Japan’s Traditions to Today

Welcome to Japan! After clearing customs, meet your John Hall’s Alaska representative and transfer to luxury accommodations in the heart of Tokyo. Take some time to relax before a welcome dinner with fellow traveling companions.

Spend the day exploring several of Tokyo’s districts by coach. Visit Tsukiji Outer Market, known for its food stalls and specialty vendors, followed by Senso ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street, one of Japan’s oldest shopping arcades. Continue to Ginza, the city’s top entertainment district. A hands‑on sushi‑making lunch is included mid‑day. After a full day taking in some of Japan’s best highlights, enjoy dinner at a local favorite before returning to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Spend the day visiting several of Tokyo’s signature sights. Begin at Tokyo Tower for panoramic views of the city, then continue to the Imperial Palace Plaza, a central park with beautiful gardens. Lunch is at a local restaurant before heading to Meiji Jingu Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most prominent Shinto shrines. Experience Japan by water with an evening dinner cruise on a Yakatabune – a traditional Japanese vessel.

Transfer to Tokyo Station for a bullet train journey to Kyoto this morning. Upon arrival, enjoy a half day of sightseeing. Visit Nijo Castle, one of the best-surviving examples of Japan’s feudal palace architecture and take part in a traditional tea ceremony experience before arriving the traditional Japanese style accommodations for two evenings.

Spend the day sightseeing in Kyoto. Visit Kinkaku ji Temple, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, followed by a Zen lecture and Zazen meditation experience led by a monk at a temple. Continuing to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, known for its towering bamboo pathways. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with Geisha, or traditional Japanese artist.

Leave Kyoto this morning and travel to Okayama by bullet train. Continue by coach for a full day of sightseeing in Kurashiki, including time in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, known for its canals, preserved storefronts, museums and cafes. Visiting a sake brewery for a tasting in between experiencing local restaurants for lunch and dinner.

Spend the day exploring Naoshima, known for its contemporary art museums and coastal landscapes. Travel by coach to Uno Port and board the Shikoku Kisen Ferry to Miyanoura Port. Visit the Benesse House Museum and the Chichu Art Museum. Enjoy free time in the Art House Project before returning to Miyanoura Port for the ferry back to Uno Port.

Spend the morning sightseeing in Okayama by coach, including Korakuen Garden, considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan before transferring to Okayama Station. Board the bullet train for Hiroshima, enjoying a comfortable and scenic journey through western Japan.

Upon arrival in Hiroshima Station, the remainder of the day is at leisure, providing time to relax or independently explore the surrounding area.

Spend the day exploring Miyajima, one of Japan’s most celebrated island destinations. After a ferry ride across the Seto Inland Sea to Miyajima Island, begin with a visit to Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its floating torii gate. Take a ride on the Miyajima Ropeway for sweeping views of the island’s forested mountains and surrounding sea. Enjoy the afternoon along Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street, a lively pedestrian avenue lined with local shops. Return to Hiroshima by ferry.

Following breakfast, transfer to Hiroshima Station to board the bullet train. Upon arrival, experience Osaka, including a winery tour and tasting. Stop in Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s most recognizable entertainment districts, known for its vibrant atmosphere, canal-side promenades and larger-than-life illuminated signage. Following time to explore the area, enjoy dinner taking in local delicacies and culture before returning to the hotel.

Spend the day sightseeing in Nara. Visit Todaiji Temple, home to one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues, followed by Nara Park, known for its free roaming deer. Continue to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO site famous for its bronze and stone lanterns. This evening, reminisce with fellow travelers during the farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Following breakfast, transfer to Kansai Airport for your flight, taking in memories of Japan.