Discover Japan

Pick up your Japanese Rail Pass in the morning. In the afternoon, board a bullet train headed for beautiful Kanazawa. You can spend the evening however you like, such as going out to dinner with the group, or strolling through the city’s peaceful streets. Kanazawa was the wealthiest town in Japan in the 17th century, this exquisitely preserved castle town flourished as a hub for culture and the arts. You will tour the city's beautifully preserved geisha district the following day. Before visiting the ancient Nagamachi samurai district, stroll through Keroku-en, one of the country's top three gardens. After exploring Kenrokuen's vast gardens, choose to make a pit stop at the enormous castle right next door. If you want to learn more about regional crafts or visit one of the many fascinating museums in Kanazawa, you can. Love the cuisine in the city? Visit your neighborhood seafood market to learn where some of the delicious, fresh ingredients come from.

Garden Hotel Kanazawa (or similar)

Arrive in Takayama and unwind in the authentic Japanese inn. After arriving in Takayama in the afternoon, start admiring the picturesque landscape of this ancient city. Visit the Hida No Sato traditional folk village and stroll through the old town's charming streets, which are lined with sake breweries and craft stores. Enjoy the remainder of the day for area exploration. Enjoy your free time to stroll around this breathtaking setting. In the thatched homes and rice fields, you can see remnants of a feudal past. Choose between going to a market or renting a bike to travel through the countryside after leaving the town center.

Minshuku Iwatakan (or similar)

When you get to Hiroshima, explore the Peace Park and Museum to find out more about the city's tragic past. The expansive Peace Park in the city's center is a deeply moving location filled with monuments honoring those who died as a result of the atomic bomb and other deaths that followed. Only after all nuclear weapons have been destroyed in the world will the flame in the park be put out. To get to Peace Park, take a tram ride through the city. You'll take a ferry the following day to the revered island of Miyajima to see the well-known floating Torii Gate and get to know the amicable local deer. View the floating Torii Gate, one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions. The shrine itself has a pier-like design and was built in the sixth century. Take the time to visit the island's numerous temples and shrines. The island's highest point, Mt. Misen, offers breathtaking views of the nearby islands as well as delicious local treats like maple leaf-shaped cakes.

Toyoko Inn Hiroshima-eki Shinkansen-guchi No.2 (or similar)

Travel to the historic city of Kyoto. Walk beneath thousands of torii gates as you explore the magnificent Fushimi Inari shrine. Wander around Gion and you might see a geisha going from teahouse to teahouse. The following day, you'll explore the magnificent Nijo Castle and gardens before going to Kyoto's famous Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion. Spend the entirety of your final free day in Kyoto exploring the Zen gardens, enormous wooden temples, pagodas, and shrines that the city has to offer. Choose to relax in the Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji and the Silver Pavilion before strolling leisurely to Nanzen-ji along the lovely Philosopher's Path.

Hearton Hotel Kyoto (or similar)

Travel from Kyoto to Kawaguchiko, where you will arrive in the afternoon. Visit the onsen spa at your Traditional inn for tonight or go for a walk around Lake Kawaguchi with the remaining afternoon. Savour a sumptuous multi-course kaiseki dinner. Enjoy walking around Kawaguchiko's Five Lakes region the following morning. Later, take a train to Tokyo.

Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko (or similar)

With a day to yourself, explore hopping Tokyo. Choose whether to go shopping, to more attractions, or to museums and gardens. For your final dinner with the tour, meet up with the group in the evening.

Shinjuku Washington Hotel (or similar)