Best of Japan
Experience Japan: futuristic Tokyo; coastal Kamakura & mountainous Hakone w/ views of iconic Mt. Fuji; historic Takayama; UNESCO site, Gokayama & the ancient city of Kyoto
| Style | Small Group Tour Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout | ||
| Departures | Group Size | 16 travelers max | |
| Themes | History & Culture, Grand Tours, Bucket List, Rail Journeys | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Porterage at train stations is not available.Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Set in East Asia, Japan is a country of contrasts, blending ancient traditions with innovative technology and calm scenery with bustling cities. This fascinating region will spark all your senses and leave you with memories you won't be able to make anywhere else. Home to symbolic Mt. Fuji, unique, mouthwatering cuisine, magnificent temples and shrines, neon skylines, and a culture steeped in both tradition and modernity, you will discover the absolute best of Japan with every turn you take. Journey through coastal towns, historical cities, and mountain villages to experience all that this country has to offer. Taste your way through the region with hands-on sushi lessons, sake tastings, and enjoying the local fare. Discover Kyoto, Japan's spiritual center home to the Golden Pavillion. Explore the rich history and discover timeless stories from every ancient temple and UNESCO site. From Tokyo's glittering skyscrapers to the peaceful atmosphere dotted with bamboo forests and pagodas, Japan is an adventure waiting for curious travelers.
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Package includes
- Flights
- Train
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Narita, including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 10 nights in Deluxe and First-Class Superior hotel accommodations
- 1 night at a ryokan-style resort in Hakone
- 21 Meals: 11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
Optional add-ons
- Exciting optional excursions in Tokyo and Hiroshima
Why you'll love it
- Explore Tokyo's highlights, including Sensoji Temple, Nakamise-dōri Street, and Tokyo Skytree.
- Learn the art of making sushi during a hands-on lesson.
- Cruise along Lake Ashi before ascending 4,300 ft. to the ancient Mototsumiya Shrine on top of Mt. Komagatake and a chance to see Mt. Fuji.
- Set out on a high-speed adventure aboard the Shinkansen Kodama, a bullet train linking Japan's major cities while reaching speeds of over 170 miles per hour.
- Explore scenic Takayama, including the Sannomachi District, the Takayama-Jina Shrine, and the Yatai Kaikan museum.
- Tour a local sake brewery and taste samples of various sakes.
- Get hands-on during a Washi paper-making demonstration and experience.
- Visit the Nomura-Ke Samurai residence, then discover Kanazawa's rich tradition of gold leaf at the Gold Leaf Experience.
- Explore Kyoto, including the Golden Pavillion, Nijo Castle, Heian Jingu Shrine, and Nishiki Market.
- Meander through the renowned Sango bamboo grove of Arashiyama, considered one of the most beautiful woodlands in the world.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Tokyo, Japan
- 3 Tokyo
- 4 Tokyo
- Optional Excursion: Imperial Palace East Gardens & COREDO Muromachi shopping complex (AM) , $125
- Optional Excursion: Taiko Lab, Japanese Drum Experience (PM) , $225
- 5 Kamakura, Hakone & views of Mt Fuji
- 6 Hakone & Takayama
- 7 Takayama, Gokayama & Kanazawa
- 8 Kanazawa
- 9 Kanazawa & Kyoto
- 10 Kyoto
- 11 Kyoto
- Optional Excursion: Hiroshima & Miyajima Excursion , $695
- 12 Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
- 13 Depart Osaka/Arrive USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart on your overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan
Day 2 Arrive Tokyo, Japan
- Arrive in Tokyo, Japan, meet our representative, and transfer to your hotel
Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar
Day 3 Tokyo
- Visit Sensō-ji Temple and Nakamise-dōri street
- Enjoy a sushi making class followed by sushi lunch
- Stroll along the Ropongi District
- Visit the Tokyo Skytree
- Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers
Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 Tokyo
- Enjoy a full day at leisure in Tokyo, or join an optional tour
Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similarBreakfast
Day 5 Kamakura, Hakone & views of Mt Fuji
- Enjoy a beautiful panoramic drive from Tokyo to Hakone
- Visit Kōtoku-in temple and marvel at the giant Buddha
- Embark on a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi
- Enjoy views of Mt. Fuji, weather conditions permitting
- Board the Komagatake Ropeway and ascend Mt. Komagatake
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 Hakone & Takayama
- Travel to Nagoya aboard the Shinkansen Kodama, Japan's bullet train
- Travel to Takayama aboard the limited express Hida
- Enjoy the beautiful views of the Japanese Alps
- Stroll in Sannomachi
- Continue on foot to Visit Takayama jinya
- Enjoy a Sake brewery and tasting
Tokyu Stay Hida Takayama Musubinoyu or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 7 Takayama, Gokayama & Kanazawa
- Experience a local farmers market of Takayama
- Explore the Yatai kaikan museum
- Take a stroll in Gokayama
- Visit a traditional Washi workshop
ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 8 Kanazawa
- Visit the Nomura-Ke (Old Samurai House) and stroll through Kenrokuen Garden
- Discover Kanazawa's rich tradition of gold leaf at the Gold Leaf Experience
- Pay a visit to the Shima House
- Enjoy a walking tour of Higashi Chaya
ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 9 Kanazawa & Kyoto
- Transfer to Kyoto by the Limited Express Thunderbird
- Visit the Nijo Castle
- See the Heian Jingu Shrine and Red Torii Gate
Hotel Granvia Kyoto or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 10 Kyoto
- Visit the Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks
- Visit Arashiyama and stroll in the Sango Bamboo Grove and across the Togetsu bridge
- Shop at the 16th-century Nishiki Market
- Admire the beautiful Buddhist of Kiyomizu Temple
Hotel Granvia Kyoto or similarBreakfast
Day 11 Kyoto
- Enjoy a free day in Kyoto, or join an optional Hiroshima & Miyajima excursion
Hotel Granvia Kyoto or similarBreakfast
Day 12 Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
- Drive to Nara, one of the earliest capitals of Japan
- Visit Todai-ji Temple and the Kasuga Shrine
- Pay a visit to the Asuka Village
- Enjoy a farewell dinner
Hilton Osaka or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 13 Depart Osaka/Arrive USA
- Transfer to an Osaka-based airport for your flight to a Tokyo-based airport
- In Tokyo, board your flight home and arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at the time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Japan?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.