Japan: Tokyo Fusion

Meet up with your group at a pre-selected location at your home airport. Once everyone has arrived, check your bags and go through security as a group. From here you will board your flight and depart for your international flight to Japan. This first day is counted as a full day of travel because the standard travel time to this destination exceeds 12 hours. This may change depending on your departure location.

Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.

Touch down in Japan in the afternoon. Your program leaders will meet you at the airport. You’ll board an express train into the city. Enjoy the views out the windows before arriving in Asakusa – a district located in the Taito ward of Tokyo that has a captivating blend of historic charm and contemporary vibrancy. At its heart lies the iconic Sensō-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temples.

Drop your luggage off at your accommodation and head to a celebratory dinner of yakitori and other grilled food. Head back to your accommodation for orientation and rest.

After your long travels yesterday, we start off the morning by exploring several of the famous sites in Asakusa. Visit the Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. You’ll be blown away by the size and intricacy of the temple building and the garden. You’ll learn about the role of religion in modern Japan as we wander the calm space.

Head to Nakamise-dori. It is a historic and lively shopping street that translates to “inside the gate,” and it has been a bustling marketplace for centuries. The street is renowned for its traditional atmosphere and the wide variety of stalls selling a diverse array of Japanese goods. 

Overnight: Hotel, Tokyo

When people think of modern Japan they usually think of the crowded streets and gleaming towers of Shibuya.  Traverse the iconic Shibuya Crossing, learn about cutting-edge technology hubs, and savor local delicacies, creating lasting memories against the city lights. 

Retreat to the cool of a shady park for a picnic lunch before exploring Harajuku, famous for being the cutting edge of fashion and trends. Enjoy a quick session with a manga teacher and draw your own manga character in the Japanese style. Grab an early dinner, then hop on the bullet train  to Kanazawa, where you will encounter a dynamic blend of nature, culture, and history. 

Overnight: Hotel, Kanazawa

The adventure begins with an early morning venture to Kanazawa Castle, where you’ll get a first-hand appreciation of the importance of Kanazawa in feudal Japan. After a locally-inspired lunch in the town, we head to a kendo classroom and take up our wooden practice swords.

Practicing kendo connects us to the spirit of the samurai and will help you understand the connection it still has to modern Japan. Enjoy a walk through the historic samurai and geisha neighborhoods as we enjoy an evening stroll before we savor local cuisine for dinner to wind down your day.

Overnight: Hotel, Kanazawa

Visit Kenrokuen, one of the three famous gardens in Japan and a place steeped in history and spirituality. As you traverse the garden grounds, absorb the serenity and cultural richness of the surroundings. Following a delectable lunch, the day takes an artistic turn with a traditional tea ceremony class. This hands-on experience not only imparts the delicate artistry of Japanese tea culture but also provides a tranquil interlude in the bustling day. 

The journey concludes with an exploration of Kanazawa’s vibrant streets, from the bustling Omicho Ichiba fish market to the local culinary delights, culminating in a culturally delicious dinner. Hop back on the bullet train and head back to Tokyo and get some rest.

Overnight: Hotel, Tokyo

Today is the day of castles and mystical gardens. The Edo Castle, now known as the Imperial Palace, is an iconic landmark in the heart of Tokyo. Surrounded by vast gardens and imposing stone walls, the Imperial Palace showcases traditional Japanese architecture and design.

Explore the East Gardens, adorned with meticulously manicured lawns, ancient ruins, and serene ponds, providing a tranquil oasis in the midst of the bustling metropolis. Next visit Hama-rikyu Gardens, an Edo-period strolling garden located along Tokyo Bay. This meticulously landscaped retreat offers a contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers, with teahouses, a tidal pond, and scenic pathways. The integration of tidal features, such as the Shio-iri Pond, highlights the garden’s unique design, evoking a sense of calm and contemplation.

As the evening winds down, participate in a Rustic Pathways ceremony, called Rustic Ties. This process will allow you to reflect on the experiences you’ve had over the past several days. 

Overnight: Hotel, Tokyo

As the journey concludes, bid farewell to Japan, departing with cherished memories and newfound cultural insights. This transformative week leaves an indelible mark, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the diverse wonders of this captivating country.