Tokyo, Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima
Immerse yourself in the ancient and modern cultures of Japan. Learn the art of the tea ceremony, and stand before the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple. Tour Matsumoto Castle, known as the "Crow Castle" for its black exterior. Taste legendary Hida beef and sip "sake" at a local brewery. Delve into Kyoto, the marvelous cultural capital of Japan. Absorb the beauty of the Golden Pavilion and the majesty of Nijo Castle. Board the Shinkansen "bullet" train to travel to Hiroshima to visit Shrine Island and the Peace Memorial Museum. Japan slowly draws you into its eclectic culture and charm, revealing incredible moments every step of the way.
On some dates additional accommodations may be used.
Services of a tour manager
All on-tour transportation and related fees
Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
Round trip home to airport sedan service provided when you purchase airfare through Member Choice Vacations. One transfer per person, per reservation. (Restrictions apply)
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Itinerary
Engaging Experiences These special places and experiences are considered tour highlights. Look for them in the daily itineraries.
Explore ancient and modern Japanese culture firsthand. Discover peaceful temples and technological marvels set against unimaginable natural beauty.
Grand Nikko Daiba, Tokyo
Welcome to Japan, the "Land of the Rising Sun." Begin in the electrifying city of Tokyo, where pop culture is turned all the way up and traditions are rich and long-kept.
Explore the famous Ginza district, the first Western-style shopping district in Japan where modern and history blends.
Grand Nikko Daiba, Tokyo
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
Feel the excitement start to build as you pass by the grounds of the Imperial Palace and see the Niju Bridge and Sakurada Gate, the well-known symbols of the Imperial Palace. Walk through Ginza, one of the most elegant and luxurious streets in the world, where modern landscape meets rich history. Enjoy shopping at some of the most renowned "department stores" in Japan. Later, amid a lush forest outside of Tokyo, visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Try your hand at the centuries-old art of the Japanese tea ceremony, gold leaf decorating and stenciling.
Grand Nikko Daiba, Tokyo
Breakfast
Included
Begin the day exploring Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest Geisha district. Visit the famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, the colorful temple famous for the red chochin (lantern) hanging at the entrance gate. Experience the long standing tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony, dating back to the 15th century. During your free time, explore the Nakamise Shopping Arcade and feel the energy of the oldest shopping street in Japan. Then, head to Tokyo National Museum to learn about the fascinating history and culture of Tokyo. The museum displays artwork and antiques from Japan and the surrounding area. Today breakfast will be included.
Take in magnificent views of Mt. Fuji from the Hakone Ropeway.
Odakyu Hotel de Yama, Hakone or Hakone Highland Hotel, Hakone
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
Journey to the lakeside resort of Hakone, renowned for its hot springs. In the shadow of Mt. Fuji (UNESCO), this scenic town hugs the shorelines of Lake Ashi. Make a stop at Owakudani, located in an active volcanic zone. The Owakudani crater was created some 3,000 years ago, when Mt. Hakone erupted. Climb aboard the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial cable car descending from Owakudani for a breathtaking view* of Mt. Fuji. Next, take to the deep-blue waters of Lake Ashi on a cruise where you'll see epic views of the local mountains before stopping in the charming town of Moto-Hakone. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
*The view of Mt. Fuji from the Hakone Ropeway is weather dependent.
Enjoy a sake tasting at a local sake brewery followed by a Hida beef dinner.
Takayama Green Hotel, Takayama
Breakfast,
Lunch,
Dinner
Included
This breathtaking day begins in Matsumoto at Matsumoto Castle, known as the "Crow Castle" because of its striking black exterior. Enjoy the local cuisine as we stop for lunch at a Soba noodle shop. Later, you'll step back in time in the rural Edo-period town of Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps. Well known to the locals for its connection to sake, this is the perfect place to gather for a visit to one of Japan's 200-year-old sake breweries. Afterward, experience a true Japanese epicurean treat – traditional rice wine paired with a special Hida beef dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Takayama Green Hotel, Takayama
Breakfast
Included
The ancient cultures of Takayama come alive this morning in the town's historic district. Take a walk through the past and glimpse the 19th-century Jinya government building. Stroll through the morning market, a 600-year-old open air market with locally grown and produced products, located along the Miyagawa River. Circuit the winding streets, where the town's traditional charms are preserved in the inns and houses. This afternoon, relish some free time to continue your exploration of Takayama on your own. Today breakfast will be included.
Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, Kanazawa
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
Today, embrace the unique charms of Shirakawa-go (UNESCO). Hidden away in the mountain, this harmonious village is famous for its gassho-zukuri-style houses – thatched-rooftops designed to resemble two hands joined in prayer. Journey to Kanazawa, the origin of gold-leaf making since the 16th century. Visit the Samurai district where we will enter the former home of the Nomuras, a wealthy samurai family who served the ruling Maeda family. Then, travel to the Geisha quarters of Kanazawa, the Higashi Tea district. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, Kanazawa
Breakfast
Included
More than 25 acres of absolute beauty await you today at Kenroku-En – Garden of Six Qualities. From the beauty of Japan's most stunning gardens, dive into the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in decorating your own lacquer box! In the center of town, take in the action of the Omicho fish market before venturing out on your own to really immerse yourself in Kanazawa's dynamic culture. Today breakfast will be included.
Participate in a sushi-making class.
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto
Breakfast,
Lunch
Included
Kyoto awaits! The former Imperial capital of Japan is now one of the nation's top cosmopolitan cities. At the same time, Kyoto's connection with its past is strong; you won't need to look far to see one of its 2,000 temples and shrines. For lunch, participate in a sushi making class and master the art of sushi making. This afternoon, visit Kinkakuji (UNESCO), the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Travel by the famous Shinkansen bullet train.
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto
Breakfast
Included
All aboard the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima Island, or "Shrine Island" (UNESCO). Afterwards, head into Hiroshima city to visit the Peace Memorial Park, and pause to see the ruined Atomic Dome (UNESCO). Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. As this long and moving day comes to a close, return to Kyoto by the Shinkansen bullet train. Today breakfast will be included.
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto
Breakfast
Included
This morning, explore Fushimi Inari Taisha for a tour of the most revered shrine of Inari. Follow the spectacular rows of orange torii (made famous in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha) that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrine. Move on to the home of the first Shogun, Nijo Castle (UNESCO), and see intricate woodcarvings, wall paintings, and the Ninomaru Garden, designed by Kobori Enshu, a landscape architect and tea master. Next, learn about the ancient craft of stenciling during a hands on lesson. Today breakfast will be included.
Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner with maiko show in Kyoto.
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
Today, spend some time relaxing or set out to explore Kyoto on your own. Fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture tonight during a special kaiseki farewell dinner and maiko show. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Breakfast
Included
Your tour comes to a close in this fascinating land. As you depart, reflect on its beauty and all you have learned about its rich history and culture. Today breakfast will be included.
Itinerary featured is for May 2023 - April 2024 tour departures. Departures prior will vary. On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Pricing is per person,
double occupancy,
land and rail only, based on January 16, 2023 travel date.
Single supplement from $1,800.
All this makes it AAA Vacations®
AAA Complimentary Inclusion: $50 per person credit toward a pre-paid optional tour excursion
Member Benefit: $50 per person savings
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