JAPAN
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Immerse yourself in the wonders of Japan on this independent journey. Join a Shinto ceremony, learn a lesson in Zen meditation and enjoy entertainment by a geiko (geisha) and meiko (apprentice geisha).
A&K Advantages
A&K Advantages
- Gain an in-depth perspective on Japanese culture with four-night stays in Tokyo and Kyoto, exploring diverse neighborhoods and bustling markets on foot
- Travel at 186 mph on a bullet train along the classic stretch past majestic Mount Fuji
- Witness a Shinto ceremony in the ancient Toshogu Shrine, and capture the spirit of Japan with lessons in Zen meditation and the ancient art of the tea ceremony
- View the exalted flowering cherry tree, or sakura, which typically blooms in spring
- Be among the few to stay at Gôra Kadan, one of the country's most exclusive ryokans (traditional inns)
- Enjoy a guided walk through a portion of Kyoto's bustling Nishiki Market
- Visit the home and studio of one of Kyoto's most famous potters and view the collections on display
- Private journey
Days: 10 |
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Tokyo, Japan
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s exciting capital. Transfer to your hotel, located in the upscale Ginza district.
Imperial Hotel
Day 2: Tokyo
The Shrine of Meiji-JinguVisit the Imperial Palace Plaza and stroll the grounds of Meiji-Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Proceed to Asakusa Kannon Temple, pausing in the tiny shops of Nakamise-dori.
Imperial Hotel | Meals: B L
Day 3: Tokyo
Glamorous GinzaTake a guided tour of Ginza, a trendy neighborhood brimming with designer boutiques, chic restaurants and art galleries. Your afternoon is at leisure to experience Tokyo’s many attractions.
Imperial Hotel | Meals: B
Day 4: Tokyo
Wonderful Nikko National ParkThe Japanese have a saying: “Don’t say kekko (wonderful) without seeing Nikko.” Today, travel overland to Nikko National Park in the mountains north of Tokyo and discover this lovely region. Visit the magnificently carved 17th-century Toshogu Shrine and observe a special Shinto ceremony with a Shinto priest or miko (priestess).
Imperial Hotel | Meals: B L
Day 5: Hakone
Traditional Ryokan Travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring resorts, and view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park. Cruise Lake Ashi and board a gondola on the Komagatake Ropeway for a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Tonight, enjoy the unparalleled service and kaiseki cuisine at Gôra Kadan, a top-rated ryokan.
Gôra Kadan | Meals: B L D
Day 6: Kyoto
Bullet Train Ride and a Lesson in ZenBoard a 186-mph bullet train to Kyoto, the epicenter of Japan’s cultural, spiritual and artistic heritage. Kyoto boasts more than 2,000 temples and shrines, 17 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Walk before the 1,001 statues of Kannon at Sanjusangendo Temple, visit Kodai-ji for a lesson in Zen meditation and take part in a tea ceremony.
Kyoto Hotel Okura | Meals: B
Day 7: Kyoto to Nara
Gardens, Pavilions and TemplesTravel early this morning to contemplate the iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji and glittering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Next, visit ancient Nara, Japan’s first capital. Wander through Nara Park, home to over a thousand tame deer. Continue to eighth-century Todai-ji, a temple complex that contains the world’s largest wooden structure and the largest bronze Buddha in Japan. Known as a Daibutsu in Japanese, the giant Buddha is nearly 50 feet high. Later, return to Kyoto.
Kyoto Hotel Okura | Meals: B L
Day 8: Kyoto
Japanese Mingei Folk ArtThis morning, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and stand on its massive veranda for stunning city views. Then stroll along Gojozaka Hills, an area known for its many pottery studios, on your way to the home and studio of the late Kawai Kanjiro, one of Kyoto’s most famous potters, and one of the first to combine modern manufacturing methods with traditional Japanese and English designs. Kanjiro’s beautiful, unusual home — redesigned to resemble a country house — is filled with his own creations and his personal collection. After a Japanese-style lunch, your afternoon is at leisure.
Kyoto Hotel Okura | Meals: B L
Day 9: Kyoto
A Day at the MarketTake a guided walk through some of Kyoto’s Nishiki Market. The narrow, five-block-long market is lined with stalls offering a variety of products, from fresh seafood to cookware. Your afternoon is free to enjoy on your own, with abundant opportunities to shop for traditional arts and crafts, including textiles and ceramics.
Kyoto Hotel Okura | Meals: B
Day 10: KyotoTransfer
to Kansai or Itami Airport for your international flight home.
Meals: B
Day 1: Arrive Tokyo, Japan
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s exciting capital. Transfer to your hotel, located in the upscale Ginza district.
Imperial Hotel
Day 2: Tokyo
The Shrine of Meiji-JinguVisit the Imperial Palace Plaza and stroll the grounds of Meiji-Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Proceed to Asakusa Kannon Temple, pausing in the tiny shops of Nakamise-dori.
Imperial Hotel | Meals: B L
Day 3: Tokyo
Glamorous GinzaTake a guided tour of Ginza, a trendy neighborhood brimming with designer boutiques, chic restaurants and art galleries. Your afternoon is at leisure to experience Tokyo’s many attractions.
Imperial Hotel | Meals: B
Day 4: Tokyo
Wonderful Nikko National ParkThe Japanese have a saying: “Don’t say kekko (wonderful) without seeing Nikko.” Today, travel overland to Nikko National Park in the mountains north of Tokyo and discover this lovely region. Visit the magnificently carved 17th-century Toshogu Shrine and observe a special Shinto ceremony with a Shinto priest or miko (priestess).
Imperial Hotel | Meals: B L
Day 5: Hakone
Traditional Ryokan Travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring resorts, and view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park. Cruise Lake Ashi and board a gondola on the Komagatake Ropeway for a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Tonight, enjoy the unparalleled service and kaiseki cuisine at Gôra Kadan, a top-rated ryokan.
Gôra Kadan | Meals: B L D
Day 6: Kyoto
Bullet Train Ride and a Lesson in ZenBoard a 186-mph bullet train to Kyoto, the epicenter of Japan’s cultural, spiritual and artistic heritage. Kyoto boasts more than 2,000 temples and shrines, 17 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Walk before the 1,001 statues of Kannon at Sanjusangendo Temple, visit Kodai-ji for a lesson in Zen meditation and take part in a tea ceremony.
Kyoto Hotel Okura | Meals: B
Day 7: Kyoto to Nara
Gardens, Pavilions and TemplesTravel early this morning to contemplate the iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji and glittering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Next, visit ancient Nara, Japan’s first capital. Wander through Nara Park, home to over a thousand tame deer. Continue to eighth-century Todai-ji, a temple complex that contains the world’s largest wooden structure and the largest bronze Buddha in Japan. Known as a Daibutsu in Japanese, the giant Buddha is nearly 50 feet high. Later, return to Kyoto.
Kyoto Hotel Okura | Meals: B L
Day 8: Kyoto
Japanese Mingei Folk ArtThis morning, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and stand on its massive veranda for stunning city views. Then stroll along Gojozaka Hills, an area known for its many pottery studios, on your way to the home and studio of the late Kawai Kanjiro, one of Kyoto’s most famous potters, and one of the first to combine modern manufacturing methods with traditional Japanese and English designs. Kanjiro’s beautiful, unusual home — redesigned to resemble a country house — is filled with his own creations and his personal collection. After a Japanese-style lunch, your afternoon is at leisure.
Kyoto Hotel Okura | Meals: B L
Day 9: Kyoto
A Day at the MarketTake a guided walk through some of Kyoto’s Nishiki Market. The narrow, five-block-long market is lined with stalls offering a variety of products, from fresh seafood to cookware. Your afternoon is free to enjoy on your own, with abundant opportunities to shop for traditional arts and crafts, including textiles and ceramics.
Kyoto Hotel Okura | Meals: B
Day 10: KyotoTransfer
to Kansai or Itami Airport for your international flight home.
Meals: B