Take an unforgettable 13-day tour through Japan one of the most culturally rich and advanced countries in the world. See the riches of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, then experience the excitement of Tokyo’s bustling streets and happening nightlife.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Osaka

Board your overnight flight to Japan.

Day 2 - Osaka

Arrive in Osaka, where a Go Ahead representative meets you after you clear customs. Later, join your fellow travelers at tonight’s included dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Osaka

Today’s guided tour offers a look at massive Osaka Castle, once the mightiest castle in Japan, with a museum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the leader who built the castle. Next, make an excursion to Kobe, where a local guide leads you on a tour of this port city, including the Kiku-Masamune Sake Museum and Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the 1995 earthquake. (B)

Day 4 - Kyoto

En route to Kyoto, step back in time on a guided visit to Japan’s ancient capital of Nara. Discover its exquisite pagodas and architecture, including the Todaiji Shrine, home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha, and the Kasuga Shinto Shrine with its thousands of paper lanterns. Upon your arrival in Kyoto, uncover the city’s past on a guided tour, including the intricate 17th-century Nijo Castle, the gold-leaf covered Golden Pavilion and the strikingly red Heian Shrine, constructed in 1895. (B, L)

Day 5 - Kyoto

Spend a free day in Kyoto. You might choose to visit the renowned Kiyomizu Temple with its spectacular view of the city. Or opt to join a full-day trip to Hiroshima. You’ll see many moving reminders of that day, including the A-Bomb Dome, a building that partially survived the blast; Peace Park with its Cenotaph for the victims; and the Peace Memorial Museum. Next, view the dazzling Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima. Its colossal red torii (the entry gate of a shrine) “floats” in the ocean during high tide. (B)

$399 USD

Hiroshima Historic Hiroshima has rebuilt itself into a modern-day metropolis, but your full-day excursion there will remind you of its moving past. Please note: This optional requires advance booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

Day 6 - Kyoto

Discover Japan’s lush countryside as you wind your way through misty mountains to the Miho Museum. Designed by I.M. Pei, the Miho seems to melt into the mountainside. Next, watch artisans at work in the pottery village Shigaraki, famous for its 1,200-year-old ceramics traditon. Return to Kyoto this evening for a feast of fresh sushi. (B, D)

Day 7 - Kyoto

On today’s visit to Mikimoto Pearl Island, you’ll see how pearls are cultivated and watch the famous Ama Pearl Divers, as they dive into Ise Bay to collect pearls the old-fashioned way. After visiting Osatsu, a traditional fishing village, stop at the Ise-Jingu Shrine. Its nearly 200 buildings are reconstructed every 20 years, in keeping with Shinto custom. The current structures were remade in 1993. (B, L)

Day 8 - Hakone

Board a high-speed train to the resort town of Hakone, nestled in the Owakudani Valley. Soak up the valley’s tranquil beauty during your cruise of Lake Ashi, formed after Mount Hakone erupted 3,000 years ago—and enjoy fine views of Mount Fuji looming in the background. Afterwards, relax in Hakone’s famous thermal hot springs. (B, D)

Day 9 - Tokyo

Your guided tour of Hakone includes a visit to the Open Air Museum, featuring more than 200 Picasso originals. Then travel to snow-capped Mount Fuji, standing an imposing 12,388 feet high. Enjoy panoramic views of lakes and villages from the mountain (weather permitting) before arriving in Tokyo for a traditional tempura dinner. (B, D)

Day 10 - Tokyo

Japan’s bustling capital comes into focus on today’s guided tour. Get a bird’s-eye view of Tokyo from the top of the Tokyo Tower. Nearby is the sacred Zojoji Temple, founded in 1393. Visit Meiji Shinto Shrine with its elaborate Inner Garden and view the unparalleled Imperial Palace. Cruise down the Sumida River before exploring Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple built in 645. Next, explore the famous Ginza district and watch a traditional Kabuki theater performance. (B)

Day 11 - Tokyo

Enjoy Tokyo at your leisure today. Consider visiting Ueno Park with its many museums, including the Tokyo National Museum. Or join an optional excursion to Nikko, known for the stunning Toshogu shrine. After exploring the shrine complex, journey to Nikko National Park for breathtaking views of Lake Chuzenji, Mount Nantai and the spectacular Kegon Falls. (B)

$185 USD

Nikko Those with an appreciation for natural beauty will want to take advantage of this excursion to Nikko, a national park of rivers, lakes and wooded highlands.

Day 12 - Tokyo

With a free day in Tokyo, you might visit the boutiques of Ginza or Shinjuku. Alternatively, you could opt to spend the morning soaking in the hot springs of Ooedo Onsen. Return to Tokyo and join your fellow travelers at tonight’s Farewell Dinner. (B, D)

$99 USD

Ooedo Onsen Hot Springs Nestled in the middle of Tokyo, yet seemingly far from the hustle and bustle, the skyscrapers and the neon signs is an oasis that locals and travelers have been coming to for years. It is the Ooedo Onsen Spa, and it has been rejuvenating bodies and spirits for years.

Day 13 - Tokyo

A Go Ahead representative helps you transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Japan, U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return to the United States. No visa is required for U.S. citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must contact the Japanese consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no health risks associated with traveling in Japan. Sushi and sashimi is not a risk, although eating kuma (raw bear) and botan (raw wild boar) is not recommended. No vaccinations are required for entry into Japan, but it is a good idea to check with your doctor or health official at least six weeks before

Transportation / Walking on tour

Transportation on the Highlights of Japan is conducted by private motorcoach and train. When traveling by train there may be times when you will have to handle your own luggage, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage.

For some included visits and optional excursions, be prepared for some more walking through elaborate monuments and museums, with steps.

Clothing & Packing Tips

We recommend wearing light, loose-fitting casual attire. It’s a good idea to bring a sweater, as it will be helpful in an overly air-conditioned building in the summer. Comfortable footwear that is easily removed is a good idea, as you will be required to remove shoes frequently.

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

The yen is the currency you will be use on tour. Normal banking hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, although currency is generally exchanged after 10 a.m. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Japan, but it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. As ATMs are not always readily available, we advise that you take a combination of U.S. currency and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks or at your hotel. Credit cards can be used at larger stores and restaurants, but many shops and markets will only accept cash. We suggest that you inform your credit card company of your plans, so that your international purchases won’t be mistaken for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

At the end of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend $2 per person per day for your driver and $4 to $6 per person per day for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend $1 per local guide. Tips may only be paid in cash.