Great Value Vacations

This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.  GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023.  For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination. Ready, set, adventure! Experience the very best of Japan on this once-in-a-lifetime guided vacation. Of course, you'll visit Japan's most famous sights, but your tour director will also guide you off the beaten path to experience Japan's hidden gems. From the Japanese Alps and Mount Fuji to ornate temples and colorful cities, you'll get to know Japan in every light. In Kyoto, you'll see the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf! In Nara, you'll visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 752 AD. You'll also visit the traditional Gassho-Zukuri style thatched houses in Shirawaka, as well as Tokyo's Meiji Shrine, a magnificent Shinto monument set in a beautiful garden. Speaking of gardens, prepare yourself for the beauty of Kenroku-en. According to the ancient Chinese book of gardens, gardens should have six different sublime qualities, however, it is rare to find all six in a single garden. Dating back to the 1670s, Kenroku-en boasts a perfect combination of all six: spaciousness & seclusion, artifice & antiquity, and watercourses and panoramas! Keep your camera handy. Arguably, the best part of this tour is all the social experience built in. Partake in a traditional tea ceremony, enjoy a spirited sake tasting, and make your own lunch at a Japanese cooking class! You'll also attempt calligraphy, learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique, attend a gold leaf class, browse a farmers market, and try on a traditional kimono! This incredible trip is the perfect blend of guided tours, local experiences, and free time to explore at your own pace.