Discover the essence of Japan—from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, Kanazawa, and Kyoto—and discover a land of sublime art, unsurpassed natural beauty, and fascinating traditions, as well as bustling modernity.
Eternal Japan
13 days from $7,184 | includes airfare, taxes and all fees
Discover the essence of Japan—from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, Kanazawa, and Kyoto—and discover a land of sublime art, unsurpassed natural beauty, and fascinating traditions, as well as bustling modernity.
Tour Details
TOUR BROCHURE

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Suzanne and Peter C.Hard to top this trip! It was well planned and the opportunity to see smaller cities such as Takayama made this trip very special. There was no way could we have seen, experienced and learned so very much about this country on our own … especially over a limited number of days! Very good value. This was our second Smithsonian journey and, as we experienced with our first, excellent arrangements, enrichment program, and educational impact. This was simply an outstanding introduction to Japanese culture; it topped our expectations.
- Carol M.This was a top quality tour! Fabulous rooms, and delicious meals. The best part though is the exceptional tour guides and experts that took us on this amazing journey through Japan. I learned so much and felt completely cared for from them as we traveled from one city to the next. I would recommend traveling with Smithsonian to all my friends and family without hesitation!
- Nicky S.This tour really gave us insights into the culture and language of Japan we couldn't have gotten any other way.
- Cheryl B.This Smithsonian Journeys trip exceeded my expectations. The quality of leadership and their narratives, the hotels, and local guides make my trip rich beyond words. Thank you Smithsonian for a special life experience.
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
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* Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.
Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
This modern hotel is centrally located in Tokyo and sits close to the city’s popular Ginza area. Hotel facilities and amenities include several restaurants, a bar, fitness center, sauna, salon, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, and dry cleaning and laundry service. Each of the air-conditioned guest rooms have a private bath with hairdryer, mini-bar, TV, and phone
Number of nights: 3
Hakone Setsugetsuka (ryokan)
Kanagawa, Japan
Setsugetsuka sits just a minute’s walk away from Gora Station in the small hot springs town of Hakone. This traditional ryokan offers a Japanese-style lodging experience where guests can enjoy a dip in the public outdoor onsen bath; dine upon fresh, local Japanese food at dinner; and experience sleeping in a Japanese-style room with private bathroom. Water is pulled from two private springs, and the ryokan offers traditional décor and a tranquil atmosphere for our one-night stay. Air-conditioned guest rooms offer private bath with hair dryer, tea-making facilities, and TV. Per Japanese tradition, shoes must be removed in bedrooms at this ryokan.
Number of nights: 1
Hida Hotel Plaza
Takayama, Japan
Centrally located near the railway station and a five-minute walk from Miyagawa morning market, the 283-room Hida Hotel Plaza features several restaurants, lounges, and a sake bar; beauty salon; gift shop; indoor swimming pool, spa, and sauna; Internet access; and a roof-top pool with commanding views of the northern Japanese Alps. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, refrigerator, TV, and phone.
Number of nights: 2
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Kanazawa, Japan
Conveniently located within walking distance of some of Kanazawa's most popular sights, the 260-room Nikko Kanazawa combines a refined European atmosphere with the beauty of the four seasons. Hotel amenities include several restaurants, lounges, and bars; and an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, and Jacuzzi. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, Internet access, TV, and phone.
Number of nights: 2
The Thousand Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
Just opened in the summer of 2019, The Thousand Kyoto offers an elegant and contemporary stay in the heart of Kyoto. With soaring interior spaces, understated yet sophisticated décor, and a variety of amenities, The Thousand Kyoto ranks as a perfect place from which to explore this fascinating city. The hotel boasts a Japanese restaurant, an Italian restaurant, a tea room with tea-infused cocktails, fitness center, spa with a range of treatments (for a fee), complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and laundry and dry cleaning services (for a fee). Air-conditioned guest rooms are designed according to a minimalist Japanese aesthetic and have private bath with hair dryer, tea-making facilities, TV, and phone.
Number of nights: 1
Hiroshima Post-Tour Extension — 3 Days, 2 Nights
Discover the city reborn from the atomic destruction of World War II, a modern and cosmopolitan urban center whose residents warmly welcome American visitors. Your tour extension price includes:
- Rail transportation Kyoto/Hiroshima; Hiroshima/Osaka
- 2 nights accommodations at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
- 3 Meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Extensive included sightseeing: Isukushima Shrine; Mt. Misen Ropeway; Hiroshima touring by local “Hiroden” train; visit to Peace Memorial Park and Museum; Atomic Bomb Dome
- Services of a professional Tour Director
- Gratuities to Tour Director, dining room servers, hotel porters, and drivers
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
Connected to JR Hiroshima Station, the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima offers direct access to several of Hiroshima’s most popular sites, including Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island. The hotel offers five restaurants, bar, and lounge; laundry and dry cleaning services; hair salon; gift shop; Internet access; and safe deposit boxes. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, TV, and phone.
Activity Level 3: Moderate / Active
Expectations: Most trips will feature long touring days, many full-day excursions, and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Some tours may have activities with higher intensity and more active choices/options. Excursions require standing and walking for extended periods of time over more difficult terrain (cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators, muddy/slippery walking/hiking trails), and walking to city centers where coaches are prohibited. Specific itineraries may feature hiking, use of local transportation, extended overnight train travel, extensive use of Zodiac crafts or other smaller ship conveyances, or multiple internal plane rides. Some itineraries may require early morning departures and later evening returns. Travelers may be in remote and/or rugged regions, and may be touring at higher altitudes with steep ascents/descents. Leisure time may be limited (sometimes only in the later evenings). Certain tours feature more active excursions (such as moderate hiking, swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, bicycling, rafting, or kayaking), though another choice may be offered for an alternate skill level. Walking/hiking tours may feature up to six-mile walks/hikes.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion.
WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Suzanne and Peter C.Hard to top this trip! It was well planned and the opportunity to see smaller cities such as Takayama made this trip very special. There was no way could we have seen, experienced and learned so very much about this country on our own … especially over a limited number of days! Very good value. This was our second Smithsonian journey and, as we experienced with our first, excellent arrangements, enrichment program, and educational impact. This was simply an outstanding introduction to Japanese culture; it topped our expectations.
- Carol M.This was a top quality tour! Fabulous rooms, and delicious meals. The best part though is the exceptional tour guides and experts that took us on this amazing journey through Japan. I learned so much and felt completely cared for from them as we traveled from one city to the next. I would recommend traveling with Smithsonian to all my friends and family without hesitation!
- Nicky S.This tour really gave us insights into the culture and language of Japan we couldn't have gotten any other way.
- Cheryl B.This Smithsonian Journeys trip exceeded my expectations. The quality of leadership and their narratives, the hotels, and local guides make my trip rich beyond words. Thank you Smithsonian for a special life experience.
Highly Recommended
Also Recommended
For the convenience of our travelers, Travel Guard provides an on-tour Insurance Plan. On-tour emergency evacuation insurance (up to $100,000), medical expense coverage (up to $25,000), dental expense coverage (up to $500), travel medical assistance and worldwide travel assistance (U.S. Residents only). It also includes up to $25,000 medical and up to $500 dental expense coverage, and 24-hour worldwide travel and medical assistance. Please click here to view complete coverage details.
Please visit www.TravelGuard.com/SmithsonianJourneys or call Travel Guard at 1-800-208-6142 to learn about additional (optional) coverage.