Discover how Japan manages to blend ancient tradition with modern culture with Japan's Hidden Treasure vacation package. You'll learn about how the country has evolved over the centuries from the days of the Samurai to its present state. Lectures, tours, and independent exploration will enlighten you to the history of East Asia and you'll participate in many traditional ceremonies that will introduce you to Japanese culture. Over the span of 13 days, you'll experience many historical sites and areas that will give you a greater understanding of Japan.
Air 1: Overnight flight
An overnight flight* to Tokyo is how you'll begin your tour of Japan. You'll lose a day as you cross the International Dateline.
Day 2: Arrive Tokyo
Arrival in "The Land of the Rising Sun" is a vibrantly energetic experience. You'll touch down in Tokyo and prepare to take your unique journey.
Day 3: Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo manages to fuse both the traditional and contemporary cultures of Japan. You'll begin your exploration of this metropolis with the Meiji Shrine where you'll learn why Emperor Meiji, ruler from 1867-1912, is an important factor in how rapidly Japan modernized. A stroll through one of the oldest market streets in Japan, Nakamise Shopping Arcade, will be a special experience and is followed by a visit to Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple, Asakusa Kannon. You'll stop by the gates of the Imperial Palace and then the remainder of your day is free for independent exploration. Your welcome dinner will be served this evening.
Day 4: Tokyo - Hakone - Tokyo
You'll leave Tokyo to travel to Hakone. You'll take a tour on the Komagatake Ropeway cable car where you'll be able to view Lake Ashi, Mt. Futago, and Mt. Fuji. Views of the valley offer clear lakes, hot springs, and volcanic peaks. You'll then head over to the Itchiky Kubota Art Museum where you can view kimonos that have been given a "Tye-dye" look using only silk thread.
Day 5: Tokyo - Nagano
Travel on the Shikansen, better known as the "bullet train" to Nagano. You'll spend the afternoon taking a walking tour where you'll visit Zenkoji Temple, one of the most visited temples in Japan. You can then use the rest of the day to explore and sightsee on your own.
Day 6: Nagano
Spend some time in Obuse town, historical home and site of three museums linked to the famous painter Katsushika Hokusai. Local beef delicacies are on the menu for lunch today, a small sampling of the variety of flavors this region has to offer. You can then go to the only hot springs in the world where wild monkeys bathe, Jigokudani Yaen Koen.
Day 7: Nagano - Takayama
Stop at one of Japan's designated national treasures, Matsumoto Castle this morning. You will then go on to see wood block prints of Japanese customs and history at the Ukiyoe Museum. A visit to Daio Wasabi Nojo Farm will educate you about the process of growing wasabi, teach you how to make pickles, and provide you with a local lunch of tempura and soba noodles. You'll then be escorted to a traditional Japanese inn where you will spend the night. Don a kimono and enjoy a classic Japanese dinner in the evening and then luxuriate in the on site hot spring baths afterwards.
Day 8: Takayama - Kanazawa
A stroll through the morning market is a nice way to begin the day before you visit Takayama Jinya. A visit later on to Matsuri-no-Mori will entertain you with marionettes and floats. Drives through Gokayama and Shirakawago feature farmhouses thatched in the style of "gassho-zukuri," meaning "hands-clasped in prayer." You'll learn how to make Japanese paper at Gokoyama Washi-no-Sato.
Day 9: Kanazawa
Visit the traditional residence of the Nagamachi Samurai, the Nomura Family House. You'll then walk through a market that has been providing food for feudal lords and citizens alike for almost 3 centuries, Oumicho Fish Market. Visit a shima, otherwise known as a tea house, in the Geisha district of Higashi. You'll spend the afternoon at Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan.
Day 10: Kanazawa - Otsu
Your drive in the morning brings you to "The Museum of the Mountains," Miho Museum. The museum, a dream of Toyobo textiles heiress Mihoko Koyama, is home to an exclusive collection of antique from both the east and west. You'll then visit Otsu, former capital of Japan and check into your hotel along the shores of Lake Biwa.
Day 11: Otsu - Kyoto
Visit two of Kyoto's national treasures, Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle. Kiyomizu Temple offers a panoramic view of Kyoto as well as that of another temple, Sanjusangen-do. At Nijo Castle, you'll view the Ninomura Garden landscaped by architect master Kobori Enshu as well as other intricate art. Visit other temples such as Kinkakuji Temple or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. You'll engage in a traditional tea ceremony in the afternoon and then spend the evening either relaxing or taking a trip to Gion Corner where you will receive an overview of several kinds of traditional arts and entertainment.
Day 12: Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
Nara is Japan's first capital and your destination for today. Todaiji Temple, housing one of the largest bronze statues in the world and The Great Buddha Hall, the world's largest wooden structure, are national treasures. You'll visit the Kasuguga Taisha Shrine in the forest and marvel at it's thousands of lanterns. Your day out will end with a visit to Byodoin Temple and a look at the nearly 1,000 year old Phoenix Hall. You'll then meet up with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Day 13: Kyoto - Osaka - Tour Concludes
You'll depart on your flight home, gaining a day as you cross the International Dateline once more. Take time to remember all that you've learned and experienced during your journey to the Land of the Rising Sun.
*Airfare not included in total price
