Highlights of Japan
Tokyo • Nagano • Ainokura Village • Kanazawa • Kyoto • Nara
Tour Highlights
- Experience a luxury Japan Tour on China Advocates’ Classical Highlight of Japan itinerary.
- Take in the breathtaking views of Tokyo from 52 stories high at the Tokyo City View Observatory.
- Marvel at the macaques of Jigokudani Monkey Park who bath in the natural hot springs.
- Explore the charming thatched roof buildings of Ainokura village.
- Explore the historic entertainment district of Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district.
- Meet with the American Buddhist priest and scholar of Zen Buddhism, Tom Kirchner at Tenryuji Temple, enjoy a special vegetarian lunch prepared by the temple staff.
- Take a day trip to Nara to visit Todaji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, Isui Garden, and the Deer Park.
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- City View, Tokyo
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- Kinkakuji, Kyoto
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- Maiko, Kyoto
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- Kasuga Shrine, Nara
Trip Details
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Arrive in Tokyo, transfer on your own to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free.
Accommodations: Marunouchi Hotel
Meals Included: None
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Start your time in Japan with a trip to the Tokyo City View Observatory to take in the breathtaking views from 52 stories high. Continue onto the Meiji Jingu Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, the great-grandparents of the present emperor. Walk the fashionable Omotesando and Aoyama Streets to soak in modern Japanese culture. Enjoy exploring the Mitsukoshi Depachika founded in 1673, Mitsukoshi’s Ginza branch has one of the city’s best depachika where the highest quality of culinary delights are artistically crafted and displayed. Stroll through Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes. The evening is free with dinner on own.
Accommodations: Marunouchi Hotel
Meals Included: B,L
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Early this morning there is an optional visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market. As the biggest wholesale seafood market in the world, more than 400 varieties of seafood from around the globe are being sold here each morning. Explore the oldest and most impressive temple in Tokyo, Sensoji Temple. The main hall was first built in 645 to house a tiny golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Visit Akihabara Electric City (also called Akiba), the fashionable district known for its many electronic shops, as well as anime and manga.After lunch, tour the Edo Museum to discover Japan’s rich history and culture through numerous displays of dioramas, scale models and historical items. For dinner, cook your own Okonomiyaki dinner (hotplate pancake) at the locals’ favorite restaurant.
Accommodations: Marunouchi Hotel
Meals Included: B,L,D
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[sm_smlts_css3accordion title=”Day 4: Tokyo–Nagano”]
After breakfast, take the bullet train to Nagano. Explore the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the most magnificent temples in Japan which houses the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan in the 6th century. Enjoy the refreshing forest walk and visit iconic Jigokudani Monkey Park offering the unique experience of seeing wild monkeys bathing in a natural hot spring. Check in at Kanbayashi Hotel Senjyukaku, a traditional Japanese inn called Ryokan. Kanbayashi Hotel Senjyukaku is surrounded by beautiful nature. Relax on soft Tatami mat in the traditional Japanese style room. Enjoy a walk through the garden and soak in natural hot spring under the stars. Tonight, enjoy the traditional Japanese Kaiseki dinner with delicate small dishes served throughout a multi-coursed meal, a true feast.
Accommodations: Kanbayashi Hotel Senjyukaku
Meals Included: B,L,D
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[sm_smlts_css3accordion title=”Day 5: Nagano–Ainokura Village–Kanazawa”]
In the morning, take train rides to Nagano & Shintakaoka. Set far back in the valley, Ainokura is the most remote village in the Gokayama region. It is also the largest of the villages with nearly 20 gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Ainokura, along with Suganuma and Ogimachi, was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995. The charming thatched roof buildings are soothing to the heart. Traditional folk dances and music are still a part of daily life here. Continue on to Kanazwa and check into the hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is free and dinner is on your own.
Accommodations: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Included Meals: B,L
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[sm_smlts_css3accordion title=”Day 6: Kanazawa”]
This morning visit Kenrokuen garden, one of Japan’s “three most beautiful landscape gardens”. Enjoy a tea ceremony conducted by a tea master. Meet with the curator of D.T. Suzuki Museum designed by the famous architect Yoshio Taniguchi. Visit the Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts in Ishikawa Prefecture with exhibits on each style of craft. Observe the traditional skills developed over the centuries. In the permanent exhibition, objects are classified into groups as “Clothes,” Food,” “Houses,” “Praying,” and “Festivals.” The evening is free and dinner is on your own.
Accommodations: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Meals Included: B,L
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[sm_smlts_css3accordion title=”Day 7: Kanazawa”]
Visit Nomura Samurai residence and garden. The charming garden has a 400 years old Japanese bayberry with a running stream surrounded by ancient rocks. The residence is voted as top three must visit historic sights in Japan. Nearby walk along the lovely canal and the Nagamachi District. Enjoy lunch at Omicho market “Kanazawa’s kitchen”. In the afternoon, choose from an optional tour of Higashichaya old town or the 21st Century Contemporary Art Museum, a futuristic cylindrical glass building and art park. Walk through its labyrinth of illusions and thought-provoking exhibits.
Deluxe Accommodations: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Meals Included: B,D
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[sm_smlts_css3accordion title=”Day 8: Kanazawa–Kyoto”]
Take the new bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, visit Kiyomizu Temple for a panoramic view of Kyoto from a grand wooden veranda built on the cliff. Take the time to wander two of Kyoto’s most attractive streets, Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka. Explore the historic entertainment district of Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Walk though the festive Nishiki Market with over 100 specialty shops and restaurants. The five block market is nicknamed “Kyoto’s Kitchen” with great variety and diversity of local ingredients. The evening is free and dinner is on your own.
Accommodations: Hotel Granvia
Meals Included: B,L
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[sm_smlts_css3accordion title=”Day 9: Kyoto”]
After breakfast, visit Kinkakuji, the exquisite golden temple and the gardens. Tour the famous Ryoanji Temple with serene rock gardens. Then meet with the American Buddhist priest and scholar of Zen Buddhism, Tom Kirchner at Tenryuji Temple. Tom has spent 40 years in Japan, mostly as a priest. Enjoy a Shojinryori, a vegetarian lunch prepared by the temple staff. Walk through the nearby bamboo forest and soak in the tranquility and beauty. There will be an optional excursion to the nearby Arashiyama district or simply enjoy some free time.
Accommodations: Hotel Granvia
Meals Included: B,L
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[sm_smlts_css3accordion title=”Day 10: Kyoto (Nara Day Trip)”]
Take a 30 minute train ride to Nara, and visit Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden structure in the world. Enjoy matcha tea here. Kasuga grand shrine is another world heritage site with a collection of artifacts from early eras. Isui Garden is famous for the elegance and charm. Enjoy matcha tea here. Stroll through Nara Deer Park with hundreds of deer roaming freely. Return to Kyoto and enjoy a farewell dinner in Gion. Afterwards, stroll through Maruyama Park, magically lit by hundreds of paper lanterns.
Accommodations: Hotel Granvia
Meals Included: B,L,D[/sm_smlts_css3accordion]
[sm_smlts_css3accordion title=”Day 11: Depart Kyoto”]
After breakfast, depart from Kyoto station to Osaka Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami International Airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: B
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Prices start at:
$6,895 Main Tour, Double Occupancy
$2,290 Single Supplement
Roundtrip International Air is not included. For pricing, please contact Airtreks at 415-977-7136 or at china-advocates@airtreks.com.
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[sm_smlts_simpletab title=”Inclusions”]
Main Tour Includes: Double occupancy accommodations • All meals listed in itinerary • All sightseeing, entertainment, and cultural activities listed in itinerary • All ground transportation within Japan • English-speaking Japanese Guides • Gratuities to local guides and drivers on main tour • Preparatory materials
Not Included: Domestic U.S. and international airfare • Airport transfers and porterage • Gratuities to guides • Gratuities on extensions • Visa processing • Meals not included in the tour • Excess baggage charges • Travel insurance • Soft drinks, liquor, wine, & beer, and other items of a personal nature
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Customize Your China Experience
Pre-tour Extensions:
Hakone, Lake Ashi, & Mt. Fuji Extension – 5 days
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To sign up for a luxury Japan Tour or Classical Highlights of Japan call (888) 333-2585 or (415) 334-4505. Or fill in the inquiry form below.