Japan in 14 days, from Tokyo to Osaka

Flights typically depart in the morning or around noon. Our Tour Director Will Meet the Group at the Designated Departure Gate, based on the confirmed flight information. The exact terminal, gate, meeting time, and flight details will be provided with your final travel documents. After completing check-in and security procedures, meet the group at the designated gate and board the scheduled nonstop flight to Tokyo Haneda Airport. The expected flight time is approximately 12 Hours. During the flight, passengers are expected to receive Two Complimentary Full Meals and a Complimentary Mid-flight Snack. Beverages will also be available according to the airline’s onboard service. Personal entertainment screens, blankets, and pillows are generally provided for added comfort. After arriving at Tokyo Haneda Airport and completing immigration and customs procedures, our private coach will take us directly to the hotel for check-in. Dinner Will Be Served at the Hotel, followed by an evening at leisure. This will give everyone time to rest, adjust to the local time, and recover from the long flight. No sightseeing activities are scheduled for the arrival evening. Our sightseeing program will begin the following morning, after a restful night at the hotel, when everyone will be refreshed and ready to explore Japan.

Because Tokyo is such a vast city, we have divided our exploration into two areas. Today, we will discover West Tokyo, the city’s modern and energetic side, while the more traditional eastern districts will be visited the following day. Our first stop will be Meiji Jingu Shrine, a peaceful forest sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. We will then continue to lively Takeshita Street in Harajuku, known for its colorful shops, youth culture, and distinctive street fashion. Next, we will visit Shibuya, home to the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the beloved Hachiko Statue, honoring the loyal dog remembered for waiting faithfully for his owner outside Shibuya Station. The story later inspired several movies, including an American adaptation starring Richard Gere. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Tokyo’s modern skyscraper district. Afterward, we will continue to Shinjuku and visit the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, offering panoramic views of the city from approximately 663 feet above ground. At the end of the tour, our private coach will take us back to the hotel. The evening and dinner will be at leisure. Travelers may choose from one of the many nearby restaurants or pick up a casual meal at a neighborhood Konbini, Japan’s popular convenience stores. Your tour director will be available to provide recommendations and assistance.

We will begin at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market. Although the wholesale market and its tuna auctions moved to Toyosu in 2018, Tsukiji remains a lively traditional market filled with seafood vendors, specialty food shops, and restaurants. From there, we will continue to Asakusa, where we will experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Afterward, we will visit Senso-ji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon, one of Tokyo’s most famous Buddhist temples. We will also have time to explore the vibrant shopping street and market stalls surrounding the temple. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. After lunch, we will take a Scenic Cruise along the Sumida River and into Tokyo Bay, enjoying views of the waterfront as we travel toward Odaiba. Along the way, we will see some of Tokyo’s best-known landmarks, including the famous Rainbow Bridge. The Asakusa-to-Odaiba water-bus route follows the Sumida River into Tokyo Bay and offers panoramic views of the city’s waterfront. At the end of the visit, we will return to the hotel by private coach. After a short break, travelers who wish to continue exploring may join our tour director for an optional evening outing to Shinjuku. There, we will explore three of the district’s most distinctive areas: neon-lit Kabukicho, the narrow alleyways and tiny bars of Golden Gai, and Omoide Yokocho, a famous lane lined with small traditional eateries. Dinner will be at leisure, with the opportunity to enjoy grilled skewers or other local dishes at an Izakaya, a casual Japanese-style pub or at hotel. Participation in this evening outing is entirely optional.

Located approximately 95 miles north of Tokyo, Nikko is one of Japan's true hidden gems. Although its distance from Tokyo causes many visitors to overlook it, Nikko is well worth the journey. The area has been exceptionally preserved and is home to some of the finest examples of traditional Japanese architecture and craftsmanship in the country. Our visit includes the spectacular Toshogu Shrine, the ornate mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for more than 250 years. We will also visit nearby Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji Temple, two important religious sites that complete this remarkable Unesco-listed complex. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to fully appreciate the site, there will also be free time to explore independently, take photographs, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings at your own pace. To maximize our time in Nikko, lunch will be on your own today. Each traveler will receive a ¥2,000 Lunch Allowance to purchase whatever they prefer. We recommend picking up sandwiches, a bento box, or other convenient items from a konbini before departure. This flexible arrangement allows us to dedicate as much time as possible to exploring the temple complex rather than traveling to and from a restaurant. Additional details can be found later in the Meals section. Following our visit, we will return to Tokyo to the hotel where we have our dinner included. After a short break, travelers who wish to continue exploring may join our tour director for an informal evening outing to Akihabara, Tokyo's world-famous electronics district and one of the centers of Japan's anime, manga, gaming, and otaku culture. Overnight in Tokyo.

It is in this area that the powerful waves that inspired Hokusai's famous masterpiece, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," originated. Today, Kamakura remains one of Japan's most important historical and cultural destinations, known for its temples, shrines, and coastal setting. Our visit will begin at Hase Kannon Temple, renowned for its beautiful gardens and spectacular views overlooking Sagami Bay. We will then continue to Kotoku-in Temple, home to the famous Great Buddha of Kamakura, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. Cast in bronze and weighing more than 90 tons, this impressive statue has stood for centuries as a symbol of the city. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Following lunch, we will visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura's most important Shinto shrine, before enjoying some free time along lively Komachi Street, a popular shopping avenue lined with traditional stores, cafés, and local specialty shops. In the afternoon, following our excursion, we will continue to the nearby city of Oiso (approximately 16 miles, about 45 minutes by coach). Upon arrival at our hotel, check-in and time to relax before Dinner, Which Is Included This Evening. Overnight in Oiso.

While Japan's most famous mountain can be difficult to see on a perfectly clear day, we believe that spending as much time as possible in its surroundings gives us the best chance of capturing that memorable photograph. At the same time, we will discover the landscapes that have made this region one of the most spiritual and revered places in the country, not least because Mt. Fuji is the highest peak in Japan. Our day begins in Hakone, where we will enjoy several included activities. Among them is an ascent to Mt. Komagatake, whose summit offers outstanding views toward Mt. Fuji, as well as a Cruise on Lake Ashi, allowing us to admire the surrounding forests and scenery, including the famous red torii gate that appears to rise directly from the water. Following these visits, lunch will be served in the area before we continue to Oishi Park, one of the most scenic locations in the Fuji Five Lakes region. Situated directly in front of Mt. Fuji, this protected natural area is known for its spectacular flower displays and seasonal gardens. Depending on the time of year, visitors may find everything from expansive lavender fields to vibrant poppies, creating a constantly changing festival of color made possible by the region's rich volcanic soil. In the late afternoon, we will continue to our hotel in the Yatsugatake area (approximately 56 miles away). Upon arrival, dinner will be included before settling in for the night. Overnight in Yatsugatake.

We will depart at 9:00 A.M. for a full day of sightseeing that will take us through the heart of the Japanese Alps and into one of Japan's most traditional regions. Our first stop will be Matsumoto Castle, often referred to as the "Black Castle" because of its distinctive dark exterior. One of the finest surviving examples of a traditional Japanese castle and a masterpiece of hirajiro, or flatland castle architecture, it stands as one of the most important symbols of feudal Japan. A picnic-style lunch will be provided around midday. Today's journey covers approximately 116 miles, divided into two stages. The first leg takes us about two hours from Yatsugatake to Matsumoto. Following our visit, we will continue another 56 miles to Takayama. Although the distance is relatively short, the journey takes approximately two and a half hours as we travel through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Japanese Alps, one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Upon arrival in Takayama, we will enjoy a Sake Tasting at a local brewery before having free time to explore both the historic Kami-sannomachi shopping street and one of the towns that best preserves the atmosphere of traditional Japan. With its beautifully preserved wooden buildings, narrow streets, sliding doors, and centuries-old architecture, Takayama offers a glimpse into a side of Japan that has changed very little over time. We will conclude the day with a special included dinner featuring Wagyu Beef, the same category of premium Japanese beef that includes the world-famous Kobe beef. Following dinner, transfer to the hotel and overnight accommodation. Overnight in Takayama.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go is one of the most beautiful places we will visit during the tour. Its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steeply pitched thatched roofs, have remained largely unchanged for centuries, creating a setting that feels frozen in time. It is the kind of place that stays with you long after the journey is over, a village that evokes the atmosphere of classic Japan and recalls the landscapes seen in the films of Akira Kurosawa. At approximately 11:30 A.M., we will continue to Kanazawa, located about 39 miles away, where lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Following lunch, we will visit the celebrated Kenroku-en Garden, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in all of Japan. From there, we will continue to the historic Nagamachi District, the city's former samurai quarter, where we will visit the former residence of the Nomura Samurai Family. Here, we will have the opportunity to step inside an authentic samurai home and gain a deeper understanding of how Japan's warrior nobility lived during the feudal era. Highlights include traditional tatami rooms, sliding paper screens, family altars, and a beautifully landscaped inner garden complete with a koi pond. After the visit, transfer to the hotel and check-in. For those interested, we will also propose another informal outing outside the main program this evening, consisting of a leisurely walk through the area surrounding Kanazawa Station, famous for its striking contemporary architecture. The walk will also provide an opportunity to choose a restaurant and enjoy dinner at your own pace. Overnight in Kanazawa.

As the high-speed rail line is not yet fully completed on this route, we will first travel by Shinkansen to Tsuruga, where we will transfer to the Thunderbird Express for the final leg of the journey to Kyoto. Meanwhile, our luggage will be transported separately using Japan's highly efficient baggage delivery service, allowing us to travel comfortably and without the inconvenience of handling large suitcases, particularly as space aboard the trains is limited. We are expected to arrive in Kyoto at approximately 1:00 P.M., having covered nearly 250 miles in just over two hours. Upon arrival, lunch will be served at a local restaurant near the station before we continue by private coach to begin our introduction to Japan's former imperial capital. Our first visit will be to Sanjusangen-do Temple, famous for its impressive hall containing more than one thousand statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Few sights in Japan create such a powerful first impression. From there, we will continue to what is perhaps one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, Kiyomizu-dera Temple. In addition to its magnificent temple buildings, the site offers some of the most celebrated views in the city. We will have the opportunity to explore both the temple grounds and the surrounding historic streets, browse the traditional shops that line the approach to the temple, and enjoy a walk-through part of the hillside on which the complex is situated. Altogether, it is one of the most memorable experiences Kyoto has to offer. Following our visits, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel. Overnight in Kyoto.

Our first visit will be to Tenryu-ji Temple, renowned for its beautifully landscaped gardens and its importance as one of Japan's leading centers of Zen Buddhism. From there, we will continue to the country's most famous Bamboo Grove, where we will stroll beneath the towering bamboo stalks, enjoying the unique atmosphere and taking as many photographs as we wish. We will then return toward the city center to visit what is perhaps Japan's most iconic temple, Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion). The centerpiece of today's sightseeing program, this extraordinary structure is unique in the world, completely covered in gold leaf and reflected beautifully in the surrounding pond and gardens, creating one of Kyoto's most unforgettable views. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue to Nijo Castle, built by the Tokugawa Clan to demonstrate its power and prestige to the Emperor. The castle is one of the finest surviving examples of feudal architecture in Japan and offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's shogunal past. Our final visit of the day will be to Fushimi, including the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, where we will undoubtedly fill our phones with photographs of its celebrated 10,000 Red Torii Gates. One of the most recognizable images in all of Japan, these seemingly endless vermilion gates wind their way up the mountainside, creating a truly unforgettable sight. We will return to the hotel in the late afternoon. After a short break, those who wish may join our tour director for another informal evening outing outside the main program, giving us the opportunity to explore Kyoto's lively shopping streets, the Shijo District, and its network of covered arcades and narrow side streets, in any case the dinner at the hotel will be included. Overnight in Kyoto.

Located approximately 230 miles southwest of Kyoto, Hiroshima may seem far away, but Japan's high-speed rail network allows us to reach the city in just under two hours. Upon arrival, we will transfer by coach and then take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most picturesque destinations. Far enough from Hiroshima to have escaped the devastation of the atomic bomb, Miyajima is home to the celebrated Itsukushima Shrine, instantly recognizable by its iconic Red Torii Gate, which appears to float in Hiroshima Bay. This is undoubtedly one of the most famous and photographed images in Japan. It is worth noting that the island experiences significant tidal changes, and depending on the time of our visit, the torii gate may either appear to float on the water or stand on exposed ground until the tide returns. To allow as much time as possible to enjoy the island, today's lunch will be independent. Each traveler will receive a ¥2,500 Lunch Allowance, distributed by our tour director, which can be used at any of the island's many restaurants. This is an excellent opportunity to sample local specialties such as fresh Hiroshima oysters or okonomiyaki, one of the region's signature dishes. After lunch, we will return to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum, powerful reminders of the events of August 1945 and among the most moving and thought-provoking sites in all of Japan. Few visitors leave untouched by the experience. Following our visit, we will board the evening Shinkansen back to Kyoto. Upon arrival, we will make the short walk from the station to our hotel, conveniently located nearby. Overnight in Kyoto with dinner included.

Today offers an opportunity to explore the city at your own pace, revisit favorite areas, do some shopping, discover additional temples and gardens, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of a city where centuries of history and tradition remain very much alive. Please refer to the section below for our suggestions and recommendations on how to make the most of your free day in Kyoto. Overnight in Kyoto and dinner included.

The journey today is relatively short, covering approximately 62 miles by private coach. Along the way, we will stop in Nara, a city famous for its free-roaming deer and its importance as Japan's first permanent capital. Our visit will begin at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, one of Nara's most celebrated Shinto shrines, renowned for its beautiful setting and thousands of traditional lanterns. We will then continue to Todai-ji Temple, home to the magnificent Great Buddha of Nara. Unlike the Buddha we visited in Kamakura, this impressive statue is housed inside the temple itself. Equally remarkable is the building that surrounds it, as Todai-ji is widely recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world and one of Japan's greatest architectural achievements. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before we continue by coach to Osaka (approximately 90 minutes). Upon arrival, we will visit the famous Osaka Castle, one of the country's most impressive landmarks and an enduring symbol of Japan's feudal era. In recent years, the castle gained renewed international attention through its prominent representation in the award-winning television series Shōgun. Following our visit, transfer to the hotel for check-in. After a short break, those who wish may join our tour director for another informal outing outside the main program to explore the lively Dotonbori District, famous for its dazzling neon lights, vibrant atmosphere, and iconic canal-side setting. For those who decide to remain at the hotel and rest after the day's activities, dinner is included this evening at the hotel. Overnight in Osaka.

Today is yours to spend as you wish. Whether you choose to explore additional neighborhoods, visit museums and attractions, do some last-minute shopping, sample Osaka's renowned food scene, or simply relax and enjoy the city at your own pace, this free day offers the perfect opportunity to experience a different side of Japan. Please refer to the section below for our recommendations and suggestions on how to make the most of your free day in Osaka. Overnight in Osaka with dinner included at the hotel.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may wish to take a last stroll through the city, pick up some final souvenirs, revisit a favorite neighborhood, or simply relax before the journey home. At the designated time, we will transfer to Kansai International Airport for our return flight to Los Angeles (LAX). After check-in and departure formalities, we will board our flight back to the United States. Complimentary meals, beverages, and in-flight entertainment will be provided according to the airline's onboard service, giving travelers the opportunity to relax and reflect on the many experiences enjoyed throughout our journey across Japan. As on the outbound journey, checked baggage will be tagged through to Los Angeles, meaning there is no need to worry about handling luggage during any flight connections along the way. Thanks to the International Date Line, travelers will typically arrive in Los Angeles on the same calendar day as their departure from Japan, one of the unique aspects of trans-Pacific travel. Arrival at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and end of our services.