12 Day Japan, Then & Now

12 days
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From$4,499
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Tour dazzling Tokyo, a city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology Culinary demonstration led by a professional chef -- learn the art of creating sushi and sashimi Visit the serene Meiji Shrine honoring the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress A day of breathtaking natural scenery as you drive to the National Park of Hakone in full view of Mt. Fuji Board the famous shinkansen, or "bullet train" that takes you to Kanazawa south of the Noto Peninsula In Kagaonsen, stay at a traditional Ryokan (inn) Travel to the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go, known for its village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses A walking tour of Takayama’s historic district reveals its traditions dating back to the 8th century Discover enchanting Kyoto, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan Experience the cultural heritage of Kyoto at a traditional tea ceremony Visit Kyoto's Nijo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa shoguns Travel to the Imperial capital of Nara, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites Dinner and traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance reflects the core of Japanese culture †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

What's this trip about?

    4 Tokyo, 1 Kaga, 1 Takayama, 4 Kyoto

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Trip includes

    • Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed Flights Los Angeles-Tokyo, Osaka-Los Angeles Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline taxes & fuel surcharges 10 nights accommodations
    • 4 nights Tokyo 1 night Kaga 1 night Takayama 4 nights Kyoto All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates† 19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary Active itinerary with unique cultural features Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring

Itinerary

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Japan
Depart for Japan

DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive in dynamic Tokyo in the "Land of the Rising Sun"; transfer to your hotel. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6:30 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM Overnight: Tokyo Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Tuesday - Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Fish Market, Sushi Demonstration
Start your day with the Imperial Palace East Garden, a precious jewel of nature within the hectic city center and view the lovely Nijubashi Bridge that stretches over the moat in the outer gardens with its colorful displays of seasonal flowers. After, walk the lanes of t...
DAY 4, Wednesday - Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo National Museum
Travel to the imposing Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) enshrining a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy; its entrance is dominated by a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red and black tones. Visit the Tokyo National Museum, one of the ...
DAY 5, Thursday - Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Hakone National Park and Mt. Fuji Excursion*
A full day of breathtaking scenery as you drive south to Hakone, the most famous National Park in Japan. En route, stop to visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, situated in the wooded hills along the coast of Lake Kawaguchi. View exhibits of the textile artist Kubota Itch...
DAY 6, Friday - Kenroku-en Garden, Kagaonsen Ryokan Experience
Board the famous Shinkansen, or "bullet train," that takes you to Kanazawa south of the Noto Peninsula, with its winding cobblestone streets, Samurai residences, Geisha houses, lavish gardens and a flower filled open-air market. Stroll through Kenroku-en Garden, one of t...
DAY 7, Saturday - Thatched Farmhouses in Shirakawa-go, Takayama's Old Town
Travel from Kagaonsen to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, known for its village of thatched gassho-zukuri (praying hands) farmhouses. Visit the historic village of Ogimachi and the ruins of its castle, dating back to medieval times. From atop the observat...
DAY 8, Sunday - Takayama's Historic District, Morning Farmer's Market, Bullet Train to Kyoto
Today visit the Yatai Kaikan Hall housing intricately designed wooden floats brought out only for major festivals. Visit the morning market along the Miya River with farmers and craftsmen selling everything from vegetables to clothing and hand carvings. The delightful to...
DAY 9, Monday - Tea Ceremony & Zen Meditation, Kyoto's Cultural Heritage
Begin your exploration of Kyoto with a visit to Nishiki Market, lined with more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Here, you will find Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles and dried seafood, as well as fresh produce, and seasonal foods. Next, familiar...
DAY 10, Tuesday - Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kimono Dressing
Discover the beautiful cultural heritage of Kyoto that has spanned the centuries. Head outside the city to Arashiyama bamboo forest. Begin with a visit to Tenryuj Temple's sprawling Zen garden, one of the finest gardens in Kyoto. Then, take a stroll through the stunning ...
DAY 11, Wednesday - Imperial Nara, Todai-ji Temple, Deer Park, Kasuga Grand Shrine, Maiko Dance Performance
This morning, travel by private bus to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, repository of Japan's cultural heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. Arrive at the exquisite...
DAY 12, Thursday - Depart Japan
Sayonara! Transfer to the airport in Osaka for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,499
Price per day$375
Last Updated: 2/23/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Gate 1 Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Not Included:Gratuities.

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
gate1-DSCV-JP-12DJP-PKG-24

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