Japan Journey of Your Dreams: City, Countryside, and Culture Tour

Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa, Japan

What to expect on this itinerary

Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, Yudanaka Onsen is a region dressed in powdery snow, and Kyoto is made up of traditional districts reflecting old-world Japan. These destinations are but a few of the remarkable places you will uncover Japanese culture, appreciate the country’s history, and tuck into its gorgeous cuisine during this handcrafted 18-day tour to the buzzing cities and far-flung rural towns.

Countries Visited

Japan

Places Visited

Himeji, Kobe, Hakone, Yudanaka Onsen, Tokyo, Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Matsumoto, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka

Suggested Duration

18 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Tokyo - A City of Many Faces

Tokyo is a city of many faces, equal parts modern and sophisticated, while traditional and antiquated. From enormous skyscrapers that reach towards the heavens to rural wooden homes stationed in historic neighborhoods, the cityscape is a window that you may peer through to see Japan’s distinct blend of the old and the new. You will meet your private transfer at the international airport and head for your accommodation, capturing these remarkable sights for the first time along the way and acclimating to the energetic atmosphere after checking in.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Day 2

Tokyo - Japan’s Culture and Spirit

Day 3

Tokyo - Museums, Markets, and Sumo

Day 4

Tokyo - The Thrill of Tokyo Disneyland

Day 5

Yudanaka Onsen - Monkeys Bathing in Hot Springs

Day 6

Kanazawa - Peace amongst the Green in the Kenroku-en Garden

Day 7

Shirakawa-go - The Beauty of Rural Japan

Day 8

Takayama - Meticulous Craftsmanship of Japan’s Carpenters

Day 9

Matsumoto - The Marks of Feudal Japan

Day 10

Kyoto - A Touch of Another Time

Day 11

Kyoto - Spiritual Significance Sprinkling the Forests

Day 12

Kyoto - Dreamy Walks through the Bamboo Grove

Day 13

Kyoto - Remnants of an Imperial Era

Day 14

Kyoto - Osaka’s Culinary Arts

Day 15

Kyoto - Marvelous Marbled Wagyu Beef

Day 16

Hakone - A Peaceful Hot Spring Retreat

Day 17

Tokyo - Simple Pleasures in the Capital

Day 18

Tokyo - Gone with Greater Cultural Understanding

Trip Highlights

  • Marvel at Tokyo’s magnificent cultural landmarks, including the impressive Meiji Shinto Shrine and Senso-Ji Temple, on an immersive spiritual tour of the city
  • Let the thrills of Tokyo Disneyland take you back to your childhood as you and your family relish a day absorbed by the park’s magical atmosphere
  • Witness troops of monkeys bathing in the warm waters of the snow-flanked hot springs of Yudanaka Onsen in the Jigokudani Monkey Park
  • Appreciate a peaceful day exploring the picturesque parks of the Kenroku-en Garden, composed of tranquil ponds and blooming flower fields
  • Gaze upon a mark of feudal Japan imprinted in the city of Matsumoto as you visit the city’s age-old castle standing mightily on a hill overlooking the cityscape
  • Learn more about Zen Buddhism and Japanese spiritual beliefs as you tour many of Kyoto’s magnificent temples, including the golden Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the orange gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Stroll through one of the world’s most mesmerizing bamboo groves, Arashiyama, a spectacular display of nature’s might when left unspoiled by the intervention of man
  • Traceback Japanese noble history dating back to 710 as you admire the age-old aristocratic remnants and sacred sculptures of Nara’s former rulers
  • Explore the world of Japanese cuisine on a delicious taste tour of Osaka’s decadent restaurants and long-established eateries, as well as tucking into authentic wagyu beef in Kobe
  • Refresh your mind and body within the balmy waters of the spectacular Hakone hot springs, flooding the forests beneath the snowy summit of Mount Fuji

Starting Price

$12,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 72 reviews

madelyn A.
Japan Vacation Review: Family Time, Temples, Historic Sites, 9 Nights

We just returned from a fantastic trip to Japan, our third family adventure with Zicasso. Our travel company provided excellent support throughout the planning process and outstanding resources for use during our trip. The accommodations in three cities were amazing and the mix of one-day guides, plus flexibility to wander and discover on our own, was ideal. Our entire experience was seamless. Thank you!

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Juan P.
Japan Travel Review: Miyajima Island, Osaka, Hiroshima, Onsen Ryokan, Kayaking, Local Culture, 16 Nights

The trip Zicasso’s tour operators planned for us exceeded our expectations. They checked all the boxes we asked for and then delivered more surprises along the way.

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Smitesh P.
Japan Luxury Vacation Review: Cooking Class, Drum Lessons, Tea Experience, Shrine, Temple, 11 Nights

"Zicasso’s travel agent and his team were outstanding. It was a pleasure working with someone who was so knowledgeable and professional."

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Stacey B.
Japan Travel Review: Hiroshima, Kyoto, Tokyo, Arashiyama, Miyajima, Culture, Ryokan, Gardens, Tea Ceremony, 2 Weeks

"This was our fourth trip using Zicasso's travel agents. We have never been disappointed with any of the agents they have recommended."

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Carolyn L.
Japan Vacation Review: Wildlife, Hot Springs, Culture, 12-Night Tour

"Everything about the trip was well planned and executed. The Zicasso travel company communicated well throughout the process."

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Renee T.
Japan Vacation Review: 12-Night Trip

"We had a wonderful first trip to Japan and are looking forward to working with our trip planner and his Tokyo team again!"

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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