Globus Discover Japan(OJ)
10 Day Tour from Tokyo to Kyoto
Forget everything your mother taught you about table manners. In Japan, it’s considered rude not to slurp. Get ready to joyously drink in traditional hot sake, matcha green tea, big brothy noodle bowls and the delicious views from neon-lit Tokyo to time-honored Kyoto. Peaks, palaces, pavilions, and pagodas provide picture-perfect backdrops for your photos, but don’t expect to stand still for very long on this enthralling tour of Japan. A hands-on calligraphy class, a special kimono fitting, an interactive cooking demonstration, and a gold-leaf design class—where you’ll make your own keepsake bento box—are all part of the fun. You’ll also browse the produce at a Takayama farmer’s market, stroll through Kanazawa’s famous Kenroku-en gardens, and experience the thrill of a ride on the famous bullet train. Prepare to be floored in more ways than one!
Itinerary (2023)
| Day 1 | ARRIVE IN TOKYO, JAPAN |
| | TOKYO Welcome to Tokyo! Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon. |
| Day 2 | TOKYO |
| | TOKYO Guided visit to the Meiji Shrine. Orientation drive past the Imperial Palace. Visit a local artist’s studio and participate in a calligraphy class, kimono fitting and [LF] traditional tea ceremony. Guided visit to Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Free time this afternoon. (B,D) |
| Day 3 | TOKYO. EXCURSION TO MOUNT FUJI |
| | MOUNT FUJI AREA Cable-car ride with views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Guided visit to Churieto Pagoda.TOKYO Free time late this afternoon and evening. (B,L)ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Tokyo with suggestions from your Tour Director. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app. |
| Day 4 | TOKYO–MATSUMOTO–TAKAYAMA |
| | MATSUMOTO Guided visits to Matsumoto Castle and Matsumoto City Museum. Scenic drive through the Japanese Alps en route to Takayama.TAKAYAMA Traditional Japanese-style dinner this evening. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | TAKAYAMA |
| | TAKAYAMA Guided sightseeing includes visits to the morning market and Takayama Jinya historic site. Free time to browse in San-Machi Suji historic district before a [LF] sake tasting at a local brewery. Free time this evening. (B) |
| Day 6 | TAKAYAMA–SHIRAKAWA–KANAZAWA |
| | TAKAYAMA Scenic drive through Shokawa Valley en route to Shirakawa.SHIRAKAWA Visit the Gassho-Zukuri thatched-roof houses (UNESCO World Heritage Site). .KANAZAWA Guided visit of Kenroku-en garden, followed by a gold-leaf design class to make your own keepsake bento box. (B) |
| Day 7 | KANAZAWA–KYOTO |
| | KANAZAWA Thunderbird Express train trip to Kyoto. KYOTO Guided sightseeing includes visits to Sanjusagendo Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and a guided walk through Kyoto. Choose to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan (additional expense). (B,L) |
| Day 8 | KYOTO |
| | KYOTO Guided visit to the Temple of the Gold Pavilion. Learn the ancient kimono fabric-dyeing techniques and create your own souvenir at Yuzen Handmade Corner. [LF] Prepare miso soup, teriyaki chicken, sushi and more with a local chef during your Japanese cooking class. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B,L) |
| Day 9 | KYOTO. EXCURSION TO NARA |
| | KYOTO Excursion to Nara includes guided sightseeing at Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Free time this afternoon before a farewell dinner. (B,D) |
| Day 10 | KYOTO |
| | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Schedule departing flights from Kansai International Airport in Osaka after 11 am. (B) |
Included Globus Meals
American breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Related Globus Tours
OJ - Discover Japan
OJE - With Hiroshima
Globus Notes
Cable-car ride at Mt. Fuji weather permitting.