You will board your motor coach for a day of Taipei highlights. A 50-minute drive will take you to the National Palace Museum which houses ancient Chinese artifacts and artwork, with some pieces dating back 5,000 years You will visit this museum, renowned as one of the greatest museums in the world before a short drive to the Martyrs’ Shrine, built in 1969. Here you will see its magnificent architectural style symbolizing the martyrs' brave spirit. It is the replica of the Taihe Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The highlight of your visit here is to see the ceremonial changing of the guards. You will then drive to the Grand Hotel for lunch. The Grand Hotel, with its traditional palace style architecture, vermilion pillars, stately archways, and brilliantly tiled roof, is not only a magnificent landmark of Taiwan, but it is an emblem of ancient China.  A 20-minute drive will get you to Lungshan Temple built in 1740. It is the city’s oldest and most famous, as well as one of Taiwan’s finest examples of temple design.  Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is your next stop. Constructed in the memory of the former president, Mr. Chiang Kai Shek, the Memorial is the attraction most visited by foreign tourists. You will have a short shopping stop and the Handicraft Center and then drive to Taipei 101 the world's second tallest building. It is the pride of Taipei’s skyline and is testament to the country’s engineering and technological capabilities. It has the fastest elevator in the world takes only 37 seconds to go up to 89 floors to the observatory deck.

Please note:  Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in conservative clothing with shoulders and knees covered and bring local currency.

See the highlights of Ishigaki on a carefully planned tour. You will depart from the pier by motor coach and your 20-minute ride will take you to Yaima Village, a theme park where you can experience the Yaeyama culture and nature. Ishigaki Yaima Village is located on top of the hill where you can view the Nagura Gulf.  You will see a Yaeyama row of houses, hear, Sanshin music, see Ryukyu national costuming, Shisa coloring and other experiences will be available. The feeding of the cute squirrels is a popular thing to do. Then you  will head to Kabira Bay. With its emerald green and blue hues, Kabira Bay is considered one of the most beautiful places in Japan and definitely on the top of the list for Okinawa. Clear ocean, small boats floating on beautiful water, the cute shapes of neighboring islands, and the sweeping sky. This combination is the greatest feature of Kabira Bay. A touristy 30-minute-long glass bottom boat ride will let you take a look at the bay's underwater world as well. Kabira Bayand  Iriomote are the only two cultivation sites of black pearls in Japan. Your last stop will be at Banna Forest Park, a spacious nature reserve located just a few miles to the north of Ishigaki City. It is a place which can be enjoyed by absolutely anybody. The park itself is positioned around what can broadly be described as a mountain (peaking at just 656 feet), and is divided into four zones and a 'Skyline' all of which are linked by paths and roads. You will have a short photo stop at the observation deck inside the Banna Park.  

Please note:  This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat and local currency.  You will have to walk on the beach to reach the glass bottom boat. The actual boat ride is approximately 30 minutes.

Takeromijima is where you will find a traditional, beautifully preserved Ryukyu village on Taketomi Island just off the coast of Ishigaki Island. The tour will start with taking a 15-minute ferry ride from the Ishigaki Ferry Terminal to Taketomi Island. Once you get in the village, you will see the houses with traditional red-tiled roofs, tutelary Sheesaa clay lions on the roofs, walls made of coral stones, streets paved with white sand. See and enjoy these unspoiled sceneries of Okinawa. The tour will also include the opportunity to ride on a Water Ox Carriage running through the village. Also, take your time and stroll through the streets to feel the tradition and culture still alive in the islanders’ lifestyle. After strolling around the village, you will have free time at Kaijihama Beach, which is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Japan.

Please note:  This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat and local currency. If you choose to get on the water ox carriage, you will be required to get into the cart by unassisted.  It is not allowed to touch the water ox without the permission as a safety precaution.

This tour will begin at the Kaichu (Marine) Park where you will have an opportunity to walk into the undersea world. This park is designed to observe many kinds of marine lives related to Miyakojima island through 24 acrylic panels. Then, the coach will take you for a short panoramic drive to Ikema island through 4,676-foot- (1,425-meter-) long Ikema Ohashi Bridge. After a photo stop on Ikema Island, you will be transferred to the local Awamori Distillery to learn how this local liquor is produced. You will have a chance to go into the cave where some of the Awamori bottles are aged. At the end of the tour, enjoy tasting Awamori to find your favorite flavor.

Please note: There are nearly 100 steps in Kaichu (Marine) Park to see the underwater observatory.  Awamori Distillery - There are stone steps in the cave, and it may be slippery.  This tour is not recommended for the guests with mobility concerns. The order of the sites visited may vary.

TToday, you will start your day with a scenic drive to the glass bottom boat pier. A glass bottom boat ride is another great way to see the beauty of Miyakojima. Plenty of photo opportunities will await you at Higashihennazaki Cape, a long, narrow protrusion extending from Miyakojima, where the waves crash dramatically against the steep, jagged limestone cliffs. The ocean sparkles blue in contrast with the lush greenery of the cape and the limestone. At the tip of the cape is a picturesque white lighthouse, perfect for viewing the coral-dotted ocean panorama below. Lastly, you will enjoy a scenic drive to the 11,614-foot- (3,540-meter-) long Irabu Ohashi Bridge, which is the longest toll-free bridge in Japan and said to be the “Bridge of Dreams” because it has been 40 years from the planning stage, with a total project cost of 39.5 billion yen and took 9 years from the start of construction till completion.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.  Bring local currency, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. If guests cannot climb stairs to the glass bottom boat they can wait on the pier.

First, your coach will take you on a scenic drive across the Irabu-Ohashi Bridge that connects the two islands of Miyako and Irabu. Constructed in in 2015, the bridge extends to 11,614 feet (3,540 meters) in length and is the longest free bridge in Japan. After crossing the bridge, you will be taken to the Makiyama Observatory that stands at the highest point of Irabu Island. This observatory offers a panoramic view of the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, the neighboring island of Miyako, and the tropical sea that flows between the islands. After a photo stop, you will be taken to Shigira Gold Onsen (Hot Spring) Spa to treat yourselves. This hot spring is surrounded by different types of plants and flowers and it will give you the finest relaxation amid the beautiful scenery of Miyakojima Island.

Please note: Wear your swimsuit under your clothing. It is also recommended not to wear any accessories as the color may be changed by the hot spring water. Tattoos are prohibited. It is not recommended for guests with mobility concerns or any health liability to experience the hot spring.

The order of the sites visited may vary.

This unique tour not only gives you the opportunity to observe and learn the secrets of the art of Bingata, a multicolored dyeing process used for silk and vegetable fibers, but also allows you to actively participate in making your own creation. Depart the pier by coach for a short drive to Tembusu Naha, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the art of Bingata, originally produced solely for Okinawa's warrior class since the 15th century. Bingata-dyed fabric has been produced in the Ryukyu Islands for centuries, but is believed that the multi-colored dyeing process was originally introduced from southern China. Discover the secrets of this ancient art as you create your very own piece of Ryukyu Bingata, with a complex pattern of alternating light and dark dyes. At the end of this interactive class, you will be able to take home with you your piece of traditional Bingata as a souvenir of your visit.  Rejoining your coach, you will travel towards the Shurijyo Castle. This vermilion-colored castle was the seat of power during the 500-year reign of the Ryukyu Kindgom. Destroyed in World War II, the Castle was rebuilt in 1992 and is surrounded by beautiful gates that lead to Seiden or Main Hall. Following your visit at the Castle, you will be transferred back to the pier.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 1.5 hours of walking that is considered strenuous at times and there are uneven surfaces and a significant number of steep steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and it is not considered suitable for those with mobility concerns. The Bingata dyeing process will leave permanent stains on clothing so casual clothing that you will not mind getting permanently stained is recommended, along with sturdy yet comfortable walking shoes. Shoes must be removed during the visit to the South Hall (Nanden) and main hall of Shurijo Castle. While photography is permitted on the grounds of Shurijo Castle, none is permitted inside. The Shrijo Castle has restoration work being done and some areas may not be accessible. We suggest that you bring local currency for any purchases at the sites. The order of the sites viewed or visit may vary.

You will travel towards the Shuri Castle. This vermilion-colored castle was the seat of power during the 500-year reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Destroyed in World War II, the Castle was rebuilt in 1992 and is surrounded by beautiful gates that lead to Seiden or Main Hall.  Following your visit at the Castle, you will be transferred to the local shop where you can have a special coral dyeing experience. There are different shapes of coral's fossil and you will make your own souvenirs with your favorite coral's fossils and colors.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 1.5 hours of walking that is considered strenuous at times and there are uneven surfaces and a significant number of steep steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and it is not considered suitable for those with mobility concerns. The coral dyeing process will leave permanent stains on clothing so casual clothing that you will not mind getting permanently stained is recommended, along with sturdy yet comfortable walking shoes. Shoes must be removed during the visit to the South Hall (Nanden) and main hall of Shuri Castle. While photography is permitted on the grounds of Shuri Castle, none is permitted inside. The Shuri Castle has restoration work being done and some areas may not be accessible. Bring local currency for any purchases at the sites. The order of the sites viewed or visit may vary.

Unlike other parts of Japan, Okinawa has its own separate history, having been the independent kingdom of Ryukyu during the 15th century. On this half-day excursion, you will explore the city of Naha, the capital and largest city of Okinawa Prefecture, and former capital of the Ryukyu kings. Leaving the port, you will drive to Shuri Castle, the administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu royal family for over 400 years, until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle rests on a hill providing outstanding views of Naha and the sea. You will see the lavishly decorated Seiden (Main Hall), and the ornate Shurei Gate. Known as the Gate of Courtesy, it typifies Okinawan architecture and serves as a symbol of modern day Okinawa.  After the castle, you will be escorted to Shikina en Garden, which is known as one of the best Japanese Style Gardens in Okinawa. 

Please note: This tour includes approximately 2.5 hours of walking that is considered strenuous at times and there are uneven surfaces and a significant number of steep steps to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and it is not considered suitable for those with mobility concerns. Shoes must be removed during the visit to the south hall (Nanden) and the main hall of Shurijo Castle. While photography is permitted on the grounds of Shurijo Castle, none is permitted inside. The Shurijo Castle has restoration work being done and some areas may not be accessible. Bring local currency for any purchases at the sites, sunscreen and a hat. The order of the sites viewed or visited may vary.

Visit Okinawa's historic battlefield sites and monuments of the Battle of Okinawa in this interesting half-day tour. Departing from the pier, you will first travel towards southeast Okinawa, passing by several residential and commercial areas. Your first stop will be at the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, located where Rear Admiral Ota and his men desperately fought in 1945. Once you have arrived, you will walk down the 101 steps into the narrow tunnels of the headquarters to see the commanding officer's room, staff room, generator rooms and more, giving you unique insight into the experiences the soldiers and officers had inside the headquarters. You will next make your way to Peace Memorial Park, which is built to commemorate the people who died in the war. In the Peace Park, you will also visit the museum with many displays telling about the battle in Okinawa. The final stop will be at Himeyuri Monument, which stands as a symbol of the severity of the Battle of Okinawa. It was built as a dedication to the more than 200 female students and their teachers who lost their lives as volunteer nurses in the Himeyuri Corps. 

Please note: This tour includes approximately 3-hours of walking that is considered strenuous at times and there are uneven surfaces and a significant number of steps and narrow passageways to negotiate at the Naval Underground Headquarters. There are no elevators or ramps at this attraction. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Weather appropriate clothing and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested. The order of the sites viewed or visited may vary. We suggest that you bring local currency for any purchases at the sites.

Your day will start with Oshimatsumugi Kimono village where you can see local industry and watch the process of making Tsumugi and Kasuri silk-cotton fabrics. You can enjoy a craft complex in a beautiful hillside setting among flowers and many of the plants used in dyeing. Next is to Tanaka Isson Museum and the Amami Park.  Tanaka Isson is a nationally proclaimed artist of Japan who is deeply connected with Amami Island and widely known for his flower and bird paintings. Enjoy his great pieces of artwork as well as the folk museum. You will also have time to stroll around the Amami Park and the observation deck with the great view of the surrounding area.

Please note:  Bring local currency sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a light jacket and wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are easy to walk in.

The first visit of this tour will be the Shochu Distillery, makers of the Kokuto Shochu a distilled spirit made exclusively in Amami Islands. Shochu is most often distilled nationwide using ingredients such as rice or sweet potato.  However, at the Shochu Distillery in Amami, their Kokuto Shochu is uniquely made from brown sugar. You will experience the state-of-the-art distillation process that goes into the creation of this one of a kind Shochu that is rich in flavor and aroma. To conclude the distillery factory tour, you will have an opportunity to taste the different types of Shochu. You will visit Oshimatsumugi Kimono village for a tour of its dyed silk weaving factory. During this tour, you will also participate in the mud dying process to craft a handkerchief of your own. Souvenirs and textile goods can also be purchased at the gift shop to bring an authentic item back home. Afterward, return to the pier.

Please note:  Bring local currency sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a light jacket and wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are easy to walk in.  You will be required to take off shoes during dyeing experience and will step into the muddy water for dyeing process. It is highly recommended to wear the slacks which you can roll them up to the knees.

Since Amami Oshima Island is an island where flowers in the deep and dark old-growth forest bloom in profusion throughout the year and where one-of-a-kind plants and animals call home, this island is also known as the “Oriental Galapagos.” Amami Oshima Island is a treasure chest of valuable plants and animals including a mangrove primeval forest. It is Japan’s second largest in terms of area, and is inhabited by the Amami Rabbit, a national protected species, and seeks to be registered as a World Heritage Site. In Mangrove Park, canoeing through the mangroves is popular. This tour is recommended for athletic lovers. You will be required to wear life jacket and do some practice before canoeing and have enough strength to paddle the canoe on your own.On the way to the pier, you will make a photo stop to see the panoramic view of Naze port.

Please note: Bring local currency. sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a light jacket and wear comfortable shoes and clothes that are easy to walk in. Life jacket will be provided. Guests are required to have enough strength to paddle the canoe on their own. Cameras should be protected from the water and will be the responsibility of the guest. Your feet may get wet in the canoe so it is recommended to wear or bring sandals.

Today, the local guide will take you on a tour in Nagasaki, the second city destroyed by an A-bomb in World War II.  Your first stop will be at Atomic Bomb Museum, which tells about the aftermath of the bombing.  You will see over 900 artifacts indicative of the city’s devastation, as well as displays on modern nuclear technology and concerns Next, your guide will take you to the Peace Memorial Park, commemorating the city’s destruction by the plutonium bomb dropped on August 9, 1945. Although Fat Man, the name given to the second bomb dropped on Japan, missed its target by over a mile and a half, it leveled nearly half the city. The park’s main attraction is its collection of statues and sculptures donated by countries and groups all over the world. This includes the massive Peace Memorial Statue depicting a man with his right arm pointing to the sky to indicate the continued threat of nuclear destruction.  Continue to Dejima Island which was built during the Edo Period to accommodate Portuguese Christian missionaries and prevent the propagation of their religion. It was also once the residential quarters of the Dutch, the only foreigners allowed to trade in Japan during the Sakoku (isolation) Period of 200 years, until Japan reopened to the world.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.

The tour will begin with a visit to the 7-story-tall Fukuyama Castle.  The castle suffered extensive damage during World War II, where most of the castle was destroyed. It was rebuilt in 1966 which is the structure that remains today.  Within the museum, you can see artwork from the Fukuyama area as well as modern and contemporary Japanese artwork.  Afterward, the tour will visit Myooin Temple which is designated as a Japanese National Treasure. Myooin Temple was founded by Kobo-Daishi or Kukai and it is said that its main hall was built in 1321. You will also find a 5-storied Pagoda which was built is 1348. Afterwards, drive back to the pier and finish off with a guided walking tour of the picturesque port town of Tomonoura.

Please note: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring local currency.

Onomichi, a quaint town that sits on many slopes is in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture. As one of the highlights of Onomichi, the tour will first visit the Jodoji Temple of Shingon Buddhism. This temple has a main hall and a 2-story pagoda that has been designated as one of the National Treasures of Japan. Next, the tour will travel to Senkoji Ropeway to ride up to the Senkoji Park Observatory. From the observatory, you will be able to appreciate the breathtaking view of the small picturesque town of Onomichi.  After seeing Senkoji Temple, you will walk to Neko no Hosomichi or 'Cat Alley.' This area was given its name as there are many Fukuishi Cat stones. These stones were painted as cats by local artist, Shunji Sonoyama and have been popular for cat lovers. Little fortune-stone-cats are found all over the alley to welcome you.

Please note: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring local currency. This tour is not available for the guests with mobility concerns. The walking trail from Senkoji Park to the bus stop though the Cat Alley is more than ¾ of a mile (1km) at 245 feet (75 meters) elevation. This is a one-way walk so all the guests are required to walk with the guide all the way back to the parking lot. There are more than 500 steps in Senkoji and the Cat Alley area and some parts of the slope may be a sharp descent.

 

Indulge in the Zen way with this visit to Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens. Here is the perfect place to learn about the Culture of Zen that streams all throughout its architecture, design, and lifestyle. This temple and its garden was constructed in 1965 to provide a Zen experience. There are several halls and one is a 350 years old building brought over from Shiga Prefecture. Throughout this visit, you will partake in a class experience introducing you to the Zen way. You will also be able to stroll through the Temple and its garden while getting a better understanding of the details in the designs seen throughout the property. Afterwards, drive back to the pier and finish off with a guided walking tour of the picturesque port town of Tomonoura.

Please note: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring local currency. During Zen meditation class, guests are required to take off shoes and sit on a floor pillow. No chairs will be provided. Zen meditation itself is approximately 20-30 minutes of sitting.

You will depart from the pier and enjoy a brief drive to the Umeda Sky Building, whose roof features a doughnut shape that provides an unobstructed 360-degree view. While enjoying the breathtaking sights, you can also directly feel the wind, which at 56 feet off the ground can get quite strong. From this observatory, you can not only see all of Osaka but as far away as Awaji Island if the weather is clear. Next you will head to Osaka Castle, which was first built in 1583 and now serves as the symbol for the city. Although the original castle was destroyed over the years, many of the key features of the complex still remain, including turrets and sections of the walls that border the surrounding moat. The existing version of the castle itself was built in 1931 to replicate the original. The steep, stone walls at its base are particularly noteworthy, as they rise nearly 100 feet, an architectural rarity in Japan. You will have some time to take pictures of this beautiful castle before heading back to Osaka.

Please note:  Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina.  From the parking lot to Osaka Castle is approximately a 15-minute walk. Bring local currency, sunscreen and a hat and wear comfortable walking shoes and conservative clothing for the temple.

Visit of one of the most important sites in Japan "Imperial Place Plaza" and Hamarikyu Garden (Edo period Japanese style garden).  You will depart from the pier for the 60-minute drive to Hamarikyu Garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers, a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. The garden was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period, but later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace before eventually being opened to the public in its current form.  Next you will see the Imperial Palace located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, and the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. Although the Palace is not open to the public, from Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, you can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) because of its appearance. Then the coach will take you to Haneda Airport.

Please note: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring local currency.

Visit of one of the most important sites in Japan "Imperial Place Plaza" and Hamarikyu Garden (Edo period Japanese style garden).  You will depart from the pier for the 60-minute drive to Hamarikyu Garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers, a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. The garden was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period, but later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace before eventually being opened to the public in its current form.  Next you will see the Imperial Palace located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, and the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. Although the Palace is not open to the public, from Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, you can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) because of its appearance. Then the coach will take you to Narita Airport.

Please note: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring local currency.

Visit of one of the most important sites in Japan "Imperial Place Plaza" and Hamarikyu Garden (Edo period Japanese style garden).  You will depart from the pier for the 60-minute drive to Hamarikyu Garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers, a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts. The garden was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period, but later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace before eventually being opened to the public in its current form.  Next you will see the Imperial Palace located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, and the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. Although the Palace is not open to the public, from Kokyo Gaien, the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace, you can view the Nijubashi, two bridges that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The stone bridge in front is called Meganebashi (Eyeglass Bridge) because of its appearance. Then the coach will take you to your Tokyo Hotel.

Please note: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring local currency.