An exclusive Travel Associates Signature Itinerary with Abercrombie & Kent, this 13-day Japanese adventure will show you Japan at its finest.
A complex tapestry of soaring snow-capped mountains, steaming volcanic springs, dazzling tropical coastline and vibrant cityscapes, woven together with threads of myth and magic. Every part of Japan is steeped in centuries of local tradition and history. And each offers unique but always delicious culinary customs, as well as breathtaking natural landscapes.
To experience the beauty of Japanese culture, indulge in a traditional tea ceremony in a tearoom, an enigmatic ritual that whispers tales of a bygone era. Other centuries-old art forms, such as kabuki theatre, taiko drumming and bunraku puppet shows, offer captivating performances.
After admiring the neon-lit towers of modern cities, exploring shrines and temples, or sipping on tea, dip your toes into one of the many calming, steamy Onsen bathhouses scattered throughout the country. You’ll feel revitalised, and ready for the next one-of-a-kind experience in this incomparable destination. Travel Associates is proud to introduce our inaugural Japan Signature Itinerary with Abercrombie & Kent, the 13-day Essential Japan.
DAYS 1 to 3 – TOKYO
Tokyo is the dynamic epicentre of 21st century Japan. Fly in on day one, be welcomed by Abercrombie & Kent and transferred in a luxury vehicle to the Four Season Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi. On day two, travel to Hamarikyu, a serene, landscaped garden in central Tokyo. Visit the island teahouse to fully appreciate the park's beauty. Hamarikyu is renowned for its pretty flowering shrubs in the springtime and gorgeous roses in the fall, as well as the remains of an old moat. From here, stroll through the busy Nakamise street market to visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. In the afternoon, you have the option of participating in a private sushi-making class before exploring the Tokyo National Museum and Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine. On day three, take part in a private lesson in the musical art of taiko, a traditional form of drumming.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: On day three, visit the local sumo stable where you have privileged access to the very private and respected world of sumo wrestling. See the wrestlers training, strategising and competing with one another up close. It is a one-of-a-kind behind the scenes experience)
ACCOMMODATION: A Superior Room at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
DAYS 4 AND 5 – HAKONE
On day four, transfer to Hakone via Mount Fuji, Japan's most iconic symbol that is sacred to all Japanese. Visit the World Heritage Centre to learn about this spectacular peak and the Fuji Five Lakes before continuing on to Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hakone is known for its hot springs, magnificent natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor activities. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum with 1,000 sculptures in the garden, and check out the Picasso Pavilion. In the afternoon visit the magnificent Gora Kadan, the former summer residence of the Kan-In-No-Miya imperial family. On day five, take a boat tour on Lake Ashinoko and visit the Okada Museum of Art.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Travel to the Hakone Ropeway and take the cable car ride over the infamous Owakudani Valley.
ACCOMMODATION: A Japanese room at Gora Kadan ryokan
DAYS 6 TO 8 – KYOTO/NARA
Catch a shinkansen train to Kyoto, the heart of historic Japan, steeped in imperial heritage. Stroll along the Tetsugaku-no-michi or “Philosopher’s Path” that comes alive in cherry blossom season. In the evening, there is an optional private dinner with a performance by a geiko (a senior geisha) or a maiko (an apprentice) who play traditional instruments, sing and dance. On day seven, visit impressive Nijo Castle and then marvel at the stunning gold-leaf-clad Golden Pavilion before enjoying a rickshaw ride through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama. On day eight, enjoy a day trip to Nara, stopping at Fushimi Inari to walk under some of the 5,000 red torii gates, followed by a visit to a sake brewer. At Nara Park, drive through the vast estate with more than 1000 deer – considered in Shintoism to be messengers of the Gods – then visit Todaiji, a temple founded in 752.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: A private afternoon visit with a maiko in the Gion geisha district will be a memorable experience.
ACCOMMODATION: A Deluxe Room, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
DAYS 9 - 11 – KANAZAWA
Travel from Kyoto to Kanazawa on the Thunderbird Shinkansen, and the next day, explore the Nagamachi District. The hand-made silks are dyed in the centuries-old traditional methods used by silk artists. before visiting the remarkable Kenrokuen Garden. On day 11, visit the Higashichaya District before exploring on your own, perhaps go to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art or the D. T. Suzuki Museum, both impressive galleries with thought provoking art.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Walk through the Nagamachi District, the former samurai district, visiting one of the traditional homes to see how the samurai lived in the Edo period.
ACCOMMODATION: A Delxue Room at Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
DAYS 12 and 13 –TOKYO
Your final shinkansen ride back to Tokyo, where you will have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace and do some shopping.
On day 13, wave goodbye to Japan after a luxury vehicle transfer to the airport.
ACCOMMODATION: Superior Room at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
YOUR LUXURY INCLUSIONS
- 4 night stay at the 5-star accommodation at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi in a Superior Room
- 2 night stay at the 5-star accommodation at the Gora Kadan Hakone in a Japanese Room
- 3 night stay at the 5-star accommodation at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto in a Deluxe Room
- 3 night stay at the 5-star accommodation at the Hyatt Centric Kanazawa in a Deluxe Room
- Complimentary breakfast daily and 2 dinners in Hakone
- Exciting selected sightseeing as per itinerary
- Complimentary transfers & transportation as per itinerary
- The service of a dedicated Travel Advisor managing your booking
Optional add on experiences (price on application - enquire with your travel advisor):
- Tokyo : Private Sushi Class
- Tokyo: Shinto rituals at Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Kyoto: Dinner with Geiko/Maiko Performance