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Classic Japan
A tale of four iconic cities and two former capitals - your epic journey through Japan blends old and new, with soul-stirring visits to ancient centers and modern cities. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.
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1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted All porterage and restaurant gratuities All hotel tips, charges and local taxes Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) Optional Experiences and free time On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Additional Information
Konnichiwa Tokyo
Tokyo's futuristic cityscape launches your journey through Japan's modern centers and ancient capitals. On arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, you'll be transferred by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome drink with appetizers.
Hotel: New Otani Garden Tower
Explore Vibrant Tokyo Dive Into Culture
Rub shoulders with the locals this morning as you Dive Into Culture and wander through Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II. Continue to the old-time entertainment center of Asakusa to visit the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, which has been rebuilt countless times since its founding in 628, making it Tokyo's oldest temple site. Take a stroll down Nakamise shopping street with some free time for lunch, then join a Local Specialist and learn the mesmerizing rhythmic art of Taiko drumming, one of Japan's most popular cultural icons. Board a cruise along the Sumida River to admire Tokyo's modern skyline, the traditional neighborhoods of old Edo and beautiful Hamarikyu Garden. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure and dinner at a Sumo-themed izakaya restaurant.
Hotel: New Otani Garden Tower
Majestic Mt. Fuji and Owakudani
The towering slopes of snow-capped Mt. Fuji loom in the distance as you journey from Tokyo to this celebrated UNESCO-listed site. Admire spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from its 5th station, a magnificent vantage point at 2,300 meters (weather permitting). After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll continue to Owakudani to see the volcanic activity. Consider sampling the local black eggs boiled in geysers, then head back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Hotel: New Otani Garden Tower
Continue to Kyoto
Leave Tokyo, traveling by high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the center of Japanese culture for centuries. On arrival, you'll embark on a walking tour of the Gion District, embracing the energy of Kawaramachi street. Visit Kinkakuji Temple, whose glittering golden pavilion is widely regarded as the symbol of Kyoto, before returning to the hotel for an evening of leisure.
Hotel: The Hotel Higashiyama
Discover Enchanting Kyoto
Visit one of Kyoto's highlightsthe historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring and its stunning landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering bamboo groves and see the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple, then spend some free time at Nishiki Market, a traditional food market known to locals as "Kyoto's Pantry." Return to your hotel or consider joining an optional Japanese tea ceremony experience.
Hotel: The Hotel Higashiyama
Admire Ancient Nara Make Travel Matter
Start the day off with a visit to Sumiyama Village and discover the stunning Kiyomizu Pottery which originated about 500 years ago in central Kyoto. Learn about the work of the craftsmen and about how they had to move out of the city and into a more rural area due to concerns from the local citizens about air pollution. Next 'Connect With Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch with a local farmer at his home. Gain insights into the life of his family while sampling fresh tea and indulging in a delicious home-made meal, then visit his tea plantation. This afternoon delve into the ancient history of Nara, the first permanent capital city of Japan. Here you'll visit the landmark Todaiji Temple, one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and home to one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha. Take a stroll around Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming tame deer before returning to Kyoto for an evening at leisure.
Hotel: The Hotel Higashiyama
Bullet Train to Hiroshima Dive Into Culture
This morning, board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of the previous century's devastation. Your first stop is to a local restaurant where you'll join our Local Specialist for an Okonomiyaki making experience. Mix your ingredients to make your own savory pancake and cook it on a hot plate before enjoying your creation for lunch. This afternoon, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Learn how to make Momiji Manjyu, one of the local specialties, shaping your steamed bun as a maple leaf and filling it with sweet red bean paste. You'll have an opportunity to sample your work before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.
Hotel: Rihga Royal
Experience Hiroshima
This morning, head to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. Take a moment to contemplate its symbolic expression of hope for world peace. Spend the afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience.
Hotel: Rihga Royal
Onwards to Osaka
Today, take the high-speed bullet train to Osaka. On arrival embark on an orientation drive of the central city and your first glimpse of sights including the incredible Umeda Sky Building before checking in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Hotel: Sheraton Miyako
See the Sights of Osaka
Gain a different perspective of Osaka's landmark city sights, starting your day with a cruise on the 'aqua-bus' along Okawa River. Sail past the Japan Mint, City Hall, Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Visit the downtown district of Shinsekai to see the Tsutenkaku Tower, then continue to the Dotonbori Street area for some time at leisure. Delve into the star-crossed love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei during your visit to the Tsuyunoten Shrine in Umeda, associated with the Edo-period play 'The Love Suicides of Sonezaki, which tells of the tragic double suicide that took place at the shrine in 1703. To this day, visitors write their prayers for success in love on special wooden plaques called ema, many of which bear the image of Ohatsu and Tokubei. Admire the panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory - an open-air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Later join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a dinner in a local restaurant.
Hotel: Sheraton Miyako
Sayonara Osaka
Your journey revealing Japan's past and present is at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
Departure Dates
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Start: August 22, 2025 End: September 1, 2025 Price: $6,325 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: September 5, 2025 End: September 15, 2025 Price: $6,525 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
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Start: September 12, 2025 End: September 22, 2025 Price: $6,525 pp | Land Only Price My Trip |
Price My Trip
Product Code: TTUSAS-JPCLN20
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