Essence of Japan

Essence of Japan

202 Views
13 Days From

$12172

Essence of Japan

13 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Kyoto, Japan

Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Matsumoto Castle, Takayama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Kyoto

Tour operator:

Tauck

Tour code:

EJ2022

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium, Activity 2 / Pace 2

Age range:

0-99

From: $12172

Tourhub Members Discount - Sign In

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Inspirational, innovative and intriguing, Japan is a favorite destination with Tauck travelers... where gilded temples and glittering skyscrapers reign over streets steeped in history and tradition. Discover the revered customs and unique sense of beauty that infuse life here... On the main island of Honshu, from Tokyo to the hot springs resort town of Hakone and on through the “Japanese Alps” to Kanazawa and the cultural treasure trove of Kyoto, visit a private home for a tea ceremony and Origami... explore castles, temples, shrines, a samurai home, and world-class gardens... spend a night at a ryokan with traditional Japanese cultural experiences... make sushi, taste sake, cruise Lake Ashi to see Mt. Fuji... enjoy a taiko performance, Shinto music, Kagura dancing, a sumo wrestling demonstration... and meet a geisha expert. Join us for a Japan trip to remember.

Highlights

  • In Kyoto, enjoy a private home visit with tea ceremony & Origami demonstration, explorations with a local Geisha expert, visits to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple & Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu Temple) 

  • Multiple-night stays in premier hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone & at a hot springs resort & spa in Matsumoto

  • Tokyo’s Edo-Tokyo Museum, Kagura dancing, taiko drums & sumo wrestling

  • A cruise on Lake Ashi beneath Mt. Fuji

  • In Hakone, visit an open-air museum & a whisky distillery, and attend a flower arranging class

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Park Hyatt Tokyo

Meals Included: Dinner

Tour begins: 5:00 PM, Park Hyatt Tokyo. A transfer is included from Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport to the five-star Park Hyatt Tokyo, occupying the top 14 floors of a 52-story tower in the heart of Shinjuku, the city's vibrant business and entertainment district. This evening, please join us for a welcome reception and dinner at the Meiji Kinenkan featuring a larger-than-life demonstration by sumo wrestlers.

Day 2 : City Sights & Traditional Arts

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Park Hyatt Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,

A drive through Tokyo this morning gives you an overview of one of the world’s most dynamic capital cities, touching on both history and modern life. Begin today's sightseeing in Japan's capital city with a visit to the the Asakusa Kannon Temple – also known as the Senso-Ji – and the center of one of country's largest and most popular annual festivals, Sanja Matsuri. After a stop at the bustling Nakamise Street, continue your journey through Japan with a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Museum, whose exhibits focus on Tokyo's history, culture and development from its roots as a fishing village called Edo followed by lunch at the celebrated restaurant Nobu. After lunch, enjoy a Tauck Exclusive – an exhilarating taiko drumming performance, including a hands-on instruction session and demonstration; try your hand at this time-honored tradition where rhythm, melody, and movement combine to create an extraordinary musical experience. The rest of the day and evening are free for further exploring on your own. Many good restaurants can be found in the vicinity of your hotel, and your Tauck Director can make suggestions for places to try.

Day 3 : Roots Of Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Park Hyatt Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,

Another day of discoveries in Japan's historic capital includes visits to the Meiji Shrine – honoring the deified spirits of Japan's Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, who died in 1912 and 1914, respectively; a live performance of traditional Shinto music and Kagura dancing and a visit to Tokyo's renowned Tsukiji Market, the largest fish and seafood market in the world, for a walk around the outer market. Following lunch at a local restaurant, join your Tauck Director for a walking tour of Tokyo's celebrated Ginza shopping district, considered among the most elegant and expensive streets on Earth. The rest of your afternoon and evening are free to explore more of Tokyo as you please.

Day 4 : Exploring Traditions In Hakone

Location: Hakone

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Hakone & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

This morning, board the renowned bullet train (shinkansen) in Tokyo for a short ride south to Odawara, and continue on to the scenic hot springs resort town of Hakone in Kanagawa. En route, enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi; weather permitting, see views of Mt. Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, looming over the landscape. Have lunch at a local restaurant on the shores of Lake Ashi, then visit the Hakone Open Air Museum before continuing on to your ideally located spa resort in Hakone. This afternoon, get your hands around an authentic Japanese culinary tradition during a private sushi and miso making demonstration; later, gather for a “homey” dinner at your resort.

Day 5 : Kimonos, Mountains, Whiskey & Art

Location: Hakone

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Hakone & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Start the day off with a visit to the Itchiku Kubota Museum, set amidst magnificent views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Itchiku Kubota (1917-2003) is considered one of the most important Japanese textile artists of the 20th century; he rediscovered, revived and subsequently modernized a traditional Japanese kimono dyeing technique, creating exceptional artistic kimonos. The museum you'll visit today celebrates his art and legacy. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll have a choice of excursions; Visit the Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery, for a tour and tasting at one of the largest whisky-making facilities in Japan or return to your hotel for an afternoon as you wish. This evening, you'll then have an opportunity to learn the art of ikebana – Japanese flower arranging – from a teacher who gives a class and demonstration of this time-honored tradition. Dine on Western or Japanese cuisine at your resort's dining room tonight.

Day 6 : A Farm And Matsumoto Castle

Location: Matsumoto Castle

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tobira Onsen Myojinkan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Today, depart Hakone and head north through forested mountain landscapes of the “Japanese Alps,” through winding valleys dotted with rice farms, lakes, rushing rivers, and small villages, and visit a private farm. Continue on to the hot springs town of Matsumoto, where, after lunch, you’ll see 400-hundred-year-old Matsumoto Castle. Arrive this afternoon at your onsen (hot springs) hotel, combining the authenticity of a traditional Japanese ryokan with the comforts of a contemporary hotel, including western-style and Japanese rooms. Your Tauck Exclusive dinner tonight is Japanese kaiseki style, yukatas and slippers on, in a private room with musical entertainment.

Day 7 : Sake Brewery In Takayama

3 ya

Location: Takayama, Kanazawa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Nikko Kanazawa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Depart Matsumoto this morning and head for Takayama, a mountain city long famed for its artisans and woodworkers. Do some sightseeing along the narrow lanes of its historic center, and have lunch at a local restaurant known for its Hida beef. Following a lesson in sake making and a tasting at a local brewery in Takayama, continue on to Kanazawa, just inland from the Sea of Japan. Enjoy an included dinner at your choice of your hotel's restaurants either tonight or tomorrow.

Day 8 : Samurais And Gardens In Kanazawa

Location: Kanazawa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Nikko Kanazawa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,

A full day’s sightseeing in Kanazawa includes: time exploring the historic Samurai District, where samurai homes are tucked among narrow lanes and canals behind earthen walls and private entrance gates, with a visit to the restored Nomura Samurai Family Residence for a look at the lifestyle of the samurai during feudal times, when they were prosperous; a guided stroll through celebrated Kenroku-en Gardens, considered among the country’s top three landscaped gardens; lunch at a Paul Bocuse restaurant; and a walk through the city's Omicho Market. Cap the day with a Tauck Exclusive, private Samurai show at a local temple, then spend the rest of the evening as you please at your hotel or exploring on your own in Kanazawa.

Day 9 : A Train Ride To Hiroshima

CRISTINA TIRON

Location: Hiroshima

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Depart Kanazawa by train for Osaka, then continue on by train to the city of Hiroshima for an overnight stay. After lunch at your hotel, take a ferry ride to Miyajima Island and visit the iconic Miyajima-Itsukushima Shrine that seems to float on water (a photographer’s dream). Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.

Day 10 : Monuments Of Hiroshima

Location: Kyoto, Hiroshima

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Four Seasons Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

In Hiroshima today, you'll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, and the A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) – the only structure left standing in the area of the WWII atomic bomb blast that destroyed the city in August 1945, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and Orizuru Tower. After lunch at a local restaurant, return this afternoon by bullet train to the historic city of Kyoto, where your evening is free to spend as you wish.

Day 11 : Kyoto... A Temple And A Castle

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Four Seasons Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,

Kyoto sightseeing today begins with a visit to the famous golden-topped Kinkaku-ji Temple (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), set in an ancient garden on the edge of a lake – a position symbolizing its place “between heaven and Earth.” Hear the story of how this 14th-century temple was burned to the ground by a young monk and then completely reconstructed. Continue on to Nijo Castle, surrounded by stone walls and a moat; tour this 17th-century shogun’s residence and UNESCO World Heritage Site – and discover the secret of its “nightingale” floors. After lunch at a local restaurant, meet up with a geisha expert who leads an exploration of the back streets of one of Kyoto’s geisha districts, and shares insights on the “flower and willow” world of the geishas, past and present. The evening is free to spend as you wish.

Day 12 : Traditional Arts In Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Four Seasons Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,

Begin your day with a prayer at the Kiyomizudera (Pure Water Temple) established in 778; the current buildings were rebuilt in the 17th century. Drink the water here in long-handled cups as you wish for longevity, success or love. Kyoto is known as the craft capital of Japan, and many traditional arts have been passed down through the generations. Experience the revered customs of Japanese culture firsthand during a visit to a private home here; take your shoes off, come in, and your gracious hostess will demonstrate the very specific rituals of a Japanese tea ceremony, followed by a lesson in the paper art of Origami. Return to your hotel where the afternoon is free for you to enjoy Kyoto’s charms as you like. Join us for a special farewell reception and dinner tonight.

Day 13 : Journey Home

Location: Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour ends: Kyoto. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto to the airport. Please allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport. 

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    10 Days Hotels and 2 Days Resort

  • Multiple-night stays in premier hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone & at a hot springs resort & spa in Matsumoto

  • Tokyo’s Edo-Tokyo Museum, Kagura dancing, taiko drums & sumo wrestling

  • A cruise on Lake Ashi beneath Mt. Fuji

  • In Hakone, visit an open-air museum & a whisky distillery, and attend a flower arranging class

  • A lesson on sake brewing & a tasting at a local brewery in Takayama

  • A guided tour of Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s most revered landscaped gardens, and the Samurai legacy in Kanazawa

  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted

  • 30 meals; gratuities to local guides, service charges, admission fees, taxes and porterage

What's Not Included

International Travel

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Activity 2 / Pace 2

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Essence of Japan

02-Nov-2015

What a fabulous trip. We had so many experiences, saw such wonderful and beautiful sites, had wonderful food and stayed in beautiful hotels. But, what made the trip so fantastic was our guide. He is so knowledgeable, kind and funny. Everyday on the bus was like an adventure . Our first local guide was wonderful. Extremely knowledge, Everything. Cannot just name one. I took 857 pictures. What a beautiful country as well as people.

Essence of Japan - Wonderful trip satisfied my wife's most important bucket list item

16-May-2017

A well balanced/diverse program that gave great insight into Japanese culture, traditions, religion and history - from onsen(thermal baths), tea ceremony, gardens, Geisha, Sumo, Samurai, Buddhism and Shinto. Well organized program with an experienced/ knowledgeable Tour Director & local guide. Excellent hotels and food. Climate was ideal(mid 60s). Many memorable moments, including spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and visits to a number of beautiful Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. The unplanned visit to the Okada Museum of Art in Hakone was a wonderful surprise with many exquisite items on display - just took one's breath away. Kyoto was the highlight of the 2 week excursion.

Wonderful trip

17-Jun-2016

Our 25th Tauck trip was all we had hoped. Excellent itinerary with lots of cultural experiences. Our tour director was articulate, helpful and fun (one of our favorites). Expert guides were excellent. Hotels were first rate. The St. Regis Osaka cannot be beat. We enjoyed all the hands on activities most of all: drum lesson, tea ceremony, origami, and the yukatas at the Ryokan. All were done with Tauck's traditional light and knowledgeable ( of its travelers) touch.

Essense of Japan

20-Apr-2016

Itinerary was excellent as were most hotels. Enjoyed the unique venues such as Geisha and Sumo performances. Seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom. Also 10 for the Kubota Kimono exhibit. Loved the gardens, the Ryokan in Kanazawa. We had an excellent local guide. The Tour Director very personable and helpful. Le Midi dinner of Waygu steak: excellent! There were many as stated above. My one negative which sticks is the farewell dinner at the Mandarin Oriental: Fish was old and smelly and portions were very small. It was unfortunate to end a wonderful tour that way .

Essense of Japan

03-May-2017

Best trip ever. The quality of the tour director and guide are unsurpassed. Too many to site just one moment. Enjoyed the entire Kyoto experience and the Four Season Hotel.

Loved Essence of Japan

18-May-2018

Our trip was wonderful. The itinerary was fast paced but certainly manageable. Our guide was excellent with a good sense of humor and a broad knowledge base. We met delightful, interesting people. At each stop we felt the personal touch in that our Tauck Director assisted us in communicating with restaurant personnel concerning special dietary needs. The Hakone Open Air Museum

A wonderful trip to Japan

29-Jun-2015

Our two weeks in Japan featured being taken care of in the inimitable Tauck way: great hotels, good food, comfortable travel, superb guides. The tour included several amazing surprises like the Itchiku Kubota Museum that left us speechless. We even got to try out a couple of new things, and who doesn't love A5 Waigu beef! Highly recommended! The Itchiku Kubota Museum where we saw the results of his exquisite craftsmanship and artistic eye. Everyone in the group left in an elevated state.

Spectacular Beauty & Insight!

16-Jun-2016

If you want to know Japan, get inland! See the natural and human-created beauty, learn the customs, revel in the food, and enjoy your fellow participants on the journey. Everything was exceptional! This was my eleventh trip to Japan and my wife's first, and we both thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Most moving: Hiroshima. Most beautiful: The gardens. Most educational: Our activities in Kyoto. Most impressive: The impeccable logistics. Most exceptional: Our Tour Director and our guides.

Japan the wonderful

11-Apr-2017

We had a terrific time with Tauck via our Tauck Director on our tour of Japan. A very easy country to navigate. The subway's are easy, safe and clean. The people are very nice and polite. Love the fact that you don't have to use a converter for your electrical items. We got lucky, seeing the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom in Tokyo!!

Health Issues

20-Apr-2015

Knowledge from local tour guides was great. Learnt about the Japanese way of life,enjoyed the food and culture. I would suggest Tauck looked into hygiene on the buses.That is passing on flu's etc to other passengers maybe make everyone were masks if they come on board with flu symptoms, THIS WAS NOT DONE OF OUR TRIP BY YOUR TOUR DIRECTOR The hotel in the community of Wakura Onsen.

Read all 73 reviews

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Friday

Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025
$14202

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
$12172

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Mar 13, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
$15218

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Saturday - Thursday

Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Mar 24, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Saturday - Thursday

Apr 19, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Apr 21, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

May 01, 2025 - May 13, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Saturday - Thursday

May 03, 2025 - May 15, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

May 08, 2025 - May 20, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Saturday - Thursday

May 10, 2025 - May 22, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

May 12, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Saturday - Thursday

May 17, 2025 - May 29, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

May 19, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

May 22, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Saturday - Thursday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$12172

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
$14202

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Sep 22, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Oct 20, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 23, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025
$16233

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$14811

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025
$15218

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Monday - Saturday

Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$13187

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Thursday - Tuesday

Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025
$14202

Tourhub Members
Discount - Sign In

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Tauck requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tauck charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & Secure

Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.

Visa logo Mastercard logo
apple pay icon google pay icon

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.


The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.


No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.


Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.


Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.


Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel Guru Features

Our Reviews