Independent Treasures of Japan

Independent Treasures of Japan

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Independent Treasures of Japan

11 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan

Visiting: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, Asia

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

IAJ4-2025

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History, Rail Tours

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Discover the Independent Treasures of Japan on this immersive cultural tour. Begin your journey in Tokyo, where you'll explore iconic sites like the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, and Asakusa Kannon Temple. Travel by bullet train to Kyoto, the historic former capital, and visit the stunning Kinkakuji, the Samurai and Ninja Museum, and the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. Continue to Hiroshima to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and visit the enchanting Miyajima Island. Conclude your adventure in Osaka, exploring Osaka Castle and the vibrant Minami district. Enjoy luxurious accommodations in top hotels across Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka.

Highlights

  • Visit Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest in Tokyo.

  • Ascend to Sorakara Point at Tokyo Skytree for stunning panoramic views over the city and Mount Fuji.

  • Explore bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo.

  • Tour the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto for a hands-on history lesson of Japan’s famous warriors.

  • Take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, known for its machiya-style merchant houses.

  • Visit Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall.

  • Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island to visit Itsukushima Shrine, known for its floating Torii Gate.

  • Explore Minami, Osaka’s famous entertainment district, including Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Dontonbori Street.

Places You'll See

Hilton Tokyo

Kyoto Century Hotel

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

Imperial Hotel Osaka

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Tokyo,Japan

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Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: Tokyo

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thesnowydays

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

TOKYO• Today, hop on Tokyo’s subway system for a private guided sightseeing tour of the city. Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. • At Tokyo Skytree ascend to Sorakara Point on floor 450 at some 450 meters/1500 feet, the highest point visitors can explore. Here you’ll marvel at the stunning panoramic views over the city and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.• Tour the Samurai and Ninja Museum for a hands-on history lesson of Japan’s famous warriors, including the armor, weapons, and swords from the Medieval era.• Lastly, visit bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo. (B,L)

Day 3: Tokyo

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Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast

TOKYO• Enjoy a full day at your leisure.Today's I-Time TipsEnjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Utilize your included Tokyo Metro Pass to explore more of Tokyo’s unique neighborhoods, take a day trip to Mount Fuji, or visit the street-food markets for local specialties. (B)

Day 4: Tokyo,Kyoto

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Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: Kyoto Century Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

TOKYO–KYOTO• Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to historic Kyoto, former capital of Japan. (B)

Day 5: Kyoto

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Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: Kyoto Century Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

KYOTO• Your private guided sightseeing tour uses efficient public transportation to take you around the city. Start at stunning Kinkakuji, Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered with shimmering gold leaf. • Next, take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, which is also known for its high concentration of machiya-style merchant houses. • Continue to Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms said to have the power to save 25 worlds. • Finish with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gate.(B,L)

Day 6: Kyoto

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Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: Kyoto Century Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

KYOTO• Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Today's I-Time TipsTake an excursion to nearby Nara or explore more of Kyotos historic temples and shrines using your included subway and bus pass. (B)

Day 7: Kyoto,Hiroshima

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Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

KYOTO–HIROSHIMA• Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima. • Upon arrival, visit Shukkei-en Garden, where natural landscapes are represented in miniature form. Then, take the afternoon to explore the city on your own. We’ve included a day pass to use the local tram system to help you get around!(B)

Day 8: Hiroshima

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Location: Hiroshima

Accommodation Name: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

HIROSHIMA• Your private guided sightseeing starts at Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall, which commemorate the lives lost in the WWII atomic bombing. • Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island. Here, visit Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its floating Torii Gate and enjoy free time to explore the many shops. (B,L)

Day 9: Hiroshima,Osaka

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Location: Osaka

Accommodation Name: Imperial Hotel Osaka

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

HIROSHIMA–OSAKA• Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka. • Your private guided sightseeing tour starts at Osaka Castle and the surrounding park.• Visit Minami, the city’s famous entertainment district, encompassing the districts of Shinsaibashi and Namba and the famed Dontonbori Street. Start with luinch featuring okonomiyaki, a delicious pancake dish famous in Osaka. Then, explore this exciting area by foot with your guide. From museums and shopping to theater and dining, this is where the locals come for fun!(B,L)

Day 10: Osaka

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Location: Osaka

Accommodation Name: Imperial Hotel Osaka

Meals Included: Breakfast

OSAKA• Enjoy a full day at your leisure.Today's I-Time TipsReturn to Minami for further exploration or visit the Open-Air Museum of Japanese Farm Houses. Whatever you choose to do we’ve included a subway and bus pass to help you get around. (B)

Day 11: Osaka

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Location: Osaka

Accommodation Name: Imperial Hotel Osaka

Meals Included: Breakfast

OSAKAYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Hilton Tokyo, Kyoto Century Hotel, Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, and Imperial Hotel Osaka.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily; 3 lunches.

  • Guided Sightseeing

    Private guided sightseeing tours in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka.

  • Transport

    Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) between Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Itsukushima Shrine.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Japan are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 4 Lunches

UNESCO Sites

Hiroshima Peace Memorial|Itsukushima Shrine

Accommodation

Tokyo: Hilton Tokyo, Kyoto: Kyoto Century Hotel, Hiroshima: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, Osaka: Imperial Hotel Osaka

Mode of Transport

Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) between cities and use efficient public transportation for guided sightseeing tours.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation will be used during the tour?

    The tour includes travel by shinkansen (bullet train) between cities and uses efficient public transportation for guided sightseeing tours within cities.

  • What are some of the key attractions in Tokyo included in the tour?

    In Tokyo, the tour includes visits to Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree's Sorakara Point, Nakamise shopping arcade, and Asakusa Kannon Temple.

  • What can I expect to see in Kyoto during the tour?

    In Kyoto, the tour covers Kinkakuji (Temple of the Gold Pavilion), the Samurai and Ninja Museum, a walking tour through Gion, Sanjusangendo Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine.

  • What historical sites will be visited in Hiroshima?

    In Hiroshima, the tour includes a visit to Peace Memorial Park, the Memorial Museum, and Memorial Hall, as well as a ferry trip to Miyajima Island to see Itsukushima Shrine.

  • What activities are planned in Osaka?

    In Osaka, the tour includes a visit to Osaka Castle and its surrounding park, as well as an exploration of the Minami entertainment district, including Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Dontonbori Street.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes breakfast daily and three lunches.

  • Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Itsukushima Shrine, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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