Visions of Japan

Visions of Japan

49 Views
11 Days From

$5445

$4765

Visions of Japan

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

Visiting: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

OP-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $5445 $4765 Operator discount: -$442 Travel Club discount: -$238 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan with the "Visions of Japan" tour, a cultural adventure that takes you from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Kyoto. Experience the thrill of a bullet train ride, marvel at the iconic Mount Fuji, and explore the historic Matsumoto Castle. Discover the unique Gassho-Zukuri houses in Shirakawa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and immerse yourself in traditional crafts with a gold leaf class in Kanazawa. Enjoy the tranquility of Kenroku-en Garden and the spiritual ambiance of Kyoto's Kinkakuji Temple. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience.

Highlights

  • Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s capital city

  • Drive south along the coast to Kamakura to see the 750-year-old Great Buddha

  • Take a cable-car ride for panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji

  • Cruise on Lake Ashi for more views of this beautiful area

  • Visit a local wasabi farm and Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure of Japan

  • Explore the unique Gassho-Zukuri style thatched houses in Shirakawa

  • Visit Kenroku-en Garden and take part in a gold leaf class in Kanazawa

  • Visit Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, in Kyoto

Places You'll See

Hilton Tokyo

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Tokyo,Japan

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Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.

Day 2: Tokyo

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Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tokyo. Mount Fuji Excursion

Location: Mount Fuji

Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive south along the coast to Kamakura to see the 750-year-old Great Buddha. Continue to Hakone where you’ll take a cable-car ride for panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. After lunch, cruise on Lake Ashi for more views of this beautiful area. Conclude the day with a thrilling shinkansen (bullet train) ride back to Tokyo!

Day 4: Tokyo

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Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore the city.

Day 5: Tokyo,Matsumoto,Takayama

Location: Matsumoto

Accommodation Name: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journey to Matsumoto, gateway to the ruggedly beautiful Japanese Alps. Visit a local wasabi farm and Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure of Japan dating back to the 16th Century. Tonight, enjoy a wonderful Japanese-style dinner at your hotel.

Day 6: Takayama

Location: Takayama

Accommodation Name: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Takayama,Shirakawa,Kanazawa

3 ya

Location: Kanazawa

Accommodation Name: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, enjoy a drive through the mountainous Shokawa Valley to Shirakawa; a remote region of Japan home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here explore the unique Gassho-Zukuri style (joined hands) thatched houses that can be found only here. Continue to the scenic town of Kanazawa, situated between the mountains and the Sea of Japan. Explore Kenroku-en Garden and take part in a gold leaf class, where you’ll learn about this ancient craft and make your own bento box.

Day 8: Kanazawa,Kyoto

3 ya

Location: Kanazawa

Accommodation Name: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Kyoto

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Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning starts with a visit to stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion. Next, visit Yuzen Handmade Corner to learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used to decorate kimonos by painting dye directly on the cloth. Make your own souvenir using this traditional method. End the day at Sanjusajendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 more life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms believed to have the power to save 25 worlds!

Day 10: Kyoto,Nara Excursion

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Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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Day 11: Kyoto

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Location: Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Kyoto.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners.

  • Excursions

    Excursions to Mount Fuji, Matsumoto Castle, Shirakawa, Kenroku-en Garden, Kinkakuji, and Sanjusajendo Temple.

  • Transportation

    Transportation including a thrilling shinkansen (bullet train) ride.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Kasuga Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Mount Fuji, Shirakawa (Gassho-Zukuri houses), and Todaiji Temple.

  • Small Group Discoveries

    Small-Group Discoveries limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.

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 to be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

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

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and related expenses are not included.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 3 dinners

UNESCO Sites

Kasuga Shrine|Kiyomizu Temple|Mount Fuji|Shirakawa (Gassho-Zukuri houses)|Temple of the Gold Pavilion|Todaiji Temple

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

Accommodation

Tokyo: Hilton Tokyo, Takayama: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, Kanazawa: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, Kyoto: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto

Notes

Mount Fuji cable-car ride is dependent upon weather conditions.

Optional overnight stay at a traditional ryokan requires pre-booking with additional fee.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at the Hilton Tokyo in Tokyo, Hotel Associa Takayama Resort in Takayama, Hotel Nikko Kanazawa in Kanazawa, and The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto in Kyoto.

  • What activities are included in the Mount Fuji excursion?

    The Mount Fuji excursion includes a drive to Kamakura to see the Great Buddha, a cable-car ride in Hakone for panoramic views of Mount Fuji, a cruise on Lake Ashi, and a thrilling shinkansen (bullet train) ride back to Tokyo.

  • What unique experiences are offered in Kanazawa?

    In Kanazawa, you will explore Kenroku-en Garden and participate in a gold leaf class where you will learn about the ancient craft and make your own bento box.

  • What will I see in Kyoto?

    In Kyoto, you will visit Kinkakuji (the Temple of the Gold Pavilion), Yuzen Handmade Corner to learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique, and Sanjusajendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes breakfast daily, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners.

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

    Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Kasuga Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Mount Fuji, Shirakawa (Gassho-Zukuri houses), and Todaiji Temple.

  • What is the Small-Group Discovery option?

    The Small-Group Discovery option is available on select Asia tour dates and is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. It includes all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with an expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides, ensuring your health and safety are a top priority.

  • 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.

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