TRAILS OF JAPAN

Highlights | Sample Itinerary

Highlights

14 DAYS
TRAILS OF JAPAN

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japan with this comprehensive 14-day adventure. Start in bustling Tokyo, exploring ancient temples like Sensoji and modern marvels like the Tokyo Tower. Savor the serenity of Hakone National Park, cruising Lake Ashi and soaking in natural hot springs. In Takayama, delve into traditional charm, strolling quaint streets and savoring sake from a local brewery. Journey to the UNESCO-listed villages of Shirakawago, admiring the village's unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Kanazawa awaits with its stunning Kenrokuen Garden, samurai district, and gold leaf crafts. In Hiroshima, experience resilience and history at the Peace Memorial Park. Miyajima Island offers picturesque scenery with its iconic floating gate and friendly deer. Finally, Kyoto unfolds its cultural legacy, from the Golden Pavilion to serene zen gardens and charming Higashiyama. This itinerary balances iconic sights with hidden gems, leaving you with an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Japan.

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1: TOKYO ARRIVAL
Meet your assistant at Narita Airport and transfer to your hotel. Relax at the hotel before walking out for dinner at Japanese-style restaurants in the nearby area.

DAY 2: TOKYO (ASAKUSA & HARAJUKU)
Start off the day with a visit to Tokyo sumo morning practice at a stable. Afterward, travel to Asakusa for a visit to the renowned Sensoji! The colorful, popular temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple. Stroll along Nakamise shopping street nearby, where typical Japanese souvenirs and various traditional snacks are sold!
Enjoy local sushi or ramen for lunch. After lunch, we will visit the magnificent Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. The shrine is crowded on the first day of the year because of hatsumode (first prayers). For the rest of the year, if lucky, you may witness the solemn procession of Shinto weddings. Continue the journey to Harajuku and Omotesando. This tree-lined avenue features a multitude of dazzling architecturally ambitious buildings of global haute couture brands. Finish the day with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's tallest and most distinctive skyscrapers for a panoramic view of the city if time permits.

DAY 3: EXPLORE TOKYO YOUR WAY!
Let's make your own way exploring the metropolitan. Going back to visiting fascinating valleys for insight? Use our information packet to discover new places. A visit to Tsukiji Fish Market and surrounding restaurants in Tsukishima is strongly recommended.
Interested in Japanese technology? Odaiba - a unique island of gaming and multimedia - is perfect for you! If traditional art is your interest, come to the Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza and watch a performance. Akihabara is recommended for electronic gadget lovers.
Travel further from Tokyo? An optional one-day trip to nearby Nikko to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine, or to Kamakura to admire the giant Buddha statue is available. Tell us what's your plan?

DAY 4: HAKONE
Wake up early and prepare for an adventure day at Hakone National Park. Travel to Mount Fuji - the symbol of Japan all around the world in the masterpiece of Hokusai. En route visit the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, which offers a commanding view of the Fuji Five Lakes. Cruise on Lake Ashi with a replica pirate ship. Embark on a ropeway ride to enjoy the view of active sulfuric hot springs and many other scenic landscapes. Tonight, enjoy a comfortable stay in a hotel/ryokan.

DAY 5: TAKAYAMA
After breakfast, embark on the Shinkansen bullet train and transfer to the Hida Express train to arrive at Takayama. Don't forget to look for eki-ben, the quaint bento boxes unique to every station on the Shinkansen line! Takayama is renowned for its beautiful old town, where traditional touch is preserved. Stroll the beautiful old streets, and visit a local brewery to experience a fresh tasting of pure sake! Enjoy a sumptuous Kaiseki dinner, with an overnight stay at a traditional ryokan. 

DAY 6: TAKAYAMA - SHIRAKAWAGO - KANAZAWA
Wake up to a tasty breakfast before beginning your journey to Miyagawa Market. Immerse yourself in the daily life of the market, where vegetables and fruits unique to Japan are on display. Take a short walk to Takayama Jinya, the only surviving government office building headed by the officials dispatched from Edo. Take a short bus ride to visit Yatai Kaikan, which displays an array of exotic and flamboyant floats used in Takayama festivals.
In the afternoon, we will travel to UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawago. Shirakawago is a captivating mountain village nestled in the heart of Japan's Gifu Prefecture. The picturesque village is renowned for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Designed to look like hands in prayer, these farmhouses can withstand heavy snowfalls in the winter and have spacious attics for cultivating silkworms. Heading to Kanazawa for the overnight stay.

DAY 7: KANAZAWA
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading out to explore Kanazawa. The town used to serve as the home of the second most powerful clan, the Maeda Clan, during the Edo Period. Thereupon, Kanazawa has become the town of great cultural achievements, rivaling Tokyo and Kyoto. In the afternoon, the journey to the nation's most celebrated garden Kenrokuen, followed by the the slowly restored Kanazawa Castle. 
Afterward, travel to the largest one of three regional well-preserved chaya districts - Higashi Chaya. Chaya is an exclusive restaurant, where geishas perform songs and dance to entertain patrons. Another signature of Kanazawa is gold leaf handicrafts - from accessories to clothing, housewares, and even food.
***You can choose to join a craftsmanship experience in the morning as an optional tour: Make chopsticks with gold leaf. 

DAY 8: KANAZAWA – HIROSHIMA
Fueled up with a good breakfast before heading to Hiroshima, a city that recovered itself from the Atomic Bombing aftermath. Admire stunning vibrancy and splendid culture that has regrown itself from the ashes. Peace Memorial Park and Museum inside the park are major attractions of the city. Prefectural Museum of Art, Shukkei-En Gardens, Baseball Stadium, and restaurants selling unique okonomiyaki is recommended attractions for your leisure time!

DAY 9:  HIROSHIMA – MIYAJIMA
We will begin the day with a travel to Miyajima - one of the "Three Great Views of Japan" popularized in the Edo Period. The bright, floating red gate is a signature spot on this island. Miyajima is also populated by friendly deer - they will eat from your hand and follow you around! Wander the temples and hike (or take a cable car) to the top of Misen Mountain to experience the life of a monk.

DAY 10: HIROSHIMA - KYOTO
Fuel up with a good breakfast before taking a taxi to the train station and then transfer on a bullet train to Kyoto.
Upon arrival, enjoy the evening freely at your leisure to wander around Gion District, where you may get a glimpse of Geisha, and admire beautifully preserved machiya houses along its side alleys. Dinner with Maiko is offered as an optional experience here.

DAY 11: KYOTO
We start with the sprawling, breathtaking Nijo Castle, followed by Ryoanji - the UNESCO World Heritage zen temple with a famous rock garden. This unique garden has no plants, apart from little patches of moss around the stones. Afterward, visit Kinkakuji, the shining pavilion completely covered by gold leaf that was originally built as a shogun's summer house.
In the afternoon, stroll through Higashiyama District, which invokes a feeling of an ancient capital city. Begin with Kiyomizudera, one of Japan's most sacred temples. Marvel at this temple's unique architecture of the main hall, built without the use of any joiners. Higashiyama's quaint alleyways are lined with small shops, cafes, and restaurants catered to tourists and pilgrims for centuries.

DAY 12: KYOTO - NARA (OPTIONAL)
This morning, you will participate in a tea ceremony at the traditional Japanese house.  We will then travel to Nara for your free afternoon here. The city is second only to Kyoto as the richest collection of cultural sites in Japan. Meet the semi-wild deer at Nara Park, and admire the structure of Todaiji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine is recommended.

DAY 13: KYOTO - LAKE BIWA
Start your day with a scenic train ride from Kyoto to Otsu, the gateway to Lake Biwa. Explore the historic Ishiyamadera Temple, nestled on a hillside overlooking the lake, offering stunning panoramic views. Afterward, take a stroll along the lakeshore, enjoying the refreshing breeze and picturesque scenery. For lunch, savor fresh seafood at a lakeside restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the charming town of Omihachiman, known for its traditional merchant houses and canals. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere as you explore the town's historic district. Conclude your day with the return to Kyoto.

DAY 14: KYOTO DEPARTURE
Spend your final day exploring several sights which you hadn't had a chance to peek into during the tour. Perhaps shopping for souvenirs? Or enjoy some local snacks before you head off to Kansai Airport. 

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