(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Tokyo, Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Himeji Castle,
Kyoto, Nara, Hakone, Mt. Fuji
Japan is one of our most popular family destinations, and for good reason: It's safe, friendly and hospitable, and has attractions that appeal to all ages. Artisans of Leisure works closely with families to design itineraries that will satisfy each member. In Tokyo, for example, take a guided tour of trendy teen shopping streets, then dine at a restaurant popular with sumo wrestlers. Experience our favorite pop-culture activities such manga and gadget shops, a museum devoted to Japan's most renowned anime director, and various theme parks.
Continue by shinkansen (bullet train) to picturesque Kurashiki, a charming town of willow-draped canals and traditional black and white kura (store houses). Take an excursion to nearby Hiroshima, an educational and moving destination, to tour the Peace Memorial Park. Also, visit Miyajima Island to see an enormous red torii (Shinto shrine gate) rising out of the sea and look for deer and monkeys in the island's forest. En route to Kyoto, tour Himeji-jo, Japan's best preserved and most impressive medieval castle.
In enchanting Kyoto, walk through an enormous bamboo forest, learn about origami at a spectacular private estate, visit mountain-top temples and ancient shrines, sample local culinary specialties and, if you're lucky, see geisha in the Gion district. Also, visit nearby Nara, birthplace of Buddhism in Japan, to see important temples surrounded by a forested park known for tame deer. Other options include visiting a theme park where samurai films are made, and hiking in the hills surrounding Kyoto. En route back to Tokyo, stay at a luxury ryokan (traditional inn) in Hakone, a volcanic national park with a close-up view of Mt. Fuji. Soak in outdoor hot springs and enjoy a gourmet kaiseki (seasonal tasting menu) meal. Also take a ropeway ride, see geysers and bubbling mud pools, and enjoy a cruise on the lake at the base of Mt. Fuji.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Tokyo
Private arrival transfer to hotel
Day 2
Tokyo
Half-day private city touring
Day 3
Tokyo - Kurashiki
Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kurashiki for two-night stay. Afternoon private touring. Two nights in ryokan (traditional inn)
Day 4
Kurashiki & Hiroshima
Full-day private excursion to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Day 5
Kurashiki - Himeji-jo - Kyoto
Shinkansen to Himeji Castle. Continue to Kyoto for three-night stay. Afternoon private touring
Days 6 & 7
Kyoto
Private touring in Kyoto, including excursion to Nara
Day 8
Kyoto - Hakone
Shinkansen to Hakone for overnight at onsen (hot springs) ryokan. Afternoon private touring around Hakone and Mt. Fuji
Day 9
Hakone - Tokyo
Transfer to Tokyo. Afternoon at leisure
Day 10
Depart Japan
Private airport transfer
Hotels
Tokyo:
Grand Hyatt Tokyo and
Peninsula Tokyo
Kurashiki:
Ryokan Kurashiki
Kyoto:
Westin Miyako or Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Hakone:
Gora Kadan Ryokan
Cost
$12,630
Per person (based on four travelers/two rooms)
$14,520
Per person (based on three travelers/triple occupancy)
$16,565
Per person (based on two travelers/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.
