Journey through Japan

Welcome to Japan's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Today's sightseeing tour takes you to the MEIJI SHRINE, a magnificent 20th century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Afterward, pass by the Imperial Palace Plaza, the State Guest House, the Akihabara district, and the famous Ginza shopping street. Your tour concludes with a visit to the ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE and the NAKAMISE SHOPPING ARCADE. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in this cosmopolitan city.
Breakfast

Enjoy your day at your leisure. Perhaps join a full day optional excursion to Mount Fuji. .
Breakfast

Journey north to Nikko for a visit to TOSHOGU SHRINE and its famous YOMEIMON GATE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, continue on to the scenic Iroha-zaka Driveway, which reaches elevations of 3,940 feet, to visit LAKE CHUZENJI and the KEGON WATERFALL. Continue to Utsunomiya, home of Japan's famous gyoza dumplings.
Breakfast

This morning, travel to Matsumoto where you will see MATSUMOTO CASTLE and the MATSUMOTO CITY MUSEUM.
Breakfast

Continue through Japan's beautiful mountain scenery to one of the country's most remote regions, SHIRAKAWA. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unique Gassho-Zukuri (joined hands) thatched houses can only be found here. This afternoon, journey through the Japanese Alps to the secluded town of Takayama, where old traditions are untouched by the passage of time
Breakfast

Journey to Kyoto, one of the most fascinating cities in Japan. The remainder of your day is free to explore. This evening, you may choose to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan (additional expense). Traditional Ryokan Stay - Immerse yourself in the Japanese culture and hospitality at a ryokan (Japanese inn). Your ryokan, Gion Hatanaka, features traditional touches-tatami mat floors, a thin sleeping mattress on the floor, and the chance to experience a Japanese-style bath-as well as the modern convenience of a private bathroom. Included: transfers to/from ryokan and from/to hotel in Kyoto; traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast.
NOTE:Space is limited. See Dates & Prices for supplement.

Enjoy a tour of Kyoto, visiting many of the city's temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas. A highlight of the day is a visit to the extraordinary NIJO CASTLE, built in 1603 as the official residence of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. You will also visit the TEMPLE OF THE GOLD PAVILION and the HEIAN SHRINE AND GARDEN. During the day, there will also be a chance to participate in a traditional JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY.
Breakfast

Journey to the city of Yonago on the coast of the Sea of Japan. After a brief visit, continue to ADACHI MUSEUM OF ART to view Japanese-style gardens and view paintings by one of the greatest Japanese painters, Yokoyama Taikan. Later, visit Matsue to see MATSUE CASTLE and BUKE YASHIKI, a former samurai residence.
Breakfast

En route to Hiroshima, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE and its famous FLOATING TORII GATE. From here, continue to Hiroshima. This city bears significant historic importance, for it was here that the world's first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. Your tour features the PEACE MEMORIAL PARK to see the PEACE MEMORIAL. Commonly referred to as the Atomic Bomb Dome, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945, immediately after the bombing. Also, visit the SHUKKEI-EN GARDEN, which dates back to 1620.
Breakfast

Your fascinating journey to Osaka, aboard one of Japan's famous BULLET TRAINS, is sure to be a highlight of your tour. The rest of the day is yours to explore Japan's second largest city.
Breakfast

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast