Business 888-380-9872 | Vacation 800-756-6342 | Meetings 855-847-4698 | Group Air 877-252-3415
Essence of Japan is a tour that clocks in at just under two weeks with an agenda, as the name implies, of delivering on the essence of life in Japan. From Tokyo to Kyoto and all points in between, you’ll experience the old and new distinctions that make Japan such an interesting travel destination. Book the Essence of Japan tour from Tauck Tours now and start creating the Japanese travel memories you’ve dreamed of.
13 Days • fr. $11,990
Tauck's Japan trip begins at 6:30 PM at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. A transfer is included from Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport to the five-star Park Hyatt Tokyo, occupying the top 14 floors of a 52-story tower in the heart of Shinjuku, the city's vibrant business and entertainment district. This evening, please join us for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Dinner
PARK HYATT TOKYO
A drive through Tokyo this morning gives you an overview of one of the world’s most dynamic capital cities, touching on both history and modern life. Begin today's sightseeing in Japan's capital city with a visit to the Meiji Shrine – honoring the deified spirits of Japan's Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, who died in 1912 and 1914, respectively – and take in a live performance of traditional Shinto music and Kagura dancing.
Visit central Tokyo's renowned Tsukiji Market, the largest fish and seafood market in the world, for a walk around the outer market before heading to a local restaurant for a traditional yakitori (skewered chicken) lunch. This afternoon, explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum, whose exhibits focus on Tokyo’s history, culture, and development from its roots as a fishing village called Edo.
The rest of the day and evening are free for further exploring on your own. Many good restaurants can be found in the vicinity of your hotel, and your Tauck Director can make suggestions for places to try.
Breakfast, Lunch
PARK HYATT TOKYO
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, enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi; weather permitting, see 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 continue on to your ideally located spa resort in Hakone . This afternoon, get your hands around an authentic Japanese culinary tradition during a private sushi and miso making demonstration; later, gather for a “homey” dinner at your resort.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HYATT REGENCY HAKONE RESORT & SPA
Start the day off with an excursion to the Hakone Open Air Museum, the first open-air museum in Japan, renowned for its outdoor sculpture park with beautiful views of the mountain. The grounds are the permanent home of approximately 120 works by well-known international sculptors including Rodin, Bourdelle, Miro, and Moore.
Then you'll have a choice between staying at your resort to indulge in some pampering at the hotel’s spa – perhaps taking a dip in the healing hot springs (onsen) – or heading off to visit the Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery, for a tour and tasting at one of the largest whisky-making facilities in Japan.
After lunch at a local restaurant, 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. Dine on French or Japanese cuisine at one of your resort's restaurants this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HYATT REGENCY HAKONE RESORT & SPA
Today's exploration begins at the Itchiku Kubota Museum, set amidst magnificent views of majestic Mt. Fuji and serene 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, which was lost since the 15th century, creating exceptional artistic kimonos. The museum you'll visit today celebrates his art and legacy.
Continue north through the forested mountain landscapes of the “Japanese Alps,” through winding valleys dotted with rice farms, lakes, rushing rivers, and small villages to the hot springs town of Matsumoto, where, after lunch, you’ll see 400-hundred-year-old Matsumoto Castle, Japan’s oldest castle and a national treasure, also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its black exterior.
Arrive this afternoon at your onsen (hot springs) hotel, combining the authenticity of a traditional Japanese ryokan with the comforts of a contemporary hotel, including western-style and Japanese rooms. Your Tauck Exclusive dinner tonight is Japanese kaiseki style, yukatas and slippers on, in a private room with musical entertainment.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TOBIRA ONSEN MYOJINKAN HOTEL
Depart Matsumoto this morning and head for Takayama, a mountain city long famed for its artisans and woodworkers. Do some sightseeing along the narrow lanes of its historic center, and have lunch at a local restaurant known for its Hida beef.
Following a lesson in sake making and a tasting at a local brewery in Takayama, continue on to Kanazawa, just inland from the Sea of Japan. Arriving here marks your having crossed all the way from one side of Japan’s main island of Honshu to the other. Enjoy an included dinner at your choice of your hotel's restaurants either tonight or tomorrow.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HOTEL NIKKO KANAZAWA
A full day’s sightseeing in Kanazawa includes: a guided stroll through celebrated Kenroku-en Gardens, considered among the country’s top three landscaped gardens; time exploring the historic Samurai District, where samurai homes are tucked among narrow lanes and canals behind earthen walls and private entrance gates, with a visit to the restored Nomura Samurai Family Residence for a look at the lifestyle of the samurai during feudal times, when they were prosperous.
Lunch at a Paul Bocuse restaurant; and an afternoon visit to Higashi Chaya, Kanazawa's geisha district. Cap the day with a Tauck Exclusive, private Samurai show at a local temple, then spend the rest of the evening as you please at your hotel or exploring on your own in Kanazawa.
Breakfast, Lunch
HOTEL NIKKO KANAZAWA
Depart Kanazawa by train for Kyoto, arriving midday for a four-night stay at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto; small group departures will stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. Have lunch and begin your exploration of the city considered one of Japan’s most beautiful.
On your introductory sightseeing tour, discover a city center of glass and steel skyscrapers ringed by hidden temples, shrines, and gardens that exude the tranquility and charm of Japan’s ancient culture. You may choose to dine at our selected local restaurant either tonight or tomorrow.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KYOTO
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.
Breakfast, Lunch
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KYOTO
Begin your day with a prayer at the Kiyomizudera (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 dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Dinner
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KYOTO
From Kyoto, travel aboard a morning bullet train to Hiroshima for lunch followed by a sightseeing tour including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, the A-Bomb Dome and other sites associated with the WWII atomic bomb blast that destroyed the city in August 1945. Return this afternoon by bullet train to Kyoto, where your evening is free to spend as you wish.
Breakfast
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KYOTO
Travel by rail from Kyoto back to Tokyo, arriving for lunch at the celebrated restaurant Nobu. After lunch, enjoy a Tauck Exclusive – an exhilarating taiko drumming performance, including a hands-on instruction session and demonstration; try your hand at this time-honored tradition where rhythm, melody, and movement combine to create an extraordinary musical experience.
As your Japan trip draws to a close, return to your hotel before heading to yet another Tauck Exclusive: tonight's farewell reception and dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll witness a larger-than-life demonstration by sumo wrestlers.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
PARK HYATT TOKYO
Tauck's comprehensive Japan journey ends at Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport. Fly home anytime. An airport transfer is included from the Park Hyatt Tokyo to Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport.
Breakfast
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.