Classic Japan

With approximately 40 million residents, Tokyo is a dazzling city unique in the world. From the many-angled pedestrian dashes across Shibuya Crossing to the extravagant looks worn with panache in the Harajuku district, Tokyo offers a mad whirl of eclectic energy and culture framed by the distant backdrop of iconic Mount Fuji.

Visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, a colorful pagoda-style temple completed in 645 and dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. 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. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum, built to preserve the heritage of the city’s last 400 years. Next comes Meiji Shrine, a Shinto complex dedicated to an emperor. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.

Peruse the Tsukiji Outer Market, a vibrant food-and-market district composed of several blocks of retail and wholesale shops. You’ll find fresh seafood, kitchen tools, cutlery, vegetables, street snacks and plenty of sushi restaurants. While the famous tuna auctions have moved, this market immerses you in a vital hub of Tokyo daily life. Receive a lesson in sushi making, followed by lunch, during a chef-led culinary experience. Then venture from the present into the past as you learn the secrets of the samurai warriors and test your sword skills during a private class led by a modern-day master samurai.

Travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring destinations and a peaceful contrast with bustling Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, boarding an aerial tram for inspiring views of Mount Fuji. Stroll the grassy hillsides of Hakone’s Open Air Museum, admiring the sculptures and artworks on display, including pieces by Henry Moore and Rodin. The museum also features one of the world’s finest Picasso exhibits, with over 100 works by the cubist master. Experience unparalleled service and traditional Japanese cuisine at Gôra Kadan, a top-rated ryokan (traditional inn), which is also your hotel for the night.

At the Okada Museum of Art, view a stunning collection of paintings, ceramics, lacquerware and bronzes from Japan, Korea and China. Ride 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. This evening, set out to explore the popular Dotonbori District, sampling dishes from the brilliantly lighted and gastronomically creative restaurants that line the street.

Travel to Nara, Japan’s first capital, to visit Todai-ji, a UNESCO-listed temple complex that holds the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Proceed to Nara Park, home to hundreds of deer, venerated here as divine spirits, which you may feed by hand. Experience a Shinto ceremony at the celebrated Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and then eat lunch. Before returning to Osaka, watch two sumo wrestlers demonstrate their renowned sport at Kehaya-za Sumo Pavilion.

Travel into Kyoto early this morning to contemplate the iconic Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji, the perfect spot for a meditative moment, and discover the glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) — covered with gold leaf and surrounded by green gardens — casting its delicate reflection in the tranquil pond beside it. After lunch, explore the Arashiyama neighborhood, including the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Later, bask in the magical atmosphere of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, strolling along a winding path as sunlight filters down through towering bamboo shoots, considered by many a healing experience.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for inspiring views of Kyoto. At another temple, experience the art of the tea ceremony, noting its refined sense of hospitality and etiquette, which dates to the time of the samurai. Tonight, savor traditional Japanese cuisine while an attending geiko (the word for geisha in the Kyoto dialect) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dance, sing, pour sake and share stories about life in modern Kyoto.

Take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight or join your post-tour extension.