Example Itinerary

Across 18 Centuries: Historic Japan

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Architecture, Heritage
Destinations
Japan

Travel back in time and explore Japanese history from the 3rd century to the present day, with our fascinating Historic Japan itinerary. These action-packed 11 days of luxury travel, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Kamakura & Yokohama are sure to meet your cultural and adventurous traveling dreams. Explore ancient history in the morning at Tokyo’s 7th century temples before shopping for the highest quality of electronics in Omotesando Hills. Enjoy all the modern day luxuries as you peek into ancient times. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Architecture: The largest wooden structure in the world, the Todaiji Temple was originally constructed in 752 AD (the present reconstruction dates back to 1692) and houses a 15-meter-tall bronze Buddha.

• Ancient History: Pay a visit to the shrine of Sugawara no Michizane (845 AD - 903 AD); a revered scholar, poet and politician who became deified as the Shinto god of learning.

• Modern History: Reflect in silence in Hiroshima at the site where the A-bomb was dropped during World War II.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Osaka

Arrive in Osaka, Japan’s cultural and historic mecca. Relax at your luxury hotel in the heart of downtown as you get acquainted to your new surroundings. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Situated in the heart of Kita, one of Osaka's two main city centers, there is no shortage of tourist attractions, shopping destinations, and sights to see that are all easily accessible from the Conrad Osaka.

Dining: Osaka has a reputation as a city of foodies, and the dining options at the Conrad Osaka live up to this reputation with everything from traditional Japanese dishes to cloud-like gourmet cakes available.

Comfort: Beds are comfortable and inviting, bathrooms come with indulgent bathtubs and luxury amenities, and the expansive views set one’s mind at ease.

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Conrad Osaka Preferred Hotel
About

In the heart of Osaka's Midosuji area lies the St. Regis Osaka, an elegant five-star hotel composed of 160 guest rooms and suites over 12 categories.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

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Osaka

Learn about the Tumulus, Asuka and the Nara Period in Nara. This begins in the 3rd century and finishes in the 8th century. The Ishibutai Kofun is an impressive stone monument and tomb believed to be the final resting place of the 6th century leader, Soga Umako. Next, tour the Todaiji Temple - the largest wooden structure in the world. Here you’ll find the largest bronze statue of Buddha in existence. The Buddha looks brand new after being reconstructed post-earthquake on several different occasions. Enjoy traditional cuisine at a local restaurant for a midday break. Snap a picture of the beautiful pagoda at the Horyuji Temple. Finish off the day by wandering through the Heijokyo Palace Ruins and imagine imperial life in the 700’s. 

Osaka
Osaka

Day 3

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Kyoto

Today travel onward to Kyoto where you will step back into the Heian Period (8th to the 12th century) when you visit the Kyoo Gokokuji (Toji) Temple. The temple was built in the late 700’s to protect the eastern side of Kyoto city. See the remains of Rashomon Gate, the massive gate that once protected the city and inspired the film Rashomon. Ponder the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine revering Sugawara Michizane, an unjustly exiled scholar and politician. Michanzane’s vengeful spirit is blamed for disasters in the area and the shrine was built as a peace offering to his revenge-seeking ghost. Learn about Heian style traditional costume and enjoy a private dinner with an exclusive showing of Imayo dance. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Nature: Aman Kyoto's palette is the inviting green of forest scenery and the warm, woody tones of shelter. So aligned with its surroundings, the hotel changes with the seasons; Taka-An's menu puts the spotlight on seasonal produce, while the floor-to-ceiling windows showcase how the passing months shape the landscape.

Culture: Kaiseki banquets, matcha and mochi afternoon tea, tranquil and contemplative gardens, indoor and outdoor onsen bathing facilities, options for futon bedding and tatami mat flooring – the entire property has been designed with an immersion in both nature and culture in mind, so guests can experience true Japanese hospitality.

Wellness: A stay at the Aman Kyoto is not just a quiet retreat to return to after a day of sightseeing in Kyoto, but also an oasis designed to replenish the body and mind. The in-house spa specializes in Shiatsu massage, onsen pools are fed by the mineral-rich waters of local hot springs, while private yoga sessions in a forest clearing release stress and tension.

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Aman Kyoto Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Nestled at the foot of Higashiyama Mountain, alongside a thousand-year-old ikeniwa pond, Four Seasons Kyoto is located just ten minutes from Kyoto’s city center, within the temple district, making it an ideal base from which to explore the nearby shrines and historic landmarks, as well as the more modern attractions of Japan’s elegant former capital.

History: Having opened it’s doors in October 2016, Four Seasons Kyoto - the second site for the Four Seasons brand in the country - may have been five years in the planning, but the atmosphere of urbane tranquility of the Zen inspired interiors has made an indelible impression on a city known for its sense of style and sophistication.

Service: Four Seasons Kyoto provides the very best in round-the-clock luxury service, complete with 24-hour concierge and room service, manned with English-speaking staff ready to cater for to guests’ wants and needs.

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Four Seasons Kyoto Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Nestled in pristine forest, Hoshinoya Kyoto is in the perfect environment for de-stressing. The protected forests surrounding the resort are wonderfully revitalizing.

Service: Guests enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality in an authentic ryokan environment.

Comfort: Hoshinoya is a hybrid-ryokan combining the traditional features of a ryokan with contemporary luxury furnishings, including large comfortable beds.

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HOSHINOYA Kyoto Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Sitting on the serene banks of the stunning Kamogawa river within walking distance of several famous streets and popular sights, this hotel couldn’t have a more perfect location. Plus, it’s only a 20-minute taxi ride from the Kyoto airport.

History: Paying homage to rich Japanese culture, the fourth Ritz-Carlton in Japan opened in Kyoto in February of 2014.

Service: Guests can count on dependable, high-level service at the Ritz-Carlton, where a luxury experience is guaranteed, complemented by extremely helpful staff.

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Ritz-Carlton Kyoto Preferred Hotel
About

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is tucked away next to Nijo-jo Castle, at the Kyoto home of the Kitake, a branch of the Mitsui Family. This land has been in the care of the family for more than 250 years.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Map

Kyoto

Move forward from the 12th to the 20th centuries as you take a day trip to Miyajima and Hiroshima. Learn about the Taira clan of samurais and glimpse the much sought-after heroic culture from the inside. Explore the Itsukushima Jinja Shrine on Miyajima Island. Next, see the site of the catastrophic atomic blast nearly 70 years later as you visit the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima.

Kyoto
Kyoto

Day 5

Map

Kyoto

Feel a sense of peace as you visit the Kinkakuji Temple, one of the five Zen temples in Kyoto. This temple is known as the Temple of the Golden Pavillion and also has several incredible traditional Japanese gardens. Continue your cultural experience in the Muromachi Period as you peruse Ginkaku Ji Temple, another Zen temple built along the eastern mountainside. Experience classical Japanese musical theater known as Noh. Wrap up the day as you treat your taste buds at a traditional tea-tasting ceremony.

Day 6

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Kanazawa

Travel to Kanazawa (around 3.5 hours' drive)  to experience history from the Azuchi Momoyama Period (16th to 17th century) to the Edo Period (17th to 19th century). Begin by visiting the Oyama Jinja Shrine, dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the powerful Maeda Clan during the 16th century. Stroll through the expansive grounds at Kanazawa Castle Park. Make a wish in the Kinjo Reitaku Well before smelling the fragrant flowers in the quaint Kenrokuen Garden and Seisonkaku Villa. Explore a beautifully-restored samurai residence, the Nomura House and Nagamachi Samurai District. 

Hotel Options
About

Conveniently located close to Kanazawa Train Station, the Hyatt Centric Kanazawa is comprised of 253 rooms and suites in a modern, high-rise property. Accommodations range over eight room types and three suite types, all decorated in a playful, modern style with eye-catching artwork.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Kanazawa
Kanazawa

Day 7

Map

Kanazawa

Learn about the Azuchi Momoyama Period (16th to 17th century) to the Edo Period (17th to the 19th century). Here, you’ll be shown silk dying in Kaga Yuzen’s prestigious studio. Learn about gold leaf and it’s importance in several area’s temples. Sample fresh, steaming hot rice wine known as sake and learn about the brewing process as you visit a sake brewery. This is the perfect nightcap - especially if you are in the city during the colder months. 

Day 8

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Tokyo

It’s time for a trip to the country’s pristine and modern capital - Tokyo. Spend the day reflecting on the Edo Period as you take a leisurely walk through the Edo Castle and Imperial Palace. See how the royals lived during these ancient times. Next, catch a glimpse of rare pieces of art, including a replica of the Nihonbashi wooden bridge from the 1600’s. Continue on to view woodblock prints at the Ukiyoe Museum, one of the only museums in the world to display this type of work. End the day with a Kabuki performance - a three-part theatrical performance with roots in the Sengoku period. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Spread across the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower in Tokyo’s financial district, this lofty hotel presents city superb views and is just steps from Tokyo Station and Ginza shopping district.

History: This newly built-hotel is the first ever ‘city’ hotel from the luxurious Aman Resorts, a group that has over two dozen resorts in their portfolio spread across four different continents.

Services: The wealth of services here all take advantage of the stunning views, whether you’re treating yourself to a massage in the spa, enjoying fine Mediterranean cuisine in the 33rd floor restaurant or doing laps in the infinity pool.

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Aman Tokyo Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, is located 38 floors above street level in a district of Tokyo called Nihonbashi, a business district often referred to as the “center of Japan”.

History: Of all Tokyo’s business districts, the 400-year-old Nihonbashi is the only one that still retains much of its old world charm.

Service: This is the only hotel in Tokyo to have been awarded Six-Star International Diamond status by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, recognizing the hotel’s reputation for excellence.

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Mandarin Oriental Tokyo Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

High-tech: in-room amenities.

Pool: Large 65-foot swimming pool and equally sizable hydrotherapy pool.

Views: Superb views of the Imperial Palace.

Location: Within walking distance to the shopping paradise of Ginza.

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The Peninsula Tokyo Preferred Hotel
Tokyo
Tokyo

Day 9

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Tokyo

The Kamakura, Edo and Meiji periods come to life as you take a day trip to Kamakura and Yokohama. Visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, one of the five Zen temples, and gain a sense of peace as you view numerous shrines underneath the cherry trees erected for the ancient ruling leader Yoritomo’s first born son. Tour the Kotokuin Temple and the larger-than-life stone Buddha statue, sitting in the perfect meditative position. Dive in to the Yokohama Archives of History and take ancient learning into your own hands. The day’s final stop is Hikawa Maru, a beautiful ship with old world charm that sailed its first journey in 1929. 

Day 10

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Tokyo

Our final step back into Japanese history and culture delves in the Meiji Period and continues all the way to Tokyo’s modernism. There’s one last stop at a 7th century temple - Asakusa or Sensoji Temple - the most colorful and popular temple in the city. Revel in true Shinto architecture as you check out the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Rocket forward into modern times and shop the unique cutting-edge fashion at Omotesando Hills. Gain an incredible aerial view from the lookout of Tokyo Sky Tree Tower. When you come back down to earth, pay a visit to the Mori Art museum - housed in a contemporary building, containing contemporary pieces. 

Tokyo
Tokyo

Day 11

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Departure

We hope you enjoyed your journey through ancient Japanese history! You’ll be transferred to Tokyo’s international airport today, where you can check in for your international flight to your onward destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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