2011 Japan Tour Itinerary
November 6–November 17, 2011

NOTE: A more detailed itinerary will be sent to tour participants upon receipt of a $ 200 deposit (fully refundable up until August). For itinerary specifics and answers to your questions before sign-up (including sites, hotels, and tidbits), please feel free to email or call Susan at anytime!

Day 1 (Su 11/ 6): Depart from your home. There is no group flight, but we will be happy to assist you in planning and purchasing your transpacific flights from any starting point.

Day 2 (M 11 / 07): TOKYO
Arrive in Japan at Narita airport; pass through immigration and customs. Transfer to the hotel in Tokyo by airport limo bus with coupon provided. Susan will also "walk" you through this route prior to departure and will be waiting to greet you at the hotel. Check in for 4 nights.

Day 3 (Tu 11 / 08): TOKYO
Breakfast at the hotel. Group Welcome. Tokyo sightseeing in the morning. Museum exhibit in the afternoon. Japanese-style lunch with the group. Public transit today and walking.

Day 4 (W 11 / 09): TOKYO
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit a shop offering hand-stenciled Japanese yukata fabric. Public transit and walking. Lunch on your own. Afternoon activity TBA.

Day 5 (Th 11 / 10): TOKYO
Breakfast at the hotel. Your FREE DAY in Tokyo. Explore Tokyo environs on your own or take a one-day bus tour to Nikko or Kamakura for an additional cost. Susan will make suggestions and offer guidance to help plan your day.

Day 6 (F 11 / 11): YOKOHAMA
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out. Transit by private motor coach with luggage. Full day at Yokohama Quilt Festival. In the afternoon, Susan will give a lecture and introduce you to her Japanese quilting friends. Check in to nearby hotel.

Day 7 (Sa 11/ 12): NAGOYA
Breakfast at the hotel. Main luggage ships ahead to Kyoto-prepare a small overnight bag to bring along. Our destination: a kimono museum near Mt. Fuji. Buffet lunch with the group. Transit by private motor coach and bullet train. Arrive @Nagoya station and walk to the hotel. Check in for one night.

Day 8 (Su 11 / 13): KYOTO
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out. Transit via private motor coach to the Tie-Dyeing "capital" of Japan. Lunch on your own and free time for exploring and shopping after museum exhibit and film. Private motor coach and bullet train to Kyoto. Check in to hotel for last 3 nights. Luggage will be waiting.

Day 9 (M 11 / 14): KYOTO
Breakfast at the hotel. 1/ 2 day sightseeing in Kyoto with English-speaking Japanese guide. Susan's three favorite sites, all entrances included. Lunch on your own and afternoon free (with suggestions from Susan).

Day 10 (Tu 11 / 15): KYOTO
Breakfast at the hotel. Dyer's Day: visit the studios of two of Kyoto's' premiere dyers: one specializes in indigo and the other in natural plant dyes. Shopping at both locations. Possible optional workshop at one or both for additional cost.

Day 11 (W 11 / 16): KYOTO
Breakfast at the hotel. Shared taxi's to Kyoto's No. 1 Stencil & Dye Museum. Educational film, one-hour workshop, and shopping. Five-course Kyoto-style "sayonara" lunch with the group. Last afternoon is FREE to explore the Autumn Splendor of Japan on your own (with options suggested by Susan). Pack your luggage. Group Farewell meeting in the evening.

Day 12 (Th 11 / 17): KYOTO
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure day. Late check out OK. Private shuttle provided from the hotel to the airport. NOTE: If you are arranging your own plane ticket, be sure to leave Japan directly from OSAKA Airport—or set up arrangements with Susan to get back to Tokyo.

NOTE ABOUT ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE: We will gladly assist you in either making arrangements to arrive early before the tour begins (to catch your breath)…and/or extend your stay in Japan to spend more time in Kyoto or travel to another city.