Cultural Treasures of Japan
Operated by Collette

Cultural Treasures of Japan

From
CAD 6,949
Duration
14 days
Countries
Japan
Activity
active
Rating
4.3 · 83 reviewsvia Collette

The adventure

Embark on a cultural tour of Japan with Collette's travel package. Explore a rich itinerary full of historic & modern wonders across this fascinating country.

At a glance

Duration
14 days
Route
Countries
Japan
Activity level
active
Style
Culture & History
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Ask an agent

Day by day

Tranquil autumn scenery of a Japanese garden pond in Kyoto with colorful foliage.
Your journey through

Japan

Day 1Overnight FlightExplore ancient and modern Japanese culture firsthand. Discover peaceful temples and technological marvels set against unimaginable natural beauty.
Capture of cityscape from airplane with FlySafair wing visible.Overnight Flight
Explore ancient and modern Japanese culture firsthand. Discover peaceful temples and technological marvels set against unimaginable natural beauty.
Day 2Tokyo, JapanWelcome to Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun." Arrive in the electrifying city of Tokyo, where pop culture is turned all the way up and traditions are rich and long-kept. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently.
Welcome to Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun." Arrive in the electrifying city of Tokyo, where pop culture is turned all the way up and traditions are rich and long-kept. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently.
Day 3TokyoAmid 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. Tonight, join your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner.
View of Tokyo Skytree beside traditional urban architecture in Tokyo, Japan.Tokyo
Amid 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. Tonight, join your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner.
Map showing Tokyo
Day 4TokyoBegin the day exploring Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district. Visit the famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, the colourful temple known for the red chochin (lantern) hanging at the entrance gate, with a city tour of Tokyo. 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.
Bustling urban street in Shinjuku, Tokyo showcasing Japanese culture and vibrant billboards.Tokyo
Begin the day exploring Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district. Visit the famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, the colourful temple known for the red chochin (lantern) hanging at the entrance gate, with a city tour of Tokyo. 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.
Map showing Tokyo
Day 5Tokyo - HakoneJourney 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.
Panoramic view of Tokyo cityscape with Mount Fuji looming in the background, under cloudy skies.Tokyo
Journey 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.
Map showing Tokyo
Day 6Hakone - Matsumoto - TakayamaThis 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 <i>sake</i>, this is the perfect place to gather for a visit to one of Japan’s 200-year-old <i>sake</i> breweries. Afterward, experience a true Japanese epicurean treat – traditional rice wine paired with a special Hida beef dinner.
Beautiful view of Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji and red torii gate in Hakone, Japan.Hakone
This 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 <i>sake</i>, this is the perfect place to gather for a visit to one of Japan’s 200-year-old <i>sake</i> breweries. Afterward, experience a true Japanese epicurean treat – traditional rice wine paired with a special Hida beef dinner.
Map showing Hakone
Day 7TakayamaThe ancient cultures of Takayama come alive during a guided walk in the town’s historic district. 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. Here, <b>it’s your choice!</b> Choose to glimpse into the past at the 19th-century Takayama Jinya, a former government building <b>-OR-</b> visit the Matsuri Yatai Kaikan and view intricate, traditional, hand-carved floats used in festivals. This afternoon, relish some free time to continue your exploration of Takayama on your own.
Scenic view of historic Gassho-Zukuri farmhouse surrounded by lush greenery in Takayama, Japan.Takayama
The ancient cultures of Takayama come alive during a guided walk in the town’s historic district. 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. Here, <b>it’s your choice!</b> Choose to glimpse into the past at the 19th-century Takayama Jinya, a former government building <b>-OR-</b> visit the Matsuri Yatai Kaikan and view intricate, traditional, hand-carved floats used in festivals. This afternoon, relish some free time to continue your exploration of Takayama on your own.
Map showing Takayama
Day 8Takayama - Shirakawa-go - KanazawaToday, embrace the unique charms of Shirakawa-go (UNESCO). Hidden away in the mountain, this harmonious village is famous for its <i>gassho-zukuri</i>-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 Omicho fish market, 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. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant serving regional specialties.
Explore the serene beauty of a traditional Japanese village street at dawn.Takayama
Today, embrace the unique charms of Shirakawa-go (UNESCO). Hidden away in the mountain, this harmonious village is famous for its <i>gassho-zukuri</i>-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 Omicho fish market, 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. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant serving regional specialties.
Map showing Takayama
Day 9KanazawaToday, dive into the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in decorating your own lacquer box! Visit the Geisha quarters of Kanazawa, the Higashi Tea district, before venturing out on your own to really immerse yourself in Kanazawa’s dynamic culture.
Street view of Kanazawa showcasing traditional and modern architecture with pedestrians and traffic.Kanazawa
Today, dive into the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in decorating your own lacquer box! Visit the Geisha quarters of Kanazawa, the Higashi Tea district, before venturing out on your own to really immerse yourself in Kanazawa’s dynamic culture.
Map showing Kanazawa
Day 10Kanazawa - KyotoToday, Kyoto awaits! On arrival, 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. Try your hand at making sushi and learn to fold intricate origami shapes.
Beautiful autumn landscape at Kenrokuen Garden with vibrant foliage reflected on a tranquil pond.Kanazawa
Today, Kyoto awaits! On arrival, 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. Try your hand at making sushi and learn to fold intricate origami shapes.
Map showing Kanazawa
Day 11KyotoEarly this morning, visit 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 <i>Memoirs of a Geisha)</i> that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrine. 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. Visit the home of the first Shogun, Nijo Castle (UNESCO), and see intricate woodcarvings, wall paintings, and the Ninomaru Garden. Enjoy the remainder of your day to explore more of Kyoto at leisure.
Stunning autumn foliage at Tōfuku-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan, showcasing vibrant red and orange leaves.Kyoto
Early this morning, visit 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 <i>Memoirs of a Geisha)</i> that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrine. 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. Visit the home of the first Shogun, Nijo Castle (UNESCO), and see intricate woodcarvings, wall paintings, and the Ninomaru Garden. Enjoy the remainder of your day to explore more of Kyoto at leisure.
Map showing Kyoto
Day 12Kyoto - Bullet Train - Hiroshima - KyotoAll 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.
An Asian woman walks her dog through a traditional Kyoto alley, surrounded by lanterns and wooden houses.Kyoto
All 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.
Map showing Kyoto
Day 13KyotoThis morning, spend time with a monk at Koshoji Temple,** where you’ll have the opportunity to chant and mediate with them. Afterwards, take part in the ancient art of the tea ceremony and learn about its importance in Japanese culture. Take this rare opportunity to learn from and speak to the monk about their daily life. 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.
Explore the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan, featuring traditional architecture.Kyoto
This morning, spend time with a monk at Koshoji Temple,** where you’ll have the opportunity to chant and mediate with them. Afterwards, take part in the ancient art of the tea ceremony and learn about its importance in Japanese culture. Take this rare opportunity to learn from and speak to the monk about their daily life. 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.
Map showing Kyoto
Day 14Kyoto - Tour EndsYour 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.
Back view of unrecognizable local Japanese ladies in traditional kimonos walking on paved street near typical aged wooden houses in KyotoKyoto
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.
Map showing Kyoto

Traveller reviews

4.3

Based on 83 reviews · via Collette

Discover Japan

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Serene scene of a traditional Japanese garden with lush greenery and a small waterfall.
Peaceful twilight view of snow-capped Mount Fuji overlooking Kawaguchiko, Japan.
A tranquil view of a Japanese garden in Tokushima with a serene lake and lush greenery.
A peaceful Japanese garden in Kyoto featuring lush greenery and a calm pond.
Breathtaking aerial perspective of Lake Kawaguchi surrounded by mountains in Japan.

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
7 Jun 202620 Jun 2026CAD 8,199Sold outBook my trip
21 Jun 20264 Jul 2026CAD 8,199AvailableBook my trip
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