Day 1 | Asakusa, Odaiba

Depart from Ben Gurion Airport on an afternoon flight to Tokyo, with a layover in Istanbul, arriving in Narita the next day. From there, we will begin to explore Tokyo, the capital of Japan. We will start in Asakusa, the historic area of Tokyo, visiting the Sensō-ji Buddhist temple, the most important in Tokyo. We'll explore the nearby Bonze Bazaar Museum and take a boat ride to Odaiba, a man-made island with various entertainment facilities. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 2 | Tsukiji Fish Market, Edo Museum, Ueno Museum, Imperial Palace Garden

In the morning, we'll visit the Tsukiji Fish Market, considered the largest in Asia, and witness the bustling stalls with a variety of seafood and fish (subject to local authorities' approval). Next, we'll explore the Edo Museum, which recreates life in 16th-century Tokyo (Edo was Tokyo's name back then). We'll then visit the Ueno Park, home to the National Museum and explore the lively and colorful Ameya-Yokocho market nearby. To end the day, we'll stroll through the Eastern Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 3 | Roppongi, Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku

This Sunday, we'll start our day at Roppongi, visiting the Shinto shrine Meiji Jingu dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who ended the feudal regime in 1867. The shrine is particularly popular for traditional weddings held there on Sundays. Near the train station, we might see groups of young people dressed a bit "crazy." We'll walk along the beautiful Omotesando Street and observe interesting buildings. From here, we'll move to the luxurious Ginza area, where we can be impressed by the massive department stores. In the evening, we'll reach Shinjuku for a tour including an impressive panoramic view of the city and a taste of the vibrant nightlife. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 4 | Nikko, Tokugawa Tomb

Today, we'll take a train to Nikko, a small traditional town about 140 km north of Tokyo. Nestled in a hilly, forested area with a deep spiritual atmosphere, a monk settled here in the 8th century, and monasteries and shrines developed around his hut. At the top of the mountain stands the Toshogu Shrine, containing the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun who unified Japan in the early 17th century. We'll walk among the monasteries and through giant trees, absorbing the special atmosphere of the place. We'll return to Tokyo in the evening. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 5 | Hakone

We'll leave Tokyo and head west to Hakone, visiting one of the most renowned museums in the world – the Hakone Open-Air Museum. This museum showcases sculptures by some of the world's best artists in a spacious garden. We'll then ascend to Owakudani, where we'll witness the activity of bubbling sulfur and, weather permitting, catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic symbol. We'll stay overnight in Hakone in a hotel with hot springs. Accommodations include sleeping on futons (futon) on tatami mat floors (tatami), sliding paper doors, and shared facilities. Dinner is included.

Day 6 | Kimono Museum, Matsumoto Castle

In the morning, we'll travel around Mount Fuji to its other side, passing by the five lakes at its foothills, until we reach the Kubota Museum – a unique museum of a kimono artist designed in harmony with nature. Later, we'll climb to the Japanese Alps on a beautiful route along a river and through dense green forests. We'll arrive at Matsumoto to visit the ancient castle, providing insights into the era of shoguns and samurais. Overnight stay in Matsumoto.

Day 7 | Walking Tour in Kiso Valley, to Takayama

Continuing our journey between mountains, we'll ascend and descend until we reach the picturesque Kiso Valley. Here, we'll embark on a walking tour between villages. We'll then proceed to Takayama, a well-preserved traditional town. Walking through its streets, among ancient wooden houses, sake breweries, and the workshops of local artisans, we'll visit the Matsuri no Mise Museum. In the afternoon, we'll relax in the warm hot springs with a view of the snow-capped mountains. Overnight stay in Takayama.

Day 8 | Takayama, Morning Market, Shirakawago, Kanazawa

We'll start the day with a stroll through the morning market in Takayama. From here, we'll travel to the village of Shirakawa-go, where traditional houses from the region were brought to form a giant open-air museum. The village is situated in a valley surrounded by snow-covered mountains along a flowing river. We'll enter one of the houses to experience the traditional architecture and then climb to a viewpoint overlooking the village and the mountains from the hilltop. Continuing our journey through the mountains, we'll descend to the plains leading to the Sea of Japan, passing by rice fields and beautiful traditional Japanese houses. Upon reaching Kanazawa, we'll visit the samurai district of Chaya, where we'll stroll through well-preserved alleys from the samurai era and enter the house of a samurai family. If time permits, we can also visit the beautiful Higashi Chaya district. Overnight stay in Kanazawa.

Day 9 | Kanazawa to Noto Peninsula - Nature Day

We'll begin the day with a charming tour of Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. This expansive garden has been the castle's garden since 1553 until 1867 when the powerful Maeda clan ruled Japan. The Maeda clan was the second most powerful in Japan. The most powerful clan was the Tokugawa clan – samurais who resided in Tokyo (Edo). After the tour, we'll travel with a private minibus to the Noto Peninsula, a less touristy region. We'll drive along the coast and on the beach (!!) to the town of Wajima, stopping to visit small villages and walking trails along the rugged and wild coastline. We'll visit a local house and be impressed by the unique lifestyle of the place. We'll stay overnight in a traditional ryokan on the beach, with a traditional Japanese dinner. Overnight stay in Wajima in a hotel with hot springs.

Day 10 | Noto Peninsula - Kanazawa

We'll start the morning with a visit to the morning market of Wajima, considered one of the largest fish markets in Japan with few tourists, providing an authentic glimpse into local life. The area is famous for its lacquerware, and we'll participate in a workshop to learn about the crafting process. Continuing north, we'll enjoy a panoramic view of the numerous rice terraces leading to the sea. Our visit to the Noto Peninsula concludes with a visit to the house of a wealthy family, representing the Shogun era. We'll hear explanations from family members about their unique lifestyle. We'll return to Kanazawa for an overnight stay.

Day 11 | Kanazawa - Kyoto: Kinkakuji Temple, Gion

After breakfast, we'll explore Kanazawa's fish market, the second-largest in Japan. We'll then travel to Kyoto (4 hours) and visit the beautiful Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion, situated by a small lake. The entire temple is covered in gold leaf and reflects impressively in the water. The original temple was burned down by a monk in the 1950s, angered by the commercialization of the head monks. Later in the evening, we'll have a special visit to a traditional Kyoto home, experiencing the lifestyle of Japanese people who love Israel. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 12 | Kyoto: Philosopher's Path, Nanzenji Temple, Nijo Castle

Kyoto, Japan's former capital for centuries, is rich in history and culture. We'll start the day with a visit to Kyoto's iconic site, Kinkakuji Temple, followed by a stroll through the famous cherry blossom-lined Philosopher's Path. We'll then visit Nanzenji Temple, an active Zen temple with a unique dry landscape garden. Our next stop is Nijo Castle, a historic site showcasing the changing history from a local perspective. In the evening, we'll explore the Gion district, Kyoto's traditional entertainment area, where geishas still work today. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 13 | Kyoto: Path of Philosophy, Nanzenji Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple

We'll begin the day by walking the Philosopher's Path, a scenic trail along a canal bordered by hundreds of cherry trees. We'll continue to Nanzenji Temple, offering a beautiful panoramic view of diverse trees, and reach the healing spring. After our visit, we'll stroll through the narrow and fascinating streets of the Kiyomizu Michi district and continue on foot to Maruyama Park. In the evening, we'll explore the Gion area, Kyoto's traditional entertainment district, where geishas continue to work today. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 14  |  Kyoto to Hiroshima, Miyajima Island

After breakfast, we'll travel by the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima, cross to the other side of the city, and take a ferry to Miyajima Island. We'll visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, including the iconic Torii gate in the water. We'll climb to the summit of Mount Misen for a spectacular view of the surrounding islands. Returning to Hiroshima for an overnight stay.

Day 15 | Hiroshima - Kurashiki

Hiroshima, the city where the atomic bomb was dropped, is now a modern city. We'll visit the Peace Park and Museum to gain a local perspective on the historical events. Departing Hiroshima, we'll head east to Kurashiki, a town famous for its restored Edo-period streets. The town has preserved its traditional charm while showcasing the changes during the 19th century when industrialization entered Japan. Overnight stay in Kurashiki.

Days 16 | Kurashiki, Nara

After breakfast, we'll travel west to Okayama, famous for its Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. We'll continue to Nara, visiting Todaiji Temple and its giant wooden Buddha. We'll stroll through the expansive Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. Concluding our tours, we'll transfer to Osaka's airport for our flight.