About the trip
MAY 7-19, 2023
13-day customized tour of Japan, including Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto and many more Japan top destinations, epic sites and off-the-beaten-track hidden gems.
Excited to offer an immersive experience in Japanese culture and lifestyle along with the romantic sites. Japan is a country of modern amenities, renowned cuisine, and a deep sense of history. Being one of the first countries to witness sunrise, Japan has the nickname, “The Land of the Rising Sun.”
This tour includes three nights in Tokyo, one of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals. Witness the contrast of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples next to towering skyscrapers. Experience two nights at a traditional Japanese ryokan, three nights in Kyoto, the historic former capital, famous for its abundance of temples, gardens, and UNESCO World Heritage status. Enjoy an overnight and farewell dinner in Osaka, Japan’s third largest city, before returning home.
Hyatt Regency Shinjuku – Tokyo
The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is a luxury hotel in Shinjuku boasting breathtaking views of the city and Mt. Fuji to the west. Visitors will be struck by one of the most impressive lobbies in Japan. Three stories tall, its cathedral ceiling and enormous chandeliers hang over wall-to-wall marble. Amenities include 26-inch flatscreen LCD TVs, English-language newspapers, a swimming pool, a spa with mist sauna and a fitness center. There’s also a beauty salon, barber shop, and a 24-hour convenience store. The Hyatt Regency also features eight eating and drinking establishments.
Dates of Stay: May 22-25
Additional pre-program nights available upon request.
Kagaya – Kanazawa
Kagaya is a traditional Japanese style inn (Ryokan). It’s a long-established ryokan that has been ranked #1 for the past 30 years. The ryokan is decorated with a balance of traditional and modern Japanese aesthetics, is fully outfitted with hot spring facilities, offers plenty of colorful meals using the best local ingredients, and is employed by staff offering the highest quality hospitality. At Kagaya, you can enjoy the famous water of the Wakura Onsen (hot spring) that has a 1200-year long history. The water is said to be good for ailments like rheumatism, neuralgia, gout, and allergies.
Dates of Stay: May 25-27
Hotel The Mitsui – Kyoto
Hotel the Mitsui is located in the heart of Kyoto – adjacent to Nijo-jo Castle on the site of the Kyoto home of the Kitake, the executive branch of the Mitsui Family – a property the family maintained for over 250 years. The tranquility and storied history of the location is reflected in each of the guest rooms. A modern reimagining of the traditional Japanese tearoom, the 161 guest rooms feature carefully chosen natural materials elevated using artisanal skills.
Kyoto is home to verdant mountains and clear water. Using natural spring water drawn from an on-site source, the onsite thermal sping facilities at the hotel are a haven for relaxation.
A modern reimagining of the traditional Japanese tearoom, the 161 guest rooms feature carefully chosen natural materials elevated using artisanal skills. The bathtubs are fashioned out of stone and their generous size makes them ideal for stretching out and relaxing.
Dates of Stay: May 27-30
Sheraton – Hiroshima
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is conveniently located next to JR Hiroshima Station with direct access to the bullet train and bus terminals. Stay in luxury as you explore Hiroshima’s historic sites and architecture. Find total comfort in our guest rooms, all of which feature the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience. The hotel’s restaurants feature the finest and freshest cuisine and its bar is a great place to gather with friends, both old and new. You can also relax and recharge your mind and body at Shine Spa for Sheraton. Decorated with contemporary Western furnishings, the guest accommodations include the celebrated Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience, a 37-inch flat-screen television, DVD player and high-speed internet access.
Dates of Stay: May 30 – June 1
InterContinental – Osaka
InterContinental Osaka offers contemporary glamour and magnificent panoramas in an enviable location close to the city’s main sights. Immediate proximity to Osaka Station and a connection with the high-end shopping mall, Grand Front Osaka, makes InterContinental Osaka an ideal base to explore the city of Osaka. You can relax with a soothing massage in the spa, unwind in the traditional Japanese bathhouse and enjoy cocktails with a view at fashionable Bar Adee. The elegant guest rooms are notably spacious, and the Michelin-starred Pierre restaurant is perfect for a celebratory dinner.
Dates of Stay: June 1-3
Additional post-program nights available upon request.
Kyoto Optional Tours
Coming soon!
TRIP INCLUDES: 13-day customized tour of Japan, including Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto and many more Japan top destinations, epic sites and off-the-beaten-track hidden gems.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visits to Sensoji Temple & Nakamise Street in Asakusa
- Sushi making experience with lunch
- Sumo match in Tokyo
- Visit to Nikko, the world heritage town and national park
- Explore the Miyagawa morning market
- In Kanazawa, visit the old Higashi-chaya district and Kenrokuen garden
- Full day excursion in Kyoto to Kinkakuji temple, Arashimaya Bamboo Grove, Okochi Villa and gardens
- Special dinner in Kyoto with Maiko (Geisha apprentice)
- Full day to explore on your own in Kyoto or partake in an optional excursion
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage site of Himeji castle (the White Heron), widely considered as one of Japan’s most spectacular castles
- Enjoy a Kobe Beef lunch
- Visit Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima island
- Visit Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima
- Explore the bustling old capital of Osaka, exciting night life and street food
Inclusions
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Three nights hotel accommodation Tokyo
- Full-day tour in Tokyo
- Full-day tour of the World Heritage site of Nikko
- Bullet Train from Tokyo to Takayama
- Two nights accommodation in a traditional Japanese Ryokan Hotel
- Full-day tour of Kanazawa
- Express train from Kanazawa to Kyoto
- Three nights hotel accommodation in Kyoto
- Full-day tour of Kyoto
- Visit to Himeji Castle
- Express train from Himeji to Hiroshima
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Hiroshima
- Full-day tour to Miyajima Island
- Tour of Hiroshima’s Peach Memorial Park and Museum
- Bullet Train from Hiroshima to Osaka
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Osaka
- Half-day tour of Osaka’s Dontonburi neighborhood
- Twelve breakfasts, seven lunches and eight dinners
Welcome to Tokyo! You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight we gather for a festive welcome dinner. Overnight in a room with a view at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the bustling neighborhood of Shinjuku.
After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a full-day tour of Tokyo including a visit to Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street in Asakusa. For lunch, we will take part in a sushi making experience, followed by an introduction and demonstration of Sumo wrestling. This evening, we take a foodie tour in the back streets of Shinbashi or Shinjuko with local guides.
Today we venture outside of Tokyo to the world heritage town and national park at Nikko. In the morning we visit Kanmangafuchi Abyss and following lunch at the historic Kanaya Hotel we visit Toshogu shrine. At the end of the day we return to our comfortable hotel in Tokyo with a stop on the way at the Watanabe Sahei Sake Brewery. Tonight you are on your own to explore the Tokyo food scene.
After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, we will take the bullet train to Kanazawa. Upon arrival we will visit a local market where you’ll discover a wide variety of local vegetables and locally caught seafood. Enjoy a delicious fresh seafood lunch at an Izakay restaurant in the market. After, we drive along the coast to the Kagaya Hotel, a traditional Japanese Ryokan Hotel with amazing sea views. Tonight, dress to impress in your Yukata (provided by the hotel) and enjoy an elaborate traditional Japanese dinner in our own private banquet room before settling in for the evening.
Wake up to a tasty breakfast before returning to Kanazawa where we’ll we visit the beautiful Kenroku Gardens. After, we’ll enjoy a very special lunch experience at the restaurant of a world-renowned French chef. In the afternoon, spend time exploring the Higashi Chaya district to see traditional Japanese architecture and enjoy the atmosphere of the Bunsei Period (1820), including tea time, before returning to the Kagaya hotel for an evening on your own to enjoy some local cuisine.
After breakfast at the hotel, we return to Kanazawa to take the express train to Kyoto. Enjoy a unique local lunch experience with a bento box on the train. Upon arrival to Kyoto we’ll proceed to the Mitsui Hotel, check-in and have some time to relax before we enjoy a special traditional Japanese dinner with Maiko (apprentice geisha).
After breakfast we embark on a full day tour of Kyoto. We start with the beautiful Kinkakuji Temple and then on to the famous Arashiayama District, which is filled with temples and shrines and its famous bamboo groves. After a walk through the Bamboo Grove you will have some time to explore the local food scene for lunch on your own.
After, we return to our beautiful hotel, where later we’ll gather for dinner together at a local restaurant.
Today is your day to enjoy Kyoto at your leisure. Sleep in, have a spa day, or you may choose to participate in an optional excursion such as a deeper dive into the temples of Kyoto, Traditional Tea Ceremony or Obanzai Cooking Class.
Today we leave Kyoto for the city of Himeji, where we begin our visit with the stunning Himeji Castle, and continue on to its beautiful gardens. After, enjoy a Kobe beef lunch at a true Japanese steakhouse. Following lunch, we will proceed to Hiroshima by train and check in to the Sheraton Hiroshima Hotel. After some time to relax we’ll proceed to dinner at a local Okonomiyaki restaurant.
Following breakfast, transfer to Miyajima by private motor coach. From here, we embark on a ferry ride to Miyajima Island– home to the giant Itsukushima Shrine. The bright, red torii-gate seems to float on the water during high tide. After a short guided tour, you have time to explore the island and enjoy lunch on your own. Following lunch we visit the Miyajimayki pottery studio Yamane-Taigendo before returning to Hiroshima, where you’ll have some time to relax and refresh before dinner at a local traditional Japanese restaurant.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Peace Memorial Park and museum, a major attraction of the Hiroshima bombing. Afterwards we head to the train station, where you’ll have some free time for lunch and shopping before boarding the bullet train to Japan’s second largest metropolitan area, Osaka. Upon arrival, check-in to the beautiful Intercontinental Hotel before dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll proceed to the bustling Dontonburi neighborhood where we’ll stroll along the city’s streets. After you’ll have some time to sample Osaka cuisine on your own. Then, enjoy some free time this afternoon to pack or do some last minute shopping before our farewell dinner tonight.
After breakfast at the InterContinental you will be transferred to the airport or train station for your journey home.
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