Traditional Japan – Sample Itinerary

Hotels may be changed according to traveler’s style.  Ask for pricing details.

Arrive Tokyo – Day 1 and 2
Arrive at Narita Airport in Tokyo, Japan. You will be met and assisted to your bus transport for your journey to the city and your accommodations at SHIBA PARK HOTEL. Get ready for the exciting days ahead discovering the “Land of the Rising Sun.” After breakfast, set out with your expert guide to explore the bustling capital of Tokyo. Explore the traditional gardens of the Imperial Palace Plaza, former site of the Medieval Edo Castle, and visit Sensoji Temple. Snap the best view of Tokyo from atop Tokyo Tower. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure.

Kamakura – Day 3
Take a full-day excursion to the coastal city of Kamakura.  Formerly a political center, it is now sometimes referred to as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan because of its numerous temples, shrines, and historic monuments.  A Japanese-style lunch is included.  Return to Tokyo and your hotel.

Mt. Fuji & Hakone – Day 4
Travel to iconic 12,388’ high Mt. Fuji and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park on the shores of Lake Ashi. Enjoy a scenic cruise of the lake and take the cable ride up neighboring Mt. Komagatake for more spectacular views of “Fuji-san” and the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Stop along the way for a Japanese-style lunch. Spend the night in Hakone at YUMOTO FUJIYA HOTEL or similar.

Takayama – Day 5
Transfer to the train station this morning for your rail journey to tranquil Takayama via Nagoya. Lose yourself in Old Japan in this beautifully preserved town in the Hida Mountains. Stroll among the 30 transplanted traditional farmhouses and enjoy the re-enactors demonstrating the old-fashioned culture and traditions at the Hida Folk Village Open Air museum. Visit the Kusakabe Heritage House, the unforgettable Edo-style merchants’ house.  Arrive at your overnight accommodations at TAKAYAMA GREEN HOTEL or similar.

Kanazawa – Day 6 and 7
Peruse the colorful marketplace before winding up your Takayama exploration in Shirakawa-go. With its 25 authentic village houses, the restored “learning village” and UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a window into the rural lives of farmers. On to Kanazawa where you’ll settle into your overnight accommodations at HOTEL INTERGATE KANAZAWA or similar.  The next morning, begin your sightseeing of Kanazawa.  Get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Maeda Clan in the Nahamachi Samurai District. And be amazed by the “garden perfection” achieved at Kenrokuen Gardens before departing by train for Kyoto and your accommodations at KARASUMA KYOTO or similar.

Kyoto/Nara – Day 8 and 9
Explore the former imperial capital city of Kyoto, the center of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it rivals Kanazawa as one of the best preserved cities in Japan with more than 200 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Visit the striking golden Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Imperial Palace.  In the evening, enjoy a dance performance by lovely Maiko and Geisha.  Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to experience the tea ceremony under candlelight and also enjoy Zen dining.   Explore Kyoto on your own during your free time in the morning.  Then join the tour to ancient Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. Visit the enormous bronze Buddha at Todai-Ji Temple, the Kasuga Shrine with its red-painted corridors.  You’ll be smitten with the free-roaming deer that make Nara Park their home.

Depart for Home – Day 10
Depart Kyoto for Kansai International Airport and your return flight home.