Discover Japan
From bustling cities to quiet mountain villages
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture on this 9-night guided adventure from Tokyo to Kyoto! Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, discover magical gardens & temples, and gasp at panoramic views of Mount Fuji from a cable car. With included transportation and perks like a Japanese cooking class, a tea ceremony, a sake tasting, and a gold leaf class, this is the vacation you'll spend the rest of your life talking about.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Tokyo (HND), out of Osaka (ITM)
- Round-trip airport transfers*
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 3 nights in Tokyo at the Park Hotel Tokyo
- 2 nights in Takayama at the Hida Hotel Plaza
- 1 night in Kanazawa at the Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
- 3 nights in Kyoto at the Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel Kyoto
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Visit to Meiji Shrine & Asakusa Kannon Temple
- Calligraphy class & traditional tea ceremony
- Cable car ride to view Mount Fuji and visit to Chureito Pagoda
- Tour of Matsumoto Castle & Matsumoto City Museum
- Visit to Kenroku-en Garden
- Sightseeing tour to Sanjusangendo Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple
- Japanese cooking class
- Excursion to Nara with visits to Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine
- American breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 3 dinners
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Thunderbird express train from Kanazawa to Kyoto
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
*Note: To take advantage of the included transfers, flight must arrive into HND between 5:45 am and 10:50 pm, and depart ITM between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm
**Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
Great Ways to Explore
-
Learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used on kimonos!
- Stroll through a local farmers market in Takayama.
-
Visit Matsumoto Castle as you travel through the Japanese Alps.
-
Explore Nara, the oldest capital of Japan!
-
Experience Japan's Thunderbird Express train as you journey from Kanazawa to Kyoto.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023. For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination.
Ready, set, adventure! Experience the very best of Japan on this once-in-a-lifetime guided vacation. Of course, you'll visit Japan's most famous sights, but your tour director will also guide you off the beaten path to experience Japan's hidden gems. From the Japanese Alps and Mount Fuji to ornate temples and colorful cities, you'll get to know Japan in every light.
In Kyoto, you'll see the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf! In Nara, you'll visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 752 AD. You'll also visit the traditional Gassho-Zukuri style thatched houses in Shirawaka, as well as Tokyo's Meiji Shrine, a magnificent Shinto monument set in a beautiful garden. Speaking of gardens, prepare yourself for the beauty of Kenroku-en. According to the ancient Chinese book of gardens, gardens should have six different sublime qualities, however, it is rare to find all six in a single garden. Dating back to the 1670s, Kenroku-en boasts a perfect combination of all six: spaciousness & seclusion, artifice & antiquity, and watercourses and panoramas! Keep your camera handy.
Arguably, the best part of this tour is all the social experience built in. Partake in a traditional tea ceremony, enjoy a spirited sake tasting, and make your own lunch at a Japanese cooking class! You'll also attempt calligraphy, learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique, attend a gold leaf class, browse a farmers market, and try on a traditional kimono! This incredible trip is the perfect blend of guided tours, local experiences, and free time to explore at your own pace.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Tokyo (HND), out of Osaka (ITM)
- Round-trip airport transfers*
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 3 nights in Tokyo at the Park Hotel Tokyo
- 2 nights in Takayama at the Hida Hotel Plaza
- 1 night in Kanazawa at the Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
- 3 nights in Kyoto at the Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel Kyoto
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Visit to Meiji Shrine & Asakusa Kannon Temple
- Calligraphy class & traditional tea ceremony
- Cable car ride to view Mount Fuji and visit to Chureito Pagoda
- Tour of Matsumoto Castle & Matsumoto City Museum
- Visit to Kenroku-en Garden
- Sightseeing tour to Sanjusangendo Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple
- Japanese cooking class
- Excursion to Nara with visits to Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine
- American breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 3 dinners
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Thunderbird express train from Kanazawa to Kyoto
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
*Note: To take advantage of the included transfers, flight must arrive into HND between 5:45 am and 10:50 pm, and depart ITM between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm
**Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
-
Learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used on kimonos!
- Stroll through a local farmers market in Takayama.
-
Visit Matsumoto Castle as you travel through the Japanese Alps.
-
Explore Nara, the oldest capital of Japan!
-
Experience Japan's Thunderbird Express train as you journey from Kanazawa to Kyoto.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023. For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination.
Ready, set, adventure! Experience the very best of Japan on this once-in-a-lifetime guided vacation. Of course, you'll visit Japan's most famous sights, but your tour director will also guide you off the beaten path to experience Japan's hidden gems. From the Japanese Alps and Mount Fuji to ornate temples and colorful cities, you'll get to know Japan in every light.
In Kyoto, you'll see the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf! In Nara, you'll visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 752 AD. You'll also visit the traditional Gassho-Zukuri style thatched houses in Shirawaka, as well as Tokyo's Meiji Shrine, a magnificent Shinto monument set in a beautiful garden. Speaking of gardens, prepare yourself for the beauty of Kenroku-en. According to the ancient Chinese book of gardens, gardens should have six different sublime qualities, however, it is rare to find all six in a single garden. Dating back to the 1670s, Kenroku-en boasts a perfect combination of all six: spaciousness & seclusion, artifice & antiquity, and watercourses and panoramas! Keep your camera handy.
Arguably, the best part of this tour is all the social experience built in. Partake in a traditional tea ceremony, enjoy a spirited sake tasting, and make your own lunch at a Japanese cooking class! You'll also attempt calligraphy, learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique, attend a gold leaf class, browse a farmers market, and try on a traditional kimono! This incredible trip is the perfect blend of guided tours, local experiences, and free time to explore at your own pace.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Tokyo!
Touch down in Japan's colorful capital and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first hotel. Spend the night settling in, then begin exploring! Treat yourself to a delicious first-night dinner of traditional Japanese cuisine.
Transfer to Tokyo hotel
Check-in - Park Hotel Tokyo
Park Hotel Tokyo is a unique hotel with an emphasis on ART-- Atrium, Restaurant, and Travel. The hotel has an "Artist in Hotel" who paints a handful of guest rooms, turning them into works of art. The atrium is one of the largest in Tokyo, spanning ten floors. All standard rooms are equipped with free WiFi, complimentary designer toiletries, slippers, and many of the amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel. Park Hotel Tokyo serves a variety of healthy menu options based on the concepts of nature, art, and health. Guests can enjoy the option of having an in-room Japanese massage. You'll be just minutes from Shiodome Subway Station during your stay at the stylish Park Hotel Tokyo.
Day 2. Tokyo
Rise and shine! After an energizing breakfast, meet your tour director and traveling companions for a morning of sightseeing in Tokyo. Your tour will take you to the Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. You'll also drive to see the Imperial Palace! Next, visit an artist's studio and learn the craft of beautiful writing during a calligraphy class led by an expert. There, you'll have the opportunity to try on a traditional Kimono and partake in a traditional tea ceremony!
Your last stops today will be the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, then enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure. Tonight, join your traveling companions for a fun welcome dinner hosted by your tour director!
Day 3. Tokyo
Grab your camera and get ready for a day of spectacular scenery! This morning, leave the city and head south along the coast to the beautiful Five Lakes region. Upon arrival, take a cable car ride (weather permitting) for panoramic views of Lake Kawaguchi and the one and only Mount Fuji! Feast your eyes on Japan's highest mountain for a second time from Chureito Pagoda, part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine.
After an exciting day, return to Tokyo and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Treat yourself to a show or snag some souvenirs from local vendors.
Day 4. Tokyo - Matsumoto - Takayama
Recharge with breakfast, then journey to Matsumoto, gateway to the Japanese Alps! Visit the famous Matsumoto Castle, dating back to 1593, then discover fascinating history at the Matsumoto City Museum!
Later in the day, you'll travel through the ruggedly beautiful Japanese Alps to Takayama. Check into your next accommodation and indulge in a delicious Japanese-style dinner at your hotel.
Check-in - Hida Hotel Plaza
Hida Hotel Plaza is located just a five minute walk from Takayama Station. The hotel offers traditional Japanese-style guest rooms and standard Western rooms. Enjoy a taste of Japanese hospitality with free, fresh tea time snacks delivered to your room. Rooms are also furnished with television, free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and more. There are five onsite restaurants, offering traditional Japanese cuisine, Chinese dishes, or French-inspired meals. The coffee shop is stocked with homemade desserts and freshly brewed coffee. Guests can belt out a tune or two at the hotel's karaoke bar, Night Pub "Don Quixote." Relax and let your troubles melt away in one of the hotel's two hot springs, or "onsens." The onsite souvenir shops make it easy to find the perfect way to commemorate your trip, and your stay at Hida Hotel Plaza.
Day 5. Takayama
Feel like a local this morning, as you visit the morning market, where farmers display their locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. After a pleasant start to your day, visit Takayama Jinya, a former government office during the Edo Period from 1692-1868! This well-preserved building stands as a national historic site and is the only remaining building of its kind in Japan.
You'll continue on to the San-Machi Suji historic district, famous for its lacquerware shops and sake breweries. The breweries are identified by the sugidama, balls made of cedar branches, that hang over shop entrances! Stop at one of the breweries for a sake tasting, then enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Explore the narrow streets of Takayama, where merchants buy and sell as they have for the past 300 years!
Day 6. Takayama - Shirakawa - Kanazawa
This morning, have your camera handy as you enjoy a scenic drive through the mountainous Shokawa Valley to Shirakawa! This remote region of Japan is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to the unique Gassho-Zukuri-style thatched houses that can be found only here.
Continue to the picturesque town of Kanazawa, situated between the mountains and the Sea of Japan—once the country’s richest region! Your tour director will guide you through one of Japan’s greatest gardens, Kenroku-En, the “Garden of Six Qualities,” dating from the 1670s. Afterward, partake in a gold leaf class, where you'll learn about this ancient traditional craft and make your own bento box souvenir!
Check-in - Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa is located right in front of JR Kanazawa Train Station, easily connecting you to the rest of the city and beyond. The hotel was built for guests to feel as though they are performing onstage. At 30 stories tall, the hotel is the tallest in the area. All rooms are equipped with free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, television, and more. Eight onsite restaurant options include traditional Japanese, authentic Chinese, or French-inspired dishes on the 30th floor at La Plage. The Garden House offers a buffet option as well. The hotel's location makes it easy for guests to hop on a bus to nearby attractions including Kanazawa Castle and Oyama Shrine.
Day 7. Kanazawa - Kyoto
All aboard! This morning, board the Thunderbird Express Train for your journey to stunning Kyoto. Upon arrival, stop at Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 more life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms said to have the power to save 25 worlds!
After lunch, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its brightly colored Torii Gates. You'll continue on to the Higashiyama District to visit Kiyomizu Temple, the "Pure Water Temple," which boasts spectacular views over Kyoto. Feel your head bobble around in amazement as you explore the area. Stroll through busy streets, where family-run shops and restaurants have been in business for centuries. End the night at your hotel in Kyoto.
Check-in - ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kyoto
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kyoto is located in Kyoto city center across from Nijo Castle. All rooms in the hotel are designed around the color white for tranquility and calming purposes. Rooms are furnished with free WiFi, television, and other luxurious amenities. The hotel offers a free shuttle service every 15 minutes to/from JR Kyoto Station. There are five restaurants and one bar located onsite, serving Japanese, Chinese, and French food and drink. Shopping, parks, gardens, and more are just steps away from ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kyoto.
Day 8. Kyoto
Wake up smiling - you're in Kyoto! Start your morning with a visit to jaw-dropping Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion. Next, head to Yuzen Handmade Corner to learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used to decorate kimonos by painting dye directly onto cloth. You'll be invited to participate in making your very own souvenir using this traditional method!
Enjoy a unique and delicious lunch, as you participate in a special Japanese cooking class! Under the instruction of a local chef, you will learn how to make miso soup, teriyaki chicken, and makizushi, commonly known as a "sushi roll."
Once your tummy is full, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure to explore this mesmerizing city on your own.
Day 9. Kyoto
While it might be your last full day in Japan, the fun is far from over. This morning, take an excursion to Nara, the oldest capital of Japan! Upon arrival, visit two separate UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First, you'll stop at Todaiji Temple in Nara Park. Built in 752 AD, this is - hands down - one of Japan's most significant temples. While it was rebuilt after a fire in 1692, it still remains the world's largest wooden building. The Daibutsu (Giant Buddha) that sits inside the main hall is made of copper and bronze, and is the largest in all of Japan, weighing a whopping 250 tons and standing some 49 feet tall! Try to get the whole thing in a photo - we dare you.
The second UNESCO World Heritage Site is Kasuga Shrine, known for its 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns! After exploring this cultural gem, you'll head back to Kyoto for one last night at leisure. Tonight, say "cheers" during a festive farewell dinner!
Day 10. Depart Osaka
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and kiss Kyoto goodbye. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to the airport, then spend your flight home dreaming about your next adventure!