Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo
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Discover a country home to ancient customs and modern-day innovations.
Find your Zen in the Japanese Alps and step inside shrines built by emperors in Kyoto. Savor dishes the Japanese have perfected—ramen and sushi, anyone?—and enjoy a guided meditation and tea tasting. Then, when you think things can’t get any more astounding, look to the horizon in Tokyo, where skyscrapers and iconic Mount Fuji anchor the skyline. Each day, you'll find a new reason to love the Land of the Rising Sun on this small group Adventure Tour.
Your tour package includes
- 12 nights in handpicked hotels
- 12 breakfasts
- 5 dinners with beer or wine
- 3 tastings
- 1 liquor tasting
Included highlights
- Kuromon Ichiba Market
- Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- Hiroshima legacy successor talk
- Himeji Castle
- Golden Pavilion
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to Osaka today.
Welcome to Japan! Get settled in to your hotel this evening.
Join a local guide and set out to explore Osaka, the birthplace of many of Japan’s well-known arts, such as Kabuki theater and the tea ceremony.
- Visit the massive Osaka Castle, which houses a museum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the legendary leader who built it
- Stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market, famous for its selection of fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, and other Japanese specialties
- Learn about the country’s culinary traditions and try takoyaki, a fried octopus ball
- Walk to Dōtonbori, one of the most colorful areas in the city and a haven for food culture
This evening, sit down for a Yakiniku, family-style welcome dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travelers. You’ll enjoy grilled meats and veggies prepared at your table.
Board a high-speed bullet train and travel to Hiroshima. Then, get to know this renowned City of Peace alongside your Tour Director.
- Visit Peace Memorial Park to see the ruined Atomic Bomb Dome, marking the exact location where the atomic bomb detonated during World War II
- Meet a legacy successor, a local trained to pass on the stories of the Hiroshima bombing survivors
- Hear their story and ask them questions about their work preserving the city’s history
- Learn about the aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing and the mission to create a world without nuclear weapons, during a visit to the Peace Memorial Museum
- Take a short boat ride to Miyajima Island to view the 12th-century, UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine
Please note: The order of the activities may change depending on the timing of the legacy successor talk.
Make your way to Kyoto, stopping in the city of Himeji along the way.
- Enjoy free time for lunch
- Enter Himeji Castle, a UNESCO-listed wooden masterpiece comprised of over 80 buildings
- Snap photos of the Otemon Gate as you enter and admire the castle’s white facade, elegant pinnacles, and striking 17th-century architecture
- Round out your visit with free time to explore Kōko-en, a stunning garden that’s designed to be pleasing all four seasons
Continue on to Kyoto, where you’ll enjoy a traditional shabu-shabu (hot pot) dinner at a local restaurant.
This morning, visit a local Buddhist temple and immerse yourself in the spiritual traditions of Japan.
- Tour the temple and tap in to your unconscious mind during a guided Zen meditation session
- Sip matcha green tea alongside a traditional Japanese sweet
Then, a local guide leads a tour of Kyoto, the city that served as the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years—and is still considered its spiritual capital.
- See one of Japan’s most famous temples, the glittering Golden Pavilion
- See the country’s finest Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple
Please note: The guided Zen meditation session may take place in the afternoon and the Arashiyama District & Okochi Sanso Garden excursion may take place in the morning.
Spend a free afternoon in Kyoto or add an excursion.
Arashiyama District & Okochi Sanso Garden
From $119 per person
Discover some of Kyoto’s sacred spots and traditional flavors alongside your Tour Director today.
- Enter Fushimi Inari, a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of red Torii gates
- Walk up steps and follow the pathway of gates up the mountain to the Yotsutsuji intersection, and take in the panoramic views of Kyoto
Please note: The walk through Fushimi Inari Shrine is one-way. You must complete the walk once you enter.
Spend a free afternoon in Kyoto or add an excursion.
Nara: Traditions of Japan
From $89 per person
Board a high-speed bullet train and travel to Kanazawa, a city bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west and the Japanese Alps to the east. You’ll take a guided tour of Kenroku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Enjoy free time to stroll through the park before continuing on to the Japanese Alps.
Enjoy a free evening to relax or explore the area.
Spend the day uncovering the beauty of Takayama and the Japanese Alps.
- Travel to the city of Takayama and stroll through the Old Town with your Tour Director
- Walk through the Sanmachi Historic District, a neighborhood of preserved Edo-style homes dating back to the 17th century
Next, drive through the scenic mountain landscape to Chubu-Sangaku National Park to visit Kamikōchi, one of the most beautiful areas in the Alps.
- Hike along Taisho Pond, a picturesque mountain lake formed by a volcanic eruption
- Enjoy views of the surrounding mountain landscape as you hike to Tashiro Pond
- Cross Kappabashi, a suspension bridge with spectacular Alpine views
- Enjoy free time to visit the Kamikochi Visitor Center
Please note: Kamikochi is closed from mid-November to mid-April. A sightseeing of the Shirakawa-go region, Ogimachi village, and Gassho-zukuri Minkaen open-air museum will be included during these months.
This evening, sit down with your group for a traditional Kaiseki dinner paired with a sake tasting. This multi-course meal showcases a chef’s refined skills and talent through elegantly prepared, seasonal dishes.
Return to Kanazawa this morning and board a high-speed bullet train to Tokyo.
This afternoon, sit down for a Japanese tea ceremony.
- Join a tea master to learn about the customs of a traditional ceremony and why each utensil is essential to this ancient practice
- Discover the meaning of the symbolic gestures you’ll make as you try matcha
- Sip some tea and snack on wagashi, Japanese sweets often made from red beans, which balance the bitterness of the matcha
Join a local guide and embark on an immersive tour of Tokyo.
- Walk through Tsukiji fish market and learn about Japan’s seafood heritage
- Visit a vendor’s stall to sample fresh sushi (vegetarian option available)
- View the iconic Shibuya Crossing as you drive through the central part of the city
- Set off on a short walk from Yoyogi Park to the Meiji Shrine, final resting place of Emperor Meiji
- Stroll through the colorful Harajuku neighborhood
Tonight, join an experienced chef at a local restaurant for a cooking lesson and dinner.
- Grab your apron and watch as the chef demonstrates how to make traditional Japanese cuisine such as gyudon, miso soup, cucumber pickles, or a chicken teriyaki bento box
- Try your hand at crafting your own authentic meal
- Sit down to enjoy the cuisine for dinner
Spend a free day in Tokyo or add an excursion.
Aokigahara Forest & Mount Fuji
From $95 per person
Set out with your Tour Director to see more of Tokyo’s iconic pagodas, temples, shrines, and markets.
- See the pagodas and shrines in Ueno Park, as you hear the history and stories behind them
- Walk to Ameya market and enjoy free time to visit many of the shops and open-air stalls
- Peruse Kappabashi Street, or Kitchen Town, home to more than 170 shops specializing in high-quality kitchenware, such as chopsticks and knives
- Enter Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Japan
Celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner this evening.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Naha, Okinawa.
Transfer to the airport this morning and board your flight to the city of Naha on the island of Okinawa, located to the southwest in the East China Sea.
Join a local guide for a tour of Naha, Okinawa’s capital city.
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Shikinaen Gardens, built in 1799 to entertain envoys of Chinese Emperors
- Head north for a tour of the Hacksaw Ridge Battlefield, where one of the fiercest and bloodiest battles took place during the Pacific War
- Walk up the escarpment to the top of Hacksaw Ridge
Spend a free afternoon in Naha or add an excursion.
Okinawa Blue Zone: Culinary Traditions & Dinner
From $109 per person
Spend a free day in Naha or add an excursion.
Awamori Underground Caves & Distillery Tour
From $139 per person
Fly back to Tokyo this morning and spend a free night in the city.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Book for just $99 down
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Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
Overall rating 4.3 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars
The tour was great overall even though it rained most of the time. We got lost and turned around several times on this trip. We were rushed in certain spots and stood in the way of locals while trying to find our way. As someone who has been to Japan before, I didn't like that we had to give tips to...
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5 out of 5 stars
The trip to Japan was filled with wonderful sites, temples, food and customs. The hotels were all great with some having a Zen ambiance. The cherry blossoms were in bloom which led to crowed sites with both locals and foreign tourists but this did not distract from the beauty. Okinawa was enjoyab...
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4 out of 5 stars
Two days for travel, 16 days in Japan! This itinerary is amazing. I saw and experienced so much of Japan in a short amount of time. I would like more days in each city of course. I would not do the Okinawa extension simply because there is too much free time which could have been used to go to the P...
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Traveler photos
Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.This sleek hotel is located in the heart of Osaka. Guests enjoy amazing city views, a fitness center, and free amenities in the rooms. Nearby you'll f...
This minimalist hotel is located in Hiroshima's city-center. Guests enjoy the simple modern rooms, on-site coffee house, and bar. Nearby you'll find ...
This modern hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto. Guests enjoy the public bath and spa, on-site restaurant, and peaceful rooms. Nearby you'll find N...
This relaxing hotel is located in the Japanese Alps in the city of Takayama. Guests enjoy traditional style rooms, a zen room, and large public bath. ...
This eclectic hotel is located in the Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo. Guests enjoy city views, open-air terraces, and on-site restaurant with bar. Nea...
This contemporary hotel is located in the Naha neighborhood of Okinawa. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, fitness center, and city views. Nearby you'll f...
Flights
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
- Find out more about flights
FAQ
Print FAQ- In order to enter Japan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact Japan’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code JAG.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Osaka and depart from Tokyo.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
- When you arrive in Osaka, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a very high physical activity-level tour. You can expect vigorous activity throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- One 1-night stay
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach
- Some transport by train
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 3-5 miles per day over varying terrain - this includes crowded city streets, stone paths, uneven stairs, and steep hills.
- During the Zen meditation it is important to note travelers will need to sit on the ground for the duration and should feel comfortable getting up and down unassisted.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
Climate Considerations
- Temperatures range from 40sF in winter to low-80sF in summer, with occasional heatwaves in the summer months (June-September).
- Summer is the rainy season in Japan and travelers should expect hot, humid days.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including trains and private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- Train rides from Osaka to Hiroshima, Kyoto to Kanazawa, and Kanazawa to Tokyo are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a round-trip flight between Tokyo and Okinawa.)
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- Japanese train stations typically operate similarly to airports where security measures, such as baggage and body scanners, are common. Platforms are often spread out across large distances and require travelers to manage their luggage on escalators or stairs. Porterage services are not offered on train transfers and luggage storage on trains is extremely limited. Please keep in mind that trains may only be stopping at the stations for a few minutes; speed with loading and unloading may be imperative.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and trains.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels, airports, and boarding trains.
- Luggage storage on trains is extremely limited, and only hand luggage is allowed. Larger luggage will be shipped to each hotel and typically arrives the following day so an overnight bag is recommended.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
- We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
- Accommodations are typically three to four star hotels.
- All accommodations include a private bathroom.
- Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
- Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
- Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
- Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
- Japan operates on 100 volts and uses a Type A plug, the same as in the U.S.
- We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code JAG.
- This tour includes five dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Most Japanese meals are based around rice or noodles with fish, meat, and vegetables flavored with soy sauce and miso. You may recognize popular dishes like sushi, tempura, and hot pot.
- In Tokyo, you’ll find regional dishes from all over the country as well as international cuisine throughout the city. Popular dishes in Tokyo are nigiri sushi, Chanko Nabe hot pot (a favorite of sumo wrestlers), and Monjayaki—a delicious griddled pancake made with seafood, meat, and cabbage.
- You’ll find rich culinary history in Kyoto ranging from fine-dining kaiseki dinners where the chef’s plating skills are on full display, or simple and traditional home-style meals which are referred to as obanzai ryori. Be sure not to miss the Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, you’ll find over one hundred stalls offering local produce and tasty snacks.
- Local foods are Hiroshima’s specialty such as their Okonomiyaki dish—a savory pancake which is layered with several toppings and placed on yakisoba noodles. You’ll also find the cold noodle dish Tantanmen where you can choose your spice level and add toppings like sliced meats, eggs, and vegetables.
- In the Japanese Alps, you’ll find some of the country’s best soba noodles which are served in a variety of dishes. Beautifully marbled Hida Beef out of the Gifu Prefecture can be found throughout the Alps region as well as mountain vegetables, Buddhist cuisine, and traditional Japanese sweets.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10-$12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Japanese yen on tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
- Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- Environment: When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.