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 Shinto monument 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 (bullet train) 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 of the Temple of the Gold Pavilion and Zen some with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Glide into tranquility on the serene waters lapping the shores of 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 journey in Japan.
From Tokyo to Hiroshima; 11 days; 8 cities
Highlights:
- World Heritage Sites are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance. The sites are judged to contain cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation:
Himeji Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Itsukushima Shrine and Temple of the Gold Pavilion - We’ve vetted and hand-selected the best hotels around the world with location, comfort, and style in mind. Enjoy first-class hotels in each destination, and check in with the confidence that we’ve already checked everything out for your comfort and convenience.
Day 1: Konnichiwa, Japan
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
Day 2: Monumental Metropolis
Hop on Tokyo’s subway system to explore this fascinating city. Start 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. Tonight, join your travel companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director.
Day 3: 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 Globus Local Favorite sake tasting.
Day 4: 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.
Day 5: 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 Globus Local Favorite tea ceremony.
Day 6: 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.
Day 7: 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.
Day 8: 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.
Day 9: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.
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 Globus Local Favorite 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.
Day 11: Say it Ain’t Sayonara
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Please contact our Travel Advisors for details.
Tour Code: GJ
