August 24-31, 2023
WTA’s restorative week-long tour of central Japan features the deep culture and history of this prominent archipelago. Your trip starts as you uncover the layers to Tokyo’s ultra-modern facade through an in-depth city tour conducted by a local tour guide. In the following days, you will slow down your vacation by taking in the natural beauty of Mount Fuji’s Five Lakes region. Then, discover Kyoto – the cultural capital of the country where antiquity begs to be discovered! And finally, onto Kamakura, the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan” where Buddhist statues, temples, and shrines tower above you. Complimented with ample free time to explore Japan on your own, this tour is one you surely won’t want to miss!
Note: We recommend leaving the US on August 23 so that your flight arrives the morning/afternoon of August 24 – early enough to join your group for the Welcome Dinner on Day 1. Should you wish to arrive on August 23 instead, pre-trip hotel charges will be added to your final bill.
- Activity Level
ITINERARY
DAY 1 – August 24 – Welcome to Japan! Arrive at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT), and your host will bring you to your accommodations in central Tokyo. After settling in, join your new travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Note: We recommend your flight from the US arrives before 3pm on August 24 to allow adequate time to join your group’s welcome dinner.
DAY 2 – August 25 – After a good night’s rest, a full day of exploration awaits! Your local guide will highlight Tokyo’s old and new as you move across the city. Witness the beauty of Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Parks. Relive history as you visit Meiji Shrine and Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Finally, experience the scrambling chaos of Shibuya Crossing – the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection.
DAY 3 – August 26 – FREE Day. Enjoy a day of shopping, take a tour of the city, visit a museum, or take advantage of a full day to indulge in a few spa treatments.
DAY 4 – August 27 – Today, you will venture to Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji – an active volcano which stands at over 12,000 ft tall. After sightseeing at the mountain’s 5th Station, you will continue to the Panoramic Ropeway to enjoy bird’s-eye views of Lake Kawaguchiko. Afterwards, explore the snowmelt-fed ponds of Oshino Hakkai, a small village that’s perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.
DAY 5 – August 28 – Catch the shinkansen bullet train this morning as we travel to Kyoto, the historical heart of Japan. Your local guide will take your group to see the Arashiyama district along the Katsura River, followed by the Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (the most photographed in Japan). The remainder of the day will be spent wandering the streets of the historical Higashiyama and Gion (geisha) districts.
DAY 6 – August 29 – The seaside town of Kamakura is your destination today, home to some of Japan’s most unique shrines and temples. You will start your day at the Hokokuji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple known for its small bamboo grove. Your travels will then take your group to Kamakura’s culture center, the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shinto Shrine. Nearby, the Komachi-dori Street offers a modern contrast to the history-filled morning. Peruse the trendy boutiques and enjoy lunch before the day ends at the Hasedera Temple and Great Buddha of Kotokuin Temple, the most iconic symbol of Kamakura.
DAY 7 – August 30 – FREE Day. After a week on your feet, take this opportunity to relax. Or perhaps, more adventuring needs to be done – it’s up to you! Tonight at dinner, you will toast to a week of discovering a new culture and meeting new friends.
DAY 8 – August 31 – Your host will chauffeur you back to Narita International Airport (NRT) for your connecting flight to the US.
*Please note that this is a tentative itinerary and it is subject to change.
PRICING: $5,475
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 8 days & 7 nights’ accommodations
- Single occupancy, luxury hotel
- Airport transfer
- Local Japanese tour guide for 4 days
- Local transportation
- Fuji Panoramic Ropeway tour
- Entrance fees to all temples and shrines
- FREE DAYS to explore
- Daily breakfast
- Daily group lunch (excluding FREE DAYS)
- Daily group dinner
- COVID antigen testing for USA re-entry, if applicable
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Roundtrip airfare from US to Narita International Airport (NRT)
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Spa treatments
- Meals not listed above
- Optional excursions and tours not listed above
- Gratuities and tips for personal services
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Your trip is a BIG investment. If you cannot afford to lose the money you have invested to travel, for whatever reason, WTA strongly recommends you consider travel insurance. We encourage you to do your due diligence by researching and finding the best plan for YOU.
Suggested Travel Insurance companies are below. Ensure you inquire about a “Cancel For Any Reason” plan.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
-
Traveler must make a NONREFUNDABLE deposit payment of $400 at time of registration to secure her spot.
-
Monthly minimum payment of $400 is required every month until paid in full to keep your reservations current.
-
Trip balance must be PAID IN FULL by May 24, 2023.
-
Penalty of $250 will be assessed on any balance due after the May 24, 2023 final payment deadline.
-
Cancel by June 24, 2023 for a 50% refund (not to include your non-refundable deposit).
-
NO REFUNDS after June 24, 2023.
-
Please contact wtaadmin@womentravelabroad.com with any questions.