The Sand and the Stars | April 3-11, 2013

Start your summer vacation early, and enjoy the best of spring and summer all in one! This trip is all about kicking back and seeing the sights, from cherry blossoms to a tropical paradise.

We begin our trip in Tokyo, where we’ll relax and party under Japan’s iconic cherry blossom (sakura) trees three unique ways: from the deck of a boat on the Sumida River, a park and shrine during the daytime, and an evening picnic by a pond. You’ll also get the chance to shop, explore the city, and more – all at your own pace. Then, it’s off to the tropical paradise of Miyako Island, where some of Japan’s best beaches await you at a seaside resort. The sand is shaped like stars here, but that’s not the only attraction – you have world-class snorkeling, seaside cliff hikes, gardens, monuments, and rarely seen historical sites all waiting for you. Come relax with us this April, you’ll be glad you did.

The tour includes:

• R/T airfare from Los Angeles, and flight to Miyako Island
• 7 nights accommodations, including 4 nights hotel in Tokyo and 3 nights resort on Miyako Island
• All transportation (train, bus, shinkansen/bullet train) within Japan
• Professional bilingual guide services
• Custom tour guidebook
• Admission to all activities
• Much, much more!

ITINERARY
Day 1: Departure!
We depart from Los Angeles and head to Japan!

Day 2: Arrive in a different state
Upon arrival in Tokyo, we’ll get settled in at our hotel before boarding a Yakatabune longboat for a cruise down Tokyo’s iconic Sumida River. As we near Asakusa, head to the roof of the boat to check out the cherry blossom trees lining the river!

Day 3: A Day in the Park
After spending the morning checking out Tokyo’s iconic Harajuku neighborhood, we’ll spread out our blankets in Yoyogi Park for a deluxe picnic and party under the cherry blossoms. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city, or just stick around the park and lounge.

Day 4: Festival Style
In the morning, we’ll head to Asakusa – the neighborhood best known for the “Kaminarimon” gate, Sensoji Temple, and the vibrant Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, you get to pick between exploring the otaku-centric Akihabara area or the bustle of Shibuya before we regroup and hit one last Cherry Blossom festival for festival food and evening views of the blossoms.

Day 5: Free day!
A free day to explore any part of Tokyo you desire! An optional excursion to a local hot spring (onsen) is available as well.

Day 6: Beached
We board a flight for Miyako Island in Okinawa today! Upon arrival, we’ll check in to our resort and switch gears to “vacation mode” as we splash in clear blue waters on the beach adjacent to our accommodations.

Day 7: Fish Finder
We head to the south east corner to start our day, where we’ll enter the water at Yoshino Beach to snorkel among colorful varieties of fish and expansive coral beds. After checking out the lighthouses above ground, we’ll go into town to get some local eats.

Day 8: Total Relaxation!
Today is yours to spend as you see fit! See the island’s famous bridges and Maehama Beach with the group, or just kick back at the resort – it’s all up to you.

Day 9: Return home
Return home and tell people about your tropical vacation in Japan!