May 6-22, 2027 | Asian Temple Tour – Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong (LDS Content)

After years of preparation, we are excited to announce our Asian Temple Tour – visiting Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. In each place, we’ll explore the cultures, natural beauty and the history of our church while visiting our temples.

We will spend 9 days in Japan where we will explore this island nation showcasing a fascinating mix of a mysterious past with a hyper-modern present. It is home to beautiful landscapes, ancient temples & shrines, and some of the kindest people in the world. Our tour will travel from Fukuoka on the south to Saporro on the north. We’ll move from place to place on the comfortable Shinkansen (Bullet Train) and enjoy important highlights in each region. We’ll spend three days in South Korea with an interesting day trip to the Demilitarized Zone. In Hong Kong, we’ll take in one of the world’s most beautiful cities in a unique natural setting. 

In each place, we’ll learn of the past and enjoy their ultra moderen present. We’ll meet the people and visit FIVE temples along the way (3 in Japan, one in Seoul and one in Hong Kong). You’ll leave with a greater apprecation for the cultures and people of the Far East.

We will be offering two tours on the same dates. One will start in Hong Kong and end in Fukuoka, Japan. The other will start in Fukuoka, Japan and end in Hong Kong. Each group is STRICTLY limited to 40 passengers due to vehicle sized in Japan. 

Travel in Asia is not inexpensive. You’ll find it is worth it! We have excellent hotels, include many delicious meals and unique experiences. You’ll probably only get to this region once. We promise an experience with lasting memories.  We can’t wait to take you on our Asian Temple Tour.

May 6/7, 2027: USA to Fukuoka, Japan

Today with great anticipation we meet for our flights via Seoul, Korea to Fukuoka, Japan. We arrive on the evening of May 7. Our hotel is a short distance from the airport. We’ll check in, have a welcome dinner, and get a good night’s sleep as we prepare for our journey.  D

May 8: Fukuoka to Hiroshima

Fukuoka has the nickname of “Little Tokyo”. It’s a modern, growing city.  We will begin with a session in the Fukuoka Temple (the first of five temple visits). After lunch, a local guide will show us the highlightes of this interesting city featuring castle ruins, blooming peone gardens and a fun place to browse/eat lunch. In the early evening, we’ll be transferred to the TRAIN station for an exciting bullet train ride to Hiroshima (about 1 hour). The train travels over 200 mph and you barely know you’re moving. (note: we travel with a day bag – our suitcase will go by truck to our next destination).  B.

May 9: Full day Hiroshima/Miyashima

This morning our coach will take us outside to the city where we’ll have a short ferry ride to the island of Miyashima. This is a sacred place – home to both a famous Shintu Shrine and Buddhaist Temple. The Torii Gate built in the water welcomes us to the site. We’ll focus on the temple which is called Diashoin. It is a complex of structures set amidst the maple trees. The higher up you go, the greater your reward in scenery, views and interesting things to see. A guide will share the details. We’ll return to the mainland and enjoy an included lunch to eat a famous (and filling) Okonomiyaki. We will spend our afternoon in the Peace Memorial Park – the place where the atomic bomb was dropped to end World War II. There are sites outside (including gardens, the Atomic Dome and respectful displays detailing the history of what happened – and the history of the survivors through the years. We’ll end at an exceptional museum that tells the story. We stay in Hiroshima again tonight. B, D

May 10: Hiroshima to Kyoto

This morning after a great breakfast, we’ll be transferred to the train station for a 90 minute train ride to Kyoto – the cultural capital of Japan (and a place that was the imperial capital of the country for many years).  Founded in the 7th century, this is home of the country’s most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. We’ll begin wiht a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, an impressive Shinto shrine that sits at the foot of Mount Inari. There are literally over ten thousand vermilion torii gates that line the paths up the mountain. Next, head to Nishiki Market, lined with more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Here, you will find Kyoto specialties and local treats. And strawberries are in season and there are lots of tempting treats. In the late afternoon we’ll make a brief stop at Sanjusangendo Temple to see over 1000 copper statues of 28 Buddhist gods. It is quite a site. Free evening tonight to get some dinner in this vibrant city. B

May 11:  Kyoto area 

Kyoto is a modern city surrounded by tree covered mountains on all sides. Today, we’ll be on the opposite side of the city to enjoy other important places including a stroll through the bamboo forest (or you can ride a rick shaw) and  a climb to the top of Monkey Park for spectacular views (and a chance to see the local monkey population). We’ll visit Kiyomizu to see the Dera Temple set high on the hill providing spectacular views.  The shrines and temples are beautiful in their own right – but they are almost always built in a way to capture the natural beauty that surrounds them. The highlight  of the day will be a visit to Japan’s highly celebrated gold-gilded Kinkaku-ji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion’ surrounded by trees and nestled on a reflective pond. It is an interesting and beautful place. Dinner is included in the city tonight in the Gion District.  B, D

May 12: Kyoto to Tokyo 

Today we bid farewell to Kyoto. We board our train in the late morning and head for Tokyo – Japan’s vibrant capital city. It takes about 2 1/2 hours. Upon arrival our coach will be waiting. We’ll take you to an interesting place called the Ameri Market where the US soldiers during World War II would gather after the war. Food is delicious and inexpsive. Try some tampura shrimp, chicken skewers or other treats. You’ll have a little shopping time as well. After checking in and relaxing, we’ll have a chance to attend a session in the beautiful Tokyo Temple this evening.  B

May 13: Day trip to enjoy Mount Fuji

Today we leave the city for a memorable day trip. About 90 minutes outside of Tokyo ys a town called Fujikawaguchikois. It sits at the base of Mount Fuji. Those who climb the mountain starte here. We’ll visit a small Shinto shrine set in the forest. We’ll then continue about 30 minutes to the town of Hakone. After an included lunch, we’ll board a beautiful boat that will take us on Lake Ashi from Hakone to the opposite side of the lake (30 minutes). We will then take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain. The surrounding views are stunning – especially if Mt. Fuji is visible (it’s a 50/50 chance this time of year).  Our coach will meet us there and take us back to Tokyo where you’ll have a free evening.   B, L

May 14: Tokyo Sites

Tokyo is a very interesting city. While there are over 15 million people living there, it doesn’t feel like an overwhelmingly busy place. 90% of the people use public transportation so you can move through the streets without gridlock. Today a local guide will show us the Imperial Palace (from the outside). This is home to the current emperor/empress. We’ll stroll through the vibrant Fish Market and enjoy a lunch break at the famous Shingawa Crossing (you’ll see). After a lunch break, we’ll go to the top of one of Tokyo’s skyscrapers to get a view from above. Much of the afternoon will be spent at the Meiji Shrine.  Emperor Meiji was an important historical figure in Japan and the Shinto Shrine built in his honor is definitely worth seeing. It’s a massive park like setting in the middle of the city. We then return to our hotel for our farewell to Tokyo dinner.  B, D

May 15: Tokyo to Sapporo:

Today we transfer to the airport for our 1 hour flight to Sapporo in northern Japan. We arrive around noon. We will go directly to the beautiful Sapporo Temple built in 2016 to serve northern Japan. It is a striking (and large) temple with lovely grounds and fountains. We will then check into our hotel (in the heart of town) and you’ll have a free evening. Maybe venture out to one of the many ramen restaurants?  B

May 16: Sapporo:

Today is Sunday and we will attend Sacrament Meeting at the local ward. After we change, we’ll show you this interesting city. We’ll go to Olympic Park and take the chair lift to the top of the mountain for lovely views (Saporro hosted the winter Olympics in 1972). We will then visit one of the famous “Flower Fields” in the area showcasing lovely spring gardens. While there, we’ll enjoy an included lunch. After lunch we will show you an interesting cemetery adorned with Easter Island statues and other interesting things. Finally, we’ll enjoy some of the venues that showcase the cherry blossoms which should be in bloom in this part of Japan while we are there (not a guarantee). The Japanese LOVE their cherry blossoms.  B, L

May 17: Sapporo to Seoul

This morning we transfer to the airport and fly to Seoul, South Korea. The airport is 45 minutes from the city in Inchon. We’ll transfer into the city where we stay at the Sheraton Four Points hotel with a good location. After a rest, we’ll take you on a short walking tour of the area. Just 3 minutes from our hotel is Myeongdon Street – a vibrant and fun street market. Food is clean and safe and the variety is something to see. You’ll have time on your own to get food and treats from the onver 100 vendors. B

May 18: DMZ Tour

We depart Seoul early this morning and head to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Learn about the history of the conflict between the North and South. Upon arrival at Imjingak Park, view Freedom Bridge, and continue to Dorasan Station, and Dora Observatory from where you can look at North Korea through binoculars. There are educational and moving displays to remind us of sacrifices made in the early 1950’s. It is a meaningful place to visit. We have an included Korean style lunch (are you brave?) where we eat like the locals. It’s delicious. We then return to Seoul.  B, L

May 19: Seoul

There is much to see in South Korea’s capital city of Seoul. A local guide will take us to the South Korea Folk Museum where we learn about Korean life from birth to death. It is very educational. We then walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace and learn about the powerful Chose Dynasty that ruled Korea for 600 years (until 1910). Lunch will be at another fun place. It’s called Ikseongdong Street. Different from last night, these are shops and restaurangs set in old-style Korean houses with narrow alley ways. It is charming and interesting. You’ll have time to get lunch. We’ll then give you a little time at Samzigil which is a fun collection of Korean souvenirs. After a break, we’ll enjoy a session in the very unique Seoul Temple. B

May 20: Seoul to Hong Kong

Today we make our way back to the airport for our three hour flight to Hong Kong. We arrive in the afternoon and transfer into the city. We stay in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong at the Holiday Inn Golden Mile. After checing in and taking a break, we’ll enjoy a session in the Hong Kong Temple.  B

May 21:  Hong Kong 

Hong Kong is a stunningly beautiful city. We’ll begin at the Victoria Mountain Tram that takes us up the mountain so we can appreciate this city from above. We have the upgraded tickets so we can take in ALL of the views. There is fun shopping and restaurants at the top as well where you can get some lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a boat ride on the harbor (in the famous red pirate boats) and we’ll enjoy a little shopping on “Ladie’s Street“. Tonight we have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant as our tour comes to an end. 

May 22: Hong Kong to USA

Today we transfer to the Hong Kong Airport for our flights home. We’ll have a new appreciation for the rich history and traditions of the Far East. It will be an unforgettable experience. 

Registration Information:

To make a reservation, simply fill out the attached reservation form and send it to us with a deposit of $500 per person.  When we receive your deposit, we will mail you a receipt confirming that you are registered for the tour.  A letter with instructions, hotel itinerary flight information (if applicable) and luggage tags will be sent roughly 90 days prior to departure at which time the balance will be due.  You do not need to pay the balance until after you receive that packet.  We require final payments in the form of a check.  If that is not possible, arrangements can be made to use a credit card.  Webb Tours accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. A 2.5% fee applies to final payments made by credit card.

Cancellation Penalties

We understand that you may need to cancel your trip for whatever reason.  If it is 180 days or more before departure, all money will be refunded.  If airline tickets are purchased prior to that time (with your permission), they become the property of the traveler and are not refundable.  All other funds will be returned if cancellation occurs outside of 180 days.  If it is within 180 days, we will charge you only what Webb Tours cannot recover.  In some cases, we can recover all of it.  In others, we cannot.  Cruise lines, airlines, hotels and other service providers require funds in advance and have their own rules about what will be refunded once paid.  We must follow their guidelines.  For airlines, specifically, tickets are generally non refundable when purchased.  However, most airlines will allow the value of the canceled tickets to be reused for future travel, though a penalty may be assessed to reuse the tickets.  If you have to cancel, Webb Tours will work with other providers to obtain as much refund as possible for our travelers.  Our travelers know us to be very fair in this regard.

Cancellation Insurance: 

Cancellation insurance is also available should you be interested.  The insurance provider that we us is Travelex Insurance.  You can learn about them at www.travelexinsurance.com.  With this insurance, most of your money will be returned to you in case you have to cancel for covered reasons (illness or death of an immediate family member) at the last minute.  The price for the insurance varies based on the price of the trip and the age of the participant (at the time the insurance is purchased). 

If you are interested in the insurance, you can purchase it through Webb Tours at any time. The insurance goes into effect once purchased.  If you have any pre-existing conditions, it is best to purchase the insurance within 14 days of making your initial deposit as that will cover an illness that may result from a pre-existing condition. If you don’t have pre-existing conditions, you can purchase the insurance any time between now and the time you make your final payment.  Insurance cannot be purchased after your final payment is made.  Webb Tours is not the insurer and acts as agent for Travelex.  To activate your insurance, we need your premium and your birth date.  Insurance also includes the following items:

Trip interruption up to 150% of the cost of the trip (if you have to leave in the middle of the trip)

• Trip delay: $750
• Missed Connection: $750
• Baggage & Personal Effects (for lost luggage): $1,000
• Baggage Delay: $200
• Emergency medical/dental expenses: $50,000
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Accidental death/dismemberment during travel: $25,000

Per person prices are as follows:

Mail deposit and enclosed reservation form to:

WEBB TOURS

2378 Evergreen Avenue

Salt Lake City, UT  84109

Tel. (801) 278-3101

or Toll Free 1-800-658-8519

Or call us and register over the phone.  We hope you can join us.