PERFECT FOR:
- Couples, families and everyone in between
- Lovers of Nature, History, Architecture and Fun
- Experiencing Japan’s traditional & modern day culture
- Mix of city, heritage and scenic areas
- Travelers comfortable with and enjoy traveling independently
- First time & Return travelers of Japan
An inspiring Tour of Japan Tokyo, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Osaka
14 Days / 13 Nights – Tour Code (JPP) – private – Land Only
Japan has long been considered one of the most rewarding and intriguing travel destinations in the world. Japan is a land of contrasts, steeped in timeless traditions while setting new trends for the rest of the planet to follow. Its vibrant, ultra-modern society is distinctively complemented by its magnificent history, majestic culture, and breathtaking natural beauty — truly making Japan a world class destination for travelers of all ages.
Your introduction of Japan begins with one of the world’s most modern yet historic cities: Tokyo, where thousand year-old temples stand alongside glittering skyscrapers. Next, journey to the heart of Japanese civilization to Takayama, a charming castle town of wooden homes and cobbled alleyways nestled in the Japan Alps, offering the visitor a rare glimpse into Japan’s Shogunate period. Continue to Kanazawa, yet another castle town steeped in Shogunate Era history, with its famed Kenrokuen Garden, quaint Higashi Chaya District and fabulous cuisine.
Of course, no trip to Japan is complete without a visit to Kyoto and nearby Nara, two of Japan’s ancient capitals for more than a thousand years. Forever known for their history, culture and architecture, they cast an image of Old Japan where ancient Buddhist temples, traditional wooden houses, stunning palaces and beautiful classical gardens abound. Next, proceed to the Inland Sea to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, featuring the spectacular Itsukushima Shrine, famed for its “Floating Torii Gate” and Hiroshima’s A-Bomb Dome. Last but not least, we fast-forward our time journey to the vibrant port city of Osaka, a vibrant metropolis that sports an arsenal of shopping, dining and entertainment venues for all ages.
From Tokyo’s glamorous Ginza District to Shirakawa-go’s rustic wooden villages, Kanazawa’s acclaimed Kenrokuen Garden to Miyajima’s picturesque Floating Torii Gate, Kyoto’s ancient temples to Osaka’s electric nightlife — this is a journey that goes beyond the imagination.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Tourist Class Rail Tickets between Cities within Japan per itinerary
- 13 nights hotel accommodations per itinerary
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Private sightseeing utilizing public transportation
- Separate baggage transfer service between Tokyo / Takayama — Kyoto / Osaka
- Private Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
TOKYO (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Shibuya Excel Hotel (Superior) OR Cerulean Tower (Deluxe)
- Full-day Tokyo city tour visiting Tsukiji Market, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Sensoji Temple, Ueno (or Teamlab Planets).
TAKAYAMA (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Mecure Hida Takayama (Superior) OR Ryokan Hidatei Hanaougi (Deluxe)
- Half-day tour of Takayama Town, including sake tasting
- Full-day excursion to Shirakawa-go Village (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
KANAZAWA (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Mitsui Garden Hotel (Superior) OR Hyatt Centric (Deluxe)
- Tour of Kenroku-en Garden, Nagamachi Samurai House and Higashi Chaya District
- Japanese Culinary Experience with cooking lesson and Omicho Market Visit
KYOTO (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Cross Hotel Kyoto (Superior) OR Dhawa Yura Hotel (Deluxe)
- Extensive sightseeing, including visits to Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Fushima Inari Shrine and Golden Pavilion
- Full-day excursion to the Ancient Capital of Nara
HIROSHIMA (1 night)
- 1 night at Sheraton Hiroshima (Superior / Deluxe)
- Full-day walking tour of A-Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine
OSAKA (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Royal Classic Hotel (Superior / Deluxe)
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival and after clearing Customs and Immigration, be met and transferred to your hotel by private car
Day 2 Tokyo
Today, enjoy a morning walking tour of Tokyo accompanied by your private guide (using public transportation). Visit Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Continue to Tsukiji Market, formerly the world’s largest fish market that is now a vibrant local market lined with street food stands, seafood, produce vendors and sushi stalls. Last and certainly not least, visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. Last stop of the day is Ueno famed for its Ueno Park comprised temples & shrines, museums, and a zoo. Afterwards, take a stroll through nearby Ameya-Yokocho market that boasts an array of local eats and fresh seafood stands. Return to your hotel. (B)
**Alternatively, we can arrange a visit to the Teamlab Planets Digital Art Museum in place of Ueno.
Day 3 Tokyo
Full day free at leisure to relax and explore Tokyo on your own. Optional tours (Night Foodies Tour, Hakone, Kamakura, Kawagoe Ancient Town, Yokohama, etc.) are available upon request. (B)
Day 4 Tokyo / Takayama
This morning, travel by Shinkansen and Express Train for Takayama. Upon arrival in the afternoon, enjoy a tour of this quaint heritage town with visits to Takayama Jinya, a historic government house built during the Edo-period that remained in use for nearly 300 years that offers a glimpse of the Samurai culture. The building showcases administrative rooms, a courthouse, and interrogation room, even a prison. Next, explore the streets of Kami Sannomachi, famous for its preserve traditional Japanese wooden houses, and enjoy Sake tasting at a local Sake brewery. Overnight in Takayama. (B)
**Ryokan accommodations (deluxe hotel option) includes Kaiseki Dinner at hotel for first night's stay.
Day 5 Takayama (Shirakawa-go)
After breakfast, enjoy a stroll through the morning market of Takayama. Afterwards, continue to Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some dating 250 years back. Gassho-zukkuri translates as ‘Praying Hands,’ as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer, and are designed to withstand the heavy snows which fall in the region. Return to Takayama in the afternoon. (B)
Day 6 Takayama / Kanazawa
Depart Takayama by rail for Kanazawa. Upon arrival, commence sightseeing of the coastal heritage town of Kanazawa. Highlights this afternoon include visits to Kenrokuen Garden, Nagamachi Samurai House and the city’s famed Higashi Chaya District. Overnight in Kanazawa. (B)
Day 7 Kanazawa
This morning, visit the Omicho Market and enjoy a fun-filled cooking lesson featuring Sushi-making, Tempura-making or local Kanazawa cuisine. Afternoon free at leisure to relax and explore charming Kanazawa on your own. (B)
Day 8 Kanazawa / Kyoto
Travel by express train for Kyoto. Upon arrival, be met and enjoy an afternoon tour of beautiful Kyoto visiting the famed Golden Pavilion, a former shogunate villa in the 1400s turned Buddhist temple adorned in gold leaf surrounded by classic gardens. Continue to Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. This UNESCO world heritage site is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below boasting panoramic views of Kyoto City. From the temple, stroll through the two famous shopping streets (Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka) to Yasaka Shrine before checking in to your hotel in Kyoto. (B)
Day 9 Kyoto (Nara)
This morning, enjoy a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates straddling a network of trails behind its main buildings leading into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari. Afterwards, travel via Express Train to the outskirts of Kyoto to Nara, Japan’s first Capital from 710-784 A.D. and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Todaiji Temple, famed for being the world’s largest wooden building that houses the country’s largest Buddha statue; Nara Park where over 1,000 free roaming deer abound; and Kasuga Taisha, one of the most celebrated Shrines in all of Japan. Return to Kyoto in the afternoon. (B)
Day 10 Kyoto
Full day free at leisure to soak up Kyoto’s serene atmosphere and explore its many temples, shrines and heritage sites on your own. (B)
Day 11 Kyoto / Hiroshima (Miyajima)
This morning, travel by Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of Hiroshima starting with a visit to the A-Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park and Peace Museum. Afterward, proceed to Miyajima Island by river boat to the remarkable Itsukushima Shrine and its Floating Torii Gate. Take a stroll along the colorful Omotesando Shopping Street lined with colorful shops and delectable food stands before returning to Hiroshima. Overnight in Hiroshima. (B)
Day 12 Hiroshima / Osaka
Today, make your way to Osaka by train. Stops at Okayama’s Korakuen Garden, Kurashiki's beautiful heritage town, and/or Himeji’s stunning Himeji Castle are highly recommended. Check-in at your hotel in Osaka for your next 2 nights' accommodations. (B)
Day 13 Osaka
Full day free at leisure to eat, shop and explore Osaka city on your own. Our travel specialists would be happy to offer recommendations based on your interests. (B)
Day 14 Return Home
Transfer to Kansai or Itami Airport by private car for your departure flight home. (B)
| 2024 Price Chart (Prices Valid Thru December 20, 2024) | |||
| Daily Departure | Hotels | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| January – February | S | 6,775 | 2,425 |
| D | 7,145 | 2,995 | |
| March – April | S | 7,525 | 3,025 |
| D | 8,225 | 3,785 | |
| May | S | 7,325 | 2,825 |
| D | 7,945 | 3,585 | |
| June – August | S | 6,775 | 2,425 |
| D | 7,145 | 2,995 | |
| September | S | 6,975 | 2,625 |
| D | 7,345 | 3,195 | |
| October – November | S | 7,325 | 2,825 |
| D | 7,945 | 3,585 | |
| December | S | 6,975 | 2,625 |
| D | 7,345 | 3,195 | |
| S = Superior | D = Deluxe | |||
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | |||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes entrance fees, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes all airfares, personal expenses, beverages during included lunches, meals not specified in itinerary
- All sightseeing on private basis via use of public transportation
- Tour commences in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto
- Tour prices are based on travel completing within the above said period. Due to hotel rate differences, pro-ration of tour price may be required for travel spanning two calendar months. Contact us for details.
- Peak Season Surcharges or blackout dates apply during Sakura season (Cherry Blossoms in late March – mid April), Golden Week Holiday (April 29-May 6) & December Holiday period (Dec. 24- Jan. 03). Please contact us for details and restrictions.
- All hotels and tours are subject to availability at time of reservation
Japan Gallery
HIGHLIGHTS
- Tokyo’s bright lights & big city vibes
- Sensoji Temple & Meiji Shrine
- Takayama Town & Shiraka-wa go
- Kanazawa’s Kenroku-en Garden & Higashi Chaya District
- Japanese cooking lesson with Omicho market visit
- Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Nara Ancient Capital
- A-Bomb Dome & Peace Memorial Park
- Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine
Price Starting From:
$6,775
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Tokyo – Cerulean Tower Hotel
Kyoto – Dhawa Yura Hotel
Kanazawa – Mitsui Garden Hotel
Sheraton Hiroshima
