Japan: An In-Depth Exploration of the Land of Nihon – All-Inclusive

This afternoon we meet in San Francisco for an overnight flight as a group to Tokyo.

When we arrive early afternoon we’ll be greeted by your trip leader as we exit airport security. We’ll then take a private transfer to our hotel. After settling in, the rest of the afternoon will be ours to explore as a group or individually. In the evening we’ll meet for a welcome reception and dinner before heading to bed early.

After breakfast we set out to explore this vibrant city. Tokyo is the capital and the world’s largest city. We’ll begin our day with an immersive digital art experience. Here you will find large-scale artwork spaces, gardens and multi-sensory, art displays that combine touch, sight, sound to formulate an experience unlike any other.

After lunch we will visit the world’s tallest tower at – Tokyo Skytree.

In the evening, we have a very special treat – one that very few tourists ever get to experience.  We’ll spend time with Maiko, an apprentice Geisha, who has trained for years to perfect this traditional Japanese art. She’ll give us demonstrations of games, music, or topics she’s expected to be current on.

Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a traditional Japanese multi-course Kaiseki meal, A Japanese Kaiseki meal is a culinary experience that embodies the essence of Japanese haute cuisine, characterized by meticulous preparation, artful presentation, and a celebration of seasonal ingredients. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, Kaiseki is a multi-course dining affair that reflects the harmony between nature and culinary mastery. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the flavors, textures, and aesthetics of the ingredients, often sourced locally and at the peak of freshness. From delicate sashimi and exquisitely arranged appetizers to simmered dishes, grilled fare, and a finale of refreshing fruits or sweets, Kaiseki is a sensory journey that delights the palate and nourishes the soul, offering a profound appreciation for Japan’s culinary heritage and the beauty of simplicity.

After breakfast we’ll begin our tour of Tokyo’s historical, religious and political landmarks. First we visit the Buddhist temple of Sensoji, the oldest and most important temple in Tokyo, with its 55-meter high pagoda. We will also see the Imperial Palace, where the emperor and his family still live in the western part of the grounds. We’ll walk through the gates of Meiji Shrine, which is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Tokyo, built in 1921 for the Emperor Meiji and his wife. A trip to Tokyo is incomplete without seeing the biggest fish market in Japan – Tsukiji market. You will find over 400 shops lining the streets selling fresh foods of all kinds. Interested in sampling blowfish? Here’s your chance! Later, we’ll proceed to the most happening shopping district in Tokyo – Ginza. You can have a leisurely evening shopping or bar hopping, or head back to the hotel.

After an early breakfast we travel to Mt. Fuji and witness the scenic views of from surrounding areas. From the foot of Mt. Fuji we then board our private van for a drive to Mt Fuji’s 5th Station, which is located at 7,545 feet, about halfway up the mountain.

After taking in the views from the 5th Station, we’ll enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch. Then we’ll drive to the serene Lake Ashi for a short cruise across the lake.  A ropeway will takes us from the shores of lake Ashi to an enclosed cabin with 360-degree views.

After a day of sightseeing, we’ll take the bullet train to Kyoto via Odawara, where we’ll overnight.

This morning we wake up in historic Kyoto, known as the cultural heart of Japan. The city is home to many Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces, and gardens. From bamboo groves to food markets and shopping streets, Kyoto is a must for every traveler to Japan.

Today, we will first take you to see the sprawling Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Nestled on the outskirts of Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove stands as a serene sanctuary of natural beauty and cultural significance. Winding pathways meander through towering bamboo stalks, creating an otherworldly atmosphere where sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting enchanting patterns of light and shadow. This iconic destination offers visitors a tranquil retreat from the bustling city, inviting contemplation and reflection amidst the rustling bamboo leaves. As one of Kyoto’s most photographed sights, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove captivates with its ethereal charm, serving as a testament to the timeless allure of Japan’s natural landscapes.

We then visit the famous Zen Kinkakuji temple, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’ as the top two floors are covered in gold leaf. This temple was built to echo the extravagant Kitayama culture that developed in the wealthy aristocratic circles of Kyoto during Yoshimitsu’s times. Each floor of this temple represents a different style of architecture. After lunch, we’ll visit Kiyomizudera temple, which is famous for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. We will also visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is home to over 10,000 red tori gates and was used as a loca􀆟on for the movie ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’.

After breakfast we start your day with a Samurai and Ninja experience. The intriguing sagas of these warriors are an integral part of Japanese history and culture. We’ll take a guided tour through the medieval exhibits, learning about their history and culture. For those interested we can try on a Samurai Armor and get pictures dressed as a Samurai. The ninjas, also called shinobi, were covert agents, spies, and mercenaries during the feudal periods in Japan in the 15th century and as early as the 12th century. The ninjas, unlike the samurai, were normally common folk or farmers by day who were hired as mercenaries and spies at night. You will learn about their history and what kind of weapons and tools they used for their covert missions. Get some practice and participate in a friendly ninja stars throwing competition and ninja blowgun or blow darts.

Later we’ll take an interactive cooking session and learn how to make the best known Japanese cuisine – Sushi. We will get to learn about the ingredients as well as the cooking tools and techniques used to prepare sushi. We’ll participate in preparing sushi under the guidance of an experienced chef.

Next we participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, known as “chanoyu” or “sado,” a revered cultural tradition steeped in mindfulness, harmony, and elegance. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, this ritualistic practice centers around the preparation, serving, and consumption of matcha, powdered green tea, in a meticulously choreographed manner. From the precise movements of the host to the serene ambiance of the tearoom, every aspect of the ceremony embodies the principles of tranquility, respect, and hospitality. Participants engage in quiet contemplation as they savor each sip of the frothy green tea, fostering a sense of connection with the present moment and with one another. Through its meticulous rituals and profound symbolism, the Japanese tea ceremony offers a timeless reminder of the beauty found in simplicity and the importance of mindful living.

Afterwards, we’ll take a stroll through the famous Maruyama Park, which is Kyoto’s most popular hanami spot, and a local favourite. In the evening, we’ll take a walking tour in Kyoto’s most charming and historical areas, known for its tea houses, restaurants and eatery shops. On this tour, you will get a chance to try several seasonal & regional Japanese cuisine at different eateries, including yakitori, handmade noodle dishes, sumi grilled meat & seafood skewers, etc.

Today, we leave Kyoto and proceed for our next destination – Osaka.

En-route, we will explore the beautiful city of Nara. Nara is Japan’s first permanent capital city and was established in the year 710. This ancient city is filled with world heritage sites, natural beauty and cultural treasures, including some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples.

On arrival in Nara, we will first proceed to visit a large park of Nara. You will see deer freely roaming in the park. We will visit the ancient temple complex of Todaji which was founded in 738 CE when Nara was the capital city. The temple has a 500-ton sculpture of the Buddha, best known in Japan as the Nara Daibutsu, which is the largest bronze statue in the world, housed in the largest wooden building in the world. The temple is home to thousands of precious art objects and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, we’ll visit the Nara National Museum, an art museum which was built in 1889 and primarily displays Japanese Buddhist art including Buddhist statues, paintings, scrolls and ceremonial objects mainly from Japan.

We will then visit Nara’s most celebrated shrine – Kasuga Taisha. It is a ditinguished shrine with 3,000 auxiliary shrines across the country and 3,000 donated lanterns, demonstrating how widely and deeply worshipped the shrine is.

Next we visit one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan – Yakushi-ji. The temple was built by Emperor Tenmu in the late 7th century for the recovery of the emperor’s sick wife. The temple is known as a place where you can soothe your mind and hone your mental and spiritual being. In the evening, we will drive to Osaka and check into our hotel.

Osaka is one of the largest city in Japan, with its history spanning over 1,400 years. This city offers a unique blend of ancestral traditions and incredible technological innovations. From housing the oldest Buddhist temple in the country to one of the largest aquariums and Ferris wheels in the world, Osaka has much to offer to its visitors.

Today, we will visit the Osaka Castle, da􀆟ng back to almost 450 years. Spend some 􀆟me strolling through Dotonbori street with its huge billboards, hundreds of restaurants and food stalls selling local foods including the famous Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. Take a stroll around the Kuromon Market that dates back to the Edo Period and has about 150 shops that predominantly sell fish, meat and produce, with other shops also purveying tradi􀆟onal sweets and low priced clothes and home ware. Ÿ Later, proceed to visit the Shitennoji temple, one of Japan’s oldest temples founded in 593 and also the first ever to be built by the state. This temple’s buildings were burned down several 􀆟mes throughout the centuries but were always reconstructed with its original 6th century design. We will then proceed to visit the Floa􀆟ng Garden Observatory at the top of the Umeda Skya building, 173 meters above ground level. Umeda Sky Building is an imposing futuris􀆟c landmark and consists of two separated towers, joined together by a ring-like observa􀆟on deck. You will be able to enjoy the magnificent view of Osaka from the Observatory.

Kobe is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture and a prominent seaport city in Japan. Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, the city has an enviable number of must-visit attractions and is most famous for its namesake beef. Enjoy a lovely breakfast in the morning before heading to the next destintion – Arima via Kobe. On arrival, check-in at a ryokan, a Japanese-style inn and enjoy taking a bath in a hot spring. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Post an early breakfast, we will check-out and proceed to Kobe for the sightseeing tour. Start the tour by visi􀆟ng the Nunobiki Herb Garden by taking a ropeway ride up the mountain. Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens are Japan’s largest herb gardens with around 75,000 herbs and flowers of about 200 kinds blooming throughout the year. There are 12 extensive garden areas where visitors are welcomed by seasonal herbs and flowers arranged according to different themes. Next, we will proceed to visit the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum. You will see the various stages of making sake depicted in detail, with displays of the cooling apparatus, koji culture room and many other types of equipment. Enjoy a freshly pressed, unpasteurized sake that cannot be found anywhere else. Ÿ Later, enjoy cruising around Kobe port area viewing the beau􀆟ful scenery of Kobe city and Rokko mountain range. Proceed for the Meriken Park to see the Mari􀆟me Museum. Kobe Mari􀆟me Museum is a modern museum designed with a beau􀆟ful white space frame roof portraying a sailboat and waves across the open sea. Ÿ We will then proceed to visit the town of Nankinmachi. This town was founded in 1868 at the end of the Edo period and is now known as one of Japan’s largest Chinatown, with over 100 restaurants, street food stalls and shopping facili􀆟es. Ÿ In the evening, we will check-in at a Kobe city hotel.

Begin your day with an early breakfast as today we will leave Osaka and proceed to the next des􀆟na􀆟on – Hiroshima.

Hiroshima is a beau􀆟ful city that has recovered greatly since its bomb-scarred past. The city offers a number of historical and cultural a􀆩rac􀆟ons highligh􀆟ng the past and how the ci􀆟zens managed to rebuilt the city on its own.

Ÿ On arrival in Hiroshima, we will take you to a fun interac􀆟ve calligraphy workshop where you will get to learn the art of Japanese calligraphy, appreciate the prac􀆟ce of ar􀆟s􀆟c wri􀆟ng and its connec􀆟on to Zen medita􀆟on, from an experienced Japanese teacher. Your teacher will show you how to inscribe you and your family’s name in calligraphy on a colored paper that you could take home. Later, check-in at your hotel.

Post breakfast, board your private vehicle for the sightseeing tour. Ÿ We will first visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This park is dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear a􀆩ack, and to the memories of the bomb’s direct and indirect vic􀆟ms. Next, we will board an eco-friendly ferry to the Miyajima island. The island is known for its giant torii gate, which at high 􀆟de seems to float on the water. The sight is ranked as one of the three best views in Japan. We will visit the Itsukushima Shrine which is known for the unique and bold concept of being built in the sea as well as its elegant architectural style called “Shinden Zukuri”. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ÿ Post sightseeing, we will return to Hiroshima by ferry and drive back to the hotel.

Post breakfast, we will leave Hiroshima and board train for Tokyo sta􀆟on. On arrival, we will make a quick stop for lunch and then transfer you to an airport hotel.

Bid farewell to your fellow travel companions as today you shall be transferred to the international airport in a private vehicle to board your international flight home.