Essence of Japan

•   Unique cultural experience at an authentic Japanese ryokan, featuring an overnight stay and a special dinner

Day 1: Welcome to Honshu Island
A transfer from Tokyo Narita Airport and Hacenda Airport to Hotel Seiyo Ginza for a three-night stay in the heart of Tokyo is included. Your hotel is designed to reflect the warmth and comfort of an elegant private home. Meet your fellow travelers on Tauck's Japan travel journey at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight.
Overnight: Hotel Seiyo Ginza, Tokyo
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Japan travel begins with Tokyo touring
Your morning guided city tour includes visits to the Imperial Palace, Edo Tokyo Museum, Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Nakamise Shopping Arcade. A hands-on sushi-making demonstration precedes time at leisure to explore the city on your own, perhaps riding the easy-to-use subway system to see the sights or cruising on the Sumida River.
Overnight: Hotel Seiyo Ginza, Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 3: Meiji Shrine, Manicured Gardens and Music
Cultural traditions predominate today. Take your shoes off for a visit inside the Meiji Shrine, honoring the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his Empress Shoken; the manicured gardens reflect eternal tranquility! Experience a special performance blending Shinto music with ancient dance and taste regional cuisine during tonight's delicious dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Seiyo Ginza, Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Fuji-Hakone National Park
Enjoy a full day of Japan travel delights. Ride the Shinkansen, the Bullet Train (thought to be Asia’s fastest train), into the countryside. Visit the hot-springs town of Hakone in Fuji-Hakone National Park where you explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, famous for its outdoor sculptures. The museum features a large collection of post-Rodin sculptures as well as works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Renoir and Miro. Cruise across Lake Ashi and ride a gondola on the Hakone Ropeway over the mountains – if weather permits, enjoy outstanding views of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa, Hakone
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Treasures of the Japanese Alps
Today, you will see more of the beautiful treasures of Japan. Travel past valleys of rice fields into the region known as the Japanese Alps. Along the way, visit the Itchiku Kubota Museum, showcasing the ancient silk art of Tsujigahana. Stop at Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Japan, en route to the 16th-century town of Takayama.
Overnight: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, Takayama
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Takayama's historical sights
Takayama hosts quaint village streets, Edo-period merchants’ shops and houses, and pure water ideal for sake brewing. Take a guided walking tour, stopping at the farmers market, the Festival Float Museum, and the Takayama Jinya, a 1692 provincial government office. Spend your afternoon relaxing in a hot springs bath, walking the temple district trail, or exploring the town’s museums and antique shops. Dine on your own tonight – there's an abundance of restaurants featuring hearty mountain food and regional specialties.
Overnight: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, Takayama
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Gassho-zukuri farmhouses and ryokan lodging
Japan travel days continue with a journey to the Shirakawa-go region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with mountain villages of thatched-roof gassho-zukuri (praying hands) farmhouses. The large houses, with steep-pitched roofs, were traditionally built to withstand snowy winters and house extended families involved in silkworm cultivation. Visit a private 300-year-old family home, and wander through the village of Ogimachi with 59 intact gassho houses. Spend the night in a ryokan-style hotel, a highlight of Tauck’s cultural Japan travel experience. Follow authentic Japanese customs during your stay, from dining and sleeping at floor level, to dressing in bathrobes and relaxing in communal baths.
Overnight: Kagaya Hotel, Wakura Onsen
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Samurais in Kanazawa
On the west coast of Japan travel to charming Kanazawa, with winding cobblestone streets, samurai residences, Geisha houses, museums, galleries, and an open-air market. Stroll through the centuries-old Kenroku-en Garden, ranked among the country’s top three gardens. Get an insider’s tour of an authentic samurai house, and explore the 300-year-old Omicho Market. Take a train to Kyoto where you'll stay for the next four nights.
Overnight: The Westin Miyako, Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Kyoto's temples and castles
Your Japan travel continues in Kyoto, considered the cultural treasure house of the country. Founded in the 7th century, Kyoto quickly became the ancient capital of Japan and holds many national treasures. Tour the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Temple because it is encased in gold – it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go inside 17th-century Nijo Castle, featuring nightingale floors that made bird-like creaking sounds to reveal intruders; they were built of Japanese cypress by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603. Spend the remainder of the day exploring on your own. Kyoto has many restaurants to choose from!
Overnight: The Westin Miyako, Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 10: Temples and the Great Buddha
Today begins with a visit to the Sanjusangendo Temple, featuring 1,001 life-sized wooden statues of Kannon-Bosatsu, going back to the 13th century. Continue to Nara, Japan’s first capital, where you'll experience an unforgettable look at old Japan. At Todai-ji Temple, see the monumental bronze Great Buddha. Featured in an enormous wooden building, it’s over 50 feet tall. Walk the grounds of Kasuga Grand Shrine, where thousands of ancient stone and bronze lanterns dot the landscape. The rest of your day is free to explore as you please in Kyoto.
Overnight: The Westin Miyako, Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 11: Discover some of Japan's traditional customs
Visit Kiyomizu Temple, whose name means "pure water" – it boasts an expansive veranda with spectacular views of the city. The temple dates back to the 8th century, with the most of the present structures constructed in the 17th century. Partake in a traditional tea ceremony and have a hands-on demonstration in the art of origami and calligraphy on a memorable visit to a private home, then spend the afternoon at leisure in Kyoto. You may wish to discover the world of the Geisha on a walk through the Gion district, Kyoto’s best-known Geisha quarter; admire the city's myriad gardens, from Zen rock gardens to bonsai masterpieces; and view traditional arts and crafts in specialty shops down quaint streets, including Kyo pottery, elaborate fans, dolls, paper lanterns, combs, Noh masks, cloisonné, and lacquerware. Join us for a farewell reception and dinner this evening featuring a traditional Maiko performance – a wonderful way to end these culturally enriching Japan travel days.
Overnight: The Westin Miyako, Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 12: Sayonara Japan
Tauck's Japan travel experience ends at Osaka's Kansai or Itami Airport. Depart your hotel for the 90-minute trip to the airport in Osaka; a transfer is included for the trip from The Westin Miyako Kyoto to the airports in Osaka; allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Don't miss our current specials: Special Air Savings - Learn More Hurry! Air Savings End March 26! Special International Air Savings – Europe Book and deposit summertime departures of the following Tauck journeys to Europe by March 26, 2010 and save $2,000 per couple off Business Class Air ($1,000 off per person) from select U.S. cities. Savings are valid for travel between June 29 and September 5, 2010, subject to availability: •Treasures of the Aegean – 14 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Wind Star / Wind Spirit •Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome – 11 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Le Ponant •Switzerland – 11 days featuring travel along Tauck’s scenic Yellow Roads •Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence & Rome – 10 days in Italy with all multiple-night stays •Paradors of Northern Spain – 14 days exploring culturally rich Iberia •The Best of Ireland – 13 days featuring iconic cultural treasures of the Emerald Isle •A Week In… Ireland – 8 days with a 2-night stay at Dromoland Castle •A Week In… Spain – 8 days from Barcelona to Andalucía, Seville and Madrid •A Week In… Scotland – 8 days with 2- and 3-night stays in Loch Lomond, Inverness & Edinburgh •Spain and Portugal – 14 days of Iberian pleasures and culinary treasures •Normandy, Brittany, Paris & the Loire Valley – 13 days showcasing joie de vivre •A Week In… London & Paris – 4 nights at a grand hotel in London and 3 nights in Paree •Castles & Kings: London to Paris – An 8-day family vacation alive with royal traditions Deposit must be paid at time of booking and certain restrictions apply. Valid on new bookings only and not combinable with other promotions; ask for details. Tauck Tour Deals Traveling with a group of friends or family can add to the joy of any journey. Book a group of 10 on any Tauck land journey or cruise and the 11th guest travels FREE. Book a group of 8 on any Tauck Bridges family adventure and the 9th guest travels FREE Tauck Single Specials For those seeking singles tours, we are pleased to offer special values on select departures to our guests who choose to travel solo. You can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are among like-minded travelers and will have all the day-to-day details handled for you! While everyone is welcome, on these select dates we offer special arrangements to those traveling solo at a reduced cost. Tauck Single Specials in North America Best of the Canadian Rockies Michigan's Lakes & Mackinac Island Charleston/Savannah Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia San Fransisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys Tauck Single Specials in Europe A Week in Ireland A Week in Spain Mediterranean Discovery Istanbul and the Black Sea Treasure of the Mediterranean Cruising Mediterranean Shores The Blue Danube Holland Belgium in Spring Strasbourg to Prague Serenade The Rhine and Moselle Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat Budapest to the Black Sea Classic Italy Bellissima Northern Italy Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence and Rome A Week in Paris and Provence Tauck Singles Specials in Latin America Panama Canal & Costa Rica
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/26/2010 - 4/7/2010	$6,590
6/4/2010 - 6/16/2010	$6,590
6/25/2010 - 7/7/2010	$6,590
9/3/2010 - 9/15/2010	$5,990
9/10/2010 - 9/22/2010	$5,990
9/24/2010 - 10/6/2010	$7,290
10/1/2010 - 10/13/2010	$5,990
10/8/2010 - 10/20/2010	$7,290
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Flying to Japan To ease the effects of jet lag, please consider traveling to Tokyo, Japan, a day early. Tauck can book your international flights for travel originating in the United States, including arranging an additional night at the Hotel Seiyo Ginza, giving you time to rest and relax before your journey begins. Ask for details upon booking. 1. Arrive Tokyo Tour begins: Hotel Seiyo Ginza at 6:30 PM. A transfer is included from Tokyo Narita Airport and Hacenda Airport to the Hotel Seiyo Ginza for your three-night stay in the heart of Tokyo. Designed to reflect the hospitality of an elegant private home, your accommodations are ideally located in Ginza. Meet your fellow travelers at our welcome dinner. Meals D 2. Discover the Sights of Tokyo Tokyo is a visual feast of centuries-old traditions and modern-day sophistication. Past meets present today as Tauck hosts you on a guided city sightseeing excursion that includes the Imperial Palace, Edo Tokyo Museum, Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Get an authentic taste of life in this dynamic city at a hands-on sushi-making demonstration at lunch. Meals BL 3. Dancing at Meiji Shrine / Ginza No matter how fast-paced and trendy, life in Tokyo reflects a reverence for cultural traditions than transcends generations. You’ll experience it when you take off your shoes for a visit inside the Meiji Shrine today, honoring the spirits of the Emperor Meiji and his Empress Shoken with eternal serenity and tranquil manicured gardens. You’ll hear it at a special performance showcasing age-old Shinto music with the ancient Kagura dance. You’ll feel it when you stroll through the streets of Ginza, where the latest designer goods are sold by kimono-clad shopkeepers who bow their greetings to you. And you’ll taste it during tonight’s dinner at a Japanese restaurant renowned for serving time-honored culinary dishes and a mix of more modern fare. Meals BLD 4. Fuji-Hakone National Park Speed into the countryside aboard Japan’s renowned Bullet Train, the Shinkansen, reputed to be Asia’s fastest train, to a a place where time slows down. Your destination is the hilly hot-springs town of Hakone in Fuji-Hakone National Park, bursting with scenic beauty and natural treasures. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum to view its harmonious collection of sculpture from the post-Rodin period and art by Pablo Picasso, Renoir and Miro. Cruise the waters of sparkling Lake Ashi – weather permitting, savor a glimpse of Mt. Fuji – and experience a gondola ride on the Hakone Ropeway over the mountains. Continue on to your hotel. The Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa boasts panoramic views of historic Gora Valley and is well known for its onsens (hot springs). Meals BLD 5. Hakone / Japanese Alps An early morning departure takes you on a drive through the Alps of Japan, towering some 9,000 feet over the landscapes below. Rice farms dominate the valleys, while lush forests blanket the mountains. Visit the Itchiku Kubota Museum, showcasing Japanese textiles and kimonos of the artist after whom the museum is named, and tour beautiful Matsumoto Castle. Continue on to your mountain resort in the 16th-century town of Takayama where a multi-course regional feast awaits at dinner tonight. Meals BLD 6. Historic Takayama Takayama is renowned for its remarkably preserved Edo-period merchants’ shops and houses, quaint village streets and sake. Take a walking tour of the town, visiting the farmers’ morning market, the Festival Float Museum and the historic Takayama Jinya. There are more than 2,000 different brands of sake produced throughout Japan. Taste a representative sampling today when you visit a local sake brewery. The remainder of the day is free; there are wonderful museums, boutiques and antique shops to explore, bikes to ride and hot springs to relax in. Dine as you please for lunch and dinner. Meals B 7. Shirakawa-go / Ryokan Journey into the mountains to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is well known for its villages of thatched gassho-zukuri (praying hands) farmhouses. Visit a private 300-year-old family home and stroll through the historic village of Ogimachi, the largest village with 59 intact gassho houses. Continue north past picturesque fishing villages and farms to your Japanese ryokan-style hotel, embodying both luxury and simplicity. Become immersed in an array of Japanese customs while you are here; soak in rejuvenating communal baths; don traditional dress for a typical dinner and sleep atop a futon. Meals BLD 8. Kanazawa / Kyoto Learn about rice farming from a local farmer when you go inside his private home en route to Kanazawa today, a great opportunity to continue discovering the essence of Japan! Kanazawa welcomes you with winding cobblestone streets, samurai residences, Geisha houses, museums, gardens, a flower-filled open-air market – and a tempura lunch compliments of Tauck. Walk it off on a stroll through Kenroku-en Garden, ranked among the country’s top three gardens; translated, its name means “a refined garden incorporating six attributes: spaciousness, careful arrangement, seclusion, antiquity, elaborate use of water and scenic charm.” Samurais have made their homes in this village since the Edo Period; see how these exalted Japanese warriors lived back then when you visit the family of the Nomura Samurai House – don’t forget to remove your shoes upon entering. Then it’s off to explore the 300-year-old Omicho Market, a feast for the senses with 200 stalls selling seafood, vegetables, and fruit. Leave the sea-swept Noto Peninsula behind when you board a train for your journey south to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan for 1,000 years. Spend the next four nights at The Westin Miyako, Kyoto. Located amidst a tranquil garden setting in the heart of the city, your accommodations put you within easy walking distance of major sights. Meals BLD 9. Enchanting Kyoto A full day of city sightseeing begins with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple; this Golden Pavilion was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore Nijo Castle, best known for its ornate interiors and nightingale floors; built of Japanese cypress by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603, it is a wonderful example of Momoyama architecture. Have dinner on your own tonight; Kyoto offers an abundance of fine restaurants to choose from with a diverse array of international cuisine. Meals BL 10. Temples of Tranquil Nara Tour Sanjusangendo Temple, home to 1,001 wooden cyprus statues of Kannon-Bosatsu dating back to the 13th century. Continue on to Nara, where you’ll savor an unforgettable glimpse of old Japan on visits to ancient temples, shrines and gardens and during lunch at a Japanese restaurant. See the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at the Todai-ji Temple in Nara Park; at more than 50 feet high, the huge statue is the largest bronze Buddha in all of Japan. Stroll the wooded grounds of the stunning vermilion-colored Kasuga Grand Shrine, adorned with some 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, before returning to Kyoto for free time. Meals BL 11. A Day at Leisure in Kyoto Kyoto abounds with a rich legacy of ancient treasures, cultural gems and natural beauty that spans the centuries. “Take the plunge,” Kyoto-style, today on a visit to Kiyomizu Temple; the expression comes from the great views you will see from the cliff-top verandah off the main hall. Try your hand at calligraphy and Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, when you visit a private home for a tea ceremony with your local hosts. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy Kyoto as you wish. Join us for a special farewell dinner tonight featuring a memorable Geisha and Maiko (Geisha in training) performance, reflecting the true essence of Japanese culture. Meals BD 12. Journey Home Tour ends: Osaka’s Kansai or Itami Airport. A transfer is included for the 1 1/2 hour trip from your hotel in Kyoto to the airports in Osaka; allow a minimum of 21/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Special Air Savings - Learn More

Tauck Tour Deals

Tauck Single Specials

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• Travel Improves Your Health
• Top Five Things to do in Hong Kong
• Kyoto, Japan
• Yangtze River Cruise
• Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010
• Asia Travel
• Asia Cruises For 2010
• Magnificent Asia Tours
• Independent Travel Simplified :: Globus Monograms
• PERSONALIZE YOUR HONEYMOON - STRESS-FREE - WITH MONOGRAMS
• MAKING THE MOST OF A “MINI”: PACK FUN INTO QUICK GETAWAYS WITH MONOGRAMS
• Independent Vacation 2010 Prices Down 10 Percent Worldwide
• Victoria Anna