DISCOVER
JAPAN WITH HIROSHIMA EXTENSION 13 DAYS FROM $5,579 US Details below or
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From bustling cities to quiet mountain villages, experience the distinct flavor of Japan during this amazing vacation. On this tour, discover Japan’s culture when you try on a traditional kimono, partake in a tea ceremony, attempt calligraphy, learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used on kimonos, take part in a gold leaf class, browse a farmers market, and participate in a Japanese cooking class. Also experience the thrill of riding one of Japan’s famous bullet trains.
Of course, you’ll visit Japan’s famous sights, including many of its castles and shrines. See the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, and be amazed at its beauty. You’ll also visit Matsumoto Castle, a must-see sight in Japan; dating from 1593 and designated a national treasure, it is Japan’s oldest existing castle tower. In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Park and see the dome that miraculously remained standing as all the structures around it were destroyed by the atomic bombing. The dome is now a symbol of peace, and you may even see doves flying around the park!
You’ll not only see the fascinating structures and shrines, but you’ll also have a chance to visit one of Japan’s greatest gardens—Kenroku-en. Keep your eyes open for the perfect photos. Try some traditional sake, taste some authentic sushi, visit a Shinto shrine, and experience some of the optional activities available. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to have lots of stories and photos to share with loved ones back home! Day 1 Arrive in Tokyo, Japan Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 Tokyo Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions prior to morning sightseeing in 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 and 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. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3 Tokyo 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, a cruise on Lake Ashi, 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. (Breakfast)
Day 4 Tokyo–Matsumoto–Takayama
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. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 5 Takayama
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. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 Takayama–Shirakawa–Kanazawa
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. Then, partake in a GOLD LEAF CLASS, where you make your own souvenir and learn more about this ancient traditional craft. Your included dinner tonight is at your choice of one of three restaurants within your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7 Kanazawa–Kyoto
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. Lastly, visit Kinkakuji, the TEMPLE OF THE GOLD PAVILION. (Breakfast)
Traditional Ryokan Stay - $439
Immerse yourself in the Japanese culture and hospitality in a ryokan (Japanese inn) on Day 7 in Kyoto. Your ryokan features traditional touches—tatami mat floors, a thin sleeping mattress on the floor, and the chance to experience a Japanese-style bath—as well as the modern convenience of a private bathroom. Includes: Transfers to/from ryokan from/to hotel in Kyoto; traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast.
Space is limited and should be requested at the time of booking.
Day 8 Kyoto
This morning’s city tour features HEIAN SHRINE & GARDEN and 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 miso soup, teriyaki chicken, and makizushi, more commonly known as a sushi roll. 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 Nara Park. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 9 Kyoto
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. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10 Kyoto–Hiroshima
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. (Breakfast)
Day 11 Hiroshima–Kurashiki
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 OHARA MUSEUM OF ART. (Breakfast)
Day 12 Kurashiki–Osaka
Today, visit the KILN OF BIZEN YAKI POTTERY, then drive to Okayama to see KORAKUEN, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Later, arrive in Osaka. (Breakfast)
Day 13 Osaka
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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; gold leaf class
Kyoto
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine; Miko performance; Yuzen Handmade Corner; the Temple of the Gold Pavilion; Heian Shrine & Garden; Nijo Castle; Japanese cooking class; farewell dinner
Hiroshima
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 Korakuen Garden
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
MEALS
American breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 4 dinners 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 ANA Hotel Hiroshima (F), KURASHIKI Hotel Nikko Kurashiji (F), OSAKA Sheraton Miyako (SF)
KYOTO Traditional Ryokan Stay for an additional $439
Immerse yourself in the Japanese culture and hospitality in a ryokan (Japanese inn) on Day 7 in Kyoto. Your ryokan features traditional touches—tatami mat floors, a thin sleeping mattress on the floor, and the chance to experience a Japanesestyle bath—as well as the modern convenience of a private bathroom.
Includes: Transfers to/from ryokan from/to hotel in Kyoto; traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast.
Space is limited and should be requested at the time of booking.
Optional Excursions
Important Note:
the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.
CITY: Kyoto
Japan's Oldest Capital
Discover Japan's oldest capital.
Approximate value: USD $60 per person
CITY: Tokyo
Full-Day Kamakura and Hakone
Visit the Great Buddha at Kamakura, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashi and ride on a cable car. Return by the thrilling Bullet Train.
Approximate value: USD $195 per person
DEPARTURE DATES: April - October
PRICES:
From approx $5,579 US per
person double occupancy
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