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Cultural Treasures of Japan

Nov 15 - 28, 2026

Your Advisor

Kristen Linehan

Exploration Next Travel LLC

kristen@explorationnexttravel.com

561-328-5999

Learn More About This Itinerary

Full Itinerary Daily Overview Pricing

Overview

This journey through Japan is a beautifully balanced mix of iconic cities, quieter countryside moments, and deeply meaningful cultural experiences. You will ease into the rhythm of the country in Tokyo, where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side, then travel through scenic regions that highlight Japan’s natural beauty and craftsmanship. Along the way, there are moments to explore lively neighborhoods, step inside temples and shrines, enjoy regional cuisine, and connect with local traditions in a very personal way. The pace allows for both guided discovery and free time, creating space to absorb what you are seeing, tasting, and learning. By the time the journey comes to an end, it feels less like checking off sights and more like having truly experienced the heart and spirit of Japan.

Trip Details

Rooming Options: Solo, Double or Triple

Starting at $9,799

Nov 15 - 28, 2026

3 room options

Day 1 · Sun, Nov 15

Overnight flight to Japan

Overnight Flight Explore ancient and modern Japanese culture firsthand. Discover peaceful temples and technological marvels set against unimaginable natural beauty.

Day 2 · Mon, Nov 16 · Tokyo, Japan

Welcome to Japan!

Welcome to Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun." Arrive in the electrifying city of Tokyo, where pop culture is turned all the way up and traditions are rich and long-kept. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend ...

Stay at Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

Nov 16 - 19, 2026

At the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, your stay begins with a sense of calm that feels like a gentle introduction to Tokyo. Set along the waterfront in the Odaiba district, the hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms and sweeping views of Tokyo Bay, of...

Day 3 · Tue, Nov 17 · Tokyo

Tokyo city touring and Welcome Dinner

Amid a lush forest outside of Tokyo, visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Feel the excitement start to build as you pass by the grounds of the Imperial Palace and see the Niju Bridge, the well-known symb...

Day 4 · Wed, Nov 18 · Tokyo

Asakusa, Senso-ji and Tokyo National Museum

Begin the day exploring Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district. Visit the famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, the colorful temple known for the red chochin (lantern) hanging at the entrance gate, with a city tour of Tokyo. Explore the Nakamise Shop...

Day 5 · Thu, Nov 19 · Hakone

Hakone Highlights: Hot Springs, Volcanic Landscapes, and Lake Views

Journey to the lakeside resort of Hakone, renowned for its hot springs. In the shadow of Mt. Fuji (UNESCO), this scenic town hugs the shorelines of Lake Ashi. Make a stop at Owakudani, located in an active volcanic zone. The Owakudani crater was c...

Stay at Odakyu Hotel de Yama

Nov 19 - 20, 2026

Staying at the Odakyu Hotel de Yama feels like stepping into a quieter, more reflective side of Japan. Set along the peaceful shores of Lake Ashi, the hotel is surrounded by gardens, forested hills, and views that often open toward Mount Fuji on c...

Day 6 · Fri, Nov 20 · Hakone - Matsumoto - Takayama

Castles, Mountain Towns, and Culinary Traditions

This breathtaking day begins in Matsumoto at Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” because of its striking black exterior. Later, you’ll step back in time in the rural Edo-period town of Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps. Well known to...

Stay at Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu

Nov 20 - 22, 2026

Staying at Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu offers a comfortable and thoughtfully designed base in the heart of this charming mountain town. The hotel blends modern convenience with a subtle sense of place, reflecting Takayama’s traditions wh...

Day 7 · Sat, Nov 21 · Takayama

Takayama historic district and markets

The ancient cultures of Takayama come alive during a guided walk in the town’s historic district. Stroll through the morning market, a 600-year-old open air market with locally grown and produced products, located along the Miyagawa River. Circuit...

Day 8 · Sun, Nov 22 · Takayama - Shirakawa-go - Kanazawa

Japan’s Traditions Preserved: Villages, Markets, and Gardens

Today, embrace the unique charms of Shirakawa-go (UNESCO). Hidden away in the mountain, this harmonious village is famous for its gassho-zukuri -style houses - thatched-rooftops designed to resemble two hands joined in prayer. Journey to Kanazawa,...

Stay at Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Nov 22 - 24, 2026

Staying at Hotel Nikko Kanazawa offers a comfortable and refined place to unwind while being perfectly positioned in the heart of the city. Known as one of Kanazawa’s tallest landmarks, the hotel provides spacious rooms with sweeping views over th...

Day 9 · Mon, Nov 23 · Kanazawa

Kanazawa Gold Leaf Experience and Higashi Tea District

Today, dive into the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in decorating your own lacquer box! Visit the Geisha quarters of Kanazawa, the Higashi Tea district, before venturing out on your own to really immerse yourself in Kan...

Day 10 · Tue, Nov 24 · Kanazawa - Kyoto

Kyoto Up Close: Culture, Craft, and Cuisine

Today, Kyoto awaits! On arrival, visit the Women’s Association of Kyoto in a traditional Kyoto town house. Here, delve into a wide array of enlightening Japanese activities, guided by your knowledgeable hostess. Try your hand at making sushi and l...

Stay at Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto

Nov 24 - 28, 2026

Staying at Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto provides a welcoming and comfortable home base for exploring the cultural heart of Kyoto. The hotel blends classic elegance with a calm, understated atmosphere that feels restful after full days of sightseeing...

Day 11 · Wed, Nov 25 · Kyoto

Kyoto temples and castles

Early this morning, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha for a tour of the most revered shrine of Inari. Follow the spectacular rows of orange torii (made famous in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha) that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrin...

Day 12 · Thu, Nov 26 · Kyoto - Bullet Train - Hiroshima - Kyoto

Day trip by bullet train to Hiroshima and Miyajima

All aboard the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima Island, or “Shrine Island” (UNESCO). Afterwards, head into Hiroshima city to visit the Peace Memorial Park, and pause to see the ruined...

Day 13 · Fri, Nov 27 · Kyoto

Kyoto temple visit, tea ceremony and farewell dinner

This morning, spend time with a monk at Koshoji Temple,** where you’ll have the opportunity to chant and meditate with them. Afterwards, take part in the ancient art of the tea ceremony and learn about its importance in Japanese culture. Take this...