Japan Unveiled: Temples, Traditions & Culture
About the Trip
June 15–27, 2026 | 13 Days
From neon-lit streets to centuries-old temples, Japan is a land of contrasts waiting to be explored, and this premium 13-day tour will leave you feeling like a local. Start off by immersing yourself in the pulse of Tokyo, where tradition, innovation and art collide. Cruise across Lake Ashi with Mt. Fuji as your backdrop, step into samurai history in Kanazawa and wander through Shirakawa-gō’s storybook village. In Kyoto, admire golden temples, stroll through Gion’s geisha district and take part in a tea ceremony or shibori-zome workshop. Discover Osaka’s dynamic energy and savour Japan’s renowned cuisine. Travel in comfort with First-Class Shinkansen bullet train seats, expert local guides and curated dining for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan.
CAA Premier Collection Tours
One-of-a-kind departures that offer immersive and intimate group journeys.
- Every detail matters: From the moment you're met at the airport to your farewell dinner, you'll experience best-in-class service wherever you go.
- Our CAA Hosts lead you on incredible adventures to iconic destinations. They will take care of every detail on each journey.
- Travel in style: Stretch out on spacious motorcoaches while exploring during the day and rest easy at night in the best hotels each destination has to offer.
- Memorable dining: Delicious local dishes and the season’s most flavourful offerings will have you savouring every bite.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours.
- Bon Voyage Gift†
- 100 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Package Includes:
- Airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Tokyo and return from Osaka to Toronto or Winnipeg
- First-class high-speed train from Tokyo to Kanazawa to Kyoto
- 4-night stay in first-class accommodation in Tokyo
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Kanazawa
- 4-night stay in first-class accommodation in Kyoto
- 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 boxed lunch and 8 dinners
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tour director throughout
- Local English-speaking guides
- Prepaid gratuities
- Destination transfers
- CAA Host
Japan Unveiled: Temples, Traditions & Culture
Activity Level: Moderate. Explore Japan’s unique mix of ancient traditions and modern marvels, from Tokyo’s energy to Kyoto’s elegance, on this curated 13-day journey.
Day 1
Depart Toronto or Winnipeg on your overnight flight to Tokyo.
Day 2
Tokyo – Arrive in Tokyo, meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel for a 4-night stay. Join a welcome dinner and cocktail reception this evening. (D)
Day 3
Tokyo – Explore Sensō-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street. Visit the Imperial Palace gardens, admire Tokyo Station’s red-brick facade and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, discover Akihabara’s electronics and anime culture. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B/L)
Day 4
Tokyo – Wander through Tsukiji Outer Market’s lively stalls before immersing yourself in digital art at teamLab Planets for a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. (B/D)
Day 5
Tokyo – Cruise Lake Ashi for stunning Mt. Fuji views. Ride the Hakone Ropeway to Ōwaku-dani’s steaming volcanic valley. Return to Tokyo in the afternoon. (B/D)
Day 6
Kanazawa – Board the JR Shinkansen to Kanazawa. Enjoy a bento box onboard while your luggage is sent ahead. Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Kenroku-en Garden. (B/BL/D)
Day 7
Kanazawa – Travel to Shirakawa-gō, a UNESCO-listed village with gasshō-zukuri farmhouses. Continue to Takayama to explore Edo-period streets. (B/D)
Day 8
Kanazawa – Visit Nomura Samurai House and Higashi Chaya-gai’s historic teahouses. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before dinner. (B/D)
Day 9
Kyoto – Take the JR Shinkansen to Kyoto. Enjoy lunch before exploring Nijō Castle’s gardens and architecture. Settle in for a four-night stay. (B/L/D)
Day 10
Kyoto – Discover Osaka Castle, then explore Dōtombori and Shinsaibashi. Enjoy lunch before panoramic views from Umeda Sky Building. (B/L)
Day 11
Kyoto – Visit Kinkaku-ji, known as the Golden Pavilion, and Ryōan-ji’s rock garden. Stroll through Gion’s traditional streets. (B/L)
Day 12
Kyoto – Design Your Day – Choose between a shibori-zome tie-dyeing workshop or a traditional matcha tea ceremony experience. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening. (B/D)
Day 13
Transfer to Kansai International 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 double 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.
†Bon Vovage Gift is based on one per person.
^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 the 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. Deposit is non-refundable at the time of booking. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. 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 Toronto or Winnipeg on your overnight flight to Tokyo.
Day 2
Tokyo
Upon arrival, meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel for a 4-night stay. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner and cocktail reception at the hotel. (D)
Day 3
Tokyo
Start your day in Asakusa, visiting the iconic Sensō-ji Temple and exploring the bustling Nakamise shopping street. Continue to the Imperial Palace for a peaceful walk through its beautiful gardens and moats. Stop briefly at Tokyo Station to admire its stunning red-brick facade before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, dive into Akihabara, famous for its electronics shops and anime culture. The rest of the day is yours to explore Tokyo at your own pace. (B/L)
Day 4
Tokyo
Begin your morning at the Tsukiji Outer Market, where stalls overflow with fresh seafood and traditional Japanese delicacies. Take in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps sample some local treats. Next, visit teamLab Planets for an immersive digital art experience where you’ll walk through rooms filled with water, flowers and other mesmerizing installations. This unique blend of traditional and modern Tokyo makes for an unforgettable day. (B/D)
Day 5
Tokyo
Visit the floating village of Nueva Venecia, a charming town built on stilts that can only be navigated by boat. With its beautiful colonial houses, vivid architecture and local sanctuary protecting the native flora and fauna, this town highlights the beauty and warmth of Colombia. Explore the village and learn more about the lives of its people during a guided tour. Enjoy the traditional crafts and art on display, learn about the techniques the fishermen of Nueva Venecia use and taste the local delicacies as you embrace this village and its unique culture. (B/D)
Day 6
Kanazawa
Transfer to Tokyo Station and board the JR Shinkansen to Kanazawa in First Class. Enjoy a delicious bento box on board while your luggage is sent ahead to your hotel. Upon arrival, begin your sightseeing tour at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring innovative and thought-provoking exhibits. Next, explore the stunning Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s most famous gardens. Check in to your hotel for a relaxing 3-night stay. (B/BL/D)
Day 7
Kanazawa
Meet your English-speaking guide and travel towards Gifu for a day filled with rich cultural experiences and beautiful sights. Your first stop is Shirakawa-gō, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its traditional gasshō-zukuri farmhouses. Stroll through this charming village and admire its unique architecture set against serene mountain scenery. Enjoy lunch on your own before heading to Takayama, where you’ll wander through well-preserved Edo-period streets, visit local shops and soak in the historic atmosphere. (B/D)
Day 8
Kanazawa
Join your guide for a half-day tour of Kanazawa, starting at the Nomura Samurai House, a beautifully preserved residence with exquisite gardens. Then, explore the Higashi Chaya-gai district where historic teahouses line picturesque streets. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure before gathering for dinner with your group to share stories from the day's discoveries. (B/D)
Day 9
Kyoto
Check out and have your luggage sent ahead to Kyoto. Walk to Kanazawa Station you’re your guide and board the JR Shinkansen in First Class to Kyoto Station. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the historic Nijō Castle, known for its stunning gardens and impressive architecture. Settle into your hotel for a 4-night stay, ready to explore more of Kyoto in the coming days. (B/L/D)
Day 10
Kyoto
Embark on a full-day tour of Osaka. Begin at Osaka Castle, an iconic landmark with a fascinating history and beautiful grounds. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Dōtombori and Shinsaibashi, famous for their neon lights, bustling streets and diverse shopping and dining options. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic city views. (B/L)
Day 11
Kyoto
Spend the day discovering Kyoto’s timeless beauty. Start at the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion with its beautiful reflection shimmering in the surrounding pond. Next, visit Ryōan-ji Temple, famous for its serene rock garden and a perfect spot for quiet reflection. After a local lunch highlighting Kyoto’s traditional cuisine, stroll through the historic Gion district, where wooden machiya houses and lantern-lit streets offer a glimpse into Kyoto’s elegant past. (B/L)
Day 12
Kyoto – Design Your Day
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then spend the day at leisure or choose from one of two included options. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner with your fellow travelling companions to say sayonara to your memorable journey together. (B/D)
Shibori-zome Tie-dying Experience
Discover the traditional Japanese art of shibori-zome. You’ll learn various techniques to create intricate patterns on fabric using folding, twisting and binding methods. Design and dye your own unique piece to take home as a memorable souvenir, gaining insight into Japan's rich textile heritage.
Tea Ceremony Experience
Participate in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. Under the guidance of a tea master, you’ll learn the traditional way of preparing and serving matcha. Experience the meticulous process, appreciate the aesthetics of the utensils and savour the delicate flavours of this exquisite Japanese ritual.
Day 13
Transfer to the Osaka Airport for your return flight to Toronto or Winnipeg. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | BL - Boxed Lunch | D - Dinner