Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

12 days
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Small Group Tour
This Japan tour is perfect for value-minded travel lovers who enjoy history, beautiful settings, and fascinating architecture. You’ll start in Tokyo, end in Kyoto, and overnight along the way in the Mount Fuji area, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Highlights of this tour through Japan are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you’ll visit. Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountai...
From$3,729
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy

What's this trip about?

    This Japan tour is perfect for value-minded travel lovers who enjoy history, beautiful settings, and fascinating architecture. You’ll start in Tokyo, end in Kyoto, and overnight along the way in the Mount Fuji area, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Highlights of this tour through Japan are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you’ll visit. Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, has long been worshipped as a sacred mountain; you’ll enjoy views of majestic Mount Fiji and Lake Kawaguchi during your cable-car ride (weather permitting). In Hiroshima, visit Itsukushima Shrine, built over water and known for its iconic floating Torii gate and Peace Memorial Park to see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the only remaining structure from the first atomic bomb in 1945. In Kyoto, visit the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in beautiful gold leaf and participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. In addition to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous shrines, and other historic sites, this tour includes visits to two of Japan’s premier gardens dating back to the 1600’s. Walk the tranquil Koraku-En to enjoy the ponds, bridges, waterfalls, and tea house and the Shinjuku Gyoen or “Imperial Garden,” formerly a feudal lord’s property and home to one thousand cherry blossom trees. You’ll enjoy a local lunch and taste the “Japanese pizza” of Osaka, the legendary okonomiyaki dish. Plus, you’ll ride on the famous bullet train or shinkansen. History, scenery, culture, cuisine, and fun experiences…this Japan vacation has it all!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityTOKYO, JAPAN
End CityKYOTO

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: TOKYO, JAPAN

Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: TOKYO

Meet your Tour Director and travel companions prior to morning sightseeing in Tokyo. Your tour starts with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Next, visit Shinjuku Gyoen Garden. Originally dating from the earl...

Day 3: TOKYO

Enjoy the day at your leisure to explore this sprawling metropolis. (Breakfast)

Day 4: TOKYO–MOUNT FUJI AREA

This morning, leave Tokyo and head south along the coast to the beautiful Five Lakes region. Take a cable-car ride (weather permitting) for panoramic views of Lake Kawaguchi and spectacular Mount Fuji, or Fujisan as the locals call it, Japan’s highest mountain. You’ll...

Day 5: MOUNT FUJI AREA–OSAKA

This morning, board Japan’s famous bullet train for Osaka. Upon arrival, a traditional lunch is served. Experience the city’s legendary dish, okonomiyaki, a delicious Japanese-style pancake. Then, join your Tour Director for a walking tour in Minami. Made up of Shinsa...

Day 6: OSAKA

Your sightseeing tour starts at the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses, where traditional thatched-roof farm houses dating from the Edo period have been restored. Be transported back in time as you explore the old architecture. Visit Osaka Castle then enjoy ...

Day 7: OSAKA–OKAYAMA–KURASHIKI–HIROSHIMA

This morning, drive south to Okayama and visit Koraku-en, one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan.” The 30-acre garden features ponds, plum groves, and tea fields. The wide lawns, believed to uplift the spirit and promote open mindedness, are unique to Koraku-en and ...

Day 8: HIROSHIMA

Today’s full day sightseeing includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine. Start at Peace Memorial Park where you’ll visit the Peace Memorial, commonly referred to as the Atomic Bomb Dome, that is preserved and is just as it wa...

Day 9: HIROSHIMA–BIZEN–HIMEJI–KYOTO

Drive north to Bizen, where you’ll visit a traditional pottery workshop to learn more about Bizen-yaki, one of Japan’s six ancient pottery styles dating back over 1,000 years. Stop in Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the finest surv...

Day 10: KYOTO

Your day begins with a visit to stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered in shimmering gold leaf. Walk through bustling Nishiki Market, a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Participate in ...

Day 11: KYOTO

Full day at leisure to explore more of Kyoto’s historic sites and shrines. (Breakfast)

Day 12: KYOTO

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,729
Price per day$311
Last Updated: 8/3/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
24 Mar 2025
04 Apr 2025
$4,409
24 Mar 2025
04 Apr 2025
$4,409
31 Mar 2025
11 Apr 2025
$4,409
31 Mar 2025
11 Apr 2025
$4,409
07 Apr 2025
18 Apr 2025
$4,409
07 Apr 2025
18 Apr 2025
$4,409
14 Apr 2025
25 Apr 2025
$4,409
14 Apr 2025
25 Apr 2025
$4,409
21 Apr 2025
02 May 2025
$4,409
21 Apr 2025
02 May 2025
$4,409

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Cosmos.

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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Jun 2023

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Jun 2020

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Sep 2018

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Since inventing the budget vacation over 50 years ago, Cosmos has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages to the world's most captivating places - from the City of Brotherly Love to the City of Light…from the Great White North to northern Africa…from tropical Hawaii to sub-tropical Lugano, Switzerland…from the rainforests of Brazil to the Lost "City of the Incas." Our incredible value helps travel buffs travel more often.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier

Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel

Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo

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
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
COSMOS-2510

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