Discover the distinct traditions of Japanese culture and the authenticity of Japanese cuisine on this arresting 8-day tour through the Golden Triangle. Find serenity within the destinations of Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto with every step along this remarkable journey. Insight into local lifestyles and idyllic scenes of Japan’s extraordinary countryside and high-octane skylines are yours.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Tokyo - A Cityscape Belonging to the Future
Few places are as advanced as Tokyo, a cityscape that wears its future-forward vision on its sleeve. With robots that work behind counters and monstrous LED-billboards that fill its dazzling skyline, Tokyo feels like a cityscape lifted from a science-fiction film, and its energy is palpable. You will be swept away by the atmospheric spirit found in every side alley and each buzzing district. Between its popular locales and hidden gems, you will be swept into the atmosphere as you are escorted to your stylish accommodation.
What's Included:
Day 2
Tokyo - Preserved Japanese Heritage and Culture
Day 3
Tokyo - Moments Beneath Cherry Blossoms or Tucking Into Terrific Cuisine
Day 4
Hakone - Scenes of Japan’s Marvelous Mount Fuji
Day 5
Kyoto - A Charming Zen Buddhist Tea Ceremony
Day 6
Kyoto - Sacred Memories at Kyoto’s Spiritual Sites
Day 7
Kyoto - An Introduction Into Impressive Shodo Writing
Day 8
Kyoto - Goodbye to the Golden Triangle
Trip Highlights
- Uncover the spiritual roots of Japanese culture on an absorbing tour of the Senso-ji temple and Meiji Shinto Shrine in Tokyo
- Immerse your taste buds in the delectable flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine as you explore the chic restaurants and stylish bars peppering Tokyo’s dazzling skyline
- Retreat to the flowered gardens of Kamakura to spend moments wallowing in the picturesque scenery sweeping Japan’s emerald countryside
- Admire the surreal wilderness sightings that sit beneath the towering crest of Mount Fuji from the banks of Lake Ashi and thermal springs in Hakone
- Delve into the cultural traditions of Japan during a masterfully led tea ceremony
- Spend time swooning over the spectacular spiritual sites sprinkling Kyoto on a historic tour to the golden Kinkaku-ji temple and sprawling orange arches of Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine
- Unravel the art and systems supporting Japan’s long-established Shodo writing style and learn the techniques to produce the symbols on a guided calligraphy course
Starting Price
$5,600 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of this Travel Agency
4.72 stars based on 346 reviews.
Our itinerary from Zicasso's travel specialists matched exactly what we wanted.
Reviewed By Anna S.
Our trip was seamless from start to finish. We were thoroughly impressed by the expertise and attentiveness of our local guides—their knowledge, perfectly timed tours, and the thoughtfully planned itinerary by the Zicasso trip planner made for an exceptional experience.
Reviewed By Bernadette B.
I travelled with my son Marshall and had a great time. There was a lot of time sitting in airports, but that was the fastest way to get around Indonesia to do all of the things that we wanted to do. We had to go to so many islands! The guides at each stop were fantastic. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and punctual. They also suggested good alternatives to the places we visited that gave us the same experience, with the added plus of not being where there were a lot of tourists.
Reviewed By Linda G.
We were impressed with the excellent accommodations and location, the willingness of our Zicasso trip planner to spend the time and effort to create a customized itinerary, and the selection of activities offered.
Reviewed By Theresa G.
We had excellent communications with Zicasso’s travel companies before and during the tour. I'm happy that I didn't have to plan this trip.
Every hotel, train travel, tour, and experience they chose for us was excellent. We appreciated having Japanese and American tour guides. We really appreciated the daily summary page and the detailed instructions in the Info pack about each excursion, including which exit to use when leaving the subway. It was handy to have the PDF version of the info pack to avoid carrying more paper on excursions and to share with my travel companions. The travel app wasn't as helpful because it didn't contain the detailed info the info pack did.
I contacted the travel company once during the tour, on January 1, and they responded within a day. I was surprised and happy about that because it was a holiday.
There was only one situation where the info in the info pack didn't agree with what happened. That was a change in tour guide in Kyoto, but it was okay, since we really enjoyed our guide. Well done overall!
Reviewed By Rose S.
"Zicasso’s travel planner and her team did an excellent job of understanding the kind of vacation we wanted and gave it to us."
Reviewed By Jennings M.