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9-Day Japan Classics Tokyo, Mt. Fuji Hakone Park, Atami, Kobe, Nara, Osaka and Kyoto…
including air from LA or San Francisco starting at$3499* (Based on availability)
Prices include land, air and taxes & fuel
See the big city lights of Tokyo, visit the resting place of the Tokugawa shogunate, soak in a traditional outdoor onsen, and experience the collision of old and new Japan. Whiz from Kanto to Kansai on the Shinkansen Bullet Train to see the classic highlights of Japan from modern to traditional. One night to try a famous hot spring resort, all included in this comprehensive itinerary!
All the best highlights of Japan - New updates for 2012!:
° Enjoy hot springs, local cuisine, classic architecture, Mt. Fuji, marvelous landscapes, coastal scenery, traditional crafts, the modern, and the high-tech.
° Explore Japan’s ancient capital, a Shinto shrine, a feudal castle, & the Geisha district; each exhibiting the elegant balance between natural beauty and manmade ingenuity.
Taste our special attention to cuisine. We hand-pick restaurants featuring local specialties- some several generations old. Enjoy a variety of menu selections; delightfully different from typical tours.
° Kobe beef (Teppanyaki)
° Japanese-Italian cuisine
° Western or Vegetarian choices also available
Luxurious hotels highlighting the atmosphere of each location:
° Cerulean Tower Tokyu or Keio Plaza - in the heart of Tokyo, easy
access to shops, restaurants, and the major rail hub.
° Okura Hotel or Grand Prince Hotel - with access to fully explore the city.
° Imperial Hotel – One of Japan’s top 3 luxury hotel chains.
° Enjoy a Japanese hot spring resort in Kyoto with a lakeside view.
Visit 5 endearing regions:
° Tokyo: Political and fashion capital; the country’s largest bustling metropolis
° Osaka: Commercial center & “Kitchen of Japan”
° Nara: Ancient Capital & cradle of Japan's civilization.
° Kyoto: Where elegant Japanese arts enhance the beauty of nature; voted the top destination in Asia by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice™ Awards 2008, 2010,
and 2011.
° Kobe: A seaside trading town featuring a curious blend of Japanese-European
culture and a night view considered one of the best three in Japan.
Take a Bullet Train journey from Atami to Osaka included ($150USD value, included for no extra cost), save over 7 hours valuable travel time.
Guided Exploration: The best balance of guided and independent travel. Our tour is fully-escorted by our own professional local guides. Where available, enjoy free time to also explore on your own with helpful information we provide
No Wasted Time: On hostage-style shopping or tourist traps
Itinerary
Day 1 • Depart for Tokyo, Japan
Your Japan vacation begins as you join your flight in Los Angeles or San Francisco and jet across the Pacific Ocean on your way to Tokyo.
Day 2 • Arrive in Narita, Tokyo (Dinner)
“Yokoso!” or “Welcome” to Japan! Upon arrival, be greeted by a Super Value representative. Take time to explore Narita or rest for tomorrow’s sightseeing.
Hotel: Narita Hilton Dinner:Japanese set dinner with choice of udon, porridge, or Western and Japanese buffet
Day 3 • Tokyo (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Don’t miss a palette of fascinating sights around the magnificent metropolis of Tokyo. All the best sights included.
Tokyo Imperial Palace: Home to the Imperial Family.
Asakusa Senso-ji: Tokyo’s oldest and most festive temple.
Odaiba: Tokyo's futuristic development with a glimpse of the latest technology at Toyota Mega Web.
Hotel: Cerulean Tower Tokyu or Keio Plaza Breakfast:Western Buffet Lunch:Kameshi (Rice pot) or Sashimi Set Dinner: Dinner overlooking Tokyo Bay
Day 4 • Tokyo (Breakfast)
Tokyo has something for everyone! Leisure time included to explore the exciting city with the help of our suggestions and guide maps. Take advantage of staying in our centrally-located hotels with easy transit to all major attractions.
Tsukiji Fish Market (Outer Market)
Tokyo has something for everyone! Leisure time included to explore the exciting city. Explore sights such as the best museums, latest restaurants, or the sumo district, all on your own pace!
Hotel: Cerulean Tower Tokyu or Keio Plaza Breakfast:Western Buffet Lunch:Free time to explore Tokyo. Lunch not included Dinner: Free time to explore Tokyo. Dinner not included
Day 5 • Hakone • Osaka (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
See Japan’s famous natural treasures in the daytime. Whiz through the countryside on one of Japan’s famous engineering marvels: even at over 150mph, the bullet train is comfortably silent.
View Mt. Fuji from the 3 best spots in Hakone National park:
Lake Ashi cruise on a pirate boat.
Take Hakone Ropeway to view the magnificence of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi.
Owakudani Valley: Try special black eggs boiled in the hot springs of the valley.
Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka
Hotel: Imperial Osaka or equivalent Breakfast:Western Buffet Lunch:Fusion buffet along Lake Ashi Dinner:Local Osaka cuisine
After getting a taste of real Kobe beef, revisit the “cradle of Japanese civilization” in Nara, Japan’s first capital. At your hotel, relax in Yukata robes and unwind with an honored and healthful Japanese treat: the onsen bath. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kaiseki (banquet) dinner with karaoke.
Nada: Tour of local sake brewery.
Kobe sights:
Motomachi shopping arcade
City tour
Nara:
Nara Park - Where white spotted deer fabled messengers from the heavens, roam free.
Todai-ji Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage landmark, and the Nara Daibutsu, the world’s largest bronze Buddha.streets lined with shops selling local specialties.
Unwind in our lakefront hot spring ryokan (traditional inn) at Lake Biwa - Japan's largest fresh-water lake.
Tonight, enjoy a complete hot spring cultural experience with delicacies, karaoke, and traditional tatami-floor guest rooms.
Hotel: Hanakaido or Ryotei Koyo Ryokan Breakfast:Japanese and Western Buffet Lunch:Kobe Beef Dinner:After indulging in the hot spring bath, enjoy Kaiseki (Japanese banquet dinner) with Karaoke!
Day 7 • Kyoto (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
Explore Kyoto in the evening with a provided guide map. If you wish, try your luck in catching a glimpse of a geisha!
Kyoto sights:
Kiyomizu Temple - Kyoto’s oldest temple with amazing views overlooking the city.
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka - Step back in time for a stroll along the narrow, hilly streets lined with shops offering local specialties.
Nijo Castle - Known for its moat and gardens, home of one of Japan’s last great shoguns.
Kinkakuji - Golden Pavilion
Gion - the geisha district of Kyoto and center of quaint alleyways and Tea-houses. Your guide will be on hand to help you plan for your evening of exploration.
Hotel: Kyoto Okura or equivalent Breakfast:Western Buffet Lunch:Japanese Fusion Cuisine Dinner:Special arrangements to choose your own restaurant in Kyoto! A map of suggestions will be provided.
Absorb the serene natural atmosphere of Kyoto in the daytime. Travel to Osaka explore the Osaka Castle feudal museum and enjoy free time to bite into the dazzling array of culinary delights!
Kyoto - Arashiyama:
The Sagano Romantic Train - Travel through the beautiful tree-covered hills of the Hozugawa Valley.
Arashiyama walking tour –Follow a path lined with magnificent towering bamboo to the Arashiyama street vendors.
Nishijin Textile Center - Learn about Kyoto’s rich textile history and enjoy a kimono fashion show.
Osaka:
Osaka Castle – The largest castle in Japan.
Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori – Immerse yourself in the exciting nightlife of the restaurant and shopping district.
Hotel: Nikko Osaka or equivalent Breakfast:Western Buffet Lunch:Yakiniku – Japanese Barbeque Dinner:In order to enjoy the dazzling array of cuisine in downtown Osaka, dinner is
on your own (A map of suggestions will be provided)
Day 9 • Depart from Osaka (B)
After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your next destination.
Breakfast:Western Buffet
Must-See sites
Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is the current home to the Emperor and his family. Surrounded by public parks, the palace is immersed within a sea of majestic bonsai trees, creating a quintessential oasis engulfed within the city. Though public entrance is only permitted twice a year, the castle itself is a relevant cultural symbol and regarded as a must-see site for visitors.
Asakusa
Asakusa is the well-preserved and still vivacious old Edo district. It is best known for the Sensoji Temple, the oldest and most popular temple in the city where yearly festivals are held. Thousands of locals celebrate here every year to commemorate the life of Buddha. Through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) leading to the temple is the famous Nakamise Dori, an area that has won itself a festive reputation, attracting many local specialists who sell unique Japanese delicacies within its crowded streets.
Ginza
In Ginza, set your soles on some of the most expensive real estate on our planet. This part of Tokyo is the quintessential, high-end shopping mecca for people to see and be seen. In Ginza not everything (or anything) is affordable, but for the same reason people visit Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles or Fifth Avenue in New York, the intrigue is the essence of the surroundings. So whether you’re browsing the extravagant department stores and towering, glossy retail shops or simply lounging with a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as you watch Tokyo’s high society pass by.
Meiji Shrine
The Meiji Shrine was built in 1920 for the worship of the Meiji Emperor and his wife, Empress Shoken. The main wooden torii (gateways used to separate sacred spaces from the secular) erected on the walkway to the main sanctum was made from the timber of imported juniper trees at least 1,500 years old. Flourishing trees fill the surrounding gardens and with birds chirping in the background, the atmosphere is peaceful but solemn. Every new year, over three million people visit the Meiji Shrine, making it the most popular place to commemorate the year in Tokyo. It is also where locals come to pay respects to late emperor Meiji’s enshrined soul, making it a place symbolic of celebration and solemn spiritual reverence.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is an area otherwise known as Tokyo’s playground where we can explore the nightlife of the magical city. This district exemplifies modern Tokyo and boasts countless movie theaters, department stores, fashion boutiques, shopping plazas, neon signs, restaurants, and a dizzying array of most everything Tokyo has to offer. At Shinjuku Station, Tokyo’s busiest station, an estimated 3.3 million people pass by per day, making it the busiest station in the world. Here, we can also explore Shinjuku train station, a spectacular sprawling mini-metropolis in itself.
The Hakone National park
For years the beauty of Mount Fuji, with its distinguishable snow-covered cone and perennially colorful landscapes has inspired poems and famous works of art. The Hakone National park, graced by layers of flourishing foliage, is located at the foot of Mount Fuji and engulfed by surrounding hills. With the emerald green Lake Ashi located right in the park’s center and Mount Fuji rising in the background, the breathtaking scenery is regarded as the best that Japan has to offer.
The Hakone Ropeway
While on the ropeway, take in the beautiful sight of the crystal blue Lake Ashi and the lava steam emitting from the Owakudani Valley. If the weather is clear, you can also admire the majesty of Mount Fuji.
Lake Ashi
Among the ten great lakes of Japan, its bright green reflections highlight the sea of mountains that surrounds it. It is the most precious jewel of Hakone National Park. In fact, it is believed the best view of the magnificent Mount Fuji is from Lake Ashi.
Owakudani Valley
The “Valley of Great Boiling” emits the smell of fizzing sulfur from miles away. This once active volcanic area still boils with life. So hot is the natural spring water that it is used to cook black boiled eggs; it is fabled that eating one egg adds seven years of life! To reach Owakudani, we take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, a brief cable car ride where, weather permitting, we’ll be able to admire Japan’s highest peak from an elevated perspective.
Atami
Atami (its name literally meaning “hot ocean”) is a coastal, hot spring holiday spot for vacationing Japanese. With its countless beaches, coastlines, natural hot springs and comfortable weather conditions, Atami has become a year-round vacation hotspot. It is in this area of the peninsula that one can find hot springs with a recorded history of more than a thousand years. The area is now recognized in Japan as a prominent hot spring center.
Osaka Castle
Our train trip transitions us between the modern Kanto region (eastern Japan) and the more traditional Kansai (western Japan) area where we will visit Osaka Castle, the largest castle in Japan. The structure, now presented as a museum, offers fantastic views from the top floor and exhibits with relevant historical information about Japan’s reunification in the late fifteen hundreds.
Nada
Nada is highly reputed all over Japan for having the perfect combination of elements for sake brewing including water quality, rice composition, and climate. This is relevant to the tradition of sake brewing because amongst the countless things unique to Japan, sake is one of the most important. Sake drinking is a popular pastime for business and pleasure and most locals consider it an important part of their culture. In Nada, we too can indulge in a little drinking (adults only!) as we take you on a tour through a local sake brewery (similar to an American micro-brewery) where our hosts will teach us about the art of sake brewing via demonstrations and taste-testing. We’ve expressly selected this brewery out of this area’s dozens for its quality and service. They also recently received an award for best sake in the annual Belgium sake contest.
Mosaic Harborland
Spend the remainder of the night at the Mosaic Kobe Harborland, a popular rendezvous spot amongst locals. At night, this romantic ocean-side getaway is where people come to shop, indulge in desserts and take late night strolls by the waterfront. It is a scenic opportunity that captures Kobe’s authentic nightlife.
Nara
Nara was the original capital of Japan and is today considered a symbol of spiritual tranquility. In Japan, deer are fabled messengers of the heavens and many of them run wild in the peaceful, green pastures of Nara Park. In fact, these deer are quite sociable (even forward at times) and are considered a major drawing point for visitors. However, the park’s main attraction is the Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark claimed to be the world’s largest wooden edifice.
Todai-Ji Temple
Inside the Todai-ji is Nara Daibutsu, one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues. Visitors come from around the world to visit this humbling and immaculate figure in hopes of attaining a little extra luck.
Kyoto
Admirers have claimed that Kyoto, Japan’s second capital, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In this city alone 17 landmarks have been inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage list. Kyoto is a city known for its sophistication and grace which can be seen within the tranquil, cobble-stoned alleyways and the city’s refined citizens.
Nijo Castle
Built in 1603, the Nijo Castle was the personal residence of the great Tokugawa Shogunate. The site is a history buff’s paradise as some of the most pivotal moments in Japanese history have occurred within the confines of this castle. The structure itself is a work of art in terms of its traditional Japanese architecture. After visiting the castle, we encourage our guests to take in the magnificent beauty of the surrounding gardens.
Gion
Gion is the geisha district of Kyoto. It is not unusual to catch a glimpse of geisha dawning full regalia stepping lightly through the streets at night. This part of town is bustling with nightlife where locals come to eat, shop and be entertained. Guests are given free time to explore this sector of Kyoto to join in the festivities.
Sagano Romantic Train
We will start the day off taking a slow, relaxing ride along the Sagano Romantic Train. The train follows the Hozagawa Valley with its rushing rivers and colorful, seasonal foliage. We hope you will breeze through the natural valley, a wonderful way to start off the day.
Arashiyama
Just outside Kyoto lies Arashiyama, a quaint mixture of shops and natural wonders encircled by vast mountain area. With every season comes a different charm which has long made Arashiyama a popular getaway for residents any given time of the year. Take a walk along the Bamboo Walking Path where tall, slender bamboo reeds tower towards the sun, creating a shaded enclosure around a balmy pathway. Rows and rows of soft, smooth colors of green line the road, making this scenic spot the archetype of Japanese tranquility. Further along is the Tenryuji Temple, yet another site in Kyoto honored by the UNESCO World Heritage list. The temple’s graceful Japanese garden is one of the oldest in Japan, built for nobility in 1339.
Togetsukyo
In the graceful art of the Japanese language, Togetsukyo translates to ‘moon-crossing’ bridge. Located in the heart of Arashiyama, this timber bridge offers stellar views of the mountain backdrop and blooming spring flowers. Lingering lovers stroll across the Oi-gawa River much like those pictured in Japanese love stories.
Bamboo Walking Path
A flourishing bamboo forest that lies near the Arashiyama train station occupies bamboo trees of cloud-reaching heights which sway with alluring beauty at the passing of a breeze. Take a stroll on a forest trail to discover hidden poetry within the engulfing serenity hours.
Kinkaku-Ji
As if constructed from a million golden sheets of origami, the Golden Pavilion Temple (Kinkaku-ji) seems to hover above water. The top two levels of Kinkaku-ji are covered in actual gold leaf, making it a truly spectacular sight on a brightly lit day. Built as a château for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it now serves as a Buddhist temple.
Nishijin Textile Center
In Japan, textiles are revered as a significant form of art and the Japanese specialize in weaving rich, silky fabrics. The Nishijin Textile Center offers us a chance to observe spinning techniques as well as a modern, slightly kitschy, but fun version of a kimono fashion show. A plethora of handmade items are available in the showroom.
Kiyomizu Temple
Aside from the stellar views of Kyoto from the overhanging cliffs, Kiyomizu Temple is a favorite visiting ground because the surrounding area is undoubtedly breathtaking. It is also perhaps the most well known attraction in Kyoto because of the many different shrines, some of which offer blessings in love or health. A drink from the natural spring is said to offer luck and is a refreshing treat on sunny days where hours can be spent traversing the different pathways beyond the temple.
Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka
Designated by Japan as an important historical architectural preservation district. The age of the district is evident where well-preserved streets emanate an air of the distant past. The shops that fill these streets sell local specialty goods of Kyoto such as Kiyomizu (pottery ware), Yusen-Zome (colorful and artisan tapestry), shichimiya (type of seasoning), otabe (sweet snack made of dough), tsukemono (pickled products), Kyogashi (assortment of sweets), traditional hand-held fans, incense, green tea, and more.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is another great feat in Japanese architecture. Outside, the palace is surrounded by regal bonsai trees and lush Japanese gardens built by the Tokugawa government. A stroll around the luxurious vicinity offers a look into the lives of royalty.
Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori
Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori streets are the heart of Osaka’s shopping district. The surrounding nightlife is constantly moving with vibrant excitement. The area offers hundreds of different food and snack options to choose from which can be enjoyed while watching local crowds moving about. The relentless energy of the lights, movement and sounds around you will keep you entertained for hours.
Want to stay longer or explore another destination in Asia? Ask about additional nights and flights to other parts of Asia, starting at just $50 per person.Ready to Go? Call 1 877- 388 – 1777
*All prices are 'from', per person based on double occupancy and low season travel. Seasonal surcharges and additional surcharges apply over weekends, special events and holiday periods. Strict cancellation penalties apply. Not combinable with any other special or discounted vacation package. All prices are in US dollars and correct at time of posting 11/19/09. Prices may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received. All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change. Prices subject to change without notice. Please click here to read our terms and conditions.
Hotel
Hilton Narita
Located 15 minutes away from Narita Airport, this is the best hotel in the area equipped with swimming pool, fitness center and tennis courts.
Keio Plaza
Centrally-located in Shinjuku, within walking distance of great shopping and restaurants!
Cerulean Tower Hotel
A Tripadvisor Top 25 winner for 2011 & 2012, this chic luxury hotel offers spacious rooms by Tokyo standards. We have hand-picked this hotel for its exciting location - mere steps from Shibuya crossing.
Kyoto Hotel Okura
Central located in Kyoto city, within walking distance from Gion and shopping area.
Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto
Designed by the late great architect Togo Murano. With its luxurious space room, this hotel styled with unique contours to blend with the natural scenic beauty of Kyoto.
Lake Biwako Hotel
Hot Spring Hotel with fusion-style room all facing the lakeside of Lake Biwa. Enjoy the Kyoto style banquet dinner and fabulous service.
Imperial Hotel Osaka
Overlooks the Okawa River and lush park surroundings, to offer a resort-like ambience in the centre of Osaka. The hotel located close to some central business districts and leisure attractions, such as Osaka Castle Park, Dotomobori Canal, Universal Studios Japan, and Osaka Aquarium.
Nikko Hotel Osaka
This magnificent luxury hotel puts you in the center of downtown Osaka, just steps from Dotonbori and Nipponbashi.
Hand-Picked Meals
Gourmet meals with local variety:
Kamameshi (rice cooked in a stone pot) set
Sashimi set
Exquisite fusion buffet along Lake Ashi
Kaiseki(traditional Japanese banquet dinner)with karaoke
Yakiniku(Japanese-Korean barbeque)
Kaiseki (traditional Japanese banquet dinner) with Karaoke
