TOKYO, KYOTO, MT. FUJI, HAKONE, TAKAYAMA, AND KANAZAWA
Experience true beauty in the “Land of the Rising Sun” on this guided Japan tour with airfare included. All around Tokyo you’ll explore ancient architecture and amazing cultural sights. Discover Japan’s scenic countryside as you travel through Hakone and stop to admire the splendors of Mt. Fuji. In Takayama, enjoy this small town’s quaint history, colorful markets, and stunning views of the Japanese Alps. Take a picturesque drive to visit the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, then head to Kanazawa where you’ll delight in even more traditional charms. On your last days of this trip, take a beautiful and exciting journey through Kyoto—admire serene temples, wander through Japanese gardens, and take in all this extraordinary culture has to offer.
For COVID-19 updates, please scroll down to our “Before You Depart” section.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 4 nights in Tokyo
- 2 nights in Takayama
- 1 night in Kanazawa
- 3 nights in Kyoto
- 2-nights optional extension to Osaka
Tour
Highlights
- Sushi-making class (Tokyo)
- Mt. Fuji
- Ancient town in Takayama
- Sake Tasting at a Sake Brewery
- Shirakawago (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Sightseeing in Kyoto
- Tea Making & Tea Tasting Experience
- Tea Making & Tea Tasting Experience
Extension Highlights
- Osaka Castle
- Dotonbori District
- Kuromon Market Food Tasting
- Umeda Sky Garden Observatory
- Himeji Castle
- Kokoen Garden
- Sake Brewery & Tasting
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (passengers may also book this tour without flights)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-Japan ground transportation and transfers
- Super-Express “bullet” train between Tokyo and Nagoya
- Accommodations at Superior First Class hotels
- 14 meals: Full buffet breakfast daily (B), 1 lunch (L), 3 dinners (D)
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours as indicated in itinerary
- English-speaking Tour Director and local guides
Your extension includes:
- Ground transportation
- Accommodation at a superior first class hotel
- 2 meals: 2 breakfasts plus a food tasting
- Sightseeing with an English-speaking guide
Tour Itinerary
Guided Tour Pricing
Prices and dates below include round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (LAX). Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only, and arrange their own arrival in destination.
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Oct. 1, 2021 Flight included unless otherwise indicated. |
Reserve After
Oct. 1, 2021 Price Increase |
Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2022 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| March 6 | March 17 | Mar 6 - Mar 17 | $4,799 | $4,899 | $5,199 |
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| April 3 | April 14 | Apr 3 - Apr 14 | $5,099 | $5,199 | $5,499 |
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|
| April 10 | April 21 | Apr 10 - Apr 21 | $4,899 | $4,999 | $5,299 |
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| April 17 | April 28 | Apr 17 - Apr 28 | $4,899 | $4,999 | $5,299 |
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| May 1 | May 12 | May 1 - May 12 | $4,699 | $4,799 | $5,099 |
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| May 15 | May 26 | May 15 - May 26 | $4,699 | $4,799 | $5,099 |
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| June 12 | June 23 | Jun 12 - Jun 23 | $4,699 | $4,799 | $5,099 |
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| September 11 | September 22 | Sep 11 - Sep 22 | $4,899 | $4,999 | $5,299 |
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| October 2 | October 13 | Oct 2 - Oct 13 | $4,899 | $4,999 | $5,299 |
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| October 16 | October 27 | Oct 16 - Oct 27 | $4,899 | $4,999 | $5,299 |
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Rates are based on double occupancy.
2021: Single room supplement is $899.
2022 Mar. 6, Jun. 12: Single room supplement is $799.
2022 May. 1, May. 15: Single room supplement is $899.
2022 Apr. 3, Apr. 17, Sep. 11, Oct. 2, Oct. 16: Single room supplement is $999.
Osaka Extension: Add $999 per person double occupancy / $1,128 single
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm EST) at 800-337-7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $99 per person for all 2021 departures, and $300 per person for all 2022 departures. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Extended Tours
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
To enhance and make your vacation in Japan more complete and memorable, your tour guide will offer you several optional tours. All rates are in Japanese Yen. You are also given the approximate equivalent in US dollars, however, please keep in mind that the US dollar rates will fluctuate based on the prevailing exchange rate at the time of travel. Payment should be made by major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) or by cash – Japanese Yen (you may exchange US dollars to Japanese Yens at your hotel). Optional tours are subject to a minimum number of participants and may therefore not be offered if this minimum is not met. Also, tours are subject to availability, capacity limitations and operation of the services on the dates you are traveling on. Note that optional tours are non-refundable.
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented some COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.
Returning to the U.S.: In accordance with U.S. entry requirements, smarTours will arrange testing for the group in destination. Full details and requirements can be accessed here. More details including cost will be added when available.
Note: If you are traveling with us on a land-only basis please share your travel plans with us and let us know if you will also need to be tested with the rest of the group.
Please note entry requirements are changing rapidly. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.
- Entry requirements
- State Department Travel Advisory Updates (Japan)
- Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (Japan)
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your departure flight from the U.S. to Japan and back are the following airlines. You are expected to check-in for your flight at least 3½ hours before the scheduled departure. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours. Also keep in mind that flight schedules are always subject to change. Schedules are as follows:
| Departure Date | Airline | Los Angeles (LAX) | |
| Depart | Return | ||
| 2021: Jun. 13, Sep. 5, Oct. 3, Oct. 10 | United Airlines | 11:45AM | 3:45PM |
| 2021: Nov. 7 | United Airlines | 12:15PM | 3:45PM |
| 2022: All Dates | TBA | TBA | TBA |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
The above airlines do not assign seats in advance. Seat assignment can only be arranged upon check-in at the airport. Please note that smarTours is not involved with your seat assignment. It is between you and the airline!
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land services start upon independent check in at Tokyo hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-Only services end after breakfast at Kyoto hotel on Day 12 of the itinerary listed on the tour page.
Main Tour + Extension: Land services start upon independent check in at Tokyo hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-Only services end after breakfast at Osaka hotel on Day 14 of the itinerary listed on the tour page.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Visa is not required for American passport holders visiting Japan. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instruction and additional travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you should consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
You may expect daytime high temperatures averaging in the 60’s in April and November; 70’s in May, June and October; 80’s in July through September. Overnight temperatures are cooler.
NON-INCLUDED MEALS
The hotels used on this tour have several dining choices from coffee shop to specialty restaurants. You may also dine in local restaurants near your hotels that may furnish less expensive menus. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in the coffee shop is about $25-35 per meal per person. In some local restaurants such as Noodle Shops, you may pay less. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. Your hotel will be able to exchange for you cash to local currency or you may be able to use ATM machines. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase), max. 44 pounds and one carry-on piece. Carry on must not exceed 18”x10”x8”. As your trip to Japan is informal, we recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of casual separates with climate and comfort in mind.
Multimedia
Check out photos taken by smarTours travelers on this trip of a lifetime!
