13-Nights Best of Japan: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto & Hiroshima from $6,029

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Upon arrival at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT), you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist you with getting to your taxi transfer that will take you to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa (4 Star Rating)

Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa offers spacious, elegantly designed rooms with serene garden or city views, complemented by modern amenities and traditional Japanese hospitality. Set amid beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens, the hotel features multiple dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a peaceful atmosphere just minutes from Shinagawa Station.

Embark on a morning tour through Tokyo's cultural gems, starting with a visit to the Imperial Palace. Admire the view of this beautiful National Garden, once a private garden of the Royal Family. Take in the serene views, including the famous Nijubashi Bridge, often regarded as the "face" of the Imperial Palace.

On route to Tokyo Tower, enjoy a drive-by view of the National Diet Building, Japan's governmental center. This impressive structure features Western-style architecture but is crafted almost entirely from Japanese materials.

Head to Tokyo Tower, a symbol of the city, and enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view from the main observatory. Marvel at Tokyo's vast skyline from this iconic vantage point. Continue on to explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, famous for the vibrant Kaminarimon Gate, the god of thunder statue, and its five-story pagoda. Stroll down the bustling Nakamise Street, a lively 250-meter stretch filled with shops offering souvenirs and traditional treats. On your way back to Tokyo Station, pass by the historic Kabukiza Theater in Ginza, where traditional Kabuki performances are held, and glimpse the elegant shopping district of Ginza.

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa (4 Star Rating)

Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa offers spacious, elegantly designed rooms with serene garden or city views, complemented by modern amenities and traditional Japanese hospitality. Set amid beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens, the hotel features multiple dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a peaceful atmosphere just minutes from Shinagawa Station.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Travel from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji by bus this morning and head up Mt. Fuji 5th Station. The 5th Station is situated at 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) above sea level. At this height, you will be amazed at spectacular, breathtaking views from above the clouds. After which you will enjoy lunch.

After lunch, hop on board the Sorakaze, a cruise ship on Lake Ashi in Hakone. Enjoy a peaceful moment as you take in the stunning views of the lake and Mt. Fuji. This crater lake along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mt. Hakone was formed by a powerful volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago, and on a clear day provides postcard views of Mt. Fuji towering 30 km northwest.

Afterwards, take a cableway ride up to the spiritual Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya (original shrine) that nestles at the Komagatake mountaintop. Enjoy the scenery of Lake Ashi in the Hakone National Park spreading out below.

Depart Hakone and travel by bus back to Tokyo - Shinjuku Station.

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa (4 Star Rating)

Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa offers spacious, elegantly designed rooms with serene garden or city views, complemented by modern amenities and traditional Japanese hospitality. Set amid beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens, the hotel features multiple dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a peaceful atmosphere just minutes from Shinagawa Station.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today, enjoy Tokyo at leisure, where every street corner offers a new discovery, from tranquil gardens to bustling markets. Explore the city's vibrant energy as you adventure into its diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks on your own.

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa (4 Star Rating)

Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa offers spacious, elegantly designed rooms with serene garden or city views, complemented by modern amenities and traditional Japanese hospitality. Set amid beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens, the hotel features multiple dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a peaceful atmosphere just minutes from Shinagawa Station.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Begin your day by taking the Limited Express train to Nikko, followed by a local bus ride to Kanmangafuchi Abyss. Explore this enchanting gorge, home to approximately 70 stone statues of Jizo, the Bodhisattva who protects children. According to legend, the number of statues mysteriously changes each time they are counted. Across from the statues, you'll find a botanical garden offering seasonal scenic beauty.

Next, enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch before heading to the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate and lavish decorations. This 400-year-old shrine is the final resting place of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Edo period. Take in the exquisite beauty of the main hall, as well as the famous carvings of the sleeping cat and the three monkeys.

Return to Nikko Station by bus and board the Limited Express train back to Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station.

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa (4 Star Rating)

Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa offers spacious, elegantly designed rooms with serene garden or city views, complemented by modern amenities and traditional Japanese hospitality. Set amid beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens, the hotel features multiple dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a peaceful atmosphere just minutes from Shinagawa Station.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the day in Tokyo, giving you the freedom to explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods, world-class shopping, and rich culinary scene at your own pace. Whether you choose to visit historic temples, relax in a tranquil garden, or discover hidden local gems, the day is yours to design.

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa (4 Star Rating)

Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa offers spacious, elegantly designed rooms with serene garden or city views, complemented by modern amenities and traditional Japanese hospitality. Set amid beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens, the hotel features multiple dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a peaceful atmosphere just minutes from Shinagawa Station.

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning, transfer to Tokyo Station and travel to Kanazawa by Shinkansen Bullet Train. Upon arrival, head to the hotel for check-in.

This afternoon, get to know the tradition and culture of Kanazawa. Start with a visit to the Nagamachi Samurai District and the Nomura Residence, a former samurai family home.

Admire the traditional architecture and gaze at the beautiful Japanese garden.

Afterwards, visit the iconic Kenrokuen Garden, considered to be one of the top three most beautiful gardens in Japan. It offers amazing seasonal views all year around.

Continue to the Higashi Chaya-gai District, Kanazawa's historic teahouse and geisha district. The wooden-latticed exteriors of teahouses line both sides of the stone paved street.

Hotel: Hotel Kanazawa (3 Star Rating)

Hotel Kanazawa offers spacious, well-equipped rooms. Its prime location just a minute from JR Kanazawa Station, combined with diverse dining options—including a 16th-floor lounge with panoramic vistas, make it a standout choice for travelers.

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning, travel by bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawago. Explore this picturesque village, known for its traditional thatch-roofed houses and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance. After touring a traditional home, enjoy free time to wander and take in the charm of the village at your own pace.

Continue by bus to Takayama and visit the Yatai Kaikan, the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, where beautifully decorated festival floats are displayed year-round. These intricately crafted floats offer a glimpse into the artistry and heritage of the famous Takayama Festival.

Next, visit the Kusakabe Heritage House, a historical Japanese-style townhouse showcasing fine examples of folk art and traditional handicrafts. From there, take a short walk to Kami-Sannomachi, the old merchant quarter located in the heart of Takayama’s castle town. With its well-preserved Edo-period architecture, this charming district is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the atmosphere of old Japan.

After the visit, travel by bus back to Kanazawa, where the tour will conclude at Kanazawa Station.

Hotel: Hotel Kanazawa (3 Star Rating)

Hotel Kanazawa offers spacious, well-equipped rooms. Its prime location just a minute from JR Kanazawa Station, combined with diverse dining options—including a 16th-floor lounge with panoramic vistas, make it a standout choice for travelers.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Today, travel by bullet train from Kanazawa Station to Tsuruga Station, then continue by train to Kyoto Station. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Hotel: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (4 Star Rating)

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo blends modern comfort with warm hospitality, offering a variety of stylish rooms. Located just steps from Kyoto Station, the hotel features multiple dining options and unique cultural experiences, making it a convenient and enriching base for exploring the city.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Take a full day tour to explore some of Kyoto's most famous sites and discover the history behind this one-thousand-year capital. Start with a visit to Nijo Castle, noted for its gorgeous interiors and its 'squeaky' nightingale floors which alerted residents to unwanted intruders.

Continue to Kinkakuji Temple, famous for its Golden Pavilion covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold as well as for its exquisite Japanese gardens and koi ponds.

Afterwards, visit Kyoto's Imperial Palace and gain exclusive access to the former residence of the Emperor of Japan.

After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to walk through the thousands of ted tori gates that line the hillside.

Continue on to Sanjusangendo Temple, home to the world's longest wooden structure which houses over a thousand life-sized statues of Buddhist deities.

Finally, proceed to the hilltop temple Kiyomizudera and admire the views of Kyoto from its wooden veranda. You might also want to catch a few drops of the Otowa waterfall which flows underneath the main hall, known to grant wishes to those who drink it. Transfer back to Kyoto Station.

Hotel: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (4 Star Rating)

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo blends modern comfort with warm hospitality, offering a variety of stylish rooms. Located just steps from Kyoto Station, the hotel features multiple dining options and unique cultural experiences, making it a convenient and enriching base for exploring the city.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

This afternoon, travel by bus for a half-day excursion to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, renowned for its ancient temples and the freely roaming deer that inhabit its parks.

Visit the Kasuga Grand Shrine, famous for its hundreds of bronze lanterns which hang from the buildings and line walking paths through the woods. The friendly wild deer of Nara Park roaming freely around the temple are considered to be sacred messengers of the Shinto gods.

Continue to Todaiji Temple, which houses the world's largest bronze statue, the tallest of the three Great Buddha statues of Japan. Return to Kyoto.

Hotel: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (4 Star Rating)

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo blends modern comfort with warm hospitality, offering a variety of stylish rooms. Located just steps from Kyoto Station, the hotel features multiple dining options and unique cultural experiences, making it a convenient and enriching base for exploring the city.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Early this morning, take the bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to Miyajimaguchi Port for the ferry to Miyajima Island. This enchanting island, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the revered Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, renowned for its striking bright orange torii gate that appears to float gracefully on the sea at high tide—one of Japan’s most iconic and beautiful views. With its scenic landscapes and walkable size, Miyajima offers a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll and some time to enjoy at your own pace.

Return by ferry to central Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum, which provide a poignant and detailed account of the tragic events of World War II and the devastation caused by the atomic bombing. The Peace Park’s serene landscape offers a place for reflection, while the Memorial Museum showcases powerful exhibits on the impact of the bomb on the city and its people. You will also drive past the haunting A-Bomb Dome, a symbol of resilience, left standing in its ruinous state as a stark reminder of the past after more than 70 years.

Return by bullet train to Kyoto.

Hotel: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (4 Star Rating)

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo blends modern comfort with warm hospitality, offering a variety of stylish rooms. Located just steps from Kyoto Station, the hotel features multiple dining options and unique cultural experiences, making it a convenient and enriching base for exploring the city.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Today, enjoy Kyoto at leisure, where centuries-old temples and tranquil bamboo groves sit alongside charming teahouses and artisan shops. Wander the city’s historic streets as you immerse yourself in its timeless culture and discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Hotel: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (4 Star Rating)

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo blends modern comfort with warm hospitality, offering a variety of stylish rooms. Located just steps from Kyoto Station, the hotel features multiple dining options and unique cultural experiences, making it a convenient and enriching base for exploring the city.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Today, transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) for your departure flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast