Classic Japan
Available

Classic Japan

Worldwide9 daysFeb 2027 · Mar 2027 · Apr 2027 · May 2027 · Jun 2027 · Sep 2027 · Oct 2027 · Nov 2027 · Dec 2027

The journey

Overview

A history-laden land of both continuity and contrast, Japan endlessly fascinates. From the daytime buzz and nighttime flash of cosmopolitan Tokyo to the quiet charms of traditional Kyoto, immerse yourself in a breadth of firsthand experiences, visiting ornate temples, overnighting at a sought-after ryokan and savoring culinary treasures.

Highlights

  • ◆<p>Come in spring to witness the dazzling profusion of white and pink cherry blossoms, known locally as sakura, or visit in autumn to view the vivid red leaves at their peak</p>
  • ◆<p>Feel the vitality of neon-lit Tokyo as you try your hand at taiko drums and peruse a seafood market</p>
  • ◆<p>Experience the timeless hospitality of Gôra Kadan, one of the country’s most exclusive ryokans (traditional inns), on a stay made possible by A&amp;K’s small group size</p>
  • ◆<p>With the snow-capped majesty of Mount Fuji for a backdrop, zoom by bullet train to Osaka, where you explore the lively Dotonbori district</p>
  • ◆<p>Discover the art of the tea ceremony, witness sumo wrestling and take part in a special geisha dinner, encountering the rich cultural heritage of Japan at every turn</p>

Complete package information

Full package information

A history-laden land of both continuity and contrast, Japan endlessly fascinates. From the daytime buzz and nighttime flash of cosmopolitan Tokyo to the quiet charms of traditional Kyoto, immerse yourself in a breadth of firsthand experiences, visiting ornate temples, overnighting at a sought-after ryokan and savoring culinary treasures.

Destination
Worldwide
Duration
9 days
Indicative price
From $15,495 pp
Operator
Worldway Travels Group
Travel style
Small Group Journeys, Culture & History
Availability
Available

Complete day-by-day itinerary

Day Day 1

Arrive Tokyo, Japan

With approximately 40 million residents, Tokyo is a dazzling city unique in the world. From the many-angled pedestrian dashes across Shibuya Crossing to the extravagant looks worn with panache in the Harajuku district, Tokyo offers a mad whirl of eclectic energy and culture framed by the distant backdrop of iconic Mount Fuji.

Day Day 2

Tokyo – Spiritual Centers and Exclusive Workshop

Visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, a colorful pagoda-style temple completed in 645 and dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Continue to a family-owned workshop that specializes in Japanese drum making — and try your hand at playing the taiko — on an Worldway exclusive experience. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum, built to preserve the heritage of the city’s last 400 years. Next comes Meiji Shrine, a Shinto complex dedicated to an emperor. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 3

Tokyo – Private Class with a Samurai

Peruse the Tsukiji Outer Market, a vibrant food-and-market district composed of several blocks of retail and wholesale shops. You’ll find fresh seafood, kitchen tools, cutlery, vegetables, street snacks and plenty of sushi restaurants. While the famous tuna auctions have moved, this market immerses you in a vital hub of Tokyo daily life. Receive a lesson in sushi making, followed by lunch, during a chef-led culinary experience. Then venture from the present into the past as you learn the secrets of the samurai warriors and test your sword skills during a private class led by a modern-day master samurai. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day Day 3.1

Transfer: Tokyo to Hakone

Day Day 4

Hakone – Traditional Ryokan

Travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring destinations and a peaceful contrast with bustling Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, boarding an aerial tram for inspiring views of Mount Fuji. Stroll the grassy hillsides of Hakone’s Open Air Museum, admiring the sculptures and artworks on display, including pieces by Henry Moore and Rodin. The museum also features one of the world’s finest Picasso exhibits, with over 100 works by the cubist master. Experience unparalleled service and traditional Japanese cuisine at Gôra Kadan, a top-rated ryokan (traditional inn), which is also your hotel for the night. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 4.1

Transfer: Hakone to Osaka

Day Day 5

Osaka – Dotonbori District Delicacies

At the Okada Museum of Art, view a stunning collection of paintings, ceramics, lacquerware and bronzes from Japan, Korea and China. Ride by bullet train to Osaka. Historically known as a merchant city, it is today renowned as Japan’s undisputed culinary capital, where diners indulge in everything from octopus dumplings to okonomiyaki, a battered, grilled concoction of chopped cabbage, meat or seafood, and seaweed. This evening, set out to explore the popular Dotonbori District, sampling dishes from the brilliantly lighted and gastronomically creative restaurants that line the street. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day Day 5.1

Transfer: Osaka to Nara

Day Day 5.2

Transfer: Nara to Osaka

Day Day 6

Nara – A Profoundly Spiritual Heritage

Travel to Nara, Japan’s first capital, to visit Todai-ji, a UNESCO-listed temple complex that holds the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Proceed to Nara Park, home to hundreds of deer, venerated here as divine spirits, which you may feed by hand. Experience a Shinto ceremony at the celebrated Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and then eat lunch. Before returning to Osaka, watch two sumo wrestlers demonstrate their renowned sport at Kehaya-za Sumo Pavilion. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Day 6.1

Transfer: Osaka to Kyoto

Day Day 7

Kyoto – The Golden Pavilion and Bamboo Grove

Travel into Kyoto early this morning to contemplate the iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji, the perfect spot for a meditative moment, and discover the glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) — covered with gold leaf and surrounded by green gardens — casting its delicate reflection in the tranquil pond beside it. After lunch, explore the Arashiyama neighborhood, including the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Later, bask in the magical atmosphere of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, strolling along a winding path as sunlight filters down through towering bamboo shoots, considered by many a healing experience. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day Day 8

Kyoto – Hillside Views and Tea Traditions

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for inspiring views of Kyoto. At another temple, experience the art of the tea ceremony, noting its refined sense of hospitality and etiquette, which dates to the time of the samurai. Tonight, savor traditional Japanese cuisine while an attending geiko (the word for geisha in the Kyoto dialect) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dance, sing, pour sake and share stories about life in modern Kyoto. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day Day 8.1

Transfer: Kyoto to null

Day Day 9

Depart Kyoto

Take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight or join your post-tour extension. Meals: Breakfast

What is included

  • English-speaking Resident Tour Director® and local guides
  • Airport meet-and-greet with private transfers
  • Travelling Bell Boy® service to transfer your bags between hotels
  • Mid-journey Traveller’s Valet® laundry service
  • Internet access
  • Entrance fees, taxes and all gratuities (except Resident Tour Director)
  • Round-the-clock, on-call support from Worldway’s experts
  • Daily breakfast, along with many meals

Accommodation & cabin notes

  • Accommodation, suite or cabin category is confirmed against live availability before booking.

Departures / operating windows

  • Feb 2027
  • Mar 2027
  • Apr 2027
  • May 2027
  • Jun 2027
  • Sep 2027
  • Oct 2027
  • Nov 2027
  • Dec 2027

Booking, payment & policy notes

Booking process: Submit an enquiry for Classic Japan; a Worldway specialist verifies live availability, supplier terms, routing, rooming and guest requirements before confirmation.

Payments: Deposit, balance deadline, currency conversion and any gateway fees are confirmed in writing before payment. No automatic charge is made from this information page.

Changes & cancellation: Worldway Travels Group rules can vary by departure, cabin, aircraft, hotel and season. Final cancellation penalties are shared on the quote and invoice before booking.

Travel documents: Passport validity, visas, insurance, medical requirements and local taxes remain traveller responsibilities unless specifically included in the confirmed proposal.

Traveller questions

Can this journey be tailored?: Yes — every element can be refined to your dates, pace and interests by our specialists.

How do I reserve?: Contact our team and we'll confirm availability and secure your preferred departure.

This page is designed as a complete pre-booking dossier. Final supplier availability, taxes, route permits, aircraft positioning, visas, insurance, rooming and cancellation rules are reconfirmed by Worldway before payment or ticketing.

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