Itinerary

Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Tokyo, Japan

    Depart on an overnight flight to Tokyo. Arrive in Japan’s capital, a city known for its modern architecture, fine dining and the latest fashions.
    Imperial Hotel
Day 3: Tokyo

    Visit the Imperial Palace Plaza and stroll the grounds of Meiji-Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. In the afternoon, visit Asakusa Temple, pausing to look for keepsakes in the tiny shops of Nakamise-dori. Tonight, join fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
    Imperial Hotel B L D
Day 4: Tokyo/Nikko/Tokyo

    The Japanese have a saying: “Don’t say kekko (wonderful) without seeing Nikko.” Today, travel overland to Nikko National Park in the mountains north of Tokyo and discover this lovely region. Visit the magnificently carved 17th-century Toshogu Shrine, where you take part in a special Shinto ceremony and tour the shrine with a Shinto priest or miko (priestess).
    Imperial Hotel B L
Day 5: Tokyo

    This morning, take a guided walking tour of the Ginza, a glamorous neighborhood brimming with designer boutiques, chic restaurants and art galleries housed in buildings designed by world-class architects. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore Tokyo’s contemporary galleries and museums and dine at one of the city’s fine restaurants.
    Imperial Hotel B
Day 6: Tokyo/Kamakura/Hakone

    Take a scenic drive to Kamakura to see the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in. Standing over 37 feet tall, the statue was carved in 1252 and is considered one of the most beautiful statues of Buddha in Japan. Afterward, visit Hase Kannon Temple; its flower-filled garden is unusual among Japanese gardens, which normally focus on structure. After lunch, continue to the forested slopes of Hakone National Park. Cruise Lake Ashi and board a gondola on the Komagatake Ropeway for a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Tonight, enjoy the unparalleled service and kaiseki cuisine at the ryokan Gora Kadan, a luxurious, top-rated traditional inn where reservations are difficult to come by. Contemplate this once-in-a-lifetime experience while soaking and relaxing in one of the many onsen (hot spring) baths.
    Gora Kadan B L D
Day 7: Hakone/Kyoto

    Board the bullet train for Kyoto, the epicenter of Japan’s rich cultural, spiritual and artistic heritage. Kyoto boasts more than 2,000 temples and shrines, 17 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Start your exploration of this breathtaking city with a visit to Kodai-ji to receive a lesson in Zen meditation and take part in a tea ceremony. After a classic Kyoto-style lunch, walk before the 1,001 statues of Kannon at Sanjusangendo Temple. Next, visit Kiyomizu Temple and stand in its massive verandah for stunning city views. Later, stroll along Gojozaka Hills, an area full of pottery studios, on your way to visit the studio of famed potter Shin Fujihira.
    Kyoto Hotel Okura B L
Day 8: Kyoto/Nara/Kyoto

    Drive south to ancient Nara, Japan’s first capital, stopping en route to see the 11th-century Byodo-in Temple in Uji. In Nara, wander through Nara Park, home to more than 1,000 tame deer. Continue to eighth-century Todai-ji, a temple complex that contains the world’s largest wooden structure: its massive hondo (main hall) houses the largest bronze Buddha in Japan. After lunch, visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine, famous for its bronze and stone lanterns, before returning to Kyoto.
    Kyoto Hotel Okura B L
Day 9: Kyoto/Shigaraki/Kyoto

    Explore northwest Kyoto and view the iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji and the glittering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Drive to rural Shigaraki, where a world-class art collection awaits at I.M. Pei’s stunning Miho Museum, founded by Koyama Mihoko, Japan’s most notable female art collector.
    Kyoto Hotel Okura B L
Day 10: Kyoto

    This afternoon, take a guided walk through some of Kyoto’s market areas, including the lively Nishiki market. See the best seasonal produce, fresh fish and prepared foods that generations of Kyoto-ites have relied on since the Middle Ages. Tonight, celebrate the end of your journey in style with an exquisitely presented kaiseki banquet, complete with a geiko (geisha in Kyoto) and maiko in attendance to dance, sing, pour sake and converse about their fascinating lives.
    Kyoto Hotel Okura B D
Day 11: Kyoto/USA or Canada

    Transfer to Kansai or Itami Airport for your return flight.
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