Special Offer

Japan is a study in contrasts—a place where you’ll find the very latest in technology as well as the world’s oldest wooden buildings, where temples are tucked next to high-rises and the frenetic energy of the cities is broken up by tranquil gardens and breathtaking landscapes. When I traveled to Japan with my family, we went for a week over spring break. It was an amazing trip, and we loved everything from visiting the sumo stables and Sega Joyopolis in Tokyo, to the shrines, temples and traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, to the Edo-period shops and houses in Takamaya. There’s so much to see, it’s tempting to pack a lot in (and in hindsight, I think we tried to do too much). I suggest being selective and choosing the areas you are most interested in—if you do that, eight days is plenty of time for a fascinating and memorable Japan adventure.

Our partner Windows to Japan is offering six special eight-day itineraries that cover the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, along with side trips that explore Japan’s art, nature and history. Depending on your preference, you might visit the dazzling temples of Nikko National Park, see the snow monkeys taking a dip in a hot springs in Yudanaka, tour the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, or discover Naoshima, an island that’s been turned into an ongoing art project. Each of the itineraries includes private, guided tours of Tokyo and Kyoto (some also include a private art tour of Tokyo and a private culinary tour of Kyoto). All of them offer unique, behind-the-scenes encounters that make your trip unforgettable. And they all give you time to see the sights on your own, with the assistance of Windows to Japan’s detailed instruction file. These signature independent tours allow you to make your own discoveries but still enjoy the reassurance of step-by-step instructions, maps, charts and information created specifically for each journey, along with 24/7 support by phone.