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10 Days Sri Lanka

A captivating blend of old-world tradition and new-world innovation, get ready to experience the seamless fusion of ancient cultural treasures and cutting-edge technology that is Japan. Picture hot spring onsens at the base of beautiful mountains, serene temples, historic castles, and of course the neon lights of modern mega-cities Tokyo and Osaka too. 

Our journey spans the diversity of Japan's main island of Honshu, beginning in one of the largest cities in the world, Tokyo, where we'll gather together to begin our adventure before heading into the scenic region of Nagano, famous for its mountainous terrain, hot springs, and iconic snow monkeys.  From Nagano, we'll jump on Japan's modern trains, all the way to the cultural treasure of Kyoto with 3 days to explore and take in its historic temples and traditional tea houses before heading to the Japanese culinary capital of Osaka for a couple days of city adventures and even a visit to the famous bowing deer of Nara too!

We'll use a mix of coach buses as well as Japan's efficient train systems to seamlessly connect our off-the-beaten-track adventures to the sprawling big cities.

Check out all the details of this journey through the heart of the rising sun below and, as always, if you've got any questions, reach out to us any time.

Days 1 and 2 - Kandy

Kandy is Sri Lanka's cultural capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the central highlands known for its spiritual significance as home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic (housing Buddha's sacred tooth), its scenic beauty amidst hills and tea plantations, and its vibrant festivals like the Esala Perahera. As the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, it's rich in history, featuring Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanical Gardens, blending ancient traditions with a pleasant, cool climate. 

Days 1 and 2 - Matale Dabulla

Matale and Dambulla are neighboring areas in Sri Lanka's Central Province, part of the Cultural Triangle, known for rich history, culture, and nature, with Dambulla famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Cave Temples and Matale for its spice gardens, Aluvihara Temple, and proximity to the Knuckles Mountains and Sigiriya. Dambulla serves as a major vegetable hub, while Matale is known for tea, rubber, and spices, offering a mix of ancient sites, vibrant markets, and lush landscapes. 

Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa

Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are Sri Lanka's ancient capital cities, showcasing advanced hydraulic engineering, impressive stupas, and rich Buddhist heritage, with Anuradhapura being the first (c. 380 BCE - 1077 CE) and Polonnaruwa its successor (c. 1077 - 1300s CE), both UNESCO World Heritage sites within the country's Cultural Triangle, offering distinct historical phases from early Sinhala kingdoms to Chola influence and later Sinhalese glory. 

Anuradhapura offers diverse accommodation, from budget guesthouses with local charm and family-run hospitality to mid-range hotels with pools and Sri Lankan cuisine, up to luxurious eco-resorts featuring private villas, pools, and nature immersion. Options range from convenient city-center stays near ancient sites to peaceful retreats surrounded by rice paddies or near lakes, with many places offering breakfast, helpful tour assistance, and clean, comfortable rooms with air-conditioning for exploring the historic ruins and parks. 

What's included? • All taxes • Accommodations for your 10-day Detours experience • All full breakfasts •  All bus and train transfers between itinerary stops • 24hr subway pass and walking tour of central Tokyo with local guide • Walking tour of central Osaka with local guide • Visit to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano • Walking tour with local guide in Kyoto • Izakaya welcome dinner in Tokyo • Knowledgeable and fun Detours trip leader • 

What isn't included? • Meals and drinks outside of those listed above • Activities outside of the those listed above • International Airfare • Arrival/departure airport transfers • Optional gratuities •

Additional spending budget?  Your big-ticket items are included through the trip, but you'll want to budget for additional spending such as additional meals, drinks, shopping, activities, etc. These costs can vary dramatically with differing personal habits but we suggest expecting to spend an additional $1000 USD at the lower end for the more budget-conscious and $1400 USD at the higher end for the splurgers.  We suggest arriving with some local cash, approximately the equivilant of $300 USD in Japanese Yen.

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with a $500 USD deposit
A serene pathway lined by towering bamboo on either side.
Two japanese macaques sitting in a hot spring.
Torii gates line a path at fushimi inari shrine in kyoto, japan, with inscriptions on the vermilion pillars.
Group poses in front of Japanese temple
Vibrant and crowded shopping street in japan at night with neon signage.
A bowl of assorted sashimi served with soy sauce and wasabi.
Traditional japanese temple with intricate wooden architecture surrounded by lush greenery.
Group poses at a ramen cooking class
Traditional japanese pavilion surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil pond.


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