Japan: Temples, Traditions, & Tea

Japan, where time-honored tradition and modern technology come together. Our 11-night journey through Japan explores the metropolis of Tokyo at the forefront of progress, alongside the city’s oldest area, Asakusa. Arrive by bullet train to the country’s cultural capital, Kyoto, with its 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and see how Hiroshima has been reborn before tasting the nation’s soul food in Osaka. Japan is truly a world unto itself!

Destination Overview

The Evolved Traveler’s luxury 12-day journey to Japan begins in vibrant Tokyo, where you experience Asakusa’s diversity, part of Tokyo’s Shitamachi (old town). Asakusa is home to Senso-Ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and the city’s oldest Geisha district. Marvel at Shibuya, the world’s busiest intersection, before enjoying the more tranquil and lesser-seen side of the city on a bike ride through Tokyo’s backstreets and local shotengai (small commercial streets) in hip neighborhoods such as Shimo-Kitazawa.

Next, board the bullet train for beautiful Kyoto, the reigning cultural capital of Japan, home to 2,000 shrines and temples, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Partake in a tea ceremony in Kodai-Ji, a stunning 400-year-old temple where special access has been granted for your private ceremony. Continue to the sacred island of Miyajima and the city of Hiroshima for a moving visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Finally, enjoy the flamboyant and colorful world of Japan’s street food and nightlife, where a local food expert will take you on a culinary highlights tour of Osaka, experiencing the city’s best-loved dishes – including Japanese soul food!