In a nutshell

An experience lasting three days and two nights in Japan to discover Kyoto, the UNESCO world heritage “city of temples”. Step through the thousand gates of a Shinto shrine, a temple covered in gold and another dedicated to pure water, before getting lost in a Zen park. Then, dressed in your kimono, you'll experience the ritual of tea, served by real geishas, between the shutter clicks of a highly original photo shoot.

Main stops

Day 1 * Fushimi Inari shrine; Kinkakuji temple; Kijomizudera temple: interior visits * Traditional Kaiseki dinner in a hotel * Overnight stay in an exclusive hotel in Kyoto

Day 2 * Experience including dressing in a kimono and tea ceremony in a geisha house, with photo shoot

Day 3 * Transfer to Nagasaki on the Shinkansen "bullet train" and sightseeing city tour * Return to ship

The programme

Day 1 – Kyoto, among the temples and avenues * Nothing reflects the soul of Kyoto more than its temples: as you step through the doors, a whole new world opens up before you, ancient and regal. * You will discover that only the shrine of Fushimi Inari, dedicated to the god of harvest, has thousands of vermilion red torii gates. And that the Kinkakuji temple is so bright because it is covered in gold leaf. * Above the waters of a waterfall stands the temple of Kiyomizudera, with its 13-meter-high terrace which overlooks the trees. * After the harmony of nature comes that of a traditional Kaiseki menu: Japanese haute cuisine features many small courses. Dinner awaits you in an exclusive hotel where you will spend the night.

Day 2 – The ritual of tea with the geishas * When you wake up, slip into a real kimono for a photo shoot and plunge into the Zen culture of the tea ceremony at the home of the maiko, the geisha apprentices who will welcome you with dances, bowls of matcha tea and perfect gestures, honed in ancient times by monks and samurai soldiers.

Day 3 – Nagasaki: a journey into history * On board the Shinkansen “bullet train”, you'll be in Nagasaki in the blink of an eye. A city rich in memories and symbolizing rebirth, which you can make your own with a sightseeing tour before heading back to the ship.

Good to know

Bring your passport: you'll need it to take part in this experience.
The experience can be canceled up to 50 days prior to the start date of the land excursion.
To enable you to enjoy an exclusive experience, the number of places is limited: book early.
The presence of the Costa Tour Expert is not guaranteed for the entire experience.
It is not possible to exchange currency: as such, it is advisable to ensure that you have enough Japanese yen in advance.