Historic & Cultural Highlights

  • Japan

Overview

This 9-day tour invites you to experience the essence of Japan. Learn about the nation’s earlier history, as you discover treasures centuries & centuries old. Watch a tuna auction at one of Tokyo’s fish markets, enjoy a traditional Japanese theatrical performance, & discover the exciting flavors of local cuisines. See historic WWII monuments on a tour of Hiroshima, explore Japanese gardens, & much more.

Highlights

  • Imperial Palace – Residence of the Emperor of Japan.
  • Tokyo Tower – Watch the city circulate below you through the tower’s transparent floor.
  • Fish Market – Watch a tuna auction at a fish market in Tokyo (availability pending).
  • Hiroshima – See the building that withstood the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during WWII.
  • Itsukushima Shrine – UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known in part for its location, in the water off the coast of Miyajima Island.
  • Kiyomizu-dera – Temple dating back to the late 8th century. Enjoy spectacular views of surrounding Kyoto.

Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo

Arrive at the airport in Tokyo, & transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Tokyo

This morning, discover the capital city’s modern sites & culture. Enjoy spectacular views from the lookouts of Tokyo Tower. Stand on its transparent floor, & watch as Tokyo circulates below you. You’ll also see the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world’s tallest towers. Other highlights of the morning tour include a trip to a local fish market to watch a tuna auction (availability pending). After lunch, visit the Imperial Palace, the Meiji Shrine, & the ancient temple, Senso-ji. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 3: Tokyo – Kyoto 

Spend the morning at leisure. Visit one of the city’s enchanting parks & fascinating museums, or enjoy time for shopping. After lunch, head to the train station, & travel to Kyoto. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 4: Kyoto 

Visit some of Kyoto’s many temples & shrines today on a full-day guided tour. Admire the scenic views from the lookout at Kiyomizu-dera temple, take a walk through the lush, moss garden of the Saiho-ji temple, & visit the golden Kinkaku-ji temple. This evening, enjoy a traditional Japanese theatre performance (availability permitting).

Day 5: Kyoto – Osaka 

Travel to Osaka this morning. Upon arrival, enjoy a half-day guided tour of the city. Learn about Osaka in the late 16th century, as you visit the Castle. Other highlights include a visit to the National Museum of Art. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant, & spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 6: Osaka – Hiroshima 

After breakfast, travel to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel, & spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 7: Hiroshima – Miyajima 

Visit historic sites across Hiroshima today on a guided tour. See the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic building still stands in modern Hiroshima, after withstanding the atomic bomb that fell upon the city during World War II. Take a stroll through the serene Shukkei-en garden, & visit the Castle. After lunch, take a ferry to Miyajima. Enjoy the remainder of the day on the island. Sightseeing highlights include the revered Itsukushima Shrine.

Day 8: Miyajima – Hiroshima – Tokyo 

Return to Hiroshima this morning, & board train to Tokyo. Enjoy time of leisure for shopping, exploring, or relaxing before tonight’s farewell dinner.

Day 9: Tokyo – USA 

Transfer to the airport, & board return flight home.

Additional Activity Ideas


										
    
												
  • Traditional Tea Ceremony – Enjoy traditional Japanese tea, sake & cuisine alongside one of the country’s masters of tea. Guests also have the opportunity to attend the ceremony in traditional kimonos.
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  • Geisha Dinner Performance – An authentic Japanese dinner accompanied by the traditional entertainment of Geishas.
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  • Sake Tour – Take a guided tour of a Tokyo sake brewery. You will also enjoy a special tasting experience.
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  • Samurai Sword-Making Demonstration – Watch as the “Katana” is hand-crafted at a famous swordsmith’s workshop.
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  • Culinary Workshops – Learn how to make traditional Japanese foods. Workshop choices include tempura, sushi, Soba noodles, Kaiseki, & Japanese desserts.  
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  • Sumo Wrestling – Meet some of Japan's sumo wrestlers during a visit to their "stable." Watch the wrestlers practice, & enjoy a special lunch afterward.
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  • Weaving, Porcelain, Pottery, & Glass Art Workshops – Discover Japanese craft-making with a hands-on workshop experience. 
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