Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the non stop Air Canada flight to Haneda, or Vancouver for the overnight direct Air Canada flight to Narita.

Arriving in Tokyo this afternoon, we will transfer to our hotel, located in the centre of Tokyo. After settling in, we gather for an opportunity to meet our fellow travellers and enjoy a relaxed dinner. Hotel New Otani (3 nights)

Our full day city exploration will begin with a visit to the Imperial Palace Eastern Gardens, home to 210,000 square meters of green space that is open to the public. Walk through the Ginza district, the most expensive real estate in the world, with some free time to explore a few boutiques and stores. Experience the world’s busiest intersection, Shibuya Crossing, where hundreds of people cross from all directions every time the signal changes. After a lunch of Kushiage (fried meat and vegetables on bamboo skewers) we proceed to the Tokyo Skytree to visit the top level for an awe-inspiring view of the city. We may even see Mt. Fuji on a very clear day. At Asakusa, visit Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple and the Asakusa Shinto Shrine to learn  about Japan’s unique religious practices.

Travel by local train to Kamakura, 13th century capital and home to countless poets and artists. Our walking tour takes us through busy streets to Kotoku-in Temple, a 40  ft. bronze Buddha, Hase-Kannon Temple and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Stroll along the colourful Komachi-dori Street with its many shops.

Departing Tokyo we drive south skirting the Japanese alps before driving up the slopes of Mt. Fuji (weather providing to the Fifth Station). Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Ashi and take the Komagatake Ropeway for scenic views of Hakone and surrounding area. On to Suwa where for this one night we step into another world, relaxing in a cotton yukata (dressing gown), relaxing in the spa, enjoying meals in a Tatami-matted room and sleeping on a traditional  Futon. Saginoyu Ryokan (1 night)

Our journey continues via Matsumoto, noted for its majestic six storey castle, to the mountain village of Takayama. Visit the Hida Folk Village, a living museum of rural homes and barns, where we will experience the traditional lifestyles of a bygone era. Later we will visit the Matsuri-no-Mori Museum to learn about the art of tea and to experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. The museum has a collection of massive yatai or parade floats, created for the annual harvest festival. Hotel Associa Takayama (2 nights)

This morning will be spent on a comprehensive walking tour exploring this delightful small city. Visits include the Miyagawa Morning Market, the traditional wooden houses and shops of Kami Sannomachi Street and Kusakabe Folk Museum. The latter was formerly the residence of the Kusakabe family and has been designated an important cultural property. We’ll also visit Takayama Jinya, the former regional headquarters of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Our first stop will be at the mountain village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its traditional gassho-zukuri (thatched roof) farm houses. Some are over 250 years old. Visit the residence of the Iwase family; with its magnificent thatched roof home. Later visit Gokayama to observe the intricate and involved process of creating traditional Japanese paper (Washi). ANA Crowne Plaza (1 night) 

Take a walk through one of Japan’s most famous gardens; Kenroku-en, The Garden of Six Qualities. It features magnificent landscaping, flowering trees, and lakes. With some good fortune, we might be able to enjoy the enchanting colours of the cherry blossoms. Visit the Hakuichi Gold Leaf Museum with a demonstration explaining the art of gold leaf application before travelling by bullet train to Hiroshima, an important southern city. Box lunch will be provided for the train ride. Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (2 nights)

Hiroshima is best remembered for the event of August 6, 1945 when the A Bomb decimated the city and area. The Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Memorial Park are both sobering testaments to the event and aftermath. Time permitting we shall visit Shukkei-en Garden to enjoy the cherry blossoms or for a quiet walk with time to reflect. This afternoon cross the Inland Sea by ferry to Miyajima Island, felt by many to be one of the three top scenic experiences in Japan. On the island we will ride the cable car to enjoy the magnificent views from the peak and visit the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine dating from 1168AD. 

Note: Itsukushima-jinja Shrine is undergoing refurbishment and may be scaffolded at time of visit.

Travel by bullet train to Himeji to see the exterior of Himeji Castle, the 400 year old UNESCO World Heritage Site and national treasure. Continue by coach to historic Kyoto, capital of Japan for almost 1,000 years, until 1868. This delightful city conjures up classic images: streets of little wooden houses, the sound of geta (wooden sandals) clicking on the cobblestones, geisha in brightly coloured silk, tea ceremonies, traditional gardens and more. Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (4 nights)

Our day begins with a walk through the unique Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions,  followed by the Kinkaku-ji Temple, or Golden Pavilion. This three-storey pagoda, covered in gold foil, is set next to a tranquil reflecting pool and surrounded by gardens and pine forests. Nearby are the gardens and palace of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO Site noted for the great Ninomaru Wing and Audience Hall with its Nightingale Floors. In Fushimi we will explore the gardens of the Inari Shinto Shrine with its series of vermillion Torii gates and delightful cherry trees leading up to the slopes of Mt. Inari. With good fortune and weather, this will be a most enchanting day with lots of colours to enjoy.

Nara is one of the most gracious and sacred centres in all of Japan. Following an ancient tradition, the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, founded in the 8^th century to protect the capital, is rebuilt every 20 years. In the temple grounds you will find some 3,000 stone lanterns which are lit twice a year, during two special festivals. At Todaiji Temple we visit Daibutsuden Hall, once the largest wooden building in the world, enshrining a great bronze sitting image of Buddha. Before returning to Kyoto, we shall enjoy a stroll through the Deer Park. This evening the adventurous may want to explore the charms of Pontocho laneway.

Most of today is at leisure with ample time to explore this wondrous former capital. Take the opportunity to shop in the huge complex by Central Station or at the Kyoto Handicraft Centre. Discover the wonders of the Nishiki food market, the National Museum or the Kyoto Imperial Palace. If you want more religious sites, there are a host of unique and different temples throughout Kyoto. Late this afternoon we will walk through the Higashiyama District with its narrow cobblestone streets and tiny shops and into the Gion where Geisha still live and work. Finally we gather for our Farewell Shabu-Shabu Dinner.