Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
Fully Escorted Tour
Experience a seamless, expert-guided journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, which highlights Japan’s rich history, scenic beauty, and remarkable architecture. Along the way, visit iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites—including Mount Fuji, Itsukushima Shrine, and Peace Memorial Park—as well as celebrated temples, gardens, and cultural landmarks. With experiences like a traditional tea ceremony, a shinkansen ride, and a taste of okonomiyaki, this tour blends history, cuisine, and unforgettable scenery.
Escorted tours offer expert guides who provide deep local insights and worry-free planned itineraries. Enjoy the company of like-minded travelers, visit hidden gems not found on typical tours, and enjoy peace of mind with a travel support system. This is a fully escorted group tour with a maximum of 50 passengers.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Tokyo and from Kyoto
-
Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
- 3 nights in Tokyo at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome
- 1 night in the Mount Fuji area at the Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel
- 2 nights in Osaka at the Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel
- 2 nights in Hiroshima at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae
- 3 nights in Kyoto at the Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo
-
Guided sightseeing as described in itinerary, including:
- Tokyo City Tour
- Visit to the Five Lakes region, with cable car ride and Chureito Pagoda
- Bullet train ride to Osaka
- Walking tour of Minami
- Osaka City Tour
- Visit to Koraku-en Garden
- Hiroshima Tour with Miyajima Island
- Visit to Bizen-yaki Pottery Workshop
- Admission to Himeji Castle
- Traditional tea ceremony
- Kyoto City Tour
- Walking tours of Nishiki Market & the Gion District
- Transportation, Meals & More
- Roundtrip airport transfers*
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Breakfast daily & 4 lunches
- Hotel tips, taxes, and service charges
*Please note: Complimentary airport transfers are included in your itinerary if you select flights arriving and departing within the following timeframes:
- Arrival - Tokyo (NRT Airport): Between 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM
- Departure - Kyoto (KIX Airport): Between 11:00 AM and 11:59 PM
For flights scheduled outside of these hours, transportation between the airport and hotel will need to be arranged independently.
Great Ways to Explore
Explore Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and more in one trip.
Enjoy sightseeing tours in each city.
Discover several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Witness the magnificent Mount Fuji in person.
Ride on the famous bullet train, also known as the shinkansen.
This Japan journey is crafted for travelers who crave culture, stunning scenery, and unforgettable experiences. Your adventure begins in vibrant Tokyo and concludes in historic Kyoto, with memorable overnight stays in the Mount Fuji region, Osaka, and Hiroshima in between.
Throughout the trip, you’ll explore some of Japan’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites, starting with awe‑inspiring views of Mount Fuji and peaceful Lake Kawaguchi during a scenic cable‑car ride. In Hiroshima, you’ll experience the spiritual beauty of Itsukushima Shrine and reflect at Peace Memorial Park, home to the powerful Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Kyoto adds even more wonder with a visit to the glittering Golden Pavilion and a traditional tea ceremony that immerses you in centuries‑old Japanese customs.
You’ll also wander two of Japan’s most exquisite gardens—Koraku‑En and the historic Shinjuku Gyoen—where ponds, bridges, waterfalls, and cherry blossoms create serene, timeless landscapes. Along the way, enjoy a flavorful local lunch featuring okonomiyaki, and feel the thrill of speeding across the country aboard the iconic shinkansen. With history, nature, culture, cuisine, and unforgettable moments woven throughout, this Japan vacation truly delivers it all.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Tokyo and from Kyoto
-
Accommodations in hotels listed, or similar:
- 3 nights in Tokyo at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome
- 1 night in the Mount Fuji area at the Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel
- 2 nights in Osaka at the Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel
- 2 nights in Hiroshima at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae
- 3 nights in Kyoto at the Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo
-
Guided sightseeing as described in itinerary, including:
- Tokyo City Tour
- Visit to the Five Lakes region, with cable car ride and Chureito Pagoda
- Bullet train ride to Osaka
- Walking tour of Minami
- Osaka City Tour
- Visit to Koraku-en Garden
- Hiroshima Tour with Miyajima Island
- Visit to Bizen-yaki Pottery Workshop
- Admission to Himeji Castle
- Traditional tea ceremony
- Kyoto City Tour
- Walking tours of Nishiki Market & the Gion District
- Transportation, Meals & More
- Roundtrip airport transfers*
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Transportation by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Breakfast daily & 4 lunches
- Hotel tips, taxes, and service charges
*Please note: Complimentary airport transfers are included in your itinerary if you select flights arriving and departing within the following timeframes:
- Arrival - Tokyo (NRT Airport): Between 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM
- Departure - Kyoto (KIX Airport): Between 11:00 AM and 11:59 PM
For flights scheduled outside of these hours, transportation between the airport and hotel will need to be arranged independently.
Explore Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and more in one trip.
Enjoy sightseeing tours in each city.
Discover several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Witness the magnificent Mount Fuji in person.
Ride on the famous bullet train, also known as the shinkansen.
This Japan journey is crafted for travelers who crave culture, stunning scenery, and unforgettable experiences. Your adventure begins in vibrant Tokyo and concludes in historic Kyoto, with memorable overnight stays in the Mount Fuji region, Osaka, and Hiroshima in between.
Throughout the trip, you’ll explore some of Japan’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites, starting with awe‑inspiring views of Mount Fuji and peaceful Lake Kawaguchi during a scenic cable‑car ride. In Hiroshima, you’ll experience the spiritual beauty of Itsukushima Shrine and reflect at Peace Memorial Park, home to the powerful Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Kyoto adds even more wonder with a visit to the glittering Golden Pavilion and a traditional tea ceremony that immerses you in centuries‑old Japanese customs.
You’ll also wander two of Japan’s most exquisite gardens—Koraku‑En and the historic Shinjuku Gyoen—where ponds, bridges, waterfalls, and cherry blossoms create serene, timeless landscapes. Along the way, enjoy a flavorful local lunch featuring okonomiyaki, and feel the thrill of speeding across the country aboard the iconic shinkansen. With history, nature, culture, cuisine, and unforgettable moments woven throughout, this Japan vacation truly delivers it all.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Number of Nights:
- 11
What travelers are saying about our trips to Japan
Day 1. Welcome to Japan!
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant and ever‑evolving capital. Your hotel room will be ready for a mid‑afternoon check‑in, giving you time to settle in and start soaking up the city’s energy.
Transfer from airport to hotel
Check-in - Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai
Immerse yourself in the stylish charm of Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai, a sophisticated 4-star sanctuary inspired by the timeless aesthetic of Italy.
Unwind in fully air-conditioned guest rooms designed with modern comfort in mind. Every room features a private bathroom stocked with complimentary toiletries and slippers, along with free high-speed wired internet and property-wide WiFi. For a perfect start or end to your day, enjoy complimentary mineral water and a selection of teas right in your room.
Recharge your senses in the hotel's spacious, traditional-style public bath, which offers the perfect way to unwind after a day of urban exploration. Guests can also pamper themselves by requesting an in-room massage service. For total peace of mind and convenience, the hotel provides a 24-hour front desk with secure luggage storage, alongside on-site coin laundry facilities and accessible drink vending machines.
Savor exceptional cuisine without leaving the property. The hotel’s signature eatery, Cafe La Marea, serves an impressive and diverse buffet spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, blending local flavors with classic inspirations.
Day 2. Tokyo
You’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers before beginning a morning exploration of Tokyo. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the city at your own pace.
Your tour begins at the serene Meiji Shrine, a 20th‑century Shinto landmark surrounded by a peaceful man‑made forest. You then explore Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, a historic park rebuilt after World War II and now famous for its one thousand cherry blossom trees. The garden remains a beloved escape for both locals and travelers. The final stop is Asakusa Kannon Temple and the lively Nakamise shopping arcade, filled with culture, food, and traditional crafts.
Day 3. Tokyo
Enjoy a full day to discover this vast, dynamic city entirely at your own pace. Consider exploring Akhibara, a neighborhood dedicated to Japanese pop culture. Discover different arcades and tap into the city's renowned anime and manga culture.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice near the hotel.
Akihabara - Tokyo, Japan
Day 4. Tokyo - Mount Fuji Area
This morning, you’ll depart Tokyo and travel south along the coastline into the scenic Five Lakes region. There, a cable‑car ride (weather permitting) offers sweeping views of Lake Kawaguchi and the towering beauty of Mount Fuji. You’ll also stop at the striking Chureito Pagoda, the perfect spot to capture your own postcard‑worthy photo with Fujisan rising dramatically behind it.
Check-in - Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel
Boasting breathtaking mountain and city views, Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel is a premium escape designed for complete relaxation.
Each air-conditioned guest room serves as a peaceful retreat, featuring flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and plush slippers, alongside private bathrooms complete with soaking tubs, showers, and bidets.
The hotel’s standout wellness amenities include a traditional public bath, a panoramic open-air bath, a sun terrace, and a modern fitness center. Guests also enjoy seamless convenience with free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, bike rentals, and a 24-hour front desk with luggage storage.
Dining is an exceptional experience, starting with a diverse daily buffet breakfast and continuing with exquisite Japanese and European cuisines for lunch and dinner, with special dietary menus available.
Day 5. Mount Fuji Area - Osaka
In the morning, you'll board Japan’s famous shinkansen (bullet train) for Osaka. Opened in 1964 just before the Tokyo Olympics, it was the world's first high-speed railway, revolutionizing global transport by cutting the travel time between these 2 cities from almost seven hours, to just over two!
Arrive in Osaka and join your Tour Director for a walking tour through lively Minami. The evening is yours to explore the city’s dining, nightlife, and vibrant streets at your own pace.
Bullet train to Osaka
Check-in - Shin Osaka Esaka Tokyu Rei Hotel
Housed just steps from Esaka Station, the Shin Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel is a close hotel for exploring Osaka, with easy access to Umeda, Namba, Shin-Osaka Station, and Universal Studios Japan®.
Comfortable, modern rooms are designed for a relaxing stay and include free Wi-Fi, air purifiers, tea-making facilities, satellite TV, and spacious bathrooms with bathtubs and premium amenities. Guests can also enjoy on-site conveniences including currency exchange services and quick access to nearby restaurants, cafés, and shops.
Start the day with a buffet breakfast at the hotel’s bright and contemporary restaurant, where a live kitchen serves freshly prepared dishes and seasonal specialties. Other nearby attractions of note include Yamaguchi Honcho Park, Glico Museum, and more.
Join your Tour Director for a relaxed stroll through Minami, one of Osaka’s most energetic districts. This lively area blends the style of Shinsaibashi, the buzz of Namba, and the neon‑lit charm of Dotonbori. It’s a hub for standout dining, nightlife, and entertainment. You’ll also find some of the city’s trendiest boutiques and major department stores along the way.
Day 6. Osaka
Your morning begins with your sightseeing tour of Osaka!
Once your tour has ended, you’ll have the afternoon and evening free, perhaps returning to Dotonbori to enjoy local flavors and its glowing neon streets.
Your Osaka sightseeing experience begins at the Open‑Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses, where beautifully preserved thatched‑roof homes from the Edo period offer a vivid glimpse into rural life centuries ago. As you wander through these historic structures, you’ll feel transported to another era, surrounded by traditional craftsmanship and timeless architecture. The journey continues with a visit to Osaka Castle, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Day 7. Osaka - Okayama - Kurashiki - Hiroshima
Today, you’ll travel south to Okayama this morning to explore Koraku‑en Garden, one of Japan’s celebrated Three Great Gardens, known for its ponds, plum groves, tea fields, and unusually expansive lawns. After free time in Kurashiki’s atmospheric Bikan Historical Quarter, with its Edo‑era canals and white‑washed streets, you’ll continue to Hiroshima.
Check-in - Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima
Set in the heart of Hiroshima’s main commercial district, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima is a central stay just a one-minute walk from Chudenmae Tram Station.
Modern guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi, 40-inch LCD TVs, tea-making facilities, and private bathrooms with bathtubs, while select rooms offer impressive city views.
Guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, along with convenient amenities including a 24-hour front desk, coin-operated laundry facilities, private parking, and an on-site convenience store. Nearby attractions include the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum.
Explore Koraku‑en Garden, celebrated as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens and admired for its harmony of nature and design. This expansive 30‑acre landscape invites you to wander past reflective ponds, peaceful plum groves, and neatly tended tea fields. Its broad, open lawns—rare in traditional Japanese garden design—were created to inspire clarity, uplift the spirit, and encourage a sense of openness. A visit here offers a serene window into centuries‑old aesthetics and the art of Japanese garden craftsmanship.
Day 8. Hiroshima
You’ll spend the day exploring two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Miyajima Island’s famed Itsukushima Shrine!
Spend the rest of the evening as you see fit.
Today’s full‑day exploration takes you to two powerful UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine—each offering a profound window into Japan’s past. Your morning begins in Peace Memorial Park, where you’ll see the preserved Peace Memorial, often called the Atomic Bomb Dome, standing exactly as it did on August 6, 1945. You’ll continue through the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall, both dedicated to honoring the lives lost and sharing the stories of that day. The experience sets a reflective tone before you journey onward to Miyajima Island later in the day, to witness the spiritual beauty of Itsukushima Shrine, renowned for its beautiful floating Torii Gate.
For lunch (included) you'll be treated to the legendary dish known as okonomiyaki, a delicious Japanese-style savory pancake.
Day 9. Hiroshima - Bizen - Himeji - Kyoto
Travel north into Bizen to step inside a traditional pottery workshop and discover Bizen‑yaki, a thousand‑year‑old ceramic art and one of Japan’s six classic pottery traditions. Continue to Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated as the finest surviving example of early 17th‑century Japanese castle design, before making your way to Kyoto.
A Tip For Your Trip: Choose an overnight stay at a ryokan to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese culture and hospitality. Your ryokan features traditional touches like tatami mat floors, a thin sleeping mattress, and the chance to experience a Japanese-style bath – as well as the modern convenience of a private bathroom. Traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast are included in your stay. Please note that space is very limited. You must pre-book this ahead of arriving in Japan for your tour through the guest acknowledgment process, and an additional fee applies.
Check-in - Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo
A stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo places you right in the heart of Kyoto’s bustling Shijo district, giving you effortless access to shops, cafés, and major transit lines. The hotel sits within walking distance of both Nishiki Market and Gion, making it an ideal base for exploring Kyoto’s cultural and culinary highlights.
Inside, guests can unwind in modern, well‑designed rooms that balance comfort with clean, minimalist Japanese aesthetics. The on‑site restaurant offers fresh, locally inspired dishes, while the bar provides a relaxed space to end the evening.
A fully equipped fitness center and convenient self‑service laundry facilities make longer stays easy and stress‑free. Travelers also appreciate the 24‑hour Pavilion Pantry, stocked with snacks, drinks, and quick meals for late‑night cravings.
Day 10. Kyoto
Your day moves from the shimmering Kinkakuji and lively Nishiki Market to a serene traditional tea ceremony and a visit to Sanjusajendo and Fushimi Inari, home to thousands of iconic torii gates. You finish with a guided walk through Gion, Kyoto’s famed geisha district, where you enjoy a local treat.
Your morning begins at the radiant Kinkakuji, the famed Golden Pavilion, whose gold‑leaf exterior shimmers against its surrounding pond and gardens. From there, dive into the lively energy of Nishiki Market, a narrow five‑block arcade packed with specialty shops, food stalls, and local flavors. You’ll then take part in a traditional tea ceremony, a graceful ritual that highlights the beauty of Japanese hospitality and mindfulness.
After lunch, continue to Sanjusangendo Temple, home to 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, before heading to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its endless path of vivid vermilion Torii Gates. Your day concludes with a guided walk through Gion, Kyoto’s storied geisha district, where you’ll enjoy a taste of a beloved local treat as you explore its atmospheric streets.
Day 11. Kyoto
Enjoy a full day to uncover more of Kyoto’s timeless temples, shrines, and neighborhoods at your own pace. Or, for a change of scenery, consider an optional visit to Nara Park, where friendly free‑roaming deer wander among ancient sites and wide open greens.
Kyoto, Japan
Day 12. Depart Japan
Conclude your journey this morning with breakfast, offering a final chance to savor the flavors of Japan before you part ways with your fellow travelers.
Transfer from hotel to airport
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.
Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid international carriers as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.
Air fares are based on a 14-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare, including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees, and the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees. Other departure dates and origins are available at slightly higher rates. Fares apply to North American originating passengers only, and are not eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. Child/infant discounts are not available, and stopovers are not permitted. Advance seat selection is controlled by the carrier(s), and may not be available on all flights. Baggage fees may apply; please check with carrier for specific policies.
Vacation packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.
Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.
Promo Code Offer Details: All promotions are subject to availability, valid for new bookings only, cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, voucher or any other offers, and are not redeemable for cash. Offers are available for phone bookings via our reservation agents as well as online. This promo code can be input online on the payment screen. The call center is open Monday through Friday 9AM – 9PM ET, Saturdays 10AM – 6PM ET. Discounts will apply only once per passenger and are not valid for airfare only, or any other products or services. If a flight reservation is changed or cancelled, the original fare basis rules apply (plus any increase in fare). Additional restrictions may apply.
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