AUTHENTIC JAPAN

Travel to Kyoto, one of Japan’s two “must see” cities.  Renowned for its temples, palaces and museums, the city is an important cultural and educational center.  Seventeen of Kyoto’s Buddhist temples, shrines and a castle are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Visit the famous Imperial Palace, known for its exquisite gardens.  See the Heian Shrine and the Japanese garden. 

Shop on Teramachi Street and stroll through Gion to see life in the old geisha houses.  Relax in a hot spring, meet artists and take the bullet train to charming Takaya, tucked in the Japanese Alps.  Spend some time here relaxing or hiking on your own.  Conclude your journey in the vibrant city of Tokyo with its ultra-modern high rises and its hi-tech pop culture and cutting edge art and architecture. 

Takayama Autumn Festival:  This festival is an incredible sight, with enormous processions, singing, dancing and traditional entertainment.  The festival begins with a solemn ritual ceremony at a shrine followed by a huge procession, featuring floats as well as hundreds of participants in medieval costumes.  The daytime celebrations of music, dancing and traditional marionette performances continue well into the evening.  On the second day marionette performances are held on one of the floats and the local diety visits every household.  Groups of traditional Shinto musicians, mikoshis or palanquins carry portable shrines and revelers clad in evocative medieval costumes. 

Destinations

Osaka * Kyoto * Kanazawa * Shirakawago * Takayama * Nara * Mt. Koya

Suggested Custom Tours

Add pre or post tour extensions to this group tour anywhere in Asia!

North & South Korea

TASTE OF SOUTH KOREA

10 Days

$2650

Japan

DELUXE JAPAN: Hot Springs, Art & Countryside

14 Days

$TBA