Page 12 - Japan 11 Day Sample Itinerary

DAY 07 KANAZAWA/KYOTO Meals Included: Breakfast At approximately 9:20 AM be ready in the lobby of the Hotel Nikko Kanazawa in preparation for your transfer to the Kanazawa Train Station. 9:53 AM Depart Kanazawa via First Class Express Train (Thunderbird # 16) to Kyoto. Total travel time: 2 hours, 16 minutes. Kyoto, steeped in traditions and beauty has remained ‘relatively’ unchanged for many centuries. Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years and during that time became a repository of much of the best Japanese art, culture, religion and thought. Kyoto’s historic buildings and sites span centuries. Kyoto still charms visitors with its original wooden houses, ancient temples, and geishas hurrying on their way. Among other distinctions, Kyoto contains 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 24 museums and 37 universities. 12:09 PM Arrive Kyoto Train Station. You will be met at the train station by your driver and escorted to a waiting vehicle. Drive to Nara and enjoy the afternoon exploring this wonderful city. Tour the Todaiji Temple (Great Eastern Temple) one of Japan’s most famous temples and Nara landmark. Todaiji was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. Todaiji derives its name from its location east of Nara, which was the capital of Japan when it was built. The Todaiji temple grew so powerful that the Japanese capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower its influence on government affairs. The temple has remained active and its wooden buildings were rebuilt several times over the centuries after fires and earthquakes. Today, the temple serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism.