Fascinating Japan

Monday, Arrival to Tokyo

Yokoso & Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan! Seeing that we are arriving from all over the world on different flights, we’ll all meet at our hotel in Tokyo by Monday afternoon. Gala opening dinner and at Chabad-Lubavitch of Japan in Tokyo. And then back to the hotel for a much-needed sleep to prepare for our first touring day tomorrow. Overnight: Tokyo

Day 2: Tuesday, Tokyo 

Tokyo-Yokohama is the world’s most populous mega-city with over 34 million inhabitants. We’ll begin our tour of the Land of the Rising Sun by plunging into Tsukiji Outer Market, where the citizens of Tokyo come daily for the best and freshest seafood with which to start their day. Here. We’ll also discover typical Japanese street food as we bump shoulders in the alleyways with locals and tourists from all over the world. From one busy Tokyo site, we’ll continue to another even busier location; Asakusa, Tokyo’s former entertainment district. Here we’ll visit the oldest and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo – Senso-ji, as well as the colorful pilgrimage alley that leads to it. This is also a shopping stop for those who need it. After these two busy sites, we’ll relax as we sail down the Sumida River, Tokyo’s primary waterway as we make our way to  Odaiba, built on a huge man-made island, home to TV studios, shopping malls, hotels and landmarks. An architecturally futuristic area it’s one of the best places to see some of the most beautiful urban views of the city. Then it’s on to something completely different, as we become part of an immersive art installation called TeamLab Borderless. Suffice it to say that “immersive” is the key word. We’ll climb to the observatory on the famous Tokyo Tower for a bird’s-eye view of Tokyo by night before diving into the throngs at Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo’s busiest intersection, where thousands of people mass at the day’s end to make their way home in any and all of the city’s nine railway companies. Overnight: Tokyo.

Day 3: Wednesday, Hakone

After Shacharit & breakfast, this morning we will leave Tokyo and head to the mountainous Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. We’ll make our way to the resort town of Hakone, best known for quality hot springs, beautiful views and art. The bounty of hot springs is a result of the fact that this is still an active volcanic area (we’ll learn about Japan’s volcanoes along the way). Upon arrival we’ll board a ship and sail across Lake Ashi, before riding a cable car ride up the mountains to Owakudani Valley, an active volcanic area, where we’ll get up close to this powerful natural phenomenon. We’ll have lunch here before heading to the Hakone Open Air Museum where hundreds of sculptures made by the greatest Japanese and world artists are displayed on a mountain slope, immersed into nature and carefully designed botanical elements. The museum also houses the world’s largest private collection of the works of Pablo Picasso. We’ll return to Tokyo for dinner, after which we’ll visit one of Tokyo’s two towers for a different view of the city. Overnight: Tokyo

Day 4: Thursday, Kyoto 

After Shacharit & breakfast, we’ll walk down to Shinagawa Station to board the Shinkansen Bullet Train for the “flight” down the rails to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital for over 1,000 years. We’ll start our tour of Japan’s “Jerusalem” with a visit to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion and its magnificent gardens, one of Japan’s iconic images, followed by  stop at Kyoto’s primary Zen Garden, Ryoanji. We’ll continue to Arashiyama, where we’ll make stops at the famous Togetsu Bridge and the magnificent Tenryuji Garden, before making our way into Kyoto’s renowned Bamboo Forest. At the end of our visit we’ll head to the port city of Kobe for dinner at the Ohel Shelomo Sefardi synagogue before continuing to our hotel for a well-earned rest. Overnight: Kobe

Day 5: Friday, Tokyo – Kobe

After Shacharit and breakfast, spend the day in the city of Kobe. While not part of Japan’s regular tourist route, Kobe offers numerous fascinating insights into Japanese culture. Our first stop will be the Nunobiki Botanical & Herb Gardens. These are not traditional Japanese gardens, but are quite spectacular as they are planted on a steep mountain slope overlooking the city. We’ll take the cable car to the top and then walk down half-way as we admire the gardens. Sake is Japan’s national drink, and we’ll examine and taste at the renowned Hakutsuru Brewery, before enjoying some free time to wander about downtown and then return to our hotel to and prepare for Shabbat, which we’ll spend with the members of the Ohel Shelomo Sefardi synagogue. Dating back to the 1880s, and founded by Jews from Iraq and Syria, this is the oldest functioning synagogue in Japan. Overnight: Kobe

Day 6: Shabbat, Kobe

Even though Ohel Shelomo is a Sefardi synagogue, the community has a Chabad rabbi and they daven at Chabad times. On the way to shul this morning we’ll pass some of the old former Jewish homes in the Kitano neighborhood, whose former residents were part of Kobe’s international and diplomatic community. We’ll discover why Jews came to Japan in General and Kobe in particular, and why it became the haven to the Sugihara rescues during World War II. After shul, we’ll enjoy Shabbat lunch with the community, followed by Mincha, and then we’ll walk back to the hotel for a good Shabbat rest. We’ll return to the shul for Maariv and Havdalah, and then enjoy a Melave Malka after Shabbat, to end off a most interesting and enjoyable Shabbat. And then a true Japanese highlight: Karaoke! Overnight: Kobe

Day 7: Sunday, Kyoto 

After Shacharit & breakfast we’ll return today to complete our visit to Kyoto. We’ll begin at Nishiki Market, the heart of Kyoto’s food scene for a fascinating walk-through, before popping into the Samurai & Ninja Museum for an experience of Japan’s ancient warrior arts. Then it’s on Nijo Castle, built by Shogun Tokugawa Eiyasu. He was the shogun who united Japan into one country, and then left the Emperor in Kyoto while he established his capital in Edo (Tokyo). He was the first in line of the Tokugawa dynasty which ruled Japan for just over 250 years! We’ll continue to From there it’s on to  the Kiyomizu Dera (Pure Water) Temple complex with its beautiful architecture and historic significance. We’ll have some free time here to wander about the fascinating stores and the old houses in Sanneizaka and Ninneizaka lanes. We’ll then head to meet a Geisha in-training and witness a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. We’ll have an opportunity to ask her a few questions to learn about her chosen life before heading back to Kobe for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Kobe

Day 8: Monday. Hiroshima

After Shacharit & breakfast we’ll once again board the Shinkansen and make our way swiftly to Hiroshima, the City of Peace. We’ll hop a ferry to cross the waters of the Inland Sea to the hallowed island of Miyajima. Here we’ll walk among the sacred deer to visit the Itsukushima Shrine, from where we’ll view Japan’s most famous Torii, an iconic image of Japan (we’ll be seeing at least four of those). We’ll also take the cable car to the top of Mount Misen for a spectacular view of Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, which serves as a waterway connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan. We’ll end the day in Hiroshima at the site of the A-Bomb dome, the Peace Park and the A-Bomb Museum. It’s a somber visit – but it’s an important one. We’ll then return to Kobe on the bullet train for dinner and overnight. Overnight: Kobe

Day 9: Tuesday, Osaka – Tokyo

Osaka is Japan’s 3^rd largest city, but it’s largest single municipal area. It’s a short drive from Kobe and we’ll spend most of the day visiting the World Expo. We’ll start with a quick visit to the Osaka Castle, a former Samurai Castle splendidly restored to its original size. We then continue a fascinating day at The World Exposition – a place where new technologies and products are born, triggering greater convenience in our daily lives.

What is a World Expo? 170 years of tech, trade and innovation

The Expo will feature initiatives aimed at creating a future society for our lives presented by 150 countries and 25 international organizations, as well as companies, NGOs, NPOs, citizens’ groups, and others from around the world, to provide a vision of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the future beyond.

We will see a future society showcase project based on the Expo’s concept of “People’s Living Lab; A laboratory for a future society” in which social systems and cutting-edge technologies such as carbon neutral, digital technology, and next-generation mobility are utilized.

You will experience a lively Expo filled with excitement where you can enjoy entertainment such as Water World, music and performing arts events held at event squares, event halls, and other stages, hands-on traditional performing arts and pop culture events, and festivals and parades from around Japan. Overnight: Tokyo

Day 10: Wednesday, Tokyo 

After Shacharit & breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and leave our baggage with the bell desk, as we head out to visit Tokyo’s sites once again. We’ll visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the memory of Emperor Meiji, Japan’s 122nd emperor, who ruled from 1867 to 1912 and was responsible for turning Japan from a backward wasteland into an industrial giant. Afterwards, we’re off to Harajuku. Japan is a land of many contrasts. Tradition and modernity. Ancient and super-modern. Conservative and innovative. Harajuku will be the first time we meet this contrast. It’s the area where Japan’s cheeky youth present unusual fashion and modern music. We’ll return to the hotel to pick up our luggage and head to the airport for our flights back to our home gateway.

Sayonara!

• A 9-night tour of Japan.
• Three delicious kosher meals per day, including packed lunches for day tours.
• A complete touring itinerary with a local English-speaking guide.
• Travel in a luxury, air-conditioned coach bus.
• Kosher Traveler’s exclusive program and a complete Shabbat program
• All entrance fees for sites on the tour itinerary.
• Interationally rated hotels

What’s not included?

• $1000 Single Supplement
• International flights 
• Travel insurance – comprehensive travel & health insurance is compulsory.
• Tips for local guides and service providers, $10 per person/per day (except for locales where tipping is culturally offensive).
• Entry visa if required. 

Kosher Travelers is committed to providing all meals of the highest quality and under strict kosher supervision.

We choose the hotels based on the hotel’s willingness and ability to accommodate our kashrut needs and/or the proximity to kosher restaurants if available.

In countries where such supervision is not available, we have a cook/mashgiach travel with us to supervise kashrut and prepare our meals.

• • Comprehensive Travel Insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies and luggage is mandatory at the time of reservation.
  • Israeli Citizens; Kosher Travelers recommends Egert & Cohen Insurance. Contact Tali +972-2-622-7999 ext. 125 or 052-769-9406 or tali@egertcohen.co.il. You may also sign up for insurance online at https://www.egertcohen.co.il/travel/signup-kosher-travel.asp.
  • USA & Canadian Citizens; Kosher Travelers recommends www.traveldefend.com Ph Josh: 18005782871 info@traveldefend.com
  • Arrangements and cost of International flights are not included.
  • We recommend the Travel & Flight Consultant PJ Sahor  pj@tagtravel.co.il

• KOSHER TRAVELERS CANCELLATION FEES AND REFUNDS POLICY:If guest cancels their reservation the following cancellation fees apply:
  • 90 days prior a full refund is payable less $100 admin. per room
  • 45-90 days prior a full refund is payable less $500 per room
  • Within 45 days there is no refund.
  • If government-imposed lockdown of hotel or airport full refund less $100 admin. per person

Our guests all share a commitment to Shabbat and kosher observance, but there are no specific religious requirements to join our tours, cruises, or hotel programs. We won’t ask about your personal religious practices.

We welcome a diverse group of Jewish, English-speaking travelers from all over the world and promote an inclusive, accepting atmosphere among our guests.

At Kosher Travelers, we’re passionate about more than just travel. We believe in exploring new horizons and experiencing breathtaking moments that inspire and transform.

Discover…That’s why we’re dedicated to offering more than just vacations – we create life-changing experiences. On a Kosher Travelers tour, every detail is thoughtfully arranged, so you can relax and fully enjoy every moment.

Enrich…We understand that you’re looking for something more than just a trip. You want an experience that’s both luxurious and meaningful, blending comfort and spirituality. That’s why we bring a Jewish dimension to each journey, providing the highest standards of kashrut and everything the kosher traveler needs.

Connect…Above all, when you travel with Kosher Travelers, you become part of a family. Our tours foster genuine connections, and lifelong friendships are often formed.

Come see for yourself the magic of a Kosher Travelers journey.

Discover, Enrich, and Connect – and give yourself the gift of a lifetime.