From bullet trains to bunk beds, rail travel is a truly immersive experience  

By: Yves Marceau, VP of product for G Adventures 

When traveling, it’s all too easy to skip from one destination to the next, without really appreciating what we see along the way. “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” is a phrase we’ve all heard. At G Adventures, we believe it’s both. That’s why we recently launched our Rail Collection – 60 joyful train journeys across 20 countries that help travelers to travel flexibly and responsibly, while also offering true cultural immersion in a destination.  

There are so many reasons why train travel is increasingly important for a community tourism-focused operator like ours, allowing you to get more out of your adventure. Here are just some of them.  

It encourages you to slow down 

In a literal sense, opting for a train journey instead of a flight is a slower form of travel. Even G Adventures’ Rail Collection trips in Japan, which include journeys on the famous bullet train, are slow compared to air travel. But importantly, traveling by train also encourages you to slow down, too. What you may feel like you are ‘losing’ in time, you are gaining elsewhere – leaving the pace of the journey to someone is freeing, and the hypnotic trundle on a train can do wonders for helping your mind slow, something that can be increasingly hard to do in a fast-paced world.  

It can be a more immersive experience 

Major airports across the world have a tendency to look, feel, smell and sound the same. Train journeys do not. A train trip fully immerses you in the destination and doesn’t let you bypass local life on the ground. Whether it’s what you’re seeing out the window, from miles of countryside to rarely-seen villages, to what you’re smelling on board, or what you’re eating along the way. And while airports go big on global food chains when it comes to eating options, at train stations, particularly smaller ones out of bigger cities, you’re more likely to find smaller independent cafes and food sellers, giving you the chance to try more local dishes – and put traveler dollars directly into the pocket of locals. 

Big picture benefits

Using public rail transportation not only helps infuse money into communities that wouldn’t usually benefit from tourism income, but also helps keep commuter rail travel funded and more affordable for locals. It’s a simple yet great example of how tourism can be a force for good, and benefit communities on a much more local level in the easiest of ways. 

It encourages new connections 

Chances are you’ve taken a seat on a train and spent the journey sitting opposite someone. It’s impossible – certainly with the longer train journeys G Adventures features in its Rail Collection – to not interact with the people around you. Some of our favorite Rail Collection trips feature day-long journeys across India, where your local travel companions start out as strangers, but soon become acquaintances with stories to tell, giving a unique and powerful insight into life on unhurried journeys. And how could you possibly share a bunk cabin on a sleeper train in Vietnam without a spontaneous conversation – or long game of cards – with your new cabin mates? Authentic interactions like these are the memories we take away from trips abroad – and they’re often the stories that we tell, too. 

It’s a true adventure  

Ever seen a toddler or group of kids gleefully smiling at a train passing by? Trains have been synonymous with adventure since we were kids. And as adults, what’s one person’s commuter train is another person’s adventure. It may look like a train ride through the bucolic Italian countryside, it may be a night rocking to sleep on the top bunk of a train journeying across Japan, or it may be a bullet train whizzing at the speed of light (almost) from Shanghai to Berlin. It’s a meaningful way to see the world – a journey to be celebrated, not endured. 

About G Adventures

G Adventures isn’t just a travel company, we’re a movement. Since 1990, when social entrepreneur Bruce Poon Tip set out to change the way people see the world, we’ve been leading the way in community tourism and small-group adventure travel. With more than 850 life-changing trips in 100 countries across all seven continents, we help travelers connect deeply with local people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife,  all while having a blast. 

But it doesn’t stop there. With us, travel  is about passion, purpose, and making a difference. Our ‘G for Good’ social impact commitments ensure every journey supports local communities, with over 130 community tourism projects powered by our non-profit partner, Planeterra, and our industry-first Ripple Score,  which tracks how much of our travelers’ money stays local. And through our Trees for Days initiative, we’ve planted over 3 million trees (and counting), one for every traveler, every day they are on trip with us, helping communities and the planet to thrive together. 

At G Adventures, we believe in changing lives through travel, and not just for the traveler. Our unique company culture fuels a global community that transcends borders, connecting people with purpose and spreading joy, curiosity, and humanity in everything we do. We’re not just about seeing the world, we’re about making it better, together. 

Learn more and join the movement at www.gadventures.com. 

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By Cindy Clarke, Tauck 

Food has long served as a delicious passport to other cultures, revealing the traditions, values, and rhythms of life in cultures around the world. Whether you are hand-rolling pasta in an Italian kitchen with an affable chef, sipping wine with a vintner among the sun-drenched vines of Tuscany, sampling just-caught sushi at a bustling market in Tokyo, or savoring the hearty comfort of Guinness stew in a firelit Irish pub, new friends all around, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re taking part in a legacy handed down through generations. 

And the journey doesn’t end there. Bring those flavors home and let them transport you—one bite, one aroma, one memory at a time. From wood-fired Italian pizza to delicate Viennese strüdel, Spanish tapas to French crêpes, zesty Middle Eastern tabbouleh to handmade Mexican tamales, buttery Maine lobster to earthy French truffles, the tastes of travel linger long after the trip is over, evoking memories and cultural connections that can last a lifetime. 

Street markets, bustling with locally sourced flavors, tell tales of daily life around the world. Hop aboard a Vespa for an after-dark foodie tour of the lively street markets of Saigon, embodying the soul of the city in a diverse array of local treats and goods. Stroll through a farmer’s market in Avignon to select fresh ingredients for a chef-hosted cooking class tempting with fine French fare. Or enjoy handcrafted sausage smothered in homemade sauerkraut, hot mulled glühwein in hand like I did as I wandered through festive holiday markets along the Danube. These sensory experiences—scents, sounds, colors, tastes—can spring back to life the moment you find something familiar at home. 

Local restaurants, from corner paladars in Cuba and neighborhood trattorias in Italy to chic French bistros and centuries-old English pubs, showcase recipes distinctive to their country and are a great way to meet the locals. Travel with local guides to visit chocolate shops, cheeseries, and olive oil farms where time-honored regional secrets are shared in tastings of products, locally produced and personally served by the proud people who made them. Dining on farm-to-table fare, sustainably grown and always authentic – think truffles that I saw being unearthed by specially trained dogs on my trip to Provence, vegetables and herbs freshly picked from my host’s, Catherine Fluvio, Irish garden for a savory soup that captured the season, or a flavor-rich lunch at the Slow Food University in the Langhe Hills of Piedmont – takes you back to those intimate, mindful moments you shared with surprising clarity.   

Culinary workshops and cooking demonstrations offer more than just instruction—they’re an invitation to bring the world into your own kitchen. Vintners, bakers, and chefs teach you how to taste, pair and plate dishes that are as meaningful as they are delicious. Imagine the joy of recreating a recipe you learned abroad and sharing it with friends at a dinner party they’ll never forget. 

Home-hosted meals, whether they’re in a Viennese palace, a country château in Normandy, an Icelandic farmhouse, a baron’s Sicilian villa or a tea house in Kyoto, engender a genuine connection to the long-held traditions of the people you meet in the places you dine. And while you enjoy dishes that reflect the tastes and the times, the conversations and camaraderie you experience promise unforgettable memories too.   

Exploring North America affords opportunities to work alongside lobstermen off the coast of Maine and savor the catch of the day, warm up to chiles at a cooking school in Santa Fe, go Creole in Louisiana, oystering on Prince Edward Island and maple sugarin’ in Quebec. Stays on western ranches wow with cowboy culture in chuckwagon cook outs and campfire s’mores. Coastal New England resorts welcome with summer clam bakes, and Hawaiian luaus are a feast of food and traditional dance you’ll long remember.  

So, whether you want to immerse yourself in the history, the culture, the adventure or the natural treasures of the places you travel, you can discover it all in the local foods you eat. Served with heartfelt stories and smiles, it’s the best way I know to foster friendships, understanding and appreciation for the world around us while enjoying every bite. 

About Cindy Clarke 

Passionate about seeking out and celebrating locally known gems in the destinations she explores, Cindy Clarke is a long-time travel writer and storyteller for Tauck. Her articles have been featured in publications worldwide and have included stories about art, culture, cuisine, wildlife and wilderness adventures, each personally experienced and happily shared.    

About Tauck 

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, Tauck delivers authentic travel experiences through exclusive access with some of the best guides in the world. With all-inclusive trips spanning 70+ countries across seven continents including river and small ship cruising, land journeys, safaris and family adventures, they continually raise the bar to find new ways to connect travelers more deeply with the places they explore. 

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By Richard Krieger, Director of Out World Journeys

There’s something uniquely special about family travel—the shared excitement of stepping off a plane in a new place, the laughter over an unfamiliar meal, and the joy of discovering the world together, and for queer families, travel is becoming more inclusive and accessible.  

Travel with family, biological or chosen, is about more than just the destination. It’s about connecting with a place and its people. It’s the ice cream shop your kids can’t stop talking about, the museum treasure hunt, connecting with locals, exploring ancient ruins or playing on the beach.  

And like all family travelers, selecting a destination that resonates with the family is key to a memorable journey. Choosing the right destination for a queer family trip often comes down to a welcoming community, safety, access and a good dose of fun. While many countries and cities have their arms wide open to the LGBTQ+ community – some do not. So, while you might be more adventurous on your own, when traveling with children, it’s important to select a place that provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere.  

To help get started, we’ve complied a short list of our top international destinations that queer families might wish to consider when planning their next getaway:  

Portugal is laid back, beautiful, and incredibly family-friendly, kids love the castles of Sintra, tram rides through Lisbon, and sunny beaches in the Algarve and the grown ups appreciate the relaxed pace, great food, and welcoming vibe. Our most popular family activities include the Lisbon Oceanarium and Lisbon Zoo, the World of Discoveries Museum in Porto, exploring the Bussaco Forest and children-friendly cooking classes.  

Japan offers the perfect blend of the traditional and modern. Families can wander Kyoto’s ancient temples and have a ninja/samurai experience, in Tokyo visit the interactive TeamLab Planets, visit Lego Land and take sushi-making classes. Top of the list for families is a ride on a speed train and a visit to see the Snow Monkeys of Nagano – where hundreds of monkeys’ roam freely and enjoy the natural hot springs. This is one not to miss! 

Costa Rica is ideal for nature-loving families. From ziplining through rainforests, taking part in a turtle rescue program or connecting with a sloth, there is an endless array of activities for families. Costa Rica also offers exciting visits to organic farms, where kids can milk cows and learn about farm life, take a chocolate making class or simply chill on one of the many beautiful beaches.  

Greece might come to mind more for a romantic getaway or honeymoon, but it’s wonderful for family travelers. In Athens, climb the hill of the Acropolis, watch the Changing of the Guard and take part in a mythology family tour complete with games and prizes. Rent a car and head out to the Peloponnese to explore ancient Olympia, visit local villages and farms and tour an olive oil making estate for a hands-on experience everyone will enjoy. And then of course – the Greek Islands await.  

To further ensure your family will have a great time, consider staying at IGLTA/TAG Approved Hotels. These properties have gone the extra step, completing a qualification and training processes reflecting their commitment to the queer travel community.  And key to the success of your is working with queer travel professionals like the team at Out World Journeys.  No one knows the queer world better than someone who is a specialist in LGBTQ+ travel and the expertise, knowledge and connections they possess are an invaluable resource for designing the perfect family vacation. 

About Richard Krieger: 

Richard Krieger, Director of Out World Journeys, has spent his career championing the power of travel as a bridge between cultures and communities. Richard has led Out World Journeys and Sky Vacations’ transformation into two of the most creative and respected brands in the travel industry and he believes deeply in the idea that travel should be joyful, authentic, and for everyone and his work reflects that mission every day. Richard is an active member of the LGBTQ+ travel community and has served two terms on the Board of Directors at IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association). 

About Out World Journeys: 

Out World Journeys was created to bring the same, high level of quality and service to the queer community as its sister brand, Sky Vacations does for the mainstream luxury market. With a global, expert team of tour designers, Out World Journeys focuses on itineraries that invite traveler to engage with traditional local culture and history, while focusing on LBGTQ+ culture and contributions in the places we visit. Out World Journeys is an Active Member of USTOA and a proud member of IGLTA. 

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Meet knowledgeable locals, see iconic sites, taste exotic flavors and wonder at Mother Nature in true luxury 

By Chelsea Todaro, Communications Specialist with The Travel Corporation

From laid-back Osaka with its eclectic food scene to traditional Kyoto with its lantern-lit cafes and captivating geisha district, Japan has something to thrill even the most seasoned traveler. When it comes to the finer things in life, Japan serves up slick design, bullet trains, Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels, all of which can be experienced on Luxury Gold’s 11-day Majestic Japan journey.

Since major cities in Japan are known to be densely populated, travelers may run into overcrowded areas that can negatively affect their vacation experience. But travelers with Luxury Gold don’t have to worry—because Luxury Gold goes above and beyond for their guests so they can experience this diverse country in luxurious comfort and style. With small groups, VIP experiences, exceptional dining, elegant hotels and a Traveling Concierge–who’s there to tailor everything to your desire—Luxury Gold truly creates a journey beyond the ordinary.

Part of the unique traits of a Luxury Gold journey are the special experiences crafted to put travelers into the heart of the destination. In Osaka, guests will discover why the city is known as the kitchen of Japan as they embark on a food-tasting exploration along Dotonbori Street with a passionate local foodie and their Traveling Concierge. Having locals be part of the travel experience is important because they bring authenticity and excitement to the journey.

Guests will gain a local perspective in Hiroshima with a special VIP experience, by meeting a survivor of the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb, which destroyed most of the city during World War II and changed world history forever. Guests can also join in on paper crane making and learn about the meaning behind this symbol for peace.

Another special feature about Luxury Gold’s journey is that guests will ride the famous high-speed Shinkansen bullet train numerous times while traveling from city to city. This lets guests catch the everyday experience of traveling like a local—all while catching views of mountains and quaint Japanese towns between each city.

Nothing screams Japanese culture more than Geishas, Cherry Blossoms and sushi, all of which Luxury Gold guests will experience in VIP-style. While in Hachinohe, guests will learn about the meticulous care and nurturing of cherry blossom trees from a cherry blossom doctor who ensures all cherry blossoms, from saplings to mature trees are healthy and thriving during the beautiful cherry blossom season. In Tokyo, travelers will get to participate in a private sushi-making class in Tokyo and discover why it takes ten years to perfect this 2000-year-old Japanese art before sitting down to a freshly prepared lunch. While in Kyoto, guests will enjoy a performance by a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha, as they savor a lunch of traditional Kyo-Kaiseki cuisine made of seasonal ingredients. They can also embark on a guided walking exploration of the vibrant Gion neighborhood, known as Kyoto’s primary geisha district.

Japanese cuisine is of course a big highlight of this journey, and guests will experience this in five-star settings. In Tokyo, guests will enjoy a famous tea ceremony and watch as locals demonstrate the traditional art of making matcha green tea. Later, travelers can join in the exploration of Nakamise Street and Kappabashi–the local backstreet known as the city’s foodie hub. Guests also have a “Your Choice Evening” for a true local experience. They have the choice of two hand-picked restaurants, each specializing in local delicacies: the Shabu-shabu, which are hotpots of meat and vegetables, or Teppan-yaki, where rice, meats and vegetables are freshly cooked on a grill.

Last but certainly not least, guests will dine at the dazzling Michelin-Star Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai, a famous restaurant with old-world charm and surrounded one of the most tranquil Japanese gardens in the heart of Tokyo. It specializes in tofu cuisine, but guests can savor a range of intricately prepared dishes including simmered eggplant and fried shrimp, fresh sashimi and deep-fried tofu coated with miso.

Overall, if travelers want a fully immersive experience of Japan with the fine luxuries attached, Luxury Gold will go beyond their expectations for a truly immersive and unforgettable journey.

About Luxury Gold
Luxury Gold sets an unmatched standard with its collection of award-winning journeys. Guided by a Traveling Concierge, Luxury Gold is a journey beyond the ordinary, where guests enjoy exclusive VIP Experiences, savor exceptional dining and relax in luxury hotels on every curated itinerary. As global leaders in luxury travel with expertise accumulated over nearly 100 years, Luxury Gold epitomizes extraordinary exploration to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. To find out more, visit www.luxurygoldvacations.com.

The post How to Visit Japan as a VIP appeared first on USTOA Blog.

Japan was named one of the top five “hot” destinations for 2018 in the USTOA’s annual survey of travel forecasts and trends, and for good reason: It’s captivating contrast of timeless traditions and modern life, along with its diverse natural landscapes, accommodates every type of travel interest. Whether it’s hiking along trails to hidden temples or indulging in authentic local dishes, Japan’s wide range of experiences will have even the most jaded travelers intrigued.

The tour operator members of USTOA offer a wide range of packaged travel options to Japan – from adventure and family to spiritual and culinary programs – that provide insights and access unavailable to the average travelers. Here is just a sample:

For the Adventurer:

Credit: Contiki

Japan is home to the world-class winter sports paradise of Hakuba. With Contiki’s new “Japan Winter Wonder Plus Six-Day Ski” itinerary travelers can visit Japan’s iconic sites and cities then hit the slopes in the Hakuba Valley. During this unescorted six-day add-on, guests can ski, snowboard, or even mountain glide before relaxing in a steamy onsen. Available on select departure dates through April 2019 from $3,815 per person. www.contiki.com

Credit: Country Walkers

Hike through the whispering cypress forests of the Kii Peninsula, wander through Kumano Kodo – a UNESCO World Heritage site, and meet a yamabushi priest to learn the tenets of martial-arts training on Country Walkers’ eight-day “Japan: Kyoto, Nara and Kumano Kodo” tour. Guests will journey from two to six miles daily through the traditional neighborhoods of Kyoto. Available on select departure dates through September 2019 starting at $6,998 per person/double occupancy. www.countrywalkers.com

Intrepid Travel’s new 14-day “Cycle Japan” adventure takes a new spin on traditional walking tours. Cycle between six to fifty miles each day from Osaka to Tokyo, and discover Noto Peninsula’s coastlines, rice paddles, and endless farmland. Visit iconic sites, such as the Nagarebashi Bridge, a 356 metre wooden bridge and one of the longest wooden bridges in Japan. Available on select departure dates from July 2018 to November 2019 starting at $4,857 per person.  www.intrepidtravel.com

Credit: Adventures by Disney

Discover the ancient sport of sumo wrestling, bike through the farms and rice fields of Japan’s countryside, and traverse the rapids of Hozugawa River on a two-hour river boat ride on Adventures by Disney’s new “Journey to The Land of the Rising Sun” 11-day itinerary. Families will have the option to enhance their adventure and add a post-trip vacation package that provides a stay, special experiences, and access at Tokyo Disney Resort. Available on select departure dates through October 2019 from $10,699 per adult and $10,159 per child. www.adventuresbydisney.com

For the Culturally Curious:

Abercrombie & Kent’s “Classic Japan” trip is available on select departure dates through October 2018, and lets guests be among the few to stay at Gôra Kadan, one of Japan’s most exclusive traditional inns, enjoy an exclusive kaiseki banquet with entertainment by a geisha, as well as learn about the country’s past and present at the Samurai Museum in Tokyo. Pricing from $10,495 per person. www.abercrombiekent.com

Credit: Collette 

From stenciling and gold leaf classes, to a traditional kaiseki dinner with a geisha show in Kyoto, Collette’s new “Cultural Treasures of Japan” trip immerses travelers in Japanese culture and everyday life. The 14-day journey also includes a trip along the Hakone Ropeway for goliath views of Mt. Fuji, a visit to Miyajima, “Shrine Island” and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and many more culturally significant stops.  Available on select departure dates through April 2019 from $4,499 per person. www.gocollette.com

Goway Travel’s “Explore Japan,” an intimate small-group guided tour, covers four distinct regions over twelve days. Explore extensively on foot and discover stunning sites like the Ryoanji Zen garden, Himeji Castle, and Miyajima Island. Available throughout 2018 and 2019 from $5,395 per person. www.goway.com

Credit: go-today 

Explore serene beauty in the ancient city of Kyoto and delve into the bustling capital city of Tokyo on go-today’s “Tokyo & Kyoto” itinerary. Discover modern architecture, historic monuments, antique markets, and Buddhism folk art during this six-day trip. Available on select departure dates through September 2018 and December 2018 starting at $1,649 per person/ double occupancy. www.go-today.com

Affordable World’s eight-day “Japan Discovery” tour begins in the city of Tokyo to visit legendary sites, such as Asakusa, the Senso-Ji Temple, Mount Fuji, Nijo Castle, Tsukiji Market, and Todaji Temple. Available on select departure dates through April 2019 from $1,599 per person/ double occupancy. www.affordableworld.com

Credit: Insider Journeys

Insider Journeys’ “Secrets of Japan” trip is available on select departures through December 2019, and lets guest stay at a traditional inn near Mt Fuji at Hakone, and then journey the Old Town of Takayama, and discover Geisha culture in Kanazawa and Kyoto. Pricing from $7,245 per person. www.insider-journeys.com

Credit: Insider Journeys

Travel in luxurious comfort on Luxury Gold’s new “Majestic Japan” 11-day itinerary. Enjoy a private cruise along the Matsushima Bay, spend an evening of leisure with an in-house massage, and witness a private musical performance of traditional Japanese guitar and drumming. Destinations covered include Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Hachinohe, Oirase Gorge, Sendai, and Katsurashima Island. Departures are available from July to November 2018, starting at $8,050 per person. www.luxurygoldvacations.com

For the Nature Lover:

Credit: Collette

Springtime beauty blends with ancient history and cutting-edge culture on EF Go Ahead Tours’ “Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto” itinerary. Wander through the shrine’s Inner Garden, home to irises that bloom in springtime, and take-in surreal views of Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms that gather throughout Tokyo. This 10-day journey is available on March 22, 2019 starting at $3,829 per person. www.goaheadtours.com

Alexander + Roberts’ “From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps” itinerary explores the country’s many natural wonders. Explorers will journey across the island-dotted Seto Inland Sea to Miyajima Island, learn about the ancient tenets of Japanese landscape at Kenrokuen, and travel to the rural mountain hamlet of Shirakawago – one of Japan’s most scenic and historic alpine regions. Departure dates are available on select dates through April 2020 from from $7,599 per person/ double occupancy. www.alexanderroberts.com

Credit: go-today

Join SITA World Tours’ “Cherry Blossom Tour” to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Japan. The nine-day trip includes a visit to the Golden Pavilion, the colorful Kasuga Shrine, and include live demonstrations on the basics of how to wear a kimono. Travelers will also embark on a private Cherry Blossom viewing tour to Kiyomizu Temple and Maruyama Park, regarded as famous locations for viewing Cherry Blossoms in full bloom. Departures are available on March 25 to April 15, 2019 from $4,675 per person/ double occupancy. www.sitatours.com

Ritz Tours’ is offering travelers $75 off its “Jewels of Japan” itinerary in time to enjoy autumn in the East. The eight-night trip crosses the countryside on a bullet train past Mt. Fuji, which is surrounded by red, orange and yellow fall foliage. Travelers also will walk through Kyoto, home to eight UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples. Departures are available on September 6, October 18, November 8 and 29, 2018 from $2,825 per person. Use code USTOARAJ to save $75. www.ritztours.com

For the Epicurean:

Credit: Tauck

On Tauck’s “Essence of Japan” itinerary travelers will taste and sip their way through Japan. The 13-day trip includes a visit to a sake distillery, a private tea ceremony, and hands-on sushi and miso demonstrations. The trip also will give guests the chance to visit the Tsukiji market in Tokyo, regarded as the oldest and largest fish market in the world. Departures are available from August to November 2018 from $10,290 per person. www.tauck.com

Pack your chopsticks! Avanti Destinations’ new “Taste of Japan” nine-day food tour will tantalize taste buds. The trip includes a visit to the underground foodie treasure trove that is depachika (food hall), a hands-on sushi making class at a local home, and private afternoon tea with a geisha. Eat fresh-off-the-boat, and add on a visit to the infamous Tsukiji Fish Market. The add-on is available for $349 per person. The tour is available year-round and starts at $4,749 per person/double occupancy (land-only). www.avantidestinations.com

Credit: Zegrahm Expeditions

Travel with an appetite on Zegrahm Expeditions’ “Imperial Japan” 12-day adventure. Visit the bustling Miyagawa Morning Market, delight in an egg boiled in the volcanic hot springs, and a walk through 200 stalls bursting with fresh produce and seafood in the nearly 300-year-old Omicho Market. This trip also includes a flexible travel dining plan that allows guests to dine with no limits on the price of a meal or dining locations. Available on select departures in April, May, and October 2019 starting at $13,490 per person/ double occupancy. www.zegrahm.com

Credit: Pleasant Holidays/ Journese

Join Journese’s “A Taste of Japan” itinerary to experience distinctive delicacies and exceptional dining experiences throughout Tokyo and Kyoto. Excursions The nine-day itinerary includes a private dining Japanese course-style dinner at Teppan Mizuki restaurant, a traditional Buddhist vegetarian lunch on the Tenryuji Temple’s grounds, and a sampling of traditional flavors from the ancient Edo period, such as charcoal broiled eel. Departures are available on various dates throughout 2018 and 2019. Visit www.journese.com for pricing information.

For the Spiritual:

Credit: Trafalgar

On Trafalgar’s “Spiritual Japan” tour, guests can retrace the steps of the ancients with some of Japan’s most sacred places. The trip features visits to the Nachi Taisha Shrine, the Seiganotoji Temple and the tallest waterfall in Japan, Nachi waterfall. Guests can also visit the birthplace of Shingon Buddism and delight in vegetarian dishes served by local monks at their monastery lodgings. This nine-day spiritual journey is available from $4,550 per person in October 2018. www.trafalgar.com

Find more trips to Japan using USTOA’s “Find Your Dream Vacation” section at https://ustoa.com/dream-vacation/.

Editor’s Note: Information was correct at time of writing. All tours/packages subject to availability. Prices may vary from time of writing, based on currency fluctuations.

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