Enjoy a panoramic view from Tokyo Tower’s observation deck. Participate in a Japanese tea ceremony. Hike Mt. Fuji and cruise on Lake Ashi. Tour Kanazawa’s old Samurai quarter, the Geisha district and seafood market. Immerse yourself in Zen meditation, learn to make sushi or origami in Kyoto. Take a scenic walk among traditional bamboo groves and visit Nara Park, home to hundreds of wild deer. Sleep on a tatami mat at a ryokan in Koyasan. Dress in a kimono like a Samurai and learn the basics of sword-fighting.
Language
Japanese
Time Zone
GMT+9
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Average Temp
57° F
Japan Expedition
From Koyasan to Kanazawa
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – TOKYO, JAPAN
Arrive in Tokyo
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Park Hotel
Day 2 – TOKYO
Full-day group tour:
- Tokyo Tower
- Japanese Tea Ceremony
- Imperial Palace
- Asakusa Kannon Temple
- Ginza Shopping district
Accommodations: Park Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – FUJI / HAKONE
Train to Mt. Fuji/Hakone
Full-day tour:
- Mt. Fuji OR Fuji Visitor Center
- Shared boat cruise on Lake Ashi
- Aerial Cableway up & down Mt. Komagatake
Accommodations: Park Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – TOKYO / TAKAYAMA
Bullet Train to Takayama
Half-day private tour of Takayama
- Takayama Junya
- Festival Floats Exhibition
- Hida Archaeology Museum & Folklore Village
Accommodations: Takayama Green Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – TAKAYAMA / KANAZAWA
Full-day private tour:
- Takayama Morning Market
- Shogawa River Valley
- Traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses
Accommodations: ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – KANAZAWA
Full-day private tour:
- Kanazawa Castle
- Kanazawa University
- Kenrokuen Gardens
- Nagamachi Samurai District
- Ninjadera Myoryuji Temple
Accommodations: ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – KANAZAWA / KYOTO
Bullet train to Kyoto
Choice of activity:
- Private Zen Meditation Experience OR
- Private Sushi-making OR
- Private Origami Lesson
Accommodations: The Thousand Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – KYOTO
Full-day small group tour:
- Nijo Castle
- Golden Pavilion
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Heian Shrine
- Kiyomizu Temple & Hugashiyama District
Accommodations: The Thousand Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – KYOTO
Full-day private tour
- Japanese Tea Ceremony
- Arashiyama Bamboo groves
- Tenryuji Temple
- Ryoanji Temple
Accommodations: The Thousand Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – KYOTO / NARA
Half-day small group tour:
- Todai-ji Temple
- Nara Deer Park
- Kasuga Shrine
Private transfer to Hotel
Accommodations: Hotel Nikko Nara
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – NARA / KOYASAN
Full-day private tour:
- Mount Koya
- Okunoin – mausoleum of Kobo Daishi
- Kongobuji Temple
- Konpon Daito – symbol of Shingon Buddhism
Accommodations: Souji-in
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – KOYASAN / KYOTO
Private transfer to Kyoto
Free afternoon
Optional (supplement applies):
- Samurai Experience OR
- Geisha Show
Accommodations: The Thousand Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 – KYOTO / OSAKA / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private transfer to Osaka airport for flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $13,600 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
We took three trips arranged by NEI to Peru, Ecuador and Tanzania. Our private tours, with just the driver/guide, my wife and me, were planned with great attention to detail and helped us enjoy ourselves without having to worry about the logistics. All vacations were spectacular, done very well by the NEI staff and their local contacts. Highly recommend.
Lou D.
Lakewood Ranch, FL
