Take an 8-night trip and embark on a journey to the historically significant sites of Japan. Start your trip in Tokyo with a half-day tour that includes the Imperial Palace and the Tokyo Tower. The next day, take a scenic drive up the slope of Mt. Fuji, en route to Lake Ashi and a ropeway ride up to the highest peak in Hakone. The following morning take a bullet train to Kanazawa and stroll through the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden. Next, take a scenic route to Takayama, with an elevated view of the thatch-roofed villages of Shirakawago, a World Heritage site. Travel to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, where a full-day tour includes the Golden Pavilion and the historic castle of Nijo. Return to Tokyo for one more night before flying back to the US. Starting from $5,385, including air, with guaranteed weekly departures.
Day 1, Tuesday/Wednesday - Los Angeles/Tokyo
Depart the USA via Singapore Airlines trans-Pacific flight for Tokyo. Cross the International Date Line en route.
Day 2, Wednesday/Thursday - Tokyo
Arrive at Narita Airport and transfer to your hotel. (Keio Plaza)
Day 3, Thursday/Friday - Tokyo
Half-day excursion includes a walk at the Imperial Palace Plaza, a drive-by through National Diet Building, a panoramic view of the city from the main observatory of Tokyo Tower, and visits to Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own. (B)
Day 4, Friday/Saturday - Mt. Fuji and Hakone
Depart via motorcoach for a scenic drive up the slope of Mt. Fuji to the Fifth Station and enjoy a spectacular view above the clouds at 7,546 feet high. After lunch, drive to Lake Ashi for a boat ride, if available. Then take a ropeway ride up to Mt. Komagatake, the highest peak in Hakone, for a bird’s-eye view. Return to Tokyo via bullet train. Overnight in Tokyo. (B/L)
Day 5, Saturday/Sunday – Tokyo/Kanazawa
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, transfer to train station and board a high-speed bullet train to Kanazawa. On arrival, tour Nagamachi district, known for its historic samurai class. Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, one of the top three Japanese gardens, and a stone-paved street lined by wooden-latticed exteriors of teahouses. (Hotel Kanazawa) (B)
Day 6, Sunday/Monday - Takayama
This morning, depart from the hotel along a scenic route. Enjoy an elevated view of the thatch-roofed villages of Shirakawago, a World Heritage site, and visit a traditional thatch-roofed farmhouse. After lunch (not included in tour cost), continue to Takayama. Visit Yatai Kaikan, which displays some of the colorfully decorated floats used in the famous Takayama Festival. Also, visit an historical Japanese-style townhouse with a range of exquisite folk art. Continue sightseeing at castle town, where the old streets retain traces from the 17th to 19th centuries. Return to your hotel in Kanazawa for overnight. (B/L)
Day 7, Monday/Tuesday - Kanazawa/Kyoto
Take a mid-morning train and travel to Kyoto. (Rihga Royal) (B)
Day 8, Tuesday/Wednesday - Kyoto
Full-day tour includes the historic castle of Nijo, completed in 1626 and built to provide lodging for the Tokugawa Shogun and as a palladium for Kyoto Imperial Palace. The elaborate carvings and decors in the Ninomaru Palace are a must-see. Also, see Kinkaku-Ji Temple (known as the Golden Pavilion) and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. After lunch, continue to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine; Sanjusangen-do Temple, which houses 1,001 life-size statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy; and an historic shopping lane leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. (B/L)
Day 9, Wednesday/Thursday - Kyoto/Tokyo
Transfer to the train station and board a bullet train to Tokyo. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. (Keio Plaza) (B)
Day 10, Thursday/Friday - Tokyo/Los Angeles
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Los Angeles. Arrive home the same day. (B)