Experience Japan

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10 or 13 days

Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama region, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Extension to South Korea

Japan is an island nation of contrasts. Neon lights pulse and shine on century-old temples, monks walk alongside anime cosplayers, and Zen meditation is practiced in the same parks that people take selfies. It may sound chaotic, but Japan has perfected the balance of ancient and modern. A better understanding of Buddhism and Shinto, higher truth, or just a measure of inner peace await you on this meditative journey through the tranquil side of Japanese culture.

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Experience Japan tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Japan

Day 2: Osaka

Meet your Tour Director at the airport

Day 3: Osaka • Kyoto

Visit Osaka Castle

Travel to Kyoto

Take a tour of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Take a walking tour of Nishiki Market and the Pontocho district with your Tour Director

Stop for a photo along the banks of the Kamogawa River

Day 4: Kyoto

Take a guided tour of Kyoto

Visit the Golden Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple

Visit Kiyomizudera Temple

Sample green tea ice cream

Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony

Day 5: Kyoto • Takayama region

Travel to the Takayama region

Enjoy a Zen meditation experience

Day 6: Takayama region • Kanazawa

Visit the Takayama morning market

Travel via Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa

Stop to learn about Shirakawa-go's traditional architecture

Day 7: Kanazawa

Visit Kanazawa Castle

Visit Kenroku-en Garden

Participate in a gold-leaf chopstick activity

Day 8: Kanazawa • Tokyo

Travel by bullet train to Tokyo

Tour Tokyo with an expert local guide

Visit the Meiji Shinto Shrine

Visit the Harajuku shopping district

Discover the world of Japanese gaming culture with a visit to a local arcade

Take a walking tour of Shibuya

Day 9: Tokyo

Take a tour of Akihabara Electric Town

Add this in-depth excursion:

Karaoke

A trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without an evening of singing with friends in your very own private karaoke lounge. Belt your favorite jams in English or Japanese, or just clap along and enjoy a truly authentic Japanese pastime.

Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple

Day 10: Depart for home

Add 3 more days

Day 10: Tokyo • Seoul

Fly to Seoul

View Seoul from the top of N Seoul Tower

Day 11: Seoul

Take a tour of Seoul

With your Tour Director, you will:

See the Blue House—the residence and office of the President of South Korea
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace

Participate in a Korean cooking class

Visit the Bukchon Hanok Village

Visit Hyundai Motor Studios (pending confirmation)

Day 12: Seoul

Add this in-depth excursion:

Korea Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Take a full-day tour to Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (better known as the DMZ). This 150-mile long demarcated military area separates North and South Korea. Learn about Korea’s complicated internal struggle as you visit notable sites including the Third Tunnel—one of four tunnels underneath the border.

Day 13: Depart for home