ENCOUNTER ENCHANTING BEAUTY & CULTURAL GEMS
Be captivated by the heart-warming beauty and traditions of Japan during this 10-night insightful guided tour. Encounter the unique golden threads of cultural Japan that makes this journey beyond extraordinary. A master of modernity and steward of tradition, Japan delights and surprises all who visits her, with neon-lit backdrops, ancient temples and boundless natural beauty. Meet local artisans and craftspeople, see iconic sites and magnificent highlights, taste East meets West flavors, and be in awe of Japan’s natural beauty, as you explore from bustling cities to pristine wilderness areas, all while in the utmost of luxurious comfort. Travel from Osaka to Hiroshima, then onward to Kyoto, continuing to Mt Fuji and into Tokyo, all aboard high-speed Bullet Trains. Then discover the island life in Sendai, and the lush river valley of the Oirase Gorge, with a zenful hot-springs Onsen Bath. Taste local cuisine on every level, ranging from the cities’ foodie street-scenes, to professionally prepared sushi and other Japanese culinary delights within some of the best “dine like a local” restaurants. Meditate and sip tea within the serenity of a traditional tea house ceremony complete with Geisha service, and enjoy a VIP private sake tasting with a brewery master. Experience genuine “Utsukushii Deai” – the Japanese expression that describes a meaningful and impactful journey that brings much joy and inspiration – or simply defined as a “Beautiful Encounter”.
Who Can Participate
This is a private THIRDHOME small-group tour that requires 22 participants to operate.
Exchange Club & Adventure Club Members, along with their family & friends are invited!
● Age requirement 16-yrs or older
Activity Level
To experience this unique destination, you are open-minded and enjoy traveling with others on a scheduled tour itinerary. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and involves some steep hills. You will need to be able to participate in physical activities such as walking, and navigating upon uneven terrain, climbing stairs and various time-period lengths of standing. You must be able to climb onboard various modes of transportation if required, and adaptable to the pace and flow of the pre-planned group sightseeing and regional activities that are scheduled in this tour. You can expect some longer guided touring days, balanced with ample free time to relax or explore on your own when time permits on this group tour. Expect occasional meals together as a group dining experience, with also some meals not included so as to to allow you to discover the local cuisine as you wish on your own. Important Note regarding traveling on Japan’s rail system aboard Shinkansen Bullet Trains: There are no luggage cars on the trains and no porterage at the train stations. All travelers will need to carry their hand luggage through the train stations and the main luggage will travel separately by road in luggage vans. Recommended luggage is wheeled small bags with handle so as to easier move through the train stations.
Explore the wonderment of Japan
MAJESTIC JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS
Experience the Luxury Gold standards of luxury on this Adventure
- Exclusively Curated VIP Experiences
- Luxury Coaches & Legendary Trains
- Sustainable “Make Travel Matter” moments on every trip
- A Traveling Concierge & Expert Travel Director with you at all times
- Luxury Hotels – stay in 5-star accommodations through the journey
- Extraordinary Dining & Regional Cuisine
- Discover the panoramic beauty and hidden ancient and modern gems of Japan
- Tour Japan with expertise that will illuminate your journey on a deeper level
- Immerse into the Eastern and Western cultures of Japan’s extraordinary personality
- Gain insight of old-world practiced Japanese traditions throughout this journey
- Enjoy Japan’s array of incredible dining options infused with culinary delights
- Journey by Skinkansen Bullet Trains and luxury small bus transportation services
- Explore Osaka’s Umeda Sky, a stunning floating Garden Observatory in a skyscraper
- Taste Osaka’s foodie hub on Dotonbori Street and try local specialties
- Encounter Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum with a survivor guest speaker
- Marvel at Kyoto’s Zen Buddhist Golden Pavilion Temple and Giouji Temple
- Stroll through a serene ancient bamboo grove and maple trees in Kyoto
- Delights await in the Gion district with a traditional Geisha Kyo-Kaiseki dining experience
- Travel to Mishima for spectacular views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
- Visit Itchiku Kubota Art Museum or enjoy a cable car ride up the Kachi-Kachi Ropeway
- Wander through the Tokyo National Museum and visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Learn to make traditional Japanese sushi with a Master Sushi Chef
- Delve into Sendai’s island life and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch in a local establishment
- Take a private cruise on Matsushima Bay to view the impressive scenery
- Be enlightened, sip and meditate at a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
- Stroll through Hirosaki Castle and meet with a prestigious cherry blossom caretaker
- Explore the skilled craftsman at Tsugaru-han Neputa Artisan Village
- Enjoy a private musical performance of traditional Japanese guitar and drumming
- Discover Japan’s nature haven of Oirase Gorge to see waterfalls and idyllic scenery
- Soak your worries away in a pristine forested soothing Onsen hot bath
- Toast to good luck with a traditional sake master brewer on a private VIP tasting tour
- End with a Tokyo finale exploration of the best city highlights, temples and foodie hub
- Experience an extraordinary farewell dinner at Shibuya’s Hoshinonaruki Restaurant
ADVENTURE ROUTE MAP
10-Night Journey Overview
- MAY 7/8 (2 Nights) Osaka
- MAY 9/10 (2 Nights) Kyoto
- MAY 11/12 (2 Nights) Tokyo
- MAY 13 (1 Night) Sendai
- MAY 14/15 (2 Nights) Oirase Gorge Hot Springs
- MAY 16 (1 Night) Tokyo
Itinerary
Collapse AllWEDNESDAY, MAY 7 (2025)
ARRIVAL & WELCOME TO OSAKA, JAPAN
Today the vibrant city of Osaka awaits your arrival. Upon clearing customs and immigrations at the Osaka International Itami Airport (ITM) or the Kansai International Airport (KIX), you will be met and greeted for a private transfer to the group hotel. The Imperial Hotel opened in 1996 and is located in the Sakuranomiya district, one of the most famous locations for cherry blossoms in Japan. Each spring, some 4000 cherry trees bloom at nearby Kema Sakuranomiya Park. This evening enjoy a group Welcome Dinner at 7:00PM, that will awaken your local tastebuds with tempura and sushi overlooking Osaka’s skyline with stunning views. Overnight accommodations at the Imperial Osaka Hotel.
(Group Welcome Dinner included)
THURSDAY, MAY 8 (2025)
HIGHLIGHTS OF OSAKA EXCURSION
Awaken this morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Depart the hotel to experience an insightful day with our guide as we discover highlights of Osaka. Enjoy a fabulous experience with 360-degrees of spectacular city views from the Floating Garden Observatory in the skyscraper, Umeda Sky. Afterwards discover Osaka’s foodie hub on Dotonbori Street for lunch and to try local specialties including Takoyaki (ball-shaped Japanese snacks made of a wheat and rice flour-based batter and cooked in a special molded pan. It is typically filled with minced octopus, fish or shrimp, pickled ginger, and green onion). Remainder of the late afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore as you wish; with dinner on your own. Overnight accommodations at The Imperial Osaka Hotel.
(Breakfast and Group Lunch included / Dinner on your own)
FRIDAY, MAY 9 (2025)
JOURNEY TO HIROSHIMA & LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
This morning after breakfast, we will check-out of the hotel, for our scenic Shinkansen Bullet Train journey from Osaka onward to Hiroshima. Upon arrival we will explore the Peace Memorial Park & Museum. We will also enjoy a memorable guest speaker who is a survivor, to provide moving insights into this historic event. Afterwards enjoy a traditional group lunch before continuing on our onward train journey to Kyoto. This evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy dinner on your own. Overnight accommodations at The Hotel Granvia Kyoto.
(Breakfast and Group Lunch included / Dinner on your own)
SATURDAY, MAY 10 (2025)
THE TEMPLES & GEISHA OF KYOTO
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will depart to venture out with our local guide to marvel at the Zen Buddhist temples of Kinkakuji’s famed Golden Pavilion and the Giouji Temple. We will take a quite stroll through a grove of bamboo and maple trees to reflect. Then onward to the Gion district to enjoy a traditional classic Kyo-Kaiseki lunch experience with the talents of an apprentice Geisha. We will learn about their role in the Japanese culture as we dine. The remainder of the late afternoon and evening is on your own to relax or perhaps take in a wonderful local restaurant of your choice for dinner. Overnight accommodations at Hotel Granvia Kyoto.
(Breakfast and Group Lunch included / Dinner on your own)
SUNDAY, MAY 11 (2025)
JOURNEY TO MT FUJI & ONWARD TO TOKYO
Enjoy breakfast this morning and get ready for a memorable day! We will depart the hotel for our journey by Bullet Train to Mishima for spectacular views of Mount Fuji and admire beautiful views over Lake Kawaguchi. You will have an option onsite to either visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum (OR) enjoy the traditional Kachi-Kachi Ropeway cable car ride excursion. Enjoy a delightful group lunch in Mt Fuji, and then board the high-speed Bullet Train to continue onward to Tokyo. Check-into our group hotel and this evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy dinner as you wish. Overnight accommodations at the Imperial Tokyo Hotel.
(Breakfast and Group Lunch included / Dinner on your own)
MONDAY, MAY 12 (2025)
EXPLORE TRADITIONAL TOKYO
After breakfast we will depart the hotel for a fun morning excursion with a guided visit into The Tokyo National Museum and the Meiji Jingu Shrine. For lunch, the group will learn to make traditional Japanese sushi with a Master Sushi Chef; with an afterwards optional exploration of Omotesanda and Harajuku districts of Tokyo. This evening enjoy a tailor-made dinner at a restaurant specializing in Shabu-Shabu or Teppanyaki. (Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hotpot dish of thinly paper-sliced meats and vegetables cooked in hot broths and served with dipping sauces; whereas Teppanyaki dishes are cooked using an iron plate-grill and include meat, seafood, and noodles). Overnight accommodations at The Imperial Tokyo Hotel.
(Breakfast, Group Lunch and Group Dinner included)
TUESDAY, MAY 13 (2025)
JOURNEY TO SENDAI & ISLAND LIFE
This morning after breakfast, we will depart for our journey to Sendai (The City of Trees), to gain insights into the island life and culture here – a modern city filled with ancient samurai history. Sendai is a city in Japan’s Tohoku Region, northeast of Tokyo on Honshu island. It was founded in 1600 by one of the most powerful feudal lords (Lord Date Masamune) with the remains of his 17th-century Sendai Castle on Aoba Hill, which overlooks the city. Sendai is a green city by the sea, surrounded by scenic mountains and the Hirose River flows through its center; the region is known for skiing and the world-famous natural hot springs retreats. Upon arrival we will embark on a private cruise of Matsushima Bay that offers impressive views; and afterwards enjoy a traditional fresh seafood lunch at a local establishment. We will continue our exploration and then relax to experience and sip tea at a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. This evening enjoy dinner on your own either at the hotel or in a local restaurant. Overnight at The Westin Sendai.
(Breakfast and Group Lunch included)
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 (2025)
SENDAI CULTURAL EXPLORATION
Enjoy breakfast this morning before we depart for on an informative exploration of Sendai’s Hirosaki Castle. Afterwards we will meet with a cherry blossom “doctor” caretaker for an understanding of how these magnificent blossoms are tended to. We will then explore the Tusgaru-han Neputa Village to watch artisan craftsmen. This village is responsible for the traditional flower floats, lanterns and drums used in local festivals. We will then enjoy a private performance of traditional music highlighting Tsugaru Shamisen guitar and Taiko drumming, with a traditional dinner this evening. Overnight at Oirase Gorge – Hoshino Oirase Keryu Resort Hotel.
(Breakfast, Group Lunch and Group Dinner included)
THURSDAY, MAY 15 (2025)
EXPLORING OIRASE GORGE & HOT SPRINGS
After breakfast this morning, we will discover Japan’s nature haven of Oirase Gorge, to admire its stunning waterfalls and crust-clear streams. We will escape into a relaxing and soothing traditional Japanese Onsen bath experience in the nearby forest oasis. Afterwards we will enjoy a private VIP Sake tasting and brewery tour with a sake brew-Master. Return to hotel and relax before enjoying a group dinner this evening. Overnight at Oirase Gorge – Hoshino Oirase Keryu Resort Hotel.
(Breakfast, Group Lunch and Group Dinner included)
FRIDAY, MAY 16 (2025)
JOURNEY TO TOKYO & CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Following breakfast, we depart the region for our journey back to bustling Tokyo. Upon arrival we will explore the Senso-ji Buddhist Temple, visit Nakamise Street and Tokyo’s tempting foodie hub of Kappabashi. We will enjoy a delightful local group lunch, and afterwards enjoy some free time this late afternoon. In the evening, we will gather as a group for a Finale Dinner to toast our farewell to Tokyo at one of the finest dining establishments, Hoshinonaruki. Overnight at The Imperial Tokyo Hotel.
(Breakfast, Group Lunch and Group Dinner included)
SATURDAY, MAY 17 (2025)
FARWELL JAPAN – DEPARTURE HOME
Today enjoy breakfast at a time that is best for your return international departing flight times. Depart the hotel with transfer to the Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND) for your onward journey home. NOTE: If your international flight departure is later in the date, the hotel will courtesy hold your luggage so as to easier enjoy the remainder of your day until check-out is required. Farewell Japan!
(Breakfast included)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Enjoy 5-star hotel accommodations throughout this Luxury Gold Adventure
Please note: Hotel properties are tentatively scheduled as noted below for this 2025 Adventure; should these change, Luxury Gold will advise and replace with alternate 5-star hotel properties.
- Osaka – Imperial Osaka Hotel
- Kyoto – The Thousand Kyoto Hotel
- Tokyo – Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
- Sendai – The Westin Sendai
- Oirase Gorge – Hoshino Oirase Keiryu Resort Hotel
- Tokyo – Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
What’s Included
- 10 Nights Accommodations in 5-star properties throughout group itinerary – 2 Nights Osaka, 2 Nights Kyoto, 3 Nights Tokyo, 1 Night Sendai, 2 Nights Oirase Gorge
- Roundtrip Airport to Hotel transfers upon arrival and for departure (on tour dates)
- Bullet Train in Ordinary Class where applicable in the planned group itinerary
- Small Luxury Air-conditioned Buses for ground transportation where applicable in each region of the itinerary, including other modes of unique transportation as noted per adventure itinerary experiences and excursions
- 24 meals including 10 breakfasts, 9 group lunches
and 5 group dinners - Expert Travel Director & Private Group Driver throughout itinerary
- All restaurant tips & taxes are included for all scheduled on-tour group meals
- All sightseeing experiences as noted per adventure itinerary
What’s not Included
- International Airfare – into Osaka for arrival / departure from Tokyo
- No early check-in or late check-out at hotels – these are personal pay with hotels
- Visas may be required for each destination based on traveler’s nationality (SEE BELOW)
- Meals “on your own” when not provided in the scheduled group itinerary
- Alcoholic Beverages, and/or soft drinks are not included – these are personal pay
- Gratuities for Travel Director, Private Drivers and Local Guides (approx $20-$30 per day)
- Optional activities, spa treatments and hotel incidentals are on your own
- Any custom travel such as additional pre and post nights desired or extensions
- TRAVEL INSURANCE is highly recommended (refer to Travel Insurance section)
VISA & PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
- JAPAN – Currently, U.S. citizens may enter Japan on a “Visa-Free” tourist basis for up to 90 days without a visa.
- ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: THIRDHOME will closely monitor the requirements should anything change or be mandated for tourism-entry requirements on health and/or any other reasons.
- PASSPORTS – All traveler passports MUST have validity of minimum 6 months or longer at the time travel occurs, otherwise the risk of denied travel could be experienced per airline carrier rules and country entry requirement mandates with Customs & Immigrations. We recommend that our members travel abroad with a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. Your photocopy should be packed separately from your actual passport. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact or entrusted family/friend.
- PROOF OF RETURN OR ONWARD TICKET – Japan requires proof of onward ticket or return to your original destination or another destination outside of their country, to ensure you are not staying past the 90-days allowance; travelers must present proof of purchase of your airline carrier ticket through the Customs & Immigrations process
ADVENTURE PRICING
$10,175 per person based on Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy Supplement Add-on: $1420
DEADLINE to join this Adventure: OCT 1st, 2024
DEPOSIT Required to Confirm your participation:
$4175 per person (non-refundable)
FINAL PAYMENT DUE: JAN 6, 2025
Adventure is non-refundable (this applies to all deposits and final payments)
This Adventure requires 22 participants to operate at the price quoted. Should we end up with less participants on this adventure then an increase and/or decrease in cost may occur, and Thirdhome will advise all participants. The maximum occupancy for this Adventure is 22 adults.
All Thirdhome Adventures are non-refundable. THIRDHOME highly recommends participants to consider purchasing Travel Insurance – per our Terms & Conditions outlined below.
ADVENTURE TERMS & CONDITIONS
Adventure is non-refundable (this applies to all deposits and final payments).
“Cancel for Any Reason” (OR) Standard Travel Insurance Options
Should you wish to be covered under the “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage plan, then Travel Insurance is required to be purchased at the time of deposit or no later than 14-days of confirming your participation with your paid Adventure deposit. Otherwise, Standard Travel Insurance can be purchased at any time prior to your departure, and offers benefits for covered reasons only.
THIRDHOME has partnered with USI Affinity Travel Insurance providing U.S.A. residency members coverage benefits with a discount – to obtain a Travel Insurance quote CLICK HERE
Thirdhome Adventures and/or our preferred tour operator partners, reserve the right to modify, change or cancel itinerary accommodations and/or alter tour routing and operations, if conditions beyond our control and that of our travel partners who operate our journeys, require such alterations thereof due to any unforeseen circumstances.
Any traveler that elects not to purchase travel insurance, agrees to release Thirdhome and its tour operation partners from liability for any loss of funds incurred due to the cancellation of a specific Thirdhome Adventure as a result of, but not limited to, an act of God, a failure to purchase travel insurance, the cessation of business with respect to a tour operator/ground operator partnered services, and/or the failure of a tour operator/ground operator to refund consumer deposits or payments following the cancellation of a Thirdhome Adventure or a material failure to complete the operation of any Thirdhome Adventure.
Click here to view the THIRDHOME Adventures Terms and Conditions