Tatsuno is a small castle town, which has about 500 years' history, located west of Kobe. Many historical spots as well as natural sceneries remain there today and we hope every participant will get some flavor of a classical Japanese province. Tatsuno is also the birthplace of light-colored (usu-kuchi) soy sauce and thin noodle called Sohmen thanks to the pure water of the river Ibo that runs through this town, good crops of wheat and soybeans, high quality salt from adjacent sea, and the mild climate. We will visit Tatsuno Castle, a historical museum of light-colored soy sauce, and the Sohmen museum. We will also visit the Nagatomi House, one of the representative private residences owned by a village headmaster in early 19th century. Lunch will be served at a Japanese restaurant whose garden is famous for Katashibo bamboo (very rare species: phyllostachys bambusoides Sieb. et Zucc. forma Katashibo Muroi).

• Depart from Portopia Hotel by bus at 9:00
• Tour at Tatsuno City 11:00~15:00
• Return to Portopia Hotel at 17:00

• Depart from Portopia Hotel by bus at 18:30
• Depart Kobe Port by a dinner cruise ship Luminous at 19:00
  The Port of Kobe, one of the largest ports in the world, is also famous for its scenic beauty. One of the greatest restaurant ships in Japan. The dynamic, even elegant view just under the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is a moving sight.
  Buffet dinner will be served.
• Back to Kobe Port at 21:20
• Back to each hotel by bus 22:45

• Depart from Portopia Hotel by bus at 13:00
• Japanese Sake Brewery Museum at 13:30
  The Hakutsuru Brewery was established in 1743 and this wooden structure has been restored as a museum. It is in this old brewery that the traditional methods for sake brewing unfold and the spirit of old Japan come alive right before your eyes. The centuries-old method of sake brewing is recreated here with life-like models and real tools just as they were in the olden days.
• Seaside Hotel Maiko Villa Kobe (view of Akashi Kaikyo) at 15:00
  Observatory facility on the bridge girder of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. You can see Osaka Bay and Seto Inland Sea from the walking trail 47 m high above sea level.
• Sorakuen Japanese Garden at 16:20
  Japanese-style garden, and important cultural properties e.g. former Hassam House, former Kodera Barn, Boat House, Chrysanthemum Exhibition worth seeing.
• Return to Portopia Hotel at 17:45

• Depart from Portopia Hotel by bus at 8:00
• Kinkakuji Temple at 10:00
  The most authentic and exquisite Japanese-style garden in the world, plus the celebrated Golden Pavilion.
• Nijo Castle at 11:45
  The Kyoto Residence of the Tokugawa Shogun built in 1603. Nijo Castle is noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance.
• Lunch at 13:00
• Heian Shrine (see through bus window) at 14:10
  Graceful old court life is reflected in the brightly colored shrine with its vermilion pillars and green roof, and in its enchanting inner gardens and ponds.
• Kiyomizu Temple at 14:30
  A quaint old lane lined with pottery shops leads to the temple. Enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city from its lofty terrace.
• Return to Kobe at 17:30

• 10:00 Depart from Portopia Hotel by bus
• 12:00 Lunch
• 13:00 Arashiyama Area (Tenryuji Temple, Togetsu Kyo Bridge)
  Tenyru-ji is a major temple of the Rinzai School. It was built in 1339 on the former site of Emperor Go-Daigo's villa after a priest dreamt of a dragon rising from the nearby river.
  The main attraction of Tenryu-ji Temple is the Zen garden dating back to the 14th century. A triumph of design, the garden features a large pond which catches the reflection of the maple trees and large rough-cut rocks on the periphery. It also makes use of "borrowed scenery" from the nearby hills of Arashiyama, which appear to be the next tier of the garden. Many elements of this garden were prototypes for later gardens built elsewhere.
  The Togetsu-kyo Bridge has been a landmark in Western Kyoto's Arashiyama District for over four hundred years. The wooden bridge spans the Katsura River in front of Arashiyama Mountain, offering incredible views. The spring cherry blossoms and fall colors draw large crowds, as the scenery is spectacular.
• 16:00 Arrival at the hotel in Kyoto

Notice: This Post Congress Tour <Tour to Kyoto> will be completed at Kyoto station and will not go back to Kobe. However, you can go back straight to Kobe by the JR line within that day. It will take 30 minutes by Shinkansen or 52 minutes by a local express train which has a frequent service (every 15 minutes). If you have any question about the way back to Kobe, please ask the tour guide while she/he is available. Those of you who wish to stay in Kyoto after this tour are recommended to make arrangements by yourselves, since the accommodation in Kyoto is not included in this tour. Please refer to the website http://www.japanican.com/hotels/ for hotel reservation in Kyoto, and http://www.jtb.co.jp/shop/itdw/info/e/list.asp for sightseeing in Kyoto or extending your travel to other areas in Japan.