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12 Days Classic Japan Tour Package
The history, mystery and charm of Japan are yours to discover on this escorted journey. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in Tokyo. Walk the tree-lined path to Kamakura's Great Buddha and stroll the beautiful gardens of the Hase Kannon Temple. Take the Komagataki Ropeway to view iconic Fuji and travel by boat to Miyajima for a stay in a historic 145-year-old ryokan (Japanese inn).
Tour Itinerary Depart on an overnight flight to Tokyo. Arrive in Tokyo, a modern and culturally rich city that boasts cutting-edge architecture and contemplative gardens. Tonight, join fellow travellers for welcome cocktails and dinner. Journey to the Imperial Palace Plaza, Tokyo Tower and Asakusa Temple, taking time to shop for souvenirs in the tiny shops of Nakamise-dori. In the afternoon, enjoy the verdant grounds of Meiji-Jingu Shrine and then take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at the tranquil Happoen Garden. After dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub), stroll the neon streets of the glamorous Ginza shopping district. Today, choose a Design Your Day activity from the options below. Design Your Day - Tokyo: Embark on a guided tour of Roppongi, Tokyo's new center for cutting-edge art, or spend an afternoon shopping with your guide. Take a scenic drive to Kamakura to see the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in. Then visit Hase Kannon Temple; its flower-laden garden is unusual among Japanese gardens which normally focus on structure and greenery. After lunch, continue to the forested slopes of Hakone National Park. Cruise Lake Ashi and board a gondola on the Komagatake Ropeway for a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Board the bullet train bound for Kyoto, regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto has more than 2,000 temples and shrines; 17 are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Formerly the capital of Japan, Kyoto was the emperor's residence from AD 794 until 1868. Because Kyoto was largely avoided by Allied bombers during World War II, its hidden temples and parks are some of the true treasures of this fascinating city. Start your exploration with a visit to Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion), followed by lunch at an artist's private estate and lavish gardens. In the afternoon, stroll along bustling Teapot Alley to Kiyomizu Temple, known for its massive verandah and stunning views of the city. Next, see the 1,001 statues of Kannon (enlightened beings who stay on earth to help others attain enlightenment) at Sanjusangendo Temple. This morning, explore northwest Kyoto to view some important examples of karesansui (dry landscape gardens) at Ryoan-ji, Daitoku-ji and the often-photographed Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). After a multi-course vegetarian lunch within Daitokuji's grounds, take a drive to the Shigaraki nature preserve, where a world class art collection awaits at I.M. Pei's stunning Miho Museum. Drive to ancient Nara, Japan's first capital, where you stroll though Nara Park, home to more than 1,000 tame deer. Continue to Todai-ji Temple, the world's largest wooden structure, housing the largest bronze Buddha in Japan. After lunch, visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine, famous for its many bronze and stone lanterns, before returning to Kyoto. This evening, celebrate your final night in Kyoto in grand style with an exclusive multi-course kaiseki banquet complete with a geisha (geiko in Kyoto) and maiko in attendance to dance, sing, pour sake and converse about their fascinating lives. Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum, dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack. Following lunch, travel by ferry to the picturesque island of Miyajima to see the stunning Itsukushima shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight you have the distinct advantage of remaining on this peaceful island while the other visitors return to the mainland. You stay in the nearly 150-year-old Iwaso ryokan, ideally located amid Japanese maples. Travel by ferry and bullet train to the port city of Osaka. The afternoon is yours to relax as you wish; alternatively, you may set out to sample Osaka's parks, temples and shopping centers on your own. A full day of sightseeing includes a visit to 17th-century Osaka Castle (rebuilt after World War II) and a leisurely cruise along the Okawa river. Also, see Tempozan Harbor Village on Osaka Bay, where the Kaiyukan Aquarium is the main feature. Tonight, celebrate the end of your fascinating journey with cocktails and dinner with your fellow travellers. Transfer to Kansai or Itami Airport for your return flight. Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Japan vacation specialist Contact: Travelwizard.com |
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