Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/604881
DISCOVER JAPAN 13-DAY ITINERARY, JAPAN Immerse yourself in the remarkable country of Japan, a land steeped in mythical traditions and modern wonders. Embark on a magical experience starting in the neon-lit metropolis of Tokyo. Visit the iconic Mt. Fuji, known as the Shy Mountain, and the surrounding area of Hakone and Mt. Owakudani. Learn the Japanese arts of origami and ikebana; enjoy a tea ceremony; and experience an overnight stay in a serene Buddhist temple lodge. DAY 1: DEPART THE U.S. Depart on your overnight flight from the U.S. to Japan. DAY 2: ARRIVE TOKYO Upon arrival in Tokyo Airport, be welcomed and transfer to your hotel by coach. DAY 3: TOKYO Begin the day with a visit to Tokyo Sky Tree for sweeping views of this vast city. Explore Asakusa, part of Tokyo's Shitamachi (Old Town), where Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, is located. Wander through the Nakamise shopping street before heading to Hama-Rikyu Gardens. Dinner will be aboard a cruise along Tokyo Bay. (B, L, D) DAY 4: MT. FUJI An early start today as you travel to Hakone, the gateway to Mt. Fuji and the surrounding National Park. Proceed to Mt. Fuji and head up to the 5 th Station, then to Hakone for panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. Relax on a cruise across Lake Ashinoko and enjoy a ride on the world's second-longest cable car up to Mt. Owakudani. At the top, sample a hard-boiled egg from the sulphuric hot springs for which Hakone is famous. (B, L, D) DAY 5: TOKYO TO TAKAYAMA Stop en route at Matsumoto Castle, one of the most original and beautiful Japanese castles, then have lunch at a wasabi farm, where you can enjoy a tour and try your hand at making pickled wasabi vegetables. Continue to Takayama, where your accommodation tonight have hot spring baths perfect for a soak after a long day of sightseeing. For dinner, be served a sumptuous Japanese-style kaiseki (multi-course meal) using the freshest seasonal ingredients. (B, L, D) DAY 6: TAKAYAMA Visit the Miyagawa morning market, where stalls sell local crafts and produce. Next is the Takayama Festival Floats Museum, which comprises displays of ornate floats from the famous festival. At the Kusakabe Folk Museum, see the traditional architecture of the Edo period. Next, the Takayama Jinya, now a museum but formerly the local government office until 1969. End the day at one of Takayama's many sake breweries for a taste of the local drop. (B, L, D) Air Road Rail Tokyo ( 3N ) Kanazawa (1N) Inbound (1N) Osaka (1N) Flight home Kyoto ( 3N ) Takayama (2N) Koya-san (1N) Nara Mt. Fuji H O N S H U S H I K O K U K Y U S H U 0 100 miles 0 100 km J A P A N A T L A N T I C O C E A N Sea of Japan 46 | Discover Japan