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Make Travel Make A Difference
CULTURAL JAPAN
SMALL GROUP TOUR
Tokyo . Kanazawa . Kyoto . Okayama . Osaka
Embark on a serene small group journey through the enchanting landscapes of Japan, where you'll have the time to truly appreciate its beauty. The gardens, the temples and shrines, the museums and galleries you visit will reveal Japan's culture. Having a guide with you each day to answer your questions and explain your surroundings will deepen your understanding of this amazing country.
First take a slightly different view of Tokyo. In addition to the city's main attractions, visit two very different types of gardens. Japanese reverence for gardens and how it relates to their philosophy is a theme of this trip.
Next take the bullet train to Kanazawa, a modern city with a charming old town. One of Japan's Top Three gardens is here, as are a Samurai museum and the opportunity to see the beautiful gilt crafts that Kanazawa is renown for.
Head to Kyoto, where, again, you will see a combination of the most popular attractions and some lesser known - but by no means less worthwhile - ones. A traditional tea ceremony is a highlight.
In Okayama, another stunning Top Three garden awaits, as does an imposing "Crow Castle". Okayama is known for art and pottery, you will have time to visit galleries. A day excursion to atmospheric Kurashiki will take you back in time.
Finally, experience Osaka, Japan's second biggest city famous for its street food, bustling Dotonbori shopping street and its serene castle in the park.
Details
Duration:
13 days / 12 nights
Price:
From $6799 per person sharing
Itinerary can be duplicated for independent travelers, pricing on request.
Departures:
Maximum16 guests, please ask for dates
Includes:
Arrival transfers
3 nights Tokyo hotel
2 nights Kanazawa
3 nights Kyoto hotel
2 nights Okayama hotel
2 nights Osaka hotel
Bilingual tour leader
All tips
Travel by bullet train and local transportation
13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Sustainable/Responsible notes:
This small group guided journey includes walking tours, tours utilizing public transportation and long distance travel by rail. No private vehicle touring is used.
Accommodation is in Japanese hotels.
Tour guides are local independent contractors.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo, you will be met and assisted to the Airport shuttle and transferred to your hotel for the following 3 nights.
Rest of day at leisure.
Stay: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar
Day 2 Tokyo
Using Tokyo’s efficient public transportion, spend the day discovering the city’s highlights. Visit one of Tokyo’s liveliest districts, Asakusa and discover colourful Sensoji Temple. Board a boat to cruise on Tokyo’s Sumida River. Stroll through Hamarikyu Garden and sample matcha (green tea) accompanied by a Japanese sweet in the Floating Garden Pavilion.
Stay: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 3 Tokyo
Take a short train ride to Omiya Bonsai Village, home to multiple bonsai nurseries and gardens. Learn the art of bonsai and view 1,000-year-old bonsai trees at the Bonsai Art Museum. Dedicated to the Shinto god of the sea and storms, visit Hikawa Shrine, rumoured to be over 2,000 years old. Return to visit Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine, Meiji Jingu before wandering the tree-lined avenue of Omotesando.
Stay: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar, (B)
Day 4 Kanazawa
Travel by bullet train to Kanazawa. On the way, enjoy a bento box lunch - a fun Japanese rail journey tradition. See Tersahima Kurando House, home of a middle-rank samurai during the Edo period. Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, the most famous landscaped garden in the city, considered to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Visit DT Suzuki Museum with its buildings and gardens based on Zen philosophy.
Stay: Kanazawa Manten Hotel or similar (B,L)
Day 5 Kanazawa
Enjoy a day at leisure to further explore Kanazawa. Or, choose to join a day tour to Shirakawago with its unique ‘gassho’ style farmhouses, or Takayama’s quiet streets and old-world ambience. Our Destination Specialists will help you decide, and add a guided excursion if you wish.
Stay: Kanazawa Manten Hotel or similar (B)
Day 6 Kyoto
Board the train to Kyoto. In the afternoon, visit stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine. Walk through the thousands of vermilion colored torii which line miles of mountain paths.
Stay: Miyako Hotel Hachijo, or similar (B)
Day 7 Kyoto
Discover Kyoto’s highlights on a walking tour. Begin at Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, Kenninji Temple then continue on to Yasaka Shrine, one of the most famous in Kyoto. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and learn about the philosophy and art of serving tea. Wander the shophouses Ninenzaka before visiting Kodaiji Temple with its lavish buildings and beautiful gardens.
Stay: Miyako Hotel Hachijo, or similar (B)
Day 8 Kyoto
In the morning visit more of Kyoto’s revered temples and Zen gardens at Daitokuji Temple complex. Visit atmospheric Koto-in known for its maple trees, Ryogen-in with the world’s smallest Zen garden and Zuiho-in’s dry landscapes. Afternoon at leisure to explore the city.
Stay: Miyako Hotel Hachijo, or similar (B)
Day 9 Okayama
Take the train to Okayama. Visit Korakuen, another of Japan's top three landscaped gardens, featuring streams, paths and spacious lawns which are a unique feature. Located across the river from the gardens, continue to the six story Okayama Castle or ‘Crow Castle’ due to its black exterior. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Stay: Mitsui Garden Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 10 Okayama
Visit incomparable Kurashiki, a preserved canal town. Enjoy strolling along the historic tree-lined streets or spend some time in the many art museums. You may choose to take an optional boat ride along the canals before returning to Okayama.
Stay: Mitsui Garden Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 11 Osaka
From Okayama, travel by train to Osaka. In the afternoon, visit Osaka Castle to learn about its turbulent history. Board the Aqualiner and cruise along Okawa River to see the city from a unique perspective.
Stay: Sheraton Miyako Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 12 Osaka
Enjoy a free day in Osaka. Visit the fascinating Osaka Museum of Housing & Living or perhaps see the city from way above at the Umeda Sky Building. Or, take the train to the old capital of Nara and see the friendly deer who live in the temple grounds. Enjoy a farewell group dinner in the Dotonbori Area.
Stay: Sheraton Miyako Hotel, or similar (B, D)
Day 13 Depart
Bid goodbye to Japan today. Depending on whether you depart from Kansai Airport in Osaka, or from one of the Tokyo airports, we help you make arrangements to get there.
(B)