This Japan tour is a must for value-minded travelers who enjoy history, beautiful settings, and fascinating architecture. You’ll start in Tokyo, end in Osaka, and overnight along the way in the Mount Fuji area, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Highlights of this tour through Japan are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you’ll visit. In Kyoto, visit Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the shogun’s official residence; the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple overlooking a large pond and covered in beautiful gold leaf; and the Pure Water Temple, founded in 780 AD on the site of a waterfall. In Hiroshima, visit Peace Memorial Park and see the only remaining structure—the Atomic Bomb Dome—that predates the 1945 atomic blast. An excursion from Hiroshima takes you to the Itsukushima Shrine, built over water and known for its iconic floating Torii gate. Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has long been worshipped as a sacred mountain. You’ll enjoy views of majestic Mount Fiji during your cruise on crystal-blue Lake Ashi and during your cable-car ride (weather permitting).In addition to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous shrines, and other historic sites, this Japan tour also includes visits to two of Japan’s beautiful gardens: Koraku-En, dating to 1686 and considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, and Shinjuku Gyoen, dating to 1603 when it was a feudal lord’s home. Plus, you’ll ride on the famous bullet train. History, scenery, and fun experiences…this Japan vacation has it all!
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Tour Highlights
Sightseeing:
TOKYOVisit Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping ArcadeMOUNT FUJI AREACable-car ride to view Mount FujiKYOTOBullet train from Mount Fuji area to Kyoto; visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Temple of the Gold Pavillion, and Kiyomizu TempleHIROSHIMAVisit Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial, Memorial Museum, Memorial Hall, Miyajima Island, and Itsukushima ShrineOKAYAMAVisit Koraku-en GardenOSAKAVisit Osaka Castle and the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses; walking tour through Dotonbori
Guides:
PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR
Transportation:
Private, deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach while touring; bullet train from Mount Fuji area to Kyoto
Meals
Meals & Itinerary
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description.
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 traveling 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 early 1600s, the garden was destroyed in World War II and reopened in 1949 as a public park. Today, it remains a very popular stop for locals and visitors alike. Last stop is the ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE and the bustling NAKAMISE SHOPPING ARCADE. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. Breakfast
Day 3
TOKYO–KAMAKURA–MOUNT FUJI AREA. This morning, leave Tokyo and head south along the coast to Kamakura to see the 750-year-old GREAT BUDDHA. Continue on to the Mount Fuji area for a CRUISE on Lake Ashi, followed by a CABLE-CAR RIDE (weather permitting) for panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. (B,L)
Day 4
MOUNT FUJI AREA–KYOTO. This morning, board one of Japan’s famous BULLET TRAINS bound for Kyoto. Upon arrival, visit the FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gates. This evening, you may choose to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan (additional expense). Breakfast Traditional Ryokan StayImmerse yourself in the Japanese culture and hospitality at a ryokan (Japanese inn). Your ryokan, Gion Hatanaka, features traditional touches—tatami mat floors, a thin sleeping mattress on the floor, and the chance to experience a Japanese-style bath—as well as the modern convenience of a private bathroom. Included: transfers to/from ryokan and from/to hotel in Kyoto; traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast. NOTE:Space is limited. See Dates & Prices for supplement.
Day 5
KYOTO. Your day begins with a visit to NIJO CASTLE, built in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Then, visit stunning Kinkakuji, the TEMPLE OF THE GOLD PAVILION, covered in shimmering gold leaf. Lastly, visit KIYOMIZU TEMPLE, the “Pure Water Temple,” with stunning views over Kyoto. Along the way, walk through the busy streets where shops and restaurants have been catering to pilgrims for centuries. Breakfast
Day 6
KYOTO–HIROSHIMA. The morning is at your leisure to explore more of Kyoto’s historic temples and shrines. This afternoon, drive south to Hiroshima. Breakfast
Day 7
HIROSHIMA. Today’s sightseeing starts at PEACE MEMORIAL PARK, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the PEACE MEMORIAL, commonly referred to as the Atomic Bomb Dome, that has been preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945, immediately after the bombing. You will also visit the MEMORIAL MUSEUM and MEMORIAL HALL, which memorialize the lives lost that day. Next, join the afternoon excursion to MIYAJIMA ISLAND to visit ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its floating Torii Gate. Breakfast
Day 8
HIROSHIMA–OKAYAMA–OSAKA. Drive north to Okayama and visit KORAKU-EN, one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan.” Covering some 30 acres, the garden features ponds, plum groves, and tea fields. A unique feature not typically found in Japanese gardens are the wide lawns which are said to help uplift the spirit and promote open mindedness. Continue on to Osaka and enjoy the evening at leisure. Breakfast
Day 9
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. See the old architecture and be transported back in time. Next, visit OSAKA CASTLE and take a WALKING TOUR in Dotonbori, the city’s most famous entertainment district. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps return to Dotonbori this evening to sample some local cuisine and see the sparkling neon lights. Breakfast
Day 10
OSAKA. Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. Breakfast
LAURA HAYASHI
Escorting tours for more than 20 years
"My name is Laura. Japan is a very exciting country - so much more than just geishas, temples, shrines, and bullet trains. With so much to see and experience, my goal is to make sure each visitor returns home satisfied, with incredible stories to tell."
AKI AKI
Escorting tours for more than 10 years
"Hello! My name is Aki. I've been a licensed guide since 2005 and I love my job. I am passionate about history, art, archeology, food and sumo. In Japan there is so much to see. Let me help you have a great experience in my country of unique culture!"
Accommodations
HIROSHIMA Daiwa Roynet Hiroshima (MF) KYOTO Daiwa Roynet Shijo Karasuma (MF) MOUNT FUJI AREA Daiwa Roynet Numazu (MF) OSAKA Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel (MF) TOKYO Shiba Park Hotel (F)
Optional Excursions
The following optional excursions may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased).
* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).
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We can make planning your tour easy – all you need to do is complete the information below. A Cosmos specialist will get in touch with you to provide you a quote on your escorted tour. You can also call us at 1800 425 3575 to speak to someone right away.
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