Best of Japan

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For those lucky travelers with enough time, this vacation truly covers all of the most noteworthy destinations on Honshu, the main island of Japan. Starting from the north in Tokyo, then sweeping west then south, travelers get a comprehensive overview of not only the most commonly visited places - Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto - but also those which add extra depth and richness to the Japan experience.

Takayama has an old town that takes the traveler back in time, and a twice yearly festival that people from all over the country love. Shirakawago is best know for its rustic gassho-zukuri style farmhouses, and Kanazawa is a rival to Kyoto as a cultural gem, but has the added attraction of Kenroku-en garden, one of the finest in all Japan.

A trip to Hiroshima is both sobering and inspiring, while Miyajima is simply awe-inspring. Nara was once the Imperial capital and imparts a strong sense of history.

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Highlights

• Tokyo

• Hakone

• Mt Fuji

• Takayama

• Shirakawago

• Kanazawa

• Hiroshima

• Miyajima

• Kyoto

• Nara 14 day / 13 night locally guided journey

Inclusions

• Accommodation as per above itinerary in twin share rooms

• Breakfast daily 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

• Tours and transfers as specified, including entry fees

• 14 Day Japan Rail Pass (Standard Class)

• Two Day Hakone Free Pass Airport meet and greet and arrival airport transfer

• Service of licensed English Speaking Local Guides as specified

• Meals as specified in the above itinerary (drinks not included)

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo Airport transfer to your accommodation.

Day 2: Tokyo Day Tour Tour of Tokyo highlights with a local guide.  Take this opportunity to learn the comprehensive public transport system with the help of your guide and be ready to set out on your own as time allows. (B)

Day 3: Today you will see the Sumo stable in the morning.  Yes, Sumo as is Sumo wrestler.  This is the training place where you will get a glimpse of this extraordinary lifestyle and sport.  Enjoy a meal with a the wrestlers. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Hakone With your local guide, take the express train to beautiful Hakone, gateway to Mt Fuji and surrounding national park. Take a cruise on Lake Ashi and the famous ‘switchback train’ for spectacular mountain views. Spend the night at Hakone hot springs. Overnight at a traditional Japanese inn, sleeping on a futon and dining on exquisite Japanese food.  Don't forget to remove your shoes when entering. (B,D)

Day 5: Takayama Head west to the mountain town of Takayama, with its plethora of temples, shrines, bridges, rivers and festivals.  (B)

Day 6: Takayama

At leisure in Takayama to explore on your own.  Try the hot springs or one of the Saki Breweries know for flavor from the clean fresh water sources.  Stop by the Miyagwa local market if time allows.(B)

Day 7: Shirakawago

Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, Shirakawago is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Continue to Kanazawa in the late afternoon. (B)

Day 8: Kanazawa

The highlight of a visit to historical Kanazawa is Kenroku-en garden, considered to be one the finest in all Japan. Adjacent is spectacular Kanazawa castle.   (B)

Day 9: Hiroshima

Your visit to Hiroshima will be both sobering and uplifting. (B)

Day 10: Miyajima

The iconic Miyajima shrine gate is one of the most photographed sights in all of Japan.  Make sure to get pictures while here. (B)

Day 11: Kyoto

Kyoto is home to over 2,000 Budist temples and 400 Shinto Shrines and holds wonderful examples of historic buildings representing the culture of Japan having been spared from the bombings of war.  After arriving in Kyoto, you will take a private cooking lesson. (B, D)

Day 12: Kyoto

Explore the former imperial capital with a knowledgeable local guide, including Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Market and Kiyomizu Temple. (B)

Day 13: Nara & Fushimi

Visit the old capital of Nara and the famous deer park a great stop for the children.  On the way back to Kyoto stop at the Shrine which was the film site of Memoirs of a Geisha. Its many red shrine gates are stunning

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Day 14:

Time to fly home.