Seattle to Kyoto and Nara, Japan

Kyoto and Nara, Japan

June 2 & 3, 2017

And…we’re off!

9:00am After breakfast, we transferred to a private airstrip at Boeing to board our private jet to Japan. So easy flying out of private airstrips! They had tables set up right beside the jet stairway and did our security clearance on the spot. Nice!
Depart: Seattle, WA 10:30 a.m.

11:52am Lecture on board the plane by Wade Davis: Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan.
Arrive: Anchorage, AK (tech stop & pick up crew) 1:10 p.m.
Elapsed Time: 3 hours, 40 min.
Meal Service: Lunch
Depart: Anchorage, AK 2:10 p.m. Lectures by David and Sissi on the plane.
Cross the International Dateline – Arrive on Saturday, June 3.
Arrive: Osaka, Japan 4:55 p.m. Thankfully we were allowed to skip a tech stop in Sapporo and fly straight into Osaka.
Elapsed Time: 2 hours, 5 min.
Upon arrival we were whisked through immigration and customs and hopped on buses for the 90 minute drive to our hotel in Kyoto for checkin. The entryway into the hotel is so serene with lovely water falls flanking the walkway. Thankfully, a dinner buffet was prepared soon after we arrived. We were famished again by then. The Ritz is a beautiful hotel and the service is impeccable….and they have a Pierre Hermé shop right on the path to the elevators. Will visit that tomorrow! The Macarons look delicious. We’re into bed by 9pm tonight. Pooped out after the long day of travel.
Overnight: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Kyoto (B, L, D daily)

1 USD = 110 Yen (JPY)

THE RITZ CARLTON, KYOTO opened in February 2014 as the first international luxury hotel brand in Kyoto as a ryokan style resort with contemporary touches. Blending the centuries-old traditions and rich culture of Japan’s ancient capital with modern luxury, The Ritz-Carlton brings to life the cultural heart of Japan. While encompassing the city’s rich history in Zen temples and peaceful gardens, the opulent resort offers unlimited activities, a blissful spa, and exquisite multi-course kaiseki cuisine. Overlooking the Kamogawa river, in a prime location favoured by Japanese noblemen since the 17th century, the property offers sublime views of the river and the Higashiyama mountain range, and easy access to the vibrant downtown districts of Gion, Pontocho and Kawaramachi.