For those looking not just for a tour of Japan, but a genuine experience of its people and ways, traditions and rhythms, style and culture, arts and crafts, this journey could be the perfect choice. By strolling through neighborhoods, taking local trains, walking ancient pathways, boarding the subway, and experiencing the Shinkansen (bullet train) we will enter into the day-to-day life of Japan and its people. From the gardens and temples of Kyoto to ancient samurai homes in Kanazawa and ultra-modern neighborhoods in Tokyo, we will explore all of Japan's many moods and styles firsthand.

Along the way, we'll meet artists and abbots, see the Geisha of Gion and the glitz of Ginza, stroll gardens and bamboo forests, and most of all, let the beauty of Japan reveal itself. From a perfectly sunlit maple tree to tea leaves drifting to the bottom of a handcrafted cup, each moment will offer up an experience for those walking the paths of Japan on this special journey.

This special tour has been carefully crafted to offer participants a very hands-on and personal experience of Japan by interacting on a daily basis with the warm people of this most courteous and beautiful of countries. By walking, taking local trains, and boarding the Shinkansen (bullet train), participants will experience Japan, not as tourists, but as visitors entering fully into the magical rhythms of this exquisite land. From the timeless beauty of Kyoto, along the coast of the Japan Sea, through the samurai history of Kanazawa, the gardens and crafts of Takayama, and on to modern bustle of Tokyo, this journey promises to deliver a spectacular experience of Japan for those who wish to travel her cities by foot and by rail.

Day 2: Tokyo
Arrive at Narita International Airport. If you are on our guest flight, you'll be met by your tour leader, who will assist you in transferring to Tokyo. After checking into the hotel, you'll have the evening free to relax and rest up for tomorrow. Accommodations: Metropolitan Hotel

Day 3: Tokyo
We begin the day with a walk through the Imperial Palace East Garden. We'll continue our walk through the financial district and tour the International Forum Building there, then stop for lunch. Following lunch, you'll have some free time to enjoy the glitzy Ginza district and its shops, galleries, cafes, and great people watching. After a lively and interesting presentation about Kabuki theater by an aficionado, we'll attend a full Kabuki play at the nearby historic Kabuki-za Theatre. Dinner will be the traditional Makunounchi bento meal, taken between the first and second act. When we once again emerge onto the Ginza, we find it alight with neon brilliance. Accommodations: Metropolitan Hotel (B, D)

Day 4: Tokyo
We'll begin at Shinto Meiji Shrine, a wooden structure built in shinden style, where we'll we have a private meeting with a Shinto priest for an experience of Japanese indigenous spirituality and an enlightening lecture on Shintoism. You'll have the remainder of the afternoon free for browsing the upscale shops, galleries, and cafes on Omotesando-dori. Accommodations: Metropolitan Hotel (B)

Day 5: Tokyo
We begin with an excursion to Tsuki-ji Fish Market, one of the world's largest and busiest markets with a stunning array of seafood. From there, we'll travel by subway to the old "low city," or tradesmen district of Asakusa to visit historic Senso-ji Temple and its colorful shopping arcade, where traditional goods have been sold for centuries. After lunch on your own, we'll tour the Edo-Tokyo Museum (a history museum). After returning to the hotel, we'll rejoin for our farewell dinner. Accommodations: Metropolitan Hotel (B, D)

Day 6: Tokyo to Takayama
We'll travel on by train to Takayama, a working agricultural community with a wonderfully preserved district of historic wooden buildings. We'll arrive mid-afternoon and have time for a stroll around town before dinner. Accommodations: Asunaro Ryokan (B, D)

Day 7: Takayama
Our day begins with visits to the riverside morning market, a beautifully restored merchant house, and the Takayama Yatai Kaikan, which displays four of the massive floats used in Takayama's festival parades. You'll have the afternoon free to explore the many crafts shops and galleries in the area, a sake warehouse, the Inro Netskue Museum, the Shunkei Lacquer Museum, or Hida Folklore Village. There is also a wonderful opportunity to hike in the hills above town on a self-guided temple walk. We'll rejoin for dinner at our inn. Accommodations: Asunaro Ryokan (B, D)

Day 8: Takayama to Kanazawa
We'll board the train to Kanazawa and enjoy a scenic journey along the rugged and spectacular coast of the Japan Sea. Following arrival and check-in at our hotel, we'll embark on a walking tour of the historic samurai district with its well-preserved homes and buildings. While there, we'll also visit a historic geisha house. We'll enjoy dinner at a restaurant serving the unique cuisine for which the region is so well known. Accommodations: New Grand Annex (B, D)

Day 9: Kanazawa to Kyoto
After breakfast, we'll walk to Kenroku-en Garden, which was built around 1670 and is one of the three best known gardens in Japan. While there, we'll also see Ishikawa-mon and what remains of Kanazawa Castle, including the impressive entry gate and moat. We'll also go to the Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts and have some free time to browse through shops featuring the crafts for which Kanazawa is famous - pottery, silk kimono and lacquer ware. Aferwards, we will transfer by train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel and have time to rest before dinner. Accommodations: Sanjo Karasuma Hotel (B, D)

Day 10: Kyoto
We'll begin our day with a local train ride to western Kyoto, which offers views of serene, green natural beauty all along the way. Once there, we'll stroll through quiet lanes and the bamboo groves of Okochi Sanso, visit an ancient temple, and savor the gentle scenes. We'll also stop in at one of the great Zen temples of Kyoto for a visit, then wander through a bamboo forest to visit a private garden at the storybook villa of a former silent screen star. After lunch, we'll visit the workshop of a renowned indigo dye master for a one-on-one experience of this ancient art. Dinner will be at a restaurant near our hotel that serves traditional Kyoto cuisine. Accommodations: Sanjo Karasuma Hotel (B, D)

Day 11: Kyoto
We'll begin at Daitoku-ji Zen Monastery, visiting two sub-temples in the huge wooden complex that is famous for its exquisite garden design and impeccable attention to detail throughout. After enjoying lunch at a Zen-style restaurant on the temple grounds we'll take a walking tour through the Gion Geisha District, continue on though downtown Kyoto, and end up back to our hotel. Accommodations: Sanjo Karasuma Hotel (B, L)

Day 12: Kyoto
Today, we'll venture north of Kyoto to an intimate and little known temple hideaway with a stunning garden and a very convivial temple abbot who will serve tea and discuss Japanese spirituality with us. From there, we board a one-car train to a nearby temple and classic garden. For lunch, we'll enjoy a private introduction to Japanese cuisine at the restaurant of a good friend of Esprit. After a wonderful and relaxing meal, we'll visit the home and studio of a master traditional artisan for a personal experience of Japan's ancient arts. Accommodations: Sanjo Karasuma Hotel (B, L)

Day 13: Kyoto
You'll have the day free to explore on your own. You may want to spend the day in the Higashiyama (eastern mountain) district of Kyoto, where you can visit the Silver Pavilion, jewel of medieval villa design and garden art, and stroll along the Philosopher's Walk. Your tour leader will assist with ideas, tips, and directions, to ensure you enjoy the time fully. Accommodations: Sanjo Karasuma Hotel (B)

Day 14: Depart for U.S.
You'll have the morning free to enjoy the sights and sounds of Kyoto once more before departing by MK Shuttle for Kansai International Airport in the early afternoon. (B)

Note:
This itinerary of a past tour is provided to give you a flavor of the places and people we visit, where we stay, how we travel and what we experience. Because each Esprit tour is individually crafted, your tour may not include the exact same schedule, but will be very similar to what you see here. Each tour is designed to allow us to include as many special events, personal visits with artisans, seasonal festivals, and performances as possible.

Actual visits and events will be finalized approximately 30 days prior to departure to allow for the inclusion of special exhibitions, visits and events, and are dependent on the schedules of our Japanese colleagues. A final itinerary will be sent to you about three weeks prior to tour departure.