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Japan for the Culturally Curious
"Kanazawa Castle showing the Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura watchtower, Hashizume-ichi-no-mon Gate, and moat." by Fg2 (Public Domain) / Photo may appear cropped
Overview
Japan's rich cultural heritage offers incredible experiences that will leave a lasting impression on you.
Details
Ancient temples, ceremonies steeped in tradition and Japan's natural beauty have all been preserved for hundreds of years. Your itinerary takes you to some of the smaller off the beaten path places like Kanazawa, a city influenced by the presence of the Samurai and their lifestyle.
Categories
Categories:
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 & 2
Depart for Japan from Sacramento, stopping in Honolulu for a layover before heading to Tokyo. We arrive at Haneda airport in the early evening for following day. Dinner follows our hotel check in. Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asa - 1 night (D)
Day 3
Japan's train system is not just a means of transportation but a vital part of the country's culture and daily life. Today we travel by Shinkansen or bullet train to the city of Kanazawa arriving late morning. There will be a tour of Kanazawa and one of the Geisha districts this city is noted for. Lunch is included in a local eatery. Your evening is free. Hyatt Centric Kanazawa - 2 nights (L)
Day 4
Today while still in Kanazawa we will tour Kenroku park, rich in history and culture as well as Kanazawa Castle whose history dates back to 1580. We'll try our hand at making wagashi (a Japanese confection) and visit the Omicho market. Tonight will be a special night with dinner served by very special locals. (D)
Day 5
Today we travel by bus to Yamanaka Onsen. This hot spring resort town is located in the city of Kaga, nestled in a mountainous region and is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs and scenic beauty. A guided tour and visit to a pottery museum, as well as lunch is scheduled before checking into our hotel for the evening - there may be traditional (close to floor beds in this hotel). Yukai Resort Yoshinoya Irokuen - 1 night (L)
Day 6
We leave Yamanaka today and travel by bus to Shirakawago and Gokayama, a journey that offers scenic views of the Japanese Alps. Gokayama is a tranquil village far removed from the hustle and bustle of urban life. There, along with thatched roof houses (some over 300 years old), they make traditional crafts like washi paper. You will be able to participate in this tradition. Travel by bus to Takayama where we check into our hotel - there may be traditional (close to the floor beds in this hotel). Takayama Ouan - 2 nights (L)
Day 7
Takayama is a town that has a rich history of sake brewing, dating back to the 17th century. There will be a tour of Takayama today along with a stop at a sake brewery. Lunch will be at a local eatery. Your evening is free. (L)
Day 8
Travel by bus today to Kyoto, stopping along the way for lunch and a visit to a sword museum. You arrive in Kyoto, once the capital of Japan for over a thousand years and check into your hotel. Your evening is free. Good Nature Hotel Kyoto - 3 nights (L)
Day 9
You'll spend the day touring this city, stopping at Fushimi Inari Temple aka the "temple with the thousand gates", the ever popular Nishiki Market, Gion (Kyoto's most famous geisha district, the locals call them geiko and maiko) and Kinkau Temple, also known as the Golden Pavillion. Lunch is included and your evening is free. (L)
Day 10
You have a free day in Kyoto to explore it at your pace. There are still many temples to explore and even more shopping. Why not visit one of the many animal cafes where you can spend time with cats or otters or owls, oh my! Kyoto has many places to satisfy any level of retail therapy. From the neighborhood "convini" (think seven eleven) to shopping complexes several stories high. There will be a tour tonight which will include a dinner. (D)
Day 11
Spend a leisurely morning on your last day. Later, you'll go on a food tour where there will be even more delicacies and tastes you can get only in Japan. Then it's off to Kansai airport in Osaka for our journey home, stopping in Honolulu before our final flight to Sacramento, landing at around 9:30pm. (L)
| CB | Continental Breakfast |
|---|---|
| B | Generally a limited buffet or menu |
| FB | Full buffet or choice of menu |
| BR | Brunch, often buffet-style |
| L | Lunch, often several menu options |
| HT or AT | High or Afternoon Tea |
| D | Dinner, often several menu options |
Departures
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 to Saturday, May 31, 2025
11 Days, 10 Meals
7 lunches, 3 dinners
$8895 | p.p./dbl.occ. |
$9310 | single |
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Have a question or would rather book over the phone? Call us!
| Local | (916) 361 - 2051 |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free | (800) 951 - 5556 |
