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Japan | 2022

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Combining ancient culture with exquisite natural landscapes and dazzling modernity, Japan offers travelers an experience like no other.

Because of its location, Japan has not been influenced by neighboring cultures or dominated by European colonization. There’s no place like Japan, which manages to respect ancient traditions like Shinto and Samurai while progressing into futuristic worlds of neon and technology. The WOW! itinerary includes the must-see, iconic destinations along with off-the-beaten-path villages and (as always) lots of delightful surprises!

Overview

The WOW! Classic Japan journey visits the must-see places in this fascinating country in 8 nights: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka. Add a few more days to visit Western Japan, including Hiroshima and Shikoku Island.

November 2022

Activity Level: 3 out of 4

You are an active traveler who loves to see things up-close and personal. You aren’t bothered by standing or walking for long periods of time (1-2 hours) and you can navigate uneven surfaces and easily climb into and out of different kinds of vehicles or vessels. You can handle the rigors of exploring the world in a hands-on way, even if that means getting up early or staying up late!

Highlights & Inclusions:

  • Round-trip airport transfers in Japan on scheduled arrival/departure dates
  • Accommodations in deluxe 4- and 5-star hotels as noted in itinerary, including 1 night in a Japanese-style tatami room with futon bed at a Ryokan inn (Kyoto)
  • Tokyo hotel room reserved during the overnight to Mt. Fuji to avoid the hassle of packing up and check-out/check-in
  • Most meals as referenced in the itinerary (meals indicated as B, L, or D), including drinks
  • All transportation within Japan in deluxe, climate-controlled motor coaches
  • One-way transfer on the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto, including separate transfer of luggage 
  • Excursions and tours as outlined in itinerary (subject to change)
  • Experience of the traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs)
  • Expert local guides with passion and personality
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, restaurant staff and hotel porters
  • Pre-trip documents with important travel information including “Know Before You Go,” luggage tags and a WOW! surprise
  • Assistance with air booking (complimentary for “WOWees”; service fee of $75 for first-time travelers)
  • Basic emergency medical insurance
  • “WOW!” surprises along the way!
  • The experience and expertise of Gabriel Haigazian for pre-trip planning and on-site escorting

Exclusions:

  • International airfare (fare will be quoted upon request)
  • Extra hotel nights, if requested
  • Meals not noted in itinerary
  • Incidental charges (shopping, spa, food and beverage not included in itinerary, etc.)
  • Supplemental travel insurance (for trip cancellation, pre-existing conditions, lost luggage, trip delay reimbursement, etc.)
  • Visa to enter Japan
  • Covid-19 PCR testing as required before returning to United States

Classic Japan Itinerary (8-night package)
November 3-12, 2022

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Thursday, November 3 – Travel to Japan

Depart the US on an overnight flight to Tokyo, the capital city of Japan.

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DAY ONE – Friday, November 4 – Tokyo

On arrival at Narita Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the iconic Imperial Hotel. Relax and unpack, then join the group for our Welcome Dinner to kick off this exciting adventure!

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY TWO – Saturday, November 5 – Tokyo

There’s so much to see in this amazing city, starting with the Imperial Palace East Garden, the famous Sensoji temple, SkyTree observation tower, busy Shibuya Station, trendy Harajuku district – and more. Incredible architecture, art galleries, and (surprising) green spaces are everywhere. Tonight, do a little exploring with dinner on your own.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast & Lunch
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY THREE – Sunday, November 6 – Fujigoko, Five Lakes

About two hours west of Tokyo is Fujigoko (Five Lakes), at the base of spectacular Mount Fuji. An iconic hilltop pagoda and scenic views  make this a popular stop on every Japan itinerary. But most people only come here on a day-trip, when the mountain is often obscured by clouds. We’re staying overnight, to see Fuji at sunset and sunrise! We’ll celebrate this special evening with a traditional Kaiseki dinner.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Fuji View Hotel

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY FOUR – Monday, November 7 – Tokyo

Some of the best experiences in Japan are discovered in its smaller towns and the countryside – which we’ll explore today. This afternoon we’ll drive back to busy Tokyo (where your hotel room has been reserved). The neon nights in downtown Tokyo are spectacular – as are its culinary delights, which we’ll enjoy tonight.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY FIVE – Tuesday, November 8 – Kyoto

We’ll do a little shopping – Japan-style – before boarding the world-famous bullet train to Kyoto. Riding the Shinkansen is a remarkable experience; the entire process is an exercise in Japanese precision (the average delay is only 36 seconds!). It takes a little more than two hours, traveling more than 200 MPH. We’ll unwind after our busy day in a traditional onsen (hot springs) at our Ryokan-style hotel with traditional tatami rooms. Tonight, get a taste of authentic Waygu beef.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Hanakaido Ryokan

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY SIX – Wednesday, November 9 – Kyoto

During our time in Kyoto, we’ll see the highlights (Gion district, the bamboo forest, and “Golden Pavilion”), as well as lesser-known, un-touristy places that reveal the essence of Kyoto. As always, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure. After our overnight stay at the Ryokan, we’ll check into Hotel Nikko Princess today for the next two nights. (Suitcases will have been delivered to this hotel to eliminate the hassle of luggage on the train and at the Ryokan.)

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Kyoto Okura

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY SEVEN – Thursday, November 10 – Kyoto

We’ll start the day with an early morning visit to Kiyomizu Temple for a birds-eye view of Kyoto. Enjoy this fascinating city the best way possible – on foot! We’ll join our guide and explore the quaint alleyways of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Spend the rest of the afternoon on your own, getting acquainted with traditional Japan.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Kyoto Okura

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY EIGHT – Friday, November 11 – Osaka

A visit to Osaka is not complete without experiencing Todaiji Temple and the famous Nara Deer Park. Explore the largest castle in Japan filled with historical and cultural significance.  At lunchtime, we’ll explore the Dotonbori restaurant district, known as the “Kitchen of Japan.” Spend the afternoon and evening roaming Osaka’s largest shopping district and get to know the city at your own pace. Overnight in Osaka.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast & Lunch
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Imperial Hotel, Osaka

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Saturday, November 12 – Depart to US or Continue to Western Japan Extension

Depart the US on November 12th or continue on to the Western Japan 4-night extension, below.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast

Please note: This trip includes full days of sightseeing and significant amounts of walking on stairs and uneven surfaces. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy this journey to its fullest.

Western Japan Extension Itinerary
November 12-16, 2022

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Saturday, November 12 – Kurashiki

We’ll travel west, past Kobe, to Himeji, a landmark 17th-century white castle. In Kurashiki, we’ll tour Japan’s best-preserved Samurai-era village.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Sunday, November 13 – Kotohira

Today we’ll cross the Seto Inland Sea to the island of Shikoku on the world’s longest two-tiered bridge. At your option, you can travel a short distance of this picturesque route by bicycle.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Kotohira Grand Hotel

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Monday, November 14 – Hiroshima

At the Konpira-san shrine, ascend 1,368 stone steps for an excellent bird’s eye view of the Sanuki Plain. A visit here is considered a must-do for many Japanese people. Take a seaside bike tour or visit the Kosan-Ji Temple, built to resemble many of Japan’s most famous Buddhist temples.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Sheraton Grand

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Tuesday, November 15 – Hiroshima

Miyajima is a small island outside Hiroshima, famous for its giant torii gate which seems to float on the water at high tide. Enjoy magnificent views of the Seto Inland Sea from Mt. Misen. Our tone will turn from awe-struck to somber and introspective as we visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Encounter history at a profound memorial including the Hypocenter, A-Bomb Dome, and the Museum, dedicated to the preservation of peace.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Sheraton Grand

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Wednesday, November 16 – Conclude Classic + Western Japan – Depart to US

Your 12-night journey, filled with wondrous delights, has come to its conclusion. After breakfast, you’ll fly from Hiroshima to a major Japanese gateway to connect with your departure flight to the U.S.

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel  Breakfast

Accommodations for Classic Japan itinerary

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Imperial Hotel – Tokyo

Opened in 1890 at the request of Japanese aristocrats, the Imperial Hotel Tokyo boasts an impressive history. Centrally located just south of the Imperial Palace, the property caters to a discerning, high-profile clientele. Two not-to-be-missed attractions are the daily Chanoyu (traditional tea ceremony) and the Old Imperial Bar, an elegant Art Deco space containing murals and tiles designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1923.

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Fuji View Hotel – Fujigoko

Fuji View Hotel offers unrestricted panoramas of majestic Mt. Fuji from its public rooms. The hotel’s extensive gardens are lovely. In springtime, more than 300 cherry trees are in bloom, as Mt. Fuji rises behind a sea of beautiful pink blossoms.

NOTE: The rooms we have reserved do NOT have Fuji views, as the hotel is unable to confirm such rooms for our group.

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Hanakaido Ryokan – Kyoto, 1st night

A stay at a traditional Ryokan is a must when visiting Japan. On our first night in Kyoto, we’ll stay at this property in a traditional tatami room with futon bedding. The hotel includes the Ogoto Onsen (hot springs), which opened about 1200 years ago by the founder of the Hieizan Enryakuji Temple.

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Kyoto Hotel Okura – Kyoto, 2nd & 3rd nights

Elegant and warm hospitality cultivated by the traditions and history of Kyoto. A classic atmosphere of tranquility and comfort harmonizing the distinctiveness of Kyoto with European tastes.  Many of Kyoto’s renowned places of interest are to be found within a short distance of the hotel, making it an excellent base for our excursions. An assortment of pleasant restaurants offer local fare as well as a variety of other cuisines.

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Imperial Hotel – Osaka

Enjoying a prime location on the Okawa River, lined with cherry trees, the towering Imperial Hotel is the finest hotel in the colorful city of Osaka. Large rooms with comfortable beds and great views, impeccable service, and a central location have earned this hotel its five star rating. It’s a perfect choice for guests of the WOW! Travel Club.

Accommodations for Western Japan itinerary

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Kurashiki Kokusai Hotel – Kurashiki

This relaxed hotel is a 3-minute walk from the Ohara Museum of Art and a 10-minute walk from Kurashiki Station. Amenities include an airy tea room, an upmarket restaurant and a sleek bar, as well as a lobby lounge. 

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Kotohira Grand Hotel – Kotohira

Kotohira Grand Hotel Sakuranosho is located on the 22nd step of Kotohira shrine, offering beautiful views of Mt. Zozu. A modern-style ryokan, the hotel combines traditional Japanese ambience with a resort feel.

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Sheraton Grand – Hiroshima

Hiroshima is situated in western Honshu, Japan’s largest island. Bordering the Seto Inland Sea and home to six rivers and an ancient port, it’s known as the “City of Water.” Sheraton Grand Hiroshima is a modern, luxury hotel in a perfect city-center location. Recharge your batteries at the hotel’s indoor pool, fitness center, and Shine Spa.

Still have questions? Drop us a line.

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