10D Japan Spring Festivals; May 10-19, 2008
Tokyo, Nara, Izumo, Kyoto
USD $1,730 per person; local payment of USD $200 per person
Tour prices DO NOT include International airfare and taxes.
Japanese festivals are traditional festive occasions. Some festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals but have undergone dramatic changes as they mixed with local customs. Some are so different that they do not even remotely resemble the original festival despite sharing the same name and date. Journey with us to uncover Japan’s Spring festivals.
Japanese garden
Highlights
- Nara No Festival; May 11-12, 2008
- Izumo Taisha Festival; May 13-14
- Kyoto Kamogawa Geisha Festival; May 15-16
- Asakusa Sanja Festival; May 17-18
Day 01 / Arrive Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo at any time.
Days 02-03 / Nara No Festival
Gather around massive outdoor bonfires as the local drama troupes perform No, Japan’s oldest form of theatre. With its slow, deliberate movements, No is an enchanting specatacle.
Days 04-05 / Izumo Taisha Grand Festival
The beautiful shrine of Izumo Taisha plays host to this springtime ritual as Japan’s Emperor sends an official messenger to deliver his prayers to the sacred shrine. In addition, other events are held such as horseback archery.
Days 06-07 / Kyoto Geisha Festival
Witness the graceful dances of the Pontocho district’s geishas at this festival on the banks of the Kamo-gawa River. Held since 1872, the Kama-gawa Odori is one of the world’s most famous spring geisha dances.
Days 08-09 / Asakusa Sanja Festival
Get caught up in the emotion of the one million or so tourists who come to partake in the Sanja Festival in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. The great parades and dancing are overshadowed by the spectacle of men, women, and children carrying portable shrines on their shoulders, occasionally jolting them vehemently. This motion is believed to intensify the power of the deities mounted on the portable shrines.
Day 10 / Depart tokyo
2008 Dates
- May 10-19
Group Size
- Minimum 04, Maximum 14
Group Leader
- Tour Leader, local guides
Accommodation
- Hotels (9 nights)
Transport
- Taxi, local train, bullet train, subway
Meals Included
- No meals are included
Meal Budget
- Allow USD $230 for meals not included
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