A Cultural Journey Across Japan

Konnichiwa, and welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at the airport you will be greeted by your Adventures by Disney tour representative, who will make sure you get transferred and settled into your new home away from home in Kyoto. After check-in you'll have the opportunity to explore the stunning Sanjūsangen-dō Temple. This Buddhist temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion. Despite the fact that the main Thousand Arm Kannon statue (a National Treasure of Japan) sits 11 feet tall, the temple is best known for its 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon. The statues, made from Japanese cypress and covered in gold leaf, are arranged in 50 columns and 10 rows along the temple walls.

Sanjūsangen-dō is named for its long halls and columns. Twenty-eight Buddhist guardian statues protect the front row. Take note of the famous statues of Fujin (the Japanese god of wind) and Raijin (the god of thunder, lightning and storms). These two deities are often found together in Japanese art.

Fun fact—the temple was the site of a famous duel between Yoshioka Denschichiro, a master swordsman, and Miyamoto Musashi, a notorious samurai, in 1604.

On this day prepare to see Kyoto’s beautiful Arashiyama neighborhood both at a clip (by traditional rickshaw) and at your own pace (on a guided walking tour). Stroll through the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where bamboo shoots tower and lean overhead to create an otherworldly atmosphere. This is one of Kyoto’s most photographed spots and is often considered one of the best forests in the world.

You'll also get to visit Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera (the Pure Water Temple), which is one of Kyoto’s most sacred monuments. The Otowa Waterfall divides into three streams, said to bring longevity, success at school or a good love life to those who drink from them. The temple’s wooden platform (notable because it was built without using one single nail) overlooks forests of maple and cherry trees.

As night falls, you'll join your fellow Adventurers for a wonderful welcome dinner at one of Kyoto’s finest upscale restaurants. After dinner, delight in the playful ambience created by a Maiko (Geisha in training) and thrill to Samurai sword masters as they share their vibrant cultures and history through their performance. Guests are also invited to don traditional costumes for a fun Samurai lesson and photo opportunity.

Miyajima is said to be an island chosen by goddesses, which seems perfectly likely once you see its famous scarlet shrine set against the blue sea and the green forest. A mystical 16-meter floating Torii Gate leads into Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that may have originated as far back as the 6^th century. During the morning you and the family will explore the beachfront along the Seto Inland Sea all the way up to forested Mount Misen’s 535-meter summit. Walking the grounds is the best way to understand why Miyajima is considered a spiritual place. Once you've worked up an appetite, visit the island's many wonderful dining options for an appetizing lunch.

Spend the afternoon in contemplation at Hiroshima Peace Park, built on the site of what was once the city’s busiest area. At the museum there you will have the option to learn more about the impacts of WWII’s atomic bombing. Or, alternatively, the family can learn how to fold origami cranes (an international symbol of peace). The activity is tied to Hiroshima through 10-year-old Sadako Sasaki and an ancient legend that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by the gods. To this day, visitors continue to fold origami cranes and add them to the collection at the statue created in Sadako’s memory.

What would a culture tour be without food? Put your family's Japanese culinary skills to the test alongside an instructor as you learn the art of making a classic bento box. Feel free to also explore Osaka’s famous food district, or vibrant and colorful Dotonbori with it's restaurants, food stalls, music and entertainment.

As the sun sets, paper lanterns light up the small 17^th-century Hōzen-ji Temple, giving it an atmospheric and serene glow. You may notice something a bit different about the Buddha here—visitors worship the statue by splashing water instead of throwing coins. Over the years, this has given the Buddha its unique mossy covering.

At night, take the opportunity to explore the wonderful city of Kyoto. Ask your Adventure Guides to recommend something for your family, or discover a new favorite on your own.

There are thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari (the Shinto god of rice), but the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is the most important. Over 10,000 orange Torii gates wind their way up to mystical Mount Inari, leading visitors through the forests of this sacred mountain on a two-to-three-hour round-trip hike. Foxes—found throughout the shrine—are considered the god’s messengers.

There is much more to the ancient sport of Sumo wrestling than it might seem. At Kehaya-Za Sumo Experience and Museum, visitors can learn all about the art of sumo, which is steeped in ritual and tradition, while watching a live demonstration in the dohyo (the sand-filled wrestling ring).

After a fun-filled day, Junior Adventurers can relax at the hotel with the Adventure Guides, where they'll get a kid-friendly dinner followed by a Disney movie. This gives the adults time to enjoy dinner in one of the hotel’s restaurants.

Your adventure continues in Takayama! You'll visit the historic mountain village of Shirakawa-Go, which remained largely isolated until the 1950s. Thanks to its severe topography, the village developed its own unique traditions and culture over the course of generations. The village is home to Japan’s only Gassho-style farmhouses, notable for their dramatically pitched thatch roofs that were designed to withstand heavy snowfall.

Take a leisurely countryside bike ride through rice fields and rural villages where your knowledgeable guide will teach about the Satoyama history and culture as you travel.

Later, relax and unwind in a traditional Japanese onsen—an open-air tub—overlooking the mountains and valleys of Takayama.

Bring the family back in time as you explore the impeccably preserved architecture in Takayama’s old town district. Sannomachi Street, a scenic area full of shops and centuries-old sake breweries, is not to be missed. Takayama is known for its sake—breweries will have sugidama (balls of cedar branches) hung above their doorways.

Bring your appetite to Takayama Market. This daily morning market is one of Japan’s largest, selling all kinds of produce, farm goods and snacks that will give you a unique insight into culture. Explore this foodie haven and sample dumplings, tofu, miso, desserts and of course, sake.

As the day winds down you'll embark on a scenic journey through the splendor and natural beauty of the rural Japanese landscape between Takayama and Odawara. Conditions permitting, you may get a view of Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s 3 sacred mountains. Upon arrival at your hotel, relax and discover all the amazing amenities and activities your new home has to offer.

Hakone Open-Air Museum, the first of its kind in Japan, opened in 1969 against the backdrop of the Hakone Mountains. This unique, outdoor, contemporary sculpture garden allows visitors to get up close and personal with 120 sculptures spread across 70,000 square meters of beautiful landscaped gardens. Don’t miss the view from the top of the Symphonic Sculpture, an interactive stained-glass tower. A permanent Picasso exhibit showcases some of the museum’s 300-piece collection on rotation.

See a completely different—but equally cultural—side to Japan once the sun goes down. At night, neon-lit central Tokyo buzzes with energy and business in a way that only it can. Take in the stimulating sights and sounds of modern Tokyo. Dare yourself to cross hectic Shibuya Crossing (the world’s busiest) with an estimated 1,000 people crossing in every direction at each walk sign.

You’d never know the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens were in central Tokyo if not for the skyscrapers peeking around the perimeter. Take the family for a stroll and enjoy the year-round flowers, a plum tree grove and the peony garden that surround Shinoiri Pond. Stop by the Hamarikyu Tea House to enjoy a tea ceremony at your own pace. The artistry of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony is mesmerizing, but many ceremonies last for hours and require sharp attention to detail. Hamarikyu offers a relaxed alternative in a serene setting.

Take in Tokyo’s parks and skyline from a different point of view by cruising down the Sumida River, which runs from Hamarikyu Gardens to the city’s Asakusa district. Here, take a walking tour of the “low city,” which harkens back to Tokyo’s past.

Discover yet another surprising green space in central Tokyo with a visit to the Meiji Shrine, which sits on 170 forested acres. This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who walked these grounds frequently. Write down a wish on an Ema (a wooden tablet) and hang it on hooks near the shrine, or offer up colorful sake barrels, like some visitors. While at the shrine, you will also watch a traditional Kagura ceremony.

Right outside of peaceful Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo’s hippest, most outrageous areas—Takeshita Street. This is people watching at its best. Make your way through the crowds of trendy teenagers and browse the eye-popping styles at these cutting-edge boutiques.

Celebrate the end of a truly magnificent Adventures By Disney journey in a traditional Japanese garden atmosphere that includes a central koi pond. You’ll also participate in a Daruma doll painting activity before sitting down to a lovely catered meal.

On the last day you and the family will head to either Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport as you venture home from Tokyo and reflect on the trip of a lifetime.

To explore the full Adventures by Disney Japan itinerary and to book your trip click here.