DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Japan
Depart for Japan

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive in dynamic Tokyo in the "Land of the Rising Sun"; transfer to your hotel. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6:30 PM. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM. Following the meeting there will be a light dinner served
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Tokyo National Museum, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Calligraphy Experience
Start your day with a visit to the Tokyo National Museum, housing one of the largest collections of art and archeological artifacts in Japan. Afterward, travel to the imposing Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) enshrining a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy; its entrance is dominated by a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red and black tones. Later, learn the basics of Japanese calligraphy, during a lesson with an artist. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Thursday - Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market, Sushi Demonstration, Imperial Palace
On today's tour of Tokyo, witness the stark contrasts of this dazzling city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology. To begin, visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in a beautiful forested area that honors the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress. Later, walk the lanes of the hectic Tsukiji Fish Market, famous for fish and seafood. Enjoy a culinary demonstration led by a professional sushi chef. Learn the art of creating sushi, or sashimi and have them for lunch afterward! In the afternoon, Imperial Palace East Garden*, a precious jewel of nature within the hectic city center and view the lovely Nijubashi Bridge that stretches over the moat in the outer gardens with its colorful displays of seasonal flowers*If the Imperial Palace East Garden is closed, the Nijubashi Bridge will be visited instead.
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Friday - Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Hakone National Park with Views of Mt. Fuji
A full day of breathtaking scenery as you travel south to Hakone, the most famous National Park in Japan. En route, stop to visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, situated in the wooded hills along the coast of Lake Kawaguchi. View exhibits of the textile artist Kubota Itchiku's kimono creations, depicting the themes of nature and the seasons. Continue along the scenic roads of rural Japan to Hakone where a gondola takes you on the Hakone Ropeway to the Owakudani Valley's extraordinary volcanic zone. On a clear day you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji*. Here, the bubbling pools cook eggs in the hot waters blackened by sulfur, and are said to prolong one's life by at least seven years. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around placid Lake Ashi, before returning to Tokyo. Tonight, be adventurous and explore Tokyo's incredible variety of cuisine!*Weather conditions around Mt. Fuji are challenging to predict, sometimes clouds will restrict views of the mountain & terrain. Poor weather conditions can sometimes prevent the operation of the cable car in Hakone.**For the Mar 04 departure, the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum will be closed and replaced with visits to the Oshi house and Fujisan World Heritage Center.
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Saturday - Bullet Train to Kanazawa, Kenroku-en Garden
Board the famous Shinkansen, or "bullet train," that takes you to Kanazawa south of the Noto Peninsula, with its winding cobblestone streets, Samurai residences, Geisha houses, lavish gardens and a flower filled open-air market. Stroll through Kenroku-en Garden, one of the country's most elite gardens with its elaborate water fountains and designs. Check into your hotel and spend time at leisure
Overnight: Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7, Sunday - Thatched Farmhouses, Takayama's Old Town
Travel from Kaga to a remote mountainous region, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its villages of thatched gassho-zukuri (praying hands) farmhouses. Visit the historic village of Ogimachi and the ruins of its castle, dating back to medieval times. From atop the observation deck, see the amazing view of an entire settlement of thatched style houses. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Next, take a tour of a sake brewery, and taste the different types of sake before continuing to 16th century Takayama, with its meticulously preserved Old Town. Upon arrival, visit the Yatai Kaikan Hall housing intricately designed wooden floats brought out only for major festivals. Later, you arrive at a scenic mountain resort for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Takayama
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Takayama's Historic District, Morning Farmer's Market, Kyoto
The delightful town of Takayama, with its wealth of museums, galleries, and impressive temples, is often called "Little Kyoto." A walking tour includes the remarkably preserved Edo-period merchants' shops and houses in the Sanno-machi Historic District. Visit the morning market along the Miya River with farmers and craftsmen selling everything from vegetables to clothing and hand carvings. Continue to Takayama Jinya, a historic government house converted to a museum. Across the river lies the Sanmachi-Suji (district) of sake breweries, cafes and immaculately preserved old private houses. Travel to enchanting and historic Kyoto, founded in the 8th century, one of the early capitals of Japan. Visit impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its ten thousand vermilion torii gates
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Tuesday - Kyoto's Cultural Heritage & Tea Ceremony, Zen Meditation
Begin your exploration of Kyoto with a tour of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. Its ornate interior is handcrafted out of Japanese cypress. Next, familiarize yourself with Zen meditation, a calming practice deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, where you participate in the ritualized art of preparing and serving tea, savoring the hospitality of the host in an atmosphere distinctly different from the fast pace of everyday life. Continue to Nishiki Market, lined with more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Here, you will find Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles and dried seafood, as well as fresh produce, and seasonal foods. After, take a walk in Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Wednesday - Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kimono Dressing
Discover the beautiful cultural heritage of Kyoto that has spanned the centuries. Head outside the city to Arashiyama bamboo forest. Begin with a visit to Tenryuj Temple's sprawling Zen garden, one of the finest gardens in Kyoto. Then, take a stroll through the stunning bamboo grove, followed by a ride on a traditional Japanese rickshaw, a unique experience! Visit the celebrated Kinkaku-ji Temple, "the Golden Pavilion," and understand why this magnificent gold leaf covered temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, dress in an authentic kimono during a visit to a Kyoto-style home. Later, attend a traditional shamisen (Japanese guitar) show. Spend the rest of the day at leisure for individual pursuits
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Thursday - Imperial Nara, Todai-ji Temple, Deer Park, Kasuga Grand Shrine, Maiko Dance Performance
This morning, travel by private bus to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, repository of Japan's cultural heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. Arrive at the exquisite wooden Todai-ji Temple, home of the impressive Daibutsu (Great Buddha) bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high. You then continue to Nara (Deer) Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. Proceed to the famous and beautiful Kasuga Grand Shrine displaying over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. Time to freshen up before tonight's dinner at a local restaurant, featuring a traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance that reflects the core of Japanese culture
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Friday - Bullet Train to Hiroshima, Hiroshima Castle
This morning, transfer to the train station and board the bullet train to Hiroshima. Pass by quaint port towns and enjoy the scenery as well as views of the enchanting Inland Sea. Upon arrival, visit the Hiroshima Castle, also called the Carp Castle, beautifully reconstructed after the original castle was destroyed by the atomic bombing. The castle features an impressive moat and an outside balcony at the top of the keep, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. Inside, view exhibits portraying the history of Hiroshima and the castle. Later, check into your hotel
Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Saturday - Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Enchanting Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine
Begin the day with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum containing an extensive collection of artifacts from the time of the bombing. The compelling exhibitions, chronicle the history of Hiroshima before and after the bombing in pictures movies and displays. Proceed to the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a structure that miraculously survived the August 6, 1945 attack. Take a moment to reflect on the heartbreaking history of the region. Afterward, head to Hiroshima station for your journey to Miyajima. Then, board a ferry to the idyllic Miyajima Island, an area known as one of Japan's most beautiful landscapes. Disembark and begin the exploration of the island. Learn the rich history of the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its iconic floating torii gate. Mountains and lush forests back the island's shrines while gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea, will enchant you. Stoll along Omotesando Street, the main shopping area with its plethora of restaurants and snack stands. Try the local specialty Momiji Manju, a sweet red bean paste pastry, shaped like a Japanese maple leaf. Board the ferry and head back to Hiroshima. Bid goodbye to your Tour Manager at dinner
Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Sunday - Depart Japan
Sayonara! Transfer to the airport in Hiroshima for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast