Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
$4403
Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
12 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Kyoto, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Okayama, Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Bizen, Himeji, Kyoto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2510-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 20
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This Japan tour is perfect for value-minded travel lovers who enjoy history, beautiful settings, and fascinating architecture. You’ll start in Tokyo, end in Kyoto, and overnight along the way in the Mount Fuji area, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Highlights of this tour through Japan are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you’ll visit. Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, has long been worshipped as a sacred mountain; you’ll enjoy views of majestic Mount Fiji and Lake Kawaguchi during your cable-car ride (weather permitting). In Hiroshima, visit Itsukushima Shrine, built over water and known for its iconic floating Torii gate, and Peace Memorial Park to see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the only remaining structure from the first atomic bomb in 1945. In Kyoto, visit the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in beautiful gold leaf, and participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. In addition to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous shrines, and other historic sites, this tour includes visits to two of Japan’s premier gardens dating back to the 1600’s. Walk the tranquil Koraku-En to enjoy the ponds, bridges, waterfalls, and tea house and the Shinjuku Gyoen or “Imperial Garden,” formerly a feudal lord’s property and home to one thousand cherry blossom trees. You’ll enjoy a local lunch and taste the “Japanese pizza” of Hiroshima, the legendary okonomiyaki dish. Plus, you’ll ride on the famous bullet train, or shinkansen. History, scenery, culture, cuisine, and fun experiences…this Japan vacation has it all!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tokyo, Japan
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome
Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 : Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions prior to morning sightseeing in Tokyo. Your tour starts with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Next, visit Shinjuku Gyoen Garden. Originally dating from the early 1600s, the garden was destroyed in World War II and reopened in 1949 as a public park, home to one thousand cherry blossom trees. Today, it remains an immensely popular stop for locals and visitors alike. Last stop is the vibrant Asakusa Kannon Temple and the bustling Nakamise shopping arcade. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 3 : Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the day at your leisure to explore this sprawling metropolis.
Day 4 : Tokyo - Mount Fuji Area
Location: Tokyo, Mount Fuji
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, leave Tokyo and head south along the coast to the beautiful Five Lakes region. Take a cable-car ride (weather permitting) for panoramic views of Lake Kawaguchi and spectacular Mount Fuji, or Fujisan as the locals call it, Japan’s highest mountain. You’ll also visit Chureito Pagoda for a chance to snap your own iconic image of the pagoda with Fujisan in the background!
Day 5 : Mount Fuji Area - Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, board Japan’s famous bullet train for Osaka. Upon arrival, a traditional lunch is served. Experience the city’s legendary dish, okonomiyaki, a delicious Japanese-style pancake. Then, join your Tour Director for a walking tour in Minami. Made up of Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Dotonbori, this area is home to great dining and nightlife and some of the city’s most fashionable shops and department stores.
Day 6 : Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Shin-Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your sightseeing tour starts at the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses, where traditional thatched-roof farm houses dating from the Edo period have been restored. Be transported back in time as you explore the old architecture. Visit Osaka Castle then enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure. Perhaps return to Dotonbori this evening to sample local cuisine and see the sparkling neon lights.
Day 7 : Osaka - Okayama - Kurashiki - Hiroshima
Location: Osaka, Okayama, Kurashiki, Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, drive south to Okayama and visit Koraku-en, one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan.” The 30-acre garden features ponds, plum groves, and tea fields. The wide lawns, believed to uplift the spirit and promote open mindedness, are unique to Koraku-en and not a traditional feature of Japanese gardens. In Kurashiki, enjoy free time in the Bikan Historical Quarter, once the political and commercial center of the city. The canal-lined, white-washed, stone streets reflect the Edo period (1603-1867) and are quintessentially Japanese. Continue to Hiroshima.
Day 8 : Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima, Miyajima Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s full day sightseeing includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine. Start at Peace Memorial Park where you’ll visit the Peace Memorial, commonly referred to as the Atomic Bomb Dome, that is preserved and is just as it was on August 6, 1945, immediately after the bombing. You will also visit the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall, which commemorate the lives lost that day. Then, travel to Miyajima Island to visit Itsukushima Shrine, known for its beautiful floating Torii Gate.
Day 9 : Hiroshima - Bizen - Himeji - Kyoto
Location: Bizen, Himeji, Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive north to Bizen, where you’ll visit a traditional pottery workshop to learn more about Bizen-yaki, one of Japan’s six ancient pottery styles dating back over 1,000 years. Stop in Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture that combines function with elegance. Continue to Kyoto. This evening, you may choose to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan (additional fee and pre-booking required).
Day 10 : Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Your day begins with a visit to stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered in shimmering gold leaf. Walk through bustling Nishiki Market, a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Participate in a tea ceremony, time-honored tradition, and wonderfully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea. After lunch, visit Sanjusajendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly hued Torii Gate. Then, take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, and sample a local Japanese treat.
Day 11 : Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full day at leisure to explore more of Kyoto’s historic sites and shrines.
Day 12 : Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
11 breakfasts and 4 lunches are included.
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided with an expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides.
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi is provided.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier, Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel, Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae, and Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Himeji Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Itsukushima Shrine, and Mount Fuji are included.
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Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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Transport Description
Travel in comfort with a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach equipped with free Wi-Fi. Additionally, experience Japan's famous bullet train for a seamless and efficient journey between destinations.
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Accommodation Description
Stay at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier, Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel, Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae, and Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo. These hotels offer modern amenities, convenient locations, and unique features such as rooftop terraces, public baths, and stunning views of Mt. Fuji.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
UNESCO Sites
Himeji Castle|Hiroshima Peace Memorial|Itsukushima Shrine|Mount Fuji
Small Group
Cosmos 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 Cosmos 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.
Meals
11 breakfasts, 4 lunches
Accommodation
Stay at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier, Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel, Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae, and Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo. These hotels offer modern amenities, convenient locations, and unique features such as rooftop terraces, public baths, and stunning views of Mt. Fuji.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach equipped with free Wi-Fi. Additionally, experience Japan's famous bullet train for a seamless and efficient journey between destinations.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach transportation with free Wi-Fi.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 11 breakfasts and 4 lunches as detailed in the itinerary.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in various hotels including Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier, Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel, Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae, and Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo. These hotels offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi, rooftop terraces, saunas, and Japanese-style baths.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there are several opportunities for leisure time, including afternoons in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, where you can explore the cities on your own.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include visits to the Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Mount Fuji, Osaka Castle, Peace Memorial Park, Itsukushima Shrine, Himeji Castle, and the Temple of the Gold Pavilion.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Himeji Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Itsukushima Shrine, and Mount Fuji.
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Is there an option for a small group tour?
Yes, Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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Will there be a tour guide during the trip?
Yes, the tour is fully guided and includes an expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
Activities include sightseeing tours, visits to historical and cultural sites, a cable-car ride for panoramic views of Mount Fuji, a traditional lunch in Osaka, and a tea ceremony in Kyoto.
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Is there an option to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan?
Yes, there is an option to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan in Kyoto for an additional fee and pre-booking is required.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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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.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.