09:45 – 17:45hrs | A chance to explore Japan’s former imperial capital and its World Heritage Sites. The main focus of this tour is the striking Kinkakuji and the Arashiyama district.  Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun, that he requested be converted into a Buddhist temple after his death. Together with the pond, it is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks.

Arashiyama is a popular tourist district in the western outskirts of Kyoto famous for its bamboo grove.  After lunch at the Shigetsu vegetarian restaurant, a part of the Tenryu-ji Temple, and where the chefs will only prepare dishes that observe the rules of traditional Buddhist vegetarian cooking, take time to amble through the bamboo and enjoy a rickshaw ride as you discover Arashiyama.

09:30hrs | Meet in the THOUSAND HOTEL LOBBY

09:45hrs | Depart from hotel

10:15hrs | Arrive Kinkakuji

11:15hrs | Depart for Arashiyama (45 minutes)

12:15hrs | Lunch at Shigetsu

14:00hrs | Arashiyama Discovery including Rickshaw ride

17:00hrs | Depart for hotel

09:30 – 17:30hrs | This tour also starts out at the Golden Pavilion but from there you head to Nijo Castle, the stunning former residence of the Kyoto shogun, with its ‘chirping’ nightingale floors.  Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan’s feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.

Following lunch the day ends with your very own Samurai Learning Experience, where you have the chance to dress in the traditional Samurai kimono and learn the Samurai moves.

09:15hrs | Meet in the THOUSAND HOTEL LOBBY

09:30hrs | Depart from hotel

10:00hrs| Arrive at Kinkakuji

11:00hrs | Depart for Nijo Castle (arrive 11:30hrs)

13:00hrs | Depart for lunch at Ganko

13:20hrs | Lunch at Ganko

15:00hrs | Samurai Experience

17:00hrs | Depart for hotel

09:15 – 17:00hrs |

Nara was Japan’s capital in the 8th century and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain.

On arrival you are greeted by some of the many deer that freely roam Nara. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara’s nearly 1,200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have been designated a national treasure.  As you head up to Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and the home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue, the deer will follow in search of food and are not afraid to get up close!  Don’t worry we will have a stash of their special cookies on hand for you to feed them.  Be warned, they are quite enthusiastic!  There will also be a chance to climb the steps to the Todaiji Nigatsu-do Temple, for a stunning panoramic view of Nara or just enjoy some free time.

09:00hrs | Meet in the THOUSAND HOTEL LOBBY

09:15hrs | Depart hotel

10:00hrs | Arrive at Nara

10:30hrs | Visit Todaiji Temple

11:15hrs | Visit Todaiji Nigatsu-do (optional)

12:20hrs | Depart Nara

12:30hrs | Lunch at Trattoria Ponte Nara

14:15hrs | Depart to Nara station area for shopping

16:00hrs | Depart for hotel

07:45 – 17:15hrs | Just an hour north of Kyoto’s city center is Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Nearby, sits the world-class Seta Golf Course.  Players will be taking on the North Course, designed by renowned course architect Seiichi Inoue.  Club rental available.

Timings:

07.45hrs | Meet in The Lobby

08.00am | Departure from The Thousand Hotel to Seta Golf Course North

08.45hrs | Arrive for welcome coffee and cart/club pick up.

09.10hrs | Depart for tee

09.30hrs | Tee time – depart in groups of 4 for first 9 holes

12.00hrs | Lunch in the Restaurant,

12.45hrs | Depart for second 9 holes start at 13.00hrs

15.30hrs | Approximate finish and depart for hotel

16.15hrs | Approximate arrival at hotel

Arrival/ Departure : Semi-formal attire is required when entering and leaving the clubhouse.

• Jacket: Please wear a jacket or blazer (except during the summer season, June to September).
• Footwear: Leather shoes, pumps, or neat sneakers are appropriate.
• Prohibited: Sandals, flip-flops, jeans, tracksuits, or overly revealing clothing.

On the Course (During Play)

Please wear appropriate golf attire that is functional and respectful of golf etiquette.

• Tops: Collared shirts (polo shirts) are mandatory. Turtle necks or mock necks (with a collar height of at least 4cm) are generally acceptable. T-shirts are strictly prohibited.
  • Manner: Shirts must be tucked into your trousers.
• Bottoms: Tailored trousers, chinos, or golf shorts are required.
  • Shorts: When wearing shorts, please wear socks that cover the ankles. (Note: Some prestigious clubs may require knee-high socks, so short socks are the safest standard here).
• Headwear: For safety and sun protection, wearing a golf cap or sun visor is highly recommended.