Best of Japan in 22 Days

After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours meeting staff member. They will then purchase a limousine bus ticket for you and help you board the bus to the hotel. After checking in, the evening is free. No meals are included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Light

After breakfast, you will start the day with a Welcome/Orientation meeting. Next, the licensed, English-speaking guide will escort you to the Tokyo Skytree for a birds-eye view of Tokyo. Next we will travel to the nearby Asakusa area. Here we will tour the Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple and the Asakusa Shrine where you will learn about Buddhist and Shinto Japanese religious practices. Afterwards, we will travel to the famous Ginza district. The Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. We will return to the accommodations, where we will go through the train tickets for the rest of the tour. Breakfast at the accommodations and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Today is a free day to enjoy the world-class city of Tokyo. Go shopping for that perfect souvenir, visit the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the Japanese emperor of the 19th century, or wander through the trendy Shibuya or Harajuku districts where you will more than likely see interesting and far-out fashions. At a pre-determined time and place, the group will meet to travel to Hakone. Hakone is famous for its natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Before leaving Tokyo, you will prepare your luggage to be transferred to Matsumoto, and will be traveling to Hakone and Matsumoto with an overnight bag only. You should prepare your overnight bag with enough items for 3 days and 2 nights.

Walkin g: TBD; Travel: 1 Hour

We will be taking many different forms of transportation (electric train, funicular, gondola and bus) around Hakone including the Hakone Sightseeing Boats on Lake Ashi. In good weather, passengers aboard the sightseeing cruise can get a fine view of Japan’s most famous peak, Mount Fuji, and enjoy Hakone’s rich scenery reflected on the lake’s calm surface. Breakfast at the ryokan and lunch at a local Japanese restaurant are included.

(PLEASE NOTE: High winds and/or heavy rain can, and will often cause cessation of services on the Sightseeing Boat cruise. Should this occur, we will not be able to operate the itinerary as listed above, and will replace it with the best possible alternative given the weather conditions. Also, in the case of bad weather, even if the boats are still operating, we may alter the itinerary for your comfort and safety as Mt. Fuji will not be visible anyway.)

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: Medium

After breakfast we will travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history. For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the paving stones, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks, and a tea master deliberately warming water and making tea. Once you get to Kyoto, you will retrieve your main luggage from the hotel.We will then visit the Shoseien Garden, a quiet oasis surrounded by the busy central district of Kyoto. Breakfast at the ryokan is included.

Travel: N/A; Walking: Medium

After breakfast, we are off by train to the nearby city of Fushimi, one of the largest sake producing regions of Japan. Here we will visit the Fushimi Inari shrine. This Shinto Shrine, established in the 8th century, is famous for the long tunnels of vermilion torii gates straddling a network of trails leading to the top of the heavily forested Mt. Inari. We will then travel to the Higashiyama District. This area of narrow, cobblestone alleys with its temples, shrines, numerous shops and restaurants is truly enjoyable and relaxing. We will stop for lunch in the Higashiyama District. We will then visit the Yasaka Shrine, also known as the Gion Shrine. This shrine, built over 1350 years ago, is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. Next, we will walk to the famous Gion Geisha District. Here, you will see where the Geiko (in Kyoto they call themselves Geiko, not Geisha) and Maiko live and work. We will have the opportunity to meet a Maiko (a Maiko is a Geiko in training), and eat dinner at a local restaurant. Breakfast at the ryokan and lunch and dinner at a local Japanese restaurant are included.

Travel: 1 1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy

Before leaving Kyoto, you will prepare your luggage to be transferred to Takamatsu, and will be traveling with an overnight bag only. You should prepare your overnight bag with enough items for 2 days and 1 night. We will board an express train to Osaka, and then continue to Koya-san by train and funicular. Koya-san, the world headquarters of the Shingon School of Esoteric Buddhism, was established in the year 816 by Kobo Daishi, considered by many to be the most influential religious person in Japanese history. After dropping off the luggage at the temple, we will enjoy a vegetarian lunch. After lunch, we will wander through the huge cemetery leading up to the Okuno-in temple. Kobo Daishi is buried at this temple, and many Japanese still believe that he is not dead, but merely in a very advanced state of meditation, waiting to awaken at the appropriate time. After touring the Garan Temple complex and checking into our shukubo (Buddhist temple lodging), you are free to roam and visit one of the 110 temples in the area or just rest in the garden at the shukubo. Your dinner of shojin-ryori (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine – no meat, fish, onions or garlic) will be served by the Buddhist Monks from the temple. Breakfast at the ryokan, Shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) lunch at a local restaurant and Shojin-ryori dinner at the temple is included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: Heavy

Early in the morning, we will attend a Buddhist prayer service held at the temple. After a vegetarian breakfast, we will travel back to Osaka. While there are not a lot of sightseeing options in Osaka, the best way to experience Osaka is to simply explore the city on foot. The numerous large, neon signs and the hawkers and pachinko parlors of the area combine to create an audio-visual overload. The tour will include Doguyasuji, a street in the Namba District lined with restaurant supply stores (including stores selling the plastic food models you see everywhere in Japan). In the Dotombori District, you will visit the Hozenji Temple and Yokocho, an area that retains an old-time atmosphere and where so many locals come to pour water over the temple s statues, they are now covered in moss. In contrast, you will also visit the Ebisubashi Bridge next to Dotombori Street. With its towering neon signs, a visit to the Ebisubashi Bridge is like stepping into the movie Bladerunner. The walking tour will begin with an Okonomiyaki dinner.Shojin-ryori breakfast at the temple, lunch and dinner at local restaurants are included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: Heavy

After breakfast, we will travel by Shinkansen to Himeji where we will tour Himeji Castle. Built about 400 years ago, it is only one of four castles in Japan that has been designated as a national treasure and has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After touring the castle, we will continue to Takamatsu by Shinkansen and express train. The sprawling city of Takamatsu is located on the northern shore of Shikoku, the smallest, islands of Japan. Despite a relaxed atmosphere, Takamatsu hums with an urban energy. Walking down the city’s wide, sunlit boulevards or numerous covered shopping arcades you will find funky shops, artsy cafes and exciting nightlife. Shojin-ryori breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner at local restaurants are included.

Before leaving for the day you will prepare your luggage to be transferred to Matsuyama, and will be traveling with an overnight bag only. You should prepare your overnight bag with enough items for 2 days and 1 night. We will start the day at Ritsurin Garden, thought by many to be one of best gardens in Japan. This garden was designed by the local feudal lord family and took over 100 years to create. The more than 1,400 twisted and contorted pines set this garden apart from other gardens. We will also stop for tea and sweets in a tea house overlooking a beautiful koi-filled pond. Next we travel by street car to the nearby city of Kotohira, where we will visit Kompira Shrine. Kompira Shrine is the main shrine of multiple Kompira shrines found around Japan that are dedicated to sailors and seafaring. Located on the wooded slope of Mount Zozu in Kotohira, the approach to Kompirasan is an arduous series of 785 stone steps. Before returning to Takamatsu, we will tour the Kanamaruza Kabuki Theater. Built in 1835, the Kanamaruza Theater is Japan’s oldest surviving, complete kabuki theater. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1 Hour; Walking: Heavy

In the morning, we will travel by express train to the city of Matsuyama. We will start the afternoon at Matsuyama Castle. Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. It is located on Mt. Katsu, a steep hill in the city center providing visitors to the castle with a bird’s eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. The castle was constructed between 1602 and 1628. The current three storied castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five storied one was destroyed by lightning. In the evening, you will visit the famous Dogo Onsen. It is thought this was the first onsen in Japan, and the history of the onsen goes back 1,000 years. The current main onsen building was built in 1894, and includes a bath reserved exclusively for visiting Emperors. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: Medium

Before leaving the hotel in the morning, we will transfer the luggage to Nagasaki. You will need enough items for three days/two nights. In the morning, we will tour the nearby temple of Ishiteji. This temple is one of the 88 temples (#51) on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Ishiteji is known for its Niomon Gate, a designated national treasure. The main hall and pagoda are also designated important cultural properties, and all of the structures exhibit the typical architecture style of the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). In the afternoon, we will travel by high-speed ferry and streetcar to Hiroshima. When the first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the city became known worldwide for this unenviable distinction. The destructive power of the bomb was tremendous and obliterated nearly everything within a two kilometer radius. After the war, great efforts were taken to rebuild the city. Destroyed monuments of Hiroshima’s historical heritage, like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden, were reconstructed. In the center of the city a large park was built and given a name that would reflect the aspirations of the re-born city: Peace Memorial Park.Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 3 1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

Today is a guided tour to enjoy and relax in the beauty and ambiance of Miyajima Island. Breakfastr at the hotel included.

Travel: 1 1/2 hours; Walking: Heavy

We will travel by ferry and train to the city of Hiroshima. Here we will visit the Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum, both sobering monuments to the tragic event on August 6, 1945. Late in the afternoon, we will travel to Nagasaki on the island of Kyushu. Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 6 1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy

We will start the day by visiting Dejima. Dejima was a man-made island in the port of Nagasaki constructed in 1636. A few years later, the Dutch trading factory was moved to Dejima. The Dutch workers, the only remaining Westerners allowed in the country, were restricted to Dejima during Japan’s two centuries of isolation. Today, Dejima is no longer an island, as the surrounding area has been reclaimed during the 20th century. However, a number of Dejima’s historical structures have been reconstructed, including various residences, warehouses, walls and gates. There are many displays in these buildings documenting the daily life of the Dutch residents. Next, we will tour Glover Garden. Glover Garden is an open air museum, exhibiting mansions of former western residents of Nagasaki. It is located on the hill where western merchants settled down after the end of Japan’s era of seclusion in the second half of the 19th century. You can also enjoy a panorama of the city from the garden. The rest of the day will be free. Breakfast at the ryokan and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: TBD

Before leaving Nagasaki we will transfer our luggage to Hakodate. You will need enough items for three days/two nights. The entire day is a travel day. We will be traveling by air to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city and host of the 1972 Winter Olympics. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden, located in the original Sapporo Beer Brewery, where you can try the local specialty of grilled lamb, cooked yourself at the table. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 8 Hours; Walking: Light

After breakfast, we will travel to Shiraoi wehere we will visit the nearby Upopoy National Ainu Museum where we will learn more about and experience Ainu culture. In the afternoon we will travel to Noboribetsu Onsen, one of the most popular and famous hot spring resorts in Japan. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan included.

Travel: 1 1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy

The morning is free to explore Noboribetsu Onsen, including the Jigoku-dani (Hell Valley) and the other geothermal activity in the area. In the afternoon, we will travel to the city of Hakodate. Hakodate was one of the first cities open to the west after the Meiji Restoration. Breakfast at the ryokan is included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: Light

Before leaving, we will transfer our luggage to Tokyo. (You will need enough items for three days/two nights.) Early in the morning, we will visit the Hakodate Morning Market, where the sellers can prepare the specialties of Hakodate (crab, sea urchin and squid) fresh from their stalls for breakfast. In the afternoon, we will travel to Sendai. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: Medium

Today we will tour Matsushima. Matsushima, near Sendai, is known as one of Japan’s three most scenic areas, and has been visited by numerous dignitaries over the years including the famous haiku poet Basho who wrote a very famous poem about Matsuhsima published in the late 17th century. First, we will take a sightseeing boat that will navigate between the 260 small islands sculpted by the waves and covered with pine trees. During the cruise, you will see how Matsushima got its name (Matsu means pine and shima means island). After the cruise, we will visit the Entsuin Temple and the temple’s beautiful gardens. This temple was built in 1646 to house the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune. Of the two gardens that are near the main hall, the first is a Japanese style moss and maple garden with a heart shaped pond, while the second is a Western-style rose garden that was influenced by painting from inside the mausoleum. After completing a tour of Entsuin Temple and gardens we will continue on with a visit to Zuiganji Temple. Originally founded by the Tendai Buddhism sect in 828, the current buildings were built by the Date feudal lord family in 1606. Here, along the entrance to the temple, we will find the numerous Buddha statues carved by hand into the rocky-cliff face by buddhist monks to show their dedication. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant are included.

Travel: 1 1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

We board a Shinkansen (bullet train) and local train to Nikko, where the Tosho-gu Shrine is located. This shrine, built by Tokugawa Iemitsu, is a dedication to his grandfather, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. (James Clavell’s fictional Shogun in his novel Shogun was based on this person.) One of the most elaborate monuments in Japan, no expense was spared in this shrine’s construction. After touring Nikko, we will travel by local train and Shinkansen to Tokyo. In the evening, we will enjoy our Sayonara dinner. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch and dinner at a local restaurant is included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: Heavy

You will travel to the airport by express train to catch your flight home. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 1 1/2 Hours; Walking: Light