12-Nights Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival

Splendors Of Japan With Hiroshima And Takayama Festival
Celebrate the changing seasons as the jangle of bells and boom-boom-bang of drums accompany a captivating parade of festival floats on the streets of hillside Takayama. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.


Dining Summary

• 12 Breakfast (B)
• 4 Lunch (L)
• 7 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

• Kyoto: Meet Nakamura Family for a kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese Restaurant near Kyoto and learn about local customs.

Iconic Experience

• Tokyo: Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, in the historic Asakusa district. Wander through Nakamise Arcade, lined with traditional treats and crafts, before arriving at the main hall, a symbol of faith, resilience and local spirit.
• Tokyo: Rise above the skyline at Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. From its observation deck, you’ll take in panoramic views of the city, from Mount Fuji to Tokyo Bay. It’s a modern marvel and an unforgettable moment that will leave you awestruck.
• Ginza: With the guidance of your professional sushi chef, make your own selection of sushi specialties. Afterwards enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch.
• Tokyo: Visit the Tokyo National Museum to browse collections of Japanese art and archaeological objects.
• Mt Fuji: Admire the stunning countryside at Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
• Takayama: Join the locals at the Takayama Festival.
• Gokayama: Take some time to admire the peaceful mountain village of Gokayama. Discover their unique homes that have been built without the use of nails and their sloped thatched roofs.
• Kanazawa: Learn about the delicacy of the 16th-century craft gold leaf painting with your Local Specialist.
• Kanazawa: Step back in time at the Nomura Samurai House, once home to a respected warrior family. Explore its gardens, traditional architecture and treasured artifacts. You’ll learn about samurai life and honor in feudal Japan with a rare glimpse into the elegance of Edo-period craftsmanship.
• Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.
• Kotohira: Bask in the breath-taking views as we visit Kotohiragu Shrine.
• Hiroshima: Admire the islands of the Seto Inland Sea as you travel across the Shimanami Kaido Expressway.
• Hiroshima: Spend some time admiring the majestic Itsukushima Shrine.
• Hiroshima: Discover the rich history when you visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park.
• Hiroshima: Sample the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki.
• Osaka: Discover another side of Osaka in Dotonbori, a lively entertainment district known for its theaters and street food. You’ll walk the main strip before turning into Hozenji Yokocho, a stone-paved alley lined with traditional eateries leading to a small temple where locals splash water over a moss-covered statue for good luck.
• Osaka Castle: Visit Osaka Castle, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful samurai leader who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

• Gokayama: Help support a local business with a visit to a washi paper workshop. You'll watch the family at work and test your paper-making skills for yourself. Your experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

• Explore Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima
• Visit the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sanjusangendo Hall in Kyoto, the Water Temple on Awaji Island, Zentsuji Temple, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and Osaka Castle
• View Mt. Fuji
• See the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama and the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa

Trafalgar Difference

• Kyoto: Enjoy genuine Japanese hospitality at a traditional ryokan in the mountain hot springs village of Kotohira.

Whats Included

• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• Must-see sightseeing
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Optional Experiences and free time
• On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.