Japan Explorer
14 days - Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Amanohashidate, Kyoto, Nara
A comprehensive two-week journey takes you to some of Japan's most scenic areas and introduces you to Japanese culture and way of life. Begin in Tokyo, the modern sprawling capital city filled with impressive hotels, fashionable shopping and nightlife areas, and dining options galore. During your stay visit Meiji Shrine; Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensō-ji), and Nakamise-dōri, the street leading up to the temple that dates back to the early 18th century and is the perfect spot for souvenir shopping and sampling local snacks. A day trip takes you to Kamakura, a coastal town that was once a powerful political center ruled by the Kamakura Shogunate established in 1192. Here you can enjoy a stroll down Komachi street, lined with restaurants and artisanal shops. From Tokyo proceed to Hakone, famous for hot springs, natural beauty, and view of nearby Mt. Fuji. Continue to Matsumoto to tour Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's original temples considered one of the most beautiful and complete. Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps, exudes old world charm, particularly in it's beautifully preserved old town. A fun half-day walking tour includes visits to the morning market (asaichi) and a tasting of one of Takayama's specialties - sake. On the way to Kanazawa pass the famous Gassho-zukuri, houses built with distinctive steep thatched roofs said to resemble a pair of hands together. A highlight of any visit to Kanazawa is beautiful Kenroku-en, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. From Kanazawa drive to Amanohashidate, roughly translated as "Bride in the Heaven", it is a 3.6 kilometer pine-tree covered sand bar, and one of Japan's three scenic views. To see the "bridge in the heaven" you must turn your back towards the bay, bend over and look at it from between your legs! The trip concludes with a visit to the ancient capital, Kyoto, a true highlight of any itinerary of Japan, and a full-day visit to neighboring Nara to see Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Shrine.
Private tour itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo. Arrive at Narita Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel in Tokyo.
Day 2: Tokyo. Full-day private tour of Tokyo visiting Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade, and a sushi-making experience. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 3: Kamakura/Tokyo. Drive to Kamakura. Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hase Kannon Temple, and Komachi shopping street. Rickshaw ride. Return to Tokyo. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 4: Hakone. Drive to Hakone. Visit Owakudani Valley, Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Open Air Museum. Boat ride on Lake Ashi. Spend the night in Hakone. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 5: Matsumoto. Full-day excursion with visits to Lake Yamanaka and Matsumoto Castle. Overnight in Matsumoto. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 6: Takayama. Full-day tour visiting Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum, Takayama Festival Craft Hall, Matsuri-no-Mori (Festival Forest), and experience making shio senbei (rice crackers with salt flavor). (breakfast, lunch).
Day 7: Takayama. Half-day walking tour or Takayama. Visit to Takayama asaichi (morning market), Takayama Jinya, Kami Sannomachi town, and a Japanese sake tasting. (breakfast).
Day 8: Kanazawa. Drive to Kanazawa enroute visiting Shirakawago Minka-en and the World Heritage village of Gokayama. Experience making Gokayama washi, traditional Japanese paper. Proceed to Kanazawa and visit famous Kenrokuen Garden. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 9: Kanazawa. Full-day sightseeing in Kanazawa including the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Higashi-chaya street, and Gold Leaf experience. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 10: Amanohashidate. Travel by road to Amanohashidate with visits to Suruga Bay, Lake Mikatagoko, Nishiura Kaigan Marine Park, and Amanohashidate. Overnight in Amanohashidate. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 11: Kyoto. Drive to Kyoto. Full-day tour visiting Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji Temple, Heian Shrine, and a Zen sitting meditation and tea ceremony experience. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 12: Nara/Kyoto. Full-day private excursion to neighboring Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, and Yakushiji Temple. (breakfast, lunch).
Day 13: Kyoto. A free day to explore as you wish. (breakfast).
Day 14: Depart Japan. Transfer to Kansai International Airport. (breakfast).

Meals: breakfast daily (13), ten lunches, and one dinner.

Cost per person, double occupancy from $14,990.
Our deluxe Japan tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.