2026

Wonders of Japan

Land Tour
15 Days
$14,990 CAD
All inclusive from, per guest, double occupancy.
SOLD OUT
Land Tour
15 Days
$14,990 CAD
All inclusive from, per guest, double occupancy.
SOLD OUT

Journey Highlights

After our 2025 departures sold out quickly, we’re thrilled to invite you to join this popular 15-day journey through Japan in 2026!

Discover Tokyo’s vibrant energy, Takayama’s historic allure, Hiroshima’s poignant landmarks, and Kyoto’s timeless cultural treasures. Admire the majesty of Mount Fuji, explore the serene beauty of Miyajima Island, and immerse yourself in Japan’s captivating landscapes and traditions, crafting unforgettable memories at every turn.

Early Bird Promotion has now ended. Reserve today to secure your spot! 

Browse the highlights on the cards below by swiping or pressing the arrows.

Tokyo

Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, offers a spirited mix of attractions. Experience the energy of Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest intersections, marvel at the upscale atmosphere of the Ginza district, and take in breathtaking panoramic views from the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world. Each corner of this vibrant metropolis offers a unique glimpse into its dynamic culture and innovation.

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic peak, stands majestically as a symbol of natural beauty and cultural significance. Visible from miles around, it captivates with its symmetrical form and serene presence, making it a highlight for many. This revered mountain offers a profound connection to Japan’s rich heritage and is exemplary of breathtaking scenery.

Takayama

Takayama

Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps, captivates with its beautifully preserved old town and rich historical charm. The streets lined with Edo-period buildings, traditional merchant houses, and sake breweries offer a glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage at its finest, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its authentic atmosphere.

Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s most revered destinations, captivates with its iconic floating torii gate and friendly roaming deer. It offers a tranquil retreat into nature and a deep connection to Japan’s spiritual heritage, inviting visitors to explore its timeless charm.

Kyoto

Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan’s cultural treasure trove, invites exploration with its array of temples, shrines, and traditional gardens. Quaint streets lined with traditional machiya houses offer glimpses into the city’s enduring charm. Kyoto captivates visitors with its blend of historical depth and vibrant present-day culture.

Journey Itinerary

Japan_Spring 2026_JourneybyVanDyke_Detailed Itinerary_1
Day 1

DEPART FOR TOKYO, JAPAN

Start your Journey with us by enjoying a private car pick up service from your home. Upon arrival at the airport, guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow guests, and board your flight. Our Journey Manager travels with you to take care of all the details throughout the Journey, allowing you to focus on your experience.

 

Overnight: Overnight Flight
Day 2

WELCOME TO TOKYO

On arrival in Tokyo, we experience firsthand the genuine kindness of the Japanese with a warm welcome from our local guide. Relax in the elegance of our hotel, or take a stroll through the streets of Japan’s largest metropolis. Join us this evening for a casual welcome dinner.

Overnight: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa
Meals: Dinner
Day 3

DISCOVERING TOKYO

Our full day city exploration will begin with a visit to the Imperial Palace Eastern Gardens, home to 210,000 square meters of green space that is open to the public. Drive by the Ginza district, the most expensive real estate in the world. After lunch, we proceed to the Tokyo Skytree to visit the top level for an awe-inspiring view of the city, and maybe even Mt Fuji on a very clear day. At Asakusa, visit Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) to learn about Japan’s unique religious practices. Experience the world’s busiest intersection, Shibuya Crossing, where hundreds of people cross from all directions every time the signal changes.

Note – During this journey, many temples require us to remove our shoes. This shows respect for the Japanese traditions, and protects the centuries old heritage sites.

Overnight: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4

KAMAKURA

Immersing ourselves in the local culture, we drive to Kamakura, the former home to countless poets and artists. One of many highlights today include the beauty of The Great Bronze Buddha, the Hase Kannon Temple and the impressive Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Wander amongst the intimate shops and cafes on Komaci Street. Look closely, and you will find the famous natto (sticky beans), ham, traditional Kamakura carving and other local specialities.

Overnight: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5

MT. FUJI & HAKONE

We skirt the Japanese Alps this morning as we drive south from Tokyo. Mt Fuji pokes its perfect volcanic cone towards the heavens. Discover the picturesque and serene natural beauty of a crater lake during a relaxing boat cruise, then take the Komagatake Ropeway for scenic views of Hakone and surrounding area (weather permitting). On to Suwa, where for one night we step into another world, relaxing in a cotton yukata (dressing gown) and sleeping on a traditional Futon.

Note: Hotel is traditional Japanese Ryokan and room will have comfortable futon on the floor for sleeping.

Overnight: Suwa, Hotel Saginoyu (Japanese style room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6

MATSUMOTO & TAKAYAMA

Our journey continues via Matsumoto, noted for its majestic six storey castle, to the mountain village of Takayama. Visit the Hida Folk Village, a living museum of rural homes and barns, where we will experience the traditional lifestyles of a bygone era. Later we will visit the Matsuri-no-Mori Museum, home to a collection of massive yatai or parade floats created for the annual harvest festival.

Overnight: Hotel Around Takayama, Takayama
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7

TAKAYAMA

Takayama lies in the mountainous Hida region and has retained a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. This historic city gained importance as a source of high quality timber and highly skilled carpenters during the feudal ages. This morning will be spent on a comprehensive walking tour exploring this delightful small city. Visits include the Miyagawa Morning Market, the traditional wooden houses and shops of Kami Sannomachi Street, Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum. The latter was formerly the residence of the Kusakabe family and has been designated an important cultural property. We’ll also visit Takayama Jinya, the former regional headquarters of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Overnight: Hotel Around Takayama, Takayama
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8

SHIRAKAWAGO, UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Our scenic drive continues this morning along mountainous roads , as you enter the mountain village of Shirakawago, with its unique thatched roof houses and picturesque river side setting, you can feel the historic atmosphere of this UNESCO site. Visit the residence of the Iwase family or Wade family, with its magnificent thatched roof home. Later, visit Gokayama to observe the intricate and involved process of creating traditional Japanese paper (Washi).

Overnight: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9

KANAZAWA & THE GARDEN OF SIX QUALITIES

This morning we walk through one of Japan’s most famous gardens, Kenroku-en, the Garden of Six Qualities. It features magnificent landscaping, flowering trees, and lakes. Visit the Hakuichi Gold Leaf Museum with a demonstration explaining the art of gold leaf application before travelling by bullet train to Hiroshima, an important southern city. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Note: Luggage will be transferred separately from Takayama hotel to Hiroshima hotel and arrive the next day. Please kindly prepare to bring a handbag for overnight.

Overnight: Hilton Hiroshima, Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10

HIROSHIMA

Hiroshima is best remembered for the event of August 6, 1945 when the A Bomb decimated the city and area. The Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum are both sobering testaments to the event and aftermath. Time permitting we shall visit Shukkei-en Garden, for cherry blossoms or a quiet walk with time to reflect. This afternoon cross the Inland Sea by ferry to Miyajima Island, felt by many to be one of the three top scenic experiences in Japan.

Overnight: Hilton Hiroshima Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11

BULLET TRAIN TO KYOTO

Transfer to JR Hiroshima Station for bullet train to Himeji. See the exterior of Himeji Castle, the 400-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site and national treasure. Continue by coach to historic Kyoto, capital of Japan for almost 1,000 years (until 1868). This delightful city conjures up classic images: streets of little wooden houses, the sound of geta (wooden sandals) clicking on the cobblestones, geisha in brightly coloured silk, tea ceremonies, traditional gardens and more.

Note: Luggage will be transported separately from Hiroshima hotel to Kyoto hotel.

Overnight: Double Tree by Hilton Kyoto Station
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12

KYOTO

Our day begins with a walk through the unique Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions, followed by the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). This threestorey pagoda, covered in gold foil, is set next to a tranquil reflecting pool and surrounded by gardens and pine forests. Nearby are the gardens and palace of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO Site noted for the great Ninomaru Wing and Audience Hall with its Nightingale Floors. Followed by a vibrant stroll through Nishiki Market for a special sake tasting session. This lively market offers an authentic atmosphere where you can sample a variety of sake types.

Overnight: Double Tree by Hilton Kyoto Station
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13

KYOTO

Venture out early for a visit to Nara. Nara is one of the most gracious and sacred centres in all of Japan. At Todaiji Temple we visit Daibutsuden Hall, once the largest wooden building in the world, enshrining a great bronze sitting image of Buddha. Enjoy a stroll through the Deer Park (Nara Park). After lunch, transfer back to Kyoto to experience a traditional tea ceremony before returning to the hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Double Tree by Hilton Kyoto Station
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14

BULLET TRAIN TO TOKYO

Enjoy your morning at leisure before a short walk takes us to the Shinkansen platform at Kyoto Station where we board the Bullet train to Tokyo Station. On arrival we transfer to our hotel. Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Note: Luggage will be transported separately from Kyoto hotel to Tokyo hotel.

Overnight: Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15

HOME

This morning is yours to relax, do some last minute souvenir shopping before we bid Japan ’ Sayōnara’, and make our way to the airport for our flights home. Enjoy our private car to your home.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private car home from the Journey to the Nordic Countries
Private car home from the Journey to the Nordic Countries
Private car home from the Journey to the Nordic Countries

 

Signature Inclusions on This Journey

THE JOURNEYS DIFFERENCE

In addition to our essentials, your Journey includes our following Signature Inclusions:

24/7 Professional Journey Manager
  • Will travel with you from Canada and handle every detail
  • In addition to knowledgeable local guides

 

Memorable Private Excursions
  • Private excursions crafted by our team
  • All sightseeing & entrance fees included

 

Private Car Pick-up Service
  • Within a 200-kilometre radius, let your Journey begin in elegant comfort with a private chauffeured car to the airport

 

Generous Tips & Gratuities
  • For the porters, local guides, hotel staff & many more, paid by us on your behalf

 

Our essentials included with your Journey:

  • 13 nights in outstanding hotels
  • All meals included: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners
  • Round-trip airfare from Toronto with Air Canada
  • “Whisper” radios included for use during excursions
  • All taxes as well as service charges
  • Hassle-free Visas handled & processed for Canadian citizens
  • Other gateways & travel classes available
  • Porterage for one piece of luggage per person
  • Complete information & assistance leading up to your departure
  • Branded overnight carry-on or backpack

Hotels

Day 2-4 & Day 14

GRAND PRINCE HOTEL SHIN TAKANAWA, TOKYO

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Togo Murano, the Grand Prince Hotel is a stunning building located in the heart of Tokyo’s Takanawa district. Modern and sophisticated, the hotel’s guest rooms offer style, elegance, and comfort.

The property is home to approximately 20,00 square metres of traditional Japanese garden, featuring historical structures whose cosntruc-tion dates back as far as the early tenth century. Each room is equipped with a private balcony, perfect for taking in breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline.

Day 5

HOTEL SAGINOYU, SUWA

Hotel Saginoyu, situated in front of Lake Suwa, is one of the most established ryokans in Ka-mi-Suwa hot spring town, with more than 100-year history as a hot spring ryokan. Despite the modern atmosphere of the town’s buildings, once you step inside Saginoyu, the warmth of Japa-nese style is seen throughout the interior, rooms and garden will welcome you. Bathing in a large common bath at Saginoyu whose natural hot spring water has a number of therapeutic benefits will surely help you get relaxed.

Cable television is provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and bidets. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.

 

Day 6-8

TAKAYAMA GREEN HOTEL, TAKAYAMA

Takayama Green Hotel offers views of the rolling hills and lush greenery of the area. Rooms at the hotel include air conditioning and purification. Guests at the hotel have access to a very traditional Japanese hot spring bath. With it’s sophisticated style and atmosphere, the hotel is an ideal accomodatoin for people looking for a break from the fast-paced city lifestyle.

Hot spring Baths

Takayama Green Hotel features offers two onsen experiences; an open air bath nestled in natural cypress rock, and an indoor bath surrounded by windows showing a panoramic views of the property’s Japanese garden.

Day 8-9

KANAZAWA TOKYU, KANAZAWA

The Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel is a charming accomodation located near Kanazawa’s most beautiful tour-ist destinations – including the famous Konroku-en Gardens. The guest rooms are designed for comfort and relaxation; each is tastefully decorated and outfitted with WiFi and television. A fridge, a kettle, and free tea and mineral water are provided.

The hotel’s four restauarants offer guests a variety of dining options, each with a unique atmopshere and style of cuisine.

Day 9-11

HILTON HOTEL, HIROSHIMA

Located in the heart of Hiroshima, the Hilton Hiroshima is just ten minutes from the Atomic Bomb Dome and the lush Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, two of the city’s most famous tourist locations. Its skyline terrace makes it the ideal place to take in the breathtaking views of this beautiful city.

The guest rooms at the Hilton Hiroshima are equipped with air-conditioning, black-out curtains, and HD television with on-demand movies. Bathrooms are outfitted with a bathtub and rain shower. The hotel also offers four unique hotels and bars.

Days 11-14

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON, KYOTO STATION

Located just steps from Kyoto Station, the DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort for travelers exploring Japan’s cultural heart. With easy access to Kyoto’s most iconic sights—including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Gion—the hotel serves as an ideal base for both sightseeing and relaxation.

The hotel’s contemporary design reflects a balance of modern elegance and traditional Kyoto charm. Guests can enjoy spacious, thoughtfully designed rooms featuring plush bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and refined bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. After a day of exploration, unwind at the hotel’s restaurant, lounge, or fitness center for a truly rejuvenating stay.

May 15 to 29, 2026

Sold Out – Please contact us to be notified if a spot becomes available.

Prices are per guest in CAD, all taxes included.

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