Explore Japan's third largest city, Osaka, on this intriguing half-day tour. Today, this modern port city combines historical and cultural attractions with all the delights of a Japanese urban marvel. Following a 30-minute drive from Osaka port, see the impressive landmark, Osaka Castle. One of Japan's most famous castles, it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. Built on a plot of land almost one mile square, the castle compound contains 13 structures, designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government. The central castle building is 5 stories on the outside and 8 stories on the inside. Of particular interest are the tower's ornamental ride-end roof tiles, and bas-reliefs carved in the shape of crouching tigers, all gilded with gold. An engaging museum occupies the interior of the building, tracing the history of the castle from the late 1500's to the present day, and housing Osaka's most significant historical and cultural artifacts. After a guided tour of the castle, proceed to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Built in the 3rd century, Sumiyoshi enshrine the kami (Shinto gods) who protect travelers, fishermen and sailors at sea.  It displays a unique style of shrine architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, which is free of influence from the Asian mainland. Only two other shrine architecture styles are also considered purely Japanese: Shinmei-zukuri as seen at the Ise Shrines and Taisha-zukuri as seen at Izumo Taisha.  Transfer to the airport.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 3 hours of walking with a number of steps to negotiate. Photography and videos are not permitted inside Osaka Castle (3rd & 4th floors). 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.

Explore Japan's third largest city, Osaka, on this intriguing half-day tour. Today, this modern port city combines historical and cultural attractions with all the delights of a Japanese urban marvel. Following a 30-minute drive from Osaka port, see the impressive landmark, Osaka Castle. One of Japan's most famous castles, it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. Built on a plot of land almost one mile square, the castle compound contains 13 structures, designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government. The central castle building is 5 stories on the outside and 8 stories on the inside. Of particular interest are the tower's ornamental ride-end roof tiles, and bas-reliefs carved in the shape of crouching tigers, all gilded with gold. An engaging museum occupies the interior of the building, tracing the history of the castle from the late 1500s to the present day, and housing Osaka's most significant historical and cultural artifacts. After a guided tour of the castle, proceed to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Built in the 3rd century, Sumiyoshi enshrine the kami (Shinto gods) who protect travelers, fishermen and sailors at sea.  It displays a unique style of shrine architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, which is free of influence from the Asian mainland. Only two other shrine architecture styles are also considered purely Japanese: Shinmei-zukuri as seen at the Ise Shrines and Taisha-zukuri as seen at Izumo Taisha.  Transfer to your Windstar hotel.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 3 hours of walking with a number of steps to negotiate. Photography and videos are not permitted inside Osaka Castle (3rd & 4th floors). 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.

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.

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. 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. 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. If the time allows, the bus will make a quick stop at Kokusai street for those wishing to spend more time in the city on the way back to the port.

 

 

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.