Day 1
Departure from US (or other originating point), usually scheduled for midday.

Day 2
Arriving Narita Airport, usually late in the afternoon, you will be met by Steve as you exit Customs. We will obtain Rail Passes and then ride a train into Tokyo. After checking into our hotel it is time for dinner.

Day 3
After an early breakfast (all breakfasts will be in our hotels) we head via subways to Honganji Temple, and then Tsukiji Market. Our visit to the world’s largest produce and fish market will not be complete without sampling some of the freshest sushi to be found. A short walk takes us to Hama Rikyu Garden, where samurai lords once walked and hunted undisturbed along the Sumida River. A waterbus will ferry us briefly out into the bay, where we will catch a view of Rainbow Bridge, and then up river to Asakusa. Strolling up Nakamise-dori past dozens of shops selling snacks, mementos, etc., we will come to Senso-ji, probably the most famous, and certainly one of the most ancient Temples in Tokyo. Just a few blocks away we will stop for lunch at one of Tokyo’s legendary tiny dining establishments – this one famous for unagi (eel). After a break at our hotel, a ride on the Yamanote Train line will take us to the Ginza. After inspecting the unusual architecture of the Tokyo International Forum, we will explore the dazzling streets and stores, perhaps stopping for some liquid refreshment at the Lion Beer Hall, which looks like it was imported straight from Munich. Then it’s time for Yakitori dinner at a famous spot.

Day 4
After a relaxed morning we will pop over to nearby Yanaka Ginza, a fun little neighborhood where we may nosh a bit as we walk. Then we head a bit south on the subways to Akihabara – Electric Town, where we will see an array of gadgets and games unlike any other place. Riding across town, the Chuo Line will bring us to Shinjuku, perhaps modern Tokyo’s most famous neighborhood. After a glimpse of Kabuki-cho (a very popular night-life district), we will investigate the wonders of Japanese department stores, including their glorious food floors. This should whet our appetites for dinner, sampling classic Tempura. This very full day will be complete with a walk through Shinjuku’s west side, including a ride up to the observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building. Everyone should be happy to head to our Hotel.

Day 5
The day will start with a visit to Meiji Shrine in Harajuku. (Up to one million people come together here for the ringing in of the New Year). It is very common to see Japanese couples marrying at Meiji Shrine. After a peek at Yoyogi Park our path will next pass down Takeshita-dori, lined with shops catering to the young. A short distance further we will come to the Oriental Bazaar, a good place to buy souvenirs. Lunch will be Tonkatsu at a legendary converted bathhouse. Omotesando Street is home to world famous designers shops and upscale treats. I will offer everyone a sample of one of my favorite buttery sweets. Walking down Aoyama-dori will bring us to Shibuya, the gathering place for Tokyo’s teens. I will share the legend of Hachiko, the loyal dog, and we will experience the crush of the crowds at Shibuya crossing, made famous in movies such as “Lost in Translation.” Then we head back to Harajuku for dinner - Osaka-style Okonomiyaki.

Day 6
This day begins with views of Imperial Palace grounds, plus a walk through the East Garden; nearby Yasukuni Shrine reminds us of Japan’s militaristic past. Next we visit Yushima Shrine, the place students go to pray for success in their exams. Then we explore lovely Ueno Park before visiting Ameyoko marketplace, an amazing collection of shops and stalls selling nearly everything imaginable. Lunch will be a Japanese favorite – Ramen, and dinner will amaze us with the possibilities of Tofu.

Day 7
Riding by train to Ryogoku, we will spend time in the Edo-Tokyo Museum and the Tokyo Reconstruction Museum. Lunch will be across town - a lovely buffet high up in a skyscraper in Ebisu. Then we take the fun Yurikamome Line to Odaiba, where everyone will have free time to choose among the many museums and shops. Dinner will be “Under the Tracks” in Yurakucho.

Day 8
Using our Rail Passes for the first time, we depart Tokyo on the Bullet Train (Shinkansen) for Hiroshima. We will pick out Bento Box lunches when we switch trains in Osaka. After checking into our hotel we will tour Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei-en Garden before dinner (Shabu Shabu).

Day 9
Riding streetcars, we will head over to the Peace Park and Museum for the morning. The lovely and peaceful setting belies the world-changing events that unfolded here in 1945. Then a short train ride will take us to the ferry landing, where we will stop for lunch - Okonomiyaki Hiroshima style, followed by a brief boat ride past oyster beds and the world famous “Floating Torii Gate,” to Miyajima Island, steeped in Japanese history, and rich in natural beauty. Hopefully the maple trees will be at their peak. The literal high point of the day will be atop Mt. Misen, which we will ascend by ropeway. After several hours of exploration we should be ready for a fun meal back in town.

Day 10
Saying goodbye to Hiroshima, we will ride the Shinkansen to Himeji. After storing our luggage in lockers at the train station we will walk to Himeji Castle, a World Heritage site, for a tour of this historic reminder of Japan’s feudal past. Walking back to the train station we will pass through Himeji’s covered mall, stopping to eat lunch, and allowing some time to explore shops. Then we are off again by train, arriving in Kyoto’s modern station by late afternoon. After a walk to our hotel to check-in, a bus ride will take us to the Kiyomizu Temple complex. From there it is a lovely walk past several interesting sights to Yasaka Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most famous. Then we head on to the Gion district, where we may catch a glimpse of Geisha. Finally we explore the Pontocho district on the way to our restaurant for Kyoto style Kaiseki, perhaps Japan’s most exquisite cuisine.

Day 11
Leaving early, we will store our luggage at the train station, and then take a train to Nara, the ancient home of the Imperial Family. We will marvel at the world’s biggest wooden structure, housing the largest cast bronze statue of Buddha in Japan. Other sights will expose us to ancient Japanese culture and traditions. Then we take the train back to Kyoto, probably enjoying Bento Box lunches on the way. From Kyoto we will take the Shinkansen, and then a local train, up to the mountain village of Hida Takayama. Our lodging (for two nights) will be a lovely family-run Ryokan (Japanese Inn), where sumptuous dinners and breakfasts will be served to us in our rooms.

Day 12
Our day will be spent exploring the wonderful cultural and historic sites of Takayama, including the morning markets, Hida-no-Sato (a collection of traditional mountain homes), Takayama Jinya (former home to the local government), and Takayama Yatai Kaikan (displaying festival floats). Lunch is of course included.

Day 13
Saying goodbye to Takayama, we will ride past Fuji-san (as the Japanese affectionately refer to Mt. Fuji) on the Shinkansen. Stopping short of Tokyo, we will get off at Yokohama. Again storing our luggage, we will then take trains to Kamakura, another city rich with ancient history. Here we will visit Hase, the site of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), and Hase-dera, with its intriguing nooks and crannies. We will enjoy lunch in a picnic area at Hase-dera. Then we will head over to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. As we begin the ascent of the steps leading up to the Shrine, we will pass the place a warlord’s son was beheaded on a dark night by an assassin who hid behind a tree. Heading back to the train station we will follow a side street lined with some of my favorite shops. Trains will then carry us back to Tokyo via Yokohama. After checking into our hotel we will go out for dinner.

Day 14
Our final ride on the Bullet Train will take us on a day trip north to the ancient mountain city of Nikko. We will see the mausoleum where Ieyasu Tokugawa, the famous Shogun, is buried. Also included are other famous sights – the sleeping cat, and “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.” Lunch will be Yuba – a delicacy once reserved only for the Imperial Family, and dinner will be the comforting cool weather dish, Oden, savored after we arrive back in Tokyo.

Day 15
There should be some free time in the morning before catching a train back to Narita Airport for the flight home.