Enchanting Japan
11 Days | 10 Nights
Price per person from *$5349 (*Based on Double Occupancy)
Land Only
On this tour, you will travel around Honshu, Japan’s main island, to explore some of the country’s most significant destinations when it comes to history and culture. Marvel at Tokyo’s high-rise skyline, slow down in nature-rich Shizuoka, and dive deep into Kyoto’s temple-scattered townscapes. Visit the beautifully preserved canal-crossed old town of Kurashiki and learn about Hiroshima’s history and drive to promote world peace.
- 10 nights 5-star accommodation
- Travel by bullet and local train
- Japanese/western breakfasts daily
- Four full day and one half day tours
Description
Your journey begins in Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan. Pulsating with energy and innovation, Tokyo manages to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Towering skyscrapers coexist with historic temples, creating a captivating skyline. The city's efficient transportation system interconnects its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character, from the bustling streets of Shibuya to the serene gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen. Tokyo is a culinary paradise, offering a myriad of flavors from Michelin-starred restaurant fare to street food, satisfying every palate.
Changing the pace, travel by bullet train to Shizuoka, a multi-faceted gem hidden in plain sight. Here you will have many opportunities to spy majestic but elusive Mt Fuji, as well as to learn how green tea is grown and visit Miho no Matsubara, a coastal spot which is known to be one of the most beautiful views in all Japan.
From Shizuoka, take the bullet train to Kyoto. Nestled amidst picturesque mountains, Kyoto is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, boasting over 2,000 temples and shrines, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha and the majestic Kinkaku-ji. Stroll through its charming streets lined with traditional wooden machiya houses and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of its meticulously landscaped gardens. Kyoto's tea houses and Gion geisha district offer glimpses into Japan's rich traditions. In spring, cherry blossoms blanket the city, while autumn paints it in fiery hues, making Kyoto an enchanting destination year-round.
Next, bullet and local trains take you to Kurashiki, a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern allure. Its well-preserved Bikan district, with its beautifully preserved Edo-period buildings lining the picturesque Kurashiki River, evokes a sense of nostalgia and tranquility. Wandering through its cobblestone streets, visitors encounter quaint shops, galleries, and museums, such as the Ohara Museum of Art, showcasing both Western and Japanese masterpieces. The city's traditional Kurashiki Bikan kurabu boats offer a leisurely cruise along the waterway, providing unique views of the historic district.
Finally, travel to Hiroshima, a city etched in history, rising as a symbol of resilience and peace. Despite its tragic past, Hiroshima has emerged as a beacon of hope, advocating for nuclear disarmament and promoting reconciliation. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum poignantly honor the victims of the atomic bombing. Amidst this solemnity, Hiroshima flourishes as a vibrant metropolis, boasting modern architecture, bustling shopping streets, and delectable cuisine like okonomiyaki. Its picturesque landscapes, including the tranquil Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the scenic Miyajima Island, offer solace and serenity.
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Price
Travel Dates |
Price* | |
---|---|---|
*Price per person from Based on Double Occupancy | ||
Sep 1, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024 | from $5599* | |
Oct 1, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024 | from $6059* | |
Nov 1, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024 | from $6079* | |
Dec 1, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024 | from $5349* |
Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements apply and are advised upon request. Black-out dates and surcharges may apply during special events and Holidays. All pricing is strictly subject to availability. All prices, itineraries and routing are subject to change without notice. Please call for our current prices. Prices are current at time of posting (5/16/24) and may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CA CST: 2076233-40 | WA ID: 601 684 531 | PC-1282498.
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Inclusions
- Private airport transfers
- Inter-city travel on bullet and local trains
- 11 nights 5-star accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- Full day private Traditional Tokyo tour
- Half day private Shizuoka Fuji tour
- Full day private Kyoto temples tour
- Full day private Nara tour
- Full day private Hiroshima & Miyajima tour
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Map
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Itinerary
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01
Day 1 - Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival at Narita Airport, you will be met by an assistant in the arrivals area before boarding your shared transfer to your hotel in Tokyo. Rest of day at leisure.
- Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic (Deluxe)
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02
Day 2 - Tokyo (B)
Take a full-day tour with a local English-speaking guide, using public transportation to get quickly from point to point. First up is Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town. Visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a historic shopping street. Next, cruise down the Sumidagawa River on Tokyo's Water Bus. Visit Hamarikyu Garden, an Edo-period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers. Stop for a cup of steaming matcha and Japanese sweets in a tea house on a small island in the park’s lake. Enjoy a visit to Meiji Shrine, and a walk down the flashy Omotesando shopping street, a broad tree-lined avenue home to flagship stores and fantastic modern architecture.
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03
Day 3 - Tokyo (B)
Day at leisure to explore independently or add a guided experience; ask our Destination Specialists.
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04
Day 4 - Shizuoka (B)
Weather permitting, today you will see Japan’s highest peak, Mt. Fuji. Your ride on the bullet train will take you from Tokyo to Shizuoka where you will commence a guided tour of Nihondaira Plateau, which offers a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji with the port town of Shimizu and Suruga Bay. Take a cable car to pay a visit to the holy Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to the Edo period’s first shogun. Next, you will visit the new observatory Nihondaira Yume Terrace, designed by world-famous architect Kengo Kuma in 2018. From here, you can also enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji from a different angle as well as green tea plantations for which Shizuoka is so famous.
Next, Miho no Matsubara where over 30,000 pine trees line the beach stretching 5 miles along Suruga Bay. The contrast between the green pine trees and the blue and white sea have led to this vista being named one of the most scenic places in Japan. Finally, a visit to a cultural center which highlights the importance of Fuji to the Japanese people.- Hotel Associa Shizuoka (Deluxe)
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05
Day 5 - Kyoto (B)
Once again board the bullet train; this time for beautiful and historic for Kyoto. The afternoon is free for you to explore independently or to add a guided experience. Our Destination Specialists can help you decide. A suggestion would be to take a taxi to Nishiki Market to wander, shop and graze on street food. Several knife shops in the market sell high quality Japanese knives that can be engraved with a name - these make great souvenirs.
- Granvia Hotel Kyoto (Deluxe)
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06
Day 6 - Kyoto (B)
Your guided tour today is all about the most magnificent temples and shrines of Kyoto. With your guide, using public transportation to get around, you will visit these temples and shrines: Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu, Kitano-Tenmangu and Kinkakuji. All are so different, yet similarly stunning.
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07
Day 7 - Kyoto (B)
Travel to Nara with your guide for a tour of the Park, home to hundreds of deer, and the famous temple. Stroll around a historic merchant district and admire its elegant machiya houses, inside and out.
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08
Day 8 - Kurashiki (B)
Take the bullet and a local train to Kurashiki where you will explore the old town and wander along its canal. It’s easy to feel as if you have slipped back in time.
- Hotel Granvia Okayama (Deluxe)
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09
Day 9 - Hiroshima (B)
Today’s bullet train journey takes you to Hiroshima. Afternoon at leisure to explore independently.
- Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (Deluxe)
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10
Day 10 - Hiroshima (B)
Tour this amazing city with your guide and marvel at how its dark history has been left in the past. In its place, is a determination to move forward. Starting at the Peace Memorial Park, you’ll visit the Museum, an unmissable site. A short ferry ride takes you to Miyajima, a small sacred island located in the Seto Inland Sea. It’s “floating” red tori gates are one of the most photographed sites in Japan.
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11
Day 11 - Depart Osaka or Tokyo (B)
Take the bullet train back to Osaka to depart from Kansai Airport, or Tokyo to depart from Haneda or Narita airports. (Travelers with morning departures may require an extra night near their airport)
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