✨ Visions of Japan: A Cultural Journey from Tokyo to Kyoto
- Jason Martin
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
Presented by JMart Travels and Pam’s Traveling Friends
Tour Dates: August 16–27, 2026
Step into a world where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly—where ancient temples rise alongside neon skyscrapers, and quiet moments of reflection meet the joyful clatter of sushi chefs and market stalls. JMart Travels and Pam's Traveling Friends invite you to experience Visions of Japan, an extraordinary 11-day escorted journey designed for travelers who crave culture, connection, and comfort.
From bustling Tokyo to the peaceful temples of Kyoto, this immersive adventure includes hand-selected hotels, guided tours, unique hands-on experiences, and the convenience of a dedicated tour director and private driver. Highlights include a calligraphy workshop, tea ceremony, sake tasting, and even a chance to sleep in a traditional Japanese ryokan.
This is more than a vacation—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime cultural deep dive, with all the details taken care of so you can fully savor the beauty and wonder of Japan.
🗓 Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Sunday, August 16, 2026 – Depart for Japan
Your journey begins! Depart the U.S. with excitement and anticipation as you fly across the Pacific toward Tokyo. Flight options will be provided by Globus Tours. For a fee, JMart Travels can research and book alternative options giving you more control. Expect about 14 hours of flight time and a 13 hour time difference between home and Tokyo.
Day 2: Monday, August 17 – Arrival in Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Arrive in Tokyo and settle into your hotel. Rest and recharge before the adventure begins. Hotel in Tokyo: Hilton Tokyo
Day 3: Tuesday, August 18 – Temples, Towers & Tea
Visit the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto monument nestled in a forest.
Take part in a calligraphy class, try on a kimono, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
Explore Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower, with views of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Wander the historic Asakusa Kannon Temple and browse shops at the Nakamise arcade.
Wrap up the day with a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director.
Day 4: Wednesday, August 19 – Kamakura, Mount Fuji & Lake Ashi
See the 750-year-old Great Buddha of Kamakura.
Ride a cable car in Hakone for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.
Cruise across Lake Ashi, then take the thrilling bullet train back to Tokyo.
Day 5: Thursday, August 20 – Explore Tokyo at Your Leisure
A full day to explore Tokyo your way! Visit iconic neighborhoods like Ginza or Shibuya, enjoy street food, shop, or simply relax and absorb the energy of the city.
Day 6: Friday, August 21 – Wasabi Farm & Matsumoto Castle
Travel to Matsumoto in the Japanese Alps.
Tour a local wasabi farm and sample wasabi ice cream!
Visit Matsumoto Castle, a 16th-century national treasure.
Enjoy a Japanese-style dinner at your hotel.
Takayama hotel : Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Day 7: Saturday, August 22 – Markets & Sake in Takayama
Explore the Takayama Morning Market.
Visit the historic Takayama Jinya, an Edo-era government building.
Enjoy a sake tasting in the charming San-Machi Suji district.
Optional Upgrade: ✨ Overnight Stay at a Traditional Ryokan!
For travelers seeking a deeper cultural experience, consider upgrading one night of your journey with a stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan in Takayama.
Slip off your shoes and unwind in a peaceful room with tatami mat floors, futon bedding, and the soothing atmosphere of old-world Japan. Enjoy a Japanese-style dinner and breakfast, and—if you choose—a relaxing soak in the onsen-style bath (with the convenience of a private bathroom).
This immersive overnight stay offers a unique glimpse into Japanese hospitality and is often described as the most memorable part of the trip.
Space is limited. Pre-booking and additional fee required.
Day 8: Sunday, August 23 – Thatched Roof Villages & Kenroku-en Garden
Drive through the scenic Shokawa Valley.
Tour the thatched homes of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens.
Take part in a gold-leaf bento box workshop in Kanazawa.
Kanazawa Hotel: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Day 9: Monday, August 24 – Cooking & Spiritual Sights in Kyoto
Head to Kyoto and participate in a Japanese cooking class.
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk among its thousands of red Torii gates.
End the day at Kiyomizu Temple, offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
Kyoto hotel: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto
Day 10: Tuesday, August 25 – Gold, Dye, and a Thousand Buddhas
See the iconic Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji).
Learn traditional dyeing at the Yuzen Handmade Corner and create your own souvenir.
Visit Sanjusajendo Temple, home to 1,001 golden statues of the Buddhist goddess Kannon.
Day 11: Wednesday, August 26 – Nara’s Temples & Farewell Dinner
Travel to Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely.
Tour Kasuga Shrine and Todaiji Temple, home to a 49-foot bronze Buddha.
Celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner in Kyoto.
Day 12: Thursday, August 27 – Sayonara, Japan
After breakfast, depart Kyoto with memories that will last a lifetime. Expect about 14 hours of flight time but you will gain back the 13 hour time difference as you travel home arriving the same date you depart.
💲 Pricing & Payment
$6,066 per person (double occupancy)
$7,276 per person (single occupancy)
Deposit: $649 per person
Final payment due: June 1, 2026
Airfare and transfers not included
✨ What’s Included:
10 nights hotel accommodations
Private tour director and driver
Breakfast daily, 6 lunches, and 2 dinners
Calligraphy class, tea ceremony, cooking class, gold-leaf design workshop
Entrance to top sights & bullet train ticket
All gratuities
Travel protection included
Ready to reserve your spot? Email info@jmarttravels.com or call/text 812-351-0513.
Spots are limited for this exclusive cultural adventure. Don’t miss your chance to experience Japan like never before—with the ease, expertise, and excitement only JMart Travels can provide.