Across 18 Centuries: Historic Japan (11 days)

Arrive in Osaka, Japan’s cultural and historic mecca. Relax in the elegant British-colonial inspired hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Osaka in the heart of downtown as you get acquainted to your new surroundings.

Learn about the Tumulus, Asuka and the Nara Period in Nara. This begins in the 3rd century and finishes in the 8th century. The Ishibutai ancient Tomb is an impressive stone monument believed to be the final resting place of the 6th century leader, Soga Umako. Next, tour the Todaiji Temple - the largest wooden structure in the world. Here you’ll find the largest bronze statue of Buddha in existence. The Buddha looks brand new after being reconstructed post-earthquake on several different occasions. Enjoy traditional cuisine at a local restaurant for a midday break. Snap a picture of the beautiful pagoda at the Horyuji Temple. Finish off the day by wandering through the Heijokyo Palace Ruins and imagine imperial life in the 700’s.

Step back into the Heian Period (8th to the 12th century) when you visit the Kyoo Gokokuji (Toji) Temple. The temple was built in the late 700’s to protect the eastern side of Kyoto city. See the remains of Rajomon or Rashomon Gate, the massive gate that once protected the city and inspired the film Rashomon. Ponder the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine revering Sugawara Michizane, an unjustly exiled scholar and politician. Michanzane’s vengeful spirit is blamed for disasters in the area and the shrine was built as a peace offering to his revenge seeking ghost. Learn about Heian style traditional costume and enjoy a private dinner with an exclusive showing of Imayo dance.

Move forward to the 12th to the 20th centuries as you take a day trip to Miyajima and Hiroshima. Learn about the Taira clan of Samurais and glimpse the much sought-after heroic culture from the inside. Explore the Itsukushima Jinja Shrine on Miyajima Island. Next, see the aftermath of the A-bomb and WWII’s affects nearly 73 years after the historic day, as you visit the A-bomb dome and the Peace Memorial Museum.

Feel a sense of peace as you visit the Kinkakuji Temple, one of the five Zen temples in Kyoto. This temple is known as the Temple of the Golden Pavillion and also has several incredible traditional Japanese gardens. Continue your cultural experience in the Muromachi Period as you peruse Ginkaku Ji Temple, another Zen temple built along the eastern mountainside. Experience classical Japanese musical theater known as Noh. Wrap up the day as you wet your taste buds at a traditional tea-tasting ceremony.

Travel to Kanazawa to experience history from the Azuchi Momoyama Period (16th to 17th century) to the Edo Period (17th to 19th century). Begin by visiting the Oyama Jinja Shrinededicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the powerful, local Maeda Clan during the 16th century. Stroll through the expansive grounds at Kanazawa Castle Park. Make a wish in the Kinjo Reitaku well before smelling the fragrant flowers in the quaint Kenrokuen Garden and Seisonkaku Villa. Explore a beautifully-restored Samurai residence, the Nomura House and Nagamachi Samurai District. Set in the beautiful neighboring spa town of Kaga, the charming chalet style Beniya Mukayu is the hot spot for relaxation and rest after a busy day of exploring. The Nikko Kanazawa is a more modern option, located in the city center and business district.

Learn about the Azuchi Momoyama Period (16th to 17th century) to the Edo Period (17th to the 19th century). Here, you’ll be shown silk dying in Kaga Yuzen’s prestigious studio. Learn about gold leaf, and it’s importance in several area’s temples. Sample fresh, steaming hot, rice wine known as sake and learn about the brewing process as you visit a sake brewery. This is the perfect nightcap - especially if you are in the city during the colder months.

Learn about the Azuchi Momoyama Period (16th to 17th century) to the Edo Period (17th to the 19th century). Here, you’ll be shown silk dying in Kaga Yuzen’s prestigious studio. Learn about gold leaf, and it’s importance in several area’s temples. Sample fresh, steaming hot, rice wine known as sake and learn about the brewing process as you visit a sake brewery. This is the perfect nightcap - especially if you are in the city during the colder months.

The Kamakura, Edo and Meiji periods come to life as you take a day trip to Kamakura and Yokohama. Visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, one of the five Zen temples, and gain a sense of peace as you view numerous shrines underneath the cherry trees erected for the ancient ruling leader Yoritomo’s first born son. Tour the Kotokuin Temple  and the larger-than-life stone Buddha statue, sitting in the perfect meditative position. Dive in to the Yokohama Archives of History and take ancient learning into your own hands. The day’s final stop is Hikawa Maru, a beautiful ship with old world charm that sailed its’ first journey in 1929.

Our final step back into Japanese history and culture delves in the Meiji Period and continues all the way to Tokyo’s modernism. There’s one last stop at a 7th century temple - Asakusa or Sensoji Temple - the most colorful and popular temple in the city. Revel in true Shinto architecture as you check out the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Rocket forward into modern times and shop the unique cutting-edge fashion at Omotesando Hills. Gain an incredible aerial view from the lookout of Tokyo Sky Tree Tower. When you come back down to earth, pay a visit to the Mori Art museum - housed in a contemporary building, containing contemporary pieces.

We hope you enjoyed your journey through ancient Asian history! You’ll be transferred to Tokyo’s international airport today, where you can check in for your international flight to your onward destination.