Highlights of Japan by JR Rail

If you have the time and weather allows it, we recommend visiting Tokyo’s teamLab Planets, which is a unique museum with mind bending art installations, massive spaces and gardens. Walk barefoot into the water area and experience artwork in myriad unusual ways. For instance, walk into a drawing of hundreds of colorful koi fish swimming on the water surface, which seems to stretch into infinity. As you wade through the water and collide with the koi, they change direction and turn into flowers. Similarly, venture into an interactive space with a limitless crystal universe. It is a singular experience all together. Space, time and your sense of being all collapse as you pass through the falling universe of flowers and other three-dimensional spaces. The floating flower garden is also an infinite, three-dimensional space filled with masses of flowers all around you, including the space above. The moss garden contains solidified masses of colored light, stretched out to the horizon, which change hues depending on the time of day. There are plenty of immersive artworks and exhibition spaces here to keep you engaged for hours. (Duration: half day; Time: 1100 hrs; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees included; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable shoes; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions, and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Explore the natural wonderland of Hakone, with the Hakone Free Pass by Odakyu Railway. It provides unlimited use across the Odakyu-affiliated public transport system for two consecutive days. You are also offered discounts on tickets to museums, galleries and onsens, and at restaurants with this pass. Begin at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. It features more than 1,000 sculptures and works of art by Japanese and international artists, including the Picasso Exhibit and Symphonic Sculpture. Then, from Gora Station, proceed to Sounzan by cable car. Continue by ropeway to Owakudani, a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs. The next day, you could visit Hakone Shrine, a Japanese Shinto sanctuary from the Heian period, on the shores of Lake Ashi. After, cruise on Lake Ashi aboard a Pirate Ship. Journey from Togendai Port to Hakonemachi-ko, while taking in the area’s natural beauty. Disembark and walk to Hakone Checkpoint, a National Historic Site. Here, in the Hakone Sekisho Museum, watch a video of the barrier’s restoration and browse through exhibits of passports, ancient documents and weapons. Walk along the stone-paved Old Hakone Highway to the historic Amazake Tea House. Sample their amazake and Chikara Mochi, before making your way to an onsen. Rejuvenate your body in the thermal spa to conclude your trip to Hakone. (Duration: 3 days; Shared activity; Guide, transfers, meals & entrance fees are not included; Fitness level: easy; 3-day Hakone Free Pass included only)

Today you will take a guided tour with a local guide to the beautifully preserved old town of Takayama and the UNESCO site Shirakawa-go village. Start the day with a visit to the local Miyagawa Market along the Miyagawa River in the old town. Most stands sell local crafts and farm products such as vegetables, pickles and flowers. Take a walk in the district called San-machi Suji, the traditional home of Takayama merchants and sake brewers, which has been preserved in almost exactly the same state as 200 or 300 years ago. Here are inns, shops and taverns which trace their history back many generations. Visit the Takayama Jinya. Because of its valuable timber resources, the Hida Region around Takayama was put under direct control of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1692. The Takayama Jinya served as the local government office, headed by the officials dispatched from Edo. The present building complex includes various rooms for administrative purposes, offices, kitchens, toilets, bath rooms, residential space, a court room and storehouses. It was in official use until 1969, and is now open to the public as a museum. End the morning by stopping at a sake brewery and enjoy a tasting on Japan’s national tipple. Takayama’s sake is renowned nation-wide, thanks to the clear water of the surroundings. In the afternoon reach Shirakawa-go region by bus. Your guide will show you around the village, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukkuri translates as ‘Praying Hands’, as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer, and are designed to withstand the heavy snows which fall in the region. After the visit, you will separate from your guide and continue on own to Kanazawa or back to Takayama (transportation is included but will be unaccompanied). (Full Day; Private Activity; Public Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable shoes.)

Enjoy the unique experience of participating in an authentic tea ceremony with a sado or tea art host at a charming Japanese tearoom. Gain insights into the art and history of the ceremony as the assistant of the host speaks about its significance in Japanese culture. Step into the tearoom and pick up the nuances of participating in a private Japanese tea ceremony. Savor every minute of the nearly hour-long experience that guides you to the heart of Japanese aesthetics and tradition. (Duration: 2 hrs; Fitness Level: Easy; Transfers not included. Please do not wear perfume or cosmetics with a strong aroma. Tea ceremonies involve kneeling on tatami mats but chairs can be provided on advance notice.)

Immerse yourself in the different traditional performing arts of Japan. In the evening, make your way to the theater in Gion Kobu, the largest of the five traditional ‘Kagai’ or entertainment districts of Kyoto. During the next hour, watch various demonstrations including chanoyu, the art of preparing tea, and the ikebana style of flower arrangement. Enjoy koto music, played on a stringed zither, the national musical instrument of Japan. You can see a performance of an ancient bugaku dance that was a favorite at the imperial court. You can also catch a kyogen comedy show where the performers will likely enact a Noh play or a scene from bunraku puppet theater. Later, enjoy the Kyomai dance, representative of the region. This dance is performed by maiko, or apprentices studying to become geiko. Also known as geisha, the geiko are traditional performing artists skilled in entertaining guests with their dances, songs and music. Afterward, return to your hotel with lasting memories. (Duration: 1 hr; Time: 1800/1900 hrs; Shared activity; No transfers; Starting point: Gion Kobu Theatre, Gion Corner)

Experience a unique evening in Kyoto where you can indulge in a shared group dinner with a maiko (apprentice geisha)! Following a brief introduction, enjoy an array of entertainment courtesy of your hostess. Appreciate the traditional Kyoto dance performance of Kyomai, and various art forms practiced by geishas. Dining in a classic tatami room, chat with the maiko over sake as your admire the elaborate kimonos, elegant makeup, and colorful accessories. You could also join in for traditional Japanese party games conducted by these iconic entertainers. Savor an exquisitely prepared Kyoto-style kaiseki meal featuring a variety of handpicked seasonal ingredients from the surrounding regions. Finally, pose for a commemorative photograph with your maiko before retiring for the night! (Half Day; Duration: 3 hrs; Dinner included; Fitness level: Easy; Please note that formal clothing is not required for this activity. Vegetarian meal options are available upon request, however, meals will be prepared with fish stock.)