DISCOVER
JAPAN WITH HIROSHIMA EXTENSION
14 DAYS FROM $4,379 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
From bustling cities to quiet mountain
villages, experience the distinct culture of the “Land of the Rising
Sun” during this vacation to Japan. Start your trip in Tokyo, Japan’s
capital, and see the Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto
monument set in a man-made forest. Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple with
the Nakamise shopping arcade, and take a walking tour among the
dazzling neon lights of Tokyo. Also enjoy a full day in Tokyo to
explore this remarkable city on your own.
Then stop in Matsumoto, gateway to the Japanese Alps. See the famous Matsumoto Castle, which dates back to 1593, and the Japan Folklore Museum on your way to Takayama. Here, your tour includes visits to the Kusakabe Heritage House for a glimpse of late 19th-century architecture and the Hida Minzoku-Mura Folk Village, a collection of traditional buildings, farm houses, and artifacts relating to life and work of local villagers. Next, see the unique Gassho-Zukuri (joined hands)-style thatched houses in Shirakawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then head to Kanazawa to tour one of Japan’s greatest gardens, Kenroku-En, the “Garden of Six Qualities,” dating from the 1670s. Marvel at the Fushimi Inari Shrine en route to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan.
In Kyoto, visit the Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu; Temple of the Gold Pavilion; and Heian Shrine and Garden. In Kyoto, have fun participating in a Japanese cooking class. You also have a full day at leisure to discover additional temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas on your own.
Finally, board one of Japan’s famous bullet trains and head to Hiroshima to see the Itsukushima Shrine, noted for its floating Torii Gate. A sightseeing tour of Hiroshima includes the Shukkeien Landscape Garden and the Peace Park with its Memorial Hall, memorializing victims of the atomic bomb. Travel by motorcoach to Kurashiki and then to Himeji to see Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This wondrous trip to Japan ends in Osaka.
Day 1 (Mon.)
Board your transpacific flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Tokyo, Japan (Tue.)
Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 3 Tokyo (Wed.)
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions prior to a morning sightseeing of Tokyo, home to more than 8 million people. Your tour takes you to the MEIJI SHRINE, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest, followed by a drive to see the Imperial Palace Plaza. Next, visit an ARTIST’S STUDIO and enjoy demonstrations by a master calligrapher before trying it yourself. You will also have an opportunity to try on a traditional KIMONO and enjoy a TEA CEREMONY. Last stop is the ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE with the NAKAMISE SHOPPING ARCADE. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps stroll through the famous Ginza area. Tonight, join your traveling companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. After dinner, join your Tour Director for a WALKING TOUR among the dazzling neon lights of Tokyo. (B,D)
Day 4 Tokyo (Thu.)
A free day for independent activities. You may wish to join a full-day optional excursion to Kamakura, home of the 750-year-old Great Buddha, followed by a scenic drive to Hakone and a cable car ride for panoramic views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Your optional tour concludes with a thrilling bullet train ride back to Tokyo. During your evening at leisure you may want to experience a local Japanese restaurant. (B)
Day 5 Tokyo–Matsumoto–Takayama (Fri.)
Journey to Matsumoto, gateway to the Japanese Alps. Visit famous MATSUMOTO CASTLE, dating back to 1593, and discover the history at the JAPAN FOLKLORE MUSEUM. After lunch, continue by motorcoach through the ruggedly beautiful Japanese Alps to the quiet, isolated town of Takayama, where old traditions are untouched by the passage of time. The balance of the day is at leisure, providing you time to explore the narrow streets where artisans sell traditional crafts. (B,L)
Day 6 Takayama (Sat.)
Today begins with a visit to the morning market, where farmers display locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Then on to the San-Machi Suji historic district, famous for sake distilleries and tiny lacquerware shops where merchants buy and sell as they have for 300 years. Visit the KUSAKABE HERITAGE HOUSE for a glimpse of traditional Japanese architecture of the late-19th century. In the afternoon, a short ride brings you to the HIDA MINZOKU-MURA FOLK VILLAGE, a collection of traditional buildings and farmhouses, as well as numerous artifacts relating to the life and work of the local villagers. Tonight, enjoy a wonderful Japanese-style dinner. (B,D)
Day 7 Takayama–Shirakawa–Kanazawa (Sun.)
This morning, enjoy a 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 (joined hands)-style thatched houses that can be found only here. Continue to the scenic town of Kanazawa, situated between the mountains and the Sea of Japan and once the country’s richest region. Your Tour Director leads you on a tour of one of Japan’s greatest gardens, KENROKU-EN, the “Garden of Six Qualities,” dating from the 1670s. Adjacent to the garden is the ISHIKAWA PREFECTURE CRAFTS MUSEUM, displaying more than 30 traditional crafts, including the locally famous Kanazawa Haku gold leaf produced since 1593. Your included dinner tonight is at your choice of one of three restaurants within your hotel. (B,D)
Day 8 Kanazawa–Kyoto (Mon.)
This afternoon, travel along the Sea of Japan to Kyoto. Upon arrival, visit the FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gates. Here you will witness an exclusive performance of MIKO (Shinto girls). Afterward, visit YUZEN HANDMADE CORNER to learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used to decorate Kimonos by painting dye directly on the cloth. You will be invited to participate in making your own souvenir using this traditional technique. Next, visit Kinkakuji, the TEMPLE OF THE GOLD PAVILION, and the HEIAN SHRINE & GARDEN. (B)
Day 9 Kyoto (Tue.)
This morning’s city tour features the extraordinary NIJO CASTLE, built in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. For lunch, participate in a special JAPANESE COOKING CLASS. Under the instruction of a local chef you will learn how to make a popular Japanese dish. Perhaps join the afternoon optional excursion to Nara, the oldest capital of Japan, where you will visit Todaiji Temple with its Great Buddha; Kasuga Shrine, famous for stone and bronze lanterns; and Kofukuji Temple with its 5-story pagoda. (B,L)
Day 10 Kyoto (Wed.)
A full day at leisure to explore more of Kyoto’s temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas. Or, for an authentic taste of Japan, consider a visit to a traditional sake brewery for a tasting and to learn about the brewing tradition that has been passed down through the generations. Tonight your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Japan. (B,D)
Day 11 Kyoto–Hiroshima (Thu.)
Board one of Japan’s famous BULLET TRAINS bound for Hiroshima. Afternoon excursion to MIYAJIMA ISLAND to see the Itsukushima Shrine, noted for its floating Torii Gate. (B)
Day 12 Hiroshima–Kurashiki (Fri.)
Today’s sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the SHUKKEIEN LANDSCAPE GARDEN. Then, stop at PEACE PARK to visit the MEMORIAL MUSEUM and MEMORIAL HALL, which memorialize the lives lost in the atomic bombing. Then, travel by motorcoach to Kurashiki, where you will visit the KILN OF BIZEN YAKI POTTERY. (B)
Day 13 Kurashiki–Osaka (Sat.)
Visit the OHARA MUSEUM OF ART, then drive to Okayama to visit KORAKU-EN GARDEN, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Later, arrive in Osaka. (B)
Day 14 Osaka (Sun.)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
DEPARTURE DATES:
April - October
14 DAYS FROM $4,379 US
Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
From bustling cities to quiet mountain
villages, experience the distinct culture of the “Land of the Rising
Sun” during this vacation to Japan. Start your trip in Tokyo, Japan’s
capital, and see the Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto
monument set in a man-made forest. Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple with
the Nakamise shopping arcade, and take a walking tour among the
dazzling neon lights of Tokyo. Also enjoy a full day in Tokyo to
explore this remarkable city on your own. Then stop in Matsumoto, gateway to the Japanese Alps. See the famous Matsumoto Castle, which dates back to 1593, and the Japan Folklore Museum on your way to Takayama. Here, your tour includes visits to the Kusakabe Heritage House for a glimpse of late 19th-century architecture and the Hida Minzoku-Mura Folk Village, a collection of traditional buildings, farm houses, and artifacts relating to life and work of local villagers. Next, see the unique Gassho-Zukuri (joined hands)-style thatched houses in Shirakawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then head to Kanazawa to tour one of Japan’s greatest gardens, Kenroku-En, the “Garden of Six Qualities,” dating from the 1670s. Marvel at the Fushimi Inari Shrine en route to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan.
In Kyoto, visit the Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu; Temple of the Gold Pavilion; and Heian Shrine and Garden. In Kyoto, have fun participating in a Japanese cooking class. You also have a full day at leisure to discover additional temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas on your own.
Finally, board one of Japan’s famous bullet trains and head to Hiroshima to see the Itsukushima Shrine, noted for its floating Torii Gate. A sightseeing tour of Hiroshima includes the Shukkeien Landscape Garden and the Peace Park with its Memorial Hall, memorializing victims of the atomic bomb. Travel by motorcoach to Kurashiki and then to Himeji to see Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This wondrous trip to Japan ends in Osaka.
Day 1 (Mon.)
Board your transpacific flight.
Day 2 Arrive in Tokyo, Japan (Tue.)
Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 3 Tokyo (Wed.)
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions prior to a morning sightseeing of Tokyo, home to more than 8 million people. Your tour takes you to the MEIJI SHRINE, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest, followed by a drive to see the Imperial Palace Plaza. Next, visit an ARTIST’S STUDIO and enjoy demonstrations by a master calligrapher before trying it yourself. You will also have an opportunity to try on a traditional KIMONO and enjoy a TEA CEREMONY. Last stop is the ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE with the NAKAMISE SHOPPING ARCADE. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps stroll through the famous Ginza area. Tonight, join your traveling companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. After dinner, join your Tour Director for a WALKING TOUR among the dazzling neon lights of Tokyo. (B,D)
Day 4 Tokyo (Thu.)
A free day for independent activities. You may wish to join a full-day optional excursion to Kamakura, home of the 750-year-old Great Buddha, followed by a scenic drive to Hakone and a cable car ride for panoramic views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Your optional tour concludes with a thrilling bullet train ride back to Tokyo. During your evening at leisure you may want to experience a local Japanese restaurant. (B)
Day 5 Tokyo–Matsumoto–Takayama (Fri.)
Journey to Matsumoto, gateway to the Japanese Alps. Visit famous MATSUMOTO CASTLE, dating back to 1593, and discover the history at the JAPAN FOLKLORE MUSEUM. After lunch, continue by motorcoach through the ruggedly beautiful Japanese Alps to the quiet, isolated town of Takayama, where old traditions are untouched by the passage of time. The balance of the day is at leisure, providing you time to explore the narrow streets where artisans sell traditional crafts. (B,L)
Day 6 Takayama (Sat.)
Today begins with a visit to the morning market, where farmers display locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Then on to the San-Machi Suji historic district, famous for sake distilleries and tiny lacquerware shops where merchants buy and sell as they have for 300 years. Visit the KUSAKABE HERITAGE HOUSE for a glimpse of traditional Japanese architecture of the late-19th century. In the afternoon, a short ride brings you to the HIDA MINZOKU-MURA FOLK VILLAGE, a collection of traditional buildings and farmhouses, as well as numerous artifacts relating to the life and work of the local villagers. Tonight, enjoy a wonderful Japanese-style dinner. (B,D)
Day 7 Takayama–Shirakawa–Kanazawa (Sun.)
This morning, enjoy a 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 (joined hands)-style thatched houses that can be found only here. Continue to the scenic town of Kanazawa, situated between the mountains and the Sea of Japan and once the country’s richest region. Your Tour Director leads you on a tour of one of Japan’s greatest gardens, KENROKU-EN, the “Garden of Six Qualities,” dating from the 1670s. Adjacent to the garden is the ISHIKAWA PREFECTURE CRAFTS MUSEUM, displaying more than 30 traditional crafts, including the locally famous Kanazawa Haku gold leaf produced since 1593. Your included dinner tonight is at your choice of one of three restaurants within your hotel. (B,D)
Day 8 Kanazawa–Kyoto (Mon.)
This afternoon, travel along the Sea of Japan to Kyoto. Upon arrival, visit the FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gates. Here you will witness an exclusive performance of MIKO (Shinto girls). Afterward, visit YUZEN HANDMADE CORNER to learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used to decorate Kimonos by painting dye directly on the cloth. You will be invited to participate in making your own souvenir using this traditional technique. Next, visit Kinkakuji, the TEMPLE OF THE GOLD PAVILION, and the HEIAN SHRINE & GARDEN. (B)
Day 9 Kyoto (Tue.)
This morning’s city tour features the extraordinary NIJO CASTLE, built in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. For lunch, participate in a special JAPANESE COOKING CLASS. Under the instruction of a local chef you will learn how to make a popular Japanese dish. Perhaps join the afternoon optional excursion to Nara, the oldest capital of Japan, where you will visit Todaiji Temple with its Great Buddha; Kasuga Shrine, famous for stone and bronze lanterns; and Kofukuji Temple with its 5-story pagoda. (B,L)
Day 10 Kyoto (Wed.)
A full day at leisure to explore more of Kyoto’s temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas. Or, for an authentic taste of Japan, consider a visit to a traditional sake brewery for a tasting and to learn about the brewing tradition that has been passed down through the generations. Tonight your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Japan. (B,D)
Day 11 Kyoto–Hiroshima (Thu.)
Board one of Japan’s famous BULLET TRAINS bound for Hiroshima. Afternoon excursion to MIYAJIMA ISLAND to see the Itsukushima Shrine, noted for its floating Torii Gate. (B)
Day 12 Hiroshima–Kurashiki (Fri.)
Today’s sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the SHUKKEIEN LANDSCAPE GARDEN. Then, stop at PEACE PARK to visit the MEMORIAL MUSEUM and MEMORIAL HALL, which memorialize the lives lost in the atomic bombing. Then, travel by motorcoach to Kurashiki, where you will visit the KILN OF BIZEN YAKI POTTERY. (B)
Day 13 Kurashiki–Osaka (Sat.)
Visit the OHARA MUSEUM OF ART, then drive to Okayama to visit KORAKU-EN GARDEN, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Later, arrive in Osaka. (B)
Day 14 Osaka (Sun.)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
INCLUDED FEATURES
Tokyo: City sightseeing; visit the Meiji Shrine, calligraphy demonstration, kimono fitting, tea ceremony, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Arcade; night walking tour; welcome dinner
Matsumoto: Visit Matsumoto Castle and the Japan Folklore Museum
Takayama: City sightseeing; visit a local market, Kusakabe Heritage House, and the Hida Minzoku-Mura Folk Village
Shirakawa: Visit Gassho-Zukuri houses
Kanazawa: City sightseeing; visit Kenroku-en Garden and Ishikawa Prefecture Crafts Museum
Kyoto: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Yuzen Handmade Corner, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, Heian Shrine & Garden, and Nijo Castle; Miko performance; Japanese cooking class; farewell dinner
Hiroshima Extension: Bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima; visit Miyajima Island, Shukkeien Landscape Garden, Peace Park, Memorial Museum, Memorial Hall, Ohara Museum of Art, an artist’s kiln, and Himeji Castle
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Hotels, and other standard included features offered.
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
American breakfast daily (B), 2 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Tokyo and a farewell dinner in Kyoto.
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
Tokyo Hilton Tokyo (D), Takayama Hida Hotel Plaza (F), Kanazawa Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (F), Kyoto ANA Hotel Kyoto (F), Hiroshima Extension: Hiroshima ANA Hotel Hiroshima (F), Kurashiki Hotel Nikko Kurashiji (F), Osaka Sheraton Miyako Hotel (SF)
Tokyo: City sightseeing; visit the Meiji Shrine, calligraphy demonstration, kimono fitting, tea ceremony, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Arcade; night walking tour; welcome dinner
Matsumoto: Visit Matsumoto Castle and the Japan Folklore Museum
Takayama: City sightseeing; visit a local market, Kusakabe Heritage House, and the Hida Minzoku-Mura Folk Village
Shirakawa: Visit Gassho-Zukuri houses
Kanazawa: City sightseeing; visit Kenroku-en Garden and Ishikawa Prefecture Crafts Museum
Kyoto: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Yuzen Handmade Corner, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, Heian Shrine & Garden, and Nijo Castle; Miko performance; Japanese cooking class; farewell dinner
Hiroshima Extension: Bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima; visit Miyajima Island, Shukkeien Landscape Garden, Peace Park, Memorial Museum, Memorial Hall, Ohara Museum of Art, an artist’s kiln, and Himeji Castle
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Hotels, and other standard included features offered.
MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
American breakfast daily (B), 2 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Tokyo and a farewell dinner in Kyoto.
SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class
Tokyo Hilton Tokyo (D), Takayama Hida Hotel Plaza (F), Kanazawa Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (F), Kyoto ANA Hotel Kyoto (F), Hiroshima Extension: Hiroshima ANA Hotel Hiroshima (F), Kurashiki Hotel Nikko Kurashiji (F), Osaka Sheraton Miyako Hotel (SF)
DEPARTURE DATES:
April - October
PRICES:
From approx $4,379 US per
person double occupancy
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Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676
tours@a-ztravel.com