a general overview of the highlights of this program. The local Silversea representative will do everything possible to insure that all of the sites described here are visited, though the tour sequence and specific sites mentioned is subject to change. Closure of some sites due to local or national holiday observances, flight schedules or other factors may affect the program, and the local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if necessary.
Please note: Gratuities to guides/drivers, meals and alcoholic drinks other than those noted in itinerary, and other personal expenses are not included in the price of this tour.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing and are recommended to guests 18 years or age and older. This description is a general overview of this programme. Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays and weather, require. The programme described here is provided by independent contractors. Silversea acts solely as ticketing agent. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.
