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Highlights of Japan
from $6,425 pp

  • Duration: 12 Days
  • Destinations: Japan

Avanti Destinations | 12 Days | Roundtrip Tokyo

Departs daily year round excluding holidays and special events

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan's cultural heartlands, featuring guided tours of Tokyo, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kurashiki. Marvel at Tokyo's vibrant cityscapes, witness a serene garden and fire ceremony, and explore Shizuoka's stunning natural beauty. Discover Kyoto's golden temples, immerse yourself in Nara's rich cultural heritage, and stroll through Kurashiki's charming historic district. Enjoy top-notch services, including expert local guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless transportation, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Japan's most iconic destinations.

AAA Member Benefits and Special Offers

Member Benefits

  • $50 per person savings on packages of 3 nights accommodations or longer (must include a full day excursion per person to qualify for the benefit). Cannot be combinable with the $100 member benefit. Hop on/off tours do not qualify as full day excursions.
  • $100 per person savings on packages of 7 nights accommodations or longer (must include two more full days excursions per person to qualify for the benefit).
  • $25 savings on a car rental of one week or more. Can be combined with $50 or $100 member benefit.
Call to Book 1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip

Inclusions

  • Accommodations: 4 Nights Tokyo, 1 Night Shizuoka, 3 Nights Kyoto, 1 Night Okayama, 2 Nights Hiroshima
  • Private Arrival and Departure Transfers per city
  • Tokyo Highlights Tour
  • Garden and Fire Ceremony Tour
  • Hikari/Kodama Bullet Train - Tokyo to Shizuoka
  • Shizuoka Highlights Tour
  • Kodama/Hikari Bullet Train - Shizuoka to Kyoto
  • Gold Kyoto Highlights Tour
  • Nara Excursion
  • Nozomi Bullet Train - Kyoto to Okayama
  • Kurashiki Highlights Tour
  • Nozomi Bullet Train - Okayama to Hiroshima
  • Kurashiki Excursion
  • Nozomi Bullet Train - Hiroshima to Tokyo
  • Daily Breakfast
Additional Information

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo

Experience the seamless transition into the vibrant city of Tokyo with a transfer service from Narita Airport. As you traverse from the airport to your Tokyo hotel, soak in the city's dynamic contrasts, from serene gardens and historic temples to bustling markets and modern skyscrapers, setting the stage for an immersive exploration of Tokyo's rich cultural and culinary delights right from the moment you arrive.

Day 2: Tokyo- City Highlights

Begin a full-day journey through Tokyos vibrant contrasts and timeless traditions with a Tokyo Highlights Tour, starting in Asakusa with visits to Sensoji Temple and Nakamise shopping street. Cruise down the Sumidagawa River for stunning skyline views, then find serenity at Hamarikyu Garden while enjoying matcha and Japanese sweets. Continue to Meiji Shrine for cultural insights and end your day strolling Omotesando's stylish streets, blending historic elegance with contemporary flair. Experience the essence of Tokyo in a single unforgettable day.

Day 3: Tokyo- Garden and Fire Ceremony

Embark on a cultural journey in Tokyo's Fukagawa district with our Garden and Fire Ceremony Tour. Begin at Kiyosumi Teien, where historic beauty unfolds amidst tranquil gardens dating back to the 18th century, adorned with rare stones and vibrant flora. Wander through this serene residential area to reach Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple, renowned for its fierce Fudomyo statue and the mesmerizing goma-kito fire ceremony. Witness the sacred ritual up close as priests chant sutras and drums resonate, offering a profound glimpse into Japan's spiritual traditions amidst serene surroundings.

Day 4: Tokyo to Shizuoka- City Highlights Tour

Set out on an unforgettable journey through Shizuoka's natural wonders with this Shizuoka Highlights Tour, traveling swiftly by shinkansen from Tokyo to the picturesque prefecture known for Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay. Ascend Nihondaira Plateau via ropeway for breathtaking views and visit Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, a national treasure from the Edo period. Marvel at the architecture of Nihondaira Yume Terrace and enjoy serene moments at Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan's hidden tea garden overlooking Mt. Fuji. Conclude your day at Miho no Matsubara, famous for its stunning pine grove and insights into local folklore.

Day 5: Shizuoka to Kyoto

Begin your journey with a thrilling ride on the Kodama/Hikari Bullet Train from Shizuoka to Kyoto. Arriving in Kyoto, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japan's history, exploring ancient temples, serene shrines, and beautifully preserved palaces. Wander through narrow alleyways, where kimono-clad geishas and traditional tea houses transport you back to the elegance of old Japan. With 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites to discover, Kyoto promises an unforgettable glimpse into the nation's cultural heart.

Day 6: Kyoto- City Highlights

Spend a day of adventure on the Gold Kyoto Highlights Tour, starting with a mesmerizing walk through the vibrant red torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Explore the magnificent Sanjusangendo Temple, home to 1001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist god of mercy, within Japan's longest wooden structure. Marvel at the architectural wonder of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and its breathtaking wooden platform. Conclude your day with visits to the golden Kinkakuji Temple and the scholarly Kitano-Tenmangu Shrine, where history, culture, and stunning scenery blend seamlessly for an unforgettable experience.

Day 7: Kyoto- Nara Excursion

Enjoy a Private Nara Excursion, beginning with a scenic transfer and a knowledgeable local guide. Explore the stunning Isuien Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese horticulture, followed by a visit to Nara Park, where over 1,000 deer roam freely. Marvel at the grandeur of Todaiji Temple, home to Japans largest Buddha statue, and the enchanting Kasuga Taisha Shrine, adorned with hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic merchant district of Naramachi, before returning to Kyoto.

Day 8: Kyoto to Okayama- Kurashiki Highlights

Embark on the Kurashiki Highlights Tour, starting with a shinkansen ride to Okayama and a scenic local train to Kurashiki. Explore the charming Bikan district, where Edo-period merchant storehouses line the picturesque river, blending Japanese and Western influences. Stroll through nostalgic, stone-paved streets adorned with galleries, coffee shops, and souvenir shops, soaking in the unique retro-modern atmosphere. Conclude your day with a return journey to Okayama, carrying memories of a truly unique Japanese experience.

Day 9: Okayama to Hiroshima

Experience a journey like no other on the Nozomi Bullet Train from Okayama to Hiroshima. Arrive in Hiroshima, known for its tragic fate when the first atomic bomb was dropped over the city. Hiroshima has re-emerged to become a symbol of hope and peace. With the afternoon free, consider exploring historical city monuments, such as the serene Shukkeien Garden and the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle.

Day 10: Hiroshima- Kurashiki Excursion

Begin your Private Kurashiki Excursion from Hiroshima with a reflective visit to the Peace Memorial Park, guided through its poignant memorials and the impactful museum. Afterward, enjoy a short ferry ride to the sacred island of Miyajima, where the iconic torii gate appears to float on the sea. Explore ancient shrines and temples, sample local delicacies, and soak in the beauty of one of Japans most scenic spots. Return to Hiroshima, carrying the rich cultural and historical impressions of an unforgettable day.

Day 11: Hiroshima to Tokyo

Experience the speed and comfort of the Nozomi Bullet Train as you travel from Hiroshima to Tokyo. Upon arrival, enjoy the freedom to explore Japan's bustling capital at your own pace, whether it's indulging in world-class cuisine, shopping in trendy districts, or visiting iconic landmarks. This day offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, allowing you to craft your own memorable Tokyo experience.

Day 12: Depart Tokyo

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Tokyo, with ample free time to savor your final moments in this vibrant city. Take advantage of a private transfer from your hotel to Narita Airport, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey to catch your return flight.

Departure Dates
Start: January 1, 2025
End: December 31, 2025
Price: $6,425 pp


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Price My Trip
Product Code: AAA-Avanti

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