Your Travel Experience with Bonvoyaga Canada
Day 1
Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT), you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist you with getting to your shared transfer that will take you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2
Exploring Tokyo
Today, explore the dynamic neighborhoods of Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ginza, each offering its unique charm. Begin your journey by learning the traditional purification ritual at the entrance of the Meiji-jingu Shrine. Then, wander through Harajuku's vibrant Takeshita Street, known for its youthful, trendy vibe and Kawaii culture. You might even encounter cosplayers dressed as their favorite anime characters. Continue to the sophisticated Omotesando Avenue, where tree-lined streets feature striking modern architecture and luxury designer boutiques. Next, head to the historic Asakusa district in the city's northwest, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple and its towering five-story pagoda. Amidst clouds of fragrant incense, worshippers gather as tourists capture selfies. Let our guide help you interpret your fortune from an Omikuji, a wonderful keepsake from Tokyo. Take time to shop for souvenirs or traditional Japanese rice crackers along Nakamise Shopping Street, which leads to the temple's outer gate. The final stop is in Ginza, Tokyo's premier hub for entertainment, dining, and luxury shopping. Here, you'll find flagship stores of renowned Japanese and international brands, perfect for indulging in a little retail therapy. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 3
Full Day Excursion to Hakone
Today, embark on a day trip to Hakone, located about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Known for its famous hot springs and stunning views of Mount Fuji--the tallest and most iconic mountain in Japan--Hakone offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Departing Tokyo, we journey to this picturesque region. Upon arrival, we head to Sounzan to board the Hakone Ropeway gondola, which provides a breathtaking 30-minute ride over the Owakudani Valley. From above, you can observe the valley's bubbling sulfuric hot springs and steaming vents. The gondola ride concludes at Togendai Station, located on the shores of Lake Ashinoko, a crater lake formed by a volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago. Next, enjoy a scenic boat ride across the tranquil waters of Lake Ashinoko, with its spectacular views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting). The lake's serene setting and the mountain's majestic presence create a truly unforgettable experience. After exploring Hakone's highlights, we return to Tokyo in the evening, enriched by a day filled with natural wonders and cultural insights.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Day at Leisure in Tokyo
Today, enjoy Tokyo at leisure, where every street corner offers a new discovery, from tranquil gardens to bustling markets. Explore the city's vibrant energy as you adventure into its diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks on your own. Our guide will be on hand to recommend personalized activities tailored to your interests.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 5
Tokyo to Kanazawa
This morning, we travel by bullet train from Tokyo to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, visit the impeccably preserved Higashi Chaya District, a testament to Kanazawa's cultural heritage. Admire the graceful wooden tea houses where geishas once entertained nobility and affluent merchants. While the number of geishas has diminished over time, a handful of tea houses still host nightly entertainment for their discerning clientele. Our guide will point them out and offer insight into the enduring allure of geisha culture in this enchanting district. We will visit Kaikaro Chaya, an active tea house that welcomes visitors during its non-operating daytime hours. We will also have the opportunity to get hands-on and create your own gold leaf masterpiece. A gold leaf is made by beating gold into an extremely thin sheet with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.125 millionths of a meter. It is so thin that it will disappear when you rub it with your fingers. The production of gold leaf started in Kanazawa at the end of the 16th century.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 6
Discovering Kanazawa
Today, immerse yourself in Kanazawa's rich history and culture as you explore its iconic landmarks. Begin your journey at Kanazawa Castle Park, where the reconstructed Kanazawa Castle stands as a symbol of the city's feudal past. Once the seat of the powerful Maeda clan, this sprawling park offers stunning views and a glimpse into the grandeur of Japan's samurai era. Next, visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most renowned landscape gardens, designed to embody all six elements of classical garden design: spaciousness, seclusion, serenity, subtlety, panoramic views, and water features. Stroll along its meticulously curated paths and admire the garden's seasonal beauty, from cherry blossoms in spring and lush greenery in summer to autumn's fiery foliage and the tranquil snow-covered scenes of winter. Continue to the Nagamachi Samurai District, where narrow cobblestone lanes are lined with traditional samurai residences, preserving the historic atmosphere of the Edo period. Tour the restored Nomura Samurai House, featuring a stunning miniature garden best appreciated from its second-floor tea room. Finally, visit a historic tea room overlooking a serene garden to learn about the cultural significance of the Japanese tea ceremony. Under the guidance of an instructor, try your hand at making your own cup of tea, deepening your appreciation for this timeless tradition.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Kanazawa to Kaga Onsen
Today, we drive from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set amidst the stunning Japanese Alps. Explore this charming village, famous for its iconic Gassho-Zukuri houses--traditional thatched-roof structures unique to the region. With steeply pitched roofs resembling hands folded in prayer, these architectural marvels reflect the ingenuity of the villagers in withstanding the region's harsh winters. Take time to wander through this picturesque setting and immerse yourself in its timeless beauty. Afterward, we travel to Kaga Onsen, a small hot spring town. Upon arrival at the ryokan, the staff will warmly welcome us, offering the traditional Japanese hospitality known as Omotenashi, where guests are cared for with heartfelt attention. Your stay will provide a truly unique Japanese experience, from the way you dress, sleep, and bathe. Relax, embrace the tradition, and immerse yourself in the local customs. In the evening, experience a Japanese kaiseki-style group dinner. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dining experience, regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. This culinary art form highlights seasonal ingredients, exquisite presentation, and a delicate balance of flavors. A typical kaiseki meal features a series of small dishes, each highlighting a unique element of Japanese cooking. The courses are served in a specific sequence, beginning with light appetizers, followed by more substantial dishes, and concluding with a dessert.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
Kaga Onsen to Kyoto
This morning, enjoy the onsen baths and ryokan before we take the train to Kyoto. In the afternoon, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, a shrine dedicated to the Shinto God of rice, renowned for its thousands of vibrant vermillion torii gates that wind through a forested path leading up to Mount Inari. Learn about the shrine's rich history and its spiritual importance as a long-standing place of worship and pilgrimage. Explore the hidden trails that lead to smaller shrines, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous fox statues, believed to be messengers of Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity. For the more energetic and adventurous, climb to the summit of Mount Inari, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Exploring Historic Tokyo
Today, head to the foothills of Northern and Western Kyoto, beginning with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, the Zen Buddhist temple also known as the Golden Pavilion. The temple's top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf, creating a stunning sight. Your guide will escort you through the beautiful gardens to the tea house, where you will exit the temple. Just down the street is Ryoan-ji, famous for its rock garden, which features a clever and minimalist arrangement of 15 stones. After some moments of reflection at the garden, you will depart and travel to the western side of Kyoto. In Arashiyama, explore Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple known for one of the finest gardens in Kyoto. Upon exiting the temple through the north gate, you'll stroll through narrow alleys lined with dense bamboo groves, offering a serene and atmospheric experience.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10
Day at Leisure in Kyoto
Today, enjoy Kyoto at leisure, a city where tradition meets tranquility at every turn. Wander through serene temples, stroll along peaceful bamboo groves, and experience the beauty of historical gardens. Explore the charming streets of Gion, where ancient teahouses and traditional architecture come to life. Take in the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, all at your own pace. Our guide will be on hand to recommend personalized activities tailored to your interests.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 11
Discovering Spiritual Kyoto
Today, step into a realm of tranquility and spiritual reverence at Sanjusangendo, home to over 1,001 life-sized statues of Senju Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Each statue, painstakingly crafted over centuries, symbolizes Kannon's infinite compassion and power. Next, visit Kiyomizudera, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the scenic hills of Eastern Kyoto. Marvel at the exquisite wooden architecture that stretches over a steep hillside, offering sweeping views of Kyoto's landscape. Take a leisurely walk through the historic streets of Ichinenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka. These narrow, cobblestone paths transport you to ancient Kyoto, lined with well-preserved wooden houses. Be sure to capture the iconic sight of the five-story Yasaka Pagoda at Hokanji Temple. The day concludes in the atmospheric Gion district, Kyoto's renowned Geisha quarter. Here, you'll find traditional wooden machiya houses, many of which serve as tea houses where Geishas entertain their distinguished guests. In the evening, enjoy a final group farewell dinner.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 12
Depart from Kyoto
Sayonara, farewell, our tour concludes today. You will be transferred to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM) for your departure flight.
Meal: Breakfast