Saturday, March 19 – Tokyo, Japan – Tour Begins
Welcome to Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Begin in the electrifying city of Tokyo, where pop culture is turned all the way up and traditions are rich and long-kept. Get to know your fellow travelers at our Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation.
Sunday, March 20 – Tokyo
Feel the excitement start to build as you pass by the grounds of the Imperial Palace and see the Niju Bridge and Sakurada Gate, the well-known symbols of the Imperial Palace. Walk through Ginza, one of the most elegant and luxurious streets in the world, where modern landscape meets rich history. Enjoy shopping at some of the most renowned “department stores” in Japan – a real experience! Later, amid a lush forest outside of Tokyo, visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. (B, D)
Monday, March 21 – Tokyo
Begin the day exploring Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district. Visit the famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, the colorful temple famous for the red chochin (lantern) hanging at the entrance gate. Experience the long standing tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony, dating back to the 15th century. During your free time, explore the Nakamise Shopping Arcade and feel the energy of the oldest shopping street in Japan. Then, head to Edo Tokyo Museum to learn about the fascinating history and culture of Tokyo. The museum displays life-size and model scale replicas of towns and buildings of old Tokyo. (B)
Tuesday, March 22 – Tokyo – Hakone
Journey to the lakeside resort of Hakone, renowned for its hot springs. In the shadow of Mt. Fuji (UNESCO), this scenic town hugs the shorelines of Lake Ashi. Make a stop at Owakudani, located in an active volcanic zone. The Owakudani crater was created some 3,000 years ago, when Mt. Hakone erupted. Climb aboard the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial cable car descending from Owakudani for a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji. Next, take to the deep-blue waters of Lake Ashi on a cruise where you’ll see epic views of the local mountains before stopping in the charming town of Moto-Hakone. (B, D)
Wednesday, March 23 – Hakone – Matsumoto – Takayama
This breathtaking day begins in Matsumoto at Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” because of its striking black exterior. Enjoy the local cuisine as we stop for lunch at a Soba noodle shop. Later, you’ll step back in time in the rural Edo-period town of Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps. Well known to the locals for its connection to sake, this is the perfect place to gather for a visit to one of Japan’s 200-year-old sake breweries. Afterward, experience a true Japanese epicurean treat – traditional rice wine paired with a special Hida beef dinner. (B, L, D)
Thursday, March 24 – Takayama
The ancient cultures of Takayama come alive this morning in the town’s historic district. Take a walk through the past and glimpse the 19th-century Jinya government building. Stroll through the morning market, a 600-year-old open air market with locally grown and produced products, located along the Miyagawa River. Circuit the winding streets, where the town’s traditional charms are preserved in the inns and houses. This afternoon, relish some free time to continue your exploration of Takayama on your own. (B)
Friday, March 25 – Takayama – Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa
Today, embrace the unique charms of Shirakawa-go (UNESCO). Hidden away in the mountain, this harmonious village is famous for its gassho-zukuri-style houses – thatched-rooftops designed to resemble two hands joined in prayer. Journey to Kanazawa, the origin of gold-leaf making since the 16th century. Visit the Samurai district where we will enter the former home of the Nomuras, a wealthy samurai family who served the ruling Maeda family. Then, travel to the Geisha quarters of Kanazawa, the Higashi Tea district. Tonight, join with our Amazing Journeys community for a Shabbat gathering, followed by a group dinner. (B, D)
Saturday, March 26 – Kanazawa
More than 25 acres of absolute beauty await you today at Kenroku-En – Garden of Six Qualities. From the beauty of Japan’s most stunning gardens, dive into the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in decorating your own lacquer box! In the center of town, take in the action of the Omicho fish market before venturing out on your own to really immerse yourself in Kanazawa’s dynamic culture. (B)
Sunday, March 27 – Kanazawa – Kyoto
Kyoto awaits! The former Imperial capital of Japan is now one of the nation’s top cosmopolitan cities. At the same time, Kyoto’s connection with its past is strong; you won’t need to look far to see one of its 2,000 temples and shrines. For lunch, participate in a sushi making class and master the art of sushi making. This afternoon, visit Kinkakuji (UNESCO), the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. (B, L)
Monday, March 28 – Kyoto – Bullet Train – Hiroshima – Kyoto
All aboard the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima Island, or “Shrine Island” (UNESCO). Afterwards, head into Hiroshima city to visit the Peace Memorial Park, and pause to see the ruined Atomic Dome (UNESCO). Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. As this long and moving day comes to a close, return to Kyoto by the Shinkansen bullet train. (B)
Tuesday, March 29 – Kyoto
This morning, explore Fushimi Inari Taisha for a tour of the most revered shrine of Inari. Follow the spectacular rows of orange torii (made famous in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha) that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrine. Move on to the home of the first Shogun, Nijo Castle (UNESCO), and see intricate woodcarvings, wall paintings, and the Ninomaru Garden, designed by Kobori Enshu, a landscape architect and tea master. Next, learn about the ancient craft of stenciling during a hands-on lesson. (B)
Wednesday, March 30 – Kyoto
Today, spend some time relaxing or set out to explore Kyoto on your own. This evening, we’ll join together for our Amazing Journeys Farewell program. Fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture during a special kaiseki farewell dinner and geisha show. (B, D)
Thursday, March 31 – Kyoto – Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close in this fascinating land. As you depart, reflect on its beauty and all you have learned about its rich history and culture. (B)
Our Itinerary at a Glance:
Night 1-3 Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, Tokyo
Night 4 Odakyu Hotel de Yama, Hakone
Night 5-6 Takayama Green Hotel, Takayama
Night 7-8 ANA Crowne Plaza, Kanazawa
Night 9-12 Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto
Please note:
- Alternate hotels may be used
- The order of the tour may be changed
- Due to Covid closures, some sites may be substituted
- Some site visits are weather dependent
| Rates |
Double |
Single |
|
$6499 |
$7999 |
A deposit of $450 is due with your reservation. Full payment is due on February 1, 2022.
Roommate matching available.
Rates are subject to change based on availability.
These rates are based on an all-inclusive, custom-designed package that differs from offerings seen in public advertising. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.
Pre- and Post-Tour Nights:
For those who want to arrive prior to the start of the tour, or stay after, we offer a limited number of rooms held at our group hotels. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present nor will there be programming on these days. We are not able to match roommates for extra night stays.
Tokyo: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (March 17, 18)
The room rates are per person, per night and include taxes and breakfast daily
Twin – $180 per person
Single – $360
Kyoto: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (March 31)
The room rates include taxes
Twin -$129 per person
Single – $239
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates.
Cancellation Policy for those without Cancel for Any Reason Trip Protection: Prior to December 28, 2021, there is a $100 penalty for cancellation. From December 29, 2021 – February 1, 2022, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit. From February 2 – March 15, 2022, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total cost of the tour package. Cancellations made on or after March 16, 2022 and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the trip. Travel protection is recommended for participation in this program.
Travel Protection & Trip Cancellation Waiver: Amazing Journeys highly recommends you purchase Travel Protection. For US citizens, our tour operator offers a travel protection and cancellation waiver for $349. You may cancel for any reason up to one-day prior to the start of the first component purchased from Amazing Journeys for this tour package. This Cancel For Any Reason policy must be purchased at the time of deposit. Click here for full policy terms and details. If you are requesting a double occupancy room, should you need to cancel, you will be responsible for the difference between the double occupancy and the single occupancy rate as your roommate will still be occupying the stateroom. Once purchased, this policy is non-refundable. More information will be sent with your tour confirmation.
Flights and Transfers: Airfare is not included with the tour cost. The tour begins at our hotel in Tokyo and ends at our hotel in Kyoto. Transfers at the start and the end of the tour are not included with the tour cost. More details and options will be sent closer to the travel date. You will be flying into Tokyo, Japan using Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) and out of Kyoto, Japan using either Osaka International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX). Please don’t purchase your airline ticket until you have received a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys.
COVID Precautions: Until further notice, we require you to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least two weeks before departure, and you must send us a copy of your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with the CDC logo by email to or fax to Amazing Journeys. We do not test for COVID-19 or any other diseases. Masks will be required in all indoor public spaces except when dining. It is up to each traveler to be aware of any requirements or changes to state and country mandates and airline requirements as they are changing often. We are currently operating smaller groups. Many events will be held outside and we will be having reminders of social distancing. Depending upon the situation at the time of this trip and the destination, some tour components may be modified, including meals and how many travelers we may limit to sitting at each table.
Passports & Visas: A Passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. One blank page must be available in your passport. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Japan for those from the US or Canada. If you are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassy of Japan to see if a visa is necessary. Please note that visa requirements may change at any time and it is up to the passenger to have the proper documents for entering Japan.
Taxes & Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges and government fees are included and are subject to change. Gratuities for our tour manager, local guides, specialty guides, drivers, baggage handlers and included meals are included in the cost of the tour. We are unable to include gratuities for hotel staff which we leave to your discretion.
Activity Level: This activity level for this tour is ranked 3 (out of 5). This means you are an “on-the-go- type of traveler. To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, being able to navigate hills, climb onto various modes of transportation (such as a tuk-tuk, boat, aerial tramway, etc), the possibility of changes in elevation, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, balanced with periods of free time, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.
This tour is operated by Collette
We must have a minimum of 18 participants in order to operate this tour.
