Timeless Japan

Enjoy a private car ride to the airport. Fly to Tokyo where you’ll meet your Group Guru and fellow travellers. It’s a long way, but don’t worry, in-flight entertainment helps time fly by! Upon your arrival, our luxury coach brings you to your hotel. Settle in, take a nice long shower, and raise a welcome cocktail to your fellow travellers. Overnight in Tokyo. (D)

After breakfast at the hotel, kick off your adventure with a full-day sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Begin at the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of the city’s oldest Buddhist temples. Explore the vibrancy of Nakamise Shopping Street, where incense, grilled foods, and scents of traditional bakeries drift through the air. Nearby, ascend the Tokyo Sky Tree to the Tembo Deck to feel completely small as you witness breathtaking 360-degree views of the megalopolis. After lunch, enjoy a scenic Sumida River Cruise and glide by 12 distinctive bridges, each built with its own unique design. Overnight in Tokyo. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Today, retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and head to Hakone by coach for a day of natural beauty. Navigate the otherworldly Owakudani Boiling Valley (weather permitting) and its dramatic volcanic landscape, take in the views from atop the Hakone Ropeway, and relax on a peaceful boat cruise on picturesque Lake Ashi against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. Wind down the day at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for a truly authentic dining experience, sampling the local flavours. Overnight in a ryokan in Hakone. (B,L,D) View image gallery

After breakfast at the ryokan, take the coach to Matsumoto to visit its striking feudal castle, one of Japan’s most complete historic fortresses. Climb the original wooden stairs through its six-floor tower and observe how samurai and lords once wielded their power during the Edo Period. Also from the Edo period, explore the well-preserved black and white dwellings throughout the charming merchant district of Nakamachi Street. In the afternoon, continue by coach to Nagano and check into your hotel before dinner. Overnight in Nagano. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Today, explore the host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics, beginning with a visit to the historic Zenko-ji Temple, one of the country’s most significant Buddhist sites, founded in the 7^th century. Then visit the fascinating Hokusai Museum where you can view extraordinary works by Katsushika Kokusai, including prints from his famous ‘Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji’ series. Among these is ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’, the iconic wave print featuring Mount Fuji. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Nagano’s heritage sites at your own pace. Overnight in Nagano. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Depart for Takayama, known for its beautifully preserved old town. Step back in time at the historic Takayama Jinya (Government Office) and walk through centuries-old administrative rooms that once echoed with samurai governance. Delve into Takayama’s rich brewing tradition and sample sake at the Funasaka Sake Brewery. In the afternoon, explore the Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Museum) and marvel at intricately carved and gilded festival floats—each a testament to local craftsmen’s skill and cultural pride. Overnight in Takayama. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Begin your day immersed in the rhythms of the Miyagawa Morning Market, where local life pulses with energy and fresh produce. Next, journey to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in misty mountains. Here, explore the extraordinary gassho-zukuri farmhouses—architectural marvels with steep, dramatically angled roofs that seem to lift their hands in prayer. Step inside the preserved Kanda House to experience the intimate spaces where generations of mountain families created their lives, before continuing to Kanazawa. End your afternoon with a visit to the contemporary 21^st Century Museum of Art where you can catch a glimpse of its most famous installation: Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool” where visitors appear under water when viewed from above. Overnight in Kanazawa. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Immerse yourself in Kanazawa’s living history, beginning with Kenrokuen Garden—a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design and one of the country’s most celebrated gardens. Meticulously cultivated over centuries, the grounds reveal the art of Japanese gardening through its carefully pruned trees and serene water features. After, wander through the historic Higashi-chaya District where traditional wooden teahouses reveal the intimate world of geisha culture. Listen for the delicate sounds of shamisen music and catch glimpses of geisha moving gracefully between meticulously preserved wooden structures. Venture into the Nagamachi Samurai District, where the Nomura Family House stands as a testament to the refined lifestyle of the samurai elite. Top off the day by exploring the lively Omicho Market, a treat for seafood lovers. Overnight in Kanazawa. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Today, prepare to experience Japan’s engineering prowess! Board the Shinkansen bullet train, watching coastal and mountain scenery blur past your window as you journey toward Kyoto. Upon arrival, enjoy a halfday tour to the serene Kiyomizu Temple and the atmospheric Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka Slopes, strolling their beautifully paved streets. In the afternoon, check in for your stay in Japan’s cultural heart. Overnight in Kyoto. (B,L,D) View image gallery

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour to explore Kyoto’s most beloved sites by coach. Starting with the enchanting Arashiyama and its famous Bamboo Grove, meander through paths surrounded by towering bamboo stalks filtering the soft sunlight. After lunch, visit the magnificent Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and then participate in a traditional tea ceremony. Overnight in Kyoto. (B,L,D) View image gallery

At the iconic vermillion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, weave through paths winding up Mount Inari towards Nara. Visit the impressive Todai-ji Temple and stand before the world’s largest bronze statue of the Great Buddha. After, stroll through Nara Deer Park, where hundreds of friendly deer roam freely—an animal lover’s dream! Then travel to Mount Koya for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay at a monastery, experiencing traditional temple lodging. Overnight in a monastery at Mount Koya. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Awaken to morning prayers and participate in a traditional Buddhist ceremony. After breakfast, discover Mount Koya’s spiritual treasures, beginning with Danjo Garan, where you’ll lose yourself exploring a collection of sacred buildings. Close by, gaze up at the strikingly orange Konpon Daito Pagoda and visit the mystical Okuno-in Temple cemetery (the largest in Japan) and traverse its ancient cedar trees and stone lanterns. Later, travel by coach to Himeji to visit its magnificent castle, exploring its brilliant white keeps and defensive secrets that have endured since feudal times. Later that afternoon, continue by bullet train to Hiroshima. Overnight in Hiroshima. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Discover Hiroshima, a city that rose from tragedy to become a powerful symbol of peace and resilience. Begin the day with a moving visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome, followed by the Peace Memorial Museum. After visiting the tranquil Shukkei-en Garden where you can admire the meticulously sculpted paths, board a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima. Here, gaze upon the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and explore the charming Omotesando Shopping Street, notable for its distinct architectural style that emerged from its post-war reconstruction. Overnight in Hiroshima. (B,L,D) View image gallery

After breakfast, board the bullet train to Tokyo. Upon arrival, take in the frenetic, electric vibe of Shibuya District and immerse yourself in its legendary crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. Watch as traffic lights change and human rivers flow in perfectly synchronized chaos. Later, enjoy panoramic city views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building Observatory. Overnight in Tokyo. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Join a morning tour of the city, tracing the massive stone walls of the Imperial Palace Plaza, feeling the weight of centuries of Japanese imperial history beneath your fingertips. Then window shop at the avant-garde flagship stores of global luxury brands in the upscale Ginza District. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure and explore Tokyo’s endless attractions, followed by our farewell dinner this evening at a local resturant. Overnight in Tokyo. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Enjoy the morning at your leisure. Still in awe, say goodbye to your fellow travellers who opted out of our included group flights and make your way to the airport to embark on your return flights to Canada. Your driver will meet you at the airport to help you with your luggage and drive you home. What a truly amazing experience! (B)