16 Day Japan Tours & Trips

Take a 16-day tour to Japan, not only to explore the most popular destinations, but to step off the beaten path and get a sense of the real Japan. Tokyo is the place to begin, the bright lights and futuristic atmosphere enchants travelers to enjoy its must-see attractions, including Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, Harajuku, and Odaiba. Explore the natural wonders of Hakone and the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, full of breathtaking forest, lake, hot spring, and mountain scenes. The Hakone Ropeway is one of the best ways to take regional beauties, which include Lake Ashi, hot spring valley Owakudani, and even superb views of Mount Fuji on clear days. From there, visit the charming town of Takayama in the Hida Mountains, with a carefully preserved old town from the Edo period. The chief feature is undoubtedly the Takayama Jinya – former administrative building with preserved works from the time the town was a major distribution center. Also in the area of Gifu prefecture is the UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go, known for rustic farmhouses with Gassho-zukuri thatched roofs, folded like hands in prayer. Every season in Shirakawago is gorgeous, but winter is especially superb, when the heavy snowfall covers the farmhouses like a scene from a holiday postcard. Explore Kanazawa, home to Kenrokuen Garden – one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Meticulously constructed according to the six sublimities of Chinese landscape design, Kenrokuen delights in any season with peaceful scenes of water features, trees, flowers, bridges, and teahouses. Continue to Kyoto, the center of Japanese tradition and cultural refinement for over a thousand years. Much of Japan’s medieval history is preserved in its beautiful temples and shrines, and top must-sees include the Golden Pavilion’s shimmering phoenix, Kiyomizu Temple’s dramatic balcony, and Fushimi Inari’s thousand vermillion torii gates. Nara is a city just as old as Kyoto, with an especially cute attraction – hundreds of friendly wild Sika deer, which wander around outside spectacular Todaiji Temple. Stroll along the streets of Osaka, especially around the Dotonbori canal area, taking in its eccentric street signs and sampling delectable street cuisine. Then travel to the city of Hiroshima, which has transformed itself into an international city of Peace since the nuclear attack of 1945, with a tranquil Peace Memorial Park commemorating the lives of the victims. Finally, travel to the smaller island of Shikoku, with its own natural splendor and culture, distinct yet still Japanese. Discover the charms of Shikoku with a walk through gorgeous Ritsurin Park in Takamatsu, a cruise down Oboke Gorge, and a visit to Ryozenji Temple – the first step in the famous Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail.