15 Days Takayama & Villages | Grand Tour - Cherry Blossom Seasonal Tour

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

**INFORMATION**
From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus)
From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus)

Today will be devoted to exploring the multi-cultural spots of Tokyo. Our tour will first start in Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market for a sushi breakfast. Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market is the former home of the world-famous tuna auction, best known for bringing in crowds at 3AM to watch restaurants auction for delicious blue fin tuna. Browse through the freshest flavors at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily before we explore the sights on Tokyo! From there, it's off to the Fukagawa Edo Museum where you can get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. This charming museum is designed to replicate what life looked like during the old days of Edo. Walk through the city and enjoy walking into houses that recreate life during Japan's traditional period.

We will then delve in the old town district of Asakusa for some gift shopping at the Nakamise area. We will also be visiting the Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most popular temples. This is the perfect place to appreciate Japanese culture and take some spectacular shots of the famous Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). For lunch, we will enjoy authentic Teppan-Yaki before we head to Harajuku to do some shopping and to admire the scenery. Enjoy shopping in the trendy districts home to the world-renowned Harajuku Fashion, or visit one of the local restaurants and sample Harajuku Crepes or other extra kawaii deserts!

Returning to our hotel, the tour bus will be passing by the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily, and to see the Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner.
(note: Cherry Blossoms may not be in bloom during your tour)

After our time in Tokyo, we will stop by Lake Kawaguchi for some sight-seeing before making our way to our hotel. We will first head off to enjoy the fine works of art at the Kubota Art Museum. Itchiku Kubota was a textile artist who devoted his life to recreating the forgotten 15th century Tsujigahana fabric dyeing technique. Many of his work is on display at this museum. Before making our way to the next destination, we will stop for Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanashi area. A hybrid of miso soup and flat udon noodles, this dish is truly a local Japanese specialty.

Then, we're off to the Suntory Hakushu Distillery to learn more about one of Japan's top whiksys. The Distillery is home to the Hakushu 18-years-old single malt, the winner of the 2006 International Spirits Challenge. Before making our way to the hotel, we will visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the very few original castles that were kept intact and never destroyed since construction. The castle's tower, a 5-story, 6-layer tower built in the Bunroku Period (1593-1594) is Japan's oldest existing castle tower and is designated as a national treasure. Thanks to the unique black color of the castle, it has been dubbed Karasu-jo, the Crow Castle. We then proceed to the hotel.

Our day begins with a trip to the Narai Juku port town. This preserved district is the thirty-fourth of the sixty-nine stations of the Nakasendō and the second of eleven stops in Kisoji. Recognized as a Cultural Property of Japan in 1978, this district maintains the same facade as it kept during the Edo Period thanks to preservation efforts by the Japanese government.

From there, we will enjoy a brief hike between Tsumago and Magome, forty-second to forty-third of the sixty-nine post towns on the Nakasendō. These preserved port-towns are perfect for a scenic hike through Japan's former architecture and era. After our hike, we make our way to the beautiful city of Takayama and proceed to the hotel.

Takayama, or as some people call it “little Kyoto,” has many areas where homes and shops are more than 300 years old and well preserved. The morning market is one of these areas we will explore. Enjoy some time to to roam around to buy souvenirs like Japanese tsukemono, take pictures, or visit other important sight see spots through this market filled with vendors and activities. We highly recommend sampling Gohei-Mochi or Hida Nikuman (beef buns) while at the market. During your Takayama travels, we recommend visiting the Takayama Jinya, which served as the local government office of the old town. Open to the public as a museum, visitors can enjoy browsing through the various rooms for administrative purposes, offices, kitchens, toilets, bath rooms, residential space, a court room and storehouses. We will also visit Takayama's old town. This district is filled with many well-preserved buildings and houses from the Edo Period (1600-1868), back when the city thrived as a wealthy town of merchants.

After our time in Takayama, we will continue to the small farming community of Shirakawago. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features old traditional farm homes made using the Japanese gassho-zukuri method. These thatched-roof houses provide a glimpse of what life looked like during another era. We will also be visiting the Nagase house, a former house-turned-museum filled with tools and trinkets used during another era. Before we call it a day, our Takayama tour will explore Kanazawa's scenic Higashi Chaya tea-house district. Featuring preserved tea-houses from the days of Edo, this traditional shopping street is lined with souvenir stores and cafes offering Japanese sweets. We then proceed to the hotel.

After our time in Takayama, we begin our day with the breath-taking Kenrokuen Garden, known as one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens of Japan. A stroll along this beautiful garden featuring streams, hills, and everything nature has to offer is sure to calm your soul and relax your spirit. Afterwords, our Takayama vacation will visit the Koke no Sato Wisdom Forest. The Forest of Wisdom is one of the best places to see various Japanese moss, and the Wisdom House in the forest is meant to encourage guests to share experiences with others or engage in a workshop before getting lost in nature.

Before our afternoon ends, our tour heads to Komatsu to explore the Yunokuni no Mori traditional Japanese handicraft village. This scenic craft village offers a variety of workshops including: Washi (Japanese paper) making, gold leaf works, how to make dorayaki, Kutani ceramic pottery, Wajima lacquer-ware, Kaga Yuzen (printed silk), glass work, ceramic painting, maki-e, Echizen-ware pottery board making, scent bag crafts, buckwheat noodle making, and music box decoration. Your Japan tour includes your choice of a craft experience during your vacation. The relaxing scenery and multiple craft areas are perfect to enjoy Japanese arts or to just catch your breath during your tour.

This Japan tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen, hot spring, to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s adventure. Yukata, a Japanese robe, will be provided for you. The onsen is located in our own ryokan, a Japanese style hotel, which includes a traditional Japanese food. There's also an optional taiko show after dinner.
Note: Note all experiences may be available during your Japan tour

Our Japan tour begins with a visit to the MIHO Museum to enjoy the exhibits. The museum was designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei and features architectural designs blended seamlessly into the surrounding nature. The museum is filled with works from ancient civilizations to modern day artworks.

After our time at the museum, we will head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red tori gates. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind. After we take our photos of the shrine, return to the hotel.

Our day begins with a visit to Nara to explore the scenic Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple holds the World Guinness Record as the largest wooden building. Inside the temple, you will behold the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Just outside the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where you will be greeted by numerous deer that roam around freely. The deer here at the park are known to be friendly and may even bow at you for a little treat. Following our time in Nara, we will head to the Kyoto Handicraft Center for some souvenir craft shopping. Find incredible, traditional Kyoto goods at this dedicated center for craft arts.

After our time at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, it's off to Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride. Following our time in Arashiyama, it's off to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan’s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight.

After shopping, we head out to the ancient street of Ninenzaka. This rustic shopping street hasn't changed since the Edo Period, making it a perfect backdrop for photos or to enjoy traditional Japanese architecture. Keeping with the traditional feel, we included a tea-ceremony to help you relax and enjoy Japanese culture. After our tea ceremony, we will head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red tori gates. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind. After we take our photos, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko Dinner. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the dinner is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture. We then proceed to the hotel.

We will begin today by heading to Himeji-jo, or Himeji Castle. Himeji-jo is a UNESCO distinguished site, representing Japanese castle architecture at its highest with almost all of the castle structure still intact from its original construction in the early 1600’s, having survived all wars, earthquakes and natural disasters.

From there, it's off to Shimane Prefecture to visit the Adachi Museum of Art. The museum is known for its great collection of artwork and amazing Japanese gardens. The gardens have been named the best garden in Japan annually since 2003 by the Journal of Japanese Gardening and has been awarded the top rating of three stars in Michelin Green Guide Japan. Enjoy this scenic area before we make our way to our hotel.

Today our Japan tour begins with a visit to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Located off the main shore on the island of Miyajima, the iconic gate that floats is a must see. During high tide, the torii gate looks as though it is floating in water, creating a unique sight, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful sights. Miyajima is also known for its momiji manju (maple leaf shaped cake with red beans) and oysters which you can enjoy during your time on the island.

After our time in Miyajima, it's off for our Hiroshima city tour. One of the main highlights here in Hiroshima is the A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath, and the Peace Park Memorial where you can see and read about the relic of the war. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved to be a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace. Stroll along the park to see famous attractions like that of Sadako’s statue and the freedom bell. Here you can see and read about the relic of the war. We then return to the hotel.

Our day begins in Kumamoto to see Kumamoto Castle. Kumamoto Castle is considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, along with Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle. Thirteen structures in the castle complex are designated Important Cultural Property. Several ancillary wooden buildings remain of the original castle. While we won't be going inside the castle due to reconstruction, enjoy the many views and scenery of this famous Japanese castle. While by the castle grounds, our Japan tour will visit the Johsaien. Johsaien is a shopping arcade by Kumamoto Caslte filled with over 20 shops and the Wakuwaku-za museum featuring the history and culture of Kumamoto.

Then we proceed to Takachiho. Legend states, when Susanoo, god of storm, terrorized Amaterasu, his sister and sun goddess, she hid in a cave plunging the world into darkness. The cave is called Ama-no-Iwato, the heavenly rock cave, exists in Takachiho.

Our morning begins in the hot spring town of Beppu, where we are going for an exciting Tour of Hell. From the eight famous spots, we will visit three: the Sea Hell made up of bright cobalt blue hot water, the Blood Pond Hell where hot water containing red melted clay gushes out, and the Tornado Hell, a fiery geyser that erupts every 20 minutes.

After lunch, we will take a boat ride to Matsuyama, a castle city. Following the pattern of hot springs, we will visit one of the oldest hot springs in the world, Dogo Onsen, which is said to have over 3,000 years of history. The onsen is also widely known for welcoming the imperial family as guests and has a room called Yushinden on reserve exclusively for their use. Dogo Onsen's impressive wooden structure served as a model for the famous film Spirited Away. Enjoy an optional Rickshaw ride through the city grounds (additional fee's may apply).

To change things up, this tour through Southern Japan will either go to the Kagawa Prefecture to explore the famous art island of Naoshima or spend the day in Tokushima's Iya Valley.

For tour participants interetsed in Naoshima, enjoy a day exploring the island dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Home to multiple museums, many of which were built by the Benesse Corporation and designed by architect Ando Tadao, Naoshima is filled with stunning works of art. Enjoy popular art museums include the Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House, and more.

For those interested in Tokushima, your Japan tour holiday will venture off into the southern island of Shikoku to cross the ancient vine bridge of Iya Valley. Rebuilt every three years and made of vines suspended over the Yoshino River. Be sure to take a selfie or photos to share on Facebook and Insta of this epic bridge. Before our day in Tokushima ends, we also have a pleasurable boat ride along Oboke Gorge to further enjoy the untouched beauties of Japan's southern region.

Our day will begin heading towards Osaka. Traveling East, we will visit one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan that overlooks Mt. Shiun, Ritsurin Garden. Michelin Green Guide graded the garden three stars and is a great place to take photos, especially from the highest point that overlooks the entire garden. This breath-taking Japanese garden is a must for anyone traveling through Shikoku.

While making our way through Tokushima, we will stop at the Awa-odori Museum, a museum dedicated to the prefectural dance of Tokushima. During the annual Awa-Odori festival, thousands of spectators flock to Japan to watch the traditional dance. Enjoy learning some steps and history of Awa-odori at this great museum. We then head to our hotel in Osaka.

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

**INFORMATION**
From downtown hotel in Osaka to KIX Airport - about 70 mins (Bus)
From downtown hotel in Osaka to ITM Airport - about 30 mins (Bus)