Japan: Shogun & Samurai

Tour Program Summary

Your grand Japan tour starts in Tokyo, the Capital of Japan and the world’s largest metropolitan area with 36 million people. The city’s history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Tokyo also offers a seemingly unlimited choice of good shopping, entertainment, culture and dining opportunities to its visitors.

Next visit Mt. Fuji and Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 100 (62 miles) kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs, natural beauty and a stunning view of the iconic Mt. Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among tourists looking for a break from Japan’s urban areas. Also explore historic treasures in the coastal town of Kamakura, home of the famous Shogunate.

A high speed train ride will take you to Kanazawa, an important city in its region and serves as the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. The city boasts many historical attractions such as well preserved or restored samurai residences and districts, the charming Maeda family Kanazawa Castle, as well as modern museums. But Kanazawa’s unchallenged main attraction is Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s “three best landscape gardens” and by many considered the most beautiful of them all.

Kaga Onsen is a collection of four hot spring towns south of Kanazawa, not far from Mount Hakusan, one of Japan’s “three holiest mountains” (alongside Mount Fuji and Mount Tateyama). The hot springs were discovered over 1300 years ago by monks visiting Hakusan, and have been popular, highly rated onsen destination ever since.

Another express train ride will bring you to Kyoto, where over 1000 years of history and Buddhist culture live on today. Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan for several centuries after 794. Spared from bombing during World War 2, Kyoto is one of the few cities in Japan to maintain its ancient architecture. Thirteen temples, three shrines and Nijo Castle are all registered as World Heritage Sites. Enjoy a day trip to Nara, located less than one hour from Kyoto and Osaka. Due to its past as the first permanent capital of Japan, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan’s oldest temples.

Fly home or to your next destination from Osaka International Airport.