Cultural Treasures of Japan with Collette
Experience the highlights of Japan with Direct Travel Cambridge on this Hosted Collette tour.
Immerse yourself in the ancient and modern cultures of Japan. Learn the art of the tea ceremony, and stand before the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple. Tour Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” for its black exterior. Taste legendary Hida beef and sip sake at a local brewery. Delve into Kyoto, the marvellous cultural capital of Japan. Board the Shinkansen “bullet” train to travel to Hiroshima to visit Shrine Island and the Peace Memorial Museum. Absorb the beauty of the Golden Pavilion and the majesty of Nijo Castle. Japan slowly draws you into its eclectic culture and charm, revealing incredible moments every step of the way.
14 DAY CULTURAL TREASURES OF JAPAN
April 13 - 26, 2025
From Tokyo to Kyoto | 12 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
Tour Rates including roundtrip air from Toronto
Double: CA $9,699 per person
Solo Traveller: CA $11,699
Includes book now savings of $300 per person!
Must-See Inclusions:
- Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, made famous by the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.
- Visit multiple UNESCO sites including Shirakawa-go, Nijo Castle, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
- Explore Takayama’s beautiful old town, nestled in the Japanese Alps.
Cultural Experiences:
- Try your hand at the centuries-old art of the Japanese tea ceremony, gold leaf decorating and stenciling.
- Travel by the famous Shinkansen bullet train.
- Explore the famous Ginza District, the first Western-style shopping district in Japan where modern and history blends.
Culinary Inclusions:
- Enjoy a sake tasting at a local sake brewery followed by a Hida beef dinner.
- Participate in a sushi-making class.
- Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner with maiko show in Kyoto.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Apr 13, 2025: Toronto to Tokyo
Overnight FlightOn this tour you'll explore ancient and modern Japanese culture firsthand. Discover peaceful temples and technological marvels set against unimaginable natural beauty.
Apr 14, 2025: Tokyo, Japan
Arrival - Tour BeginsWelcome to Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun." Begin in the electrifying city of Tokyo, where pop culture is turned all the way up and traditions are rich and long-kept.
Apr 15, 2025: Tokyo
Included Meals: Breakfast, DinnerBegin the day exploring Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district. Visit the famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, the colourful temple famous for the red chochin (lantern) hanging at the entrance gate. Experience the long standing tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony, dating back to the 15th century. During your free time, explore the Nakamise Shopping Arcade and feel the energy of the oldest shopping street in Japan. Then, head to Tokyo National Museum to learn about the fascinating history and culture of Tokyo. The museum displays artwork and antiques from Japan and the surrounding area. Tonight, join your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner.
Apr 16, 2025: Tokyo
Included Meals: BreakfastAmid a lush forest outside of Tokyo, visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Feel the excitement start to build as you pass by the grounds of the Imperial Palace and see the Niju Bridge, the well-known symbol of the Imperial Palace. Later, walk through Ginza, one of the most elegant and luxurious streets in the world, where modern landscape meets rich history. Enjoy shopping at some of the most renowned "department stores" in Japan.
Apr 17, 2025: Tokyo - Hakone
Included Meals: Breakfast, DinnerJourney to the lakeside resort of Hakone, renowned for its hot springs. In the shadow of Mt. Fuji (UNESCO), this scenic town hugs the shorelines of Lake Ashi. Make a stop at Owakudani, located in an active volcanic zone. The Owakudani crater was created some 3,000 years ago, when Mt. Hakone erupted. Climb aboard the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial cable car descending from Owakudani for a breathtaking view* of Mt. Fuji. Next, take to the deep-blue waters of Lake Ashi on a cruise where you’ll see epic views of the local mountains before stopping in the charming town of Moto-Hakone. Tonight, experience a traditional kaiseki dinner.
Apr 18, 2025: Hakone - Matsumoto - Takayama
Included Meals: Breakfast, DinnerThis breathtaking day begins in Matsumoto at Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” because of its striking black exterior. Later, you’ll step back in time in the rural Edo-period town of Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps. Well known to the locals for its connection to sake, this is the perfect place to gather for a visit to one of Japan’s 200-year-old sake breweries. Afterward, experience a true Japanese epicurean treat – traditional rice wine paired with a special Hida beef dinner.
Apr 19, 2025: Takayama
Included Meals: Breakfast, Special Kaiseki DinnerThe ancient cultures of Takayama come alive this morning in the town’s historic district. Take a walk through the past and glimpse the 19th-century Jinya government building. Stroll through the morning market, a 600-year-old open air market with locally grown and produced products, located along the Miyagawa River. Circuit the winding streets, where the town’s traditional charms are preserved in the inns and houses. This afternoon, relish some free time to continue your exploration of Takayama on your own before enjoying a traditional multi-course ‘kaiseki’ dinner.
Apr 20, 2025: Takayama - Shirakawa-go - Kanazawa
Included Meals: BreakfastToday, embrace the unique charms of Shirakawa-go (UNESCO). Hidden away in the mountain, this harmonious village is famous for its gassho-zukuri-style houses – thatched-rooftops designed to resemble two hands joined in prayer. Journey to Kanazawa, the origin of gold-leaf making since the 16th century. Visit the Geisha quarters of Kanazawa, the Higashi Tea district, and then onto the beauty of Japan’s most stunning gardens, where more than 25 acres of absolute beauty awaits you at Kenroku-En – Garden of Six Qualities.
Apr 21, 2025: Kanazawa
Included Meals: BreakfastVisit the Samurai district where we will enter the former home of the Nomuras, a wealthy samurai family who served the ruling Maeda family. Dive into the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in decorating your own lacquer box! In the centre of town, take in the action of the Omicho fish market before venturing out on your own to really immerse yourself in Kanazawa’s dynamic culture.
Apr 22, 2025: Kanazawa - Kyoto
Included Meals: Breakfast, DinnerExplore Fushimi Inari Taisha for a tour of the most revered shrine of Inari. Follow the spectacular rows of orange torii (made famous in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha) that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrine. Then Kyoto awaits! The former Imperial capital of Japan is now one of the nation’s top cosmopolitan cities. At the same time, Kyoto’s connection with its past is strong; you won’t need to look far to see one of its 2,000 temples and shrines. Later, visit the Women’s Association of Kyoto in a traditional Kyoto town house. Here, delve into a wide array of enlightening Japanese activities, guided by your knowledgeable hostess. Sip different sakes, try your hand at making sushi, fold intricate origami shapes, and speak to your hostess about Japan, its culture, and women’s roles in this complex society.
Apr 23, 2025: Kyoto - Bullet Train - Hiroshima - Kyoto
Included Meals: BreakfastAll aboard the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima Island, or “Shrine Island” (UNESCO). Afterwards, head into Hiroshima city to visit the Peace Memorial Park, and pause to see the ruined Atomic Dome (UNESCO). Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. As this long and moving day comes to a close, return to Kyoto by the Shinkansen bullet train.
Apr 24, 2025: Kyoto
Included Meals: BreakfastThis morning, visit Kinkakuji (UNESCO), the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Apr 25, 2025: Kyoto
Included Meals: Breakfast, DinnerToday, visit the home of the first Shogun, Nijo Castle (UNESCO), and see intricate woodcarvings, wall paintings, and the Ninomaru Garden, designed by Kobori Enshu, a landscape architect and tea master. Next, learn about the ancient craft of stenciling during a hands-on lesson. This afternoon, spend some time relaxing or set out to explore Kyoto on your own. Fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture tonight during a special farewell dinner and maiko show.
Apr 26, 2025: Kyoto - Tour Ends
Flight HomeIncluded Meals: Breakfast
Your tour comes to a close in this fascinating land. As you depart, reflect on its beauty and all you have learned about its rich history and culture.
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* For bookings made after 2024-09-14 call for rates. * Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Toronto Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $180 per person (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers * Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $599 per person * All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change based on air inclusive package from YYZ. All fares are valid at the time of publication. Fares are subject to change based on availability and other considerations.