Immerse yourself in the ancient and modern cultures of Japan.
- Experience the electrifying city of Tokyo with views from Tokyo Tower.
- 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 marvellous cultural capital of Japan.
- Absorb the beauty of the Golden Pavilion and the majesty of Nijo Castle.
- Board the Shinkansen “bullet” train to travel to Hiroshima to visit Shrine Island and the Peace Memorial Museum.
Japan draws you into its eclectic culture and charm, revealing incredible moments every step of the way.
14 Days/ 13 Nights
From $4399 USD / $5799 CDN
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Itinerary Details
Pre Night
Tokyo Prince Hotel
Day 1
Overnight Flight
Explore ancient and modern Japanese culture firsthand. Discover peaceful temples and technological marvels set against unimaginable natural beauty.
Day 2
- Dinner
- Tokyo Prince Hotel
Tokyo, Japan - Tour Begins
Welcome to Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun.' Begin in the electrifying city of Tokyo, where pop culture is turned all the way up and traditions are rich and long-kept. Tonight, experience a traditional Japanese-style meal alongside your fellow travellers at a festive welcome dinner.
Day 3
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Tokyo Prince Hotel
Tokyo
Feel the excitement start to build when you see the magnificent view of the city from above at Tokyo Tower, the iconic symbol of Tokyo. Then, enjoy a morning stroll through the outside grounds of the Imperial Palace, the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens, and see the Niju Bridge and Sakurada Gate, the well-known symbols of the Imperial Palace. 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. Later, amid a lush forest outside of Tokyo, visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Tonight, dine as the locals do at an Izakaya, a preferred establishment among the Japanese 'salary man' (business man), featuring Japanese tapas-style food.
Day 4
- Breakfast
- Tokyo Prince Hotel
Tokyo
Begin the day exploring Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district. Visit the famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, the colourful 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 Edo Tokyo Museum to learn about the fascinating history and culture of Tokyo. The museum displays life-size and model scale replicas of towns and buildings of old Tokyo.
Day 5
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Odakyu Hotel De Yama
Tokyo - Hakone
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. Climb aboard the Komagatake Ropeway, an aerial lift ascending from Lake Ashi to Komagatake Peak on Mt. Hakone. Make a stop at the peak for a breathtaking view* of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi. 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
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Takayama Green Hotel
Hakone - Matsumoto - Takayama
This breathtaking day begins in Matsumoto at Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” because of its striking black exterior. Enjoy the local cuisine as we stop for lunch at a Soba noodle shop. 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
- Breakfast
- Takayama Green Hotel
Takayama
The ancient cultures of Takayama come alive this morning in the town’s historic district. Take a walk through the past and glimpse the 19th-century Jinya government building. Stroll through the morning market along the Miyagawa River, a 600-year-old open air market with locally grown and produced products. Circuit the winding streets, where the town’s traditional charms are preserved in the inns and houses. This afternoon, relish some free time to continue your exploration of Takayama on your own.
Day 8
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
Takayama - Shirakawa-go - Kanazawa
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 Samurai district where we’ll enter the former home of the Nomuras, a wealthy samurai family who served the ruling Maeda family. Then, travel to the Geisha quarters of Kanazawa, the Higashi Tea district. Gather in town this evening for dinner.
Day 9
- Breakfast
- Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
Kanazawa
More than 25 acres of absolute beauty awaits you today at Kenroku-En – Garden of Six Qualities. From the beauty of Japan’s most stunning gardens, dive in to the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in decorating your own lacquer box at Kanazawa Katani! In the centre 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
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Westin Miyako Kyoto
Kanazawa - Kyoto
Kyoto awaits! 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. Visit Kinkakuji (UNESCO), the Golden Pavilion, a zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Then, stroll through the Gion district where you may spot women in traditional dress along the narrow lanes of teahouses. Tonight, dine in the heart of the city at a traditional yakitori (grilled chicken) restaurant.
Day 11
- Breakfast
- Westin Miyako Kyoto
Kyoto - Bullet Train - Hiroshima - 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), where the iconic torii gate and the Itsukushima Shrine appear to float on water. After lunch, 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 moving day comes to a close, return to Kyoto by the Shinkansen bullet train.
Day 12
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Westin Miyako Kyoto
Kyoto
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. For lunch, participate in a sushi making class given by a professional sushi chef and master the art of sushi making. Move on to 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, visit Marumasu Nishumuraya for a lesson in the art of stenciling at a traditional Kyoto townhouse.
Day 13
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Westin Miyako Kyoto
Kyoto
Today, spend some time relaxing or set out to explore Kyoto on your own. Fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture tonight during a special kaiseki farewell dinner and Geisha show.
Day 14
- Breakfast
Kyoto - Tour Ends
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.
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