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Traditions of Japan
  • Tour Code:319
  • Length: 9 Days
  • Tour Quality: First Class
  • Tour Type: Escorted Tour
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Dates & Prices


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Mon, Nov 23, 2009Tue, Dec 01, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Nov 24, 2009Wed, Dec 02, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Nov 25, 2009Thu, Dec 03, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Nov 26, 2009Fri, Dec 04, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Nov 27, 2009Sat, Dec 05, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sat, Nov 28, 2009Sun, Dec 06, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sun, Nov 29, 2009Mon, Dec 07, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Mon, Nov 30, 2009Tue, Dec 08, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Dec 01, 2009Wed, Dec 09, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Dec 02, 2009Thu, Dec 10, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Dec 03, 2009Fri, Dec 11, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Dec 04, 2009Sat, Dec 12, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sat, Dec 05, 2009Sun, Dec 13, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sun, Dec 06, 2009Mon, Dec 14, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Mon, Dec 07, 2009Tue, Dec 15, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Dec 08, 2009Wed, Dec 16, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Dec 09, 2009Thu, Dec 17, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Dec 10, 2009Fri, Dec 18, 2009Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Dec 11, 2009Sat, Dec 19, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sat, Dec 12, 2009Sun, Dec 20, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sun, Dec 13, 2009Mon, Dec 21, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Mon, Dec 14, 2009Tue, Dec 22, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Tue, Dec 15, 2009Wed, Dec 23, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Wed, Dec 16, 2009Thu, Dec 24, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Thu, Dec 17, 2009Fri, Dec 25, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Fri, Dec 18, 2009Sat, Dec 26, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sat, Dec 19, 2009Sun, Dec 27, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sun, Dec 20, 2009Mon, Dec 28, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Mon, Dec 21, 2009Tue, Dec 29, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Tue, Dec 22, 2009Wed, Dec 30, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Wed, Dec 23, 2009Thu, Dec 31, 2009Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Thu, Dec 24, 2009Fri, Jan 01, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Fri, Dec 25, 2009Sat, Jan 02, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Tue, Jan 05, 2010Wed, Jan 13, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Wed, Jan 06, 2010Thu, Jan 14, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Thu, Jan 07, 2010Fri, Jan 15, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Fri, Jan 08, 2010Sat, Jan 16, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sat, Jan 09, 2010Sun, Jan 17, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sun, Jan 10, 2010Mon, Jan 18, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Mon, Jan 11, 2010Tue, Jan 19, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Tue, Jan 12, 2010Wed, Jan 20, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Wed, Jan 13, 2010Thu, Jan 21, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Thu, Jan 14, 2010Fri, Jan 22, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Fri, Jan 15, 2010Sat, Jan 23, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sat, Jan 16, 2010Sun, Jan 24, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sun, Jan 17, 2010Mon, Jan 25, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Mon, Jan 18, 2010Tue, Jan 26, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Tue, Jan 19, 2010Wed, Jan 27, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Wed, Jan 20, 2010Thu, Jan 28, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Thu, Jan 21, 2010Fri, Jan 29, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Fri, Jan 22, 2010Sat, Jan 30, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sat, Jan 23, 2010Sun, Jan 31, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sun, Jan 24, 2010Mon, Feb 01, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Mon, Jan 25, 2010Tue, Feb 02, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Tue, Jan 26, 2010Wed, Feb 03, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Wed, Jan 27, 2010Thu, Feb 04, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Thu, Jan 28, 2010Fri, Feb 05, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Fri, Jan 29, 2010Sat, Feb 06, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sat, Jan 30, 2010Sun, Feb 07, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sun, Jan 31, 2010Mon, Feb 08, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Mon, Feb 01, 2010Tue, Feb 09, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Tue, Feb 02, 2010Wed, Feb 10, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Wed, Feb 03, 2010Thu, Feb 11, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Thu, Feb 04, 2010Fri, Feb 12, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Fri, Feb 05, 2010Sat, Feb 13, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sat, Feb 06, 2010Sun, Feb 14, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sun, Feb 07, 2010Mon, Feb 15, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Mon, Feb 08, 2010Tue, Feb 16, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Tue, Feb 09, 2010Wed, Feb 17, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Wed, Feb 10, 2010Thu, Feb 18, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Thu, Feb 11, 2010Fri, Feb 19, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Fri, Feb 12, 2010Sat, Feb 20, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sat, Feb 13, 2010Sun, Feb 21, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sun, Feb 14, 2010Mon, Feb 22, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Mon, Feb 15, 2010Tue, Feb 23, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Tue, Feb 16, 2010Wed, Feb 24, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Wed, Feb 17, 2010Thu, Feb 25, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Thu, Feb 18, 2010Fri, Feb 26, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Fri, Feb 19, 2010Sat, Feb 27, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sat, Feb 20, 2010Sun, Feb 28, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sun, Feb 21, 2010Mon, Mar 01, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Mon, Feb 22, 2010Tue, Mar 02, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Tue, Feb 23, 2010Wed, Mar 03, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Wed, Feb 24, 2010Thu, Mar 04, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Thu, Feb 25, 2010Fri, Mar 05, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Fri, Feb 26, 2010Sat, Mar 06, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sat, Feb 27, 2010Sun, Mar 07, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Sun, Feb 28, 2010Mon, Mar 08, 2010Call Us$6,999Call Us$6,509Quote
Mon, Mar 01, 2010Tue, Mar 09, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Mar 02, 2010Wed, Mar 10, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Mar 03, 2010Thu, Mar 11, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Mar 04, 2010Fri, Mar 12, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Mar 05, 2010Sat, Mar 13, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sat, Mar 06, 2010Sun, Mar 14, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sun, Mar 07, 2010Mon, Mar 15, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Mon, Mar 08, 2010Tue, Mar 16, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Mar 09, 2010Wed, Mar 17, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Mar 10, 2010Thu, Mar 18, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Mar 11, 2010Fri, Mar 19, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Mar 12, 2010Sat, Mar 20, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sat, Mar 13, 2010Sun, Mar 21, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sun, Mar 14, 2010Mon, Mar 22, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Mon, Mar 15, 2010Tue, Mar 23, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Mar 16, 2010Wed, Mar 24, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Mar 17, 2010Thu, Mar 25, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Mar 18, 2010Fri, Mar 26, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Mar 19, 2010Sat, Mar 27, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sat, Mar 20, 2010Sun, Mar 28, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sun, Mar 21, 2010Mon, Mar 29, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Mon, Mar 22, 2010Tue, Mar 30, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Mar 23, 2010Wed, Mar 31, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Mar 24, 2010Thu, Apr 01, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Mar 25, 2010Fri, Apr 02, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Mar 26, 2010Sat, Apr 03, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sat, Mar 27, 2010Sun, Apr 04, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sun, Mar 28, 2010Mon, Apr 05, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Mon, Mar 29, 2010Tue, Apr 06, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Mar 30, 2010Wed, Apr 07, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Mar 31, 2010Thu, Apr 08, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Apr 01, 2010Fri, Apr 09, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Apr 02, 2010Sat, Apr 10, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sat, Apr 03, 2010Sun, Apr 11, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sun, Apr 04, 2010Mon, Apr 12, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Mon, Apr 05, 2010Tue, Apr 13, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Apr 06, 2010Wed, Apr 14, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Apr 07, 2010Thu, Apr 15, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Apr 08, 2010Fri, Apr 16, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Apr 09, 2010Sat, Apr 17, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sat, Apr 10, 2010Sun, Apr 18, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sun, Apr 11, 2010Mon, Apr 19, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Mon, Apr 12, 2010Tue, Apr 20, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Apr 13, 2010Wed, Apr 21, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Apr 14, 2010Thu, Apr 22, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Apr 15, 2010Fri, Apr 23, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Apr 16, 2010Sat, Apr 24, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sat, Apr 17, 2010Sun, Apr 25, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sun, Apr 18, 2010Mon, Apr 26, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Mon, Apr 19, 2010Tue, Apr 27, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Apr 20, 2010Wed, Apr 28, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Apr 21, 2010Thu, Apr 29, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Apr 22, 2010Fri, Apr 30, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Apr 23, 2010Sat, May 01, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sat, Apr 24, 2010Sun, May 02, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Sun, Apr 25, 2010Mon, May 03, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Mon, Apr 26, 2010Tue, May 04, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Tue, Apr 27, 2010Wed, May 05, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Wed, Apr 28, 2010Thu, May 06, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Thu, Apr 29, 2010Fri, May 07, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
Fri, Apr 30, 2010Sat, May 08, 2010Call Us$7,299Call Us$6,788Quote
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Itinerary

Traditions of Japan Map

Tour Highlights

Tour Itinerary

This General Tours World Traveler Privately Guided Journey... promises a uniquely personal and in-depth exploration of Japan. With a private guide at your side, you’ll immerse in many fascinating facets of Japan – both ancient and modern – from the most revered monuments to quiet city backstreets and rural landscapes that reveal the timeless traditions and vibrant 21st century spirit of Japan.

Day 1 - Tokyo, Japan

Check-in to your choice of hotel, the deluxe Keio Plaza Hotel or the luxurious Park Hyatt Tokyo - both perfectly situated in Shinjuku, one of the city’s most popular districts for world-class shopping, great dining, and diverse entertainment.

Day 2 - Tokyo / Privately Guided Sightseeing

Tokyo is planted squarely in the 21st century and modern in every respect. But delve deeper and you’ll find ancient sites and age-old traditions - a fascinating contrast which you’ll explore today with your private car, driver, and guide. Your visit to the picturesque Imperial Palace Plaza offers insight into the private lives of Japan’s Imperial family. Later, stroll among the vendors of the bustling Nakamise Arcade to Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest in the city, as your guide offers insight into the spiritual and cultural traditions that shape the city and its residents. Then take in the breathtaking views from the new Roppongi Hills City View Observatory before returning to your hotel. The balance of your afternoon and evening are at leisure. Meals B

Day 3 - Tokyo – Privately Guided Nikko Excursion

Japan’s vaunted rail system is a marvel of comfort and efficiency. This morning, join your personal guide and walk to close-by Shinjuku Train Station to begin your full-day excursion to Nikko. Marvel at the 17th-century Toshogu Shrine, a magnificent complex set against the wooded splendor of Nikko National Park. Continue on to tranquil Lake Chuzenji and the beautiful Kegon Waterfall before returning to Tokyo by train early in the evening. Meals B

Day 4 - Tokyo / Matsumoto / Takayama

A morning train ride brings you to Matsumoto for a private sightseeing tour through one of Japan’s most impressive castles. Matsumoto Castle is a wonderful example of a Hirajiro – or a castle built on a plain rather than on a mountain or hilltop. Constructed in the early 1600’s, the castle’s imposing black stone walls rise impressively from an expansive moat that surrounds most of the castle grounds. You also visit the Ukiyoe Art Museum to see one of the country’s most respected collections of traditional woodblock prints. Continue onward into the lovely Japan Alps to the enchanting town of Takayama. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight at the deluxe Associa Takayama Resort. Meals B,D

Day 5 - Explore Takayama / Private Shirakawago Excursion

This picturesque mountain town was revered during the Edo period for the great skill of its carpenters, and many fine homes and shops were built during this time. Today, Takayama’s old town is wonderfully preserved with centuries-old wooden buildings and even entire streets of homes dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. Today’s privately guided sightseeing includes Takayama Jinya, a complex of 17th century buildings that once housed officials of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Visit the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall to see parade floats that have been used for centuries during the city’s renowned spring and autumn festivals. Some of these grand floats, dating back hundreds of years, are decorated with Karakuri Ningyo – sophisticated mechanical figures that can move and dance – testament to the skill of Takayama’s long-ago craftsmen.

Then journey into Shirakawago, a peaceful mountain region of rural villages. In Ogimachi, you’ll see marvelous examples of Gassho-Zukuri, or ‘Joined Hands Farmhouses’. Designed to survive heavy winter snowfalls, these charming homes – some more than 200 years old – have steeply pitched thatched roofs that resemble two hands held together in prayer. Return to Takayama where your evening is at leisure. Meals B

Day 6 - Takayama / Kyoto – Gion Walking Tour

Depart by express train this morning for Kyoto, where you’ll be escorted to your luxury hotel, the Hyatt Regency Kyoto in the heart of the city. Take advantage of your hotel’s prime location to step out on your own in the afternoon. Kyoto has long been revered as the artistic, spiritual and cultural heart of the country – and a stroll through the friendly streets is a delightful experience. This evening, your guide will lead you on a memorable walking tour in Gion, the city’s ancient entertainment district where Kabuki and Geisha traditions began centuries ago. Exploring with your guide through the narrow streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, you’re likely to see a Maiko – an apprentice Geisha – hurrying on her way to music, dance or conversation lessons. Meals B

Day 7 - Kyoto / Full Day Privately Guided Sightseeing

Join your guide this morning to discover Kyoto’s most revered sights, beginning at Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion. Established in the 14th century but rebuilt after a devastating fire, this much photographed golden temple is perfectly situated by a tranquil pond and surrounded by beautiful gardens and forested hills. Then tour the impressive, vermilion-hued Heian Shrine and Nijo Castle, famous for its ‘Nightingale Floors’ that chirp like birds when walked upon – a clever security measure to protect the Shogun from would-be assassins! In the afternoon, we’ve made special arrangements for you to visit with a Kyoto family. Experience a traditional tea ceremony and learn about Japanese culture and daily life – perhaps cooking, flower arranging (Ikebana), calligraphy, or the elaborate and complex process of donning a kimono. Meals B

Day 8 - Kyoto – Day at Leisure

Enjoy this day to explore at your own pace. With more than 1,000 years of history – and home to 20% of Japan’s designated National Treasures – there’s no shortage of sites to see or things to do in this sophisticated city, from peaceful Zen gardens and Shinto shrines to landscaped parks and vibrant commercial districts filled with cafes, eateries, and boutiques.

Day 9 - Kyoto

General Tours program finishes this morning. Or, explore more of Japan and Asia with General Tours flexible and affordable FreeStyle Add-ons. Meals B

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What's Included

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Accommodations

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Note: All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. Please call us toll free at 1-800-935-2620 to confirm availability and current pricing on all our discounted specials. The prices on this website are not guaranteed until a deposit has been made. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Some land prices may include an internal air component and discounts will not be offered on the internal air component. Discounts will not be offered on packages with a land price of less than $500.


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