Japan Escapes
Japan is a nation of islands stretching across the Pacific coast of Asia. Along with the ‘Home Islands’ of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, Japan consists of nearly 7,000 mostly volcanic islands. This geography has long played a role in the Japanese way of life which, to this day, is deeply connected to the sea.
The word “Japan” conjures diverse and colorful images: the serene, iconic Mount Fuji; Kyoto temples fringed by cherry blossoms; the outrageous couture of Harajuku girls on a Tokyo Sunday; futuristic bullet trains; a geisha in kimono and painted face. It is the land of anime and pachinko, of exquisite cuisine, and of electronics and robotics innovation that transforms the way we live and work. Visiting Japan, it is easy to recognize what science-fiction writer William Gibson called “the global imagination’s default setting for the future.”
The foundation of this prosperous modern Japan was its post-war constitution, which along with an unstinting work ethic kindled unbridled economic growth. Even with the recessions of past decades, Japan is still home to the world’s third-highest GDP; it is a beacon of modernity to a continent that is racing to catch up with this once hermitic nation.
The foundation of this prosperous modern Japan was its post-war constitution, which along with an unstinting work ethic kindled unbridled economic growth. Even with the recessions of past decades, Japan is still home to the world’s third-highest GDP; it is a beacon of modernity to a continent that is racing to catch up with this once hermitic nation.
TOKYO
A trip to the ultra-modern city of Tokyo is unforgettable – from your hotel suite you can gaze upon the multi-colored glow of the city leading straight to the horizon, an awe-inspiring sight. Tokyo has been the nation’s capital since the start of the Meiji Restoration in 1868 when, among other major changes to the nation’s political and social structure, Japan came out of its self-imposed isolation. After suffering extensive damage during World War II, Tokyo has since rebuilt itself into one of the world’s most energetic, vibrant cities.
KYOTO
Once the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto was built in 794, modeled on the Chinese capital of Chang’an. During World War II, Kyoto was spared much of the devastation that other Japanese cities faced, and as a result, retains many of its historic buildings – so much so that there are almost 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kyoto. Indeed, so well-preserved is its old quarter that many buildings are as ornate and stunning today as they were during Kyoto’s heyday as the capital of Japan.
OSAKA
Located on the southern reaches of the main island of Honshu, Osaka is an economic heavyweight with a dash of culture. Home to a thriving nightlife, restaurant scene, and a series of historical monuments and museums, Osaka has much to offer visitors. Particular highlights include viewing cherry blossoms (sakura) in spring, relaxing treatments at Spa World, and the looming, historic Osaka Castle, built in 1586 by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
HIROSHIMA
Few destinations can be as sobering as Hiroshima, whose name immediately conjures the atomic annihilation that occurred there at 08:15 on August 6, 1945, in the final days of World War II. But beyond the alternately sorrowful and inspirational World War II memorials, the city offers lovely strolling gardens, substantial art museums, and the landmark Hiroshima Castle, rebuilt after the war to its original splendor and providing striking views of the city and Miyajima Island.
HAKONE
Famous for its hot springs, outdoor activities, views of nearby Mount Fuji, and overall natural beauty, Hakone has long been a favorite rural retreat from Tokyo for Japanese and foreign visitors alike. Part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is home to the beautiful caldera lake of Ashinoko and the iconic Mount Fuji. The town is situated less than 60 miles (96 kilometers) from Tokyo, an easy trip on the famous shinkansen, or bullet train. Iconic sights of Hakone include the waters of Lake Ashi, home to a huge set of orange torii gates; the Hakone Ropeway, a cable car that provides visitors birds-eye views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji; and the quiet, picturesque Narukawa Art Museum, home to a repository of modern paintings using traditional Japanese techniques.
- Historic Traditions & Contemporary Innovations – Immerse yourself in Japanese culture as you journey from historic to modern Japan, giving you a grand overview of this historic land.
- Through the Eras – Even with a small amount of travel time, you will be able to personally experience what makes Japan timeless and dynami
- Family Fun – Bring the family along on this fun-for-all-ages adventure. A variety of hands-on experiences will be sure to keep everyone fully entertained.
- Japan Less Traveled – This is a tour fit for those wishing to travel outside the famous areas in favor of experiencing things more unique and original. This tour will take you through a more intimate Japan, one that welcomes visitors into the workshops of skilled craftsmen and challenges you to explore and discover islands, seas, and areas not seen on postcards.
- Spring Tours – This journey will start you in more southern Japan, giving you the best chance to catch sakura and festivities in full bloom throughout your stay in the land of the rising sun. With spring comes fresh sake, geisha dances, and festivals welcoming the warmth after the long winter, and welcoming the historic start of the new year.
- The Fierce Colors of Autumn – Autumn in Japan is regarded as beyond compare, and it’s hard to argue that sentiment when you see whole mountains transform from summer green to fiery reds and oranges. This journey will take you through Japan’s most significant sights.
- Arts & Architecture Lovers – You will venture across the country, discovering for yourself some of Japan’s best main sights while visiting outstanding museums, art galleries, and architecture projects that will reveal to you Japan’s unique set of aesthetics and how they are incorporated into modern designs and modern life.
- Sculpted Landscapes – For those who find beauty in nature and how we co-exist with it, we have crafted a tour that will take you through Japan’s most beautiful and renowned sculpted landscapes.
- Love in Japan – Sipping red wine as you gaze into each other’s eyes and over the glittering expanse of nighttime Tokyo, private onsen hot baths overlooking the Japanese Alps, enjoying the tropics of Okinawa in a resort of white sand beaches – celebrating love in Japan is amazing.
- Kids Friendly – Cartoons and comics are perhaps the more obvious and ubiquitous of the famed contributions Japan has made to the pop culture world. Tell us your favorites and we will incorporate them into the whirlwind fun that will take place as you visit historic and modern Japan while making some other stops along the way dedicated to the colorful characters and stories that have etched their way into popular history.
- A Winter in Japan – The cold harshness of winter is no match for the spirit of Japan. Festivals and scenes one can gaze upon only in Japan’s brilliant frozen snowscapes warm the heart and soul in this tour for those brave enough to step out into the cold.
- Summer Nights & Moonlight Dances – The heat of the day gives way to cooler evenings and nights. The rhythm of the cities and towns actually pick up as the sun sets during late summer as you are here during the most festive time of obon. Brilliantly colored festival tents line the streets as music and dance fills the night air.