12 Day Japan, Then & Now

12 days
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From$5,679
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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 Travel to the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go, known for its village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses In Kagaonsen, stay at a traditional Ryokan (inn) 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 Visit Kyoto's Nijo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, and the magnificent gilded Golden Pavilion Experience the cultural heritage of Kyoto at a traditional Tea Ceremony at the Gesshin-in Temple Dinner and traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance reflects the core of Japanese culture Travel to the Imperial capital of Nara, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites †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

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Details

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

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Asia

Attractions

  • Hakone
  • Kyoto
  • Nara
  • Tokyo

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 Wine with all 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

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Itinerary

DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Japan
Depart for Japan

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive in dynamic Tokyo in the "Land of the Rising Sun"; transfer to your hotel. This evening, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6:30 PM with your Tour Manager on the exciting adventure that awaits you in Japan, followed by a Welcome Dinner and drinks with y...
DAY 3, Sunday - Imperial Palace, Tokyo National Museum & Asakusa Kannon Temple
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. Afterward, visit the Tokyo...
DAY 4, Monday - 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 5, Tuesday - Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market, Sushi Demonstration
On today's tour of Tokyo, witness the stark contrasts of this dazzling city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology. To begin, visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in a beautiful forested area that honors the first Emperor of modern Japan a...
DAY 6, Wednesday - 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, Thursday - 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 observati...
DAY 8, Friday - Takayama's Historic District, Morning Farmer's Market, Bullet Train to Kyoto
The delightful town of Takayama, with its wealth of museums, galleries, and impressive temples, is often called "Little Kyoto." A walking tour includes the remarkably preserved Edo-period merchants' shops and houses in the Sanno-machi Historic District. Visit the morning...
DAY 9, Saturday - Kyoto's Cultural Heritage & Tea Ceremony, Zen Meditation
Begin your exploration of Kyoto with a tour of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. Its ornate interior is handcrafted out of Japanese cypress. Next, familiarize yourself with Zen meditation, a calming practice deeply root...
DAY 10, Sunday - 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, Monday - 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, Tuesday - Depart Japan
Sayonara! Transfer to the airport in Osaka for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,679
Price per day$473
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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Jan 2024

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Dec 2023

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Gate 1 Travel offers escorted tours, European river cruises, independent vacations and customized international vacation packages for less. Our discount travel packages and tour packages to destinations worldwide provide exceptional value, saving our customers time and money. We have taken care of all the details so you don't have to. Find your dream vacation today.

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Founded in 1981 with 3 employees; now with over 200 employees worldwide

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Not Included:Gratuities.
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

Additional Information: Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

Trip ID
gate1-DSCV-JP-12DJP-PKG-22

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