Program & Excursions

Program List

The program is scheduled as follows. Please note that the schedule and content are subject to change depending on circumstances.

Excursion

Himeji City Excursions【Nov 12(Thu)】

Fishing Industry Tour

Overview
Himeji is a city blessed with rich natural surroundings, facing the Seto Inland Sea. This tour includes a cruise around the Ieshima Islands, located off the coast of Himeji, where participants will have the opportunity to observe local fisheries in action.
Participants will learn directly from island fishermen who are working on the front lines to address various challenges facing the sea and to promote sustainable fisheries. For lunch, participants will enjoy a Japanese-style meal featuring fresh seafood.
  • *Please note that the tour itinerary may be subject to change due to severe weather or other circumstances.
  • *As this tour includes boarding a boat to observe local fisheries in action, participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing.
  • *The boat is equipped with seating, restrooms, and air conditioning.
Itinerary
10:30

Departure from Arcrea HIMEJI

Lunch: Japanese-style meal featuring seafood and vegetables at Himeji Maedore Market

Visit to a local fishing site by tour boat to observe fishing operations

15:00

Departure for Kansai International Airport by bus

18:00

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Shoshazan Engyoji Temple Tour

Overview
This tour takes participants to Engyoji Temple, located on Mount Shosha in northern Himeji, where they can experience a glimpse of the world of monks through activities such as Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and sutra copying.
Founded approximately 1,000 years ago, Engyoji Temple has long welcomed visitors from across Japan. Many of its temple buildings are designated cultural properties, and participants will have the opportunity to experience Japanese history and culture in a solemn setting created by nature and historic architecture.
  • *Please note that the tour itinerary may be subject to change due to severe weather or other circumstances.
  • *As there are many slopes and stairs, participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Since Engyoji Temple is located on the mountain, warm clothing is also recommended.
Itinerary
10:30

Departure from Arcrea HIMEJI

Lunch: Buddhist vegetarian cuisine - a traditional Japanese vegetarian meal prepared without meat or fish, using vegetables, soybeans, seaweed, grains, and other plant-based ingredients

Walk around the mountaintop temple grounds and experience Buddhist sutra copying

15:00

Departure for Kansai International Airport by bus

18:00

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Kyoto City Excursion 【Nov 12 (Thu)-Nov 13 (Fri)】

Overview
Blessed with rich nature, Kyoto City served as the capital of Japan for over a millennium. As a premier center of art, culture, and tradition, it continues to attract people from around the world. The city boasts 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each representing a major landmark of immense cultural and historic value.
This excursion includes tours of three of these sites: Nijo-jo Castle, Ninnaji Temple, and Kinkaku-ji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion). As an optional tour, local senior high school students will guide you through the hotel area to a popular souvenir shopping spot. If you wish to participate in this optional tour, please contact the City of Kyoto at lhcs@city.kyoto.lg.jp.
Itinerary

< Nov 12 (Thu) >

11:00

Departure from Arcrea HIMEJI

*Lunch boxes will be provided on the bus.

13:00

Arrival at Kyoto City Hall

Tour of the Kyoto City Assembly Hall

Lecture on the Nijo-jo Castle

14:30

Arrival at Nijo-jo Castle

Castle Tour

16:30

Hotel check-in

*Optional tour guided by local senior high school students in the hotel area (approx. 1 hour)

19:00

Arrival at Heian Jingu Shrine Restaurant & Banquet Hall

Shin-en Garden Tour (Japanese garden)

Official dinner hosted by the Mayor of Kyoto

21:30

Return to the hotel

< Nov 13 (Fri) >

8:30

Departure from the hotel

9:00

Arrival at Ninnaji Temple

11:30

Arrival at Shozan Resort Kyoto

Lunch

13:15

Arrival at Kinkaku-ji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion)

14:30

Departure for Kansai International Airport

17:00

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Accommodation

Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
Address: 1 Taimatsu-cho, Higashi Horikawa-dori Shiokoji-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8237, Japan

Nara City Excursion【Nov 12(Thu)-Nov 13(Fri)】

Overview
Nara City is a historic city home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara,” with a history spanning more than 1,300 years. As the birthplace of current Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Nara City holds a unique appeal as a bridge connecting Japan’s ancient heritage with the present day. This excursion will take you to the World Heritage Sites of the Heijo Palace Site, Yakushi-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Todai-ji Temple, as well as Nara Park, home to more than 1,600 wild deer (a National Natural Monument).
Itinerary

< Nov 12 (Thu) >

11:00

Departure from Arcrea HIMEJI

*Light refreshments will be served on the bus.

13:30

Visit to Heijo Palace Site

15:00

Move to Yakushi-ji Temple

Nigiri-zumi (hand-rubbed ink) experience

17:00

Visit to Yakushi-ji Temple

18:00

Welcome dinner

20:30

Arrival at the hotel

21:00

Visit to Nigatsu-do Hall (optional)

< Nov 13 (Fri) >

8:30

Departure from the hotel

9:00

Visit to Kasuga Taisha Shrine

11:30

Shika-yose (deer calling)

Deer cracker feeding experience

12:00

Lunch

14:00

Visit to Todai-ji Temple

15:30

Departure for Kansai International Airport

17:00

Arrival at Kansai International Airport

Accommodation

Novotel Nara Hotel
Address: 7-1-45 Omiya-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8115, Japan