Vacation Overview
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. Of course, you’ll visit Japan’s famous sights, including many of its castles and shrines. In Kyoto, 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.
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. According to the ancient Chinese book of gardens, gardens should have six different sublime qualities, but it is rare to find all six qualities in a garden. Dating from the 1670s, Kenroku-en does in fact combine the six attributes of a perfect garden—spaciousness & seclusion, artifice & antiquity, and water-courses & panoramas. Keep your eyes open for the perfect photos!
While in Japan, 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, be sure to bring your camera, so you can capture memories and photos to share with everyone back home
Vacation Highlights
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
Itinerary Discover Japan
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 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. (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 - $350 per person for twin/triple and $630 for singleImmerse 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–Osaka
Your vacation ends with a transfer to Kansai Airport. Do not book homebound flights prior to 3 pm. (Breakfast)
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)
Dates and Prices- LAND ONLY (Globus)
Prices below do not include airfare. We will be glad to help you find the least
expensive airfare,
or you can use mileage if desired. When you Book Online
please enter your departure city
on the "SPECIAL REQUESTS" field and we will
get back to you immediately with an air quote.
If you book your air with us, airport transfers at destination will be included.
Otherwise we can provide them for you at a fee of $50 per person round-trip,
as long as you let us know your flights in advance. Thank you.
| Departure Date |
Vacation Start Date |
Return Date |
Price Without Air |
|
| 4/9/12 |
4/10/12 |
4/19/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
|
| 5/7/12 |
5/8/12 |
5/17/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
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| 5/14/12 |
5/15/12 |
5/24/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
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| 5/21/12 |
5/22/12 |
5/31/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
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| 6/4/12 |
6/5/12 |
6/14/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
|
| 6/18/12 |
6/19/12 |
6/28/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
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| 7/9/12 |
7/10/12 |
7/19/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
|
| 7/23/12 |
7/24/12 |
8/2/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
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| 8/6/12 |
8/7/12 |
8/16/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
|
| 9/10/12 |
9/11/12 |
9/20/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
|
| 9/24/12 |
9/25/12 |
10/4/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
|
| 10/1/12 |
10/2/12 |
10/11/12 |
$3,929.00 |
|
|
| 10/15/12 |
10/16/12 |
10/25/12 |
$3,929.00 |
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| Dates and prices do not include international air travel. Prices are for all land arrangements. |
| When planning your trip, please allow one extra day before tour date for travel between the USA and Asia. |
| Prices based on double room occupancy. |
| Single Room Supplement: $970 |
| Triple Room Reduction per person: $153 |
| Extra Nights per person in Tokyo: |
| in single room $315; in twin room $193; in triple room $166. |
| Extra Nights per person in Kyoto: |
| in single room $305; in twin room $184; in triple room $155. |
