Sensational Japan 12 Days, prices start at $9,975 > 여행/스포츠/레저

Unique experiences and fascinating insights await you as you journey through the �Land of the Rising Sun.� You�ll stay in the finest hotels, dine at exclusive restaurants and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Japan. See all the sights and enjoy the VIP privileges of traveling in a small group. Learn about the ancient art of the geisha during a special, private evening performance. Travel first class on the famed Bullet Train, which reaches speeds of up to 186 miles per hour on your journey to Kyoto. While in this 1,100-year-old city, be welcomed into a private home to participate in the most Japanese of rituals: a traditional tea ceremony. From imperial capitals to striking landscapes, the colorful pageant of Japan will enchant you. Fall under its spell on this splendid journey.

 

 

DAYS 1 & 2
Tokyo, Japan
Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to
your luxury hotel to rest after your flight. The Peninsula Hotel,
your home for the next three nights, is located across the avenue
from the Imperial Palace, and just a couple minutes walk from
the vibrant Ginza.
The Peninsula, Tokyo

 

DAY 3
Tokyo
Explore one of the world’s largest cities, including a brief stop
at the Imperial Palace Plaza to view the Emperor’s home and

grounds. Drive by the imposing National Diet Building and
visit the Garden of the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo’s most magnificent
Shinto shrine. Continue on to the entertainment district of
Asakusa and savor a delicious barbeque lunch. Also see the
Nihombashi and Ginza shopping districts. This evening join
your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail and dinner party
to learn more about the exciting adventures ahead.
The Peninsula, Tokyo

DAY 4
Nikko
Your full-day excursion to Nikko will begin on the Tobu
Express Train. You’ll visit the fabulous Yomeimon Gate and
the Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of the first Tokugawa
Shogun. After lunch, travel to the beautiful Lake Chuzenji
in the Japanese Alps, 4,194 feet above sea level. Witness the
thundering Kegon Falls, known for its rainbow displays on
sunny days, and Ryuzo-no Tako (Dragon’s Head Cascade).
Return to Tokyo on the Tobu Express.
The Peninsula, Tokyo

DAY 5
Hakone
Leave Tokyo today and travel to Hakone. Stop in Kamakura to
visit the Kotokuin Temple, which houses Kamakura Daibutsu
(Great Buddha). It is cast in bronze, weighing over 850 tons,
and was finished in 1252. Following lunch, visit the Hakone
Open Air Museum and enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi, a crater
lake that emerged around the Mt. Hakone volcano over
400,000 years ago. A reflection of Mt. Fuji across the lake is
exceptionally beautiful. Also visit the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National
Park, cherished for its relaxing and beautiful atmosphere.
Hakone Hotel, Hakone

DAY 6
Mt. Fuji
This morning depart for Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in
Japan and one of the most magnificent in the world. Points
along the climbing trail are called “stations” and we travel to the
fifth station, the highest point you can travel by road, located
about halfway up the mountain. Here, weather permitting,
you’ll have a panoramic view. We continue to Kyoto via the
world-famous Bullet Train, which exudes the tranquility and
charm of Japan’s ancient culture. The 1,100-year-old city is
still the center for traditional arts and industries: silk weaving,
embroidery, lacquer ware production,
ceramics, doll making and
flower arranging.
Westin Miyako Hotel, Kyoto

DAYS 7 & 8
Kyoto & Nara
Begin your tour of Kyoto with a visit to Nijo Castle. Built in
1630 as the residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun, it was
intended to show his prestige and power. Continue to the famed
Kinkakuji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), originally
built in 1397. Your final stop is at the Heian Shrine, established
in 1893 to commemorate the 1,100th-anniversary of the
founding of Kyoto.
On Day 8 enjoy a visit to a private home. Our gracious hostess
demonstrates the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, and has
you learn the art of origami. In the afternoon drive to
Nara, the imperial capital during the 8th century,
and now a peaceful provincial town. Visit
the lovely Deer Park, surrounding

the magnificent Todaiji Temple, and enjoy feeding the deer in
the park. Todaiji Temple is famous for its high bronze Buddha
housed in the largest wooden structure in the world. Also see
the Kasuka Shinto Shrine, standing in perfect harmony with its
natural setting, and the 3,000 bronze and stone lanterns lining
the avenue leading to this dignified shrine.
Westin Miyako Hotel, Kyoto

DAY 9
Kurashiki
Travel this morning via the express train to Kurashiki, meaning
the “warehouse village.” During the feudal era, the warehouses
were used to store rice from the surrounding area. Many of the
warehouses have now been converted into museums. Explore the
traditional architecture and beautiful canals of this picturesque
city. White-walled houses with traditional black tile roofs line
the streets, while mansions with latticed windows and the
weeping willows along the canal complete the peaceful picture
of a Japanese town as it existed centuries ago. Visit the Ohara
Museum of Art, the first museum of western art in Japan.
Hotel Nikko, Kurashiki

DAYS 10 & 11
Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
Depart on Day 10 for Hiroshima via the express train. Begin
your tour of Hiroshima with a visit to Peace Memorial Park.
There are many memorials throughout the park including one
that contains the names of all known victims of the atomic
bomb. The Atomic Bomb Dome is just across the river from the
Peace Memorial Park and is probably the most famous symbol
of Hiroshima.
On Day 11, take a trip to Miyajima Island, perhaps best
known for the floating torii gateway to the Itsukushima Shrine,
stunningly reflected in Hiroshima Bay. This is one of the
most photographed spots in all of Japan. On your afternoon
excursion, journey to the Shukkeien Garden and the Hiroshima
Castle. This evening say goodbye to your fellow travelers
at a farewell cocktail and dinner party.
Rihga Royal Hotel, Hiroshima

DAY 12
Depart for Home
You will be taken to the airport in Hiroshima to depart
for your home city or to your next destination

 

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit a private home and immerse yourself in
the beauty and artistry of a traditional Japanese
tea ceremony including origami
• Cruise Lake Ashi — a crater lake more than
400,000 years old — and enjoy the glorious
views of Mt. Fuji from the water
• Travel first class on the Bullet Train as you
rocket through the country
• Learn about the ancient art of the geisha
from a local expert during an exclusive
walking tour of the Geisha District and
a private evening performance
• Enjoy a leisurely day’s journey to lovely
Miyajima Island and one of the country’s
most famous Shinto shrines
• Take a private tour of the Mazda car factory
to learn more about Japan’s business culture
• Visit Peace Memorial Park and the solemn
Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima with your
private guide