Tour members from across Canada will gather in Toronto or Vancouver for the overnight flights to Narita (Tokyo).

Touching down in Tokyo this afternoon, we’ll head to our hotel right in the heart of the city. After settling in, it’s time to meet our fellow adventurers and kick things off with a welcome dinner to celebrate the journey ahead! 

New Otani Garden Tower Tokyo (2 nights)

We begin our city tour in Asakusa, home to the vibrant Sensoji Buddhist Temple—Tokyo’s oldest, founded in 628 AD.  Stroll along Nakamise Street to soak in its historic charm, from wooden dolls to traditional sweets. Then, ascend Tokyo Skytree for sweeping views of the city. 

We begin our day at the Imperial Palace Plaza, where the iconic twin bridges offer a glimpse into Japan’s royal legacy. A peaceful stroll through the leafy East Gardens sets the tone before we dive into Tokyo’s cultural heart. At the Tokyo National Museum, we explore centuries of Japanese art, then head to the stylish Ginza district for a hands-on sushi-making experience with a local chef. Leaving the city behind, we journey to the scenic Five Lakes District—keeping watch for the majestic Mt. Fuji as it rises above the landscape. 

Rembrandt Premium Fuji Gotemba or similar (1 night)

We begin in the picturesque village of Oshino Hakkai, where spring-fed ponds reflect Mt. Fuji and the sky above. Ascend by road to Mt. Fuji’s 5th station (2,300 meters) to admire its grandeur, then ride the Kachikachiyama Ropeway up Mt. Tenjo for sweeping views of Lake Kawaguchiko—and Mt. Fuji, if weather permits. Continue through the Japanese Alps to Takayama, where dinner and the glowing lantern-lit Evening Festival await. 

Mercure Hida Takayama Hotel or similar (2 nights)

Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. The festival procession features hundreds of participants in Edo-period attire accompanying the portable shrine of Sannou-sama, the patron deity of Hie Shrine. Performers dressed in traditional robes share the road with shishimai (lion dancers) and tokeiraku (gong performers). Enjoy a lunch of Hida-gyu—premium beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest wagyū varieties in Japan. After lunch, soak up the the town’s festive atmosphere. Admire the intricately carved yatai (floats), some dating back to the 17th century, which feature karakuri ningyo (marionettes) that move and perform through the skill of tsunakata (puppeteers). Later, return to the hotel by coach.

Journey back in time this morning with a visit to the peaceful, UNESCO-listed village of Gokayama, nestled among five scenic valleys. Admire the unique construction of the traditional gassho-zukuri wooden houses, built without the use of nails and featuring steeply pitched thatched roofs designed to prevent snow from accumulating. Meet with a local family in one of these historic houses, and observe artisans as they demonstrate the art of making washi paper and try your hand at making your own. 

Ana Crowne Plaza Kanazawa (2 nights)

This morning, join a local specialist to learn the delicate art of gold leaf painting—a craft perfected in Kanazawa since the 16th century. Continue to the tranquil gardens of Kenroku-en, which took shape over 200 years to emerge as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Connecting with your exquisite natural surrounds, you’ll stroll through ornate landscapes and past ponds and temples. Take a short walk through the Omicho market next to see the local catch of the day and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Then, visit the Nagamachi District with its beautifully preserved samurai houses that line the traditional stone streets. Here you will gain first-hand insights into samurai life during a visit to the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion.

Board an express train to Kyoto, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant and learn about local customs from your hosts. Later, visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto’s iconic Golden Pavilion. Originally built in the 14th century as a shogun’s villa, it was later converted into a Zen temple and remains one of the city’s most treasured landmarks. 

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (2 nights)

Visit one of Kyoto’s highlights—the historic Arashiyama district, renowned for its springtime cherry blossoms and breathtaking landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. Take a leisurely walk through the towering bamboo groves and see the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, then spend some free time at Nishiki Market, a traditional food market known to locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry.” This afternoon we will be treated to a Japanese tea ceremony where we will learn from expert practitioners and even trying our hand at the ritual. Continue to Nara to visit Toda-ji Temple, home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue, and stroll through nearby Nara Park, where hundreds of friendly free-roaming deer await. End the day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its tunnel of thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that wind up the wooded slopes of Mount Inari. 

This morning, we leave Japan’s main island of Honshu behind, crossing the world’s longest suspension bridge over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Take a walk around Yumebutai, noted for its ‘100 Stepped Garden’ built into the hillside. Next, visit the Water Temple (Mizumido) to admire the reflection of the mountains, rice paddies and bamboo groves as we descend the steps to the Buddhist temple. This evening, we are in the small hot springs village of Kotohira at a traditional style Japanese ryokan. There will time to make the climb to Kotohira-gu Shrine for the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Later be sure to enjoy a relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) baths in our hotel. Gather in the hotel for Kaiseki, a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner, highly regarded for its meticulous preparation, artistic presentation, and emphasis on seasonal ingredients. It and art form in itself, where every detail, from the food to the tableware, is thoughtfully arranged to create a memorable dining experience.   

Kobaitei Ryokan (1 night) 

Zentsuji Temple, birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi,  is the 75th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, which covers approximately 1,200 kilometers and was traditionally done on foot taking up to 60 days to complete. It is still done by many people today although modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. On Omishima Island we will have lunch at a local restaurant, before continuing across the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometre route that links Honshu and Shikoku via six main islands and seven bridges. We continue to Hiroshima.   

Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel (2 nights)

We travel by ferry to the sacred Miyajima Island, where we’ll see the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate that stands majestically in the sea. After some free time for lunch and to explore the island’s spiritual sanctuaries, we return to Hiroshima for a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Imagine the devastation and horror that followed the world’s first atomic explosion in 1945 as you see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing in the area and an expression of hope for world peace. This evening, we’ll indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood or cheese, grilled in layers on a hot plate.

This morning, enjoy another unique Japanese experience as we board the high-speed bullet (Shinkansen) train for the 90-minute journey to Osaka, a spirited and liberal city. This afternoon, we can join our guide for a walking tour through the colourful Namba District (very much like the Ginza in Tokyo) to the Kuromon Ichiba Fish Market, with vendors selling street food, fresh produce, a variety of seafood and shellfish, plus souvenirs.
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka (2 nights)

Gain a different perspective of Osaka’s landmark city sights, starting your day with a cruise on the ‘aqua-bus’ along Okawa River. Sail past the Japan Mint, City Hall, and Nakanoshima. Visit the downtown district of Shinsekai to see the Tsutenkaku Tower, then continue to the Dotonbori Street area for some time at leisure. Delve into the star- crossed love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei during your visit to the Tsuyunoten Shrine in Umeda, which inspired the famous Edo-period play “The Love Suicides of Sonezaki.” Written in 1703 by dramatist Chikamatsu Monzaemon, the play fictionalized a tragic lovers’ pact said to have occurred near the shrine. Admire the panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory – an open-air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Later join your fellow guests and national guide for our farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

Your journey revealing Japan's past and present comes to an end. Following a morning at leisure, a final transfer will bring us to Kansai International Airport for our return flights to Canada.