I C O N I C JA PA N HIGHLIGHTS • Browse the bustling stalls of a Tokyo fish market, and create artful dishes at a sushi-making class. • Practice Zen meditation with a Buddhist monk in historic Kyoto. • Enjoy a traditional kaiseki feast while staying at a local minshuku in the countryside. • Learn samurai and kembu moves, and try your hand at Zen calligraphy.
district, lined with wooden homes and tea houses. Delve into traditional Japanese arts during a chopstick-making and gold leaf-painting experience, and opt to visit the area’s gardens or castles. DAYS 7–8 I HIROSHIMA/MIYAJIMA Speed by bullet train to Hiroshima, where we’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about a dark chapter in human history. The next day, set off by ferry to Itsukushima island, popularly called Miyajima; and explore the 12th-century Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, where a beautiful torii gate appears to float at high tide. DAYS 9–10 I HIMEJI/KYOTO/NARA DAYS 1–3 I TOKYO, JAPAN Arrive at any time. Experience Tokyo’s traditional side with visits to Meiji Shrine and the historic Asakusa neighborhood. Then delve into Japanese pop culture in the Harajuku district. Tour the Toyosu Fish Market and take part in a sushi-making class. DAY 4 I NAGISO/TSUMAGO Travel by train to the quaint town of Nagiso and transfer to a local minshuku, a traditional Japanese bed-and-breakfast. Walk through the countryside to the rural village of Tsumago, and feast on a multi-course kaiseki meal. DAYS 5–6 I KANAZAWA Ride the rails to historic Kanazawa. Explore Japan’s ancient samurai culture in the Nagamachi district, and visit the restored home of a wealthy samurai family. Discover Myoryuji temple the next morning, then stroll the streets of the Higashi Chaya geisha
Visit the hilltop Himeji Castle, then catch a train to Kyoto, which served as the imperial capital for more than a thousand years. Stroll the charming streets of Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Discover the stunning Fushimi Inari shrine, and spend the rest of the day exploring ancient Nara. Visit Todaiji temple, the world’s largest wooden building, as well as the celebrated Kasuga Taisha shrine. DAYS 11–12 I KYOTO Meet a Buddhist monk at a local temple and learn about the techniques of Zen meditation and calligraphy. Sip a bowl of traditional matcha tea, then visit the exquisite Kinkakuji, or Golden Pavilion. Enjoy a presentation about samurai etiquette and try out some traditional moves, followed by a performance of kembu, a Japanese martial art that combines sword fighting with dance. Depart at any time the next day.
Above: The World Heritage–listed Himeji Castle is also known as White Heron Castle.
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1 2 DAY S F R O M
$
5,199
PER PERSON. AIRFARE TO/FROM IS NOT INCLUDED.
+ $1,979
MY OWN ROOM OPTION: MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 15 DATES
2022: Departures available March–December 2023: Departures available February–December Please visit our website for departure dates. WHAT’S INCLUDED All transport between destinations and to/from included activities, and activities as listed in the itinerary. Optional excursions are at an additional cost. ACCOMMODATIONS Comfortable, mid-range hotels (10 nights), traditional inn (1 night) MEALS INCLUDED 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner. Allow an additional $475–$620 per person for meals not included. TRANSPORTATION Bullet train, express train, local train, ferry, metro, taxi, public bus GUARANTEED DEPARTURES If you’re booked, you’re going.
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