Tokyo’s futuristic cityscape launches your journey through Japan’s modern centers and ancient capitals. On arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, you’ll be transferred by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for small bites with drinks.
This morning, Dive into Culture with a Local Specialist and learn the mesmerizing, rhythmic art of Taiko drumming, one of Japan’s most popular cultural icons. Enjoy lunch at a Sumo-themed izakaya, then continue to the old-time entertainment center of Asakusa to visit the Sensō-ji Buddhist Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Take a stroll down Nakamise shopping street before boarding a cruise along the Sumida River to admire Tokyo’s modern skyline, the traditional neighborhoods of old Edo and the beautiful Hama-rikyū Garden. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure.
The slopes of snow-capped Mt. Fuji welcome you as you journey from Tokyo to this UNESCO-listed site. Admire views of the surrounding countryside from its 5th station, a vantage point at 2,300 meters (weather permitting). After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. On a clear, still day, you may even catch the perfect reflection of Mt. Fuji mirrored in the lake’s calm waters—a picture-perfect moment.
Leave Tokyo, traveling by high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the center of Japanese culture for centuries. On arrival, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the Gion District, embracing the energy of Kawaramachi street. Visit Kinkakuji Temple, whose glittering golden pavilion is widely regarded as the symbol of Kyoto, before returning to the hotel for an evening of leisure.
Visit one of Kyoto’s highlights—the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring and its stunning landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering bamboo groves and see the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple, then spend some free time at Nishiki Market, a traditional food market known to locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry.” Return to your hotel or consider joining an optional Japanese tea ceremony experience.
Start the day off with a visit to Sumiyama Village and discover the stunning Kiyomizu Pottery which originated about 500 years ago in central Kyoto. Learn about the work of the craftsmen and about how they had to move out of the city and into a more rural area due to concerns from the local citizens about air pollution. Next 'Connect With Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch with a local farmer at his home. Gain insights into the life of his family while sampling fresh tea and indulging in a delicious home-made meal, then visit his tea plantation. This afternoon delve into the ancient history of Nara, the first permanent capital city of Japan. Here you’ll visit the landmark Todaiji Temple, one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. Take a stroll around Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming tame deer before returning to Kyoto for an evening at leisure.
This morning, board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of the previous century’s devastation. Your first stop is to a local restaurant where you’ll enjoy an Okonomiyaki lunch. This afternoon, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Learn how to make Momiji Manjyu, one of the local specialties, shaping your steamed bun like a maple leaf and filling it with sweet red bean paste. You’ll have an opportunity to sample your work before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.
This morning, head to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. Take a moment to contemplate its symbolic expression of hope for world peace. Spend the afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience.
Today, board the high-speed bullet train to Osaka. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time for lunch before visiting the Umeda Sky Building. Take in panoramic views from the Floating Garden Observatory, an open-air platform spanning the two towers. Afterwards, you'll check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Stop by Osaka Castle for a photo opportunity and learn how this landmark has watched over the city through centuries of change. Later, stroll through the Dotonbori area, passing canalside eateries, neon signs and narrow Hōzenji Yokocho with its lanterns and small temple. Enjoy free time to shop for last-minute gifts, try street food like takoyaki, or explore more of the city. This evening, gather for a final dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travelers to celebrate the end of your journey through Japan.
Your journey revealing Japan's past and present is at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
