Essence of Japan (12 Days) 

     GeoPassage's Japan tour begins at Tokyo Narita Airport on Honshu Island. Transfer to Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel, a century-old landmark designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and patronized by royalty and celebrities. Meet your travel companions at the welcome dinner. (D)

     Your morning guided city tour includes a view of the National Diet Building and visits to the Imperial Palace, and the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Take a guided walk through Ginza, Tokyo's famous shopping district, before exploring the city on your own in the afternoon, perhaps riding the easy-to-use subway system to see the sights or cruising on the Sumida River. (B,L,D)

     A city sightseeing excursion includes a guided tour of the most sacred and spectacular temple in Tokyo: Senso-Ji Temple, popularly known as Asakusa Kannon. Built in the 7th century, it features a five-story pagoda, several smaller temples, and lovely gardens and statues. Visit the Nakamise Shopping Arcade and enjoy the remainder of the day as you wish. (B)

     Enjoy a full day of Japan travel delights. Ride the Shinkansen, the Bullet Train (thought to be Asia’s fastest train), into the countryside. Visit the hot-springs town of Hakone in Fuji-Hakone National Park where you explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, famous for its outdoor sculptures. The museum features a large collection of post-Rodin sculptures as well as works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Renoir and Miro. Cruise across Lake Ashi and ride a gondola on the Hakone Ropeway over the mountains – if weather permits, enjoy outstanding views of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. (B,L,D)

     Today, you will see more of the beautiful treasures of Japan. Travel past valleys of rice fields into the region known as the Japanese Alps. Along the way, visit the Itchiku Kubota Museum, showcasing the ancient silk art of Tsujigahana. Stop at Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Japan. (B,L,D)

     Takayama hosts quaint village streets, Edo-period merchants’ shops and houses, and pure water ideal for sake brewing. Take a guided walking tour, stopping at the farmers market, the Festival Float Museum, and the Takayama Jinya, a 1692 provincial government office. Spend your afternoon relaxing in a hot springs bath, walking the temple district trail, or exploring the town’s museums and antique shops. Dine on your own – there's an abundance of restaurants featuring hearty mountain food and regional specialties. (B)

     Journey to the Shirakawa-go region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with mountain villages of thatched-roof gassho-zukuri (praying hands) farmhouses. The large houses, with steep-pitched roofs, were traditionally built to withstand snowy winters and house extended families involved in silkworm cultivation. Visit a private 300-year-old family home, and wander through the village of Ogimachi with 59 intact gassho houses. Spend the night in an award-winning traditional ryokan-style hotel, a highlight of Tauck’s Japan tour. Follow authentic Japanese customs during your stay, from dining and sleeping at floor level, to dressing in bathrobes and relaxing in communal baths. (B,L,D)

     On the west coast of Japan travel to charming Kanazawa, with winding cobblestone streets, samurai residences, geisha houses, museums, galleries, and an open-air market. Stroll through the centuries-old Kenroku-en Gardens, ranked among the country’s top three gardens. Get an insider’s tour of an authentic Samurai house, and explore the 300-year-old Omicho Market. Take a train to Kyoto where you'll stay for the next four nights. (B,L,D)

     Your Japan travel continues in Kyoto, considered the cultural treasure house of the country. Tour the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Temple because it is encased in gold, and lovely Kiyomizu Temple. After lunch, visit the Sanjusangendo Temple, featuring 1,001 life-sized wooden statues of Kannon-Bosatsu, going back to the 13th century. Experience a traditional tea ceremony and learn about the art of origami on a visit to a private home. Spend the remainder of the day exploring on your own. Kyoto has many restaurants to choose from! (B,L)

     Visit 17th-century Nijo Castle, featuring nightingale floors that made bird-like creaking sounds to reveal intruders. Continue to Nara, Japan’s first capital. At Todai-ji Temple, see the monumental bronze Great Buddha. Featured in an enormous wooden building, it’s over 50 feet tall. Walk the grounds of Kasuga Grand Shrine, where thousands of ancient stone and bronze lanterns dot the landscape. (B,L)

     Today is free to explore Kyoto on your own. You may wish to discover the world of the geisha on a walk through the Gion district, Kyoto’s best-known geisha quarter; admire the city's myriad gardens, from Zen rock gardens to bonsai masterpieces; and view traditional arts and crafts in specialty shops down quaint streets, including Kyo pottery, elaborate fans, dolls, paper lanterns, combs, Noh masks, cloisonné, and lacquerware. (B,D)

     Depart your hotel for the 90-minute trip to the airport in Osaka; your airport transfer is included. Tour ends at Osaka’s Kansai or Itami Airport 2 1/2 hours before the departure of Tauck-selected flights. (B)