Japan: Past & Present A Cultural Journey from Tokyo to Osaka - 2024
Overview
Highlights
- Dive deep into the culture and social norms of Japan over dinner with the Women’s Association of Kyoto.
- Enjoy a traditional, multi-course kaiseki meal.
- Make delicious okonomiyaki, savory pancakes that are a Japanese favorite.
- Stay among Buddhist monks at a monastery on Mount Koya.
- Meet Japan’s ama pearl divers and learn more about their elite profession.
- Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Memorial Museum and hear accounts of the atomic bomb’s devastation.
- See the gleaming beauty of the Golden Pavilion.
- Wander among the swaying trees of the Arashiyama bamboo forest.
- Explore the neon-soaked streets of Osaka’s Dotonbori district.
What's this trip about?
Itinerary

From the tranquility of ancient temples to the energy of bustling cities, find a blend of all things old and new in Japan.
Say “Konnichiwa!” to the incredible, eclectic city of Tokyo. Japan is a land of contrasts, and you’re about to discover the thousand facets of culture, art, and life that make up its incredible spirit. From neon-lit streets filled with people to quiet shrines filled o...
This morning, start your day with a walk through the lush and beautiful Shiba park, a green oasis in the urban landscape. Visit Zojoji Temple, standing in the shadow of Tokyo Tower and painting a powerful picture of Tokyo’s ancient roots and modern culture. Zojoji is ...
Head to Tokyo National Museum to learn about the fascinating history and culture of the city. The museum displays artwork and antiques from Japan and the surrounding area. Feel the excitement start to build as you head to Asakusa and enjoy free time exploring Nakamise...
Climb aboard the high-speed shinkansen, or bullet train. Sleek, modern, and comfortable, the bullet train will flash through the idyllic Japanese countryside at 200 miles per hour, but you’ll barely feel or hear a thing. Keep an eye peeled for Mt. Fuji in the distance...
This morning, you’ll head to the Mikimoto Pearl Museum. Explore the island and the legacy of the skilled ama pearl divers, women who defied conventional gender roles to dive in the sea to harvest oysters and their pearls. Watch divers take the plunge and learn about t...
Kyoto awaits! Before arriving in Japan’s former capital city stop at Nara Park and Todaiji Temple. Venture inside the massive building to take some time in this sacred place and find the huge bronze Buddha statue. Wander the grounds outside and discover the famous “bowing” deer of Nara. Next, it’s off to Kyoto, one of the nation’s top cosmopolitan cities.
Head to Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Here, your Tour Manager leads you through the narrow cobblestone streets and if you’re lucky, you may see a woman in full traditional geisha regalia headed to one of the hidden, exclusive tea houses. Enjoy the rest of your...
Begin your day at Arashiyama bamboo forest. Set out among the towering bamboo stalks that shade the forest paths and gently sway in the breeze. Depart for Kinkakuji (UNESCO), the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. O...
This morning, explore Fushimi Inari Taisha for a glimpse into the most revered shrine of Inari. Follow the rows of orange torii that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrine. Then, head for the mountain village atop Mount Koya. A special and sacred si...
If you so choose, you can rise in the early morning to join the Buddhist monks in prayer. Sit in the serenity of the temple shrine as the monks ring their gongs, chant, burn incense, and center themselves for the activities of the grand day ahead. Then, you’ll once ag...
Head back to the Peace Park and Memorial Museum this morning for a powerful impact moment, a meeting with someone who experienced the devastating effects of the Atomic bomb firsthand.*** They’ll talk about what it was like to live in Japan during that time, the afterm...
Today, journey to your final destination, the energetic city of Osaka. Set out on a walking tour through the famous Dotonbori district. From shopping, to dining, to nightlife, Dotonbori has it all – bathed in the neon glow of huge electric signs. Learn why Osaka is kn...
Take a quiet moment to reflect on all the new memories you have created before heading home.
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Great itenerary both cultural and spectacular scenery
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It was a wonderful trip and experience!
It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
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