DAYS 1 & 2

Upon arrival on Day 2, 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

DAYS 3 & 4

Explore Tokyo, one of the world’s largest cities, with 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. Enjoy a full-day excursion to Nikko beginning on the Tobu Express Train. Visit the thundering Kegon Falls, known for its rainbow displays.

The Peninsula, Tokyo

DAY 5

Stop in Kamakura to visit the Kotokuin Temple, which houses Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha). Visit the Hakone Open Air Museum and enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi. The 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 – 8

The morning of Day 6 depart for Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and continue to Kyoto via the world-famous Bullet Train. Begin your tour of Kyoto with a visit to Nijo Castle, and then the famed Kinkakuji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion). 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 for a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony and origami demonstration. In the afternoon drive to Nara, the imperial capital during the 8th century. Visit the lovely Deer Park, surrounding the magnificent Todaiji Temple, and enjoy feeding the deer.

Westin Miyako Hotel, Kyoto

DAY 9

Travel this morning via the express train to Kurashiki, meaning the “warehouse village.” Explore the traditional architecture and beautiful canals of this picturesque city. Visit the Ohara Museum of Art, the first museum of western art in Japan.

Hotel Nikko, Kurashiki

DAYS 10 – 12

Begin your tour of Hiroshima with a visit to Peace Memorial Park. On Day 11, take a trip to Miyajima Island, perhaps best known for the floating torii gate to the Itsukushima Shrine, 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. On Day 12 you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.

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.

Sharon Zimmerman

Sharon’s outstanding people skills have helped her to guide travelers on fascinating journeys to Asia, Africa and South America. Her favorite memories come from tours she led to the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal. In her own words, “You simply haven’t lived until you have been on the back of a galloping elephant!”

Travel Dates: April 07, 2012