Icons of Japan: Past & Present
About the Trip
April 2–16, 2026 | 15 Days
If you’re looking for an exciting introduction to Japan that blends tradition and modernity, this immersive 16-day journey offers the trip of a lifetime. Wander through ancient temples, marvel at Kyoto’s golden pavilions and stand in the shadow of majestic Mount Fuji. Experience the speed and beauty of the legendary Shinkansen Bullet Train, then step back in time with a traditional tea ceremony. From Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to Okayama’s serene gardens, every stop unveils a new side of Japan’s rich culture. Explore Hiroshima’s poignant history, stroll through Nara’s deer-filled parks and savour Osaka’s street food scene. Whether you seek history, adventure or culinary delights, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the Land of the Rising Sun.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours/cruises.
- Plaza Premium Lounge pass†
- 50 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
Okonomiyaki Making Workshop
You’ll learn how to make Okonomiyaki, a signature dish in Osaka, assisted by an experienced Japanese cooking instructor during this cooking class. This savory pancake consists of the batter mixed with your choice of ingredients such as cabbage, meat or seafood and then topped with sauce, mayonnaise and katsuobushi fish flakes. Enjoy your creation as part of lunch today.
Package Includes:
- Airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Tokyo and return from Osaka to Toronto or Winnipeg
- Bullet train in Japan
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Tokyo
- 1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Atami
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Kyoto
- 2-night stay in first-class accommodation in Hiroshima
- 4-night stay in first-class accommodation in Osaka
- 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- All bridge, ferry and road tolls
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Local English-speaking tour manager
- Prepaid gratuities
- Destination transfers
- CAA Host
Icons of Japan: Past & Present
Activity Level: Active. Experience Japan’s cultural wonders and natural beauty on a 16-day journey from Tokyo’s vibrant streets to Kyoto’s temples and Hiroshima’s history.
Day 1
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg for Tokyo.
Day 2
Tokyo – Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Refresh before tonight’s welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3
Tokyo – Explore the city, with visits to the Imperial Palace East Garden and Tokyo Tower. The afternoon is free to explore. (B)
Day 4
Tokyo – Cruise the Sumidagawa River to Asakusa. Visit Sensoji Temple and explore Nakamise Street’s traditional shops. (B)
Day 5
Atami – Travel to Hakone and visit Mount Fuji’s 5th Station. Cruise Lake Ashi before heading to Atami. (B/L/D)
Day 6
Kyoto – Board the Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto, enjoying a bento box lunch. Visit the Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Temple, and Nijo Castle. (B/BL)
Day 7
Kyoto - Explore Kiyomizudera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine, then take part in a traditional tea ceremony. (B)
Day 8
Kyoto - A free day to explore Kyoto. This evening, enjoy a Traditional Arts Performance in Gion. (B)
Day 9
Hiroshima - Take the bullet train to Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome Museum. (B/L)
Day 10
Hiroshima - Ferry to Miyajima Island to see Itsukushima Shrine’s famous floating torii gate. Free time before dinner. (B/D)
Day 11
Osaka - Visit Okayama’s historic Kurashiki Bikan District and Korakuen Garden before heading to Osaka. (B)
Day 12
Osaka - Visit Osaka Castle, then enjoy an Okonomiyaki making workshop. Explore Umeda Sky Building and Dotonbori. (B/L)
Day 13
Osaka - Day trip to Himeji and Kobe, visiting Nunobiki Herb Gardens, Kobe Chinatown, and a sake brewery. (B/D)
Day 14
Osaka - Explore Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Farewell dinner this evening. (B/D)
Day 15
Transfer to Osaka airport for your flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | BL - Boxed Lunch | D - Dinner
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on single occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits
†Plaza Premium Lounge is based on one voucher per person and applies to departures from Canadian airports where applicable. Subject to availability
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊ CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2026. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking.
Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg for Tokyo.
Day 2
Tokyo
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Refresh before tonight’s welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3
Tokyo
Explore the city, with visits to the Imperial Palace East Garden and Tokyo Tower. The afternoon is free to explore. (B)
Day 4
Tokyo
Cruise the Sumidagawa River to Asakusa. Visit Sensoji Temple and explore Nakamise Street’s traditional shops. (B)
Day 5
Atami
Travel to Hakone and visit Mount Fuji’s 5th Station. Cruise Lake Ashi before heading to Atami. (B/L/D)
Day 6
Kyoto
Travel south through the lush Waikato Valley to the enchanting Waitomo Cave region. There you’ll explore the Board the Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto, enjoying a bento box lunch. Visit the Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Temple, and Nijo Castle. (B/BL)
Day 7
Kyoto
Explore Kiyomizudera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine, then take part in a traditional tea ceremony. (B)
Day 8
Kyoto
A free day to explore Kyoto. This evening, enjoy a Traditional Arts Performance in Gion. (B)
Day 9
Hiroshima
Take the bullet train to Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome Museum. (B/L)
Day 10
Hiroshima
Ferry to Miyajima Island to see Itsukushima Shrine’s famous floating torii gate. Free time before dinner. (B/D)
Day 11
Osaka
Visit Okayama’s historic Kurashiki Bikan District and Korakuen Garden before heading to Osaka. (B)
Day 12
Osaka
Visit Osaka Castle, then enjoy an Okonomiyaki making workshop. Explore Umeda Sky Building and Dotonbori. (B/L)
Day 13
Osaka
Day trip to Himeji and Kobe, visiting Nunobiki Herb Gardens, Kobe Chinatown, and a sake brewery. (B/D)
Day 14
Osaka
Explore Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Farewell dinner this evening. (B/D)
Day 15
Transfer to Osaka airport for your flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | BL - Boxed Lunch | D - Dinner