Discover Japan with Osaka

Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.

You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.

Welcome to Japan, the "Land of the Rising Sun" Tokyo is a mix of ancient Japanese culture and modern, dazzling architectural landmarks which we'll be able to explore over the next few days. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive program will be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel.

After breakfast, our Tour Director hosts an orientation and shares some vital information about Tokyo, Japan, and our program. Then, our full-day exploration of Tokyo starts with a visit to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of the former emperor and his wife and one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. We'll stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza for a photo before we enjoy a sushi-making class with a sushi chef, and eat our sushi for lunch. Our tour continues with a visit to Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo's most spectacular and sacred Buddhist temple. Narrow alleys filled with small shops, restaurants, and tranquil gardens surround the temple. Stroll along Nakamise Street nearby, filled with stores stocking treasure troves of traditional Japanese wares and crafts. This evening, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel.

Japan's pastoral countryside unfolds as we depart Tokyo today for Mt. Fuji and Hakone. The main attraction here is majestic Mt. Fuji, a dormant volcano that last erupted almost 300 years ago. The mountain's perfectly shaped cone has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Weather permitting, we'll drive up to the fifth station of the snow capped peak for panoramic vistas. Next, we'll embark on a scenic boat ride on tranquil Lake Ashi before we enjoy a gondola ride for a sweeping view of Hakone and Mt. Fuji. We'll return to Tokyo late this afternoon.

Spend a day at leisure to explore Tokyo from our conveniently located hotel. For a real taste of Japan, get up early and head for the colorful wholesale fish market! Or consider an optional tour to Nikko, a magnificent complex of shrines dedicated to the first shogun and adorned with some of the finest woodcarvings in all of Japan.

Note: Baggage will be transported separately from Tokyo to Takayama. Please arrange a small bag for 1 night in Tokyo.

This morning we'll take the super-express bullet "Shinkansen" train to Nagoya then transfer to a train to Takayama, a town nestled in the Japanese Alps with traditional-style architecture, ancient culture, and fascinating customs that have been proudly preserved. After settling in, we'll visit the Folkcraft Museum, formerly a private residence and prime example of Meiji Era architecture. We'll see huge floats decorated with intricate carvings, gilded wood, and detailed metalwork. This evening, we'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, we'll join our guide for a stroll through the fascinating Miyagawa Morning Market in the old town. This 200-year-old market bustles with farmers selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and traditional local crafts. We'll enjoy a sake tasting at the oldest sake brewery in Takayama while we learn more about how sake is made. We'll proceed to Takayama Jinya, a complex of 17th-century buildings that once housed Tokugawa Shogunate officials. Today, it is a museum with historical displays from the time of the direct rule to the Meiji Era. The balance of the day is free to explore Takayama's quaint old town, explore the charming Kami-Sannomachi District for shopping, or relax in a soothing traditional hot spring bath!

Today we'll enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside to the rural region of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we'll discover fascinating examples of old steep thatched roof houses. This unique architectural style, harmonized into the magnificent mountain landscape, was developed over 100 years ago to survive the harsh winters. We’ll visit one of these houses and learn more about daily life in this remote area. We'll continue to the village of Gokayama where we can enjoy a demonstration of traditional Japanese papermaking techniques. We'll have an opportunity to make three postcards with Washi paper with the guidance of a local expert. Later this afternoon we'll arrive in the Kanazawa, blending modern living with traditional heritage.

Today we'll see several of Kanazawa's famous sites before continuing to Kyoto. We'll be whisked back in time to the Edo period with a visit to Nagamachi district, a small neighborhood of narrow, cobblestone streets where brave samurai warriors once lived. Here we'll see the Nomura Family house's stone lanterns and bridges in the garden as well as the cypress-wood ceiling in the residence. We'll visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of the finest gardens in Japan, with its waterfalls, ponds and charming tea-houses before have lunch at the historic Omicho Market, a busy and colorful market that has some 200 shops selling seafood, vegetables, fruits, flowers, regional specialties and more.. Then, we'll stroll through the charming Higashi Geisha district followed by a gold leaf experience. Afterward, we'll take a train to splendid Kyoto which embodies Japan's rich culture and complex history.

The capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is a world-class gem and true oasis. Our first stop is one of Kyoto's most inspiring sights—the Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji). Built on pillars magnificently suspended over a lake, the top two floors of this fabled pavilion covered in gold leaf. Next, we'll visit the famous Arashiyama bamboo grove for a stroll along the forested path with relaxing sunlight dappling the ground. Afterward, we'll enjoy a tea making and tea tasting experience where we'll learn more about Japanese tea traditions. Next, we'll visit 17th-century Nijo Castle, which symbolized the power and riches of what was the newly established Edo-based Shogun. This evening, we'll enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Today we have a free day to explore ancient Kyoto's grace and beauty independently or join an optional tour. We can join an optional excursion to Nara, Japan's first capital and symbol of tranquility, where we can see the world's largest indoor Buddha. Or we might consider an optional excursion to Hiroshima by bullet train where we'll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Castle.

Note: Baggage will be transported separately form Kyoto to Osaka. Please arrange a small bag for 1 night in Kyoto.

After breakfast, we'll enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Osaka. We'll visit the lively Dotonbori District with its colorful neon signs. At Kuromon Market, we'll taste some local snacks from the market's food stalls before continuing to the Umeda Sky Building, one of Osaka's most recognizable buildings, where we'll visit the Garden Observatory. After the day's sightseeing, we'll check into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today we'll enjoy another full day of sightseeing with a visit to Himeji. We'll board the iconic Shinkansen bullet train for a 30-minute ride. After breathtaking views of Mt. Shosha Ropeway, we'll arrive at the historic Shoshazan Temple complex. We'll continue to Himeji Castle, one of Japan's most magnificent castles with its well-preserved castle grounds. Afterward, we'll return to Osaka by train where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Travelers who purchased the air-inclusive package will board their return flight to the U.S. today.