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Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Japan. From its heaven-piercing skyscrapers to its heavenly gardens down below, Tokyo is a feast for mind, body, and soul. From the lush man-made forest surrounding the magnificent Meiji Jingu Shrine to vibrant nightlife, vintage teahouses, and venerable temples, Tokyo comes to life with spring’s first cherry blossoms and the first catch of the day in its sushi houses. Be whisked away by Shinkansen to Nagoya for more adventure, including a traditional sake tasting. Continue by high-speed rail to captivating Kyoto where thousands of brightly hued Torii Gates welcome you to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Step into ancient bliss at the Golden Pavilion with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Glide into tranquility on the serene waters lapping the shores of the Amanohashidate sandbar and ponder the power of nature in Koraku-en Garden. Your tour of Japan takes you to the hallowed grounds of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Memorial, preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945. So much history, mystery, and magnificent beauty awaits you on this fascinating Small Group Discovery tour of Japan.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN TOKYO, JAPAN
Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
Day 2
TOKYO
Monumental Metropolis Hop on Tokyo’s subway system to explore this fascinating city with guided sightseeing, featuring the Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise shopping arcade. . Tonight, join your travel companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,L,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Exploring Tokyo on the metro starts with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Then, visit Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo. ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE Tokyo has something for everyone so visit one of the city’s unique neighborhoods like Ginza or Shibuya districts, dine at the street food markets, or catch a game at the Tokyo Dome.
Day 3
TOKYO–NAGOYA
Fourth with a Bullet Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city. Visit Nagoya Castle, a proud symbol of the city, then enjoy a sake tasting. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Celebrate with your small group with a sake tasting in Nagoya’s yokocho, traditional Japanese alleyways, today hosting many small restaurants, pubs, and shops.
Day 4
NAGOYA–KYOTO
Textiles & Temples This morning, visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum, showcasing the rise of the company’s start as a textile machinery manufacturer to a worldwide industrial superpower. Then, board a train for Kyoto. Upon arrival, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly hued Torii Gates. (B,D) FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Join your Tour Director for a walking tour through Gion or visit more of Kyoto’s historic temples.
Day 5
KYOTO
A Golden Gift Cruise on the tranquil waters surrounding the pine-covered Amanohashidate sandbar, home to one of Japan’s three most scenic views. Return to Kyoto and visit to stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, then partake in a [LOCAL FAVORITE] tea ceremony. (B,L) LOCAL FAVORITE PLANNED TO A TEA Participate in a tea ceremony, the ancient tradition and carefully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea.
Day 6
KYOTO–HIMEJI–BIZEN–OKAYAMA
Palace Aisles & Pottery Styles Take the shinkansen bullet train to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle. Drive south to Bizen, where you’ll visit a traditional pottery workshop to learn more about Bizen-yaki, one of Japan’s six ancient pottery styles dating back over 1,000 years. Continue to Okayama. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SIGHTS Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle to marvel at the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture.
Day 7
OKAYAMA. EXCURSION TO KURASHIKI.
Garden Sights & City Whites This morning, visit Koraku-en Garden. Journey to Kurashiki, to visit the Ohara Museum and Bikan Historical Quarter, once the political and commercial center of the city. The canal-lined, white-washed, stone streets reflect the Edo period (1603-1867) and are quintessentially Japanese. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT THE POWER OF TRANQUILITY The 30-acre Koraku-en Garden features ponds, plum groves, and tea fields, earning its place as one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan.” The wide lawns, believed to uplift the spirit and promote open mindedness, are unique to Koraku-en and not a traditional feature of Japanese gardens.
Day 8
OKAYAMA–MATSUE–YONAGO
Picturing Japan Drive northwest to Matsue and visit Matsue Castle on the shores of Lake Shinji. After lunch, continue to the Adachi Museum of Art to view the renowned work of artist, Yokoyama Taikan. Your hotel tonight is in the city of Yonago on the coast of the Sea of Japan. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARTISTRY Revel in the Japanese-style gardens of the Adachi Museum of Art and admire the revolutionary style of painter Yokoyama Taikan. Considered one of Japan’s greatest painters, this major figure in pre-WWII Japanese painting helped create the stunning technique of Nihonga—ink and mineral pigments on silk or paper canvas.
Day 9
YONAGO–HIROSHIMA
Serenity & Solemnity Drive south to Hiroshima this morning. Upon arrival, visit the 400-year-old Shukkei-en Garden, where natural landscapes are represented in miniature form. Also visit the moving Peace Memorial Park. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT MONUMENTS & MEMORIALS Peace Memorial Park is home to the Peace Memorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945, immediately after the devastating bombing. You will also visit the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall, which commemorate the lives lost that day.
Day 10
HIROSHIMA
Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and take cable-car ride to the top of Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Island Sea, and on a clear day, Hiroshima city. Participate in a Japanese cooking class for lunch. Return to Hiroshima for some time on your own. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Japan. (B,L,D) LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Learn how to make Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, delicious savory pancake layered with ingredients as you choose. This legendary dish of Japan comes from the words okonomi (as you like it)and yaki (to grill).
Day 11
HIROSHIMA
Say it Ain’t Sayonara Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
Meals
10 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Hotels
Tokyo
|
Hilton Tokyo
Deluxe
Tokyo,
Japan
6-2 Nishi-Shinjuku 6 Chome
Free WiFi
The Hilton Tokyo is the the perfect base for exploring the vibrant, energetic city of Tokyo. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Lobby and Marble Lounge. Rejuvenate in the 24-hour health club within the hotel and relax in the sauna or soothing whirlpool spa. Choose from seven tempting restaurants offering a range of delicious cuisine. Favorites include Dynasty authentic Chinese restaurant, and Musashino, featuring sushi, tempura and teppanyaki. For a relaxing evening drink, visit St. George's Bar.
Nagoya
|
Nagoya Tokyu Hotel
Moderate Deluxe
Nagoya,
Japan
4-6-8, Sakae, Naka-ku
Free WiFi
Strategically situated in Sakae, the Nagoya Tokyu Hotel allows great proximity to local attractions and sites. The hotel offers a fitness center, pool, spa, and several restaurants with a variety of cuisine options. Spacious rooms feature calming interior decor, providing a deep sense of relaxation.
Kyoto
|
The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto
First-Class
Kyoto,
Japan
175-2 Ebisucho Higashiyama Ward
Free WiFi
The Hotel Higashiyama is a modern hotel located in a traditional, authentic region with more than a century-old architecture, making it the ideal starting point from which to explore Kyoto and historic Japan. The décor is inspired by the gentle flow of the nearby Shirakawa River.
Okayama
|
Ana Hotel Okayama
First-Class
Okayama,
Japan
15-1 Ekimoto-Machi
Free WiFi
The ANA Hotel Okayama stands proudly as a stylish and sophisticated addition to the city's skyline. Its modern interior is the handiwork of a team of world-famous, first-class hotel designers, and the restaurant (on the 20th floor) and bar offer great views of the city. Dine on delectable cuisine from sushi to teppanyaki while taking in the brilliant cityscape.
Yonago
|
ANA Crowne Plaza Yonago
First-Class
Yonago,
Japan
53/2 Kume-Cho Tottori
Free WiFi
Conveniently located in central Yonago, the ANA Crowne Plaza is about a 30 minute drive from Matsue and offers a restaurant, cafe, business center, wifi, and a fitness center. Feel at home in comfortable guest rooms decorated with warm tones and spacious design.
Hiroshima
|
Hilton Hiroshima
Moderate Deluxe
Hiroshima,
Japan
11-12 Fujimicho, Naka-ku
Free WiFi
In the heart of Hiroshima City, the Hilton Hiroshima is within five minutes of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Hiroshima Castle, and several transit stations. Heiwa-Odori¿s shops, restaurants, and entertainment are 10 minutes away. The hotel also offers four restaurants and views from the skyline terrace.
Itinerary Dates & Prices
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Start Date
May 09, 2026
End Date
May 19, 2026
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$5,859
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May 23, 2026
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Jun 02, 2026
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$5,859
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Aug 22, 2026
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Sep 01, 2026
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$5,859
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Sep 05, 2026
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Sep 15, 2026
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$5,859
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Sep 19, 2026
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Sep 29, 2026
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$5,859
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Oct 03, 2026
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Oct 13, 2026
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$5,859
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Oct 17, 2026
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Oct 27, 2026
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$5,859
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Mar 14, 2027
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Mar 24, 2027
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$6,469
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Mar 27, 2027
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Apr 06, 2027
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$6,469
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Apr 10, 2027
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Apr 20, 2027
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$6,319
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May 08, 2027
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May 18, 2027
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May 22, 2027
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Jun 01, 2027
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Sep 04, 2027
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Sep 14, 2027
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Sep 18, 2027
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Sep 28, 2027
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Oct 02, 2027
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Oct 12, 2027
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$6,319
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Oct 16, 2027
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Oct 26, 2027
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$6,319
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