9-Nights Japan Discovery from $3,195

CostSaver

OFFER ID 1493779

Japan Discovery
Experience the many contrasts of Japan, from the modern metropolis of Tokyo to the spectacular beauty of Mt. Fuji and Kyoto with its stunning temples and colorful Geisha district. From traveling by bullet train and seeing the cherry blossoms bloom in the springtime, on this 10-day trip you’ll gain an understanding of what makes Japan such an unmissable travel destination. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.

Dining Summary

4 Dinner (D)
9 Breakfast (B)

Essentials

Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Observatory, Sensoji Buddhist Temple and Nakamise shopping street at Asakusa and the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine
Drive up to the 5th Station for panoramic views
View Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi from the Komagatake Ropeway
Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple and Heian-jingu Shrine
Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island, and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Visit the Bikan Historical Quarter
Visit Himeji Castle and a sake brewery en route to Osaka

Whats Included

Bullet Train Tokyo - Kyoto
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Many meals and daily breakfasts included
City orientation tours
Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
Luxury air-conditioned coach
Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized

9 nights from $3,195 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

Costsaver: Japan Discovery

Day 1 - Arrive Tokyo
‘Konnichiwa’ and welcome to dazzling, futuristic Tokyo, Japan’s incredible capital city. One of the most culturally rich cities on earth, Tokyo is the kind of place where everyday is a new adventure, and where no two neighborhoods are the same. Some are deeply connected to the past, all glowing lanterns and low-slung rustic buildings, whilst others only have eyes for the future. To say Tokyo is eclectic would be a disservice to a city that prides itself on having something for everyone. Arriving today, board your shuttle bus transfer from Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport. This evening meet up with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your first taste of Japanese cuisine.
Accommodations: Shinjuku Washington
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Tokyo Sightseeing
Diving in to all that Tokyo has to offer, today’s sightseeing tour will kick off 243 meters above the ground as you take in panoramic views of the city from the twin towered Tokyo Metropolitan Observatory. Step inside a forested inner-city oasis with a visit to the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, which was built to protect the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. Soak in the peaceful surroundings here and make a wish on a traditional ema before heading on to Asakusa for a glimpse of Old Tokyo. Browse the craft shops along Nakamise Street, then visit the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, which has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in the 7th century. This afternoon and evening it’s all about tailoring your trip your way. Perhaps take advantage of our optional visit to the Tokyo National Museum, where you’ll be treated to collections of Japanese art, samurai swords, intricate kimonos and more, followed by a trip to two of Tokyo’s premium shopping destinations, Ameyoko and Ginza. This evening, you could choose to dine local-style with dinner at a traditional izakaya (Japanese pub).
Accommodations: Shinjuku Washington
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Mt. Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing
You may have seen glimpses of its snowcapped peaks but today's the day you get up close and personal when you visit Mt. Fuji, the highest volcano in Japan. Driving up to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (weather permitting), catch your breath as you survey the scenery from 2300 meters above sea level. Take in the spectacular views of the Fuji Five Lakes area below and enjoy some free time for lunch in the shadow of Mt. Fuji's iconic peak. Not done with incredible scenery just yet, you'll then catch the Komagatake Ropeway for equally impressive views of Lake Ashi, a crater formed lake. Driving back through Hakone, take in the incomparable mountain scenery and traditional buildings of this tranquil little city getaway before heading back to your hotel where the evening is all yours to stay in, or get out there and explore the streets on your last night in Tokyo.
Accommodations: Shinjuku Washington
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Tokyo - Kyoto
Board the bullet train this morning and speed towards the atmospheric city of Kyoto at a staggering 320 kilometers per hour. Known for geishas, gorgeous temples and traditional teahouses, Kyoto will undoubtedly charm you in an instant, then continue to impress on your sightseeing tour this afternoon. Starting off at the iconic Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, gaze in wonder at this gold leaf covered beauty that shines like a beacon above its reflecting pond. Heading on to the visually stunning Heian-jingu Shrine, discover the history of this Shinto masterpiece and visit the 25 meter high torii gate that is equally, if not more beautiful than the shine itself. From here it will be on to a traditional handicraft center to browse the Japanese crafts, before finally arriving at your hotel. No doubt hungry from an action-packed day, dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Kyoto Tower Annex
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Kyoto Free Day
Waking up this morning, the day is free to explore your way, and beautiful Kyoto is a prospect that will surely fill you with excitement. Perhaps start your day surrounded by lush greenery at the Ginkaku-ji shrine, or head over to the Gion district in the hopes of catching a glimpse of a geisha. Think of yourself as something of a foodie? You're in the right place. Kyoto is a huge culinary destination where you can enjoy fresh sushi, steaming bowls of ramen or creamy matcha ice cream to your heart's content, most likely at the Nishiki Market. This morning we imagine that you'll find our optional visit to Nara hard to resist. Known as a place that specializes in the art of bokusho (ink making), you'll watch talented artisans create these beautiful masterpieces and even have a go yourself before heading on to Todaji Temple and Nara Park, an area taken over by hundreds of cute, free roaming deer. Keen to see a Kyoto icon? You could join our optional trip to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. It's instantly recognisable for its tunnel of thousands of orange vermilion torii gates stretching upwards through a thickly wooded mountain towards the shrine.
Accommodations: Kyoto Tower Annex
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Kyoto - Kurashiki - Hiroshima
Leaving Kyoto behind your first stop today will be Kurashiki, where you'll meet up with a Local Guide for a sightseeing tour of the historic Bikan Quarter. With black and white warehouses converted into contemporary museums, old wooden houses and winding laneways, this area exudes a timeless elegance. You'll learn stories about the trading history of the district before heading on to Hiroshima, a place that needs little introduction and a city where peace and hope resound. Destroyed beyond recognition on the 6th August 1945 by the world's first atomic bomb attack, Hiroshima respectfully remembers its catastrophic past while looking to the future with optimism. It's a thriving cosmopolitan city with a lot to offer, including its delicious cuisine. You'll enjoy your first taste tonight as you tuck into okonomiyaki, a type of Japanese savory pancake and a Hiroshima specialty.
Accommodations: Oriental, Hiroshima Tokyu Rei
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Hiroshima Sightseeing
Today's Hiroshima sightseeing tour will begin with a ferry ride across the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, bound for the island of Miyajima. Considered one of Japan's most scenic spots, this is where you'll visit the 12th-century Itsukushima Shrine and see the famous orange torii gate, which appears to be floating above the sea. Heading back to Hiroshima, it will be on to the quiet, leafy space of the Peace Memorial Park. Dotted with memorials and tranquil spaces for reflection, visit the cenotaph displaying the names of all those who lost their lives in the catastrophe before heading on to the Memorial Museum. Here, exhibits of ragged clothes, a melted lunchbox and a watch frozen in time at 8.15am all bring home the horror of a day that changed history forever. Your tour will end at the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only building in the city to survive the bomb. This afternoon, perhaps opt to join our ‘Secrets of Hiroshima' Choice Experience.
Accommodations: Oriental, Hiroshima Tokyu Rei
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Hiroshima - Himeji
Heading on from Hiroshima, this morning you'll journey on to Himeji, a city best known for its beautiful and fairy tale-esque 400-year-old castle. After some free time for lunch and exploring the city your way, this afternoon you'll meet up with a Local Guide to visit the UNESCO-listed castle. Known as the White Heron Castle, this site is widely considered Japan's most spectacular castle and looking up at its vast size, beauty and stunning gardens, it won't be hard to see why. Learn about its history before heading on to your hotel for an evening free to spend however you choose.
Accommodations: Nikko Himeji
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Himeji - Osaka
On the last full day of your Japan tour package, perhaps start with a visit to a sake brewery led by your Local Guide. Made with a combination of quality rice, clean water, koji mould and yeast, sake is the drink that compliments just about anything in Japan. Learn about its history and brewing process before heading on to the final destination of your Japanese adventure, Osaka, a spirited and liberal city. With an afternoon free to explore your way, explore this neon sign loving metropolis or take advantage of our Chioce Experience to the Umeda Sky Building and Osaka Castle. Standing at 170 meters tall, admire the views of the city from the Floating Garden Observatory before heading on to the striking castle to delve into the rich collection of paintings, samurai costumes and historical artefacts that are housed within its walls. This evening and to see out your trip in style, you can opt to join our foodie inspired experience to Namba, Osaka's dining and entertainment hub, for a final feast of local delights.
Accommodations: Monterey Grasmere Osaka , Hankyu Respire Osaka
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Depart Osaka
Culturally satisfied after your incredible Japan journey, head for the airport and your onward flight. We're sure you'll be leaving with big smiles courtesy of Japan's faultless hospitality. Say sayonara to your fellow travelers.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Osaka

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.

Excursions

Kobe - Osaka Day Tour

Himeji

Hiroshima

Kyoto

Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan, presents a different view at every turn. It's one of the world's main economic centers and its most populous agglomeration. The business of Tokyo is business, but you can still find harmony and small-scale gardens on back streets. Around the corner from neon and concrete, you may find the bonsai-lined courtyard of a traditional inn.

Tokyo was nearly destroyed by bombs and fires during World War II, and by earthquakes at other times, but it has always rebuilt itself. As a result, there is little left of Old Japan in the city, but there's plenty of New Japan to take its place.

The streets are a confusing maze, so a map is essential. The transit system is excellent, however, and there are kobans (police boxes) throughout the metropolis, as well as a populace generally willing to answer questions.

Visitors to Tokyo represent both business and leisure travelers. And despite its past reputation, Tokyo is no longer fearsomely expensive. It's relatively easy to visit Tokyo on a budget.

Excursions

Shinjuku - Night in The City - 4 Hours

Wheeling Your Way Through Tokyo - 6 Hours

Forget the bus, get out of the car, and by no means take the subway – experience Tokyo by bicycle a seemingly unusual way to explore one of the world’s largest megalopolises. But once on your bike and pedaling through the city’s many and varied neighborhoods you will experience Tokyo in a truly unique way.

You will transfer to Chuo-ku, Tokyo where you choose your bicycle and try it out before setting off. Once ready and under the supervision of your cycling guide set off for the Tour de Tokyo pedaling your way through some of the distinctive districts that make Tokyo so memorable:–
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Tsukishima (traditional market area famed for its monjayaki savoury pancake) and Tsukiji Outer Market the largest seafood market in the world.
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Ginza (Tokyo’s chic shopping district – the city’s “Fifth Avenue”)
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Shinbashi Station (Japan’s oldest railway station)
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Azabu Juban Village (eclectic, eccentric and exciting – where trendy meets traditional)
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Roppongi, Aoyama and Harajuku & Omotesando (iconic architecture and fashion forward for today’s Tokyo)
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Yoyogi Park (site of the 1964 Olympic Village – weather permitting enjoy a picnic lunch)
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The New National Stadium (site of the 2020 Opening Ceremonies)
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Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo’s revered Shinto Shrine set within a verdant forest park)
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Yoyogi National Stadium (Tange Kenzo’s stunning design for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games)
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Jingu Gaien Mall (the beautiful Gingko lined Avenue)
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Akasaka Palace (the magnificent State Guest House)
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Parliament House (the site of the National Diet)
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Imperial Palace Grounds (The Iconic Nijubashi Bridge and the moat)
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Tokyo Station + KITTE (Marunouchi Minami Exit side)
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15:00: Arrive at Chuo-ku, Tokyo – the end of this Tokyo tour

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

12/14/2024 - 12/23/2024

from $3,550 per person *

02/08/2025 - 02/17/2025

from $3,195 per person *

03/08/2025 - 03/17/2025

from $3,375 per person *

03/15/2025 - 03/24/2025

from $3,750 per person *

03/22/2025 - 03/31/2025

from $3,375 per person

03/26/2025 - 04/04/2025

from $3,375 per person *

03/29/2025 - 04/07/2025

from $3,950 per person *

04/02/2025 - 04/11/2025

from $3,555 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $3,195 per person

Length

9 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Superior

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1493779

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