TOKYO, KYOTO, MT. FUJI, HAKONE, TAKAYAMA, AND KANAZAWA
Experience true beauty in the “Land of the Rising Sun” on this guided Japan tour. 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. 4/5 stars on Tripadvisor!
Extend Your Trip! Enjoy our Discover Japan with Osaka tour which includes 2 nights in Osaka, which is often called Japan’s “kitchen” for all of its delicious foods.
Did you know you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options
for groups of 15 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
Tour Itinerary:
- 4 nights in Tokyo
- 2 nights in Takayama
- 1 night in Kanazawa
- 3 nights in Kyoto
Tour Highlights
- Meiji Shrine (Tokyo)
- Sushi-making class (Tokyo)
- Lake Ashi boat ride with views of Mt. Fuji
- Ancient town in Takayama
- Sake Tasting at the oldest Sake brewery in Japan
- Shirakawago (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Kenrokuen Garden
- Exploring Kyoto
- Tea Making & Tea Tasting Experience
- Cherry blossoms (seasonal)
Your Tour Includes
- Optional round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Ground transportation in an air-conditioned motorcoach
- Super-Express “bullet” train between Tokyo and Nagoya
- Accommodations at first class hotels
- 15 meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees as per itinerary
- Experienced, English-speaking Tour Director and local guides
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 2
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 4 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day). Included touring may feature light hiking, and/or stairs on some hilly and/or uneven terrain. Learn More
Pacing Level: Moderate
Expect full-day tours most days with some limited free time at specific sites, for meals, and/or in the evenings. You can expect several early mornings and/or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 2+ nights (with limited 1-night stays). Learn More
No Additional Entry Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Currently, there are no additional entry requirements for U.S. passport holders, but this can change at any time. Before travel, both U.S. and non-U.S. passport holders should visit our Passports & Visas page to reconfirm entry requirements.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit
our Before You Depart section.
Click the Day by Day itinerary above (or swipe on mobile devices) to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.
For flight details, see Before You Depart.
Welcome to Japan, the "Land of the Rising Sun" Tokyo is a mix of ancient Japanese culture and modern, dazzling architectural landmarks which we'll be able to explore over the next few days. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive program will be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. This evening our tour director hosts an orientation and shares some vital information about Tokyo, Japan, and our program. This evening, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel.
Accommodations: Keio Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
Our full-day exploration of Tokyo starts with a visit to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of the former emperor and his wife and one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. We'll stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza for a photo before we enjoy a sushi-making class with a sushi chef, and eat our sushi for lunch. Next, we'll visit the 1,093 ft tall Tokyo Tower for bird's eye views of the sprawling metropolis. Our tour continues with a visit to Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo's most spectacular and sacred Buddhist temple. Narrow alleys filled with small shops, restaurants, and tranquil gardens surround the temple. Stroll along Nakamise Street nearby, filled with stores stocking treasure troves of traditional Japanese wares and crafts.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Japan's pastoral countryside unfolds as we depart Tokyo today for Mt. Fuji and Hakone. The main attraction here is majestic Mt. Fuji, a dormant volcano that last erupted almost 300 years ago. The mountain's perfectly shaped cone has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Weather permitting, we'll drive up to the fifth station of the snow capped peak for panoramic vistas. Next, we'll embark on a scenic boat ride on tranquil Lake Ashi before we enjoy a gondola ride on the Komagatake Ropeway for a sweeping view of Hakone and Mt. Fuji. We'll return to Tokyo late this afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Spend a day at leisure to explore Tokyo from our conveniently located hotel. For a real taste of Japan, get up early and head for the colorful wholesale fish market! Or consider an optional tour to Nikko, a magnificent complex of shrines dedicated to the first shogun and adorned with some of the finest woodcarvings in all of Japan.
Meals: Breakfast
This morning we'll take the super-express bullet "Shinkansen" train to Nagoya then transfer to a train to Takayama, a town nestled in the Japanese Alps with traditional-style architecture, ancient culture, and fascinating customs that have been proudly preserved. After settling in, our guided walk weaves through the enchanting narrow streets of the Kami-sannomachi district with beautiful old wooden homes, delightful small shops, coffee houses, and sake breweries—many of which have been in business for centuries. At the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall we'll see huge floats decorated with intricate carvings, gilded wood, and detailed metalwork. We'll visit the Folkcraft Museum, a prime example of Meiji era architecture. This evening, we'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Hida Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we'll join our guide for a stroll through the fascinating Miyagawa Morning Market in the old town. This 200-year-old market bustles with farmers selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and traditional local crafts. We'll enjoy a sake tasting at the oldest sake brewery in Japan while we learn more about how sake is made. We'll proceed to Takayama Jinya, a complex of 17th-century buildings that once housed Tokugawa Shogunate officials. Today, it is a museum with historical displays from the time of the direct rule to the Meiji Era. The balance of the day is free to explore Takayama's quaint old town independently or relax in a soothing traditional hot spring bath!
Meals: Breakfast
Today we'll enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside to the rural region of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we'll discover fascinating examples of old steep thatched roof houses. This unique architectural style, harmonized into the magnificent mountain landscape, was developed over 100 years ago to survive the harsh winters. We’ll visit one of these houses and learn more about daily life in this remote area. We'll continue to the village of Gokayama where we can enjoy a demonstration of traditional Japanese papermaking techniques. Later this afternoon we'll arrive in the Kanazawa, blending modern living with traditional heritage.
Accommodations: Ana Crowne Plaza Kanazawa Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today we'll explore the historic Oumicho Market with some 200 shops selling seafood, vegetables, fruits, floewrs, regional specialties, and more. We'll be whisked back in time to the Edo period with a visit to Nagamachi district, a small neighborhood of narrow, cobblestone streets where brave samurai warriors once lived. Here we'll see the Nomura Family house's stone lanterns and bridges in the garden as well as the cypress-wood ceiling in the residence. We'll visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of the finest gardens in Japan, with its waterfalls, ponds and charming tea-houses before we stroll through the charming Higashi Geisha district followed by a gold leaf experience. Afterward, we'll take a train to splendid Kyoto which embodies Japan's rich culture and complex history.
Note: 2024 departures will have an included lunch today.
Accommodations: RHIGA Royal Hotel Kyoto or RIHGA Gran Kyoto Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Our tour begins at the renowned Kiyomizu Temple which offers stunning views of Kyoto. We'll wander the winding alleys up to the temple, lined with magnificently preserved old houses, craftsmen's workshops, and tea houses. Afterward, we'll enjoy a tea making and tea tasting experience where we'll learn more about Japanese tea traditions. Next, we'll visit 17th-century Nijo Castle, which symbolized the power and riches of what was the newly established Edo-based Shogun. Next is one of Kyoto's most inspiring sights—the Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji). with the top two floors of this fabled pavilion covered in gold leaf. Afterward, we'll visit the Handicraft Center where we can see demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts. This evening, we'll enjoy dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we have a free day to explore ancient Kyoto's grace and beauty independently or join an optional tour. We can join an optional excursion to Nara, Japan's first capital and symbol of tranquility, where we can see the world's largest indoor Buddha. Or we might consider an optional excursion to Hiroshima by bullet train where we'll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Castle.
Meals: Breakfast
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Travelers who purchased the air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport for our return flight from Osaka, and our amazing trip to Japan ends on arrival in the USA.
Meals: Breakfast
Save up to $600 per person sitewide while supplies last. Book by Dec. 1st.
Prices listed as “with flights” below include round-trip
airfare from one or more airports in the USA.
Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only,
and arrange their own arrival in destination.
Please note this may change your tour start date.
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Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a
date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please
contact us here
or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern)
at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made online or 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 $300 per person.
Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Space and prices subject to availability.
Please see the
smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete
booking information.
Optional Tours
Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Enhance your trip with our recommended optional tours.
Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book
when you reserve your trip and can be added to your
reservation up to final payment. This is the best option
to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour!
Optional tours require a minimum number of participants.
Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and
may cost extra. The payment methods and currency
information to purchase tours in-destination will be
provided on final documentation.
Day 4 Full-Day Tour
Today we'll travel to the World Heritage Site of Nikko, a magnificent complex of shrines dedicated to the first shogun. Our first visit in Nikko is Toshogu Shrine located high up in the mountains. This shrine is famous for its complex of colorful structures and superb 17th-century craftsmanship. Net, we'll visit Lake Chuzenji, which was created by one of Mt. Nantai's eruptions. We'll see the impressive Kegon Falls which formed when the Daiya River was rerouted by lava flow.
Note: This optional tour begins at 8AM at the Sunrise Desk at Keio Plaza Hotel and ends around 7:15PM at Shinjuku Station.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 10 Afternoon Tour
On this optional half-day excursion, travel outside Kyoto to Nara, Japan’s first capital and symbol of tranquility. Here, we'll see the Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest wooden structures with the bronze Great Buddha, also the Kasuga Taisha Shrine surrounded by 3000 stone and bronze lanterns, and the nearby Deer Park where deer are thought to be the shrine messengers. Later, we'll return to Kyoto.
Note: This optional tour starts at 1:30PM and ends around 6:45PM at the Avanti Sunrise Tour Desk on Kroto St. across from Kyoto Station. The timing of this optional activity conflicts with the Hiroshima optional tour. Travelers may select either this tour or the Hiroshima tour, but cannot book both.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 10 Full-Day Tour
We'll travel to Hiroshima by bullet train and begin at the world-famous Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. We'll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, established in 1955 and dedicated to documenting the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in World War II. Next, we'll stop at the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site then walk by Shima Hospital, Hiroshima's "ground zero." We'll enjoy an Okonomi-yaki making experience for lunch and afterward, visit Hiroshima Castle before returning to Kyoto by bullet train.
Note: This optional tour starts at 8AM at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto and ends around 8:15PM at Kyoto Station. The timing of this optional activity conflicts with the Nara optional tour. Travelers may select either this tour or the Nara tour, but cannot book both.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Featured Accommodations
2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku,
Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo
160-8330 Japan
Website
60 Hanoaka-cho 2-chome
Takayama, Gifu, 506-0009, Japan
Website
16-3 Showa-machi, Kanazawa
Ishikawa Prefecture 920-8518, Japan
Website
1 Taimatsu-cho, Shiokoji-sagaru, HigashiHorikawa-dori, Shimogyo-ku
Kyoto 600-8237, Japan
Website
Japan, 〒601-8003 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Higashikujo Nishisannocho, 1番地
Website
Susan
Eric was a very engaging tour director and did a wonderful job showing us highlights of Japan. Would have been better if he had been secured for this tour earlier to allow his preparation and input to the agenda, as we understand he was a last minute replacement. Reasonable pricing for the range of services, transportation and accommodations.
Linda
See survey input - great value for money and enjoyed trip highlights
Paul S
The trip to Japan had many interesting activities included with the tour. The paper making, Japanese Tea Party, Sushi preparing of food, the design making of chop sticks, the tour guide constantly helping group organizing whatever we needed. Yuki Honda is the best guide that I have had from Smartours. A great asset to you. We enjoyed the different choices of food. We learned the new way of paying for items through machines.
The Mt Fuji was not visible the day we visited the area due to fog. The gondola was not working due to repairs. The Pirate ride on the boat was nice.
The part the needs to be addressed is the Hiroshima Tour. The number of student in the Hiroshima Museum was terrible. We could not see anything in the museum due to excessive amount of students. Thousands of students from many schools arrived and block all the exhibits. Group could not see anything. Waste of time.
The Shrine was a shrine. The deer roaming the area was nice.
Very disappoint with the tour to Hiroshima. Not worth the time going and returning. This was a Sunrise tour.
P G
The Tour was wonderful. we saw many sites stayed in great hotels and got to sample the local culture.
TravelArt a
Japan is an amazing modern, clean and well organized country with a glorious tradition to the past. The Temples, shrines and Samurai era buildings are a treasure to behold. We had an "Iciban" (#1) tour guide who went over and above the call of duty to guide us. I did have some problems with the food and some of the activities, but all in all it was a great experience.
Tiffany G
My 10 days in Japan was an unforgettable experience. Thanks to Ueda San for ensuring we were informed with background information before visiting some of the most breathtaking, historical sites. I highly recommend the trip and want to go back again soon.
Cheryl W
Our trip was amazing. Our guide, Akiko, was exceptional. The hotels were excellent & everything was included in the price. Our group of 24 people enjoyed everything.
Mayuri P
My first favorite tour was Japan. I was very glad that the departure was from Lax! Perfect spring weather and full of cherry blossoms. The tour started on April 10 to 22-2017.
Everything was perfect about the tour. Hero was very informative and kind and funny.
The choice of hotels was very good too. Thanks smartour for excellent tour and Convenient Lax departure!
Mayuri P
This was my first tour to Japan with Smartours. It was great experience from start to finish.
The tour guide ‘Hero’ was very knowledgeable, humorous and kind. In our spare time she would voluntarily suggest places and go with us and give little history about it too!
We went on April 10-21, 2017. Weather was awesome and cherry blossoms were stunning.
All the hotels were great too! Being vegetarian they made sure I had enough of it.
I would definitely travel with this company again and recommend to my friends.
The big plus was the flight was from LAX!!
Mayuri P
This was my first tour with Smartour.
April 10-21, 2017 perfect season for cherry blossoms. So pleased with the tour and the tour guide was awesome. Her name is Hero. She was very knowledgeable and kind hearted. She took very good care of everyone. She managed to arrange vegetarian food for me everywhere we went. All the hotels were great. Great value for money.
Great experience and definitely will do more tours with Smartour.
Lalita
All the hotels were very good. The guide Yoko was excellent. She went out of the way to make us all comfortable.
Anonymous
Our tour director, May was outstanding.
My pre- conceived ideas about her country of Japan were totally reversed with succinct, informative illustrations brought to life by our incredible tour
!!
Mary
This is our 4 th trip with Smartours and have always been delighted by the experiences and by our tour guides. This trip to Japan was no exception. Kudos to Smartours for putting together such excellent itineraries, lodgings, transports and guides.
Julie
The excursion to Nara tour company needs to have head sets. Huge crowds made listening very difficult to hear our very knowledgable guide. The tour was very rushed - -left quite late (maybe waited for some "no-shows"?), left Nara in the dark. We needed more time!! Suggest not scheduling the Nara trips against the same time for the excursion to Hiroshima. Then we could do both.
I have more photos I would be willing to share is request. Did the image post here? Can't tell.
Julie Kirby
You replied that you would like me to send more photos. Sending one at a time, is not a solution here, Your reply, was a "no reply" address.
Please send me and email address where I can send more Japan trip photos.
Thanks,
Julie Kirby
Anonymous
Good overview of Japan with many great stops (Kanazawa, Takayama). Our tour was a little on the large side with 38 people. The hotels were fine - some great, some good enough. Overall it was a very worthwhile experience.
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