Majestic Japan with Osaka

13 Day Tour from Tokyo to Osaka
Small groups lead to big experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour of Japan. From its heaven-piercing skyscrapers to its heavenly gardens down below, Japan is a feast for mind, body, and soul. From the lush man-made forest surrounding the magnificent Shinto monuments to vibrant nightlife, vintage teahouses, and venerable temples, Tokyo comes to life with spring’s first cherry blossoms and the first catch of the day in its sushi houses. Be whisked away by shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya for more adventure, including a traditional sake tasting. Continue to captivating Kyoto where thousands of brightly hued Torii Gates welcome you to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Step into ancient bliss of the Temple of the Golden Pavilion and (“Zen” some!) with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Glide into tranquility on the serene waters lapping the shores of Amanohashidate sandbar and ponder the power of nature in Koraku-en Garden. Nature abounds again in Matsue, nicknamed the “City of Water,” where you’ll discover the beauty of the Adachi Museum’s world-renowned gardens and art. Your tour of Japan takes you to the hallowed grounds of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Memorial, preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945. End your exploration of Japan with the thrill of the famous bullet train as you ride from Hiroshima to Osaka, where you’ll visit the Osaka Castle and Minami, the city’s most famous entertainment district. So much history, mystery, and magnificent beauty awaits you on this fascinating Small Group Discovery tour of Japan.
All This. Included
Special features included in this tour:

• Guided tour of Tokyo by subway with visits to Meiji Shrine and Asakusa Temple
• Bullet train ride from Tokyo to Nagoya
• Visit to Nagoya Castle and sake tasting
• Cruise on the Amanohashidate Bay
• Guided sightseeing in Kyoto with visits to Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Golden Pavilion
• [LF] Traditional tea ceremony
• Visit to Himeji Castle
• Hands-on pottery experience in Bizen
• Visits to Koraku-en Garden and Bikan Historical Quarter
• Visits to Matsue Castle and Adachi Museum of Art
• Guided sightseeing in Hiroshima with visits to Shukkei-en Garden and Peace Memorial Park
• Ferry to Miyajima Island with visit to Itsukushima Shrine and cable-car ride on Mount Misen
• Japanese cooking class featuring sushi and miso soup
• [LF] Lunch featuring Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
• Bullet train ride from Hiroshima to Osaka
• Guided sightseeing in Osaka with visit to Osaka Castle and walking tour of Dotonbori