Compare Ancient & Modern Japan by Exodus Travels vs Japan's Cultural Treasures by Overseas Adventure Travel

Day 1 Start Kyoto

The trip starts in Kyoto, an atmospheric city amid beautiful hills. We gather for the first time at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this evening,  a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the adventure ahead. Accommodation: Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo (or similar)

Day 2 Visit Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji temple

With more than 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japanese heritage and undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese towns, it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development, keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. Today, we have an introductory tour of the city. Starting with a visit to the impressive Nijo castle, built in 1603 as a residence for the Tokugawa shoguns, before moving onto the Golden Temple of Kinkaku-ji, built in 1397 as a summer villa for the shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga and immortalised in Mishima Yukio’s novel, The Golden Pavilion. We then visit the Ryoan-ji temple, home to the most famous rock garden in Japan. Afterwards, we head back to central Kyoto. Those who wish may opt to take a leisurely late lunch at one of the local restaurants in the area, relax back at the hotel or discover Kyoto at your own leisure. You may like to take a stroll around Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's Kitchen, which specialises in all things food related and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Accommodation: Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo (or similar)

Day 3 Day trip to Nara, ancient capital of Japan. Visit impressive Unesco temples including Todai-ji. Return to Kyoto; visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and visit historic Gion

Today we make a day trip to the ancient capital of Japan, Nara (approximately one hour each way). With eight Unesco World Heritage sites, it's second only to Kyoto as a repository of Japan's cultural legacy. Our walking tour includes a visit to the best known temples and shrines, including the Todai-ji Great Buddha temple. Built in 752 by Emperor Shomu, this 49ft (15m) tall bronze Buddha is housed in what is reputed to be the largest wooden building in the world. We also spend time in the Nara Koen Park, home to large numbers of overfed and slightly unruly deer, and visit the attractive Kasuga Shinto shrine. Later in the afternoon, we travel back to Kyoto and stop at the Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. As we head towards early evening, we can walk around Gion, the most famous geisha district in Kyoto. Packed with bars, restaurants and traditional teahouses, Gion is most atmospheric in the early evening, when the lanterns are lit. At this time, we may also see an apprentice geisha on the way to an appointment, though it's rare to see one. Accommodation: Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo (or similar)

Day 4 Free day in Kyoto; relax in one of the many Zen gardens, walk the popular Philosopher’s Path or experience a traditional tea ceremony

Today is a free day for individual sightseeing. With so much to see and do in Kyoto it can be difficult to know where to begin. A free day could be spent exploring one of the several well-established and easy-to-follow walking tours that take in many interesting sights. The eastern part of Kyoto is particularly rich in temples and gardens, and one can spend the day in this area, perhaps strolling along the tree-lined canal known as the Philosopher’s Path and taking time for contemplation in one of the many Zen gardens that dot the hillsides. Another day trip to consider is Arashiyama, a pleasant tourist district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy the natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and autumn colour seasons. If you are interested in Japanese arts and cultural activities, there is also the option of visiting a cultural show to see ancient traditions, including a tea ceremony and Japanese theatre (these can be arranged locally by your tour leader and are subject to availability). Accommodation: Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo (or similar)

Day 5 Day trip to Hiroshima; visit Peace Memorial Park and the pretty island of Miyajima

Today is our first experience of the shinkansen (bullet train) as we speed to Hiroshima for the day (approximately two hours each way). Once in Hiroshima, we spend time at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, both monuments to the fateful day in August 1945 when the city was struck by the first wartime use of the atomic bomb. In the park, there’s a symbolic flame that will only be extinguished when the last nuclear weapon on Earth has been destroyed. In the afternoon, we make a short excursion by local tram and ferry to the beautiful island of Miyajima; home to the floating torii (Shinto gate) of the Itsukushima Shrine. At high tide, when set against the backdrop of Mount Misen, this torii makes one of the most beautiful and photogenic sights in Japan. Please note, the floating torii is currently undergoing renovation works, but we still recommend a visit to this enchanting island as part of the day trip to Hiroshima. We depart Hiroshima late afternoon, arriving at our Kyoto hotel in the evening. Accommodation: Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo (or similar)

Day 6 Travel from Kyoto to Takayama, a traditional old town set amid the Japanese Alps; visit the Hida Folk Village

Travelling by train through forested valleys, we make our way this morning to the peaceful and attractive old town of Takayama (approximately four hours) in the centre of the majestic Hida Mountains. We spend two nights here and have plenty of time to appreciate the charm and ambience of this delightful place. In the afternoon, we visit Hida Folk Village, an interesting outdoor museum of traditional rural architecture in pleasant, landscaped gardens, a short walk from our accommodation. We stay in a traditional Japanese accommodation where we can experience the Japanese lifestyle and hospitality (please refer to the accommodation section for more information). Accommodation: We use a variety of ryokans in Takayama

Day 7 Orientation tour in Takayama and free day to explore the peaceful shrines and temples

With more than a dozen museums and galleries, and several well-kept temples and parks, there are plenty of ways to spend a relaxing day in Takayama. We start with a short orientation tour around the morning market, held daily along the banks of the Miyagawa River in the centre of town. Here, amid friendly farmers with their familiar (and not so familiar) agricultural produce, it is possible to find interesting souvenirs. Not so far away, and of particular interest, is the well-preserved collection of streets known as Sannomachi, where wooden-built shops, restaurants and sake breweries give the area a medieval feel. For an insight into the life of medieval Japanese officials and the way they dealt (often not so compassionately) with those in their charge, visit the old Government House of Takayama-jinya. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town at your own pace: we recommend a stroll along the temple-lined path called the Higashiyama Walkway and visit the several temples and attractions created by the medieval warlord, Kanamori Nagachika (1524-1600), who longed for Kyoto. Accommodation: We use a variety of ryokans in Takayama

Day 8 On to the medieval village of Tsumago; short leisurely walk on the Nakasendo trail; train to Matsumoto

Today we travel by express and local trains to the historic castle town of Matsumoto (approximately four hours). En route, we visit the medieval village of Tsumago, which has changed little from its heyday as a post town in the Edo period. This is the best preserved of the many staging posts along the old Nakasendo Way, which fulfils the same role it did in centuries past: offering food and refuge to travellers. Those who wish can join the leader for a one-hour walk through peaceful forest trails, starting by the Odaki and Medaki waterfalls and finishing in Tsumago. We reach Matsumoto late afternoon, where we have time to relax and perhaps take a leisurely stroll after dinner to see the impressive castle by night. Accommodation: Dormy Inn Matsumoto (or similar)

Day 9 Visit Matsumoto Castle and travel by train to the spa town of Yudanaka; soak in a hot spring

This morning we visit the impressive Matsumoto Castle. Founded in 1504, this castle, otherwise known as Crow Castle due to its black colour, is one of the two best preserved in Japan, most others having been destroyed following the Meiji Restoration. Its imposing six-storey tower has been designated a national treasure. Please note, the castle preserves its original interior and structure, with very tall steps and steep staircases, which some might find difficult to ascend and descend. We return to Matsumoto train station for our afternoon journey (approximately three hours) to the spa town of Yudanaka, which has some fantastic natural hot springs, where we spend a night in another Japanese-style accommodation. Accommodation: Biyu no Yado (or similar)

Day 10 See the much-loved snow monkeys before travelling by train to Tokyo; evening orientation tour

As well as being home to some of the best hot springs in Japan, the small spa-town of Yudanaka is mainly famous for being the gateway to the Jigokudani Onsen or Snow Monkey Park. Here, the indigenous macaque monkeys have discovered the benefits of descending from the hills to soak and play in hot baths. The sight is most spectacular in winter, when snow covers the grounds and the hot steam creates amazing visual effects but (despite the name) the snow monkeys actually inhabit the area year-round. To reach the park, we walk for approximately 25 minutes on an easy forest trail and we have approximately one-hour to admire and photograph these entertaining creatures. No visit to Japan would be complete without a trip to Tokyo. This afternoon, we travel from Yudanaka to the capital by bullet train (approximately four hours), arriving in the early evening. On arrival in Tokyo, we'll transfer to our hotel and start exploring the bright lights of the big city at night. Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Optional trip to Hakone or to the lovely seaside town of Kamakura

If you wish to see more of this wonderful country, today is the last day of your Japan Rail Pass, entitling you to free train journeys to many destinations. A popular daytrip from Tokyo is Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 1hr 30min away by train. Home to hot springs, natural beauty and Mount Fuji views, Hakone also encompasses Lake Ashi, which can be toured by boat. Another blissful escape is the coastal town of Kamakura, offering numerous temples, shrines, historical monuments and panoramic hiking trails. If you don’t want to leave Tokyo, soak up the atmosphere of this truly astounding city. While being perhaps the most energetic and futuristic capital in the world, Tokyo remains a remarkably friendly, safe, manageable and delightful place to visit. Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 A full-day city tour of Tokyo, including the Senso-ji Temple

Today we have a guided tour of Tokyo. Making use of the highly efficient tube system, we can visit some of the main attractions including the lively Senso-ji Temple in the old entertainment district of Asakusa and Ueno (depending on season). We will also visit a park or garden, which become especially spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn season. There is also free time to discover other attractions at your own pace. For those with a head for heights, we recommend an optional visit to the Skytree Tower for views of the city. At 2,080ft (634m), it is the tallest building in Japan and the one of the tallest structures in the world. In the evening, the possibilities for entertainment are almost limitless with the Tokyo nightlife as exciting as anywhere in Asia. Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Free day for further exploration; optional karaoke farewell night

Today has been left free for further individual exploration of Tokyo. We recommend visiting the Meiji Shrine; surrounded by tranquil forest, this Shinto shrine is one of the most popular in Japan and combines traditional Japanese architecture with love for nature. For those interested in culture or shopping, there are limitless opportunities with districts such as Ginza, Harajuku and Shinjuku catering for all tastes and needs. Your leader can advise how best to maximise your free day in Tokyo. Accommodation: Shinjuku Washington Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 End Tokyo

Our Japanese adventure comes to end. Alternatively, if you’d like a bit more time to explore this energetic city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

DAY 1 Depart U.S.
Depart the U.S. today on your overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan.

DAY 2 Arrive Tokyo, Japan
Accommodations: Hotel JAL City Tamachi Tokyo or similar
Arrive at the Tokyo airport in the late afternoon or early evening today. An OAT representative will greet us at the airport and assist with the transfer to our hotel in Tokyo, where we'll meet our OAT Trip Leader and fellow travelers, including those who arrived early for the optional Tokyo pre-trip extension.

DAY 3 Discover Tokyo
Meals included: B D Accommodations: Hotel JAL City Tamachi Tokyo or similar

Today, we'll have breakfast at our hotel, followed by a briefing about our upcoming days in Japan. Then, we set out to explore fascinating and frenetic Tokyo on a tour that takes us to some of its most famous sites. We'll enter the seventh-century Asakusa Kannon Temple, which—according to legend—was founded after two brothers fished the Kannon statue out of the Sumida River. They threw the statue back in the river over and over, but it always returned to them, so they built the temple to house it forever.

We'll pass by the Imperial Palace—which still serves as the home to the emperor of Japan—on our way to the Ginza district, famous for its high-class shops and glitzy galleries. Following our explorations here, we'll have time for lunch on our own before we visit Yasukuni Shrine, a memorial completed in 1869 to honor the 2.5 million Japanese people who have died in war. While its name literally translates to “Peace of the Country,” Yasukuni became one of Japan’s most controversial sites in 1979 when 14 class-A war criminals were enshrined here.

Later, we’ll return to our hotel for time at leisure. Perhaps you'll get an overview of Tokyo's history at the massive Edo Tokyo Museum, or stroll the streets of Old Tokyo. We'll regroup this evening as we gather for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 4 Travel overland to Hakone • Japanese language lesson
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Hotel Kagetsuen or similar

We start our day with breakfast at the hotel, then board a motorcoach for the trip to Hakone, located about 50 miles west of Tokyo. As we drive, our Trip Leader will lead a discussion on language, giving us a lesson on practical Japanese that will help us in our explorations. We'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then ascend halfway up the slopes of Mount Fuji by bus (weather permitting), enjoying a scenic drive around this iconic, snowcapped mountain.

Afterward, we resume our journey to Hakone, arriving in late afternoon. After checking into our hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. If you wish, you can try bathing in a Japanese onsen (hot spring) before we enjoy a Japanese banquet-style dinner at our hotel.

DAY 5 Hakone • Cruise Ashinoko Lake • Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Hotel Kagetsuen or similar

We start our day in Hakone with breakfast at our hotel, then embark on a tour of this scenic city. Blessed with a beautiful volcanic setting, Hakone is beloved by the Japanese for its hot-spring resorts, mountains, lakes, and historical sites. We begin by cruising Lake Ashi from Kojiri to Moto-Hakone, where, weather permitting, you will have tremendous views of majestic Mount Fuji. Then, on the shores of Lake Ashi, we’ll visit the Narukawa Art Museum, which displays countless examples of traditional Japanese paintings that owner Minoru Narukawa has collected in the past 20 years.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll visit Hamamatsuya, a workshop specializing in wooden handcrafts. Here you can see the creation of the elaborate woodwork of Hakone Yosegi Zaiku, a special product of Hakone featuring complex inlaid designs. Later, we’ll continue our discovery of Hakone’s artistic culture by visiting the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a collection of about 100 works strategically set in 70,000 square meters of green space.

We’ll return to our hotel for dinner this evening.

Please note: Alternative activities may be substituted for some of the visits described above depending on weather conditions.

DAY 6 Bullet train to Nagoya • Express train to Kanazawa
Meals included: B D Accommodations: Kanazawa Miyako Hotel or similar

We have breakfast at our hotel and then transfer to the train station, where we board our first bullet train—the legendary high-speed train service pioneered by the Japanese.

The Japanese call this train the shinkansen. It is one of the world's finest quick-transit trains, and still amongst the fastest trains in the world, traveling at speeds of up to 200 mph. For boarding, be prepared to stand at a precise location indicated by your coach and seat accommodations. The train stops exactly where indicated and sure enough, your coach is right in front of you. Our trip on the bullet train takes us from Odawara to Nagoya. Lunch is on your own today and we suggest doing as the Japanese do—buy a packed lunch (called eki-ben) in the station and enjoy it on the train. Eki-ben lunches are one of the attractions of train travel in Japan.

We'll then board the Limited Express train for our ride to Kanazawa, enjoying a view of Japan's rolling countryside and modern cityscapes along our route. We arrive in the afternoon and check into our hotel. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

DAY 7 Kanazawa • Visit Omicho Market
Meals included: B L Accommodations: Kanazawa Miyako Hotel or similar
Explore Japan and tour a sake brewery
We have breakfast at our hotel and then begin our exploration of Kanazawa with a guided tour of this historic city.

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Kanazawa was a prosperous castle town in the domain of Kaga, ruled by the Maeda Family, and it has been one of the cultural centers of Japan ever since. Located on the coast of the Japan Sea, Kanazawa was spared much of the destruction that World War II brought to the country. It is famous today for its unique architecture, its exquisite Kaga-style handcrafts—including silk-dyeing and lacquerware—its delicate regional cuisine, and the Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most beautiful in Japan. We start our tour with a morning visit to this garden, which was opened to the public in 1875 and is one of the most visited garden spots in all of Japan.

After the garden, we'll visit one of the many houses of Kanazawa where the samurai—Japan's famed class of noble warriors—once lived. Several former samurai homes still stand on winding streets, and many are still in use as residences. We'll enjoy a closer look at what constitutes samurai style when we explore the 18th-century Terashima House, home of a samurai who was also a painter. Later we'll tour the Higashi-Chaya district with its old wooden structures. We'll also visit Kaikaro, a 190-year-old ochaya—a teahouse where geishas perform. Here, we'll admire the teahouse's decor, which is a true fusion between modern and ancient Japan.

Then, following lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Omicho Market (closed Sundays and public holidays). This 300-year-old market, known locally as Kanazawa's Kitchen, is a very busy gathering place, and brims with exceptionally fresh vegetables, fruit, and fish offered for sale to households and to private restaurants. By browsing the many stalls here, we can get a good idea of what the local diet is like and see the range of foods that create the local cuisine. We might see some of the traditional specialties of the region, such as fish pickled in rice bran, fresh crab, Kaga lotus root, seaweed, and a variety of sweet treats.

After walking through the busy market, we'll uncover more local traditions by visiting a gold-leaf workshop. These thin sheets of gold have been produced in Kanazawa since the 16th century, and are used to decorate everything from handcrafts to Buddhist alters. In the workshop, we'll learn more about how gold leaf is made and what significance it still holds in Japanese culture before returning to our hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own.

DAY 8 Day at leisure • Optional Shirakawa-go & Gokayama tour OPTIONAL TOUR
Meals included: B Accommodations: Kanazawa Miyako Hotel or similar
Discover Japanese mountain villages on a guided tour
Today you can spend a day at leisure in Kanazawa, making your own discoveries in this historic city.

Or you can join us for an optional full-day excursion to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, mountain villages—and UNESCO World Heritage Sites—in the forested countryside outside of Kanazawa. Because of their relative isolation, these areas developed independently of Japanese society, resulting in a unique culture and lifestyle. In addition to creating their own dances, festivals, and traditions, residents developed a distinctive architectural style known as gassho-zukuri. Characterized by steeply pitched thatched roofs that are both striking and elegant, these dwellings are considered to be some of the most efficient farmhouses in Japan—and we'll discover why as we explore the houses of Ainokura this morning. Then we'll visit a workshop to see how washi—a thick, fibrous paper made from mulberry bark—is created. Afterward, we'll head to Murakami House, which was built in 1578 and is the oldest ghasso-style house in the area. During our visit here, we'll learn more about the history and culture of Gokayama, enjoy a traditional dance performance, and savor a traditional lunch of soba (buckwheat noodles) at a local restaurant. This afternoon, we transfer to Shirakawa-go, where we'll learn the art of mochitsuki, or rice-cake making, with members of the local community before returning to our hotel.

Dinner is on your own tonight.

DAY 9 Tea with local family • Train to Kyoto
Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Hearton Hotel or similar
Encounter local Japanese culture at a Home Hosted Meal
Following breakfast at your Kanazawa hotel, we set off to visit a local family for tea and to get a firsthand glimpse of Japanese life at home. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk with a family and experience a bit of their daily routine. After this unique opportunity, we'll enjoy lunch together before we transfer to the train station and board a train bound for Kyoto.

Kyoto was Japan’s imperial capital through the eighth to 19th centuries. It remains an important cultural center—and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and we’ll have five full days to explore its many wonders. We arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon, take a short orientation walk around the neighborhood, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

DAY 10 Explore Kyoto • Discover Kinkakuji
Meals included: B L Accommodations: Hearton Hotel or similar

Among Kyoto's many wonders are some of Japan's most impressive Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, and we'll have a chance to discover one after breakfast, as we visit Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The striking architecture of Kinkakuji, also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, dates from 1397, when it was built by the third shogun (military commander) of the Ashikaga Shogunate. The reflection of the pavilion on the water of the adjacent pond produces a breathtakingly beautiful and world-famous view.

Next, we visit Nijo Castle, which was constructed between 1601 and 1603. The castle, shrines, and 17 temples here are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although meant to represent power, it appears more a royal estate than a military post fortified with weapons. It was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, and became a meeting place for the shoguns. The largest building on the grounds is Ninomaru Palace, intentionally built with squeaky floors so an intruder would be heard advancing through the room.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue on to Sanjusangendo Hall, built in the twelfth century and containing an impressive 1,001 statues of the thousand-handed Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Finally, we explore Kiyomizu Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its “leap of faith” veranda and wooden terraces once used for sacred dances. Resting at the foot of the Higashiyama Mountains, this temple—which dates back to AD 778—offers a sweeping view of Kyoto and a spring whose waters are believed by some to have a curative quality.

This evening, we return to our hotel and enjoy dinner on our own.

DAY 11 Day at leisure • Optional Nara & Fushimi tour OPTIONAL TOUR
Meals included: B Accommodations: Hearton Hotel or similar
See two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nara
After breakfast, today is free for you to explore Kyoto on your own.

Or you can choose to join us on an optional tour to Nara and Fushimi. This excursion takes us to the distinctive city of Nara, which was the capital of Japan before Kyoto. We will visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nara: Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shinto Shrine. As we approach Todaiji Temple's Daibutsu-den Hall, you will first be impressed by its massive size, as it is the largest wooden building in the world. It is also one of the major historic temples in Japan and contains valuable artifacts. Here, we'll admire the Daibutsu—an impressive 52-foot Buddha statue. As we continue to explore Todaiji, we'll likely notice another charming feature of its park area: its tame, free-roaming deer, which were traditionally regarded as the messengers of the Shinto god Kasuga. If you want a close-up introduction to them, you can purchase shika senbei (special biscuits) to feed them, but be prepared to be very popular with these lovely creatures when you offer them food.

We'll also visit the Kasuga Shinto Shrine, which dates back to AD 768. Here, we'll stroll along the shrine’s wooded paths, admiring its impressive collection of 3,000 stone lanterns. After lunch at a local restaurant in Nara, we'll continue to the lovely town of Fushimi, where we’ll visit one of the most popular shrines in Japan: Fushimi-Inari.

This evening, you can seek out a local restaurant to have dinner on your own.

DAY 12 Visit Buddhist temple • Optional Japanese Traditional Music tour OPTIONAL TOUR
Meals included: B L Accommodations: Hearton Hotel or similar

After breakfast at our hotel, we'll depart for a day of activities that aim to give us a closer look into the lives of the Japanese people. First, we'll take a boat to Senkoji Temple, which is supported in part by funds from Grand Circle Foundation. At this 400-year-old temple, we'll have a chance to practice Zen meditation.

Zen is a branch of Buddhist thought that believes divine wisdom resides in each person; meditation techniques are used to reveal this inner divine nature. Typically meditation consists of simple sitting and breathing practices that are meant to calm the mind and allow the practitioner's focus to shift away from the mundane. We'll be in expert hands for our session, under the guidance of a Buddhist monk.

While at the temple, we'll also explore another aspect of Zen influence by partaking in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, called sado. To create the actual beverage, a powdered tea called matcha is put in a teacup, covered with hot water, and whipped with a bamboo whisk until it foams slightly. But the significance of the tea goes far beyond the tea preparation; the ceremony is a traditional art form that exhibits the Zen ideals of the beauty of simplicity and mindfulness of movement. An integral part of the ceremony is the appreciation of the aesthetics of the place where the tea is prepared and enjoyed. The ceremony is given special meaning by the deep sincerity with which the host prepares the tea.

This afternoon, we'll bid sayonara to Senkoji and journey to Kameoka, a city that was once the agricultural hub for the former imperial capital of Kyoto. Here, we'll dive into the country’s rich gastronomical traditions by learning how to make a traditional Japanese dish—perhaps sushi or onigiri—with the help of locals.

After a satisfying homemade lunch, we'll return to Kyoto, where you'll have the rest of the afternoon to relax independently and enjoy dinner on your own. Or round out today's discoveries with an optional tour that celebrates traditional Japanese music and architecture. We'll travel by taxi to a performer's house to meet a musician couple who still practice on traditional instruments. Some of these, like the three-stringed shamisen, have histories dating back to the 16th century. We'll learn about the history of this art form before being treated to a brief concert—perhaps you'll try out an instrument yourself. Then we'll depart by taxi for the Higashiyama district, in the heart of Kyoto's Gion Corner, where travelers can take an evening walk along charming cobblestone streets that evoke the romance of old Kyoto with their traditional wooden buildings. We'll stroll past shops, merchants' houses, and ryokan (Japanese-style inns) before stopping for an included dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 13 Kyoto • Day at leisure • Optional Arashiyama tour OPTIONAL TOUR
Meals included: B D Accommodations: Hearton Hotel or similar

Today, continue exploring Kyoto on your own. This spiritual city is home to a tremendous number of religious sites—nearly 300 Shinto shrines and 1,700 Buddhist temples—for you to discover. Or, for a look at some of the artwork these ancient religions have inspired, you can view Shinto and Buddhist art at the Hosomi Art Museum. And if pottery is your interest, you can browse an enormous selection of bowls, vases, sake cups, and other items fired by local potters at the Kyoto Ceramics Center.

Or join our optional tour to Arashiyama. On this excursion, we'll take a walking tour of two of the most beautiful gardens in this region of Japan, renowned for its bamboo groves and Togetsukyo Bridge spanning the Oi River. We'll gather after breakfast for a walk down to the train station and arrive in the Arashiyama neighborhood, where our first stop is Tenryuji Temple. The primary temple of the Rinzai school of Zen, it was originally built in 1339 and has been destroyed by wars and fires and rebuilt many times. Most of the structures here now date from the late 19th century, but the exquisite Zen garden—which includes a large pond, elevated rock groupings, and delicate cherry trees—is many centuries old. Next we'll see Okochi-Sanso, a lovely garden located on top of a hill, providing a peaceful glimpse of the quiet Kyoto environs. Here you will be served Japanese tea and cake. We'll return to our hotel in the early afternoon.

Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 14 Return to U.S. or begin post-trip extension
Meals included: B
Today, you will fly home from Osaka on an afternoon or early evening flight.

Or, if you're continuing on our optional post-trip extension to Hiroshima, you'll transfer to this coastal city by bullet train today.