Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times

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Japan Family Journey: From Ancient to Modern Times



Tour Description:

Japan is a feast for the senses, from its electrifying neon-lit neighbourhoods to tranquil hilltop temples. Experience an intriguing mix of modernity and tradition as we explore dazzling Tokyo, imperial Kyoto, and the mountain city of Nagano. Wander Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, practice sumo wrestling and samurai swordplay, and sample miso-infused culinary concoctions. In this fascinating land of anime, snow monkeys, and high-speed trains, there is something to delight every member of the family.

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Dates & Pricing

Sunday 16 Jun 24 — Wednesday 26 Jun 24Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 30 Jun 24 — Wednesday 10 Jul 24Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 05 Jul 24 — Monday 15 Jul 24Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 07 Jul 24 — Wednesday 17 Jul 24Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 14 Jul 24 — Wednesday 24 Jul 24Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 19 Jul 24 — Monday 29 Jul 24Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 21 Jul 24 — Wednesday 31 Jul 24Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 28 Jul 24 — Wednesday 07 Aug 24Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 02 Aug 24 — Monday 12 Aug 24Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 11 Aug 24 — Wednesday 21 Aug 24Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 16 Aug 24 — Monday 26 Aug 24Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 22 Nov 24 — Monday 02 Dec 24Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 20 Dec 24 — Monday 30 Dec 24Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 22 Dec 24 — Wednesday 01 Jan 25Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 16 Mar 25 — Wednesday 26 Mar 25Starting at $6,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 21 Mar 25 — Monday 31 Mar 25Starting at $6,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 28 Mar 25 — Monday 07 Apr 25Starting at $6,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 30 Mar 25 — Wednesday 09 Apr 25Starting at $6,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 04 Apr 25 — Monday 14 Apr 25Starting at $6,299Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 15 Jun 25 — Wednesday 25 Jun 25Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 22 Jun 25 — Wednesday 02 Jul 25Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 29 Jun 25 — Wednesday 09 Jul 25Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 04 Jul 25 — Monday 14 Jul 25Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 06 Jul 25 — Wednesday 16 Jul 25Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 13 Jul 25 — Wednesday 23 Jul 25Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 20 Jul 25 — Wednesday 30 Jul 25Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 25 Jul 25 — Monday 04 Aug 25Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 01 Aug 25 — Monday 11 Aug 25Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 10 Aug 25 — Wednesday 20 Aug 25Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 15 Aug 25 — Monday 25 Aug 25Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 17 Aug 25 — Wednesday 27 Aug 25Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 21 Nov 25 — Monday 01 Dec 25Starting at $5,799Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 19 Dec 25 — Monday 29 Dec 25Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Friday 26 Dec 25 — Monday 05 Jan 26Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Sunday 28 Dec 25 — Wednesday 07 Jan 26Starting at $6,099Check Mark Icon SPECIALGet a Quote
Check Mark Icon Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.


ITINERARY

Tokyo
Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included.

Tokyo
Today, we’ll see Tokyo from a local’s perspective, traveling by public transit. We start from a traditional Japanese taiko drumming class. Hear how these traditional wooden drums are made and learn three different playing techniques. Put your newly acquired skills to the test during a group performance together with a professional Wadaiko drummer. Later a visit to the serene Meiji Jingu shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. Then hit the streets of the buzzing Harajuku district, where kitschy-cute street fashion and candy-colored wigs are the order of the day.

Tokyo
Learn Japanese secrets to longevity in a cooking class on Okinawa cuisine, originating from the Japanese island reputed to have the highest life expectancy in the world. Prepare a selection of dishes using typical ingredients and learn about the beneficial qualities of each. Savour your creations for a nutritious lunch and spend the rest of the day discovering Tokyo at leisure.

Tokyo/Nagano (area)
This morning, take a crash course in Japan’s national sport: sumo wrestling! Get initiated into this explosive martial art, which originated as a religious ritual more than a thousand years ago. Learn about the wrestlers’ rigorous routine and mindboggling calorie intake, earn basic technique and watch Sumo wrestling. After the class, journey to Nagano, the beautiful mountain city that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. Settle into our historic ryokan — or traditional Japanese inn — located just outside the city, in the hot springs town of Shibu Onsen.

Nagano
Nagano is home to the Japanese macaque, or snow monkey — one of the only primate species that can survive below freezing temperatures. Venture to Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park) to watch these furry simians scampering about the rocks or taking a soak in one of the thermal pools, fed by natural hot springs. Then head into Nagano city to explore the 7th-century Buddhist temple of Zenkoji, home to the very first Buddha statue brought to Japan.

Nagano
Travel to Matsumoto for a visit to one of Japan’s most treasured castles. Known as the “crow castle” for its imposing black exterior, the Matsumoto fortress dates back to the 16th century and was once a stronghold of the samurai, Japan’s elite military class. Later, visit Ishii Miso, founded in 1868 at the end of the Edo era, and see how they are still producing miso by a unique traditional method. Check out massive wooden barrels and learn about Miso— a soybean paste and essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Nagano Prefecture is known as the top producer of miso in Japan. Let's have a taste of Miso soup and even Miso ice cream!

Nagano/Kyoto
Hop on the bullet train to Kyoto, which served as Japan’s imperial capital for more than a millennium. Delve into the aromatic alleys of Nishiki Market, one of the most popular food markets in the city. Opt to sample local specialties like barbecued quail, soy milk donuts, sesame ice cream, and more, taking your taste buds on a culinary roller coaster. This evening, venture to Gion, Kyoto’s renowned geisha district. As you wander its lantern-lit streets, you might catch a glimpse of a geisha — traditional female entertainers recognizable by their distinctive makeup.

Kyoto
This morning, pay a visit to the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, this beautiful temple is known for its Senbon Torii — a stunning walkaway of vermilion-colored gates. Later, dive into another fun-filled cooking class, rolling up your sleeves to make a steaming bowl of ramen noodles.

Nara
Spend the day discovering ancient Nara, where Japan’s first capital was established in the early 8th century. Immerse yourself in the ornate halls of the Todaiji temple, and gaze upon the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world, standing nearly 50 feet tall. At Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine, stroll romantic walkways lined with hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns, and wander amid the gardens of Nara Park, where herds of semi-domesticated deer roam free. Check out the shops and galleries of the Naramachi district before returning to Kyoto.

Kyoto
Unleash your inner warrior this morning with a lesson on samurai swordplay. Learn how to wield a Japanese sword and witness an unforgettable performance by masters of kembu, or sword dance. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Kiyomizudera temple, perched on a hilltop near a sacred waterfall. There is much to keep you busy here: ring giant prayer bowls, sip holy water — said to have wish-fulfilling qualities — or muster the courage to walk through the Tainai Meguri, a lightless underground tunnel that symbolizes the visitor’s journey to enlightenment. This evening, celebrate your Japan adventure at a farewell dinner.

Kyoto
Depart any time.

Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.