Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Japan as you encounter vestiges of its imperial past and the dynamism of contemporary life on a journey to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone.
Japan Past and Present: A Tailor-Made Journey
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone
11 days from $6,995
Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Japan as you encounter vestiges of its imperial past and the dynamism of contemporary life on a journey to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone.
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Park Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
The Park Hotel is a modern hotel infused with Japanese art that begins at the 25th floor of the Shiodome Media Tower. Arranged around a soaring atrium, stylish rooms and common spaces offer expansive views of the city. With the Hama Rikyu Gardens just steps away, the hotel is ideally located for exploring both the old and new of the city. It features both international and Japanese restaurants, a café, an art exhibition space, a world-class spa, and Japan’s first Scotch Malt Whiskey Society bar.
Celestine Gion
Kyoto, Japan
Set in the heart of the bustling Higashiyama temple area, the Celestine Gion is a tranquil sanctuary of Japanese minimalism. Rooms are well sized and simply furnished with comfortable western-style beds, large windows, and ironware tea sets—among other modern amenities. Common spaces include an inviting traditional-style bath and garden and a lounge that serves drinks and snacks. Maiko (apprentice geisha) perform for house guests, which you can enjoy while sampling sushi and tempura at the Endo Yasaka restaurant.
KAI Hakone
Hakone, Japan
The KAI Hakone is a modern ryokan perched on the banks of the Sugumo River in Sugumogawa Valley. It offers both western-style and traditional Japanese rooms and suites, some with their own balconies and open-air baths. The ryokan’s onsens, or hot spring baths, open out onto views of the surrounding woods and mountains. The restaurant serves beautifully prepared multi-course Japanese meals that are locally sourced, based around fresh seafood from nearby Odawara. Other amenities include massage services, tea sessions, and craft workshops focused on the local art of parquetry.
When you travel on a tailor-made journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:
- A Smithsonian annual engagement calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
- Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history. Early access to Smithsonian magazine produced events.
- Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
- 10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
- Recognition in the Friends of the Smithsonian Honor Roll, displayed electronically on the National Mall in the Membership Reception Center
- Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
- Free admission to the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
- A complimentary copy of the annual Smithsonian museum guidebook.
- Invitation to a special welcome event for new members at a Smithsonian venue.
*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members.
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For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.
In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.
To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.