A truly foreign and fascinating land of rich traditions and dizzying modernity is revealed on this well-crafted 13-day small group tour. See Tokyo and Kyoto’s highlights, engage in local life, and head off the beaten path to alluring historic destinations. Begin by touring Tokyo, including the Imperial Palace, the famed Ginza district, and Tokyo National Museum. Encounter magnificent Mt. Fuji in stunning Mt. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Overnight in Hakone in a traditional ryokan inn, then travel by express train to lovely Takayama in the Japanese Alps. Partake in a traditional tea ceremony and a cooking class. In culturally rich Kanazawa, visit famed Kenrokuen Garden and a gold leaf museum. Traveling to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, see the beloved Golden Pavilion temple; Zen Ryoan-ji temple; Nijo-jo Castle; and the Gion geisha district. Explore Nara, Japan’s 8th-century capital. Discover cosmopolitan Hiroshima, reborn from its atomic destruction, on an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.
Itinerary
Day 1. Depart U.S. for Tokyo
Day 2. Tokyo
Day 3. Tokyo
Day 4. Tokyo
Day 5. Hakone
Day 6. Takayama
Day 7. Takayama
Day 8. Kanazawa
Day 9. Kanazawa
Day 10. Kyoto
Day 11. Kyoto
Day 12. Kyoto
Day 13. Depart Kyoto for U.S.
Trip Highlights
- Tokyo touring, including Imperial Palace District and Meiji Shrine
- Stunning scenery of Mt. Fuji and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
- Overnight stay in traditional ryokan
- Takayama’s ancient streets and houses
- Hands-on cooking class
- Culturally rich Kanazawa
- Tour of Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital
- Excursion to historic Nara
- Traditional tea ceremony