Essence of Japan 2025

13 days
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4.4/5 Great
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Traditional arts, tranquil gardens, colorful pagodas, and ancient shrines are just some of what you'll experience on this Japan adventure that takes you to Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa and Kyoto, as well as off-the-beaten-track villages in the countryside.
From$11,990
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Inspirational
    • innovative and intriguing
    • Japan is a favorite destination with Tauck travelers... where gilded temples and glittering skyscrapers reign over streets steeped in history and tradition.Discover the revered customs and unique sense of beauty that infuse life here... On the main island of Honshu
    • from Tokyo to the hot springs resort town of Hakone to Kanazawa and the cultural treasure trove of Kyoto
    • visit a private home for a tea ceremony and Origami... explore castles
    • temples
    • shrines
    • a samurai home
    • and world-class gardens... spend a night at a ryokan with traditional Japanese cultural experiences... make sushi
    • taste sake

What's this trip about?

    Traditional arts, tranquil gardens, colorful pagodas, and ancient shrines are just some of what you'll experience on this Japan adventure that takes you to Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa and Kyoto, as well as off-the-beaten-track villages in the countryside.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start City Tokyo, Japan
End CityKyoto

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Hakone
  • Hiroshima
  • Kanazawa
  • Kyoto
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • In Kyoto, enjoy a private home visit with tea ceremony & Origami demonstration, explorations with a local Geisha expert, visits to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple & Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu Temple) Multiple-night stays in premier hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone & at a hot springs resort & spa in Gero Onsen A Kagura ceremonial blessing and taiko drums in Tokyo A ferry ride on Lake Ashi highlighted with views of Mt. Fuji, Japan's largest mountain, in the distance In Hakone, visit an open-air museum and attend a flower arranging class

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Tokyo

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Shangri-La Tokyo.
A transfer is included from Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport to the five-star Shangri-La Tokyo, located in central Tokyo and just a short walk away from some of the city's most popular shopping areas. This evening, please join us for a welcome reception and dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Shangri-La Tokyo

PORTOFCALL : Tokyo, Japan

Day 2 The traditional arts of Tokyo

This morning, visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of the Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shokenn, and enjoy a Kagura ceremonial blessing with origins that date to the 8th century. Stroll the narrow streets lined with...

Day 3 Tokyo National Museum & landmark sites

Begin the day with a guided visit to the Tokyo National Museum, followed by a teppanyaki lunch of food cooked on an iron griddle. Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple, built as a tribute to the goddess of mercy, and meander along adjacen...

Day 4 Exploring Traditions in Hakone

This morning, board the renowned bullet train (shinkansen) in Tokyo for a short ride south to Odawara, and continue on to the scenic hot springs resort town of Hakone in Kanagawa. En route, a ferry ride on Lake Ashi; weather permitt...

Day 5 A day in Hakone

Start the day off with a visit to the Itchiku Kubota Museum, set amidst magnificent views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Itchiku Kubota (1917-2003) is considered one of the most important Japanese textile artists of the 20th centur...

Day 6 Nagoya and on to Gero Onsen

Board a train bound for Nagoya. Upon arrival, a short drive through the countryside brings you to Gero Onsen and your traditional onsen hotel. Take the opportunity to soak in the hot springs (onsen) and have dinner Japanese style, s...

Day 7 Sake brewery in Takayama

Depart Gero Onsen this morning and head for Takayama, a mountain city long famed for its artisans and woodworkers. Do some sightseeing along the narrow lanes of its historic center, and have lunch at a local restaurant known for its...

Day 8 Samurais and Gardens in Kanazawa

A full day's sightseeing in Kanazawa includes: time exploring the historic Samurai District, where samurai homes are tucked among narrow lanes and canals behind earthen walls and private entrance gates, with a visit to the restored ...

Day 9 A Train Ride to Hiroshima

Depart Kanazawa by train for Osaka, then continue on by train to the city of Hiroshima for an overnight stay. After lunch at your hotel, take a ferry ride to Miyajima Island and visit the iconic Miyajima-Itsukushima Shrine that seem...

Day 10 Monuments of Hiroshima

In Hiroshima today, you'll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, and the A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) – the only structure left standing in the area of the WWII atomic bomb blast that destroyed the city in August 1945,...

Day 11 Kyoto... a Temple and a Castle

Kyoto sightseeing today begins with a visit to the famous golden-topped Kinkaku-ji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), set in an ancient garden on the edge of a lake – a position symbolizing its place "between heaven and Earth."...

Day 12 Traditional Arts in Kyoto

Begin your day with a prayer at the Kiyomizudera (Pure Water Temple) established in 778; the current buildings were rebuilt in the 17th century. Drink the water here in long-handled cups as you wish for longevity, success or love. K...

Day 13 Journey home

Tour ends: Kyoto.
Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto to the airport. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport. 

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Kyoto, Japan

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Dates & Availability

Price From $11,990
Price per day$922
Last Updated: 11/7/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Single Standard
Availability
09 Mar 2025
22 Mar 2025
$13,990
$17,036
10 Mar 2025
23 Mar 2025
$11,990
$14,678
13 Mar 2025
26 Mar 2025
$14,990
$18,218
15 Mar 2025
28 Mar 2025
$14,990
$18,218
17 Mar 2025
30 Mar 2025
$14,590
$17,561
20 Mar 2025
02 Apr 2025
$15,990
$18,993
22 Mar 2025
04 Apr 2025
$15,990
$18,993
24 Mar 2025
06 Apr 2025
$14,590
$17,561
27 Mar 2025
09 Apr 2025
$15,990
$18,993
29 Mar 2025
11 Apr 2025
$15,990
$18,993

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.

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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Tour Operator

Tauck

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It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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What they’re known for
Fun group tours and cruises that are culturally-focused and great for families and seniors on vacation.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
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Additional Information
Trip ID
tauck-EJ2025

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