14-Day Central Japan with Japanese Alps

38 Reviews

14 days 13 nights

Price On Request

You will be met at the arrival gate by an AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

Today, we will visit Tsukiji Outer Market – a lively outdoor street market known for its fresh and delicious seafood, produce, and kitchenware. Next, enjoy a fun and simple Sushi-Making Experience, where you can enjoy creating your own sushi, and eating it afterwards! From there, we drive by the Imperial Palace, which offers splendid views of the meticulously maintained front lawn and garden areas, the moat, and the old stone walls. Then we will visit Meiji Shrine, nestled in the heart of Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. From there, we will spend time in Shibuya, where you will get to see the famed Shibuya Crossing in action and cross the street with the crowd.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

NOTE: For Sushi Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, on gluten-free diets, have seafood allergy, or don't eat raw fish, please contact us for other ingredient options.

We start the day at Asakusa district for a visit to Sensoji Temple. It is Tokyo's oldest temple and features the Kaminarimon Gate hung with a massive paper lantern. Beside the temple is the colorful Nakamise street, filled with rows of shops that sell all manner of traditional souvenirs. We will ascend Tokyo Skytree to the observation deck, which offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the Tokyo cityscape. We will spend two nights in an onsen hotel, where you can relax in a hot spring bath.

Breakfast / Dinner

Kinugawa Onsen Hotel (Japanese Style Room) or similar

After breakfast, we depart for Nikko, first to explore Rinnoji Temple. It's Treasure House contains Buddhist statues and sutras which Japan considers National Treasures. Next, you will visit the opulently appointed Toshogu Shrine. This gilded, palatial landmark is one of Japan's most famous shrines and a UNESCO Heritage Site. It enshrines as a protector deity (kami) the spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years. While here, search among the fantastic decor for the carving of the famed "Three Wise Monkeys", as well as the statue of the Sleeping Cat. Here, you will be able to experience a traditional Shinto ceremony performed by a priest or priestess. We proceed from there to Chuzenji, Japan's highest lake; a gorgeous nature spot that sits beneath the Fuji-esque slopes of Mount Nantai. The lake spills over into a mountain ravine at one especially picturesque point: Kegon Falls. The Kegon Waterfall is considered one of Japan's prettiest waterfalls, which you will be able to admire from an observation point.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Kinugawa Onsen Hotel (Japanese Style Room) or similar

We then continue on to Karuizawa,to Shiraito Waterfall—translating to "White Thread Waterfall”—it cascades gracefully over a nearly 20-meter-wide cliff, resembling a curtain of delicate, thin streams of water. Discover the unique Stone Church, a beautiful church building of dynamic construction, featuring overlapping arches of grey stone and glass. Then we visit the Karuizawa Museum of Contemporary Art, which celebrates Japanese artists who gained popularity outside Japan, including Yukimasa Ida, Yayoi Kusama, and many others.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Karuizawa 1130 or similar class

In the morning, we depart to Yudanaka to see the adorable Japanese Macaque, also called Snow Monkeys, as they roam the gorgeous mountain area or bathe in an outdoor hot spring. Though they are called "Snow Monkeys", they can be observed in every season throughout the year. Next, we go to Obuse, to the Hokusai Museum, which celebrates the creative genius of the artist Hokusai through its collection of his woodblock prints and paintings. These are done in the classical "ukiyo-e" style which was popular during the Edo period. After, we travel to Kanazawa by bullet train for a restful evening.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa or similar class

After breakfast, we will explore Kanazawa and visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of three most beautiful gardens of Japan. The name "Kenrokuen" literally means a garden combining the 6 attributes of a perfect landscape: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramas. Here, you'll find the oldest fountain in Japan and Kotoji-toro, the two-legged stone lantern that is iconic of Kenrokuen and Kanazawa. Then, we head over to the Nagamachi, a former samurai district near Kanazawa Castle. Many of the restaurants, shops, and houses in the area are well preserved from the Edo era. The Nomura House is one such residence, exquisitely restored, which maintains a number of features common to the homes of feudal Japan's noble warrior class. Finally, you might choose the Gold Leaf Experience. Kanazawa is one of Japan's main producers of gold leaf, and this workshop provides expert insight into the production process.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa or similar class

Today, travel to Hikone to visit Hikone Castle, an original castle that has survived the post feudal era without undergoing severe damages or reconstruction. It is considered an excellent impression of what a complete feudal castle looks like, and is a national treasure itself. Afterwards, visit the tranquil Genkyuen Garden, located on the grounds of Hikone Castle. From here, we travel to the historic Kyoto. We will visit a traditional wooden townhouse, called “machiya” in Japanese, and experience a green tea ceremony. You will have the opportunity to try on iconic traditional Japanese clothing, Kimono, and gain a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship and history of the attire. We will end our day in the Gion Geisha District, a heritage district where stone-paved streets are lined with exclusive ochaya (teahouses). While admiring the old-fashioned buildings, the fortunate visitor may spot Geisha or Maiko (Geisha apprentices) walking between these establishments. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner with a Geisha.

Breakfast / Geisha Dinner

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

Today, we continue to Kyoto, where we begin our day of sightseeing Japan's ancient capital with Kiyomizu Temple, also known as the Temple of Pure Water, a celebrated landmark famed for its iconic three-story pagoda and large wooden stage, and trio of sacred springs which each confers a different blessing. You will visit to the Golden Pavilion, and icon of the city and one of its most popular sites. Built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the upper tiers are covered in 18- carat gold leaf and the top is crowned with a delicate phoenix. Next, tour the Arashiyama district while dressed in Kimono, traditional Japanese attire. Standing between the towering bamboo stalks and listening to the wind rustling through them feels for a moment like you have stepped out of the city and into a landscape painting. From here, we visit Tenryuji — most famous for its Zen Garden, which has been carefully maintained for centuries using the technique of “borrowed scenery” to create a breathtaking landscape. We will stroll along the Kimono Forest, which showcases a mesmerizing display of illuminated kimono fabric rolls, creating a vibrant and artistic pathway leading to the enchanting bamboo groves. We will visit the Togetsukyo Bridge, which spans across the serene Oi River in Arashiyama, Kyoto, and offers scenic views against the surrounding mountains and is particularly stunning during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Enjoy a rickshaw ride, pulled by experienced, friendly "rikishi" (rickshaw drivers)—these traditional vehicles provide a leisurely way to discover Kyoto's iconic sights, including ancient streets, temples, shrines, and picturesque neighborhoods.

Breakfast / Lunch

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

Today, we travel to Fushimi Inari Shrine – the chief shrine of the thousands throughout the country dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of economic prosperity, rice, and foxes. What sets this shrine apart is the sight of thousands of bright vermillion “torii” gates that form long pathways through the forest covering sacred Mount Inari. We will explore Fushimi Sake District, nestled along the banks of the Horikawa and Kamo rivers. This district is home to numerous sake breweries that have been crafting Japan's famous rice wine for centuries. Next, we will travel to the ancient city of Nara, where we will visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and an icon of the city: Todaiji Temple, which is home to the Great Buddha of Nara – a massive, seated image of Rushana-butsu, known as the “Cosmic Buddha”. Outside the temple, spend some time with the friendly wild deer of Nara Deer Park. These adorable creatures are largely accustomed to interacting with people, and some have even learned to bow when asking for the special deer crackers, which can be bought around the park.

Breakfast / Dinner

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

Today, we take a bullet train to Mishima Station, where we will explore Mt Fuji. We will visit Arakurayama Sengen Park, where visitors can enjoy the sight of Mount Fuji (in clear weather) from an observation platform behind Chureito Pagoda. The pagoda, when viewed together with the iconic mountain, creates a quintessential scene of Japan. Depending on weather conditions, we visit the 5th Station at the base of Mt. Fuji for a closer view of the iconic mountain. Next, we will visit Lake Kawaguchi, the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes with the best views of the sacred mountain and splendid lakeside nature scenes. Spend the next two nights relaxing in a Japanese style accommodation.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel (Japanese Style Room) or similar

We then enjoy a cruise of Lake Ashi, where you can appreciate Hakone’s splendid natural scenery, which includes a view of the vermillion torii shrine gate of Hakone Shrine, the sight of rolling hills covered in forest, and even scenes of Mount Fuji (in clear weather). We will take a 20 minute ropeway ride from Togendai to Owakudani. Most of Owakudani is considered an active volcanic zone since its creation from the eruption of Mount Hakone some 3,000 years ago. Visitors will encounter the area's hot springs and bubbling pools, complete with sulfurous fumes and steam vents. If the weather conditions are in our favor, Owakudani also grants splendid views of Mount Fuji. We will then visit the Hakone Open Air Museum; this museum aims to create a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures and interactive structures on its grounds, in combination with views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel (Japanese Style Room) or similar

After breakfast, we travel to Yokohama to visit the Shin- Yokohama Raumen Museum. This museum details the history and spread of ramen noodle culture in Japan. Under the museum is a recreation of an old-town food court in 50s-era Tokyo, with nine restaurants selling various ramen dishes. Then we make our way back to Tokyo, to Shibuya where we will see hundreds of people cross the famous Shibuya "Scramble Crossing." We head over to Meiji Shrine, a Shinto Shrine surrounded by lush forest that is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. After, explore Kabukicho and Golden Gai, a red-light district that is the center of the Tokyo nightlife scene with its collection of old fashioned izakaya restaurants.

Breakfast

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 am and you are free for leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for departure.

Breakfast