About this Tour
Immerse yourself in the ancient and modern cultures of Japan. Learn the art of the tea ceremony, and stand before the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple. Tour Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” for its black exterior. Taste legendary Hida beef and sip sake at a local brewery. Delve into Kyoto, the marvelous cultural capital of Japan. Board the Shinkansen “bullet” train to travel to Hiroshima to visit Shrine Island and the Peace Memorial Museum. Absorb the beauty of the Golden Pavilion and the majesty of Nijo Castle. Japan slowly draws you into its eclectic culture and charm, revealing incredible moments every step of the way.
Your Tour at a Glance
GET IN TOUCH
Begin Your Journey
Highlights and Inclusions
Your Tour Includes
- 5 Handpicked Accommodations
- 18 Meals
Must-See Inclusions:
- Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, made famous by the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.
- Visit multiple UNESCO sites including Shirakawa-go, Nijo Castle, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
- Explore Takayama’s beautiful old town, nestled in the Japanese Alps.
Cultural Experiences:
- Try your hand at the centuries-old art of the Japanese tea ceremony, gold leaf decorating and stenciling.
- Tap into Japan’s train culture as you travel by the famous Shinkansen bullet train.
- Explore Tokyo’s famous Ginza District, the first Western-style shopping district in Japan where modern and old charms blend.
Culinary Inclusions:
- Enjoy a Hida beef dinner with sake at a local brewery.
- Participate in a sushi-making class.
- Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner.
Highlights
- Tokyo
- Ginza
- Asakusa Sensoji Shrine
- Tea Ceremony
- Hakone
- Lake Ashi Cruise
- Matsumoto Castle
- Takayama
- Sake Tasting and Hida Beef Dinner
- Choice on Tour: Takayama Jinya or Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan
- Kaiseki Dinner
- Shirakawa-go
- Kanazawa
- Kyoto
- Bullet Train
- Hiroshima
- Maiko Show
Full Itinerary
Day: 1 Overnight Flight
Explore ancient and modern Japanese culture firsthand. Discover peaceful temples and technological marvels set against unimaginable natural beauty.
Day: 2 Tokyo, Japan
Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Welcome to Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Arrive in the electrifying city of Tokyo, where pop culture is turned all the way up and traditions are rich and long-kept.
Day: 3 Tokyo
Breakfast & Dinner Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Amid a lush forest outside of Tokyo, visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Feel the excitement start to build as you pass by the grounds of the Imperial Palace and see the Niju Bridge, the well-known symbol of the Imperial Palace. Later, walk through Ginza, one of the most elegant and luxurious streets in the world, where modern landscape meets rich history. Enjoy shopping at some of the most renowned “department stores” in Japan.
Day: 4 Tokyo
Breakfast Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Begin the day exploring Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district. Visit the famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, the colorful temple famous for the red chochin (lantern) hanging at the entrance gate. Experience the long-standing tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony, dating back to the 15th century. During your free time, explore the Nakamise Shopping Arcade and feel the energy of the oldest shopping street in Japan. Then, head to Tokyo National Museum to learn about the fascinating history and culture of Tokyo. The museum displays artwork and antiques from Japan and the surrounding area.
Day: 5 Tokyo – Hakone
Breakfast & Dinner Odakyu Hotel de Yama
Journey to the lakeside resort of Hakone, renowned for its hot springs. In the shadow of Mt. Fuji (UNESCO), this scenic town hugs the shorelines of Lake Ashi. Make a stop at Owakudani, located in an active volcanic zone. The Owakudani crater was created some 3,000 years ago, when Mt. Hakone erupted. Climb aboard the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial cable car descending from Owakudani for a breathtaking view* of Mt. Fuji. Next, take to the deep-blue waters of Lake Ashi on a cruise where you’ll see epic views of the local mountains before stopping in the charming town of Moto-Hakone.
Day: 6 Hakone – Matsumoto – Takayama
Breakfast & Dinner Takayama Green Hotel
This breathtaking day begins in Matsumoto at Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” because of its striking black exterior. Later, you’ll step back in time in the rural Edo-period town of Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps. Well known to the locals for its connection to sake, this is the perfect place to gather for a visit to one of Japan’s 200-year-old sake breweries. Afterward, experience a true Japanese epicurean treat – traditional rice wine paired with a special Hida beef dinner.
Day: 7 Takayama
Breakfast & Dinner Takayama Green Hotel
The ancient cultures of Takayama come alive during a guided walk in the town’s historic district. Stroll through the morning market, a 600-year-old open air market with locally grown and produced products, located along the Miyagawa River. Circuit the winding streets, where the town’s traditional charms are preserved in the inns and houses. Here, it’s your choice! Choose to glimpse into the past at the 19th-century Takayama Jinya, a former government building -OR- visit the Matsuri Yatai Kaikan and view intricate, traditional, hand-carved floats used in festivals. This afternoon, relish some free time to continue your exploration of Takayama on your own before enjoying a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner.
Day: 8 Takayama – Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa
Breakfast Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
Today, embrace the unique charms of Shirakawa-go (UNESCO). Hidden away in the mountain, this harmonious village is famous for its gassho-zukuri-style houses – thatched-rooftops designed to resemble two hands joined in prayer. Journey to Kanazawa, the origin of gold-leaf making since the 16th century. Visit the Geisha quarters of Kanazawa, the Higashi Tea district, and then onto the beauty of Japan’s most stunning gardens, where more than 25 acres of absolute beauty awaits you at Kenroku-En – Garden of Six Qualities.
Day: 9 Kanazawa
Breakfast Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
Visit the Samurai district where we will enter the former home of the Nomuras, a wealthy samurai family who served the ruling Maeda family. Dive into the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in decorating your own lacquer box! In the center of town, take in the action of the Omicho fish market before venturing out on your own to really immerse yourself in Kanazawa’s dynamic culture.
Day: 10 Kanazawa – Kyoto
Breakfast & Dinner Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
Today, Kyoto awaits! Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha for a tour of the most revered shrine of Inari. Follow the spectacular rows of orange torii (made famous in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha) that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrine. The former Imperial capital of Japan is now one of the nation’s top cosmopolitan cities. At the same time, Kyoto’s connection with its past is strong; you won’t need to look far to see one of its 2,000 temples and shrines. Later, visit the Women’s Association of Kyoto in a traditional Kyoto town house. Here, delve into a wide array of enlightening Japanese activities, guided by your knowledgeable hostess. Try your hand at making sushi and learn to fold intricate origami shapes.
Day: 11 Kyoto
Breakfast Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
This morning, visit Kinkaku-ji Temple (UNESCO), known as the Golden Pavilion for its top two floors that are completely covered in gold leaf. Enjoy the remainder of your day to explore more of Kyoto at leisure.
Day: 12 Kyoto – Bullet Train – Hiroshima – Kyoto
Breakfast Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
All aboard the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima Island, or “Shrine Island” (UNESCO). Afterwards, head into Hiroshima city to visit the Peace Memorial Park, and pause to see the ruined Atomic Dome (UNESCO). Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. As this long and moving day comes to a close, return to Kyoto by the Shinkansen bullet train.
Day: 13 Kyoto
Breakfast & Dinner Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
Today, visit the home of the first Shogun, Nijo Castle (UNESCO), and see intricate woodcarvings, wall paintings, and the Ninomaru Garden, designed by Kobori Enshu, a landscape architect and tea master. Next, learn about the ancient craft of stenciling during a hands-on lesson. This afternoon, spend some time relaxing or set out to explore Kyoto on your own. Fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture tonight during a special farewell dinner and maiko show.
Day: 14 Kyoto – Tour Ends
Breakfast
Your tour comes to a close in this fascinating land. As you depart, reflect on its beauty and all you have learned about its rich history and culture.
* Activity Levels
- Activity Level 1 – Light & Leisurely: You’re a leisurely traveler. You typically take it easy and discover the energy of a new place by people-watching or soaking in the atmosphere at a local café. You can climb at least one flight of stairs, board a coach, and walk unassisted at a relaxed pace for up to 60 minutes without difficulty. You can easily handle altitudes up to 5,000 feet.
- Activity Level 2 – Moderate: You like a balanced approach to travel. Walking two to three miles over the course of a day is no problem for you. You can partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to two miles (with included breaks). You can handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease. There may be 1 to 2 days on this tour when walking tours can cover 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain. You can handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet.
- Activity Level 3 – Active: You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.
- Activity Level 4 – Very Active: You’re ready to seize the day, whatever it may bring. You lead an active life at home (walking, biking, and half or full day hikes are things you may enjoy) and 10,000 steps a day is normal for you. You can handle longer walking tours (more than 3 hours covering 3+ miles at a steady clip) and activities that involve traversing uneven terrain, steep slopes, standing for periods of time, and varying altitudes and temperatures. You don’t mind being on the go with some early starts, late-nights, and full days. You can handle altitudes of 9,000 feet or higher with little to no issue. This level is not appropriate for travelers who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility assistance devices.
** Travel Styles
- Spotlights: Unpack just once and dive deep into a destination on these gateway-style tours.
- Classic: Visit iconic must-sees and engage with new cultures on these feature-rich tours.
- Crusing: Discover life and landscapes along the world’s most beautiful waterways.
- Faith: Connect to your faith on a deeper level on these spiritual journeys.
- Explorations: Dive deeper and engage with local life on these trours designed for small groups.