Traditional arts, tranquil gardens, colorful pagodas, and ancient shrines are just some of the Japan travel experiences on Tauck's comprehensive vacation that takes in Kyoto and Tokyo, as well as off-the-beaten-track villages in the countryside.
Tauck's Japan travel experience reveals the essence of Japan through its temples, shrines, Shinto gates, feudal castles, and perfectly preserved villages. In Tauck's Japan travel on the fascinating island of Honshu to off-the-beaten-path spots, UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the vibrant cites of Tokyo and Kyoto for a full cultural immersion. Experience ancient traditions firsthand when you stay in a ryokan-style hotel, attend a tea ceremony, and soak in hot spring baths. Tour legendary samurai residences and the Geisha district. Tauck's Japan travel experience includes a variety of transportation modes, ensuring the best way to see the best of each destination. Ride the Bullet Train and a boat across a lake. See the Great Buddha, thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses, serene gardens, and priceless art treasures.
Japan Update: We continue to carefully monitor and evaluate conditions in Japan, and at present, we hope and plan to operate all "Essence of Japan" departures as scheduled. The safety and well-being of our guests and employees remain our paramount concern, and our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to our many friends in Japan.
Departures
8, 22 Jun; 20 Jul; 31 Aug; 14, 21 Sep; 5, 19 Oct 2012.
Inclusions
- Unique cultural experience at an authentic Japanese ryokan, featuring an overnight stay and a special dinner
- Visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Miyajima Island
- Private visit to a 300-year-old family home in Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Demonstration in the art of making sushi in Tokyo, and a visit to a sake brewery in Takayama
- Exclusive insider look at a local home in Kyoto, enriched with an Origami demonstration and a tea ceremony
- Tour towns and cities with special insights from local guides
- 2 nights at The St. Regis in Osaka; 3 nights at an exclusive Tokyo hotel set in the heart of the city center, and 4 nights at a premier hotel in Kyoto, renowned for a 100+ year legacy of hospitality
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
- 32 meals (13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners); gratuities to local guides, service charges, admission fees, taxes and porterage
- Small Group Departures, averaging 24 Tauck guests, are specially priced from $9990 per person double; inquire at time of booking – specific dates apply