14-Day Classic Japan Adventure Tour: Discover Japan

Arrive at any time. Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Arrive in Kanazawa and explore the city's well-preserved geisha district. Take a short train ride to Kanazawa. In the 17th century, this beautifully preserved castle town was Japan's wealthiest, and it became a thriving center for culture and arts. Higashi Geisha District Visit: Step back in time with a visit to the Higashi Chaya geisha district of Kanazawa. Learn about the geisha culture, prevalent in Kanazawa since the 17th century. Visit the traditional two-storey wooden houses decorated with lattice and discover the traditions behind this iconic Japanese way of life.

Stroll through Keroku-en, ranked one of the nation's top three gardens before exploring the historic Nagamachi samurai district. After strolling through the expansive gardens of Kenrokuen, opt to stop at the massive Kanazawa castle next door. Kanazawa is also home to many interesting museums, opt to visit one or learn more about local crafts. Loving the food in the city? Take a trip to the local seafood market to see where some of the fresh, tasty ingredients come from. Kenroku-En Garden Visit: Walk around this breathtaking garden, ranked one of the top three in Japan. With unique bridges, ponds, fountains, pagodas, and tea houses and there's lots to see here in any season. Nagamachi Samurai District Walk: Step back in time with a visit to the Nagamachi Samurai district of Kanazawa. Take a walk through the historic samurai district located just below the Kanazawa Castle where traditional samurai and their families lived in mud huts. **Optional Activities (Own Expense)** - Local Crafts Demonstration (1000 JPY per person) If you're lucky, get a hands-on demonstration of how local artisans create their crafts. Learn about lacquer ware, pottery, silk dying, and gold leaf application at some of the local craft shops.

Arrive in picturesque Takayama and relax in the traditional Japanese inn. Arrive in Takayama in the afternoon and begin taking in the beautiful scenery of this traditional city. Free Time: Explore this charming town with a free afternoon. **Optional Activities (Own Expense)** - Sake Street Visit (Free - 400 JPY per person) Stroll down this quaint road, lined with sake breweries and vendors, and learn more about this typical Japanese beverage made from fermented rice. Have a sample or two to test it out.

Explore the Hida No Sato traditional folk village, and walk the quaint streets of the old town – lined with sake breweries and craft shops. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area. Enjoy your free time to explore this beautiful landscape. Discover traces of a feudal past in the thatched houses and rice fields. Opt to visit one of the markets or rent a bike and cycle out of the town center and into the countryside. Hida no Sato (Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village) Visit: Visit the Hida Folk Village, an outdoor museum where various buildings from the 1600s are open for visits. The steep, thatched roofs of the farmhouses are said to resemble praying hands. Take a peek inside to see tools and furniture from the original village. Free Time: Use your free time to enjoy the area, sample sake or visit a nearby hot spring for a soak. **Optional Activities (Own Expense)** - Sake Street Visit (Free - 400 JPY per person) Stroll down this quaint road, lined with sake breweries and vendors, and learn more about this typical Japanese beverage made from fermented rice. Have a sample or two to test it out. - Bike Rental Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.

Arrive in Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Museum to learn more about the tragic history of this city. The large Peace Park in the center of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park. Hiroshima Park and Peace Memorial: Walk through the Peace Park in the center of Hiroshima, a living memorial dedicated to the tens of thousands who died from the atomic bomb blast in 1945. Visit the statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia as a result of the bomb blast, despite folding 1,000 origami paper cranes to appeal to the gods to make her well. See the frame of the Gembaku Dome, the sole building to withstand the explosion. Reflect, remember, and be reminded of the power we all hold to create peace.

Take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate and meet the friendly local deer. Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast. Here, view one of the most photographed sights in Japan— the floating torii gate. The shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier-like structure. Enjoy time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples. Sample local treats like maple leaf shaped cakes, and opt to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt. Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Miyajima Island Visit: Take a trip to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan's most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore. See the famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer and monkeys, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt. Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands. Free Time: Spend free time however you choose. Opt to hike, try the region's famed oysters, or check out the important sights and museums. **Optional Activities (Own Expense)** - Mt. Misen Visit (Free - 1800 JPY per person) Set out for the summit of Mt. Misen, Miyajima’s highest peak at 500m (1,640 ft) above sea level. Opt to hike one of three trails through the forest and keep an eye out for wild deer or catch a ride on the ropeway and walk the remaining distance to the top. Take in great views of the Seto Inland Sea and on a clear day, see as far as the city of Hiroshima.

Travel to historic Kyoto. Explore the marvellous Fushimi Inari shrine and walk under thousands of torii gates. Continue to Kyoto, the former imperial capital and home of the country's most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. Take time to enjoy the Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji and the Silver Pavilion, take a leisurely stroll down the lovely Philosopher’s path to Nanzen-ji, or just walk around Gion and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha going from teahouse to teahouse. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit: Pay a visit to Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area.

Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, the famous Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, and Daisen-in's zen rock garden. Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit: Explore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple’s top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this a must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you’ve had enough of the view. Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit: Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both.

Spend a full day discovering the Zen gardens, huge wooden temples, pagodas, and shrines of Kyoto. **Optional Activities (Own Expense)** - Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji (500 JPY per person) The Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond. - Silver Pavilion Visit (500 JPY per person) The Ginkaku-ji, or Silver Pavilion, is another example of beautiful Japanese architecture. This elegant temple is surrounded by gardens set at the base of Kyoto's eastern mountains. Check the ceremonial tea room, thought to be the prototype for future tea ceremony rooms in the country. - Philosopher's Walk (Free) This stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. These trees come to life during a period known as "Hanami," generally from the end of March to early May. Their iconic pink blossoms are one of the most famous symbols of Japan. - Gion Walk (Free) Walk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants, and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain. Daisen-in Zen Rock Garden Visit (400JPY per person) Take a walk through the gardens around Daisen-in Temple. This zen garden uses gravel, sand and stones to recreate a river and ocean, symbolizing the Buddhist journey through life. Samurai Spirit Full Kembu Lesson An authentic course which allows you to experience the Samurai Spirit through performing “Kembu”, a traditional Japanese art. Learn basic techniques of “Kembu” such as handling a Japanese sword, performing slashing techniques and various samurai actions. Compete for your session by performing with your sword on stage, accompanied by a song written by a samurai.

Travel to the Mt Fuji region and enjoy optional walks around Lake Kawaguchi. Savour an amazing multi-course Japanese kaiseki dinner. Leave Kyoto and travel to Kawaguchiko arriving mid afternoon. Take the rest of the afternoon to visit the Onsen Spa before dinner. Onsen Spa Visit Visit the natural hot springs in traditional style and soak in the waters and feel all your troubles float away.

Enjoy a morning in Kawaguchiko exploring the Five Lakes region on foot. Later, travel to Tokyo by train. Five Lakes Region Walk Walk around the region to get the best view of the beautiful landscape. Depending on the weather, capture a glimpse of the snow-capped summit of Mt Fuji.

Explore buzzing Tokyo with a free day. Opt take in some more sights, visit the museums and gardens, or do some shopping. Meet with the group later tonight for our final dinner together. Experience the true art of sushi making and pre-book the Tokyo Sushi Insider Experience on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance. **Optional Activities (Own Expense)** Tokyo Sushi Insider Experience Get a complete Tokyo sushi experience from an insiders perspective! See first hand how top quality fish is procured from the world famous Toyosu and Tsukiji fish markets, then learn from the masters how to create the perfect dish. This tour will give insight into the painstaking process to create an amazing culinary experience for sushi lovers in Japan and around the world.

Depart at any time.