Ancient Temples, Bullet Trains and the Most Beautiful City on Earth: Japan
12 Nights – Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Gero Onsen, Kanazawa & Kyoto – Japan
- • Duration: 13 days
- • Countries: Japan
- • Cities: Gero Onsen, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Takayama, Hiroshima, Hakone, Kyoto, Gero Onsen
- • Valid Travel Dates: 20 February 2027 - 18 November 2027
Trip Summary
Thirteen days that move through Japan from its modern capital to its imperial heart — slowly enough to absorb what each place is actually offering. Tokyo opens with three nights at the Shangri-La in Marunouchi: the city's temples and towers, a Kagura ceremonial blessing, taiko drumming, and a sumo demonstration that puts one of Japan's oldest traditions in proper context. Hakone follows — Mount Fuji filling the horizon on clear mornings, the Hakone Open-Air Museum turning a hillside into an extraordinary gallery, and a flower arranging class rooted in Japanese aesthetic tradition. Then inland to Takayama and Gero Onsen, where the Yunoshimakan Ryokan offers the first real stillness of the trip: wooden architecture, onsen bathing, and the pace of a place that has not changed much in a century. Kanazawa's preserved samurai and geisha districts and the extraordinary Kenroku-en garden precede the closing chapter in Kyoto — Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu Temple, and a private home visit with tea ceremony and origami that holds more of Japan's essence than any museum could. Your Resident Tour Director accompanies the entire journey. Luggage moves ahead.
Countries
- Japan
Cities
- Gero Onsen
- Kanazawa
- Tokyo
- Takayama
- Hiroshima
- Hakone
- Kyoto
- Gero Onsen
Accommodation
- Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa – Hakone
- Yunoshimakan Ryokan – Gero Onsen
- Hyatt Centric Kanazawa – Kanazawa
- Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto – Kyoto
- Shangri-La Tokyo – Tokyo
Inclusions
- ✓Guided sightseeing and cultural experiences as outlined in the daily itinerary
- ✓Private home visit in Kyoto with tea ceremony and origami
- ✓Geisha district exploration
- ✓Kagura ceremonial blessing and taiko drumming in Tokyo
- ✓Lake Ashi ferry ride with Mount Fuji views
- ✓Hakone Open-Air Museum visit
- ✓Flower arranging class in Hakone
- ✓Visits to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Kiyomizu Temple
- ✓Sumo wrestling demonstration
- ✓Meals specifically mentioned within the daily itinerary
- ✓12 nights in listed accommodations
Exclusions
- ✗Travel insurance (unless Guest Protection is purchased)
- ✗Personal expenses such as phone charges, laundry, etc.
- ✗Any services not specifically listed in the inclusions
- ✗International airfare
Optional Add-Ons(Not Included in Package Price!)
- International Airfare: Air travel to and from Japan is not included and may be arranged separately.
- Pre-Tour or Post-Tour Hotel Nights: Additional nights in Tokyo or Kyoto beyond the scheduled 12-night program.
- Optional Experiences or Personal Enhancements: Any activities not specifically included in the confirmed itinerary.
- Private Airport Transfers (if outside scheduled arrival/departure windows)
- Subject to operator policy and availability.
- Guest Protection Plan: Listed at $799 per person for Asia land tours. Provides cancellation flexibility and travel protection benefits.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
City: Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s dynamic capital where centuries-old tradition meets modern precision. After arrival, transfer to Shangri-La Tokyo, located in the Marunouchi district near Tokyo Station. The remainder of the day is reserved for arrival and settling in before the journey officially begins.
City: Tokyo
Begin guided exploration of Tokyo with structured sightseeing introducing both historic and contemporary aspects of the city. The day includes a Kagura ceremonial blessing and taiko drumming, offering insight into traditional Shinto ritual and performance art. Additional touring provides context into Tokyo’s layered cultural identity.
City: Tokyo
Continue guided exploration of Tokyo. The program includes a sumo wrestling demonstration, providing perspective on one of Japan’s most historic sporting traditions. Further sightseeing highlights the city’s cultural districts and daily rhythms.
City: Hakone
Depart Tokyo for Hakone, a region known for its mountainous scenery and proximity to Mount Fuji. Cruise across Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji in clear weather. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring large-scale sculptures set within landscaped grounds.
City: Hakone
Continue exploration of Hakone with a flower arranging class rooted in Japanese aesthetic tradition. The day allows further time in the region before continuing deeper into the country.
City: Takayama, Gero Onsen
Travel toward Takayama and onward to Gero Onsen, one of Japan’s established hot spring regions. Check into a traditional ryokan, where the experience reflects classic Japanese inn hospitality. Guests may experience onsen bathing in a traditional setting.
City: Kanazawa
Travel to Kanazawa, a city known for preserved historic districts and samurai-era architecture. Guided exploration introduces traditional neighborhoods and the cultural legacy that defines the city.
City: Kanazawa
Continue sightseeing in Kanazawa, including visits to traditional gardens and heritage areas that reflect the city’s historic role in Japan’s feudal era.
City: Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan. Begin guided exploration of historic districts and architectural landmarks that define the city’s cultural importance.
City: Kyoto
Visit Nijo Castle, once home to the Tokugawa shogunate, followed by Kinkaku-ji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion. The day focuses on Kyoto’s architectural and political history.
City: Kyoto
Experience a private home visit featuring a traditional tea ceremony and origami. Explore a geisha district with expert guidance, offering insight into one of Kyoto’s enduring cultural traditions.
City: Kyoto
Visit Kiyomizu Temple, one of Kyoto’s most recognized historic sites. Continue guided exploration of the city’s cultural and spiritual landmarks.
City: Kyoto
The journey concludes in Kyoto. Departure arrangements proceed according to individual travel plans.
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