Japan Odyssey
12 Days
Japan Odyssey features exclusive departures during the cherry blossom season and the autumn.
Package Overview
Explore some of the Japan's most iconic and landmarks on this intimate journey from Tokyo to Kyoto. Enjoy a cruise near Mount Fuji, explore the samurai and geisha houses of Kanazawa and Kyoto, and soak in hot springs while staying in a traditional ryokan.
Day Wise Itinerary
Arrive in Tokyo
Transfer from Tokyo International Airport to the hotel.
The remainer of the day is at leisure.
Tokyo
Explore the dynamic neighborhoods of Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ginza. Begin your journey by learning the traditional purification ritual at the entrance of the Meiji-Jingu Shrine. Then, wander through Harajuku's vibrant Takeshita Street, known for its youthful, trendy vibe and Kawaii culture. Continue to the sophisticated Omotesando Avenue, where tree-lined streets feature striking modern architecture and luxury designer boutiques. Head to the historic Asakusa district in the city's northwest, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple and its towering five-story pagoda. The final stop is Ginza, Tokyo's premier hub for entertainment, dining, and luxury shopping. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Hakone
Embark on a day trip to Hakone, located about 62 miles (100 km) southwest of Tokyo within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Known for its famous hot springs and stunning views of Mount Fuji, Hakone offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Upon arrival in Hakone, journey to Sounzan to board the Hakone Ropeway gondola, which provides a breathtaking 30-minute ride over the Owakudani Valley. From above, you can observe the valley's bubbling sulfuric hot springs and steaming vents. The gondola ride concludes at Togendai Station, located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko, a crater lake formed by a volcanic eruption nearly 3.000 years ago. After, enjoy a scenic boat ride across the tranquil waters of Lake Ashinoko, with its spectacular views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting).
Return to Tokyo.
Tokyo
The day is at leisure.
Tokyo to Kanazawa
In the morning, travel by bullet train to Kanazawa.
Upon arrival, visit the impeccably preserve Higashi Chaya District. Admire the graceful wooden tea houses where geishas once entertained nobility and affluent merchants. Visit Kaikaro Chaya, an active tea house that welcomes visitors during its non-operating daytime hours. You will also have the opportunity to get hands on and create your own gold leaf masterpiece. A gold leaf is made by beating gold into an extremely thin sheet with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.125 millionths of a meter. It is so thin that it will disappear when you rub it with your fingers. The production of gold leaf started in Kanazawa at the end on the 16th century.
Kanazawa
Explore Kanazawa's rich history and culture. Begin your journey at Kanazawa Castle Park, where the reconstructed Kanazawa Castle stands as a symbol of the city's feudal past. Next, visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Japa's most renowned landscape gardens. Continue to the Nagamachi Samurai District, where narrow cobblestone lanes are lined with traditional samurai residences, preserving the historic atmosphere of the Edo period. Tour the restored Nomura Samurai House, featuring a stunning miniature garden best appreciated from its second-floor tearoom. Finally, visit a historic tearoom overlooking a serene garden to learn about the cultural significance of the Japanese tea ceremony. Under the guidance of an instructor, try your hand at making your own cup of tea, deepening your appreciation for this timeless tradition.
Kanazawa to Kaga Onsen
Drive from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set amidst the stunning Japanese Alps. Explore this charming village, famous for its iconic Gassho-Zukuri houses-traditional thatched-roof structures unique to the region. Continue to Kaga Onsen, a small hot spring town, where you'll stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with an onsen (hot sprint). In the evening, experience a Japanese kaiseki style group dinner. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dining experience, regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine.
Kaga Onsen to Kyoto
In the morning, enjoy the onsen baths at your ryokan before you ride the train to Kyoto. In the afternoon, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its thousands of vibrant vermillion torii gates that wind through a forested path leading up to Mount Inari. Explore the hidden trails that lead to smaller shrines, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For the more energetic and adventurous, climb to the summit of Mount Inari, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto.
Kyoto
Explore the foothills of northern and western Kyoto, beginning with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, the Zen Buddhist temple also known as the Golden Pavillion. The temple's top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf, creating a stunning sight. Just down the street is Ryoan-ji, famous for its rock garden, which features a clever and minimalist arrangement of 15 stones. Later, in Arashiyama, explore Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple known for one of the finest gardens in Kyoto.
Kyoto
The day is at leisure.
Kyoto
Step into a realm of tranquility and spiritual reverence at Sanjusangendo, home to over 1,000 life-sized statues of Senju Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Next, visit Kiyomizudera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the scenic hills of eastern Kyoto. Marvel at the exquisite wooden architecture that stretches over a steep hillside, offering sweeping views of Kyoto's landscape. Take a leisurely walk through the historic streets of lchinenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka. These narrow, cobblestone paths transport you to ancient Kyoto, lined with well-preserved wooden houses. Be sure to capture the iconic sight of the five-story Yasaka Pagoda at Hokanji Temple. End your day in the atmospheric Gion district, Kyoto's renowned geisha quarter. Here, you'll find traditional wooden machiya houses, many serve as tea houses where geishas entertain their distinguished guests. In the evening, enjoy a final group farewell dinner.
Depart Kyoto
Transfer to International Airport.
Inclusions
- As mentioned in the itinerary
Exclusions
- Any services, meals, or activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Additional Info
Contact us and one of our travel experts will assist you in tailoring the itinerary to your preferences.