Travel to Japan with Denver Sister Cities

Takayama Cultural Exchange | November 2–13, 2026 🇯🇵

🍁 Fall in Love with Japan

This is not a traditional tour.

The Denver Takayama Sister City Committee invites you to experience Japan through the relationships built over more than sixty years of friendship between Denver and Takayama.

Travel alongside fellow Denver-area participants as you explore historic cities, ride Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet train, enjoy authentic regional cuisine, and experience the warmth of local hospitality. Most importantly, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Japan through the unique lens of Denver’s official sister-city partnership.

Whether this is your first visit to Japan or a return journey, this exchange offers cultural access and local connections rarely available through conventional travel programs.

✈️ Trip Overview

Travel Dates: November 2–13, 2026

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights

Pricing

Double Occupancy: $5,400 per person

Single Occupancy: $5,700 per person

Why Travel with Denver Sister Cities?

Unlike commercial tours, this journey is built around people, relationships, and cultural exchange.

Highlights

  • Official Denver Sister Cities cultural exchange experience
  • Extended stay in Denver’s sister city of Takayama
  • Visit Kanazawa, Takayama, and Yamagata, starting and ending in Tokyo
  • Travel aboard Japan’s world-famous Shinkansen bullet train
  • Cultural experiences guided by local connections
  • Small-group travel with experienced Denver Sister Cities leadership
  • Opportunities to engage with local communities and traditions

🗓️ Itinerary Highlights

Days 1–2 | Arrive in Tokyo

  – Day 1 and 2: Arrive in Tokyo and join up with fellow travelers; the following morning, after an amazing hotel breakfast, we head for the train station to catch our train to Kanazawa.

Days 3–4 | Kanazawa

Travel by Shinkansen to Kanazawa, often considered one of Japan’s most beautiful historic cities.

Explore:

  • Traditional samurai districts
  • Historic architecture
  • Regional cuisine
  • Renowned Japanese gardens

Days 5–7 | Takayama

Denver’s Sister City

The heart of the exchange experience.

Takayama is known for its beautifully preserved Old Town, traditional craftsmanship, mountain scenery, and welcoming community.

Travelers may enjoy:

  • Cultural programming and local activities
  • Historic neighborhoods
  • Traditional markets
  • Artisan workshops
  • Opportunities to meet local residents
  • Seasonal events and cultural experiences

Days 8–10 | Yamagata

Continue north to Yamagata, a region known for mountain temples, natural beauty, and deep cultural traditions.

Highlights may include:

  • Historic temple complexes
  • Regional cuisine
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Cultural heritage sites

Days 11–12 | Return to Tokyo

Return to Tokyo for final sightseeing, shopping, or relaxation before departing for home.

🍣 Cultural Experiences

Part of the joy of travel is experiencing Japan’s rich culinary traditions.

Throughout the journey travelers will have opportunities to enjoy regional specialties, local restaurants, traditional dining experiences, and authentic Japanese hospitality.

✅ What’s Included

  • Hotel accommodations throughout the trip
  • Daily breakfast
  • Approximately 6 dinners and 4 lunches
  • Transportation from Day 3 through Day 12
  • Cultural programming and site admissions
  • Local guides and organized activities
  • Denver Sister Cities trip leadership

❌ What’s Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance ((required)
  • Meals not specifically listed
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation outside scheduled activities

🏙️ Optional Tokyo Extension

November 13–16, 2026

Travelers may choose to extend their stay in Tokyo for an additional three nights following the official Denver Sister Cities itinerary.

  • Extension Cost:
    • Double Occupancy: $443 per person
    • Single Occupancy: $605 per person
    • Includes breakfast and three nights of accommodations (November 13–16, 2026)
  • Payment: Payment for the extension will be made separately and directly to the travel agent.
  • Trip Leader Participation: If travelers request the participation of a trip leader during the extension, they will be responsible for covering the trip leader’s accommodation, meals, transportation, and activity costs.
  • Waiver Requirement: A separate waiver will be required for participants if a trip leader is also joining on the extension.  
  • Registration Process: Registration for the extension will be handled separately through the travel agent and coordinated by the trip leader.

💳 Registration & Payment Information

Double Occupancy

Total Cost: $5,400

  • Deposit: $2,700 due no later than August 10, 2026
  • Final Payment: $2,700 due no later than September 10, 2026

Single Occupancy

Total Cost: $5,700

  • Deposit: $2,850 due no later than August 10, 2026
  • Final Payment: $2,850 due no later than September 10, 2026

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation on or after August 24, 2026: $900 per person cancellation fee
  • Cancellation on or after September 23, 2026: No refund

Final terms will be confirmed prior to registration.

📋 Important Traveler Deadlines

  • Sign up to be on trip by no later than August 10, 2026
  • DSCI Membership Enrollment Deadline: October 15, 2026
  • Traveler Waiver Submission Deadline: October 15, 2026

Participation in the exchange requires an active Denver Sister Cities International membership and a completed traveler waiver.

Become a Member

👉 Reserve Your Spot

Space is limited.

Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register for this Trip

During registration you will be able to:

  • Indicate double or single occupancy preference
  • Express interest in the Tokyo extension
  • Receive future trip updates

🌏 Additional Travel Information

Registered participants will receive:

  • Destination information
  • Cultural etiquette guidance
  • Packing recommendations
  • Seasonal weather information
  • Travel preparation resources
  • Information about pre-trip orientation sessions

📸 Reflections from Previous Takayama Delegations

A Message from Janice Pugh-Wohler

General Manager, Denver Sister Cities International

“Traveling to Takayama was one of the most meaningful cultural experiences I’ve had. What makes this journey so special is that you’re not simply visiting Japan—you are being welcomed into it through our sister-city relationships.

If you’re looking for a deeper, more authentic way to experience Japan, this is it.”

— Janice Pugh-Wohler
General Manager, Denver Sister Cities International

Become a Member

Support citizen diplomacy, cultural exchange, and international friendship.

Join Denver Sister Cities International

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