(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hakone
This tour combines Japan's most popular destinations— Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone—with two lesser known towns— Takayama and Kanazawa—that showcase Japan's renowned crafts and traditional architecture. First, tour Tokyo's major sights such as Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sensoji Temple, and shopping areas such as Ginza, Harajuku and Aoyama. Then, travel inland by train to Takayama, a tradition-steeped hamlet in the shadow of the Japan Alps. Visit the morning market, traditional merchant houses, specialty shops, and an outdoor museum featuring thatched roof farmhouses from throughout the region.
Enjoy a tour of the UNESCO-listed thatched-roof farmhouses in Shirakawago en route to Kanazawa, one of feudal Japan's wealthiest cities, located on the Sea of Japan. Tour the famous Kenrokuen garden and old samurai and geisha districts, visit some of Japan's most acclaimed museums, enjoy the excellent local seafood and refined cuisine at your ryokan, and shop for the town's celebrated silk, lacquer and gold leaf products. If desired, also opt to take a private excursion along the rugged coast of the Noto Peninsula to visit farm towns, fishing villages and lacquerware workshops.
Next, travel to enchanting Kyoto. Tour important temples and shrines. Gain exclusive access to private gardens and imperial villas. Sip green tea in a bamboo forest, stroll Kyoto's elegant residential backstreets and browse small specialty shops. Continue to Hakone, a volcanic national park with a close-up view of Mt. Fuji, and stay at a luxury ryokan (traditional inn). Soak in private outdoor hot springs and enjoy a gourmet kaiseki (seasonal tasting menu) dinner before returning to Tokyo.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Tokyo
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights
Day 2
Tokyo
Morning private city touring
Day 3
Tokyo - Takayama
Train to Takayama for 2 nights at ryokan (traditional inn)
Day 4
Takayama
Private morning touring in Takayama. Afternoon at leisure
Day 5
Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa
Private tour of Shirakawago. Continue to Kanazawa for 2 nights. Afternoon private city touring
Day 6
Kanazawa
Private city tour or excursion along Noto Peninsula
Day 7
Kanazawa - Kyoto
Train to Kyoto for 3 nights. Afternoon private city touring
Days 8 & 9
Kyoto
Private touring in Kyoto
Day 10
Kyoto - Hakone
Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hakone for overnight at ryokan. Afternoon private touring around Hakone and Mt. Fuji
Day 11
Hakone - Tokyo
Transfer to Tokyo for overnight
Day 12
Depart Japan
Private airport transfer
Hotels
Tokyo:
Park Hyatt Tokyo (first stay)
Peninsula Tokyo or Four Seasons Marunouchi (second stay)
Takayama:
Nagase Ryokan
Kanazawa:
Asadaya Ryokan
Kyoto:
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Hakone:
Gora Kadan Ryokan
Cost
$18,810
Per person (double occupancy)
All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.
Call us at (800) 214-8144 for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.