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
Explore Tokyo
Today, explore the dynamic neighborhoods of Shibuya and Asakusa, each offering its own 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 Yushima Tenmangu Shrine where you can enjoy the plum blossoms. The shrine has approximately 300 plum trees, with the majority of them producing white plum blossoms, usually in full bloom by mid February. It is a spectacular site. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 3
Take a day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji
Take day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko (approximately 120 km drive), which is located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mt. Fuji. It is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area. The northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko offer some of the most breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, which sometimes come with a reflection in the lake. We will make a stop at Oishi Park which offers stunning panoramic views of the mountain (weather permitting), framed by vibrant seasonal flowers. It's an ideal spot for leisurely walks, photography, and soaking in the natural beauty of the region. Then we will take the Mount Tenjo Ropeway for a short gondola ride to the observation deck, for an elevated panoramic view of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji.
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 at your own. Our guide will be on hand to recommend personalized activities tailored to your interests.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 5
Travel from Tokyo to Kanazawa by bullet train
This morning, we travel by bullet train from Tokyo to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, vist 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, Lunch
Day 6
Explore 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 plum blossoms that starts showing from mid-february. 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
Travel from 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. Afterwards, 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
Travel from Kaga Onsen to Kyoto by train
This morning, enjoy the onsen baths and ryokan before we take the train to Kyoto. In Kyoto 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. 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.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Tour Kyoto
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. 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 the dense bamboo forest, offering a serene and atmospheric experience. Then, there will be some time to explore Arashiyama at your own pace, to walk along the Katsuragawa River or visit some of the shops.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10
Day at Leisure in Kyoto
Today, enjoy Kyoto at leisure, a city where tradition meets tranquility at every turn. 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. In the evening, enjoy a final group farewell dinner.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11
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