General Tours > Life in Japan

Life in Japan
10 Days starting from $3,949

Countries Visited:
Japan

 

Length: 10 Days
Type: Fixed Departure Dates
Category: Escorted Tour
Operator: General Tours
Tour Code: GT-42
   
 
About This Tour


Touring with General Tours World Traveler... Life in Japan.We’ve designed this tour to immerse you in Japan’s enchanting daily rhythms and deep cultural traditions. Join residents in local markets, along city streets and on all modes of transport as we take you off the beaten path to discover the life and heritage of Kyoto rarely seen by tourists. We’ll even take you inside the grounds of the normally-closed Kyoto Imperial Palace. It’s a perfect, different, lively view of complicated Japan, with great hotels and our best English-speaking guides.
 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights

General Tours World Traveler Escorted Touring
  • Our in-depth itinerary and unique inclusions transport you beyond the well-worn tourist path to delve deeply into Japan’s lively traditions – old and new. Join our exclusive visit to Tokyo’s bustling Tsukiji Fish Market, where the finest chefs come to plan and shop for their day’s menu. With special invitation from the Imperial Household Agency, you’ll visit the landscaped grounds of Kyoto’s Imperial Palace. 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa
Hotel Class: Deluxe
In the foothills of Japan's majestic Hakone Mountains overlooking the rich blue waters of Sagami Bay sits the Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa – a tranquil resort that aims to nourish your body, mind and senses. Guest rooms with balconies overlooking the bay, feature calming tones and large windows to enhance the sense of sanctuary. The property includes six tennis courts, swimming pool, fitness center, putting green & driving range.

Rihga Royal Hotel
Hotel Class: Superior First Class
The Rihga Royal Hotel is located in Kyoto, where opportunities to experience local cultural are as easy as leaving the hotel. All guest rooms have standard amenities, including air-conditioning, telephone, and TV. Other hotel facilities include four different restaurants with a variety of cuisine, two bars, one lounge, a fitness center, and swimming pool.

Keio Plaza Hotel
Hotel Class: Deluxe
The Keio Plaza Hotel is located in the Shinjuku district of bustling Tokyo, walking distance from shopping, cultural experiences, and other events. The hotel plays host to 29 separate restaurants, each with a different atmosphere and dining opportunity. All 1450 rooms are equipped with television, internet access, mini-bar, and a spectacular view of the city. Other hotel amenities include the swimming pool, gymnasium, drugstore, sauna, photo studio and beauty salon.
 
Day 1 - Tokyo, Japan
Check-in to your deluxe hotel, in the heart of Tokyo’s most exciting district – Shinjuku. Keio Plaza Hotel

Day 2 - Explore Tokyo
Today’s sightseeing explores old and new. Visit the Imperial Palace Plaza and then travel to Asakusa, one of the oldest city neighborhoods. Explore the bustling Nakamise Arcade on your way to Asakusa Kannon Temple, and then see the beautifully landscaped grounds of Meiji Shrine. Meals B D.

Day 3 - Free Day in Tokyo
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your hotel’s location close to dining, shopping, entertainment and transportation makes it easy to explore on your own. From April to November, you can join an available tour to Nikko#WHS# to see the fabulous Toshogu Shrine. Meals B.

Day 4 - Tokyo Fish Market / Mt. Fuji / Hakone
Join the locals this morning at Tsukiji, Tokyo’s lively wholesale fish market. With a bustling street-fair atmosphere, it’s a fascinating glimpse into Japanese culture. Depart Tokyo and ascend Mt. Fuji for great views from the halfway point. Then cruise on Lake Ashi and ride the cable car up Mt. Komaga-take. Enjoy dinner tonight at your deluxe hotel, with sweeping views of the sea. Meals B,D Hilton Odawara

Day 5 - Bullet Train to Mishima / Kyoto
Drive to Mishima and board the Bullet Train for Kyoto. Upon arrival, transfer to your superior first class hotel by hotel shuttle. Or, experience a traditional Japanese inn for one night at the family-run Yoshi-ima Ryokan in the Gion district, including Japanese breakfast, dinner and tea ceremony ($195 per person double, $319 single). Meals B Rihga Royal Hotel

Day 6 - Explore Kyoto/ Nara/ Kyoto
See the best of Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji#WHS#, the Golden Pavilion; Heian Shrine; and Sanjusangendo Temple. Travel to Nara#WHS# and visit Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Shrine and Deer Park. Meals B,L,D

Day 7 - Visit Inari, Uji & Momoyama
Take the local train to quiet Inari to see its famed hillside temple, surrounded by gardens and 1,000 Torii gates. Continue to Byodoin Temple#WHS# and then take the train to Momoyama to visit the Gekkeikan Okura Memorial Sake Museum. Learn the rich history of sake brewing and enjoy a tasting of this traditional beverage. Meals B

Day 8 - Boat Adventure on the Arashiyama River
A morning train ride and a pleasant walk bring you to the banks of the Arashiyama River for a two-hour boat ride through the scenic Hozu rapids. Arriving in the small fishing town of Arashiyama, you’ll visit Tenryu-ji#WHS#, the head temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Stroll among the lush bamboo of Okochi-Sanso garden, and stop at the tea house for a refreshing cup of cold green tea. Walking on, you’ll explore the charming town of Arashiyama on your way to the train station for the return trip to Kyoto. Meals B

Day 9 - Exclusive inside visit to Kyoto’s Imperial Palace
Enjoy a pleasant morning walk through the streets of Kyoto to board a local bus to Karasuma-Imadegawa where you’ll enjoy an exclusive visit inside the garden grounds of Kyoto’s Imperial Palacec, normally closed to the public. Discover the architecture and gardens of the Philosopher’s Walk on your way to Kano Shojan for a traditional tea ceremony. Then explore the sprawling, bustling Nishiki Market before returning to your hotel by subway. Meals B.

Day 10 - Kyoto
Your program finishes this morning. Our FreeStyle Travel makes it easy to discover more of Japan or Asia. Meals B


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
3/15/2009 - 3/25/2009
$3,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
4/12/2009 - 4/22/2009
$3,949
Call Us
Call Us
Call Us
         

General Tours World Traveler Escorted Touring
  • Our in-depth itinerary and unique inclusions transport you beyond the well-worn tourist path to delve deeply into Japan’s lively traditions – old and new. Join our exclusive visit to Tokyo’s bustling Tsukiji Fish Market, where the finest chefs come to plan and shop for their day’s menu. With special invitation from the Imperial Household Agency, you’ll visit the landscaped grounds of Kyoto’s Imperial Palace. 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#
   
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