Luxury Tailor Made Journeys depart on the dates that work for you and feature expert local guides throughout your journey. The itinerary below can be customized to your interests.
ARRIVE TOKYO, JAPAN
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s exciting capital. Transfer to your hotel, and enjoy the expansive views over the city.
TOKYO | Imperial History
Begin your day with a photo stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza. Continue to the Edo Tokyo Museum, built to preserve the heritage of the city's last 400 years. Visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, pausing in the tiny shops of Nakamise-dori. The colorful pagoda-style temple was completed in 645 and is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy in several East Asian spiritual traditions.
TOKYO | Vibrant Neighborhoods
This morning, see the Meiji Shrine, which is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. After passing under its large cypress torii gates, enjoy the peaceful, park-like atmosphere of its expansive 175-acre grounds. Continue Tokyo's vibrant Harajuku district, where the city's youth gather to see and be seen sporting colorful, eclectic fashions. Next, stroll Omotesando Street, another fashion hub of the local youth culture. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
HAKONE | STAY AT A TRADITIONAL RYOKAN
Travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring resorts, and view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park, an area encompassing coastlines, mountains, lakes and more than 1,000 volcanic islands. Embark on a scenic cruise of Lake Ashi, gliding past the wooded mountain slopes that enclose it. Next, board an aerial tram for stunning views of Mount Fuji. Stroll the grassy hillsides of Hakone’s Open Air Museum, taking in sculptures and artwork from the likes of Picasso and Henry Moore. Tonight, enjoy unparalleled service and traditional Japanese cuisine at Gôra Kadan, a top-rated ryokan.
KYOTO | BULLET TRAIN RIDE & Tea Ceremony
This morning after breakfast, ride like a local by bullet train to Kyoto, moving at speeds approaching 175 miles per hour. Upon arrival in Kyoto, proceed to a local temple, where you experience the art of the tea ceremony, noting its refined sense of hospitality and etiquette, which date to the time of the samurai. Then, wander through centuries-old Nishiki Market, strolling its five-block-long stretch of shops and restaurants frequented by locals and visitors alike.
NARA | JAPAN’S SPIRITUAL HERITAGE
Begin your day with a visit to Nara, where Japan’s first permanent capital was established in 710. Tour Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most historically significant Buddhist temples in Japan. Enter its spacious main hall to behold the Daibutsu — the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. Stroll the grounds of Nara Park, which surround the temple, watching for the deer that roam free there. Next, visit Kasuga Shrine, a renowned Shinto shrine noted for its architecture and the distinctive style of its hanging lamps. Tour a sake brewery and sample the elixir brewed using the clean, soft water drawn up from underground springs.
KYOTO | THE GOLDEN PAVILION & BAMBOO GROVE
Today, discover the glittering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), covered with gold leaf, surrounded by finely manicured green gardens, and set on a lovely, tranquil pond. Later, explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a lush oasis home to monkeys and towering stalks of bamboo. Bask in the magical atmosphere here, peacefully walking a winding path, as sunlight filters down through bamboo gently swaying in the breeze. Later, visit Togetsu Bridge, a picturesque span in keeping with the Japanese aesthetic.
DEPART OSAKA
After breakfast, transfer to Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport, both located just outside of Osaka, for your flight home.
Enhance Your Journey
Elevate your experience with a host of options available for an additional cost.
Learn the Local Traditions of Kimonos & Calligraphy
Proceed to a local Kyoto temple, where you take part in a traditional kimono-wearing ceremony and an expertly led calligraphy or origami lesson.
TOKYO TAIKO DRUMMING EXPERIENCE
Journey to Asakusa for an insider-access opportunity to visit a historic family-owned drum shop, where you learn about Japanese drums and try your hand at the taiko. Learn the ropes from the shopkeepers, whose family members designed the musical instruments for traditional and worldwide events, including the emperor ceremonies and the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Sake Tasting
Set out on a Japanese sake-tasting adventure, exploring the city and sampling the subtle and delicate flavor profiles of traditional Japanese alcohols while learning about their cultural importance.
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