Take an unforgettable 13-day tour through Japan, a country where centuries-old traditions and temples coexist alongside futuristic cities. See the riches of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, then experience the excitement of Tokyo’s bustling Ginza District. Japan is at once a land of samurai and skyscrapers, and with the help of expert local guides, you’ll begin to understand the country’s complex culture. 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Overnight Flight

Board your overnight flight to Japan.

Day 2 - Osaka

Arrive in Osaka, where a Go Ahead representative meets you after you clear customs. Later, join your fellow travelers at tonight’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Osaka

Today’s guided tour offers a look at massive Osaka Castle, once the mightiest castle in Japan, with a museum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the leader who built the castle. Next, make an excursion to Kobe, where a local guide leads you on a tour of this port city, including the Kiku-Masamune Sake Museum and Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the 1995 earthquake.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Osaka Castle, Kiku-Masamune Sake Museum

Day 4 - Kyoto

En route to Kyoto, step back in time on a guided visit to Japan’s ancient capital of Nara. Discover its exquisite pagodas and architecture, including the Todaiji Shrine, home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha, and the Kasuga Shinto Shrine with its thousands of paper lanterns. Upon your arrival in Kyoto, uncover the city’s past on a guided tour, including the intricate 17th-century Nijo Castle, the gold-leaf covered Golden Pavilion and the strikingly red Heian Shrine, constructed in 1895.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrances: Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion, Todaiji Shrine

Day 5 - Kyoto

On today’s visit to Mikimoto Pearl Island, see how pearls are cultivated and watch the famous Ama Pearl Divers as they dive into Ise Bay to collect pearls the old-fashioned way. After visiting Osatsu, a traditional Japanese fishing village, stop at the Ise Shrine. Its nearly 200 buildings are reconstucted every 20 years, in keeping with Shinto custom. The current structures were remade in 1993.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrance: Ise Shrine

Day 6 - Kyoto

Discover Japan’s lush countryside as you wind your way to the Miho Museum, which boasts an excellent collection of Japanese art and an extensive Egyptian collection. Designed by I.M. Pei, the façade of the Miho seemingly melts into the mountainside. Dinner tonight is in Kyoto’s Kawaramachi district. Enjoy a feast of okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese-style crepe. After dinner, venture to Kyoto’s Gion geisha district for a performance of traditional Japanese theater.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrance: Miho Museum

Day 7 - Kyoto

Spend a free day exploring Kyoto on your own. You might visit the Kiyomizu Temple with its famous waterfall and spectacular view over the city. Or stroll down the Philosopher’s Walk, a cherry tree-lined path along a canal to the tranquil gardens of the Silver Pavilion. Alternatively, join an optional trip to Hiroshima, bombed by the Allies in 1945 to end World War II. You’ll see many moving reminders of that day, including the A-Bomb Dome, a building that partially survived the blast; Peace Park with its Centotaph for the victims; and the Peace Memorial Museum. The excursion also includes a visit to the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima. Its colossal red torii (the entry gate of a shrine) seems to float on the ocean during high tide.
Included meals: breakfast

$549 CAD

Hiroshima Destroyed by an atomic bomb dropped by American forces in 1945 to end World War II, Hiroshima has since rebuilt itself into a revitalized, modern metropolis. This full-day excursion to the historic city offers countless moving reminders of that fateful day. Drive along tree-lined boulevards to Peace Memorial Park at the city’s center. Here, you’ll visit the A-Bomb Dome, the remains of a building that partially survived the atomic blast. You’ll also see the Peace Memorial Museum, a two-building museum featuring displays of Hiroshima before the bomb, after the bomb, and on the day the bomb dropped. Afterward, pay a visit to Miyajima, a beautiful island in the Seto Inland Sea. View the dazzling Itsukushima Shrine, whose colossal red torii (entry gate) appears to float in the ocean during high tide. Please note: This optional requires advanced booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

Day 8 - Hakone

Board a high-speed train to the resort town of Hakone, nestled in the Owakudani Valley. Soak up the valley’s tranquil beauty during your cruise of Lake Ashi, formed after Mount Hakone erupted 3,000 years ago—and enjoy fine views of Mount Fuji looming in the background. Afterwards, relax in Hakone’s famous thermal hot springs.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 9 - Tokyo

Your guided tour of Hakone includes a visit to the Open Air Museum, featuring more than 200 Picasso originals. Then travel to snow-capped Mount Fuji, standing an imposing 12,388 feet high. Enjoy panoramic views of lakes and villages from the mountain (weather permitting) before arriving in Tokyo for a traditional tempura dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrance: Open Air Museum

Day 10 - Tokyo

Embark on a guided tour of Japan’s bustling capital today. Get a bird’s-eye view of Tokyo from the top of one of Tokyo’s tallest buildings. Nearby is the Zojoji Temple, founded in 1393. Visit Meiji Shinto Shrine, final resting place of Emperor Meiji, and wander through its Inner Garden, said to have been designed by the Emperor himself. You’ll also view the Imperial Palace and its impressive grounds. Cruise down the Sumida River before exploring Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple. Built in 645, it is Tokyo’s oldest, most sacred temple. Next, explore Tokyo’s famed Ginza district and watch a traditional Kabuki theater performance.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Meiji Shinto Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Sumida river cruise

Day 11 - Tokyo

Enjoy Tokyo at your leisure today. Consider visiting Ueno Park with its many museums, including the Tokyo National Museum. Or join an optional excursion to Nikko, known for the stunning Toshogu shrine. After exploring the shrine complex, journey to Nikko National Park for breathtaking views of Lake Chuzenji, Mount Nantai and the spectacular Kegon Falls.
Included meals: breakfast

$249 CAD

Nikko Nature lovers will want to take advantage of this excursion to Nikko. You'll visit the elaborate Toshogu Shrine, where you'll see the iconic Three Wise Monkeys (“Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil”) before heading into Nikko National Park. Here, you'll witness the graceful Kirifuri Waterfall before visiting Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. Please note: This excursion is weather dependent.

Day 12 - Tokyo

Enjoy another free day in Tokyo or joing our optional excursion to Kamakura, where you’ll have the option to take a one-hour rickshaw ride or train to visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, as well as shop for arts and crafts along Komachi Shopping Street. This evening, join your fellow travelers at our Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

$149 CAD

Kamakura Explore the countryside, temples and shrines outside Tokyo on a tour of Kamakura. This guided excursion takes you to Kamakura’s famous Great Buddha and Hase Kannon Temples. During your visit, you'll also enjoy time to peruse the arts and crafts for sale along Komachi Shopping Street.

Day 13 - Tokyo

A representative assists you with the transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)