Essence of Japan 2025
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Overview
Highlights
- Inspirational
- innovative and intriguing
- Japan is a favorite destination with Tauck travelers... where gilded temples and glittering skyscrapers reign over streets steeped in history and tradition.Discover the revered customs and unique sense of beauty that infuse life here... On the main island of Honshu
- from Tokyo to the hot springs resort town of Hakone to Kanazawa and the cultural treasure trove of Kyoto
- visit a private home for a tea ceremony and Origami... explore castles
- temples
- shrines
- a samurai home
- and world-class gardens... spend a night at a ryokan with traditional Japanese cultural experiences... make sushi
- taste sake
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- In Kyoto, enjoy a private home visit with tea ceremony & Origami demonstration, explorations with a local Geisha expert, visits to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple & Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu Temple) Multiple-night stays in premier hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone & at a hot springs resort & spa in Gero Onsen A Kagura ceremonial blessing and taiko drums in Tokyo A ferry ride on Lake Ashi highlighted with views of Mt. Fuji, Japan's largest mountain, in the distance In Hakone, visit an open-air museum and attend a flower arranging class
Itinerary
MEALS : D
LODGING : Shangri-La Tokyo
PORTOFCALL : Tokyo, Japan
This morning, visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of the Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shokenn, and enjoy a Kagura ceremonial blessing with origins that date to the 8th century. Stroll the narrow streets lined with...
Begin the day with a guided visit to the Tokyo National Museum, followed by a teppanyaki lunch of food cooked on an iron griddle. Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple, built as a tribute to the goddess of mercy, and meander along adjacen...
This morning, board the renowned bullet train (shinkansen) in Tokyo for a short ride south to Odawara, and continue on to the scenic hot springs resort town of Hakone in Kanagawa. En route, a ferry ride on Lake Ashi; weather permitt...
Start the day off with a visit to the Itchiku Kubota Museum, set amidst magnificent views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Itchiku Kubota (1917-2003) is considered one of the most important Japanese textile artists of the 20th centur...
Board a train bound for Nagoya. Upon arrival, a short drive through the countryside brings you to Gero Onsen and your traditional onsen hotel. Take the opportunity to soak in the hot springs (onsen) and have dinner Japanese style, s...
Depart Gero Onsen this morning and head for Takayama, a mountain city long famed for its artisans and woodworkers. En route enjoy a lesson in sake making and a tasting at a local brewery before enjoying some sightseeing along the na...
A full day's sightseeing in Kanazawa includes: time exploring the historic Samurai District, where samurai homes are tucked among narrow lanes and canals behind earthen walls and private entrance gates, with a visit to the restored ...
Depart Kanazawa by train for Osaka, then continue on by train to the city of Hiroshima for an overnight stay (lunch today will be a scatter lunch purchased prior to leaving for Hiroshima). This afternoon, take a ferry ride to Miyaji...
In Hiroshima today, you'll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, and the A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) – the only structure left standing in the area of the WWII atomic bomb blast that destroyed the city in August 1945,...
Kyoto sightseeing today begins with a visit to the famous golden-topped Kinkaku-ji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), set in an ancient garden on the edge of a lake – a position symbolizing its place "between heaven and Earth."...
Begin your day with a prayer at the Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple) established in 778; the current buildings were rebuilt in the 17th century. Drink the water here in long-handled cups as you wish for longevity, success or love. ...
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Kyoto, Japan
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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