Guided Trips to Japan: 14-Day Japan’s Golden Route Echizen Crafts

Highlights of the Trip 

This 14 day unique twist on the golden route tour of Japan gives a masterful insight into the art that is Echizen Crafts. On this tour you will explore the key locations of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa and the unique town of Echizen. During the tour you will see some classic sites such as Tsukiji Market, Asakusa area, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Kayomizudera Temple, Nishiki Market, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Osaka Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, and Kuromon Market.

More unusual sites dedicated to the uniqueness of this tour include Yanaka Ginza district (Tokyo), Kabuzika Theatre (Tokyo), Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa), Higashichaya district (Kanazawa), Samurai district (Kanazawa), Iwano Heizaburo Paper Factory, Udatsu Craft Center, Takefu Knife Village, temple stay in Kyoto with tea ceremony, city of Uji, optional tour of Nara, Koyasan, and Mount Koya with trekking routes for those that wish to explore the beauty of the landscapes for themselves.

You might like to consider our 14-day flight only package below which aligns perfectly with this tour.

Japan, 14-Day Flight-only Package (asiara-holidays.com)

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Tokyo

• Ginza District: One of the most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods in the city. It is a bustling and dynamic commercial hub that is known for its luxury shopping, high-end restaurants, and lively nightlife.
• Asakusa: A lively neighbourhood that perfectly blends traditional and modern elements of Japanese culture.
• Sensoji Temple: Built in the year 628, the temple has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years.

Kanazawa

• Kenrokuen Garden: Covering an area of approximately 11.4 hectares, the garden is divided into six distinct sections, each with its own unique charm and beauty.
• Higashichaya: Known for its well-preserved Edo period buildings and traditional teahouses.

Fukui Prefecture

• Okamoto Shrine: Believed to have been established during the 10th century and has since become an important religious and cultural landmark in the region.

Kyoto

• Kiyomizudera Temple: Founded in 778 AD, this temple holds a long and rich history, making it a popular tourist destination and a significant religious site for Buddhists.
• Kinkakuji Temple: Originally built in 1397 as a private villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, but was later converted into a temple after his death.

Nara

• Todaiji Temple: Founded in the 8th century by Emperor Shomu and served as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan.

Osaka

• Osaka Castle: The castle holds great significance in Japan’s history and culture, serving as a symbol of power and resilience throughout the centuries.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Tsukiji Market: A bustling and vibrant seafood market located in the heart of Tokyo. It is one of the largest and oldest fish markets in the world, with a history dating back to the 16th century. Over the years, it has become an iconic tourist destination. The market is divided into two main sections: the inner market and the outer market. The inner market is where the famous tuna auctions take place early in the morning, with giant bluefin tuna being sold to the highest bidder. The outer market is a bustling maze of narrow lanes filled with hundreds of shops and restaurants selling a wide variety of fresh seafood, produce, and other local delicacies.

Iwana Heizaburo Paper Factory: The Iwana Heizaburo paper factory has been a central part of the economy and culture of Japan for over a century. Founded in 1902 by Heizaburo Iwana, the factory quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, handcrafted paper. The traditional methods used by the factory have been passed down through generations, ensuring that the paper produced remains of the highest quality.

Takefu Knife Village: Takefu Knife Village is known for its exceptional quality of Japanese hand-crafted knives. Located in the city of Echizen, Japan, this village has a rich history of knife making that dates back over 700 years. The name ‘Takefu’ means ‘bamboo fields,’ reflecting the traditional material used to make knives in the area.

Morning Meditation in Japan: A deeply ingrained spiritual practice that plays a significant role in the daily lives of many Japanese people. It is considered an important ritual to start the day, and is often seen as a way to connect with one’s inner self and find inner peace. The tradition of morning meditation in Japan can be traced back to ancient Buddhist teachings, and is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and religious heritage. In fact, many temples and shrines throughout Japan offer morning meditation sessions for the public to participate in.

Japanese Sweet Making: Japan has a long history and rich culture surrounding the art of sweet making. This tradition dates back to the 8th century when Buddhist monks introduced sugar to Japan. This sparked a fascination with creating beautiful and intricate confections, not just for their taste, but also as a way to pay homage to nature and the changing seasons.

Nishiki Market: Also known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, this is a bustling and vibrant traditional marketplace located in the heart of Kyoto. This iconic market has been in operation for over 400 years, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is a food lover’s paradise, with over 100 shops and stalls offering a wide variety of fresh and local ingredients, as well as traditional Japanese snacks and dishes.

Cooking Class Oksaka: These are a must for anyone interested in learning the art of traditional Japanese cuisine. These classes offer a unique experience for both locals and tourists, as they provide a hands-on approach to learning about the local food culture. Osaka, known as the ‘Kitchen of Japan,’ is famous for its vibrant food scene and is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. But for those who want to go beyond just sampling these delicious dishes, a cooking class in Osaka provides a deeper understanding of the ingredients, techniques, and history behind Japanese cooking.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Japan

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including sushi, which is a type of rolled or pressed rice topped with fresh fish, seafood, or vegetables. Sushi has become a globally recognised dish and is a staple in Japanese restaurants all over the world. Another popular dish in Japan is ramen, a bowl of wheat noodles served in a savory broth with various toppings such as sliced pork, bamboo shoots, and boiled eggs. Each region in Japan has its own unique style of ramen, and it is a must-try dish for any food lover visiting Japan.

Accommodation of this Tour

Accommodation is included throughout this tour.

Japan guided tours are a wonderful way to see more of the country and ensure a unique and unforgettable experience. At Asiara, we offer some of the best Japan tour packages available. To discover more of our guided trips to Japan, visit our website or contact us at +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com