DAY 1: DEPART USA

Today board your overnight flight bound for Tokyo, Japan.

DAY 2: ARRIVE TOKYO, JAPAN

Arrive in Tokyo, the dynamic and dazzling capital of Japan. Meet your Tour Manager and  transfer to your hotel for a 3-night stay in Tokyo. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travelers. (D) Overnight: Tokyo

DAY 3: TOKYO SIGHTSEEING

Today enjoy a Tokyo City Tour. Visit the Imperial Palace Plaza, home to the Emperor and other members of the Japanese Royal Family since 1868, when Emperor Meiji transferred the seat of power from Kyoto to Edo and changed the name of the city to Tokyo. Explore the beautiful East Garden of the palace for its seasonal flowers, moats and guardhouses. Later visit Asakusa, a district reminiscent of Tokyo’s past decades and home to the Sensō-ji Buddhist Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Enjoy a hands-on Sushi Making Experience for lunch. Then visit the iconic & historic Tsukiji Fish Market and the Odaiba, a vibrant shopping & entertainment district on the Tokyo Bay. (B,L,D) Overnight: Tokyo

DAY 4 : TOKYO - HAKONE - TOKYO

Today enjoy a scenic day trip to Mt. Fuji & Hakone. Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic peak is famous for its snow-capped slopes and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy the  akone Ropeway, a scenic aerial lift that takes you to a station offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi and the Owakudani Valley. Then enjoy a scenic Lake Ashi Cruise. The crater lake was formed 3000 years ago when the Hakone volcano last erupted. Today Mt. Fuji sits in the background for spectacular views from the lake on a clear day. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Later this afternoon return to Toyko and enjoy the evening at leisure.  Please note Mt. Fuji views are weather permitting. (B,L) Overnight: Tokyo

DAY 5: TOKYO - BULLET TRAIN - KYOTO

Today experience the Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto. Japanese Bullet Trains, or Shinkansen, are famous for their speed, safety, and punctuality. They operate on a network of high-speed lines reaching speeds of up to 200 mph and often arrive within seconds of their scheduled time. During your train ride a traditional Bento Lunch (box) is included. Arrive in Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan for over one-thousand years. Enjoy a Tea Ceremony before settling into your hotel for a three night stay. While in Kyoto, immerse yourself in Japan’s unique culture. Enjoy a bit of leisure time to explore on your own before dinner with your fellow travelers. (B,L,D) Overnight: Kyoto

DAY 6: KYOTO SIGHTSEEING

Explore timeless beauty during your Kyoto City Tour. Visit the historic and scenic  rashiyama Bamboo Grove, renowned for its cherry trees and stunning landscapes that change  dramatically with each season. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering bamboo groves and see the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Visit the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, a Zen Temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf, and see the historic Heian Shrine with its towering red torii gate. Stop at the Nishiki Market, a historic and lively food market known to locals as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” to explore Kyoto’s culinary delights. This

evening enjoy a Cultural Dinner & Geisha Show at a local venue where Maiko (apprentice Geisha) perform. (B,D) Overnight: Kyoto

DAY 7: KYOTO - NARA - KYOTO

Today visit Nara, the first permanent capital city of Japan with rich history and culture. Take a stroll in Nara Park, home to hundreds of friendly roaming deer. Visit the landmark Todaiji Temple, one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. This afternoon, return to Kyoto and enjoy a Sake Tasting Experience in the Fushimi District, renowned for its traditional breweries. Enjoy the evening at your own pace. (B) Overnight: Kyoto

DAY 8: KYOTO - BULLET TRAIN - HIROSHIMA

This morning board another Shinkansen Bullet Train from Kyoto to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of last century’s devastation. Enjoy an included lunch of the Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake the region is known for. Then take a ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine featuring an elaborate floating torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Later ferry back to Hiroshima and check-in for a two night stay. (B,L,D) Overnight: Hiroshima

DAY 9: HIROSHIMA SIGHTSEEING

Today enjoy a Hiroshima City Tour and discover its powerful and moving history. Visit the Peace Memorial Park & Museum, dedicated to the legacy of devastation and loss  Hiroshima suffered at the end of WWII. Visit the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, also known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, the only structure left standing when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. These venues are intended to advocate for world peace & serve as a symbolic expression of nuclear horrors. The remainder of the day is at leisure for contemplation, relaxation and exploration. (B) Overnight: Hiroshima

DAY 10: BULLET TRAIN - HIMEJI - OSAKA

Today, board your third Shinkansen Bullet Train from Hiroshima to Himeji. Upon arrival visit the hilltop Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Treasure of Japan, representing the pinnacle of Japanese castle architecture. Continue to Osaka, check in for a two night stay and enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace. Osaka features a  vibrant food scene, often referred to as the “Kitchen of Japan”. (B) Overnight: Osaka

DAY 11: OSAKA SIGHTSEEING

Today enjoy an Osaka City Tour. Begin with a walk through the Dotonbori, a vibrant entertainment district known for its dazzling neon lights, street food, and bustling atmosphere along the Dotonbori Canal. Then visit the Osaka Castle, a large castle built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a great unifier & ruler. The castle was rebuilt in 1931 and features a museum, garden, shrine, park and sports facilities. Later visit the incredible Umeda Sky Building and admire the panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory – an open-air viewing platform straddling the two 40-story towers of the iconic building. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers. (B,D) Overnight: Osaka

DAY 12: OSAKA - FLY HOME

Today fly home with wonderful memories of your

experiences and time in Japan. (B)