Splendors of Japan with Takayama Festival

Splendors of Japan with Takayama Festival
from $4,925 pp

Duration: 9 Days
Destinations: Japan

Celebrate the changing seasons as the jangle of bells and boom-boom-bang of drums accompany a captivating parade of festival floats on the streets of hillside Takayama. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.

Call to Book 1-413-785-1381

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Included With Your Trip

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted All porterage and restaurant gratuities All hotel tips, charges and local taxes Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals Must-see sightseeing Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) Optional Experiences and free time On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Additional Information

Konnichiwa Tokyo

Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you'll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a drink and local appetizers.
Hotel: New Otani Garden Tower

Explore Vibrant Tokyo

Begin your city tour in Asakusa, Tokyo's historic entertainment district, where you'll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, one of the city's most colorful and popular temples. Founded in 628 and rebuilt many times over the centuries, Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest temple site. Next, stroll down Nakamise Street and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colorful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. Ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest free-standing broadcasting tower, for panoramic views of the city skyline. End the day with a stroll around Ginza, Tokyo's famous shopping district.
Hotel: New Otani Garden Tower

Off to the Five Lakes District

Start your day at the Imperial Palace Plaza, where you'll view the two bridges leading to the palace's inner grounds. Walk through the East Gardens, a peaceful space once part of the original Edo Castle. At the Tokyo National Museum, take time to browse the country's oldest collection of Japanese art. Then, join a sushi chef to learn how to prepare this iconic dish. Head into the Fuji Five Lakes District and look out for Mt. Fuji dominating the horizon. In the small village of Oshino Hakkai, discover eight clear springfed pondsregistered as a component of the Mount Fuji UNESCO World Heritage siteand see how snowmelt from Mt. Fuji supports rural life in this scenic part of Japan.
Hotel: Fuji Marriott Yamanakako

Majestic Mt. Fuji and Timeless Takayama

Journey up Mt. Fuji by road to the 5th Station, sitting 2,300 m (7,546 ft) above sea level. From here, take in sweeping views over Lake Kawaguchiko and the surrounding peaks before traveling through the scenic landscapes of the Japanese Alps to Takayama, a hillside town known for its traditional streets and mountain setting. Tonight, settle into your hotel where you'll sit down to dinner together.
Hotel: Associa Takayama Resort

Join the Locals at the Takayama Festival

Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Enjoy lunch featuring Japanese Hida-gyu, beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed renowned for its quality. After lunch, soak up the town's festive atmosphere as you admire the intricately carved yatai (floats), some dating back to the 17th century, featuring karakuri ningyo (mechanical marionettes) that move and dance under the skilled control of tsuna kata (puppeteers). This evening, head to the peaceful UNESCO-listed village of Gokayama, set among five mountain valleys, to watch local artisans make washi paper and try your hand at crafting your own during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience that supports the sustainability of this small business. Later, return to your hotel.
Hotel: Associa Takayama Resort

Experience Gokayama and on to Kanazawa

Continue your time in the peaceful UNESCO-listed village of Gokayama this morning. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses, built without the use of nails, with steeply sloped thatched roofs designed to prevent snow from accumulating. Then, continue to Kanazawa, take a short walk through Omicho Market and enjoy an insider's view of everyday life in this busy coastal town. Next, visit the gardens of Kenroku-en, shaped over a hundred years before meeting a Local Specialist to learn the secrets of gold leaf painting.
Hotel: Kanazawa Tokyu

Onwards to Kyoto Connect with Locals

Board an express train to Kyoto, where you'll visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple. Originally a 14th-century villa, this striking Zen temple is now best known for its Golden Pavilion, reflected in the surrounding pond and gardens. Later, connect with locals at a traditional restaurant during your Be My Guest experience. Learn about Japanese customs as your hosts share stories of everyday life and regional traditions over a shared meal.
Hotel: Kyoto Tokyu

Discover Enchanting Kyoto

The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide your path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century. Continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the intricate detail of its 1,001 statues of the "thousand-handed" goddesses of mercy. Then, enjoy a walking tour through the Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. This evening, indulge in dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travelers.
Hotel: Kyoto Tokyu

Departure from Kyoto

Your encounter with Japan's age-old traditions and modern cityscapes comes to an end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.

Departure Dates

Dates	From Price	Price My Trip
Oct 6, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026	$4,925 pp \| Land Only	Price My Trip

Start: October 6, 2026 End: October 14, 2026 Price: $4,925 pp \| Land Only Price My Trip

Price My Trip

Product Code: TTUSAS-JPNFN26

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