FULL ITINERARY
Daily activities will be determined by weather, schedules and various other elements that comprise this robust tour. The itinerary is flexible and represents a general listing of planned activities and excursions.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: En Route from U.S.
Thursday, April 8, 2027
Day 2: Arrive in Osaka, Japan
Friday, April 9, 2027
Upon arrival to Osaka's Kansai International Airport an Orbridge representative will be waiting to assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Settle into your luxurious accommodations and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
Day 3: Osaka
Saturday, April 10, 2027 (B,L,D)
After breakfast set off for Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japan’s feudal history and a major factor of the unification of Japan during the 16th century. The 15-acre property features original gates and turrets, a series of moats, and lush gardens.
Continue to a Japanese Noh theater for an inside visit. Gain insight into the history and tradition of classical Japanese dance-drama performances with an opportunity to try on various costumes.
Following lunch enjoy independent time in Dotonbori, a neon-lit entertainment district lined with shops, theaters, street merchants and taverns.
Tonight gather with the group for a special welcome dinner.
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
Day 4: Osaka • Nara • Kyoto
Sunday, April 11, 2027 (B,L)
Board a motor coach for the scenic 30-minute ride to Nara, an ancient city abundant with UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic monuments and important pilgrimage routes. Nara's verdant green parkland is also home to more than 1,000 sika deer. Friendly and free-roaming, these sacred creatures are considered divine messengers of the gods and are highly protected wildlife.
Next explore the UNESCO-listed Tōdai-ji Temple and view its nearly 50-foot tall bronze Great Buddha statue. According to historical records, more than 2.6 million people helped construct the statue and its surrounding hall, contributing materials like wood and metal, with 350,000 laborers working directly on the statue's construction.
Continue to Kasuga Taisha, a shrine dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. Hundreds of bronze lanterns, donated by worshipers and lit only twice a year during festivals, hang from the various buildings.
Gather for a group lunch before continuing to Kyoto by motor coach. Check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to explore independently.
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
Day 5: Kyoto
Monday, April 12, 2027 (B,D)
This morning visit the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, which showcases the traditional crafts and industries of Kyoto including lacquerware, textiles, woodworking, metalwork and basketry.
Break for lunch on your own and time to explore the ancient pedestrian streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka independently. Then rejoin the group for a tour and tasting at a local sake brewery.
Afterward tour Fushimi Inari Taisha, a shrine famous for its thousands of bright red-orange torii gates straddling the property's paths and trails. Each gate has been donated by an individual or company as a prayer for a wish to come true or a token of gratitude for a wish fulfilled.
This evening take part in a sushi-making experience, gaining insight into the precision and creativity of Japan’s culinary traditions.
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto • Hiroshima
Tuesday, April 13, 2027 (B,L)
After breakfast step aboard Japan’s famed Shinkansen bullet train for a day trip to Hiroshima, a vibrant urban hub that has become known for its robust food culture. Enjoy extended time to explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and see the poignant A-Bomb Dome—one of the few buildings to remain standing and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This evening take advantage of the lovely hotel amenities and dining options.
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Wednesday, April 14, 2027 (B)
After breakfast take an inside tour of Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial palace of the first shogun of the Edo Period and his family.
Next experience a tranquil tea ceremony providing an intimate glimpse into Japanese tradition and hospitality.
Continue to the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a brief walking tour. The sun-dappled pathways beneath the soaring bamboo stalks provide a stage for breathtaking photography opportunities.
Conclude the day with a visit to UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. The top two stories of this three-tier structure are covered in pure gold leaf, intending to purify or mitigate negative thoughts.
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto • Hakone
Thursday, April 15, 2027 (B,L,D)
Travel east via Shinkansen bullet train to Hakone, a mountainous town nestled within the forested landscapes of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Peruse the exhibits and installations at the Hakone Open Air Museum, which strives to create a harmonic balance of nature and art by positioning sculptures in cohesion with views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
Arrive to your luxury accommodations for the following two nights—a traditional ryokan featuring open-air hot springs and attentive service, providing a quintessential Japanese experience. Enjoy time to unwind and embrace the restorative rhythm of nature that surrounds you.
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
Day 9: Hakone
Friday, April 16, 2027 (B,L,D)
Following a leisurely breakfast set off for Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station to board a cable car ascending to an observation platform for spectacular views over the valley.
Afterward embark on a sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashi, a caldera lake formed by a volcano eruption 3,000 years ago. Have a camera ready to capture shots of Mt. Fuji if the skies are clear.
The remainder of the day is at leisure at the property—take advantage of time to relax in one of the open-air onsen baths or the sauna.
This evening enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner featuring haute Japanese cuisine.
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
Day 10: Hakone • Tokyo
Saturday, April 17, 2027 (B,L)
Board a motor coach for the journey to Tokyo. En route stop to see Oshino Hakkai, a set of eight spring ponds fed by aquifer water from Mt. Fuji. Enjoy leisure time to explore followed by a visit to Hannoki Oshino, the historic village nearby.
Continue to the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, stopping at Oishi Park for stunning panoramic views and prime photography opportunities of Mt. Fuji and the lake.
Next visit Arakura Fuji Sengen, dedicated to the deity of Mt. Fuji. Take advantage of additional photography opportunities from the pagoda's vantage point.
Upon arrival in Tokyo check into your sophisticated accommodations and enjoy the evening at leisure to explore the city’s abundant dining and entertainment options.
ANA InterContinental Tokyo
Day 11: Tokyo
Sunday, April 18, 2027 (B,L)
Following breakfast visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. While exploring the grounds perhaps take part in a traditional Shinto activity like making an offering at the main hall or writing out a wish on an ema (wooden plaque).
Afterward take a guided panoramic tour of the Shibuya Crossing, a bustling shopping and entertainment hub.
Conclude the day with an inside visit to the Tokyo National Museum, home to a collection of approximately 600 pieces of art and artifacts including paintings, calligraphic works, sculptures, decorative arts and archaeological relics spanning millennia of Japanese history.
ANA InterContinental Tokyo
Day 12: Tokyo
Monday, April 19, 2027 (B,D)
This morning explore Tokyo Imperial Palace and the Imperial Palace East Gardens, a tranquil oasis on the former grounds of Edo Castle.
Continue to Tokyo Tower, the country's tallest, for unbeatable 360º views over the urban expanse from the observation deck.
Enjoy lunch on your own and independent leisure time to explore Ginza, Tokyo's high-end shopping district. This famous entertainment center features an extensive variety of department stores, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.
Later rejoin the group for an interactive origami workshop. Try your hand at creating your own Japanese paper artwork to take home as a memento of your experience.
This evening gather together for a special farewell dinner to commemorate your time in Japan.
ANA InterContinental Tokyo
Day 13: Tokyo • Depart for U.S.
Tuesday, April 20, 2027 (B)
After breakfast guests departing during the suggested times take the complimentary transfer to Haneda Airport for flights home.
(Itinerary subject to change.)
