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Essence of Japan
Tour Description:
Inspirational, innovative and intriguing, Japan is a favorite destination with Tauck travelers... where gilded temples and glittering skyscrapers reign over streets steeped in history and tradition.
Discover the revered customs and unique sense of beauty that infuse life here... On the main island of Honshu, from Tokyo to the hot springs resort town of Hakone to Kanazawa and the cultural treasure trove of Kyoto, visit a private home for a tea ceremony and Origami... explore castles, temples, shrines, a samurai home, and world-class gardens... spend a night at a ryokan with traditional Japanese cultural experiences... make sushi, taste sake, cruise Lake Ashi to see Mt. Fuji... enjoy a taiko performance, Shinto music, Kagura dancing, a sumo wrestling demonstration... and meet a geisha expert. Join us for a Japan trip to remember.
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Dates & Pricing
| Thursday 12 Feb 26 — Tuesday 24 Feb 26 | Starting at $13,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 09 Mar 26 — Saturday 21 Mar 26 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 12 Mar 26 — Tuesday 24 Mar 26 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 14 Mar 26 — Thursday 26 Mar 26 | Starting at $12,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 11 May 26 — Saturday 23 May 26 | Starting at $16,790 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 04 Jun 26 — Tuesday 16 Jun 26 | Starting at $16,790 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 06 Jun 26 — Thursday 18 Jun 26 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 08 Jun 26 — Saturday 20 Jun 26 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 24 Aug 26 — Saturday 05 Sep 26 | Starting at $11,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 31 Aug 26 — Saturday 12 Sep 26 | Starting at $13,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 03 Sep 26 — Tuesday 15 Sep 26 | Starting at $16,790 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 05 Sep 26 — Thursday 17 Sep 26 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 07 Sep 26 — Saturday 19 Sep 26 | Starting at $16,790 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 10 Sep 26 — Tuesday 22 Sep 26 | Starting at $16,790 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 12 Sep 26 — Thursday 24 Sep 26 | Starting at $16,790 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 14 Sep 26 — Saturday 26 Sep 26 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 26 Sep 26 — Thursday 08 Oct 26 | Starting at $16,790 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 31 Oct 26 — Thursday 12 Nov 26 | Starting at $12,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 05 Nov 26 — Tuesday 17 Nov 26 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 04 Mar 27 — Tuesday 16 Mar 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 06 Mar 27 — Thursday 18 Mar 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 11 Mar 27 — Tuesday 23 Mar 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 20 Mar 27 — Thursday 01 Apr 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 22 Mar 27 — Saturday 03 Apr 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 27 Mar 27 — Thursday 08 Apr 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 01 Apr 27 — Tuesday 13 Apr 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 03 Apr 27 — Thursday 15 Apr 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 19 Apr 27 — Saturday 01 May 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 22 Apr 27 — Tuesday 04 May 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 29 Apr 27 — Tuesday 11 May 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 01 May 27 — Thursday 13 May 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 06 May 27 — Tuesday 18 May 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 08 May 27 — Thursday 20 May 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 13 May 27 — Tuesday 25 May 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 20 May 27 — Tuesday 01 Jun 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 22 May 27 — Thursday 03 Jun 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 27 May 27 — Tuesday 08 Jun 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 03 Jun 27 — Tuesday 15 Jun 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 05 Jun 27 — Thursday 17 Jun 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 23 Aug 27 — Saturday 04 Sep 27 | Starting at $11,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 26 Aug 27 — Tuesday 07 Sep 27 | Starting at $13,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 02 Sep 27 — Tuesday 14 Sep 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 09 Sep 27 — Tuesday 21 Sep 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 11 Sep 27 — Thursday 23 Sep 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 16 Sep 27 — Tuesday 28 Sep 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 25 Sep 27 — Thursday 07 Oct 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 27 Sep 27 — Saturday 09 Oct 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 30 Sep 27 — Tuesday 12 Oct 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 07 Oct 27 — Tuesday 19 Oct 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 09 Oct 27 — Thursday 21 Oct 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 14 Oct 27 — Tuesday 26 Oct 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 18 Oct 27 — Saturday 30 Oct 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 23 Oct 27 — Thursday 04 Nov 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 28 Oct 27 — Tuesday 09 Nov 27 | Starting at $16,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 04 Nov 27 — Tuesday 16 Nov 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Thursday 11 Nov 27 — Tuesday 23 Nov 27 | Starting at $14,990 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 13 Nov 27 — Thursday 25 Nov 27 | Starting at $12,990 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing
Inspirational, innovative and intriguing, Japan is a favorite destination with Tauck travelers... where gilded temples and glittering skyscrapers reign over streets steeped in history and tradition.
Discover the revered customs and unique sense of beauty that infuse life here... On the main island of Honshu, from Tokyo to the hot springs resort town of Hakone to Kanazawa and the cultural treasure trove of Kyoto, visit a private home for a tea ceremony and Origami... explore castles, temples, shrines, a samurai home, and world-class gardens... spend a night at a ryokan with traditional Japanese cultural experiences... make sushi, taste sake, cruise Lake Ashi to see Mt. Fuji... enjoy a taiko performance, Shinto music, Kagura dancing, a sumo wrestling demonstration... and meet a geisha expert. Join us for a Japan trip to remember.
Highlights
In Kyoto, enjoy a private home visit with tea ceremony & Origami demonstration, explorations with a local Geisha expert, visits to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple & Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu Temple)
Multiple-night stays in premier hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone & at a hot springs resort & spa in Gero Onsen
A Kagura ceremonial blessing and taiko drums in Tokyo
A ferry ride on Lake Ashi highlighted with views of Mt. Fuji, Japan's largest mountain, in the distance
In Hakone, visit an open-air museum and attend a flower arranging class
Highlights
In Kyoto, enjoy a private home visit with tea ceremony & Origami demonstration, explorations with a local Geisha expert, visits to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple & Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu Temple)
Multiple-night stays in premier hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone & at a hot springs resort & spa in Gero Onsen
A Kagura ceremonial blessing and taiko drums in Tokyo
A ferry ride on Lake Ashi highlighted with views of Mt. Fuji, Japan's largest mountain, in the distance
In Hakone, visit an open-air museum and attend a flower arranging class
ITINERARY
ITINERARYArrive Tokyo
Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Shangri-La Tokyo. A transfer is included from Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport to the five-star Shangri-La Tokyo, located in central Tokyo and just a short walk away from some of the city's most popular shopping areas. This evening, please join us for a welcome reception and dinner.
The traditional arts of Tokyo
This morning, visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of the Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shokenn, and enjoy a Kagura ceremonial blessing with origins that date to the 8th century. Stroll the narrow streets lined with shops brimming with local food specialties in Tsukiji Market. Have lunch at Nobu followed by a hands-on class in a traditional art of drumming called taiko. Your evening is free.
Tokyo National Museum & landmark sites
Begin the day with a guided visit to the Tokyo National Museum, followed by a teppanyaki lunch of food cooked on an iron griddle. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, enjoying the city as you wish.
Exploring Traditions in Hakone
This morning, board the renowned bullet train (shinkansen) in Tokyo for a short ride south to Odawara, and continue on to the scenic hot springs resort town of Hakone in Kanagawa. En route, a ferry ride on Lake Ashi; weather permitting, introduces you to views of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, looming over the landscape. Have lunch at a local restaurant on the shores of Lake Ashi, then visit the Hakone Open Air Museum before continuing on to your ideally located spa resort in Hakone. This afternoon, you'll have an opportunity to learn the art of ikebana – Japanese flower arranging – from a teacher who gives a class and demonstration of this time-honored tradition; later, gather for a "homey" dinner at your resort.
A day in Hakone
Start the day off with a visit to the Itchiku Kubota Museum, set amidst magnificent views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Itchiku Kubota (1917-2003) is considered one of the most important Japanese textile artists of the 20th century; he rediscovered, revived and subsequently modernized a traditional Japanese kimono dyeing technique, creating exceptional artistic kimonos. The museum you'll visit today celebrates his art and legacy. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel and get your hands around an authentic Japanese culinary tradition during a private sushi making demonstration. Dine on Western or Japanese cuisine at your resort's dining room tonight.
Nagoya and on to Gero Onsen
Board a train bound for Nagoya. Upon arrival, a short drive through the countryside brings you to Gero Onsen and your traditional onsen hotel. Take the opportunity to soak in the hot springs (onsen) and have dinner Japanese style, shoes off, yukatas and slippers on, in a private room, where authentic Japanese traditions prevail.
Sake brewery in Takayama
Depart Gero Onsen this morning and head for Takayama, a mountain city long famed for its artisans and woodworkers. En route enjoy a lesson in sake making and a tasting at a local brewery before enjoying some sightseeing along the narrow lanes of its historic center, and having lunch at a local restaurant known for its Hida beef. Continue on to Kanazawa, just inland from the Sea of Japan. Enjoy an included dinner at your choice of your hotel's restaurants tonight.
Samurais and Gardens in Kanazawa
A full day's sightseeing in Kanazawa includes: time exploring the historic Samurai District, where samurai homes are tucked among narrow lanes and canals behind earthen walls and private entrance gates, with a visit to the restored Nomura Samurai Family Residence for a look at the lifestyle of the samurai during feudal times, when they were prosperous; a guided stroll through celebrated Kenroku-en Gardens, considered among the country's top three landscaped gardens; lunch at a Paul Bocuse restaurant; and a walk through the city's Omicho Market. Cap the day with a Tauck Exclusive, a private Samurai show at a local temple, then spend the rest of the evening as you please at your hotel or exploring on your own in Kanazawa.
A Train Ride to Hiroshima
Depart Kanazawa by train for the next stop on your journey - Kyoto. The capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan's most populous island, Honshu, Kyoto is one of the oldest municipalities in Japan (dating back to 794 A.D.) as well as its cultural capital. Your introduction to the city begins with a sightseeing excursion. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.
A castle, a temple & a Kyoto geisha district
Kyoto sightseeing today begins with a visit to the famous golden-topped Kinkaku-ji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), set in an ancient garden on the edge of a lake – a position symbolizing its place "between heaven and Earth." Hear the story of how this 14th-century temple was burned to the ground by a young monk and then completely reconstructed. Continue on to Nijo Castle, surrounded by stone walls and a moat; tour this 17th-century shogun's residence and UNESCO World Heritage Site – and discover the secret of its "nightingale" floors. After lunch at a local restaurant, meet up with a geisha expert who leads an exploration of the back streets of one of Kyoto's geisha districts, and shares insights on the "flower and willow" world of the geishas, past and present. The evening is free to spend as you wish.
Monuments of Hiroshima
Travel by train this morning to Hiroshima. Your time here begins with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, and the A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) – the only structure left standing in the area of the WWII atomic bomb blast that destroyed the city in August 1945, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch at a local restaurant, return this afternoon by bullet train to the historic city of Kyoto, where your evening is free to spend as you wish.
Traditional Arts in Kyoto
Begin your day with a prayer at the Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple) established in 778; the current buildings were rebuilt in the 17th century. Drink the water here in long-handled cups as you wish for longevity, success or love. Kyoto is known as the craft capital of Japan, and many traditional arts have been passed down through the generations. Experience the revered customs of Japanese culture firsthand during a visit to a private home here; take your shoes off, come in, and your gracious hostess will demonstrate the very specific rituals of a Japanese tea ceremony, followed by a lesson in the paper art of Origami. Return to your hotel where the afternoon is free for you to enjoy Kyoto's charms as you like. Join us for a special farewell reception and dinner tonight.
Journey home
Tour ends: Kyoto. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto to the airport. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport.
