Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
12 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Okayama, Kurashiki, Hiroshima, 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:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
Tour Overview
This Japan tour is a must 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 only remaining structure—the Atomic Bomb Dome—that predates the 1945 atomic blast. In Kyoto, visit the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple overlooking a large pond and covered in beautiful gold leaf and the fascinating Samurai and Ninja Museum. In addition to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous shrines, and other historic sites, this Japan tour also includes visits to two of Japan’s beautiful gardens: Koraku-En, dating to 1686 and considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, and Shinjuku Gyoen, dating to 1603 when it was a feudal lord’s home. You’ll enjoy a local lunch and taste the “Japanese pizza” of Osaka: the legendary okonomiyaki dish. Plus, you’ll ride on the famous bullet train or shinkansen. History, scenery, and fun experiences…this Japan vacation has it all!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tokyo,Japan
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier
Meals Included: No Meals
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 Jingugaien Tokyo Premier
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 Jingugaien Tokyo Premier
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: Mount Fuji, Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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: Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
Meals Included: No Meals
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
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Hiroshima, Bizen, Himeji, Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
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 Sanjo
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 Sanjo
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
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Insurance
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
Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier
Located in the heart of the city, and just one minute from a subway station, the Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier offer great access to all Tokyo has to offer. Its situated within a calming garden area to help you escape the crowds after a day of sightseeing. From the rooftop terrace you'll have 360 degree views over the city.
Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel
This brand new hotel features great access to and view of Mt. Fuji, as well as a restaurant, sauna, and free Wifi.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
Located a 5-minute walk from Higobashi Subway Station and close to popular tourist areas, Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier is a great base to explore the city from. Guestrooms are spacious by Japanese standards and feature a simple contemporary style. The hotel also features an on site Japanese-style bath to relax in after exploring.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae
Conveniently located just within a 5-minute walk of Hiroshima Station, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae is the perfect base to explore the city and the surrounding area.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo is located in Kyoto, 600 metres from Karasuma Station. It offers modern accommodation with a public bath, a restaurant and rooms with free WiFi. Shijo Station Exit 2 on the Karasuma Subway Line is a 6-minute stroll.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years or above
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What is the maximum group size?
Usually max 20 people
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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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.