Essence of Japan

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Shangri-La Tokyo. A transfer is included from Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport to the five-star Shangri-La Tokyo, located in central Tokyo and just a short walk away from some of the city's most popular shopping areas.

This evening, please join us for a welcome reception and dinner. Stay Three Nights: Shangri-La Tokyo (D)

This morning, visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of the Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shokenn, and enjoy a Kagura ceremonial blessing with origins that date to the 8th century. Stroll the narrow streets lined with shops brimming with local food specialties in Tsukiji Market. Have lunch at Nobu followed by a hands-on class in a traditional art of drumming called taiko. Your evening is free. (B/L)

Begin the day with a guided visit to the Tokyo National Museum, Japan's oldest and largest art museum. As you move through its galleries, the story of Japan unfolds — from ancient Asian antiquities to exquisite collections of art, photographs, and rare books.

After a lunch sampling regional flavors, step into the world of sumo at a professional wrestling stable. Here, you'll witness the wrestlers' daily routines: disciplined warm-ups, time-honored rituals, and intense sparring sessions, all illuminated by a guide who reveals the cultural traditions behind this iconic sport. (B/L)

This morning, board the renowned bullet train (shinkansen) in Tokyo for a short ride south to Odawara, and continue on to the scenic hot springs resort town of Hakone in Kanagawa. En route, a ferry ride on Lake Ashi; weather permitting, introduces you to views of Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, looming over the landscape. Have lunch at a local restaurant on the shores of Lake Ashi, then visit the Hakone Open Air Museum before continuing on to your ideally located spa resort in Hakone.

This afternoon, you'll have an opportunity to learn the art of ikebana – Japanese flower arranging – from a teacher who gives a class and demonstration of this time-honored tradition; later, gather for a "homey" dinner at your resort. Stay Two Nights: Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa (B/L/D)

Start the day off with a visit to the Itchiku Kubota Museum, set amidst magnificent views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Itchiku Kubota (1917-2003) is considered one of the most important Japanese textile artists of the 20th century; he rediscovered, revived and subsequently modernized a traditional Japanese kimono dyeing technique, creating exceptional artistic kimonos.

The museum you'll visit today celebrates his art and legacy. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel and get your hands around an authentic Japanese culinary tradition during a private sushi making demonstration. Dine on Western or Japanese cuisine at your resort's dining room tonight. (B/L/D)

Board a train bound for Nagoya.

Upon arrival, a short drive through the countryside brings you to Gero Onsen and your traditional onsen hotel. Take the opportunity to soak in the hot springs (onsen) and have dinner Japanese style, shoes off, yukatas and slippers on, in a private room, where authentic Japanese traditions prevail. Stay: Gero Onsen Yunoshimakan (B/L/D)

Depart Gero Onsen this morning and head for Takayama, a mountain city long famed for its artisans and woodworkers. En route enjoy a lesson in sake making and a tasting at a local brewery before enjoying some sightseeing along the narrow lanes of its historic center, and having lunch at a local restaurant known for its Hida beef.

Continue on to Kanazawa, just inland from the Sea of Japan. Enjoy an included dinner at your choice of your hotel's restaurants tonight. Stay Two Nights: Hotel Centric Kanazawa (B/L/D)

A full day of sightseeing in Kanazawa unfolds with time spent exploring the historic Samurai District, where traditional homes line narrow lanes and canals, tucked behind earthen walls and private gates. Step inside the restored Nomura Samurai Family Residence to glimpse the refined lifestyle of prosperous samurai during Japan's feudal era.

Continue with a guided stroll through Kenroku-en, celebrated as one of the country's three most exquisite landscaped gardens. Pause midday for lunch at a Paul Bocuse restaurant, blending French culinary artistry with Japanese flair.

In the evening, enjoy a Tauck Exclusive – an intimate Samurai performance at a local temple – before returning to your hotel or setting out to discover Kanazawa at your own pace. (B/L)

Depart Kanazawa by train for the next stop on your journey - Kyoto. The capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan's most populous island, Honshu, Kyoto is one of the oldest municipalities in Japan (dating back to 794 A.D.) as well as its cultural capital. Your introduction to the city begins with a sightseeing excursion. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. Stay Four Nights: Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto (B/L/D)

Kyoto sightseeing today begins with a visit to the famous golden-topped Kinkaku-ji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion ), set in an ancient garden on the edge of a lake – a position symbolizing its place "between heaven and Earth." Hear the story of how this 14th-century temple was burned to the ground by a young monk and then completely reconstructed.

Continue on to Nijo Castle, surrounded by stone walls and a moat; tour this 17th-century shogun's residence and UNESCO World Heritage Site – and discover the secret of its "nightingale" floors. After lunch at a local restaurant, meet up with a geisha expert who leads an exploration of the back streets of one of Kyoto's geisha districts, and shares insights on the "flower and willow" world of the geishas, past and present. The evening is free to spend as you wish. (B/L)

Travel by train this morning to Hiroshima. Your time here begins with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, and the A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) – the only structure left standing in the area of the WWII atomic bomb blast that destroyed the city in August 1945, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch at a local restaurant, return this evening by bullet train to the historic city of Kyoto, where you'll enjoy dinner like a local upon arrival. (B/L/D)

Begin your day with a prayer at the Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple) established in 778; the current buildings were rebuilt in the 17th century. Drink the water here in long-handled cups as you wish for longevity, success or love. Kyoto is known as the craft capital of Japan, and many traditional arts have been passed down through the generations.

Experience the revered customs of Japanese culture firsthand during a visit to a private home here; take your shoes off, come in, and your gracious hostess will demonstrate the very specific rituals of a Japanese tea ceremony, followed by a lesson in the paper art of Origami. Return to your hotel where the afternoon is free for you to enjoy Kyoto's charms as you like. Join us for a special farewell reception and dinner tonight. (B/D)

Tour ends: Kyoto. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto to the airport. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport. (B)