Cultural Treasures of Japan

What's Included

• Japanese Tea Ceremony

  Try your hand at the centuries-old art of the Japanese tea ceremony.

• Gold Leaf Decorating

  Participate in a hands-on lesson in gold leaf decorating.

• Stenciling

  Learn about the ancient craft of stenciling during a hands-on lesson.

• Shinkansen Bullet Train

  Travel by the famous Shinkansen bullet train.

• Ginza District

  Explore the famous Ginza District, the first Western-style shopping district in Japan where modern and history blends.

• Sake Tasting and Hida Beef Dinner

  Enjoy a sake tasting at a local sake brewery followed by a Hida beef dinner.

• Sushi-Making Class

  Participate in a sushi-making class.

• Kaiseki Dinner

  Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner.

• UNESCO Sites

  Visit multiple UNESCO sites including Shirakawa-go, Nijo Castle, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial.

• Takayama Old Town

  Explore Takayama’s beautiful old town, nestled in the Japanese Alps.

• Fushimi Inari Taisha

  Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, made famous by the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.

What's Not Included

• Personal Expenses

  Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
  
  

• Travel Insurance

  Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
  
  

• Optional Activities

  Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
  
  

• International Flights

  International flights to and from Japan are not included.
  
  

Experiences

Try your hand at the centuries-old art of the Japanese tea ceremony, gold leaf decorating and stenciling.Travel by the famous Shinkansen bullet train.Explore the famous Ginza District, the first Western-style shopping district in Japan where modern and history blends.

Culinaries

Enjoy a sake tasting at a local sake brewery followed by a Hida beef dinner.Participate in a sushi-making class.Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner.

Must See

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, made famous by the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.Visit multiple UNESCO sites including Shirakawa-go, Nijo Castle, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial.Explore Takayama’s beautiful old town, nestled in the Japanese Alps.

Choice Highlights

Tokyo As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is also the most populous city with over 13 million people and is the cultural and financial center of Japan. Originally known as Edo prior to the move of the empire in 1868 from Kyoto, Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with over 23 city sections all connected by an excellent public transit system. While most of ancient Tokyo was destroyed by bombing in WWII, today’s Tokyo is a mix of architectural styles and eclectic structures.

Asakusa Sensoji Shrine

Tea Ceremony Formality and attention to culture and respect are important in Japan and are present in all aspects of the tea ceremony. From the formal bows, to the placement of the cups and utensils, all aspects of the ceremony are critical to the enjoyment. A part of Buddhist beliefs, it is more about the appreciation of the placement, structure and enjoyment than it is the actual drinking of the tea. Typically accompanied by delicately crafted sugary sweets, the tea itself is a green, frothy mixture and only plays a small role in the process.

Ginza

Hakone With views of Mt. Fuji visible on clear days, Hakone is a city located outside of Tokyo and part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. A popular destination for locals and tourists looking for a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hakone is famous for hot springs, an open-air sculpture museum and wetland gardens.

Lake Ashi Cruise Valued for its hot springs and spas, the scenic resort town of Hakone sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Ashi. Mt. Fuji rises in the distance as you cruise the deep-blue waters on a voyage that features incredible views of the mountain and stops at lakeside towns.

Matsumoto This 400-year-old castle is known as the “Crow Castle” because of its stunning black interior. It’s Japan’s oldest and most important historic castle, and as such, it is considered a National Treasure and an absolute must-see.

Takayama Catch a glimpse of the past in Takayama’s historic district that reveals its ancient culture. Explore the winding streets lined with traditional inns and houses. The well-preserved old town provides you with a great example of what rural Japan is like. The bustling open air markets where you can find lots of local food and handicrafts date back over 600 years.

Sake Tasting and Hida Beef Dinner Visit one of Japan’s oldest and last family-owned sake breweries. Enjoy a tasting of traditional rice wine and learn how it’s made and its significance in Japanese food culture. Pair your sake with the legendarily delicious Hida beef, only found in the Gifu Prefecture.

Kaiseki Dinner

Shirakawa-go Discover the unique fairy tale charm of this enchanting rural village and see why tourists from all over the world are drawn to this very place. Learn about the long history and unique architectural character of the centuries old wooden farmhouses that were built without the use of a single nail.

Kanazawa As a former home to the Meada feudal lords, Kanazawa today is one of two cities spared from the destruction of WWII. Because of this preservation, many of the original castles and buildings remain today, including the Ninja Temple and Kanazawa Castle. Another highlight is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kenroku-en.

Kyoto Once the imperial capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is also known as the city of 10,000 shrines. From Buddhist temples to Shinto shrines, Kyoto remains a treasure of Japan with the wide range of historic buildings and gardens protected during the bombings of WWII. Also the center of the Geisha culture, today's visitors can stroll through the former Geisha quarters or try their hand at being a "Geisha for a day" with the locals.

Bullet Train In Japan, high speed trains (bullet trains) are called “Shinkansen.” They run at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour and are known to depart on time right to the second.

Hiroshima A modern Japanese city, Hiroshima is most known for being one of two cities hit with an atomic bomb, helping to end the Second World War. Though reclaimed as a cosmopolitan center, the city is never far from its past; amongst the electric neon of its bustling streets, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park is a historical time capsule right in the city center that’s both a dedication to the victims of the bombing and to world peace. The park’s main site, the A-Bomb Dome is the mark of the ruined remains of the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The nearby Peace Memorial Museum gives you the opportunity to learn about life in Hiroshima before, during, and after WWII. For those interested in world history, Hiroshima is a must-see.

Maiko Show

Mode of Transport

Travel through Japan with ease and speed on the famous Shinkansen bullet train, offering a seamless and efficient way to explore the country's diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, Odakyu Hotel de Yama, Takayama Green Hotel, Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, and Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto, offering a blend of traditional and modern amenities throughout your journey in Japan.