Classic Japan Summer 2022

Tokyo’s futuristic cityscape launches your journey through Japan’s modern centers and ancient capitals. On arrival in Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, you’ll be transferred by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception drink with appetizers.

MEAL(S)
Welcome Reception

HOTEL
New Otani Garden Tower

Rub shoulders with the locals this morning as you ‘Dive Into Culture’ and wander through Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II. Continue to the old­time entertainment centre of Asakusa to visit the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, which has been rebuilt countless times since its founding in 628, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Take a stroll down Nakamise shopping street with some free time for lunch, then join a ‘Local Specialist’ and learn the mesmerising rhythmic art of Taiko drumming, one of Japan’s most popular cultural icons. Board a cruise along the Sumida River to admire Tokyo’s modern skyline, the traditional neighbourhoods of old Edo and beautiful Hamarikyu Garden. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure and dinner at a Sumo­themed izakaya restaurant.

MEAL(S)
Breakfast
Dinner

The towering slopes of snow­capped Mt. Fuji loom in the distance as we journey from Tokyo to this celebrated UNESCO-listed site. Admire spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from its 5th station, a magnificent vantage point at 2,300 meters (weather permitting). After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue to Owakudani to see the volcanic activity. Consider sampling the local black eggs boiled in geysers, then head back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

MEAL(S)
Breakfast
Lunch

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Tokyo Illuminations and ‘Izakaya’ Dining Experience
As the sun sets, start the evening with a drive past the classic Tokyo Tower to see its colorful illuminations. Continue to the Roppongi Hills and a visit to Tokyo City View with its indoor and rooftop ‘Sky Deck’ observation decks for magnificent views of the city at night. Later join in for a different kind of Japanese dining experience in an izakaya, a casual Japanese pub where the food is shared by everyone at the table (similar to Spanish Tapas). The menu is seasonal and generally includes
meat and vegetarian Japanese appetizers, sashimi, tempura, grilled chicken, steamed fish, and miso soup followed by dessert. One glass of wine, beer, or soft drink is also included. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: JPY8500.0*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

We leave Tokyo, traveling by high­speed bullet train to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the center of Japanese culture for centuries. On arrival, we’ll embark on a walking tour of the Gion District, embracing the energy of Kawaramachi street. Enjoy some free time before we head to the UNESCO­listed Kinkakuji Temple, whose glittering golden pavilion is widely regarded as the symbol of Kyoto.

MEAL(S)
Breakfast

HOTEL
Nikko Princess

After a late start this morning, we’ll visit one of Kyoto’s highlights ­ the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees which bloom in the springtime, and its beautiful landscapes that change dramatically from season to season. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering Bamboo groves and see its iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple, then return to Kyoto for some free time at Nishiki market, a traditional food
market known by locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry”. Return to your hotel or consider joining an optional Japanese tea ceremony experience.

MEAL(S)
Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Fan Painting Experience and Kiyomizu Temple
No journey to Kyoto is complete without a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu Temple on Mt Otowa. On this tour to the ancient temple, you’ll have the chance to partake in a creative fan­painting experience that honors the 1,200­year history of paper fans, before heading to the main attraction. The UNESCO World Heritage­listed temple includes an extravagant Main Hall (Hondo) and beautiful Jishu­Jinja Shinto Shrine just waiting to be explored. It’s also one of the best spots in the city to capture a memorable photo of the Kyoto skyline. Uncovering the history of Kyoto’s most famous traditions and sights, this tour is worth a place on any traveller’s bucket list.
Adult Price: JPY0.0*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Start the day off with a visit to Sumiyama Village and discover the stunning Kiyomizu Pottery which originated about 500 years ago in central Kyoto. Learn about the work of the craftsmen and about how they had to move out of the city and into a more rural area due to concerns from the local citizens about air pollution. Next ‘Connect With Locals’ over a ‘Be My Guest’ lunch with a local farmer at his home. Gain insights into the life of his family while sampling fresh tea and indulging in a delicious home­made meal, then visit his tea plantation. This afternoon delve into the ancient history of Nara, the first
permanent capital city of Japan. Here you’ll visit the landmark Todaiji Temple, one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. Take a stroll around Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming tame deer before returning to Kyoto for an evening at leisure.

MEAL(S)
Breakfast
Be My Guest

This morning, we board a high­speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of the previous century’s devastation. Our first stop is to a local restaurant where we’ll join our ‘Local Specialist’ for an Okonomiyaki Making experience. Mix your ingredients to make your own savoury pancake and cook it on a hot plate before enjoying your creation for lunch. This afternoon, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the famous UNESCO­listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Learn how to make Momiji Manjyu, one of the local specialties,
shaping your steamed bun in the shape of a maple leaf and filling it with sweet red bean paste. You’ll have an opportunity to sample your work before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.

MEAL(S)
Breakfast
Lunch

HOTEL
Rihga Royal

This morning, we head to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and see the UNESCO­listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. Take a moment to contemplate its symbolic expression of hope for world peace. Spend the afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience.

MEAL(S)
Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Shukei­en Garden and Orizuru Tower
Visit Shukei­en garden; an Edo-style historic Japanese Garden located in the center of Hiroshima. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take a stroll around the gardens which are beautifully laid out with paths that meander around a lake with bridges and small islands. Later, visit Orizuru Tower, named after the folded paper crane (bird) it is a symbol of peace.
Ascend to the rooftop observation deck for panoramic views of Hiroshima City and on a clear day, see as far as Miyajima Island. During your visit learn about the changes in Hiroshima townscape before and after the bombing and also how to make a traditional origami crane. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: JPY3500.0*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.

Today take the high-speed bullet train to Osaka. On arrival embark on an orientation drive of the city before checking in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

MEAL(S)
Breakfast

HOTEL
Sheraton Miyako

Gain a different perspective of Osaka’s landmark city sights, starting your day with a cruise on the ‘aqua­bus’ along Okawa River. Sail past the Japan Mint, City Hall, Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Visit the downtown district of Shinsekai to see the Tsutenkaku Tower, then continue to the Dotonbori Street area for some time at leisure. Delve into the star­crossed love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei during your visit to the Tusyunoten Shrine in Umeda, associated with the Edo­period play ‘The Love Suicides of Sonezaki, which tells of the tragic double suicide that took place at the shrine in 1703. To this day, visitors write their prayers for success in love on special wooden plaques called ema, many of which bear the image of Ohatsu and Tokubei. Admire the panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory ­ an open­air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Later join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.

MEAL(S)
Breakfast
Farewell Dinner

Your journey revealing Japan’s past and present is at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.

MEAL(S)
Breakfast