<\/em>Japan is home to the world-class winter sports paradise of Hakuba. With Contiki\u2019s<\/b> new \u201cJapan Winter Wonder Plus Six-Day Ski\u201d itinerary travelers can visit Japan\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n Hike through the whispering cypress forests of the Kii Peninsula, wander through Kumano Kodo \u2013 a UNESCO World Heritage site, and meet a yamabushi priest to learn the tenets of martial-arts training on Country Walkers\u2019 <\/b>eight-day \u201cJapan: Kyoto, Nara and Kumano Kodo\u201d tour. Guests will journey from two to six miles daily through the traditional neighborhoods of Kyoto.\u00a0Available on select departure dates through September 2019 starting at $6,998 per person\/double occupancy. www.countrywalkers.com<\/a><\/p>\n Intrepid Travel\u2019s<\/b> new 14-day \u201cCycle Japan\u201d 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\u2019s 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.\u00a0 www.intrepidtravel.com<\/a><\/p>\n Discover the ancient sport of sumo wrestling, bike through the farms and rice fields of Japan\u2019s countryside, and traverse the rapids of Hozugawa River on a two-hour river boat ride <\/b>on A<\/b>dventures by Disney\u2019s<\/b> new \u201cJourney to The Land of the Rising Sun\u201d <\/b>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<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Abercrombie & Kent\u2019s<\/b> \u201cClassic Japan\u201d trip is available on select departure dates through October 2018, and lets guests be among the few to stay at G\u00f4ra Kadan, one of Japan\u2019s most exclusive traditional inns, enjoy an exclusive kaiseki banquet with entertainment by a geisha, as well as learn about the country\u2019s past and present at the Samurai Museum in Tokyo. Pricing from $10,495 per person. www.abercrombiekent.com<\/a><\/p>\n From stenciling and gold leaf classes, to a traditional kaiseki dinner with a geisha show in Kyoto, Collette\u2019s<\/b> new \u201cCultural Treasures of Japan\u201d 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, \u201cShrine Island\u201d and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and many more culturally significant stops.\u00a0 Available on select departure dates through April 2019 from $4,499 per person. www.gocollette.com<\/a><\/p>\n Goway Travel\u2019s<\/b> \u201cExplore Japan,\u201d 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<\/a><\/p>\n Explore serene beauty in the ancient city of Kyoto and delve into the bustling capital city of Tokyo on go-today\u2019s<\/b> \u201cTokyo & Kyoto\u201d 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<\/a><\/p>\n Affordable World\u2019s <\/b>eight-day <\/b>\u201cJapan Discovery\u201d 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.\u00a0Available on select departure dates through April 2019 from\u00a0$1,599 per person\/ double occupancy. www.affordableworld.com<\/a><\/p>\n Insider Journeys\u2019 <\/b>\u201cSecrets of Japan\u201d 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<\/a><\/p>\n Travel in luxurious comfort on Luxury Gold\u2019s <\/b>new \u201c<\/b>Majestic Japan\u201d 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<\/a> \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n For the Nature Lover:<\/span><\/p>\n Springtime beauty blends with ancient history and cutting-edge culture on EF Go Ahead Tours\u2019 <\/b>\u201cCherry Blossoms in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto\u201d itinerary. Wander through the shrine\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n Alexander + Roberts\u2019<\/b> \u201cFrom Japan\u2019s Inland Sea to the Alps\u201d itinerary explores the country\u2019s 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\u2019s most scenic and historic alpine regions. Departure dates are\u00a0available on select dates through April 2020 from from $7,599 per person\/ double occupancy. www.alexanderroberts.com<\/a><\/p>\n Join SITA World Tours\u2019 \u201c<\/b>Cherry Blossom Tour\u201d 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.\u00a0www.sitatours.com<\/a><\/p>\n Ritz Tours\u2019<\/b> is offering travelers $75 off its \u201cJewels of Japan\u201d 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<\/b> to save $75. www.ritztours.com<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n For the Epicurean:<\/span><\/p>\n On Tauck\u2019s<\/b> \u201cEssence of Japan\u201d 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<\/a><\/p>\n Pack your chopsticks! Avanti Destinations\u2019 <\/b>new \u201cTaste of Japan\u201d nine-day food tour will tantalize taste buds. The trip includes a visit to the underground foodie treasure trove that is depachika<\/i> (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<\/a><\/p>\n Travel with an appetite on Zegrahm Expeditions\u2019<\/b> \u201cImperial Japan\u201d 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<\/a><\/p>\n Join Journese\u2019s <\/b>\u201cA Taste of Japan\u201d 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\u2019s 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<\/a> for pricing information.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For the Spiritual:<\/span><\/p>\n On Trafalgar\u2019s<\/b> \u201cSpiritual Japan\u201d 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<\/a><\/p>\n![\"1657ASIA2017\"](\"https:\/\/ustoa.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/1657ASIA2017.jpg\")
<\/a>Credit: Contiki<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Credit: Country Walkers<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Credit: Adventures by Disney<\/em><\/p>\nFor the Culturally Curious:<\/span><\/h5>\n
<\/a>Credit: Collette\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Credit: go-today\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Credit: Insider Journeys<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Credit: Insider Journeys<\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/b><\/p>\n<\/a>Credit: Collette<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Credit: go-today<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Credit: Tauck<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Credit:\u00a0Zegrahm Expeditions<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Credit: Pleasant Holidays\/ Journese<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>Credit: Trafalgar<\/em><\/p>\n