Cultural Treasures of Japan

Motorcoach from Central PA to a local international airport for an overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan.

*Anticipated Group Air Schedule:

Air Schedule will be shared once available. Group air schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Air upgrade requests may not be on the same flight schedule as the rest of the group and must be requested at the time of the initial deposit.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, your first day is yours to enjoy independently. Take time to explore the city and relax at your leisure. Hotel: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, Tokyo

Visit the Meiji Shrine outside Tokyo, and pass through the grounds of the Imperial Palace. Then, visit the historic neighborhoods of Ginza, and some of the most renowned and luxurious shopping venues in Japan. Then, take in a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. Hotel: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, Tokyo (Breakfast, Dinner)

Explore Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district, and the famous Buddhist temple of Senso-ji. Then, take in the Nakamise Shopping Arcade, the oldest shopping street in Japan, before heading to the Tokyo National Museum to learn about the culture and history of the city. Hotel: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, Tokyo (Breakfast)

Travel to the lakeside resort of Hakone, known worldwide for its hot spring. Along the way, climb aboard the Hakone Ropeway to descend the Owakudani crater, located in an active volcanic zone, and get an aerial view of Mount Fuji from a cable car*. Then, enjoy a lake cruise across the deep-blue waters of Lake Ashi before stopping in the town of Moto-Hakone. hotel:  Odakyu Hotel de Yama, Hakone (Breakfast, Dinner)

*The view of Mt. Fuji from the Hakone Ropeway is weather dependent

Visit the famous Matsumoto Castle, also known as the “Crow Castle,” before visiting the Edo-period town of Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps. Known for its locally brewed sake, visit one of Japan’s 200-year old breweries, before enjoying a traditional rice wine with a Hida beef dinner. Hotel: Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu, Takayama (Breakfast, Dinner)

Take a guided walking tour of Takayama’s historic district, and visit a 600-year old open air market with locally grown and produced products. Then, It’s Your Choice. Choose between a visit to the 19th Century government building of Takayama Jinya, or the Matsuri Yatai Kaikan, where you can view traditional hand carved floats used in local festivals. Then, take some time in the afternoon for independent activities. Hotel: Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu, Takayama (Breakfast)

Visit the town of Shirakawa-go, nestled in the mountains and famed for its traditional gassho-zukuri style thatched roof houses. Then, journey to Kanazawa, the origin of gold-leaf making in the 16th century. Visit the Omicho fish market, and the Kenroku-En Garden of Six Qualities. End your evening at a local restaurant serving regional specialties. Hotel: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, Kanazawa (Breakfast, Dinner)

Dive into the craft of gold leaf making, where you will decorate a lacquer box in a hands on lesson. Then visit the Geisha quarters of Kanazawa, the Higashi Tea District, before being given free time to explore the town for the afternoon. Hotel: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, Kanazawa (Breakfast)

On arrival in the city of Kyoto, visit the Women’s Association of Kyoto, located in a traditional Kyoto town house. There, a hostess will guide you in learning about a wide array of Japanese activities, including making sushi, and folding origami. Hotel: Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto, Kyoto (Breakfast, Dinner)

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha for a tour of the revered shrine of Inari. Pass the rows of orange torii that weave through the forest on your way to the inner shrine. Then, visit the Nijo Castle, home of the first Shogun, and witness the intricate carvings and the Ninomaru garden. In the afternoon, explore the city, home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, at your leisure. Hotel: Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto, Kyoto (Breakfast)

Board the famous Shinkansen bullet train to the city of Hiroshima. There, board a ferry to Miyajima Island, or “Shrine Island,” and visit the Peace Memorial Park where you can pause at the ruined Atomic Dome. After reflection at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, return to Kyoto by bullet train once again. Hotel: Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto, Kyoto (Breakfast)

Spend time with a monk at Koshoji Temple**, where you will have the opportunity to chant and meditate with them. Afterwards, take part in the ancient art of the tea ceremony, and learn of this tradition’s rich history. In the afternoon, take some time to explore before reconvening for dinner at a special maiko show. Hotel: Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto, Kyoto (Breakfast, Dinner)

**The Koshoji temple requires travelers to remove their shoes. During the meditation, travelers will sit on the floor. Those who cannot sit on the floor will be provided with a chair.

Return to Central PA, where you will be returned home via motorcoach. (Breakfast)

*Anticipated Group Air Schedule:

Air Schedule will be shared once available. Group air schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Air upgrade requests may not be on the same flight schedule as the rest of the group and must be requested at the time of the initial deposit.