Legacy of Japan with Hokkaido

Your Small Group Discovery tour begins!

Welcome to Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

Monumental Metropolis

Hop on Tokyo's subway system to explore this fascinating city on a guided sightseeing tour, featuring the Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Tonight, join your travel companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Tokyo's metro stations are so extensive that many function as underground mini-cities with shops, restaurants, and passageways stretching for blocks beneath the streets. Exploring Tokyo by metro is a quintessential Japanese experience, and your Tour Director will guide you through the system and to the highlights of this dynamic city. Sightseeing begins with Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto shrine set within a man-made forest. Continue to Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Arcade, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo.

From City Lights to Northern Charm

Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido and gateway to Japan's northern landscapes. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: Known for its wide boulevards, fresh seafood, and lively food culture, Sapporo offers a refreshing contrast to Tokyo. Use your free time to stroll through the city, perhaps visit Odori Park or sample the region's famous miso ramen and local beer. Your Tour Director has all the tips and guidance to help you enjoy your free time.

Nature Meets Frontier

Discover the charm of Hokkaido's capital with guided sightseeing through Sapporo's most iconic landmarks. Stroll through Odori Park, visit the Sapporo TV Tower, admire the historic Clock Tower and Former Hokkaido Government Office, and explore the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about Japan's oldest beer brand.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - VIEWS & BREWS: Sapporo offers a unique blend of open spaces, Western-influenced architecture, and rich local culture. Begin with a walk through Odori Park, the city's green centerpiece stretching through downtown. Then, take in panoramic views from the Sapporo TV Tower, explore the elegant red-brick Former Hokkaido Government Office, and visit the historic Clock Tower, one of the city's oldest surviving buildings. Conclude the day at the Sapporo Beer Museum, which celebrates a brewing tradition that dates back to the 19th century.

Enduring Heritage

Venture outside of Sapporo to Upopoy, home to the National Ainu Museum and Park. Enjoy a captivating traditional Ainu performance featuring music, dance, and storytelling that bring centuries-old customs to life. Following the performance, you'll have time at leisure to explore the museum and park at your own pace.

Return to Sapporo this afternoon where the remainder of the day is free.

Experience authentic Ainu culture through live performance showcasing traditional songs and dances rarely seen outside of Hokkaido. Afterwards, stroll through the park's exhibits to learn about Ainu daily life, craftsmanship, and beliefs.

LOCAL FAVORITE - LIVING TRADITION: The National Ainu Museum and Park is a cultural center dedicated to preserving and celebrating the heritage of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of northern Japan. Historically based in Hokkaido and surrounding regions, the Ainu have a distinct culture, language, and spiritual tradition deeply connected to nature and community.

Mountain Tranquility

Fly south to the peaceful hot spring town of Tendo, nestled in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture.

Please Note: Depending on flight availability, you will travel to either Yamagata or Sendai airport.

Taste & Culture

Tendo is known for its craftsmanship and culinary traditions. Today's sightseeing begins at a local sake brewery, where you'll learn about the art of sake production and regional brewing techniques. Then, immerse yourself in a soba-making class for lunch. This afternoon, witness a graceful maiko dance performance, offering a glimpse into classical Japanese entertainment traditions.

LOCAL FAVORITE - GRAIN TO TABLE: Soba has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries, dating back to the Edo period and symbolizing longevity and resilience. Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on soba-making experience, where you'll learn time-honored techniques and craft Japan's beloved buckwheat noodles from scratch. From kneading and rolling the dough to carefully cutting each strand, discover the skill and precision behind this cherished culinary tradition—then savor the simple, satisfying reward of your own freshly made soba.

Travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tendo to the historic city of Kanazawa, situated between the mountains and the Sea of Japan. Known for its beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, traditional gardens, and rich artistic heritage, Kanazawa offers a refined glimpse of historic Japan.

Please Note: Travel today requires one train connection in Omiya. You will depart Tendo in the morning and arrive in Kanazawa in the early afternoon.

Timeless Gold

This morning, explore Kenroku-en Garden and take part in a gold leaf class, where you'll learn about this ancient craft and make your own bento box. After lunch, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

One of the garden's most stunning attractions is Kasumigaike Pond, with its island called Horai, which symbolizes long life and eternal prosperity.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - THE POWER OF TRANQUILITY: Kenroku-en is one of Japan's three great gardens and dates back to the 1670s. Translated into English, the name means “Garden of Six Qualities,” referring to the six essential attributes that make up a perfect garden: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water, and magnificent views. 

Artistry in Every Carve

Journey into the countryside to visit the charming village of Inami, renowned throughout Japan for its centuries-old woodcarving tradition. Stroll along the historic main street, where workshops line the road and the rhythmic sound of chisels echoes through the air as artisans practice their craft.

Then, enjoy a hands-on woodcarving class, guided by skilled artisans who introduce you to the techniques and tools of this time-honored art form.  Return to Kanazawa this afternoon.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE: Discover the artistry of Inami, one of Japan's most celebrated woodcarving villages. Watch skilled artisans at work and try your hand at this intricate craft during a guided class, creating your own small piece while learning the traditions passed down through generations.

Golden Gift

This morning, drive south to Kyoto. On arrival, visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. End the day at Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 more life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms believed to have the power to save 25 worlds!

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ICONIC MASTERPIECE: Visit Kyoto's famed Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku ji), one of Japan's most celebrated landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covered in shimmering gold leaf, this striking Zen temple reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond and landscaped gardens, creating one of the country's most photographed scenes. Stroll the tranquil grounds and admire the harmony of architecture and nature that embodies the elegance and refinement of traditional Japanese design.

Kyoto to Go

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore the city. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner at your hotel.

ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: Join your Tour Director for a walking tour through Gion, visit more of Kyoto's historic temples, or consider an optional trip to the expansive Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deer that wander among its shrines and temples. These and other options throughout your tour may be available for purchase with MyGlobus. Your Tour Director has all the tips and guidance to help you make the most of your free time.

Say it Ain't Sayonara

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.