12 Day Japan, Then & Now 2017 Itinerary

12 days
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5/5 Excellent
93 reviews  
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Overview

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

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 serene Meiji Shrine honoring the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress A day of breathtaking natural scenery as you drive to the National Park of Hakone and Mt. Fuji Board the famous Shinkansen, or "bullet train" that takes you to Kanazawa on the Noto Peninsula Travel to the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go, known for its village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses In Kagaonsen, stay at a traditional Ryokan (inn) A walking tour of Takayama’s historic district reveals its traditions dating back to the 9th century Discover enchanting Kyoto, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan Visit Kyoto’s Nijo Castle, residence of Shoguns, and the magnificent gilded Golden Pavilion Experience the cultural heritage of Kyoto at a traditional Tea Ceremony at the Gesshin-in Temple Dinner and traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance reflects the core of Japanese culture Travel to the Imperial capital of Nara, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites

What's this trip about?

    4 Tokyo, 1 Kaga, 1 Takayama, 4 Kyoto

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Japan

Attractions

  • Hakone
  • Kyoto
  • Nara
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed International flights Los Angeles-Tokyo, Osaka-Los Angeles Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline taxes & fuel surcharges 10 nights First Class accommodations
    • 4 nights Tokyo 1 night Kaga 1 night Takayama 4 nights Kyoto All transfers and sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles 19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners Wine with all dinners 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

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Itinerary

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Japan
Depart for Japan

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive in dynamic Tokyo in the "Land of the Rising Sun"; transfer to your hotel. Time for rest and relaxation before an afternoon briefing by your Tour Manager on the memorable journey that lies ahead. Tonight, dinner together with your fellow travelers welcomes you to Japan Overnight: Tokyo Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Wednesday - Imperial Palace & Asakusa Kannon Temple
Start your day with the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle, where Samurai warriors lived from the 17th to 19th centuries. This huge parkland, surrounded by water-filled moats and massive stone walls, is now the residence of Japan's Imperial Family and a preci...
DAY 4, Thursday - Tsukiji Fish Market, Sushi Demonstration & Akihabara District
On today’s tour of Tokyo, witness the stark contrasts of this dazzling city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology. To begin, walk the lanes of the hectic Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world! Afterward, ...
DAY 5, Friday - Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Hakone National Park and Mt. Fuji Excursion
A full day of breathtaking scenery as you drive 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. Here, view exhibits of the textile artist Kubot...
DAY 6, Saturday - Kenroku-en Gardens, Kagaonsen Ryokan Experience
Board the famous Shinkansen, or "bullet train," that takes you to Kanazawa on 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 cou...
DAY 7, Sunday - Thatched Farmhouses in Shirakawa-go, Takayama’s Old Town
You travel from Kagaonsen to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, known for its village 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 obser...
DAY 8, Monday - Takayama's Historic District, Morning Farmer’s Market, Bullet Train to Kyoto
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. Visit the morning...
DAY 9, Tuesday - Kyoto’s Cultural Heritage & Tea Ceremony, Zen Meditation
Your first discovery in Kyoto is the Kiyomizu Temple, known for its sacred waters believed to bestow health and longevity. As you stroll through the ancient streets of Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, you’re transported back in time to "old" Japan on these distinctive streets...
DAY 10, Wednesday - Wednesday - Ryoan-ji Temple’s Rock Garden, Nijo Castle & Kimono dressing
Discover the beautiful cultural heritage of Kyoto that has spanned the centuries. View the Ryoan-ji Temple with its mysterious Rock Garden and the imperial Shinto Heian Shrine, boasting the largest torii (gate) in Japan. Continue to the celebrated Kinkaku-ji Temple, "the...
DAY 11, Thursday - Imperial Nara, Great Buddha Statue, Deer Park, Kasuga Grand Shrine, Maiko Dance Performance
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. On the way stop at the Fushimi Inari ...
DAY 12, Friday - Depart Japan
Sayonara! Transfer to Osaka for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,529
Price per day$294
Last Updated: 2/1/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Discovery Tours by Gate 1.

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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Dec 2023

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the absolute WORST

THE ABSOLUTE WORST. Dishonest, incompetent, fraudulent. We booked a trip to Europe with them, and it was a mess from start to finish. The flight that we paid extra...

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Allen K.

Jun 2021

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We had a wonderful time

We had a wonderful time. The guides and accommodations were exceptional. The guides were knowledgeable and professional. We couldn't have asked for a better vacation...

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Lynne D.

Jun 2021

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Our expectations were exceeded

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • *Not Included:Optional toursand gratuities.
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
No age restrictions
Additional Information

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

Trip ID
discovery-DSCV-JP-12DJP-HIS-PKG-17

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