Our Insiders describe Japan Unmasked as a bit like an introductory sampling platter of all Japanese culture – experiencing the best that Japan has to offer, including those places you may not have heard of. So you can explore those in-between places where so much of Japanese life happens.
Discover the many faces of Tokyo, one of the world's greatest cities.
Accommodation: Richmond Asakusa
Meals: None; Breakfast;
Stay overnight at a Buddhist temple lodging at Zenko-ji, Japan's most important Zen temple.
Accommodation: Zenkoji Yakuo-in
Meals: Breakfast
Attend Buddhist morning prayers in Nagano, marvel at Hokusai's ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and scale Matsumoto's "Black Crow" castle.
Accommodation: Kagetsu
Meals: Breakfast
Explore the craft shops, sake breweries, morning markets and museums of Takayama, a lovely alpine town.
Accommodation: Iwatakan
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner; Breakfast;
Enjoy the beautifully preserved traditional districts of Kanazawa, home to one of Japan's top three landscape gardens.
Accommodation: Square Hotel Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast
Visit Hiroshima's Peace Park and Museum and spend the day on the beautiful island of Miyajima.
Accommodation: Washington Hotel
Meals: Breakfast; Breakfast;
Admire the preserved canal district of Kurashiki and cycle through rice paddies and villages across the Kibi plains.
Accommodation: Dormy Inn Kurashiki
Meals: Breakfast
An ancient imperial capital, Kyoto is Japan's most important repository of culture and history.
Accommodation: Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Meals: Breakfast; Breakfast;
Return to Tokyo for some sightseeing, last-minute shopping and a fabulous final night in the capital.
Accommodation: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Meals: Breakfast; Breakfast;