Kobe, Japan Visit Golden Pavilion and Silver Pavilion

Home , Mon (architecture), Shinto shrine

Day 1: Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan * Transfer from airport to pier is not included in the Excursion Package, please arrange on your own transfer or ask cruise consultant for Cruise Line’s transfer.

Day 2: Mt Fuji (Shimizu), Japan From Shimizu, proceed to Shizuoka city and visit to Sengen Shrine. Three shrines are integrally called as ” Sengen Shrine”. This is the main shrine of ancient Suruga country with deep religious supports, especially by Tokugawa Government as Tokugawa-Ieyasu made his coming-of-age ceremony here.

Next, visit Sumpu Park which is located in the center of Shizuoka City. Sumpu Castle was built in 1585 by Ieyasu Tokugawa. This castle was destroyed in 1635 by spread of town fire. After World War II, the site was opened to the public as a park. Today the park is home to Momijiyama Garden (photo opportunity), then closed on Tue instead), which is based on traditional gardens that have a pond as an important feature. Take a walk around and you'll be taken with the wonder of natural beauty (closed on Monday; if Mon is a national holiday). Photo opportunity at Higashi-Gomon Gate (East Gate and Tatumi Yagura (Turret) have been restored as extremely sturdy structures reminiscent of centuries past.

Visit Nihondaira Park. The surrounding landscape includes the mountains of the Izu Peninsula, as seen from across the clear waters of Suruga Bay, and the majestic figure of Mt. Fuji towering in the east. (Weather permitted). Includes a 12-minute round-trip transfer by aerial Ropeway between Nihondaira Park and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Found here are brilliantly lacquered, Gongen-style buildings that embody Momoyama architectural techniques and have been designated cultural landmarks.

Visit Miho no Matsubara. An ancient pine grove that overlooks the sea, Miho no Matsubara is framed by Mt. Fuji towering in the distance (weather permitted). The area’s gnarled trees and spectacular scenery have been a favorite subject of poets and artists for centuries. (Lunch not included).

Please note: - This tour involves a strenuous amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (2400 meters), with more than 100 steps to negotiate at the aerial cable car on Kunozan and another 100 steps at the Kunozan Toshogun Shrine. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair; the coach cannot accommodate electric scooters. Sumpu castle and Momijiyama Garden is closed on Monday, visit Kashi Fish Market instead of that, and just a photo stop at Sumpu castle. Views of Mt. Fuji are subject to weather conditions. - Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Day 3: Kobe, Japan Visit Golden Pavilion and Silver Pavilion. Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.

Visit Nijo Castle (Nijojo). Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site. Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. Nijo Castle can be divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense) and some gardens that encircle the Honmaru and Ninomaru. The entire castle grounds and the Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats.

Visit Kiyomizudera Temple (literally "Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall's pure waters. The temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. (Lunch not included).

Please note: - The drive between Kobe and Kyoto is approximately 100-120-minutes each way. Passengers should expect traffic and delays. - Photography and video are not permitted inside Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace). Shoes must be removed to enter Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace). Nijo Castle is undergoing a long term restoration project; some parts of building will be covered. - There are 30 steps through the path in the Kinkakuji Temple. - Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Day 4: Kobe, Japan Depart the pier for the drive to Osaka Castle (Admission Included). This monumental fortification was ordered constructed by decree of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and was intended to be Japan's strongest and most beautiful castle. Following a war in 1615, the castle was subsequently destroyed, and rebuilt, by Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1665, however, it was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. During your visit, you will marvel at Osaka Castle's five-story donjon, which was constructed from ferro-concrete after the original in 1931, and displays items relating to the Toyotomi family. It towers 131 feet in height, and affords wonderful expansive views and photo opportunities. Other structures, including a two-story tower built in 1620, also remain.

Next, you will visit the Shitennoji Temple. Built in 593, Shitennoji Temple is believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan. Though it has been rebuilt many times throughout its long history, excavations have determined the current layout to be true to its original design. Upon arrival, you will explore the temple's great southern gate, or nandaimon, central gate, or chumon, the pagoda, main hall, or kondoh, and lecture hall, or kodo. All are constructed in a straight line, a design layout known as the Shitennoji Cathedral style. You will also view six national treasures, along with many other items of cultural importance housed in Shitennoji Temple. (Lunch not included).

Day 5: At Sea Enjoy the delicious cuisine and extensive facilities onboard.

Day 6: Nagasaki, Japan Nagasaki is the capital and the largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture on the island of Kyūshū in Japan. Nagasaki was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It was a center of Portuguese and European influence in the 16th through 19th centuries. Nagasaki became a major Imperial Japanese Navy base during the First Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War. During World War II, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki made Nagasaki the second and last city in the world to be subject to nuclear attack.

Visit Suwa Shrine is the major Shinto shrine of Nagasaki. It is located in the northern part of the city. Suwa shrine was established as a way of stopping and reverting the conversion to Christianity that was taking place in Nagasaki. In modern times it remains an important and successful center of the community. Like most Shinto shrines, every year thousands of people visit Suwa Shrine to pray for peace and prosperity. The Shrine is also the main destination in Nagasaki for events. Visit Peace Park is memorializes the site of this tragedy. Dominating the park is a 30-foot bronze statue dedicated to the everlasting quest for peace. Visit The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum (Admission Included), remembers the explosion of the atomic bomb that devastated Nagasaki at 11:02am on 9 August 1945. (Lunch not included).

Please note: - The Atomic Bomb Museum exhibits sensitive material including graphic images depicting the atrocities of war. - This tour include walking up and downhill to visit the Glover Garden. Guests are required to negotiate steps and uneven surfaces at Peace Memorial Park and Glover Gardens. Not recommend for passengers with limited mobility. Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.

Day 7: At Sea Enjoy the delicious cuisine and extensive facilities onboard.

Day 8: Shanghai (Baoshan), China Shanghai is the largest city in China, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people. Located on China's central eastern coast just at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city is administered as a municipality of the People's Republic of China with province-level status. Originally a fishing and textiles town, Shanghai grew to importance in the 19th century due to its favorable port location and as one of the cities opened to foreign trade by the 1842 Treaty of Nanking.

Pass by 2010 Shanghai World Exposition Exhibition. Visit Shanghai’s Nanjing Road, is the main shopping street of Shanghai, also the world’s longest and busy shopping street, around 6 km long, attracts over 1 million visitors daily. Nanjing Road has been a centre of commerce in Shanghai for more than a century. Visit Shanghai Bund, referred to as the Bund, since 1943, called the Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, around 1.5 km long, east of the Huangpu River, west of the old Shanghai business area. Free time in The City God Temple (Chenghuang Temple). The City God Temple within the old walled city. Today the "City God Temple" not only refers to the large temple complex, but also the traditional district of commerce in the city, surrounding the temple. There are over a hundred stores and shops in this area, and most of these store buildings are nearly a century old. (Lunch not included).

Day 9: At Sea Enjoy the delicious cuisine and extensive facilities onboard.

Day 10: Okianwa, Japan Visit Shurijo Castle (UNESCO) (Admission included) - The vermilion-colored castle was the seat of power during the 500- year reign of the Ryukyuan Kingdom. Destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in 1992, the castle is surrounded by stone walls and beautiful gates leading to the Seiden or Main Hall. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Shikinaen Royal Garden (Admission included) - it was constructed in the end of the 17th century as the 2nd residence of the Ryukyu Kings. In 2000, Shikinaen was among the sites added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the collective title "Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu". It time permit, free shopping time in Kokusai Street - Naha's commercial heart is this "International Street" of hotels, department stores, theaters and restaurants. (Lunch not included)

Day 11: Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan Visit the Martyr’s Shrine, a stately monument constructed in 1969 to honor the 330,000 brave man who sacrificed their lives during key battles throughout Chinese history. Reminiscent in style to Beijing’s Taihe Diam Imperial Palace, this stunning shrine is surrounded by over 350,000 square feet of grass and features a bright red main gate guarded by stoic white-uniformed officers trained to remain emotionless.

Pass by President of the Republic of China & Grand Hotel - one of a landmark in Taipei. The hotel was established in May 1952 and the main building was completed on October 10, 1973. it has played host to many foreign dignitaries who have visited Taipei. Photo opportunity at Taipei 101. Shopping opportunity in local store. Outside visit and photo opportunity at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (Liberty Square), which if part of a luxuriant who million square-foot park, a regal monument paying to tribute to the former President of the Republic of China. With its brilliant blue glazed-tile roof, gold apex, white marble and natural red cypress ceiling, the shrine is designed to convey sacredness, solemnity, hospitality and peace. (Lunch not included).

Please note: - The drive between the pier and Taipei is approximately one hour each way.

Day 12: Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan Visit Jiufen. Jiufen is a small town in north Taiwan, Until the 50s, Jiufen was a prosperous gold mining town, but when the mining was discontinued, the town went into sharp decline. However, the quaint streets, tea houses and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean saved it from becoming yet another anonymous mining ghost town, and it is now a popular tourist destination, especially with Taipei eager to relive scenes of the past. (Lunch not included).

Please note: - Wear comfortable walking shoes. - This excursion requires substantial walking and step climbing. Recommended only for passengers in good physical condition.

Day 13: At Sea Enjoy the delicious cuisine and extensive facilities onboard.

Day 14: Hong Kong, China Own arrangement or join Cruise Line’s shore excursion tour, own expense.

Day 15: Hong Kong, China * Transfer from pier to airport is not included in the Excursion Package, please arrange on your own transfer or ask cruise consultant for Cruise Line’s transfer.

***Payment by cheque/cash only & 100% Non-refundable after payment. 4% service charge on credit card payment*** A minimum number of 30 participants are required to operate this tour or price will be adjusted for less than 30 participants Price Included Price Excludes

All Arrangement as per itinerary Arrival and Departure transfers Cantonese or Mandarin speaking tour leader Gratuities to Guides, Drivers, Assistances, Tour Leader , Baggage Handling, Beverage, Personal Expenses, Travel Insurance Specified admission Meals and Admission (Unless specified)

* Special package price offer for booked with Cruise and Air with Ucruising Vacations; Excursion Tour only USD$848/person 1. Ucruising strongly recommended purchase the travel insurance; some policy would protect uncertain issue 2. Price would various if fuel surcharge increase; Exchange rate would always interference Package Price, all rates would be protected once payment in full 3. Suggested gratuities for tour guide, driver, assistance and group leader are USD$105/person/sailing 4. Price would various if passengers not book the cruise with Ucruising 5. Air schedule is base on exiting airline information; it is client’s responsibility for any schedule change supplement 6. Traveler has the responsibility to determine valid documentation to enter all ports of call. It is necessary that passports have a minimum of 6 months to expiry. You may ask our consultant for the details. 7. Itineraries maybe changed due to weather, traffic conditions or port delayed/cancelled. Ucruising Vacations reserves the right to substitute itineraries due to conditions beyond our control. Any changes to itineraries will not result in eligibility for a refund