12 days exploring the majestic Japanese countryside including Tokyo, Matsumoto, Nagano, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Hakone from $3490 per person, double occupancy

Upon arrival, transfer to the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel. Our Japan adventure starts with a tour of modern Tokyo. Visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine and Gardens, Shibuya Crossing, and Senso-ji Temple to get the full experience of Tokyo's many sides. In the afternoon, take a sushi-making class (vegetarian options available upon request) and enjoy lunch together.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today you are free to explore Tokyo on your own.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today your luggage will be sent ahead to Kanazawa. Take a bullet train from Tokyo to Matsumoto, an  alpine castle town that still has one of the few remaining original castle keeps from the samurai period. Take a tour of the castle, then head to a local miso brewery to learn about the process of making and fermenting miso paste. Walk along Nakamichi Street, famous for its traditional storehouses and local handicrafts. Then visit the Japanese Ukiyo-e Museum, one of the largest private collections of Ukiyo-e art in Japan. Drive to Nagano for the night.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a visit to the famous Snow Monkeys! After a short hike to the wildlife preserve, you might even get to see these unique Japanese macaques bathing in local hot springs. From there, return to town to visit Zenkoji Temple, said to house the first image of the Buddha ever brought to Japan in the 7th Century AD. Overnight in Nagano.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, take a bullet train to Kanazawa, traveling through Japan's alps and along its Western coast which makes for some pretty spectacular views. Upon arriving in Kanazawa, take a tour of Kenrokuen Gardens and the traditional Higashi Chaya Street. Overnight in Kanazawa.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a class on gold leaf crafting, a traditional handicraft of Kanazawa, where you will make a unique souvenir to take home. From there, drive to the charming village of Shirakawago. This tiny mountain town offers a glimpse into traditional life in the Japanese countryside. Explore one of the local farmhouses before heading on to Gero Onsen for a ryokan stay. Relax in the on-site onsen baths and enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, take the train into Takayama for the Autumn Festival. Spend the day exploring the town amidst the festivities, taking in processions, marionette performances, and other special events. Return to Gero Onsen for dinner at the ryokan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today your luggage will be sent ahead to Tokyo. Take the train to Hakone, with a transfer in Nagoya.

Check into your ryokan. Dinner and overnight at the ryokan.

​

Breakfast at the hotel. Tour around Hakone, starting with a boat ride on the scenic Lake Ashi. Then visit the picturesque Hakone Shrine before taking the ropeway up Mt. Hakone for incredible views of Mt. Fuji. Afterwards, drive to Tokyo and check in to your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free to explore Tokyo on your own

​

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home.