Take an unforgettable 13-day tour through Japan one of the most culturally rich and advanced countries in the world. See the riches of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, then experience the excitement of Tokyo’s bustling streets and happening nightlife.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Osaka
Board your overnight flight to Japan.
Day 2 - Osaka
Arrive in Osaka, where a Go Ahead representative meets you after you clear customs. Later, join your fellow travelers at tonight’s included dinner. (B in flight, D)
Day 3 - Osaka
Today’s guided tour offers a look at massive Osaka Castle, once the mightiest castle in Japan, with a museum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the leader who built the castle. Next, make an excursion to Kobe, where a local guide leads you on a tour of this port city, including the Kiku-Masamune Sake Museum and Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the 1995 earthquake. Return to Osaka for this evening’s dinner. (B, D)
Day 4 - Kyoto
En route to Kyoto, step back in time on a guided visit to Japan’s ancient capital of Nara. Discover its exquisite pagodas and architecture, including the Todaiji Shrine, home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha, and the Kasuga Shinto Shrine with its thousands of paper lanterns. Upon your arrival in Kyoto, uncover the city’s past on a guided tour, including the intricate 17th-century Nijo Castle, the gold-leaf covered Golden Pavilion and the strikingly red Heian Shrine, constructed in 1895. Tonight, venture to Kyoto’s famed Gion geisha district for dinner and a performance of traditional Japanese theater. (B, D)
Day 5 - Kyoto
Spend a free day in Kyoto. You might choose to visit the renowned Kiyomizu Temple with its spectacular view of the city. Or opt to join a full-day trip to Hiroshima. 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 Cenotaph for the victims; and the Peace Memorial Museum. Next, view the dazzling Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima. Its colossal red torii (the entry gate of a shrine) “floats” in the ocean during high tide. (B, D)
$399
Hiroshima
Historic Hiroshima has rebuilt itself into a modern-day metropolis, but your full-day excursion there will remind you of its moving past.
Day 6 - Kyoto
Discover Japan’s lush countryside as you wind your way through misty mountains to the Miho Museum. Designed by I.M. Pei, the Miho seems to melt into the mountainside. Next, watch artisans at work in the pottery village Shigaraki, famous for its 1,200-year-old ceramics traditon. Return to Kyoto this evening for a feast of fresh sushi. (B, D)
Day 7 - Kyoto
On today’s visit to Mikimoto Pearl Island, you’ll 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 fishing village, stop at the Ise-Jingu Shrine. Its nearly 200 buildings are reconstructed every 20 years, in keeping with Shinto custom. The current structures were remade in 1993. (B, D)
Day 8 - Hakone
Board a high-speed train to the resort town of Hakone, nestled 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. Afterwards, relax in Hakone’s famous thermal hot springs. (B)
Day 9 - Tokyo
Your guided tour of Hakone includes a visit to the Open Air Museum, featuring more than 200 Picasso originals. Then travel to snow-capped Mount Fuji, standing an imposing 12,388 feet high. Enjoy panoramic views of lakes and villages from the mountain (weather permitting) before arriving in Tokyo for a traditional tempura dinner. (B, D)
Day 10 - Tokyo
Japan’s bustling capital comes into focus on today’s guided tour. Get a bird’s-eye view of Tokyo from the top of the Tokyo Tower. Nearby is the sacred Zojoji Temple, founded in 1393. Visit Meiji Shinto Shrine with its elaborate Inner Garden and view the unparalleled Imperial Palace. Cruise down the Sumida River before exploring Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple built in 645. Next, explore the famous Ginza district and watch a traditional Kabuki theater performance. This evening, savor a traditional kamameshi dinner, a casserole served in cast-iron pots. (B, D)
Day 11 - Tokyo
Enjoy Tokyo at your leisure today. Consider visiting Ueno Park with its many museums, including the Tokyo National Museum. Or join an optional excursion to Nikko, known for the stunning Toshogu shrine. After exploring the shrine complex, journey to Nikko National Park for breathtaking views of Lake Chuzenji, Mount Nantai and the spectacular Kegon Falls. (B, D)
$185
Nikko
Those with an appreciation for natural beauty will want to take advantage of this excursion to Nikko, a national park of rivers, lakes and wooded highlands.
Day 12 - Tokyo
With a free day in Tokyo, you might visit the boutiques of Ginza or Shinjuku. Return to Tokyo and join your fellow travelers at tonight’s Farewell Dinner. (B, D)
Day 13 - Tokyo
A Go Ahead representative helps you transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)