8-Nights Private Japan - Luxury Tailor Made Travel from $18,395

Abercrombie & Kent

OFFER ID 1504794

Private Japan
Discover the incredible breadth of Japan’s culture and history, from the contemporary flair of Tokyo to the charms of traditional Kyoto, visiting historic temples, overnighting at a sought-after ryokan, and sampling its culinary treasures.

8 nights from $18,395 per person

Valid for new bookings deposited May 9, 2024 - December 20, 2024 only on select 2024 Private Journeys departures

*Promotion may not be combinable with any other offers, promotions, or discounts, and is subject to availability and airline booking guidelines. Other restrictions may apply.

Itinerary

Abercrombie & Kent: Private Japan

Day 1 Tokyo, Japan

Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s exciting capital. Transfer to your hotel, located near the Imperial Palace.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Otemachi

Meals:

Day 2 Tokyo

This morning, visit Asakusa Kannon Temple. This colorful pagoda-style temple was completed in 645 and is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy in several East Asian spiritual traditions. Continue to a family-owned workshop that specializes in Japanese drum making, and try your hand at playing the taiko, on an A&K-exclusive experience. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest national museum in Japan and home to a vast collection of Japanese art and antiquities. Continue to Meiji Shrine, a Shinto complex dedicated to an emperor that was rebuilt after World War II.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Otemachi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 Tokyo

Start your day at a local fish market, a bustling hub of Japanese daily life where a dizzying array of seafood can be found. Then, receive a lesson in sushi making, followed by lunch, during a Chef ’s Table experience. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

Explore the Mori Art Museum to take in local contemporary art.

Learn the Secrets of the Samurai Warriors and test your sword skills during a private class led by a modern-day master samurai.

Indulge in a Sake Tasting, sampling some of Japan’s finest sake and learning about its cultural importance.

Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Otemachi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 Hakone

Travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring destinations, and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Board an aerial tram rising above the wooded slopes for inspiring views of Mount Fuji. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before strolling the grassy hillsides of Hakone's Open-Air Museum. Admire the impressive contemporary sculptures and artwork on display, including masterpieces by Henry Moore and Auguste Rodin. The museum also features one of the world’s finest Picasso exhibits, presenting visitors with over 100 works by the cubist master. Tonight, enjoy unparalleled service at Gôra Kadan, an exclusive ryokan (traditional inn).

Gôra Kadan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Osaka

After breakfast at your ryokan, head to the Okada Museum of Art to view its stunning collection of paintings, ceramics, lacquerware and bronzes from Japan, Korea and China. Then, Ride Like a Local by bullet train to Osaka. Historically known as a merchant city, it is today renowned as Japan’s undisputed culinary capital, where diners indulge in everything from octopus dumplings to okonomiyaki — a battered, grilled concoction of chopped cabbage, meat or seafood, and seaweed, topped with mayonnaise. This evening, enjoy a wonderful foodie tour in the Dotonbori District, sampling dishes from the brilliantly lit and culinarily creative restaurants that line the street.

The St. Regis Osaka

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 Nara

Travel early this morning to Nara, Japan’s first capital. Visit Todai-ji, a temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Continue to Nara Park, home to hundreds of tame deer, venerated here as divine spirits, which you have the opportunity to feed by hand. Next visit the celebrated Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Conclude your Nara excursion with an exploration of the Naramachi District, comprised of winding Japanese streets and modernized merchant houses.

The St. Regis Osaka

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto early this morning to contemplate the iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji and glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Covered in gold leaf that casts a shimmering reflection in the tranquil pond beside it, the temple exhibits three different styles of architecture — shinden, samurai and Zen — one on each floor. After lunch, explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, strolling along a winding path as sunlight filters down through towering bamboo shoots, considered by many a healing experience. Proceed to nearby Tenryu-ji Temple and its wonderful gardens before continuing to your hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 Kyoto

This morning, visit Kiyomizu Temple, a celebrated Buddhist temple known for its stunning views of Kyoto. Marvel at the city from afar and enjoy the panorama of cherry and maple trees that come into color in the spring and fall. Proceed to a local temple, where you experience the art of the tea ceremony, noting its refined sense of hospitality and etiquette, which date to the time of the samurai. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Kyoto

Transfer to Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport, both located just outside of Osaka, for your international flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Kyoto

Osaka

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.

Excursions

Kobe - Osaka Day Tour

Hakone

Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan, presents a different view at every turn. It's one of the world's main economic centers and its most populous agglomeration. The business of Tokyo is business, but you can still find harmony and small-scale gardens on back streets. Around the corner from neon and concrete, you may find the bonsai-lined courtyard of a traditional inn.

Tokyo was nearly destroyed by bombs and fires during World War II, and by earthquakes at other times, but it has always rebuilt itself. As a result, there is little left of Old Japan in the city, but there's plenty of New Japan to take its place.

The streets are a confusing maze, so a map is essential. The transit system is excellent, however, and there are kobans (police boxes) throughout the metropolis, as well as a populace generally willing to answer questions.

Visitors to Tokyo represent both business and leisure travelers. And despite its past reputation, Tokyo is no longer fearsomely expensive. It's relatively easy to visit Tokyo on a budget.

Excursions

Shinjuku - Night in The City - 4 Hours

Wheeling Your Way Through Tokyo - 6 Hours

Forget the bus, get out of the car, and by no means take the subway – experience Tokyo by bicycle a seemingly unusual way to explore one of the world’s largest megalopolises. But once on your bike and pedaling through the city’s many and varied neighborhoods you will experience Tokyo in a truly unique way.

You will transfer to Chuo-ku, Tokyo where you choose your bicycle and try it out before setting off. Once ready and under the supervision of your cycling guide set off for the Tour de Tokyo pedaling your way through some of the distinctive districts that make Tokyo so memorable:–
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Tsukishima (traditional market area famed for its monjayaki savoury pancake) and Tsukiji Outer Market the largest seafood market in the world.
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Ginza (Tokyo’s chic shopping district – the city’s “Fifth Avenue”)
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Shinbashi Station (Japan’s oldest railway station)
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Azabu Juban Village (eclectic, eccentric and exciting – where trendy meets traditional)
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Roppongi, Aoyama and Harajuku & Omotesando (iconic architecture and fashion forward for today’s Tokyo)
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Yoyogi Park (site of the 1964 Olympic Village – weather permitting enjoy a picnic lunch)
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The New National Stadium (site of the 2020 Opening Ceremonies)
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Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo’s revered Shinto Shrine set within a verdant forest park)
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Yoyogi National Stadium (Tange Kenzo’s stunning design for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games)
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Jingu Gaien Mall (the beautiful Gingko lined Avenue)
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Akasaka Palace (the magnificent State Guest House)
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Parliament House (the site of the National Diet)
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Imperial Palace Grounds (The Iconic Nijubashi Bridge and the moat)
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Tokyo Station + KITTE (Marunouchi Minami Exit side)
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15:00: Arrive at Chuo-ku, Tokyo – the end of this Tokyo tour

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

01/01/2024 - 12/31/2024

from $18,395 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $18,395 per person

Length

8 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Luxury
The finest hotels in the world, luxury lodging is characterized by luxury accommodations, impeccable service and the highest standards of comfort and pampering. Luxury hotels and resorts are often found in the most desirable locations. Building from the amenities and guest services offered at a deluxe hotel or resort, the luxury establishment usually puts on the finishing touches - fresh flowers around the hotel and original works of art throughout. Hotel restaurants often employ world renowned chefs to create delectable dishes and a unique dining experience. Attention to detail and personalized service are the hallmarks of luxury hotels and resorts.

Remarks

Prices are per person, double occupancy and include internal air where applicable. Holiday surcharge may apply. Departure dates, prices and availability may change at any time. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1504794

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Kathleen Stahl Travel Services

529 36th Street
Des Moine, IA 50312
USA

(515) 271-8091