Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima

ARRIVE TOKYO Destination Title

Tokyo, Japan

Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you'll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetizers.

Dinner

New Otani Garden Tower

TOKYO SIGHTSEEING Destination Title

Tokyo, Japan

Launch your City Tour in the old-time entertainment center of Asakusa, where we'll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple. One of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples, Sensoji has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in 628, making it Tokyo's oldest temple site.

Strolling down Nakamise next, you'll immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colorful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets.

You'll ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's highest free-standing broadcasting tower for panoramic views of the city, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or on an Optional Experience where a professional stylist will dress you in a traditional Japanese kimono.

Breakfast

New Otani Garden Tower

TOKYO - LAKE YAMANAKAKO Destination Title

Tokyo, Japan

Your first stop today is the Imperial Palace Plaza from where the two bridges that form the entrance to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace can be viewed. You'll have the opportunity to explore the leafy Imperial Palace East Gardens before continuing your City Tour.

At the Edo-Tokyo Museum, delve into the history and culture of Tokyo's Edo era, then continue to the Ginza district where you'll learn how to make sushi with a 'Local Specialist'.

Destination Title

Lake Yamanakako, Japan

You'll venture to the Five Lakes District next, keeping a keen eye out for the UNESCO listed Mt. Fuji which dominates the landscape.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fuji Marriott Yamanakako

LAKE YAMANAKAKO - MT. FUJI - TAKAYAMA Destination Title

Mt. Fuji, Japan

Visit Oshino Hakkai, a small rural village in the Fuji Five Lakes district, renowned for eight natural spring water ponds that are fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. Admire the reflections of the sky and landscapes in its clear waters, then ascend Mt. Fuji by road to 2,300 metres at the 5th station.

Destination Title

Takayama, Japan

Ride up Mt. Tenjo on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway next, for jaw-dropping views (weather permitting) of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Then, journey through the Japanese Alps to the beautiful hillside town of Takayama, before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Dinner

Associa Takayama Resort

TAKAYAMA - GOKAYAMA - KANAZAWA Destination Title

Takayama, Japan

Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu - beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef.

After lunch, immerse yourself in the town’s festive atmosphere. Admire the intricately carved yatai (floats) that date back to the 17th century and feature karakuri ningyo (marionettes) which move and dance as their strings are managed by the tsunakata (puppeteers).

Later, return to the hotel by coach.

Breakfast, Lunch

Associa Takayama Resort

EXPERIENCE GOKAYAMA AND KANAZAMA Destination Title

Gokayama, Japan

Journey back in time this morning during a visit to the peaceful UNESCO-listed Gokayama, a mountain village set amidst five valleys. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses that have been built without the use of nails with steeply sloped thatched roofs to prevent snow from building up on them.

Later Dive Into Culture observing local artisans making washi paper and trying your hand at making your own. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience contributes to the sustainability of this small business.

Destination Title

Kanazawa, Japan

Then, continue to Kanazawa and take a short walk through the Omicho market and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Next, visit the gardens of Kenroku-en, shaped over a hundred years before continuing with a visit to a Local Specialist to learn the secrets of painting gold leaf. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.

Breakfast

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel

KANAZAWA - KYOTO Destination Title

Kyoto, Japan

You'll board an Express train this morning to Kyoto, where you'll 'Connect With Locals' at a traditional ryokan, built in 1932 to serve as the second residence of Emperor Akihito's uncle. You'll enjoy a 'Be My Guest' lunch and learn about local Japanese customs as your hosts welcome you into their beautiful home.

After lunch, we visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple with its famous Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), the proud symbol of Kyoto and a Zen temple, which has its origins as a 14th century villa.

Breakfast, Lunch

Nikko Princess Kyoto

KYOTO SIGHTSEEING Destination Title

Kyoto, Japan

The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide your path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century.

Continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the minute detail of each of its 1,001 "thousand-handed" goddesses of mercy statues, then enjoy a walking tour of the Gion area. This evening, indulge in a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests.

Breakfast, Dinner

Nikko Princess Kyoto

KYOTO - KOTOHIRA Destination Title

Kotohira, Japan

This morning you'll leave Japan's main island Honshu behind, crossing the world's largest suspension bridge over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island.

Enjoy free time for lunch, then take a walk around Yumebutai, a complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain. One of the most striking features is the '100 Stepped Garden' - a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square gardens on an incline and arranged in grids spread over several levels. Visit the Water Temple and admire the reflection of the surrounding mountains, rice paddies and bamboo groves as you descend the steps to the Buddhist temple beneath its still waters.

Journey to the small mountain hot springs village of Kotohira where your accommodation tonight is one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories' - a traditional Japanese ryokan. You'll have some time this evening to climb the steps adjacent to the hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Later perhaps take a relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) bath at your hotel.

Breakfast, Dinner

Kotohira Grand Sakuranosho (ryokan)

KOTOHIRA - HIROSHIMA Destination Title

Kotohira, Japan

This morning visit the Zentsuji Temple, birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi. It is the 75th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, which covers approximately 1,200 kilometres and was traditionally done on foot taking up to 60 days to complete. It is still done by many people today although modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles.

Destination Title

Hiroshima, Japan

Continue to Omishima Island and make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Drive to Hiroshima via the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometre highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Breakfast, Lunch

Rihga Royal

HIROSHIMA SIGHTSEEING Destination Title

Hiroshima, Japan

Travel by ferry to the sacred Miyajima Island, where you'll see the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate that stands majestically in the sea.

After some free time for lunch and to explore the island's spiritual sanctuaries, you'll return to Hiroshima for a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Imagine the devastation and horror that followed the world's first atomic explosion in 1945 as you see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing in the area and an expression of hope for world peace.

This evening, you'll indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood or cheese, grilled in layers on a hot plate.

Breakfast, Dinner

Rihga Royal

HIROSHIMA - OSAKA Destination Title

Osaka, Japan

Board the high-speed bullet train to Osaka this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Dotonbori Street area. Visit Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast, Dinner

Sheraton Miyako Osaka

DEPART OSAKA Destination Title

Osaka, Japan

Your encounter with Japan's centuries-old traditions and modern cityscapes at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport, or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.

Breakfast

ALL guests must carefully verify the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation DIRECTLY WITH THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES OR EMBASSIES or with a visa service, as these requirements may change. Guests without proper documentation may be denied entry and will not be entitled to a refund

• 60 days or more prior to departure the deposit is non-refundable
• 59-16 days prior to commencement of services: 30% of total price*
• 15-8 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price*
• 7-1 days prior to commencement of services: 90% of total price*
• On departure day and later: 100% of total price*
• *Total price does not include any Instant Purchase Air or Instant Purchase Air service fees, which are non-refundable after 24 hours from purchase. Intra-vacation air is non-refundable after final payment.
• Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
• In many instances, airline revision or change fees can be up to $300, but in some instances may be up to 100% of the ticket price. Cancellation penalties will be quoted at time of cancellation.
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• Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
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• Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date. The payment policy may vary for group reservations.
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