Tauck
Essence of Japan
Essence of Japan
Inspirational, innovative and intriguing, Japan is a favorite destination with Tauck travelers… where gilded temples and glittering skyscrapers reign over streets steeped in history and tradition.
Discover the revered customs and unique sense of beauty that infuse life here… On the main island of Honshu, from Tokyo to the hot springs resort town of Hakone to Kanazawa and the cultural treasure trove of Kyoto, visit a private home for a tea ceremony and Origami… explore castles, temples, shrines, a samurai home, and world-class gardens… spend a night at a ryokan with traditional Japanese cultural experiences… make sushi, taste sake, cruise Lake Ashi to see Mt. Fuji… enjoy a taiko performance, Shinto music, Kagura dancing, a sumo wrestling demonstration… and meet a geisha expert. Join us for a Japan trip to remember.
Day 1 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
Day 2 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
Day 3 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
Day 4 |
Hakone - An International Tourist Resort The city of Hakone lies nestled in the midst of spectacular Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. More than 20 million tourists from overseas as well as from all over Japan visit Hakone every year, seeking the resplendent enjoyments this famous resort area offers throughout the year.
In order to both encourage and accommodate the growing number of visitors to Hakone, we make every effort to provide them continually with the latest information on the area's natural wonders and exhaustively strive to improve its accommodation, local transportation and recreational facilities. Extensive planning has been carefully formulated and put into practice to ensure that improvement of recreational facilities is sustained. Considerable attention has been paid to the preservation of the area's scenic beauty and of its unique cultural heritage. We are unflagging in the energy we give to these tasks since it is our strong belief that tourism is a principal contributing factor to promoting friendship among the world's peoples. |
Day 5 |
Hakone - An International Tourist Resort The city of Hakone lies nestled in the midst of spectacular Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. More than 20 million tourists from overseas as well as from all over Japan visit Hakone every year, seeking the resplendent enjoyments this famous resort area offers throughout the year.
In order to both encourage and accommodate the growing number of visitors to Hakone, we make every effort to provide them continually with the latest information on the area's natural wonders and exhaustively strive to improve its accommodation, local transportation and recreational facilities. Extensive planning has been carefully formulated and put into practice to ensure that improvement of recreational facilities is sustained. Considerable attention has been paid to the preservation of the area's scenic beauty and of its unique cultural heritage. We are unflagging in the energy we give to these tasks since it is our strong belief that tourism is a principal contributing factor to promoting friendship among the world's peoples. |
Day 6 |
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Day 7 |
Kanazawa, Japan, is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of historical charm and cultural richness. Known for its well-preserved Edo-period districts, Kanazawa is a treasure trove of traditional Japanese experiences. The Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, is a must-visit for any traveler. This beautiful landscape garden features serene ponds, lush greenery, and seasonal flowers, embodying classic Japanese aesthetics. Another gem in Kanazawa is the Kanazawa Castle, which, though rebuilt, retains the grandeur of its original structure. The castle's impressive stone walls and historical exhibits provide a glimpse into the feudal past of the region. Explore the castle grounds and discover the rich history of the Maeda clan, the ruling samurai family of Kanazawa. For those interested in traditional crafts, Kanazawa is renowned for its gold leaf production, which dates back to the 16th century. The city is home to several workshops where visitors can see artisans at work and even try their hand at creating their own gold leaf art. The Kanazawa Gold Leaf Museum offers a fascinating insight into this craft. Fun Fact: Kanazawa is also known for its vibrant 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, which stands out for its innovative architecture and diverse exhibitions. The museum's round shape and transparent walls make it an architectural marvel in its own right. |
Day 8 |
Kanazawa, Japan, is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of historical charm and cultural richness. Known for its well-preserved Edo-period districts, Kanazawa is a treasure trove of traditional Japanese experiences. The Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, is a must-visit for any traveler. This beautiful landscape garden features serene ponds, lush greenery, and seasonal flowers, embodying classic Japanese aesthetics. Another gem in Kanazawa is the Kanazawa Castle, which, though rebuilt, retains the grandeur of its original structure. The castle's impressive stone walls and historical exhibits provide a glimpse into the feudal past of the region. Explore the castle grounds and discover the rich history of the Maeda clan, the ruling samurai family of Kanazawa. For those interested in traditional crafts, Kanazawa is renowned for its gold leaf production, which dates back to the 16th century. The city is home to several workshops where visitors can see artisans at work and even try their hand at creating their own gold leaf art. The Kanazawa Gold Leaf Museum offers a fascinating insight into this craft. Fun Fact: Kanazawa is also known for its vibrant 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, which stands out for its innovative architecture and diverse exhibitions. The museum's round shape and transparent walls make it an architectural marvel in its own right. |
Day 9 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
Day 10 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
Day 11 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
Day 12 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
Day 13 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
Travel Dates | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|
02/12/26 - 02/24/26 |
Starting At $13,990 |
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02/19/26 - 03/03/26 |
Starting At $13,990 |
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02/26/26 - 03/10/26 |
Starting At $13,990 |
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03/07/26 - 03/19/26 |
Starting At $11,990 |
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03/14/26 - 03/26/26 |
Starting At $12,990 |
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03/21/26 - 04/02/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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04/25/26 - 05/07/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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05/09/26 - 05/21/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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05/16/26 - 05/28/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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05/23/26 - 06/04/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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05/28/26 - 06/09/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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06/01/26 - 06/13/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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06/04/26 - 06/16/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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06/06/26 - 06/18/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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06/08/26 - 06/20/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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08/24/26 - 09/05/26 |
Starting At $11,990 |
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08/27/26 - 09/08/26 |
Starting At $13,990 |
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08/31/26 - 09/12/26 |
Starting At $13,990 |
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09/03/26 - 09/15/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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09/07/26 - 09/19/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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09/14/26 - 09/26/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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09/17/26 - 09/29/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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09/21/26 - 10/03/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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09/24/26 - 10/06/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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09/26/26 - 10/08/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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10/01/26 - 10/13/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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10/03/26 - 10/15/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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10/05/26 - 10/17/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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10/10/26 - 10/22/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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10/15/26 - 10/27/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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10/17/26 - 10/29/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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10/19/26 - 10/31/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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10/24/26 - 11/05/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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10/26/26 - 11/07/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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10/29/26 - 11/10/26 |
Starting At $16,790 |
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10/31/26 - 11/12/26 |
Starting At $12,990 |
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11/02/26 - 11/14/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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11/05/26 - 11/17/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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11/07/26 - 11/19/26 |
Starting At $14,990 |
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11/14/26 - 11/26/26 |
Starting At $13,990 |
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11/19/26 - 12/01/26 |
Starting At $11,990 |
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Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.