November 9-18, 2026; May 24-June 2, 2027
Fascinating Japan’s enigmatic, insular nature and fierce commitment to safeguarding its unique cultural traditions has long intrigued those seeking an immersive, authentic travel experience.
You will explore a culture steeped in constant contrast including ancient temples nestled alongside modern skyscrapers and samurai castles scattered throughout bustling cities.
We will explore Tokyo, visiting everything from the city’s classic heritage sites to its street fashion epicenter. Then, you will soak in a Fascinating Japan onsen (hot spring) at the edge of a volcanic lake. Shabbat will be spent in Kobe, a large port city and home to Japan’s oldest Jewish community, dating back to the 1860s when Jewish traders arrived on Japan’s shores from Iraq, Iran, Syria and Russia.
Japan Highlights — 10-Day Snapshot
Day 1 – Monday | Arrival to Tokyo
Day 1 – Monday | Arrival to Tokyo
- Touch down in Tokyo and ease straight into a warm, kosher welcome dinner at Chabad.
- Shake off jet lag with city views en route to the hotel—your Tokyo base awaits.
- Overnight: Intercontinental The Strings, Tokyo
Day 2 – Tuesday | Tokyo – Part I
- Dive into Tsukiji Outer Market—street bites, sizzling stalls, and local color.
- Wander Asakusa & Senso-ji, then float the Sumida River to futuristic Odaiba.
- Be wowed by teamLab Borderless; cap the night at Tokyo Tower and Shibuya Crossing.
- Overnight: Intercontinental The Strings, Tokyo
Day 3 – Wednesday | Hakone
- Cruise Lake Ashi under Mt. Fuji’s gaze; ride up to Owakudani’s steaming vents.
- Stroll the Hakone Open-Air Museum—masterworks in nature + the Picasso Pavilion.
- Back to Tokyo for dinner and a sparkling skyline night view.
- Overnight: Intercontinental The Strings, Tokyo
Day 4 – Thursday | Kyoto – Part I
- Bullet train whoosh! Arrive in Kyoto for icons: Golden Pavilion, serene Zen garden, and Bamboo Forest.
- Evening drive to Kobe; community dinner at Ohel Shelomo Synagogue.
- Overnight: ANA Crowne Plaza, Kobe
Day 5 – Friday | Kobe
- Glide up to Nunobiki Herb Gardens for city panoramas and fragrant terraces.
- Sip and learn at Hakutsuru Sake Brewery (museum experience).
- Free time, then Kabbalat Shabbat with the local community.
- Overnight: ANA Crowne Plaza, Kobe
Day 6 – Shabbat | Kobe
- Services & festive meals with the Jewish community.
- Gentle Kitano heritage walk; hear the Sugihara rescue story.
- Seuda Shelishit, Havdala, and a light-hearted karaoke finale.
- Overnight: ANA Crowne Plaza, Kobe
Day 7 – Sunday | Kyoto – Part II
- Taste your way through Nishiki Market; step into the Samurai & Ninja Museum.
- Power, pomp, and history at Nijo Castle; vistas at Kiyomizu-dera & old-Kyoto lanes.
- Tea ceremony with a geisha-in-training—grace, ritual, and refined hospitality.
- Overnight: ANA Crowne Plaza, Kobe
Day 8 – Monday | Hiroshima
- Ferry to Miyajima for the ethereal Itsukushima Shrine and famed floating torii.
- Mount Misen cable car views; reflect at Peace Park & the A-Bomb Museum.
- Evening return to Kobe.
- Overnight: ANA Crowne Plaza, Kobe
Day 9 – Tuesday | Osaka → Tokyo
- Explore Osaka Castle and soar to the Umeda Sky Garden’s open-air deck.
- Optional brewery stop; then Shinkansen glide back to Tokyo.
- Overnight: Intercontinental The Strings, Tokyo
Day 10 – Wednesday | Tokyo – Part II & Departure
- Serenity at Meiji Shrine, then the pop-bright style of Harajuku.
- Last photos, last treats—Sayonara! Airport transfer for your flight home.