Our unique excursions will immerse you deeply in this fascinating land of contrasts, where ancient traditions imbue a vibrant 21st century attitude. From the energetic streets of the capital and the tranquility of Hakone National Park to the ancient temples of Nara, our experienced Tour Manager will bring you face-to-face with old and new as you travel the Golden Route from Tokyo to Kyoto.

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Engaging Experiences... Only for AAA members!

Experience centuries-old traditions of hospitality and conversation as you dine with Geisha during our specially-arranged luncheon in Kyoto.

Marvel at the extraordinary artistry and skill required in the donning of a kimono at a private kimono showing featuring exquisite hand-dyed kimonos.

A Buddhist Monk leads your private tour through Kyoto’s Kodaiji Temple, explaining the ancient Zen philosophy that underlies the tranquil beauty of the temple’s landscaped garden.

9 days from $4,599
We never cancel a departure

All this is included... Deluxe hotels, 11 meals, in-depth small group sightseeing, special AAA events, all on-tour transportation and our comprehensive travel insurance coverage

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• 100% cash refund up to 30 days before travel.
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A Journey on the Golden Route

Day 1 – Welcome to Tokyo

Check in to the deluxe Keio Plaza Hotel. Your hotel is ideally situated in the vibrant Shinjuku district, home to some of the city’s most popular dining, shopping and entertainment venues.

Day 2 – Discover Tokyo, Old and New

Tokyo is a fascinating city of contrasts, with a 21st century exuberance and ancient traditions. Explore both facets on this morning’s escorted sightseeing tour, beginning at the picturesque Imperial Palace Plaza. Stroll through the bustling Nakamise Arcade to Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest in the city, and then take in the views from the Roppongi Hills Observatory. Meals B

Day 3 – Tokyo at Your Leisure

Enjoy this day at leisure. Your hotel’s unbeatable heart-of-it-all location makes it easy to explore, shop and dine at your own pace. Meals B

Day 4 – Up Mt. Fuji and on to Hakone National Park

Depart Tokyo this morning and ascend the forested slopes of Mt. Fuji for marvelous views from the halfway point. Travel on to Hakone and cruise across tranquil Lake Ashi before a cable car ride up Mt. Komaga-take. Tonight relax in a soothing onsen, a traditional hot-spring bath, before dining at your deluxe resort hotel, the Hilton Odawara. Meals B,D

Day 5 – The Bullet Train to Kyoto

After breakfast, transfer to the rail station and step aboard the world-famous Bullet Train! Traveling safely at speeds up to 180 miles per hour you arrive in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, and transfer to the Yoshi-ima Ryokan. This traditional Japanese-style inn has been owned by the same family for generations here in the Gion district where Geisha and Kabuki traditions began centuries ago. Slumber peacefully on a futon in your private tatami-matted room and enjoy a Japanese dinner, breakfast and tea ceremony. Meals B,D

Day 6 – The Best of Kyoto

Your full day sightseeing tour begins after breakfast and shows you Kyoto’s most revered sights including Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion, and the impressive, vermilion-hued Heian Shrine. You’ll hear riveting tales of the Shoguns on your visit to Nijo Castle and marvel at the famous Nightingale Floor, ingeniously designed to “chirp” in warning if Ninja intruders threatened the Shogun. Enjoy a specially arranged luncheon with Geisha and a fascinating Kimono demonstration. On our exclusive visit to Kodaiji Temple, a Buddhist Monk will explain the philosophy and techniques that underlie the tranquil beauty of the Temple’s Zen meditation gardens then lead us in a Zen meditation experience. Enjoy a two-night stay at the deluxe Rihga Royal Hotel in the heart of Kyoto. Meals B,L

Day 7 – Excursion to Nara

Enjoy a leisurely morning and then join your guide for an afternoon excursion to ancient Nara. Visit Todaiji Temple to see the giant Buddha and stroll the forested, lantern-lined paths of Kasuga Shrine. Then wander in Nara’s famous Deer Park, home to more than 1,000 tame deer. Meals B

Day 8 – Onward to Osaka

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Osaka and visit Osaka Castle, the city’s most beautiful and well-known landmark. Continue to the deluxe Hotel Nikko Osaka and enjoy the balance of your day at leisure here in the heart of this vibrant city. Meals B

Day 9 – Sayonara, Japan

Your program finishes this morning. Meals B

Deluxe hotels and a charming inn

Keio Plaza, Tokyo

This deluxe landmark is set in the heart of Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district. Comfortable air-conditioned guestrooms feature high-speed Internet access, cable TV, bathrobes, minibar, tea making facilities and premium bath amenities.

Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa

This deluxe resort hotel overlooks the blue waters of Sagami Bay. Air-conditioned guestrooms offer beautiful sea views and feature a private balcony, television, in-room safe, writing desk, hairdryer and bathrobes.

Yoshi-ima Ryokan Kyoto

A delightful cultural experience awaits you at this traditional Japanese inn, owned by the same family for generations here in Kyoto’s historic Gion district – where Geisha and Kabuki traditions began centuries ago.

Rihga Royal, Kyoto

With a city-center location, this deluxe hotel is the perfect base for a memorable stay in Kyoto. Decorated with a pleasing blend of Japanese and Western motifs, comfortable airconditioned guestrooms offer high speed Internet access.

Sheraton Miyako Hotel, Osaka

This contemporary 5-star hotel is in the heart of Osaka close to the city’s cultural landmarks, shopping and dining. Handsomely furnished guestrooms feature a large writing desk, cable TV with CNN, in-room safe, minibar and coffee and tea making facilities.

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9 days from $4,599

All this is included… Deluxe hotels, 11 meals, in-depth small group sightseeing, special AAA events, all on-tour transportation and our comprehensive travel insurance coverage