SISTER CITY CITIZEN TO JAPAN

10-DAY FUTTSU, YOKOHAMA, TOKYO, MT. FUJI, KYOTO, NARA

Join the Sister City of Carlsbad and the Sister City of San Diego to experience the authentic Japan in 10 days.

Named by Travel+Leisure Magazine  Japan is one of the trips of a lifetime. This hassle-free trip takes you to the sister city of Carlsbad - Futtsu, the sister city of San Diego - Yokohama, the heart of Japan - Tokyo, the majestic Mt. Fuji, the traditional Japan - Kyoto and the first Japan's capital - Nara.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Experience Japan with the local experts
  • Meet the friendly local families
  • Taste the authentic Japanese cuisine, Japanese whiskey, and national beverage, sake
  • Learn how to make sushi
  • Watch the national sport, Sumo wrestling demonstration
  • Participate in a traditional tea ceremony
  • Reveal UNESCO world heritage sites and appreciate the ancient architectures
  • See the breathtaking views of Japan from Tokyo Skytree and Mt. Fuji
  • Ride the bullet train
  • Explore the fascinating and inspiring art and craft
  • Discover the beautiful natural scenic, rich history and unique culture
  • The trip cost is inclusive of international flight, accommodations, private tours, some meals, entrance fees and activities fee

 

From $3,799
Easy Pace
Photography
Free time

ITINERARY

DAY 1 : FLY TO TOKYO (-)
Fly to Tokyo, the capital of Japan.

DAY 2 : ARR. TOKYO TO FUTTSU (-)
Arrive in Tokyo, meet and transfer to Futtsu, the sister city of Carlsbad.
Welcome by the Sister City of Futtsu. Check in to your hotel.

DAY 3 : FUTTSU (B,L,D)

  • Begin your day by taking the Mt. Nokogiri Ropeway to view the unique shaped rocks of Mt. Nokogiri.
  • Take a hike on the most famous mountains in Chiba - Mt. Nokogiri. It features a grand lookout point and is home to one of Japan's largest Buddhas.
  • Walk along the beautiful Futtsu Beach, which is famous for finding shellfish treasures.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Mother Farm, an unique farm with a variety of farm-related attractions and activities and flower field.
  • Afternoon, experience the Zen Meditation at one of Buddha Temples and learn about the Shinto Philosophy.
  • Visit a heritage Shogun's home which is well- reserved by a local resident.
  • Tonight, learn how to make sushi with the locals and enjoy a dinner together.

DAY 4 : TO YOKOHAMA (B)

  • Depart for Tokyo to see the colorful modern city.
  • Pass by Imperial Palace Plaza, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan.
  • Continue to the Tokyo oldest temple – Asakusa Kannon Temple with the famous “Nakamise” shopping arcade.
  • View Tokyo from high above the city at the Tokyo Skytree, the capital's newest attraction and as of 2018, the tallest tower in the world.
  • After lunch, attend an unique Sumo Demonstration. Sumo is the traditional sports Japanese style of wrestling and Japan's national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto deities.
  • Check in hotel in Yokohama, sister city of San Diego and Japan's second largest city.

DAY 5 : YOKOHAMA (B)

  • Explore the old and new Yokohama.
  • Admire the beautiful Japanese style garden -Sankeien Garden.
  • Participate in a traditional tea ceremony, a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea typically in a traditional tearoom with tatami floor.
  • Enjoy free time at Minato-Mirai area, a perfect place to taste the Japanese ramen.
  • Afternoon walking tour of the largest China Town in Japan.
  • Guided by your local host family and shop at the local market.
  • Enjoy a family dinner at a citizen home. Learn the daily life of the locals and you may share your life in San Diego.

DAY 6 : EXCURSION TO MT. FUJI (B,L)

  • Full day excursion to Mt. Fuji, the icon of Japan.
  • Discover the cultural importance of UNESCO-listed Mt Fuji at 5th Station (7,546 feet), where you see the incredible views over Fuji Five Lakes and Hakone National Park. The 5th station is one of the most popular starting points for climbing Mt. Fuji.
  • Take a relaxing walk at the Oishi Park, a scenic spot.
  • Stop at Lake Yamanaka, Japan's finest recreational and cultural site, it offers stunning views of the vibrant autumn leaves during fall.
  • Appreciate the unique and beautiful collection of kimono at Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. Kubota Itchiku (1917-2003) was the artist who revived the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing.

DAY 7 : TO KYOTO (B) 

  • Begin your journey to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan.
  • Experience the shinkansen (bullet train) ride. Shinkansen is world's first high speed rail system.
  • Take the public transportation to Nijo Castle, which was built in 1603 as the Kyotoresidence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).

DAY 8 : KYOTO (B) 

  • Immerse yourself in the ancient Japan environment.
  • Explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Sen temple covered in gold leaves.
  • Visit Kiyomizu-dera, a world heritage site with over 1200 years of history.
  • Taste the Yamazaki (Japanese whisky) at Suntory Yamazaki Distillery. Japanese whisky has won several international awards.

DAY 9 : KYOTO (B,D) 

  • Enjoy a half day excursion of Nara.
  • Meet the Great statue of Buddha at Todai-ji Temple.
  • Welcomed by a flock of the tamed deer at the Deer Park.
  • Enjoy a special farewell dinner .

DAY 10 : KYOTO DEPT. (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to home.

 

WHAT’s INCLUDED

  • International airfares and taxes
  • All admission fees as noted in the itinerary
  • Daily breakfasts and all meals as noted in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guided 
  • Hotel accommodations 
  • Ground transportation

WHAT’s NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches and dinners apart from those included in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers