Overview
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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 during your cruise on crystal-blue Lake Ashi and during your cable-car ride (weather permitting). 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.
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!
Highlights
Visit Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Arcade
KAMAKURA
See the Great Buddha
MOUNT FUJI AREA
Cable-car ride to view Mount Fuji
KYOTOBullet train from Mount Fuji area to Kyoto; visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Temple of the Gold Pavillion, and Kiyomizu Temple
HIROSHIMAVisit Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial, Memorial Museum, Memorial Hall, Miyajima Island, and Itsukushima Shrine
OKAYAMAVisit Koraku-en Garden
OSAKAVisit Osaka Castle and the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses; walking tour through Dotonbori
2021 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch
TOKYO, JAPAN
Day1
Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
TOKYO
Day2
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
TOKYO–KAMAKURA–MOUNT FUJI AREA
Day3
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
MOUNT FUJI AREA–KYOTO
Day4
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).
Traditional Ryokan Stay
Immerse 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:
Request at the time of booking, as space is limited. See Dates & Prices for supplement.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
KYOTO
Day5
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
KYOTO–HIROSHIMA
Day6
The morning is at your leisure to explore more of Kyoto’s historic temples and shrines. This afternoon, drive south to Hiroshima.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
HIROSHIMA
Day7
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 commemorate 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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
HIROSHIMA–OKAYAMA–OSAKA
Day8
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
OSAKA
Day9
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
OSAKA
Day10
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Shiba Park Hotel
First-Class
Feel relaxed as if at home at the Shiba Park Hotel. Located near the Tokyo Tower, this hotel offers modern comfort with access to the city's main sites.
Location
1-5-10 Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Hotel Facilities
- Spa Services
- Restaurant On-Site
- Ice Machine
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Television
Daiwa Roynet Numazu
Moderate First-Class
This clean and friendly hotel is just a 5 minute walk from public transportation.
Location
1-1-4 Plaza Verde, Otemachi, Numazu-shi, Shizuoka , Japan
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Coffee Maker
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Pay Movies
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
Daiwa Roynet Shijo Karasuma
Moderate First-Class
This modest hotel offers a great location in the Shijo Karasuma area in the center of Kyoto.
Location
678 Omandokorocho, Kyoto, Japan
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Restaurant On-Site
Room Facilities
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Cable/Satellite
- Television
- Air Conditioning
- Internet Access
Daiwa Roynet Hiroshima
Moderate First-Class
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima is set in the city center, offering great access to the city's main sights and restaurants.
Location
1-3-20 Kokutaijimachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Japan
Hotel Facilities
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Ice Machine
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Pay Movies
- Internet Access
- Desk
Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel
Moderate First-Class
This tall, modern hotel is located in Toyotsu cho directly in front of the Esaka Staton. The proximity to the station makes for great shopping and dining, and sightseeing easy.
Location
9-6, Toyotsu-Cho, Suita-Shi, Osaka, Japan
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Ice Machine
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Elevator
- Beauty Salon
- Parking/Valet
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Mini-bar
- Alarm Clock
- Pay Movies
- Desk
- Climate Control
- Smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Television
- Phone
- Coffee Maker
