Take an unforgettable 13-day tour through Japan, a country where centuries-old traditions and temples coexist alongside futuristic cities. See the riches of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, then experience the excitement of Tokyo’s bustling Ginza District. Japan is at once a land of samurai and skyscrapers, and with the help of expert local guides, you’ll begin to understand the country’s complex culture.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Overnight Flight

Your journey to the Land of the Rising Sun begins with an overnight flight to Osaka.

Day 2 - Osaka

Arrive in Osaka, where a Go Ahead representative meets you after you clear customs. After settling into your hotel, enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Osaka

Although it’s now an industrial powerhouse, Osaka was also the birthplace of many of Japan’s most well-known arts, such as Kabuki theater and the tea ceremony. Today’s guided tour offers a look at the city’s historic sights, including the massive Osaka Castle. Once the mightiest castle in Japan, it houses a museum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the legendary leader who built the castle. Next, make an excursion to Kobe, where a local guide leads you on a tour of this port city. You’ll learn the secrets behind making sake at the Kiku-Masamune Sake Museum and visit Earthquake Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the massive 1995 earthquake. Return to Osaka this evening.
Included meal: breakfast
Included entrances: Osaka Castle, Kiku-Masamune Sake Museum

Day 4 - Kyoto

En route to Kyoto, step back in time on a trip to Japan’s ancient first capital, Nara. Discover its exquisite pagodas and architecture, such as the Todaiji Shrine, home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha; the Kasuga Shinto Shrine with its thousands of paper lanterns; and nearby Kofukuji Temple, whose five-story pagoda dates from 1426. Then continue on to Kyoto, which served as the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years and is still considered its spiritual capital. Uncover the treasures of Kyoto’s past on this afternoon’s tour, including the 17th-century Nijo Castle with its intricate architecture and unique alarm system—floors designed to sound like a nightingale when walked upon. You’ll also see the Golden Pavilion, whose three stories glitter with gold leaf and the strikingly red Heian Shrine, constructed in 1895.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrances: Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion, Todaiji Shrine

Day 5 - Kyoto

On today’s visit to Mikimoto Pearl Island, see how pearls are cultivated and watch the famous Ama Pearl Divers as they dive into Ise Bay to collect pearls the old-fashioned way. After visiting Osatsu, a traditional Japanese fishing village, stop at the Ise Shrine. Its nearly 200 buildings are reconstructed every 20 years, in keeping with Shinto custom. The current structures were remade in 1993.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrance: Ise Shrine

Day 6 - Kyoto

Discover Japan’s lush countryside as you wind your way to the Koga, home of the Miho Museum, which boasts an excellent collection of Japanese art and an extensive Egyptian collection. Designed by I.M. Pei, the façade of the Miho seemingly melts into the mountainside. Please note: If the Miho Museum is closed, Days 5 and 6 may be reversed or the Miho Museum may be replaced with the Kyoto Museum and Sanjusangendo Hall. Dinner tonight is in Kyoto’s Kawaramachi district. Enjoy a feast of okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese-style crepe. After dinner, venture to Kyoto’s Gion geisha district for a performance of traditional Japanese theater.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrance: Miho Museum

Day 7 - Kyoto

Spend a free day exploring Kyoto on your own. You might visit the Kiyomizu Temple with its famous waterfall and spectacular view over the city. Or stroll down the Philosopher’s Walk, a cherry tree-lined path along a canal to the tranquil gardens of the Silver Pavilion. Alternatively, join an optional trip to Hiroshima, bombed by the Allies in 1945 to end World War II. You’ll see many moving reminders of that day, including the A-Bomb Dome, a building that partially survived the blast; Peace Park with its Centotaph for the victims; and the Peace Memorial Museum. The excursion also includes a visit to the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima. Its colossal red torii (the entry gate of a shrine) seems to float on the ocean during high tide.
Included meal: breakfast

$549 USD

Hiroshima Destroyed by an atomic bomb dropped by American forces in 1945 to end World War II, Hiroshima has since rebuilt itself into a revitalized, modern metropolis. This full-day excursion to the historic city offers countless moving reminders of that fateful day. Drive along tree-lined boulevards to Peace Memorial Park at the city’s center. Here, you’ll visit the A-Bomb Dome, the remains of a building that partially survived the atomic blast. You’ll also see the Peace Memorial Museum, a two-building museum featuring displays of Hiroshima before the bomb, after the bomb, and on the day the bomb dropped. Afterward, pay a visit to Miyajima, a beautiful island in the Seto Inland Sea. View the dazzling Itsukushima Shrine, whose colossal red torii (entry gate) appears to float in the ocean during high tide. Please note: This optional requires advanced booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

Day 8 - Hakone

Board a high-speed bullet train to the resort town of Hakone in the Owakudani Valley. Soak up the valley’s tranquil beauty during your cruise of Lake Ashi, formed after Mount Hakone erupted 3,000 years ago, and enjoy fine views of Mount Fuji looming in the background. Weather permitting, visit the Boiling Valley to see the “Black Eggs” cooked in the hot springs. Afterwards, relax in Hakone’s famous thermal hot springs. Please note: You will need to pack a small overnight bag for your stay in Hakone, as the bulk of your luggage will be transported directly to your hotel in Tokyo.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 9 - Tokyo

Today’s guided tour of Hakone includes a visit to the Open Air Museum, featuring numerous sculptures over its 17 acres and a Picasso gallery with more than 700 of his works. Then travel to Mount Fuji, standing an imposing 12,388 feet high. The revered peak has long been a popular subject for artists, such as Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of lakes and villages from Mt. Fuji. Arrive in Tokyo to enjoy a tempura dinner in Asakusa District.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrance: Open Air Museum

Day 10 - Tokyo

Embark on a guided tour of Japan’s bustling capital today. Get a bird’s-eye view of Tokyo from the top of one of Tokyo’s tallest buildings. Nearby is the Zojoji Temple, founded in 1393. Visit Meiji Shinto Shrine, final resting place of Emperor Meiji, and wander through its Inner Garden, said to have been designed by the Emperor himself. You’ll also view the Imperial Palace and its impressive grounds. Cruise down the Sumida River before exploring Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple. Built in 645, it is Tokyo’s oldest, most sacred temple. Tonight, explore Tokyo’s famed Ginza district and watch a traditional Kabuki theater performance.
Included meal: breakfast
Included entrances: Meiji Shinto Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Sumida river cruise

Day 11 - Tokyo

Enjoy Tokyo at your leisure today. Consider visiting Ueno Park and its many attractions, such as a 17th-century pagoda, the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Western Art. Or join an optional excursion to Nikko, known for the Toshogu shrine. After exploring the shrine complex, journey to Nikko National Park for views of Lake Chuzenji, Mount Nantai and the Kegon Falls.
Included meal: breakfast

$249 USD

Nikko Nature lovers will want to take advantage of this excursion to Nikko. You'll visit the elaborate Toshogu Shrine, where you'll see the iconic Three Wise Monkeys (“Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil”) before heading into Nikko National Park. Here, you'll witness the graceful Kirifuri Waterfall before visiting Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.

Day 12 - Tokyo

Enjoy another free day in Tokyo or joining our optional excursion to Kamakura, where you’ll visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, as well as shop for arts and crafts along Komachi Shopping Street. This evening, join your fellow travelers at our Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

$149 USD

Kamakura Explore the countryside, temples and shrines outside Tokyo on a tour of Kamakura. This guided excursion takes you to Kamakura’s famous Great Buddha and Hase Kannon Temples. During your visit, you'll also enjoy time to peruse the arts and crafts for sale along Komachi Shopping Street.

Day 13 - Tokyo

A representative assists you with the transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meal: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)