Classic Japan

Day 1: Tokyo

Today you will arrive at Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Tokyo is the world’s largest metropolis. This bustling city is the economic and cultural hub of the nation. Spend the afternoon exploring the best of what Tokyo has to offer, and enjoy the endless opportunities for fine dining and entertainment at every turn.

Day 2: Tokyo

After breakfast, you will head out to explore the historic and culturally significant areas of the metropolis and see some of Tokyo’s most recognizable sights. From the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, Sensoji, to Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most upscale and famous districts, unravel the mysteries of the past and see how it blends seamlessly with the present day.

Day 3: Tokyo - Kiso Valley

After breakfast and some time at leisure, check out of your hotel and you will take the high-speed bullet train to Nagano. From there continue by express train to picturesque Kiso Fukushima, where you will find yourself stepping back in time to the Edo era. You will enjoy dinner at your hotel. The night skies are particularly beautiful here, so be sure to look up at the stars before retiring to bed.

Day 4: Kiso Valley

After breakfast, experience the serene beauty of Japan’s wilderness with a hike along the Nakasendo, an ancient trail that winds through the Kiso Valley and connects the two charming historical post towns of Magome and Tsumago. Wander around these well-preserved, atmospheric towns to get a feel of what life was like in olden-day Japan. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 5: Kiso Valley - Kyoto

After breakfast, you will leave Kiso Valley and make your way to Kyoto, Japan’s reigning cultural capital. This captivating city and former Imperial capital boast over 2,000 shrines and temples, and 17 registered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spend the afternoon strolling around the historical geisha district of Gion and the modern shopping precinct of Shijo.

Day 6: Kyoto

After breakfast, you will head off the beaten path and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous for the thousands of blazing red torii gates that line the trails winding through the forests. Legend has it that torii are gateways between the earthly and divine realms. Follow the route to the sprawling and scenic grounds of Tofuku-ji Temple before ambling to Kiyomizudera Temple, one of Kyoto’s star attractions and an exquisite example of the skill displayed in traditional Japanese carpentry.

Day 7: Kyoto - KIX airport

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to Kyoto station. A limited express train, HARUKA, runs from Kyoto station to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in just under an hour and a half.