5 DAYS TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE WITH WEST JAPAN HIDDEN TREASURES

Transfer: Kansai Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival at Kansai Airport, meet your fellow travelers for a group transfer to your accommodation in Kyoto.

Welcome Dinner with Geisha Performance

Discover the allure of Kyoto’s geisha culture as you enjoy a kaiseki dinner prepared with seasonally inspired dishes. Geisha, masters of traditional performance arts, bring Kyoto’s history to life through graceful dance and music.

Two Curated Tour Options

We have designed two exceptional tour options for our refined travelers. You may opt for a journey through Kyoto’s hidden architectural gems or a visit to the storied ancient capital of Nara. Choose the experience that resonates with you.

Option 1: The Hidden Spiritual Gem of Kyoto

The Shinji Shumeikai Shrine & Bell Tower, situated in the mountains of Shigaraki-cho, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, near the Shikagaku Palace built by Emperor Shomu in the old days of Tenpyo, there is a sacred place called “Shinen” that embodies true goodness and beauty and harmonizes the beauty of nature and artificiality. In May 1983, the shrine and founder’s hall were completed, designed by Minoru Yamasaki, who also designed the World Trade Center in New York.

The Miho Museum is named after the founder of the group, Mrs. Mihoko Koyama, a masterpiece of modern design by architect I.M. Pei, known for the glass pyramid at the Louvre, offering an enriching experience of exquisite art, cultural heritage, and the beauty of its scenic environment.

For lunch, relish a course of teppanyaki-grilled fine meats, including Omi Beef, one of Japan’s esteemed Wagyu varieties, complemented by a colorful array of seasonal seafood and locally sourced ingredients from Shiga.

Option 2: History & Sake of Nara

Discover the rich history of Nara with a visit to the Heijo Palace Site Museum, where you’ll learn about the city’s significance as Japan’s first capital. Explore the majestic Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples, renowned for its impressive Great Buddha, and wander through the picturesque streets of Naramachi, the former merchant district of Nara, filled with traditional wooden buildings.

With a history spanning over a thousand years, sake production in Japan finds its roots in Nara, celebrated as the birthplace of refined sake. Enjoy a delectable Japanese lunch before embarking on an enlightening sake brewery tour, where you’ll explore the artistry of sake-making and savor tastings of this iconic beverage.

Dinner Selections

For this evening’s meal, indulge in one of three specially curated dining options, each offering its own distinct flavors and ambiance.

Option 1: Sukiyaki

Enjoy a savory blend of thinly sliced beef, seasonal vegetables, and tofu cooked in a rich, sweet soy sauce, creating a warm and communal dining experience.

Option 2: Tempura

Delight in the lightness of seasonal seafood and vegetables, fried to perfection for a true taste of Kyoto’s take on tempura.

Option 3: French Kaiseki

Experience French cuisine reimagined with Japanese flair, blending refined flavors and seasonal ingredients.

Kyoto Station – Twilight Express Mizukaze

Transfer to Kyoto Station to embark on your luxurious 3 Day 2 Nights railway journey onboard Twilight Express Mizukaze. First, you’ll witness the Akashi Kaikyo, the world’s longest suspension bridge.

Enjoy a Japanese-style lunch that will be served to your room. Take in sweeping views of idyllic countryside before arriving at Okayama Korakuen, renowned as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

Return onboard as we journey onward to the Onomichi Channel and Lake Shinji. At 18:00, make your way to Mizukaze’s Dining Car to savor in a Western-style dinner.

Discovering Unnan and Matsue

Start your morning with a breakfast set served right in your room.

Step into the world of Unnan’s Tatara iron-forging heritage and experience the dramatic retelling of Yamata-no-Orochi’s myth through an Izumo Kagura performance. Proceed to Matsue, where tea culture continues to flourish for more than two centuries. For lunch, savor regional specialties in a charming thatched-roof house. Afterward, return onboard Mizukaze to resume your journey.

At 20:15, proceed to Mizukaze’s Dining Car for an exquisite Japanese-style dinner.

Tottori to Kyoto Station

Delight in a Japanese-style breakfast served in the comfort of your room.

Arrive at Tottori, visit the Tottori Folk Crafts Museum, which displays genuine folk crafts collected by Shoya Yoshida, the father of Tottori folk crafts. We will also visit the former Yoshida Clinic, which is not normally open to the public.

Take pleasure in a Western-style lunch in a restaurant by the Sea of Japan. We will then continue our last leg of journey to Kyoto Station, estimating to arrive about 17:30-18:00.

Transfer from Kyoto Station to Kansai Airport

After disembarkation, we will transfer to Kansai Airport for your late night flight home, or you may want to stay a night in Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport at your own expense.