Footsteps of Japanese History

Duration

14 Days

Footsteps of Japanese History

An in-depth journey through Japanese history.


Beginning in Tokyo, learn the history of Japan’s capital from its roots as a small village to a leading mover in the world.


In addition, visit Japan’s former capital and follow ancient paths through the mountains. See traditional towns where the routines of centuries are still visible.

Finally, meet the master artisans who keep Japan’s history alive.

Day 1

Narita Arrival Transfer

Narita Arrival Transfer

Meet your driver in the arrival area and move to Tokyo. It is about a 90 minute drive.

Palace Hotel Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo (4 nights)

Location - Center of Tokyo adjacent to the Imperial palace gardens, in the heart of the financial and business district Marunouchi - 10-minute walk to Tokyo Station with 12 railways and bullet trains - Direct underground access to Otemachi Station with 5 metro lines - 30 minutes to Haneda Airport by taxi -60-90 minutes to Narita Airport by taxi - 10 minute taxi ride to famous Ginza shopping district - Free-standing hotel - Spacious guest rooms from 45sq.m./485sq.ft, most futuring balconies - Very first evian SPA in Japan - State of the art fitness facilities with indoor pool - 7 unique restaurants - 3 bars and lounges Services - Complimentary wireless/wired in-room Internet - Complimentary use of fitness center for staying guests - Complimentary mineral water - Complimentary daily newspaper

Day 2

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Public transportation for touring

Public transportation for touring

Today you will tour using a combination of trains, buses, and taxis.

Tsukiji & Toyosu Market

Tsukiji & Toyosu Market

Every day, from Monday to Saturday at the famous tuna auction is held at Toyosu Fish Market in the early morning hours and afterwards the market opens up to the general public midmorning. This is an excellent chance to discover some of the world’s best seafood and see this famous market in action.

While the inner market has many shops that sell business to business, the outer market in Tsukiji is a wonderful chance to to sample a wide variety of some of Japan's finest seafood and various fresh, hot snacks.

Your brief tour today will take you to the outer market to experience some of Tsukiji’s best eating (and drinking). We recommend the yaki-tamago - a sweet, custard like scrambled egg pan fried in layers and served fresh out of the pan.

Hamarikyu Gardens

Hamarikyu Gardens

Your first stop today will be the beautiful Hamarikyu Garden. Nestled along the coast surrounded by high rise buildings, the garden was once a popular duck hunting ground. The views of the garden change depending on when you visit as the pond takes in sea water during high tides.

Zojoji Temple

Zojoji Temple

Visit Zojoji Temple, which is at the base of the tower. The temple was built in the year 1393 and moved to its present location in 1598 by Tokugawa Ieyasu who selected it as his family temple. A mausoleum of the Tokugawa family can be found on the temple grounds. Most of Zojoji's buildings are recent reconstructions except for the main entrance gate, the Sangedatsumon, which has survived the many past fires, earthquakes and wars and dates from 1622.

Sengakuji Temple

Sengakuji Temple

Sengakuji is a small temple in southern Tokyo, which is famous as the final resting place of the "47 Ronin." The story of the 47 loyal ronin has been one of the most popular historical stories in Japan, and many people visit the temple in order to pay respect to these loyal men by burning incense sticks in the graveyard. A small museum commemorating the 47 ronin can also be found at Sengakuji.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower

One of Tokyo’s most unmistakable landmark is Tokyo Tower. Long a symbol of Japan’s post war economic recover, the tower is actually a functioning broadcast tower.

Although technology has advanced, leaving the tower with minimal functionality (Tokyo SkyTree now broadcasts much of the signals), Tokyo Tower is still a popular historical landmark to visit. The surrounding area also offers much for visitors to see and do.

Day 3

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Public transportation for touring

Public transportation for touring

Today you will tour using a combination of trains, buses, and taxis.

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace East Gardens are a part of the inner palace area and are open to the public. They are the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defense, the honmaru ("main circle") and ninomaru ("secondary circle"). None of the main buildings remain today, but the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses still exist. It is a sight to see.

Goma Fire Ritual

Goma Fire Ritual

The Goma Fire Ritual is one of Japan's most enchanting and fascinating experiences. Fire is believed to have many cleansing properties in the Shingon sect of Buddhism and is often used in prayers and requests. The ritual is powerfully hypnotic with the monks’ chants accompanying the intense and purifying fire.

Fukagawa Edo Museum

Fukagawa Edo Museum

The Fukagawa Edo Museum is a reproduction of the actual city streets of Tokyo at the end of the Edo period. The museum goes to great lengths and extraordinary detail to show the lives of the people of that time, including the daily instruments and food they used and consumed to the places they called home.

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple

Sensōji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, having been built in 645AD.

Unfortunately, after remaining relatively unscathed for 13 centuries, it was destroyed during WWII. Sensoji was rebuilt after the war and has become a symbol of rebirth of the city and the nation.

Nowadays, millions of people step through the Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate, famous for its huge lantern, and stroll along Nakamisedori, the street leading to the temple, filled with small shops selling all manners of goods.

YA NE SEN & Calligraphy Experience

YA NE SEN & Calligraphy Experience

Take a casual stroll through the famous YA NE SEN area. Comprised of three small “towns”, YAnaka, NEzu, and SENdagi, this area is popular among tourists and locals alike for its rustic architecture, plentiful eating, and interesting shopping. During your time in this area, take in a calligraphy experience and learn the secrets to Japanese brush-style writing.

During this lesson, you'll break down complex Chinese characters into their individual components (called "radicals") and practice writing each one. After going through the basics, you'll then use these radicals to write more complex characters. As you finish the lesson, you'll work on your final product to bring home with you. After completing this lesson, the signs you see around you during your time in Japan will be just a tad more familiar to you.

Day 4

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Public transportation for touring

Public transportation for touring

Today you will tour using a combination of trains, buses, and taxis.

Yasukuni Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine

Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto Shrine in central Tokyo that was founded in 1869, It commemorates Japanese who have died in war. The spirits of over 2 million people are enshrined there. There is much controversy surrounding the shrine because 14 Class A war criminals are also enshrined there and many Japanese politicians have paid and continue to pay visits to the shrine causing worry about the glorification of Imperial Japan. There is also a war museum attached to the shrine that gives a unique version of history.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen

A pleasant mix of Japanese, English, and French style gardens, Shinjuku Gyoen offers a green escape for people living in the heart of Tokyo.

This 400 year old garden first began as a private residence for a local lord and was only converted to a garden thereafter. Owner was eventually transferred to the Imperial Family and access to the gardens was opened up to the public.

Although the garden offers pleasant strolls for visitors year round, the blossoming of the cherry trees in early spring makes Shinjuku Gyoen one of Tokyo's most beautiful areas.

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine was built nearly 100 years ago to commemorate Emperor Meiji’s contribution to modern Japan. The shrine is entirely surrounded by a forest, with an area of 70 hectares of land and over 120,000 trees, all of which were donated to the shrine from different parts of Japan.

Although rather young compared with other shrines, Meiji shrine has its own dramatic story to tell. While the original construction of the shrine was completed in 1926, the shrine was destroyed during the bombings of World War II and rebuilt in 1958.

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a couple on their wedding day, making their way through the shrine’s grounds on their way to their ceremony.

Harajuku & Omotesando

Harajuku & Omotesando

Harajuku’s Takeshita Street - This narrow, crowded street is lined with shops that sell the latest fashion trend, sweets, and other interesting items. It is in this area that some of the outrageous fashion that Japan is know for originates.

As the trendy streets of Harajuku end, the amazing architecture of Omotesando begins. With seemingly endless modern, cutting-edge architecture, great shopping, and delicious restaurants, Omotesando is Tokyo’s Champs-Elysées Boulevard. Many of the buildings along this street were designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects such as Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.

Day 5

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Private vehicle, full day

Private vehicle, full day

Hasedera Temple

Hasedera Temple

Hasedera temple is halfway up a tree-lined slope to the west of Kamakura. It has wonderful views of the city.

The temple is famous for its more than 30-foot-tall eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It is regarded as the tallest wooden sculptures in Japan and, according to legend, it is from the same tree that a similar statue in Nara's Hasedera Temple.

Following the stairs to the top of the slope is the Jizo Hall with hundreds of statues of Jizo Bodhisattva, the protector of children.

Kamakura Daibutsu

Kamakura Daibutsu

The Grand Buddha of Kamakura sits in the open air on a large stone platform. It was housed in various temples until the 15th century when its housing was destroyed in a tsunami.

The Buddha at a height is second only to the Buddha at Todaiji Temple in Nara.

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine is a well known shrine to the west of Kamakura. It is famous as a place where visitors wash their money with the hope that the money will double.

The shrine was founded in the 12th century by Minamoto Yoritomo, the first Kamakura shogun. The shrine is a very good example of the blending of Buddhism and native Shinto beliefs.

Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu

Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu

Tsurugaoia Hachiman-gu is Kamakura's most Important shrine. It was founded in 1063 and is dedicated to the god, Hachiman, the patron deity of the Minamoto Family, the shoguns of the Kamakura Era.

The shrine is reached by a long walkway that leads from the waterfront through the center or town, with many torii gates along the way.

Kinnotake Tonosawa

Kinnotake Tonosawa (1 night)

Featuring open-air hot spring bath and relaxation spa, Kinnotake Tonosawa is a beautiful ryokan in Hakone surrounded by water and bamboo trees.

Our accommodation concept is based on a nation-wide famous story "Takemonogatari" from "Kaguyahime", a story of a woman who fell in love with the emperor but their love lasting only for a moment until she is sent to the moon.

Kinnotake Tonosawa has free Wi-Fi, private parking and on-site bar with view. We also have business rooms at the basement floor.

All rooms include a private bathroom equipped with bath tub with bath robes and slippers. Some rooms have a seating area with views of either mountains or garden.

From our accommodation, Hakone Open-Air Museum is 3.6 km away and Hakone Gora Park is 4.3 km away.

Day 6

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Private vehicle for touring

Private vehicle for touring

Magome

Magome

The town has been beautifully restored with a broad stone walkway lined with carefully tended foliage. Magome's embellished preservation contrasts with the rugged authenticity of neighboring Tsumago.

While exploring Magome, visitors will surely come across the name Shimazaki Toson. Born in Magome in 1872, Toson is a highly regarded figure in Japanese literature. In his novel Yoakemae (Before the Dawn), he famously describes life in the area during the early years of the Meiji Restoration.

Honjin/Toson Memorial Museum

Toson's father was the last person to oversee Magome's Honjin, and Toson himself was born there. Today, it serves as a memorial to the artist.

Magome-Tsumago Trail

Magome-Tsumago Trail

The trail between Magome and Tsumago is a well maintained section of the former Nakasendo. The trail is not difficult and is well marked in English and Japanese. It is about 8 km long and should take two to three hours to complete at a leisurely pace. The trail leads through the countryside and passes right alongside the houses and fields of local residents. It also intersects with the road and hikers must tread along asphalt for some portions. Despite this, a walk along the Magome-Tsumago trail is a highly enjoyable part of visiting the Kiso Valley.

Tsumago

Tsumago

The town and its residents go to great lengths to recreate the ambiance of the Edo Period. Cars are prohibited on the main street during the day and phone lines and power cables are kept concealed, allowing visitors to imagine they have slipped back to an earlier time.

Tsumago also recreates the post town atmosphere by maintaining its Honjin and Wakihonjin. In all post towns, the Honjin was the principal inn and served government officials who were traveling through. When more lodging was required, the Wakihonjin served to accommodate the travelers of lower status. Tsumago also maintains the office where laborers and horses were rented to aid in travel.

Rekishi Shiryokan is a rather extensive historical museum on Tsumago and the Kiso Valley. Most of the museum is translated into English, and many models and artifacts are on display.

Forest Hotel Fuki

Forest Hotel Fuki (2 nights)

Fukinomori is a Japanese-style hotel located near the Nakasendo, the traditional route between Kyoto and Tokyo.

Its location allows guests to explore the mountainous area and immerse themselves in the local culture.

It is well-known for its cypress wood baths and amazing views from the outside bath.

Day 7

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Private vehicle for touring

Private vehicle for touring

Today you will tour in the comfort of your private vehicle.

Kiso Fukushima Town

Kiso Fukushima Town

This town was once the halfway point between Tokyo and Kyoto on the Nakasendo, one of the two roads that linked the Shogunate and Imperial capitals.

While the town is not as famous as it once was, it still a wonderful place to see Japan as it once was.

Visitors can visit the reconstructed Fukushima Checkpoint, where travelers had to wait and present their passes for travel and be searched by soldiers of the Tokugawa regime for weapons or letters that might be used for rebellion. There is a museum attached that has documents, handcuffs. torture implements and wooden passes used in the Edo Era.

Other points of interest are the former residence of the governor of the ovary clan who controlled the area for the Tokugawas and the Kiso Fukushima Historical Museum, which contains items from the area and a traditional farmhouse that was transported from a nearby village.

The most important aspect is simply the atmosphere of the town, both relaxing and energizing.

Nara-juku

Nara-juku

Narai of a Thousand Houses. Once the most prosperous post town on the Nakasendo, Narai still retains some of its former glory.

Located at the base of Torii Pass, the town is a great place to enjoy a stay at a rokan, have a bath or simply take a break with excellent local cuisine and locally brewed beer.

Some sites include the Nakamura Residence, former home of a wealthy wooden comb craftsman, and the Kiso Shashi, a wooden bridge constructed of 300-hundred-year-old cypress wood.

The main street is lined with traditional houses filled with shops that sell local delicacies, lacquerware, hand-woven baskets, woodwork, local beer and the famous local sake, Nanawarai (Seven Smiles).

This town is a must-see for those interested in traditional Japanese life and history.

Kiso-Hirasawa

Kiso-Hirasawa

Kiso-Hirasawa is the center of lacquerware in the central area of the Japan Alps.

The town is over 400 years old and the streets are lined with traditional houses. Many housing lacquerware shops, including those of living national treasures. Visits to workshops to see the process of this amazing craft can be arranged and travelers can see the centuries-old techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Day 8

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Private vehicle for touring

Private vehicle for touring

Today you will tour in the comfort of your private vehicle.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's most complete and beautiful original castles.

The wooden interior is especially interesting compared with concrete reconstructions. The surrounding grounds are a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.

Matsumoto Museum of Art

Matsumoto Museum of Art

This museum, located in the birthplace of Yayoi Kusama, has a wide selection of her works from all periods of her life.

Japan Ukiyoe Museum

Japan Ukiyoe Museum

Here is ,displayed but a small percentage of the wealthy merchant family's collection of more than 100,000 pieces. They have been collecting wood block prints for over 300 years.

Tobira Onsen Myojinkan

Tobira Onsen Myojinkan (2 nights)

We also invite you to enjoy relaxing baths of the Yin and Yang, right in the heart of nature.

Don’t forget our chef who specializes in macrobiotic cooking also serves the kaiseki cuisine, perfectly refined with a balance between colors, flavors, and textures.

Day 9

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Public transportation for touring

Public transportation for touring

Today you will tour using a combination of trains, buses, and taxis.

Takayama

Takayama

Nestled deep in the mountains of Gifu is Takayama, one of the largest cities in Japan by land area.

The city is well known for its quality - amazingly delicious Hida beef, super fresh locally grown vegetables, and expertly produced woodworking.

The center of town is also a pleasant strolling area - we recommend walking by the old castle ruins, temples, and old town for a chance to step back in history for a few hours.

Day 10

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Private Vehicle for Touring, Full Day

Private Vehicle for Touring, Full Day

Takayama Morning Markets

Takayama Morning Markets

Stop by the Takayama Morning Market for an amazing chance to meet locals and try some delicious food!

Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Located in the mountains of Gifu just an hour away from Kanazawa is the world heritage site Shirakawago. Here you’ll get a first-hand glimpse at what life might have been like in a traditional farming village and take in the refreshing mountain air.

The village, filled with Gassho Tsukuri (literally praying hands houses), offers plenty of chances to try excellent food & drink, enter historical sites, and enjoy a very leisurely day of touring on foot.

Gokayama is a little more difficult to access, but the villages of suganuma and Ainokura are much less crowded than Shirakawago, displaying an intimate ancient atmosphere.

For a truly unique meal, we recommend trying hoba miso - a local specialty where various foods are cooked over a huge hoba (magnolia) leaf with miso paste.

UAN Kanazawa

UAN Kanazawa (2 nights)

The stone paving glistens, the greenery of Kenroku-en deepens, and the lights sparkle in the rain.

The streets of Kanazawa are beautiful in the drizzling rain.

An old proverb says, “You can leave home without your lunchbox, but never leave without your umbrella”.

The city’s culture and structures are shaped by the abundant rain.

On your trip to Kanazawa, of course, we want you to enjoy fine days, but we also want you to experience the refined atmosphere the rain brings to the city.

The idea of enjoying and experiencing Kanazawa in the rain is contained in “Uan”, a hotel with a name which evokes the rain.

We want our guests to feel they were lucky to be here on a rainy day.

With us, you can experience Kanazawa in a deep and meaningful sense.

Day 11

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Public transportation for touring

Public transportation for touring

Today you will tour using a combination of trains, buses, and taxis.

Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle

Kenroku-en and Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle, which is most commonly associated with the powerful feudal lord Maeda Toshiie, was first built in the 16th century. Although it has suffered many devastating fires throughout history, an accurate reconstruction of castle grounds gives visitors a glimpse of what was once the seat of power for this region of Japan. Your introduction to Kanazawa will continue with a tour of Kenroku Garden.

The history of Kenroku Garden dates back to 1676 when Maeda Tsunanori began constructing a garden around his villa. For almost 200 years, the garden was private, until 1871 (the fourth year of the Meiji period) when the garden was first made available to the public. It has since been a favorite among visitors, ranking as one of the top three gardens in Japan.

Nomura-ke

Nomura-ke

Nagamachi was a samurai district at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai and their families used to live. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai r residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. One of the main attractions of the district is the centrally located Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts of the time when samurai were prosperous.

Omicho Market

Omicho Market

Situated on the west coast of Japan, hugging the Sea of Japan, is the coastal city of Kanazawa.

Although well known for its artistic heritage, people from all over Japan come to Kanazawa for one major reason: food.

Widely regarded as Japan's kitchen, Kanazawa cuisine offers a wide variety of modern fusion, traditional Japanese, a variety of international cuisine from American to some of the best Indian dining to be found anywhere.

The secret to Kanazawa's delicious eating lies in the seafood from the sea of Japan, incredible local vegetables, and a culture focused on making natural ingredients shine.

Higashichayagai

Higashichayagai

Perhaps the most photogenic area in all of Kanazawa, Higashichayagai is an old style street lined with tea houses (higashi means "eastern", chaya means "tea houses", and gai means "neighborhood"). While some of these tea houses are now residences, many of them have been repurposed as boutique shops. The area offers an abundance of unique tasting opportunities and arts and crafts.

For a less crowded stroll, we recommend moving across the street to Kazue-machi. While the area doesn't offer as many options for eating and shopping, it does allow you to enjoy the unique architecture and street design at a more leisurely pace.

Dinner with Geisha

Dinner with Geisha

For the evening, enjoy a special dinner with a private geisha performance. During your Japanese course meal, you’ll enjoy a shamisen/dance performance by geisha, and the chance to play some games and interact with the ladies as well. Be careful though – these ladies are masters of their craft and should you lose you’ll need to down a drink.

Day 12

Rapid Train - Kanazawa to Kyoto

Rapid Train - Kanazawa to Kyoto

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Private Vehicle for Touring, Full Day

Private Vehicle for Touring, Full Day

Today you will tour in the comfort of your private vehicle.

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market

Today’s tour will begin at Nishiki Market in the heart of the city. A long, narrow street, this market sells everything from pickles, to countless green tea varieties, and lots of Kyoto typical delicacies. As you stroll through the market, you’ll have plenty of chances to sample treats and pick up some unique items to bring home.

Golden Pavilion

Golden Pavilion

Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, is one of Japan’s iconic sites. The temple grounds first began as a small villa in 1224 and was converted to a Zen temple shortly after. Like so many other historical landmarks in Japan, the temple has unfortunately suffered destruction from fires in its history. The building, as it stands today, is a historically accurate reconstruction of the temple before it burned down from arson in 1950.

Tea Ceremony

Tea Ceremony

Every step is deliberate. Every movement of the arms is intention. Every fold in the towel to lift the lid off the pot of boiling water meaningful. Throughout the centuries, the tea ceremony has evolved into a highly complex and purposeful ceremony, allowing one to show the utmost respect to their guest, while benefiting from the meditative state that each deliberate movement creates.

Beyond serving a cup of tea, the tea ceremony has had tremendous impact on Japan's culture, with many points of etiquette and philosophies extending from the ceremony to every day life.

Although it takes many years to master this deceptively simple art, you’ll get a thorough introduction that will explain the intricacies in every step.

The Ritz Carlton, Kyoto

The Ritz Carlton, Kyoto (3 nights)

Built on a site favored by Japanese nobility since the 17th century, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto continues a legacy of quiet luxury. Drink in picturesque views of the Kamo River relax with a spa ritual inspired by Japan’s wellness traditions or stroll to nearby Gion to take in the region’s finest shopping and entertainment. This Kyoto hotel also features 134 refined guest rooms and suites, internationally inspired cuisine and five event spaces.

Day 13

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Private Vehicle for Touring, Full Day

Private Vehicle for Touring, Full Day

Today you will tour in the comfort of your private vehicle.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most beloved spots. It has a famous and storied wooden bridge, numerous temples known for their statuary and gardens, a scenic bamboo grove that is great for a stroll, and picturesque streets that complement each other to make a pleasant atmosphere excellent for leisurely walks.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji

While many religious sites have a somber tone, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is a fun twist on the Japanese temple experience. Here you'll find well over 1,000 small stone statues, called rakan, often depicting humorous and lighthearted disciples of the Buddha.

Giouji

Giouji

Gouji Temple is known for its moss garden. Beautiful Japanese maples are interspersed through out the garden. Thatched roofs adorn the temple's entrance gate and small main hall. The temple is a wonderful alternative to Saihoji Temple.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The bamboo forest offers paths for walking or biking. It is a must see for those visiting Arashiyama. The bamboo grown here has been used for centuries for creating crafts, such as tea whisks, sake cups, baskets and many others.

Tenryuji

Tenryuji

With a history dating back nearly 700 years, Tenryuji is one of Arashiyama's most visited sites, and for good reason. While the building complex has suffered from fire damage throughout history (like much of Japan), the stunning gardens remain in their original form. As you stroll through the garden, both from within the temple and on the garden paths, you'll move from the pond, which symbolizes a large lake, up the mountain and into the forest (where multiple cherry trees can be found). As you exit the temple, you'll come to the famous bamboo forest.

Jojakko-ji Temple

Jojakko-ji Temple

Founded in the 16th century, this temple is located on the mountainside nestled beneath a canopy of maples and pines. Its small, attractive buildings and gates provide the temple with a gentle and understated atmosphere. The moss all along the temple's paths and stairs add to the ambience.

Day 14

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Private Vehicle for Touring, Full Day

Private Vehicle for Touring, Full Day

Today you will tour in the comfort of your private vehicle.

Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion gates that line this sacred mountainside, is the most important shrine in Japan dedicated to the Shinto god Inari, with a history dating back over 1,200 years.

As you make your approach to the shrine, you’ll notice the ever-present statues of foxes. Although it seems a bit strange to associate foxes with healthy rice crops, it’s actually quite logical – foxes eat mice, thus protecting the crops from rodent damage. There are an estimated 30,000 sub shrines that belong to Fushimi Inari across Japan.

Nara

Nara

Nara was the capital of Japan for about 100 years prior to the capital being moved to Kyoto. Like Kyoto, the city is filled with historical landmarks and must-see items. One of the city’s most beloved attractions are its deer. Roaming the streets freely in search of “shika-senbei” (deer crackers), these timid creatures were once considered sacred messengers of the gods.

Todaiji

Todaiji

One of the Nara's (and Japan’s) most incredible landmarks is Todaiji, which houses the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. Construction of the temple began in the 8th century, a time of heightened instability in Japan. As with many structures in Japan, the temple has suffered from extensive fire damage/destruction in its history, and the current structure today is the second largest entirely wooden building in the world.

Kasuga Shrine

Kasuga Shrine

Within the city is Kasuga Shrine – a temple with a history as old as Nara city itself. Although the site Kasuga Shrine was built on is old, the buildings themselves were rebuilt on a periodic basis throughout history. The shrine is surrounded by an old-growth forest that has remained relatively undisturbed throughout the ages.

Mt. Wakakusa

Mt. Wakakusa

Mt. Wakakusa is a grass-covered slope near Nara Park. It offers wonderful views of the city.

It takes about 20 minutes to reach the viewing spot.

The hill is covered with cherry trees and is one of the best blossom viewing spots in the city.

Day 15

Private Vehicle Transfer, Hotel to Kansai International Airport

Private Vehicle Transfer, Hotel to Kansai International Airport

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and move to Kansai International Airport by private vehicle.

ANA - Kansai International Airport - New Chitose International Airport

ANA - Kansai International Airport - New Chitose International Airport

Private Vehicle Transfer, airport to hotel

Private Vehicle Transfer, airport to hotel

Meet your driver upon your arrival and move to your hotel.

Day at Leisure

Day at Leisure

Spend the day exploring at your leisure.

Day 16

Private vehicle transfer, hotel to airport

Private vehicle transfer, hotel to airport

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and move to the airport.

ANA - New Chitose - Memanbetsu

ANA - New Chitose - Memanbetsu

Private Guided Tour Upon Arrival

Private Guided Tour Upon Arrival

Meet your guide upon your arrival and set out for a private guided tour.

Private Vehicle for Touring (Full Day)

Private Vehicle for Touring (Full Day)

Today you will tour in the comfort of your private vehicle.

Lake Akan

Lake Akan

Lake Akan is a beautiful crater lake in Akan Mashu National Park. The 5th largest freshwater lake in HokkaidoIt is within Akan Caldera, which was formed by the collapse of land after volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. The area is famous for the beautiful reflections of the mountains on the lake's surface. In the winter, the surface of the water is completely frozen, and many people come here for ice fishing and snowmobile riding. During the "Lake Akan Ice Festival," midwinter fireworks can be enjoyed. In the summer, canoes or pleasure boats are available for those who wish to feel the rippling waves of the lake water up close.

The lake is home to marimo, a rare algae species that forms itself into beautiful green balls. If they are left to their own devices for a few hundred years, marimo can reach the size of basktballs. The algae have been designated a National Special Natural Monument. More can be learned about the algae at the Marimo Exhibition Center.

Akanko Onsen is a small township located on Lake Akan’s southern shore, lined with onsen hotels and Japanese inns, making it the perfect jump-off point for sightseeing and activities in the area. Follow the lakeside walking path near the Akankohan Eco-museum Center, for example, to see bubbling mud pools called "bokke" and learn about Akan-Mashu National Park’s unusual flora and fauna. In winter, enjoy skating on the lake and skiing at Akankohan National Ski Area, just a short distance from town.

Ainu Kotan, a village within the township, is Hokkaido’s largest Ainu settlement. Sample traditional Ainu fare here such as venison, and wild mountain vegetables mixed with beans, and shop for elaborately carved woodwork and tools. The village’s Akanko Ainu Theater presents traditional Ainu dance performances that UNESCO lists an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Sightseeing boats leave Akankohan for 1-hour cruises of the lake, which include a stop at the Marimo Exhibition Center on one of the lake's islands and a ride into the more remote sections of the lake.

Two mountains near Lake Akan compliment the scenery and offer some longer hiking courses. Oakan (Male Mountain) and Meakan (Female Mountain) are both volcanoes whose eruptions formed the landscape around Lake Akan. There are three trails to the top of Meakan, including one from Lake Onneto, a lake on the park’s southwestern edge whose waters range from emerald green to cobalt blue depending on the time and season. From the peak of Meakan, you’ll be able to survey the volatile crater and the volcanic gases spewing from it. Oakan has just one trail that starts from the eastern end of Lake Akan. Hiking either mountain takes about half a day. They are not difficult hikes, although sturdy hiking shoes are required.

Kawayu Onsen

Kawayu Onsen

Kawayu Onsen is a small hot spring town inside Akan Mashu National Park's eastern section. It means hot river in the Ainu language and a hot river does run through the town. Its location allows it to be a great base to explore Mount Iozan, Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo.

Kawayu's onsen water is especially acidic with a pH of 1.4. It is said that the water can dissolve a nail in 2 weeks so be careful of not staying in the bath for too long.

Kawayu's Eco Museum Center offers general information on Akan Mashu National Park and Kawayu Onsen.

Besides convenient location and hot spring waters, Kawayu offers a Sumo Museum, which is dedicated to the town's favourite son and biggest star, Taiho Koki. Taiho was a sumo wrestler who achieved the sport's highest title in 1961 at only 21 years of age. He has long held the record for most tournament victories.

Day 17

Akan Mashu National Park

Akan Mashu National Park

Akan Mashu National Park is located in eastern Hokkaido. Although it is officially part of Kushiro City, it is well over 50 kilometers from the city itself. The park is well known for its three beautiful lakes: Lake Akan, Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo. All are remnants of volcanic craters, but Lake Mashu stands out in particular for its shockingly clear waters.

Akan Mashu National Park is composed of two separate parts. The western portion contains Lake Akan with the lakeside hot spring resort of Akankohan Onsen, two mountains and the Ainu areas. The larger, eastern part contains Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, Iozan (Sulfur Mountain) and centrally located Kawayu Onsen.

Lake Kussharo

Lake Kussharo

Lake Kussharo is the 6th largest lake in Japan with an area of 80 square kilometers and is the largest caldera lake in the country. There are plenty of things to do in summer and winter. Flocking swans and ”Omiwatari” in winter are must-sees. Omiwatari are ice ridges made by the repeated expansions and contractions of the ice on the lake. It is possible for them to be as long as 10 km and as high as 2m.

A particularly nice spot to visit is the Wakoto Peninsula at the lake's southern end. The peninsula offers attractive walking trails through the forest, outdoor baths and some sulfurous vents at its tip. Please note that the baths are gender-mixed and are not the most well maintained.

Sunayu Beach
This sand beach hides hot spring water just below its surface. Visitors can scoop out a hole in the sand and soak their feet while enjoying views of the lake.

Day 18

Private vehicle transfer, hotel to airport

Private vehicle transfer, hotel to airport

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and move to the airport.

ANA - KUH to CTS

ANA - KUH to CTS

Flight from Kushiro to New Chitose Airport.

Private Guided Tour Upon Arrival

Private Guided Tour Upon Arrival

Meet your guide upon your arrival and set out for a private guided tour.

Private Vehicle for Touring (Full Day)

Private Vehicle for Touring (Full Day)

Today you will tour in the comfort of your private vehicle.

Upopoy

Upopoy

Upopoy is the first museum in Japan dedicated to the Ainu. The Ainu are the indigenous people of northern Japan, especially Hokkaido. Upopoy means "singing in a large group." The museum is a bid to stop the extinction of the Ainu culture, which has been disappearing due to forced assimilation and official neglect.

Upopoy is divided into 2 parts: the National Ainu Museum and the National Ainu Park. The museum focuses not just on the past of the Ainu but also how the present-day Ainu culture has adapted and how the Ainu survive in modern Japanese society. The National Ainu Park is an open-air museum that highlights traditional Ainu music, dance and crafts. Visitors can view any number of performances and take part in various hands-on activities.

Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu is Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort. There are eleven different kinds of thermal waters and are considered among Japan's best and most effective.

There are a number of ryokan and hotels with hot spring baths. Many open their baths during daytime to non-staying guests for typically 700 to 2000 yen, and there is one public bath house located in the center of town.

Noboribetsu Jigokudani

Noboribetsu Jigokudani

Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is a volcanic caldera created 20,000 years ago by the eruption of nearby Mt. Hiyoriyama. It is the major source of water in Noboribetu Onsen. The area's springs, geysers, sulfur vents, valley and baths are guarded by dozens of statues of yukijin, who are demons that welcome visitors and act as intercessors in the underworld to secure good fortune for humans.There is a Shinto shrine in the town dedicated to Enma, the King of Hell. A Festival of Hell is held in late August that includes regular Demon’s Firework shows.
The hell valley is 450m in diameter and contains 15 geysers and hot spring of various sizes. More than 3,000 liters of hot spring water flow through them every minute.

Day 19

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Private Vehicle for Touring (Full Day)

Private Vehicle for Touring (Full Day)

Today you will tour in the comfort of your private vehicle.

Mt. Usu

Mt. Usu

Mt. Usu is an active volcano on the shores of Lake Toya. It last erupted in 2000.
The eruption created new craters on the west side of the mountain and caused the evacuation of an area of several square kilometers.
Depending on the weather, there are walking trails that can be hiked and where the area with abandoned buildings can be viewed and the newly created craters can be visited.

Mt. Usu Ropeway

Mt. Usu Ropeway

This ropeway will take guests to almost the very top of the volcano's summit. There is an observatory where one can see the nearby Mt. Showa Shinzan, a young volcano that was born in a wheat field starting in 1943 and Lake Toya.

Another observatory a short walk away gives excellent views of the largest crater of the volcano and the ocean.

Mt. Usu Western Craters

Mt. Usu Western Craters

Mount Usu erupted in spring 2000. This period of eruptions created over 60 new craters on the west side of the mountain. Smoke, steam and volcanic debris were expelledx high into the sky and destroyed local buildings and roads. Nowadays, walking trails cross the area and allow visitors to view the scenery.

The entrance for the Kompirayama Walking Trail is at the Toyako Visitor Center in Toyako Onsen. It moves to the Nishiyama parking lot. Between the spots, there are several ruins, such as a demolished public bath house, an apartment complex and a bridge. The trail passes two of the largest craters and takes about 40 minutes to complete the walk. The trail from Nishiyama parking lot continues for another 20 minutes, moving passed more buildings.

Nearby there is a paid observatory that offers complete views of the area.

Day 20

Private Vehicle for Touring (Full Day)

Private Vehicle for Touring (Full Day)

Today you will tour in the comfort of your private vehicle.

LTD Express - Toya - Hakodate

LTD Express - Toya - Hakodate

Private Guided Tour Upon Arrival

Private Guided Tour Upon Arrival

Meet your guide upon your arrival and set out for a private guided tour.

Private Vehicle for Touring (Full Day)

Private Vehicle for Touring (Full Day)

Today you will tour in the comfort of your private vehicle.

Hakodate

Hakodate

Hakodate is one of the largest cities in Hokkaido. The view from Mt. Hakodate is one of the most famous in Japan. The city is especially loved for its delicious, fresh seafood.

The city was one of Japan's first cities to have the right for international trade at the beginning of the Meiji Era. There is a great deal of foreign influence that can be seen in its architecture and a Western-style Vauban fort.

For more local flavor, a visit to the morning market is a must.

Fort Goryokaku

Fort Goryokaku

Fort Goryokaku is at the center of Hakodate's Goryokaku Park. It's the only example of a particular military fortification called a "star fort." Designed by Japanese military architects that had been influenced by French military engineer Vauban, it is the first Western-style fortification built in Japan. It was completed in 1855 to protect Hokkaido and the Tsugaru Strait.

Goryokaku is known as the location of the final battle of the Boshin War between the Tokugawa soldiers and the pro-Imperial troops in 1869. With this defeat, the fort was no longer needed for military purposes and it was turned into a public park and opened to visitors.

At the center of Goryokaku Fort is the Hakodate Magistrate's Office. It was from this location that Tokugawa officials controlled Hokkaido . The original building was destroyed in 1871. In recent years, the local government carefully reconstructed a part of the buildings and opened them to the public. Traditional methods were used and it is a wonderful example of late Edo-Era architecture.

In the 1960's, the Goryokaku Tower was built. That building was removed and the present 107-meter-tall structure was constructed and opened in 2006.

Onuma Quasi National Park

Onuma Quasi National Park

Known as a "quasi national park", Onuma Park is renowned for its photogenic, island-dotted lakes and wonderful views of the volcanic Mount Komagatake

The best area is between the two lakes Onuma (large lake) and Konuma (small lake) and can be explored entirely on foot. Walking courses allow visitors to explore the lakes' peninsulas and islands. Many are connected to the mainland or each other by small bridges, in easy 15-60 minute walks.

Visitors can also rent bicycles (500 yen/hour, 1000 yen/day). There is a 10-kilometer cycling course around Lake Onuma, but it is not necessarily recommended. While the course is nice, it, for the most part, follows the main road rather than the lakeshore.

During warmer months, sightseeing boat ply the waters of Lake Onuma. The tour takes 30 minutes.

Day 21

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Public transportation for touring

Public transportation for touring

Today you will tour using a combination of trains, buses, and taxis.

Morning Market

Morning Market

The Hakodate Morning Market, located just outside Hakodate Station, is a market where you can have your fill of fresh seafood from early in the morning. The market opens at 6:30 and closes a bit after 12:00 pm. In addition to enjoying seafood rice bowls in a variety of restaurants, there’s also a shop where you can fish for squid, Hakodate’s specialty, inside the market. The workers will slice the squid you’ve caught into sashimi (raw seafood) on the spot for you.

The Hakodate Morning Market not only offers seafood, but is also crowded with shops selling sweet seasonal fruits and household goods.

Motomachi

Motomachi

At the base of Mount Hakodate lies an interesting area. At the end of the Tokugawa Era, Japan was forced to open to foreign traders and Hakodate was one of the first ports to open. Foreign traders flooded in and many settled into the Motomachi area. They came from China, Russia and other Western countries. There are many buildings in the area that are very foreign influenced or simply of complete foreign design. These include the British Consulate, the Chinese Memorial Hall, the Russian Orthodox Church and former government buildings.

Mt. Hakodate

Mt. Hakodate

Known for having one of the three best night views with Kobe's Mt. Rokko and Nagasaki's Mt. Inasa, Mount Hakodate is a 334-meter-high, tree-covered mountain at the end of the peninsula where Hakodate sits. The sights from the mountain during the day or at night are breathtaking.

Visitors can get to the top of the mountain by bus, car or ropeway. The ropeway starts in Motomachi and ends at the summit, where there are viewing platforms, shops and food facilities.
On the other side of the mountain is Hakodate Park, one of the city's best cherry blossom sites. There are hundreds of trees along the paths and surrounding a fountain.

Day 22

Private vehicle transfer, hotel to station

Private vehicle transfer, hotel to station

Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel and move to the station. Your driver will assist you in boarding your train.

Shinkansen - Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto - Aomori

Shinkansen - Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto - Aomori

Private Guided Tour

Private Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and set out for a private guided tour.

Private vehicle, full day

Private vehicle, full day

Tour in the comfort of your own private luxury minivan (Toyota Alphard).

Nebuta Warase

Nebuta Warase

The Nebuta Warasse is a wonderful museum featuring the Nebuta Matsuri, Aomori's most famous festival and one of the most popular in Japan. The festival is held every year in August. It is near the fish markets.

The Nebuta Warasse museum builds the energetic atmosphere of the festival and lets visitors learn about the history and traditions of the festival.

The second floor shows photos and images of the festival's three-hundred-year-old history displayed along a brightly-colored hallway. Massive red goldfish-shaped lanterns hang along the hallway while recorded music from the festival plays.

Five of the actual floats from the festival are displayed and on weekends and holidays, Haneto dances are performed.

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