Cultural Treasures of Japan
July 5 – 18, 2026
Immerse yourself in the ancient and modern cultures of Japan. Japan slowly draws you into its eclectic culture and charm, revealing incredible moments every step of the way.
Our trip is an intense, fully guided sightseeing opportunity for a luxury tour with exceptional flexibility for The Ageless Traveler. Collette Tours, the oldest family-owned tour operator in the US, set aside sixteen spots for us on the Cultural Treasure Tour of Japan. We also have the opportunity to climb Mount Fuji before or after the trip and to visit Okinawa to immerse ourselves in the Blue Zones (healthy ageing) lifestyle.
14 Days ● 18 Meals: 12 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
Advantages of The Ageless Traveler Trips
The Ageless Traveler meets and greets.
Weeks before the trip, we gather online to meet each other and engage in bonding conversations.
After the trip, we meet again to discuss where we will go next and fashion our own agenda. We created our travel group because we all want the companionship and support to Never Stop Traveling!
Single and triple rooms are available. There is a single supplement, but you can pre-meet other solos and see if you want to share a room.
For the Culture Vulture:
Experience It! Maiko Performance in Kyoto
Step back in time when you witness an essential aspect of Japan's culture during a Maiko Show in Kyoto. This means "dancing child," the maiko is an apprentice geisha, typically under 20 years old. They live under the supervision of seasoned "geisha." They are considered the successors of beauty throughout all of Japan, entertaining guests with traditional Japanese dances, shamisen plays, and short songs, and in Kyoto, they master its unique dialect as well. These young performers work hard to preserve Japan's traditions and customs, creating a dream-like world that feels detached from the daily grind for visitors. This tradition is unique to Kyoto, though it displays a fascinating history traced throughout Japan.
Be a part of Japan's rich traditions, history, and hospitality during this truly unforgettable experience.
HIGHLIGHTS… Tokyo, Ginza, Chanting, Meditation & Private Tea
- Try your hand at the centuries-old art of gold leaf decorating.
- Tap into Japan's train culture as you travel by the famous bullet train.
- Explore Tokyo's famous Ginza District, Japan's first Western-style shopping district, where modern and old charms blend.
- Chanting and Meditation & Private Tea Ceremony with a Monk in Ginza
- Hakone Lake Ashi Cruise
- Matsumoto Castle Takayama
- Kyoto
- Hiroshima Maiko Show
FULL ITINERARY
Jul 05, 2026
Overnight Flight
Explore ancient and modern Japanese culture firsthand. Discover peaceful temples and technological marvels set against unimaginable natural beauty.
Jul 06, 2026
Tokyo, Japan
Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Welcome to Japan, the "Land of the Rising Sun." Arrive in the electrifying city of Tokyo, where pop culture is turned up and traditions are rich and long-kept. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently.
Jul 07, 2026
Tokyo
Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
breakfast & dinner
Amid a lush forest outside of Tokyo, visit the Meiji Shrine, which is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Feel the excitement start to build as you pass by the grounds of the Imperial Palace and see the Niju Bridge, the well-known symbol of the Imperial Palace. Later, walk through Ginza, one of the world's most elegant and luxurious streets, where modern landscape meets rich history. Enjoy shopping at some of Japan's most renowned "department stores". Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Jul 08, 2026
Tokyo
Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
breakfast
Begin the day with a city tour of Tokyo. Visit Fukagawa Fudo Temple to experience the daily Goma fire ritual. Explore the Nakamise Shopping Arcade and feel the energy of the oldest shopping street in Japan. Then, head to Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo's fascinating history and culture. The museum displays artwork and antiques from Japan and the surrounding area.
Jul 09, 2026
Tokyo - Hakone
Odakyu Hotel de Yama
breakfast & dinner
Journey to the lakeside resort of Hakone, renowned for its hot springs. In the shadow of Mt. Fuji (UNESCO), this scenic town hugs the shorelines of Lake Ashi. Make a stop at Owakudani, which is an active volcanic zone. When Mt. Hakone erupted, the Owakudani crater was created some 3,000 years ago. Climb aboard the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial cable car descending from Owakudani for a breathtaking view* of Mt. Fuji. Next, cruise to the deep-blue waters of Lake Ashi, where you'll see epic views of the local mountains. Then, stop in the charming town of Moto-Hakone.
Jul 10, 2026
Hakone - Matsumoto - Takayama
Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu.
breakfast & dinner
This breathtaking day begins in Matsumoto at Matsumoto Castle, known as the "Crow Castle" because of its striking black exterior. Later, you'll step back in time in the rural Edo-period town of Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps. Well known to the locals for its connection to sake, this is the perfect place to gather for a visit to one of Japan's 200-year-old sake breweries. Afterward, experience a true Japanese epicurean treat – traditional rice wine paired with a special Hida beef dinner.
Jul 11, 2026
Takayama
Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu.
breakfast
The ancient cultures of Takayama come alive during a guided walk in the town's historic district. Stroll through the morning market, a 600-year-old open-air market with locally grown and produced products, along the Miyagawa River. Circuit the winding streets, where the town's traditional charms are preserved in the inns and houses. Here, it's your choice! Choose to glimpse into the past at the 19th-century Takayama Jinya, a former government building -OR- visit the Matsuri Yatai Kaikan and view intricate, traditional, hand-carved floats used in festivals. This afternoon, relish some free time to continue your exploration of Takayama on your own.
Jul 12, 2026
Takayama - Shirakawa-go - Kanazawa
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
breakfast & dinner
Today, embrace the unique charms of Shirakawa-go (UNESCO). Hidden in the mountains, this harmonious village is famous for its gassho-zukuri-style houses - thatched-rooftops designed to resemble two hands joined in prayer—journey to Kanazawa, the origin of gold-leaf making since the 16th century. Visit the Geisha quarters of Kanazawa, the Higashi Tea district, and then onto the beauty of Japan's most stunning gardens, where more than twenty-five acres of absolute beauty await you at Kenroku-En - Garden of Six Qualities. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant serving regional specialties.
Jul 13, 2026
Kanazawa
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
breakfast
Today, dive into the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in decorating your lacquer box! In the center of town, take action at the Omicho fish market before venturing out on your own to immerse yourself in Kanazawa's dynamic culture.
Jul 14, 2026
Kanazawa - Kyoto
Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
breakfast & dinner
Today, Kyoto awaits! On arrival, visit the Women's Association of Kyoto in a traditional Kyoto townhouse. Here, delve into a wide array of enlightening Japanese activities, guided by your knowledgeable hostess. Try your hand at making sushi and learn to fold intricate origami shapes.
Jul 15, 2026
Kyoto
Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
breakfast
Early this morning, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha for a tour of the most revered shrine of Inari. Follow the spectacular rows of orange torii (made famous in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha) that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrine. The former Imperial capital of Japan is now one of the nation's top cosmopolitan cities. At the same time, Kyoto's connection with its past is strong; you won't need to look far to see one of its 2,000 temples and shrines. Visit the home of the first Shogun, Nijo Castle (UNESCO), and see intricate woodcarvings, wall paintings, and the Ninomaru Garden. Enjoy the remainder of your day to explore more of Kyoto at leisure.
Jul 16, 2026
Kyoto - Bullet Train - Hiroshima - Kyoto
Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
breakfast
All aboard the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima Island, or "Shrine Island" (UNESCO). Afterwards, head into Hiroshima city to visit the Peace Memorial Park, and pause to see the ruined Atomic Dome (UNESCO). Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. As this long and moving day comes to a close, return to Kyoto by the Shinkansen bullet train.
Jul 17, 2026
Kyoto
Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
breakfast & dinner
This morning, spend time with a monk at Koshoji Temple,** where you can chant and meditate with them. Afterwards, please take part in the ancient art of the tea ceremony and learn about its importance in Japanese culture. Take this rare opportunity to learn from and speak to the monk about their daily life. This afternoon, spend some time relaxing or set out to explore Kyoto on your own. Fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture tonight during a special farewell dinner and maiko show.
Jul 18, 2026
Kyoto - Tour Ends
breakfast
Your tour comes to a close in this fascinating land. As you depart, reflect on its beauty and all you have learned about its rich history and culture.
Book Now & Save $100 Per Person.
For more information, visit https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1333280
THE OVERALL ACTIVITY LEVEL OF THIS TOUR is on-the-go.
You don't want to miss a thing, so you will want to walk and stand for more extended periods (2-3hours). A moderately packed two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days with early mornings or late nights, balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your adventure.
Arrangements can be made for special requests.
For example, **visiting Koshoji Temple will require travelers to remove their shoes. During the meditation, travelers will sit on the floor. Those who cannot sit on the floor will be provided with a chair. This tour offers authentic dining experiences. Vegan, vegetarian, and even gluten-free diets are uncommon in Japan and not widely catered to. If you have any dietary restrictions, please notify us at the time of booking so we can accommodate you as best as possible.
HOW TO BOOK
Call
GIVE THE AGELESS TRAVELER Booking #1333280
A deposit of $698 per Person is due upon reservation. Final Payment Due Apr 06, 2026
You can get your questions answered by Collette BY CALLING (908) 236-8148
YOU CAN ASK ADRIANE QUESTIONS AT:
FANLIST.COM/AGELESSTRAVELER
Pricing
The price for the land portion for the trip is $5,699.
If I hear interest from you, the Fuji and Okinawa portion of our trip will be planned.
You can arrange your own air, or Colette will assist you.
An additional insurance and cancellation charge of $549 is required.
