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12 Day Japan, Then & Now - Sunday Departure

Days
12
From
USD $4,049
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Sunday,
Dec 15, 2024
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Thursday,
Dec 26, 2024
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Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Countries Visited

Japan

Cities Visited

Kaga , Kyoto , Osaka , Takayama , Tokyo

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Japan
Depart for Japan

DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive in dynamic Tokyo in the "Land of the Rising Sun"; transfer to your hotel. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6:30 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Tuesday - Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Outer Market, Sushi Demonstration
Start your day with the Imperial Palace East Garden*, a precious jewel of nature within the hectic city center. After, walk the lanes of the hectic Tsukiji Outer Market, famous for fish and seafood. Afterward, attend a culinary demonstration led by a professional sushi chef. Learn the art of creating sushi, or sashimi and have them for lunch afterward! Visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in a beautiful, forested area that honors Emperor Meiji and his Empress. Emperor Meiji played a pivotal role in modernizing Japan by leading the county through the Meiji Restoration *If the Imperial Palace East Garden is closed, the Outer Garden with the Nijubashi Bridge will be visited instead.
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Wednesday - Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo National Museum
Travel to the imposing Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) enshrining a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy; its entrance is dominated by a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red and black tones. Visit the Tokyo National Museum, one of the largest collections of art and archeological artifacts in Japan. Later, learn the basics of Japanese calligraphy, during a lesson with an artist. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Thursday - Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Hakone National Park with Views of Mt. Fuji
A full day of breathtaking scenery as you travel 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 Itchiku's kimono creations, depicting the themes of nature and the seasons. Continue along the scenic roads of rural Japan to Hakone where a gondola takes you on the Hakone Ropeway to the Owakudani Valley's extraordinary volcanic zone. On a clear day you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji*. Here, the bubbling pools cook eggs in the hot waters blackened by sulfur, and are said to prolong one's life by at least seven years. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around placid Lake Ashi, before returning to Tokyo. Tonight, be adventurous and explore Tokyo's incredible variety of cuisine!*Weather conditions around Mt. Fuji are challenging to predict, sometimes clouds will restrict views of the mountain & terrain. Poor weather conditions can sometimes prevent the operation of the cable car in Hakone.**For the Mar 03 departure, the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum will be closed and replaced with visits to the Oshi house and Fujisan World Heritage Center.**For the Dec 15 departures, the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum will be closed and replaced with visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum.
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Friday - 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 the country's most elite gardens with its elaborate water fountains and designs. Tonight, spend the night at a traditional Ryokan (inn). Dinner together at the Ryokan is a full course Kaiseki Dinner highlighted by regional specialties
Overnight: Kaga
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Saturday - Thatched Farmhouses, Takayama's Old Town
Travel from Kaga to a remote mountainous region, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its villages 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 observation deck, see the amazing view of an entire settlement of thatched style houses. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Takayama Jinya, a historic government house converted to a museum. Take a tour of a sake brewery, and taste the different types of sake. Later, you arrive at a scenic mountain resort for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Takayama
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Sunday - Takayama's Historic District, Morning Farmer's Market, Bullet Train to Kyoto
Today visit the Yatai Kaikan Hall housing intricately designed wooden floats brought out only for major festivals. Visit the morning market along the Miya River with farmers and craftsmen selling everything from vegetables to clothing and hand carvings. 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. Across the river lies the Sanmachi-Suji (district) of sake breweries, cafes and immaculately preserved old private houses. Travel to Nagoya and board the bullet train* to enchanting and historic Kyoto, founded in the 8th century, one of the early capitals of Japan*All May departures will travel by coach between Takayama and Kyoto
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Monday - Tea Ceremony & Zen Meditation, Kyoto's Cultural Heritage
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 rooted in Japanese culture. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, where you participate in the ritualized art of preparing and serving tea, savoring the hospitality of the host in an atmosphere distinctly different from the fast pace of everyday life. Continue to Nishiki Market, lined with more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Here, you will find Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles and dried seafood, as well as fresh produce, and seasonal foods. Later, attend a traditional shamisen (Japanese guitar) show. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Tuesday - 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 bamboo grove, followed by a ride on a traditional Japanese rickshaw, a unique experience! Visit the celebrated Kinkaku-ji Temple, "the Golden Pavilion," and understand why this magnificent gold leaf covered temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, dress in an authentic kimono during a visit to a Kyoto-style home. After, take a walk in Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Wednesday - 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 wooden Todai-ji Temple, home of the impressive Daibutsu (Great Buddha) bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high. You then continue to Nara (Deer) Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. Proceed to the famous and beautiful Kasuga Grand Shrine displaying over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. On the way back to Kyoto, stop at impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its ten thousand vermilion torii gates. Bid goodbye to your Tour Manager at dinner which features a traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance that reflects the core of Japanese culture
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Thursday - Depart Japan
Sayonara! Transfer to the airport in Osaka for your departure flight. The Osaka airport is approximately a one hour drive from Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

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Inclusions

Package Includes

  • Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
  • Flights Los Angeles-Tokyo, Osaka-Los Angeles
    Other departure cities available.
  • 10 nights accommodations
  • 4 nights Tokyo
  • 1 night Kaga
  • 1 night Takayama
  • 4 nights Kyoto
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • High-Speed Bullet Train: Tokyo-Kanazawa & Nagoya-Kyoto
  • 19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 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
  •  

    Tour Highlights

    Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.

  • 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 Meiji Shrine with its serene grounds and incredible architecture
  • A day of breathtaking natural scenery as you drive to the National Park of Hakone
  • Board the famous shinkansen, or "bullet train" that takes you to Kanazawa south of the Noto Peninsula
  • In Kagaonsen, stay at a traditional Ryokan (inn)
  • Travel to the UNESCO site in the mountains, known for its village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses
  • A walking tour of Takayama’s historic district reveals its traditions dating back to the 16th century
  • Discover enchanting Kyoto, founded in the 8th century, one of the early capitals of Japan
  • Experience the cultural heritage of Kyoto at a traditional tea ceremony
  • Visit Kyoto's Nijo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa shoguns
  • Travel to the Imperial capital of Nara, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Dinner and traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance reflects the core of Japanese culture
  • †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

    Not Included:
    Gratuities.


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

    Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6:30 PM. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM.


    Accommodation Details:
    Hotel rooms in Japan cannot comfortably accommodate 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child; therefore, a double, plus a single room configuration should be purchased.

    Health and Safety Protocols for Discovery By Gate1 Tours

    At Gate 1 we take your safety and security very seriously. We have a strong network of tour managers, local offices, ground operators and colleagues which help us stay informed in all the destinations that we operate. We closely monitor local situations which enable us to make the operational decisions necessary to keep our tours running safely. Millions of people travel the world each year and experience enjoyable and safe trips but crimes against people and property are sadly a fact of life. It is very important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Please remember that you have the same responsibility for your personal safety and possessions as you do at home. It is essential to prepare for a safe and healthy travel abroad. Therefore before you travel, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the US Department of State at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for up-to-date travel advice on the countries that you are visiting. The website provides useful information on subjects such as safety and security information, health precautions and medications, health insurance and additional tips for traveling abroad. If you do not reside in the United States, we recommend you check your government's travel advisory website for any country you will be visiting. We recommend that you review the safety guidance that may be provided by us, our agents or suppliers, either before you go or when you arrive in your destination. You can also find helpful tips on our website in the "Trip Preparation" tab of each of our tour packages. We do know that in-spite of careful planning, things can sometimes still go wrong, so rest assured, we will be there to help and support you.

    OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

    Accommodations

    Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
    This first class hotel is located in the heart of the city.

    Kaga Hyakumangoku
    This superior tourist class hotel is located in Kaga, near the Daishoji River.

    Kasuikyo Ryokan
    This superior tourist class hotel overlooks Lake Shibayama.

    Kasuikyo Ryokan
    This superior tourist class hotel overlooks Lake Shibayama.

    Associa Takayama Resort
    This first class resort has spectacular views of the Japanese Alps.

    Kyoto Century Hotel
    This first class hotel is located a short walk away from Kyoto Station.

    Kyoto Century Hotel
    This first class hotel is located a short walk away from Kyoto Station.

    Kyoto Century Hotel
    This first class hotel is located a short walk away from Kyoto Station.

    Kyoto Century Hotel
    This first class hotel is located a short walk away from Kyoto Station.

    Kyoto Century Hotel
    This first class hotel is located a short walk away from Kyoto Station.

    Kyoto Century Hotel
    This first class hotel is located a short walk away from Kyoto Station.

    RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
    This first class hotel is within walking distance of Kyoto Station.

    RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
    This first class hotel is within walking distance of Kyoto Station.

    RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
    This first class hotel is within walking distance of Kyoto Station.

    RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
    This first class hotel is within walking distance of Kyoto Station.

    RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
    This first class hotel is within walking distance of Kyoto Station.

    OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

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    Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

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    Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

    Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.


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