Best of Japan - Fully Escorted Tour
16 Days/14 Nights
- Introduction •
- Itinerary •
- Map •
- Inclusions •
- Gallery
- 2013 Dates & Prices •
- 2014 Dates & Prices •
- Download Tour PDF
- Optional Cultural Activities •
- Western-Style Room Option
More than any other country, the Japanese have managed to integrate ancient traditions and bleeding-edge technology harmoniously into their daily lives. With the perfect mix of new and old, and our most popular itinerary, this well-rounded tour has something for everyone.
Destinations:
Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone Yumoto Onsen, Hakone, Takayama, Koya-san, Osaka, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fushimi, Nara, Uji
In the best that Japan has to offer, and our most popular itinerary, you'll enjoy a colorful mix of large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, quaint and traditional Takayama, the ambiance and solitude of Miyajima Island, the historically significant temples of Kamakura, the capital of Japan in the 13th century, the religious center of Koya-san, the ancient shrines and temples of Kyoto and Nara, the testament to peace of Hiroshima, the natural beauty of Hakone, the thermally-heated mineral water baths at an onsen and much, much more.
You'll stay overnight at a mountaintop Buddhist temple where Buddhist monks will serve you meals of shojin ryori (the traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Receive meditation instruction from the monks and attend prayer services at the temple early the next morning. Climb to the top of a samurai castle, participate in a tea ceremony, visit the world's largest fish market, stroll through farmer's markets, meet a "maiko" (geisha-in-training) face-to-face, see where the geisha live and work, stay overnight on beautiful and quiet Miyajima Island, soak in the thermally-heated mineral waters at an onsen, admire sacred Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), the icon of Japan and enjoy three gourmet Kaiseki-style dinners and one shojin-ryori Buddhist vegetarian meal, and much, much more.
Every day you'll enjoy the friendliness, fun and flexibility of small group travel by experiencing sights, Japanese restaurants and family-run ryokans that are off-limits to larger groups. From start-to-finish, all group transportation, group admission fees, travel insurance, lodging, all breakfasts, six lunches, seven dinners, and more are included. All while our tour guide brings Japan alive with exceptional insights.
Best of Japan Fully Escorted Tour Itinerary
Click here for a detailed itinerary.
| Day 01: | Leave for Japan |
| Day 02: | Arrive Tokyo's Narita Airport |
| Day 03: | Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market, Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji, Tokyo City View, Ginza District, Sumida River Cruise |
| Day 04: | Kamakura - Hase-dera, Kotokuin (Great Buddha), Hokokuin (Bamboo Temple), Tea and sweets in the bamboo garden |
| Day 05: | Free day in Tokyo, Travel to Hakone Yumoto Onsen late in the afternoon |
| Day 06: | Tour Hakone, Travel to Takayama |
| Day 07: | Takayama - Morning Markets, Takayama-Jinya, San-Machi-Suji District, afternoon free |
| Day 08: | Travel to Koya-san, Meditation Lessons at the temple |
| Day 09: | Koya-san/Osaka - Buddhist Morning Prayer Service, Okuno-in Cemetery and Temple, Garan Temple Complex, Travel to Osaka |
| Day 10: | Osaka Castle, Travel to Miyajima |
| Day 11: | Miyajima Island - Free Day |
| Day 12: | Hiroshima - Travel to Hiroshima, Hiroshima Peace Museum and Park, Travel to Kyoto |
| Day 13: | Kyoto - Ryoanji Garden, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle, Nishiki-koji Open Air Market, Gion Geisha District |
| Day 14: | Fushimi - Fushimi Inari Shrine; Nara - Nara Park, Todai-ji (Great Buddha); Uji - Authentic tea ceremony, Byodoin |
| Day 15: | Kyoto - Free Day, Optional Home Visit, Sayonara Dinner and Private Maiko Dinner Party |
| Day 16: | Depart for Home/Arrive Home |