DAYS 1 & 2

Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your luxury hotel to rest after your flight. The Peninsula Hotel, your home for the next three nights, is located across the avenue from the Imperial Palace, and just a couple minutes walk from the vibrant Ginza.

The Peninsula, Tokyo

DAY 3

Explore one of the world’s largest cities, including a brief stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza to view the Emperor’s home and grounds. Drive by the imposing National Diet Building and visit the Garden of the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo’s most magnificent Shinto shrine. Continue on to the entertainment district of Asakusa and savor a delicious barbeque lunch. Also see the Nihombashi and Ginza shopping districts. This evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail and dinner party to learn more about the exciting adventures ahead.

The Peninsula, Tokyo

DAY 4

Your full-day excursion to Nikko will begin on the Tobu Express Train. You’ll visit the fabulous Yomeimon Gate and the Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of the first Tokugawa Shogun. After lunch, travel to the beautiful Lake Chuzenji in the Japanese Alps, 4,194 feet above sea level. Witness the thundering Kegon Falls, known for its rainbow displays on sunny days, and Ryuzo-no Tako (Dragon’s Head Cascade). Return to Tokyo on the Tobu Express.

The Peninsula, Tokyo

DAY 5

Leave Tokyo today and travel to Hakone. Stop in Kamakura to visit the Kotokuin Temple, which houses Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha). It is cast in bronze, weighing over 850 tons, and was finished in 1252. Following lunch, visit the Hakone Open Air Museum and enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi, a crater lake that emerged around the Mt. Hakone volcano over 400,000 years ago. A reflection of Mt. Fuji across the lake is exceptionally beautiful. Also visit the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, cherished for its relaxing and beautiful atmosphere.

Hakone Hotel, Hakone

DAY 6

This morning depart for Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and one of the most magnificent in the world. Points along the climbing trail are called “stations” and we travel to the fifth station, the highest point you can travel by road, located about halfway up the mountain. Here, weather permitting, you’ll have a panoramic view. We continue to Kyoto via the world-famous Bullet Train, which exudes the tranquility and charm of Japan’s ancient culture. The 1,100-year-old city is still the center for traditional arts and industries: silk weaving, embroidery, lacquer ware production, ceramics, doll making and flower arranging.

Westin Miyako Hotel, Kyoto

DAYS 7 & 8

Begin your tour of Kyoto with a visit to Nijo Castle. Built in 1630 as the residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun, it was intended to show his prestige and power. Continue to the famed Kinkakuji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), originally built in 1397. Your final stop is at the Heian Shrine, established in 1893 to commemorate the 1,100th-anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. On Day 8 enjoy a visit to a private home. Our gracious hostess demonstrates the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, and has you learn the art of origami. In the afternoon drive to Nara, the imperial capital during the 8th-century, and now a peaceful provincial town. Visit the lovely Deer Park, surrounding the magnificent Todaiji Temple, and enjoy feeding the deer in the park. Todaiji Temple is famous for its high bronze Buddha housed in the largest wooden structure in the world. Also see the Kasuka Shinto Shrine, standing in perfect harmony with its natural setting, and the 3,000 bronze and stone lanterns lining the avenue leading to this dignified shrine.

Westin Miyako Hotel, Kyoto

DAY 9

Travel this morning via the express train to Kurashiki, meaning the “warehouse village.” During the feudal era, the warehouses were used to store rice from the surrounding area. Many of the warehouses have now been converted into museums. Explore the traditional architecture and beautiful canals of this picturesque city. White-walled houses with traditional black tile roofs line the streets, while mansions with latticed windows and the weeping willows along the canal complete the peaceful picture of a Japanese town as it existed centuries ago. Visit the Ohara Museum of Art, the first museum of western art in Japan.

Hotel Nikko, Kurashiki

DAYS 10 & 11

Depart on Day 10 for Hiroshima via the express train. Begin your tour of Hiroshima with a visit to Peace Memorial Park. There are many memorials throughout the park including one that contains the names of all known victims of the atomic bomb. The Atomic Bomb Dome is just across the river from the Peace Memorial Park and is probably the most famous symbol of Hiroshima. On Day 11, take a trip to Miyajima Island, perhaps best known for the floating torii gateway to the Itsukushima Shrine, stunningly reflected in Hiroshima Bay. This is one of the most photographed spots in all of Japan. On your afternoon excursion, journey to the Shukkeien Garden and the Hiroshima Castle. This evening say goodbye to your fellow travelers at a farewell cocktail and dinner party.

Rihga Royal Hotel, Hiroshima

DAY 12

You will be taken to the airport in Hiroshima to depart for your home city or to your next destination.

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

DAYS 1 – 4

On Day 2, arrive in Tokyo, one of the world’s largest cities. At the Imperial Palace Plaza, view the Emperor’s home and grounds. Visit the magnificent Yomeimon Gate, now the final resting place of the first Tokugawa Shogun. Ascend to beautiful Lake Chuzenji in the Japanese Alps, and witness a rainbow shimmering through Kegon Falls. 
The Peninsula, Tokyo

DAYS 5 – 8

Enjoy a leisurely day in Hakone, cruising on Lake Ashi and delighting in the panoramic view of Mt. Fuji. Travel aboard the Bullet Train to Kyoto. This 1,100-year-old city is the center for traditional industries: silk, embroidery, lacquer ware, ceramics, doll-making and flower arranging. You are welcomed as special guests into a private home as your hostess demonstrates a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and teaches you the art of origami. 
Hakone Hotel, Hakone & Westin Miyako Hotel, Kyoto

DAYS 9 – 12

Discover Kurashiki, where white-walled houses with traditional black-tiled roofs line the streets and weeping willows grace the canals. In Hiroshima, make a solemn visit to Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Enjoy a day’s journey to Miyajima Island to behold the floating Torii gateway to the Itsukushima Shrine, its beauty strikingly reflected in Hiroshima Bay. Memories of this land of tradition, history and serenity will follow you home. 
Hotel Nikko, Kurashiki & Rihga Royal Hotel, Hiroshima

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

The Peninsula Hotel
Tokyo, Japan

This legendary Tokyo hotel is 5-Star in every aspect. There is a fitness center with a 200-foot swimming pool and steam room, delightful spa, as well as a beauty salon, business center, dry cleaning & laundry service, and a gift shops. There are several dining and lounge options, from private dining to authentic Cantonese cuisine to international choices.

The guest rooms are user-friendly, but include state of the art in-room technology. Travcoa rooms are deluxe, offering a city view, and feature appointments including a plasma TV, a dressing and work area with desk, coffee/tea maker, complimentary internet access, and a large marble bathroom with separate tub and shower, robes and a hair dryer.

Hakone Hotel
Hakone, Japan

Set upon a shore overlooking the sparkling waters of the Lake Ashi, the Hakone Hotel shines like the most precious stone in the region. When the majestic view of Mt. Fuji shows up over the Lake Ashi, it adds a breathtaking moment to the guestsʹ stays. Since its establishment in 1923, the Hakone Hotel has drawn many guests home and abroad with its incomparable hospitality and service. Fully renovated in 1992, the Hakone Hotel offers a wide variety of modern guestrooms.

There are 50 air-conditioned guestrooms offering amenities including in-room slippers, TV, mini bar and in-room safe.

Westin Miyako Hotel
Kyoto, Japan

The Westin Miyako Kyoto is situated at the northern foot of Mount Kacho and commands spectacular views of the ancient capital. Its prestigious history, “heavenly” deluxe guest rooms, luxurious amenities and superlative restaurants make it the perfect choice for your stay. The 11-story deluxe hotel provides a quiet and cozy ambience with 528 well-decorated guestrooms. The hotel has 9 restaurants and bars for guests to choose from, a wild bird sanctuary, observation deck, tranquil gardens and fitness center.

Room amenities include air-conditioning, cable/satellite TV, telephone, radio, refrigerator, mini bar, tea facilities, soundproof facilities, alarm clock, writing desk, in-room safe, hairdryer, bathrobes and en suite baths.

Hotel Nikko
Kurashiki, Japan

The 70 spacious guest rooms are among the best in Kurashiki City. The hotel has four dining facilities—a Japanese and a Western-style restaurant, a café and a bar. The hotel itself features modern architecture, but one of the restaurants in an annex building is a remodeled 200 year-old rice granary, which is listed as a “Japan Important Cultural Property.”

The guestrooms are designed for comfort with large windows and amenities that include marble bathrooms with deep-soaking tub and separate glass-enclosed shower.

Rihga Royal Hotel
Hiroshima, Japan

Located in the center of the city, this deluxe hotel is within walking distance of Shukkein Garden, Hiroshima Castle and the Peace Memorial Park. As well as being one of the newest buildings in the city, the Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima is also one of the tallest and can be seen quite easily from any part of the city.

There are a number of restaurants to choose from including three Japanese restaurants, two with Western-style cuisine, a coffee house, and a Chinese restaurant, as well as two bars and a lounge. The hotel also has a fitness center and swimming pool, as well as a business center and beauty salon.

It offers 491 guest rooms; all rooms are air-conditioned and boast stylish and sophisticated interiors. Each is furnished with everything needed to make your stay comfortable including satellite TV, hairdryer and mini bar.