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22-03-2019, 12:45 PM
1

Busan South Korea

We are going there as well as part of our Japanese holiday


Your journey begins as soon as you board your motorcoach and make your way through Busan's northern suburbs. Keep an eye out for the Municipal Museum, which is noted for its exhibits dating back to Busan's ancient days.

Then, sit back and relax as your coach ventures into a picturesque landscape of evergreen trees and sparkling streams. Soon, you'll make your way to the lush slopes of Mt. Geumjeongsan. Here, nestled deep in the forest sits the 1,300 year-old Beomeosa Temple, one of the most spiritual spots in South Korea. One of the ancient legends surrounding the temple begins with its name. Translated as "Temple of the Nirvana Fish," it's believed that a fish traveled from heaven on a multi-colored cloud and landed in a well, marking the spot as holy and the future site of the temple. Constructed in 678 A.D., Beomeosa once contained over 360 rooms and more than a thousand monks lived here. The temple was burned to the ground in 1592 when the Japanese invaded but rebuilt in 1602. After crossing an ancient bridge you'll disembark, step down a number of steps and walk towards a set of impressive gates. The first gate you'll meet is called "One Pillar Gate." Constructed in 1614, the gate symbolizes the feeling of oneness you'll feel as you pass through and begin your tour. With the scent of incense filling the air you'll continue on past the 300-year-old Gate of the Four Heavenly Kings. According to Korean legend, the four statues standing inside the gate are guarding the entrance to heaven. Don't be alarmed by their ferocious looks - they're only meant to force unruly spirits to surrender to their will. (But it's believed that they might not let you enter and stroll around the temple grounds if your mind is not peaceful and pure.)

Then, you'll have the chance to leisurely wander around the spellbinding grounds. One of the sights not to be missed is the stone lantern in the courtyard. Erected in the 9th century, the octagonal lantern features a unique double-leaf lotus design and is believed to be a part of the original temple that was destroyed in the fire of 1592. Another must-see is the three-story stone pagoda. Built between 826 A.D. and 836 A.D. the pagoda offers a pearl-shaped stone on its base, engraved corner pillars, and large and small lotus leaves.

After your tour, Korean dancers and musicians, dressed in traditional costumes will perform for you before you climb back aboard your coach and travel back on a scenic trip to the port in Busan.
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22-03-2019, 12:56 PM
2

Re: Busan South Korea

Toba Japan

Board your motor coach for the approximately 30 minutes drive to Ise Shrine. The Shrine dates to the mid-7th century AD, though Shinto mythology claims a far earlier date. The holiest shrine in Shinto, Ise is home to Amaterasu-Omikami, the Sun Goddess from whom the Japanese imperial family claims direct descent. Ise Shrine actually comprises an Outer and an Inner Shrine and you will visit both. Each sanctuary is surrounded by dense groves of Japanese cyprus. After the Ise Shrine, you will drive up the Ise Shima Skyline. From the observatory you can see the beautiful Ise Bay. You will have lunch at a local restaurant.The last stop after lunch will be Mikimoto Pearl Island. This island was made by Kokichi Mikimoto, a man who was called the Pearl King. In the island there are museum of himself, and pearl museum, shop and restaurant. Back to the ship.
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22-03-2019, 01:00 PM
3

Re: Busan South Korea

kochi Japan

Board your comfortable motorcoach and be whisked away to an ancient world right in the heart of the city! Kochi Castle, the city's most famed landmark, dominates your views from any vantage point.

Built by Yamanouchi Kazutoyo following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the massive castle took more than 10 years to construct. In 1727, some of the fortress was destroyed in a fire, but later, in 1753, it was reconstructed with the "donjon" and the splendid "Otemon Gate" remaining as originally constructed. Kochi Castle has undergone several preservations over the years, but it has retained its original palace and the integrity of its architectural style. It is the only castle to have all the buildings in its "honmaru," or ring of defense, in their original entirety. When you visit the castle, you may be asked to remove your shoes and put on the slippers provided. Many of the ancient rooms are not accessible to the public, but you will find a small museum filled with cultural artifacts. The "donjon," or main tower, provides celebrated, panoramic views of the whole city, making it well worth the climb to the top. Your tour will take you past the beautifully restored Tsumemon Gate that connects the second citadel of the castle to its inner sanctum, and no visit to Kochi Castle would be complete without seeing the "honmaru," which has retained much of its original shape. All of the structures in the honmaru are designated as Japan's Important Cultural Properties and house both local and historical treasures. Back outside, stroll the castle grounds, now a popular public park, dotted with magnificent statues of the Yamanouchi family, each one suitable for a photo stop.

At the completion of the castle tour, reboard the motorcoach for a 30-minute scenic drive that takes in some of Kochi's popular sights, including Harimayabashi (Harimaya Bridge), a small bridge that is the subject of a popular folksong song called "Yosakoi-bushi". When you reach the shoreline, you'll know you're at your next destination, beautiful Katsurahama Beach.

This lovely spot also makes an appearance in the "Yosakoi-bushi" song and is known locally as the best spot to view the moon. The statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, heralded as Kochi's favorite son, stands guard over the surf and sand. One of Japan's most beloved historical figures, he is credited with spearheading a bloodless revolution to transform feudal Japan into a modernized, unified nation. This imposing statue is dressed in a Japanese samurai kimono and wears western-style boots. You'll have some time to explore this picturesque beach area, although swimming is prohibited due to the strong currents. In addition to the beautiful scenery and pleasant walking paths, there is a small aquarium, a small shrine and other attractions.

Before returning pause at the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum. Located on the grounds of the Urado Castle Park in Katsurahama, the museum has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and built to honor Sakamoto Ryoma who was born in Kochi in 1835. Sakamoto Ryoma greatly contributed to Japan's rapid modernization which marked the end of 700 years of feudal government. The modernized nation he pictured had laws, a parliamentary system and a diplomatic office. The impact he had on the country was such that the people fondly refer to him only by his first name, Ryoma. The exhibits here portray the many qualities and contributions of Ryoma.

At the completion of your day, enjoy a pleasant ride back to Kochi Port before you board your ship
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22-03-2019, 01:02 PM
4

Re: Busan South Korea

yokkaichi Japan

North of Nagoya lies the picturesque castle town of Inuyama. A part of the Hida-Kiso Quasi-National Park, the town is noted for its fascinating historical sites and breathtaking beauty. On this engaging all day tour you'll visit the most extraordinary and popular attractions that embraces the town's heritage beginning with the picturesque Inuyama Castle. Erected in 1537, the castle has remained unchanged through the centuries and today it is designated a National Treasure. For a closer look at the Edo era, you'll visit the Shirotomachi Museum, which holds a large scale model of the castle and the town as they looked in 1840. After leaving the museum, you'll walk to the Karakuri Exhibition Pavilion for a look at the art of Japan's mechanical puppets, which were popular during the 17th and 19th centuries. Lunch at a local restaurant completes your day.
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22-03-2019, 01:04 PM
5

Re: Busan South Korea

all these above plus more tours other than those above arranged by the cruise line. Like a ride on the bullit train one.
Another

Himeji, Japan

Famous for its magnificent castle, which towers above the city like a white heron in flight, Himeji Castle is designated both a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back over 400 years, it is a must-see attraction for all those who grace the city's shores. Situated at the western edge of the Kansai region of Japan, the charming city has been featured in many films due to its picturesque old-Japan look. Surrounded by the Chugoku Mountains to the north and the Inland Sea of Japan to the south, Himeji has been a major location for transportation through the ages and has prospered since ancient times as an entryway to the Harima region. Today, it seamlessly blends its history and culture with its scenic splendor. From the Kokoen Garden, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Himeji municipality, to the Shiota Onsen, a natural hot spring since the Edo Period, there is much tranquility to be found from the top of beautiful Mount Shosha, which rises to over 1,200 feet in elevation. This incredibly scenic area is the site of the 1,000-year-old Engyoji temple complex as well as the wild excitement of the Naruto Strait, home to one of the world's most stunning natural phenomena-The Naruto Vortex, one of the fastest currents in the world. A day spent in Himeji fills your heart and camera with awe and wonder.
 

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