(6 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)

Kyoto is the most enchanting destination in Japan, and easily warrants a week to truly experience its many treasures.  This tour is for the traveler who wants to be immersed in the history, elegance, and style that IS Kyoto.

Visit intimate gardens and rustic temples and shrines; enjoy the wooden traditional architecture lining the backstreets; and delight in the wonderful museums, antique shops, culinary specialties, and craft shops that have been in families for generations.

• Begin with a memorable two-night stay at one of Kyoto's most prestigious ryokan (traditional inns) — either the Tawaraya Ryokan or the Hiiragiya Ryokan.

• After your ryokan experience, spend three nights at the luxurious Westin Miyako Hotel.

• Enjoy exclusive access to Kyoto's most elegant gardens, imperial villas, temples and shrines.

• Explore local craft shops, food markets, superb museums, elegant restaurants, and traditional residential districts.

• Visit ancient Nara and the I. M. Pei-designed Miho Museum, or the mountain suburbs of Ohara and Kibune.

• Attend a tea ceremony in one of Kyoto's most spectacular private estates.

Day 01	Arrive Osaka - Kyoto Arrival transfer from train station or Kansai Airport to Kyoto for 2 nights at a ryokan.  Afternoon private touring in Kyoto to several temples, gardens, and Gion District. Dinner at ryokan. (D)
Day 02	Kyoto Private tour: Katsura Imperial Villa, Arashiyama, local food markets, private art collections, and important temples and shrines. Dinner at ryokan. (B,D)
Day 03	Nara Check out of ryokan and spend day on private excursion to ancient Nara. Return to Kyoto to check in to Westin Miyako Hotel for 3 nights (B)
Day 04	Miho Museum Private tour to Miho Museum and region's best pottery shops. Return to Kyoto to continue sightseeing. (B)
Day 05	Kyoto Morning touring including access to private gardens and tea ceremony at private estate. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 06	Depart Japan At leisure until transfer to Kansai Airport or train station to continue touring in Japan. (B)

* For this tour we recommend flying in and out of Kansai International Airport (near Osaka); bullet train transfers to/from other cities can also be arranged.

Accommodation