Visions of Japan
Visions of Japan
Visions of Japan
11 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Kyoto, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Asia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
OP-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Visions of Japan" tour and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Japan. Begin your journey in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, where you'll visit iconic landmarks like the Meiji Shrine and Tokyo Skytree, and experience traditional activities such as a tea ceremony and calligraphy lesson. Marvel at the majestic Mount Fuji, explore the historic Matsumoto Castle, and savor the flavors of a local wasabi farm. Discover the charm of Takayama's morning market and sake breweries, and wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Shirakawa. In Kyoto, participate in a Japanese cooking class, visit the stunning Kinkakuji Temple, and explore the ancient shrines and temples of Nara. This tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, providing an unforgettable adventure through Japan's most captivating destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Tokyo,Japan
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
ARRIVE IN TOKYO, JAPAN Konnichiwa Japan Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.TOKYO.jpg
Day 2: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TOKYO Monumental Metropolis Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. At an artist’s studio, learn to write like a local during a calligraphy lesson with a master calligrapher, have the opportunity to try on a traditional kimono, and partake in a [LF] tea ceremony. After lunch, visit the Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower. Last stop is the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade. Tonight, join your travel companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,L,D)LOCAL FAVORITETEA TRADITIONS Participate in a tea ceremony, the ancient tradition and wonderfully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea.TOUR HIGHLIGHTSKY HIGH At Tokyo Skytree, ascend to Sorakara Point, on floor 450 at some 450 meters or 1500 feet, it is the highest point visitors can explore. Here you’ll have stunning panoramic views over the city and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.TOKYO-TEA-CEREMONY.jpg
Day 3: Tokyo. Mount Fuji Excursion
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive south along the coast to Kamakura to see the 750-year-old Great Buddha. Continue to Hakone where you’ll take a cable-car ride for panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. After lunch, cruise on Lake Ashi for more views of this beautiful area. Conclude the day with a thrilling shinkansen (bullet train) ride back to Tokyo!
TOKYO. MOUNT FUJI EXCURSION Soaring Heights & Sweeping Views Drive south along the coast to Kamakura to see the 750-year-old Great Buddha. Continue to Hakone where you’ll take a cable-car ride for panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. After lunch, cruise on Lake Ashi for more views of this beautiful area. Conclude the day with a thrilling shinkansen (bullet train) ride back to Tokyo! (B,L)MOUNT-FUJI-BULLET-TRAIN.jpg
Day 4: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
TOKYO Wondrous Wandering Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore the city. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Tokyo has something for everyone so visit one of the city’s unique neighborhoods likeGinza or Shibuya districts, dine at the street food markets, or catch a game at the Tokyo Dome. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.TOKYO-STREET-FOOD.jpg
Day 5: Tokyo,Matsumoto,Takayama
Location: Matsumoto
Accommodation Name: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
TOKYO–MATSUMOTO–TAKAYAMA City to Farm to Table Journey to Matsumoto, gateway to the ruggedly beautiful Japanese Alps. Visit a local wasabi farm and Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure of Japan dating back to the 16th Century. Tonight, enjoy a wonderful Japanese-style dinner at your hotel. (B,L,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTWHY WASABI Take a private tour of a wasabi farm to learn more about how it’s grown and the importance of wasabi in Japanese culture and cuisine. Eat lunch at the farm and sample wasabi ice cream.MATSUMOTO-CASTLE.jpg
Day 6: Takayama
Location: Takayama
Accommodation Name: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
TAKAYAMA Takayama Treasures Today begins at the morning market, where farmers display locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Visit Takayama Jinya, a former government office during the Edo Period from 1692-1868. This well-preserved building is a national historic site and the only remaining building of its kind in Japan. End with a fun [LF] sake tasting. (B)LOCAL FAVORITEFOR SAKE’S SAKE Go sake tasting in the San-Machi Suji historic district—famous for lacquerware shops and sake breweries, and identified by the “sugidama,” balls made of cedar branches that adorn the entrances. FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE After included sightseeing, the balance of the day is at leisure, providing you with time to explore the narrow streets where merchants buy and sell as they have for 300 years. Transfers between town and your resort will run every two hours.TAKAYAMA-SAKI.jpg
Day 7: Takayama,Shirakawa,Kanazawa
Location: Kanazawa
Accommodation Name: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
TAKAYAMA–SHIRAKAWA–KANAZAWA Enchanting Valleys & Tranquil Gardens This morning, enjoy a drive through the mountainous Shokawa Valley to Shirakawa; a remote region of Japan home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here explore the unique Gassho-Zukuri style (joined hands) thatched houses that can be found only here. Continue to the scenic town of Kanazawa, situated between the mountains and the Sea of Japan. Explore Kenroku-en Garden and take part in a gold leaf class, where you’ll learn about this ancient craft and make your own bento box. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPERFECTION OF TRANQUILITY Kenroku-en is one of Japan’s three great gardens and dates from the 1670s. Translated to English the name means “Garden of Six Qualities,” referring to the six essential attributes that make up a perfect garden: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water, and magnificent views. One of the garden’s most stunning attractions is Kasumigaike pond with its island called Horai, which is meant to symbolize long life and eternal prosperity.SHIRAKAWA.jpg
Day 8: Kanazawa,Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
KANAZAWA–KYOTO Sushi, Shrines & Temples This morning, drive south to Kyoto. On arrival, participate in a [LF] Japanese cooking class for lunch. Then, you’ll visit two of the city’s most important sites: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. This evening, you have the option to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan (additional expense and pre-booking required). (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITETURNING JAPANESE, I REALLY THINK SO Japan is known for its cuisine, which is deeply engrained into the culture. What better way to gain insights into the local way of life than through your stomach? Participate in a special cooking class under the instruction of a local chef to learn how to make miso soup, teriyaki chicken, and makizushi, more commonly known as a sushi roll.TOUR HIGHLIGHTSENSATIONAL SHRINES While in Kyoto one must take a step back in time to explore this historic former capital and its important wooden shrines and temples. Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly hued Torii Gates. Afterward, continue to the Higashiyama District to visit Kiyomizu Temple, the “Pure Water Temple,” with stunning views over Kyoto. Along the way, walk through the busy streets, where shops and restaurants have been catering to pilgrims for centuries. KYOTO-FUSHIMI-INARI-SHRINE.jpg
Day 9: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
KYOTO Golden Gift This morning starts with a visit to stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion. Next, visit Yuzen Handmade Corner to learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used to decorate kimonos by painting dye directly on the cloth. Make your own souvenir using this traditional method. End the day at Sanjusajendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 more life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms believed to have the power to save 25 worlds! (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Join your Tour Director for a walking tour through Gion or visit more of Kyoto’s historic temples. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus.KYOTO-TEMPLE-OF-THE-GOLD-PAVILLION.jpg
Day 10: Kyoto,Nara Excursion
Location: Nara
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
KYOTO–NARA EXCURSION Living Large, No Giant Travel to nearby Nara to visit Kasuga Shrine and Todaiji Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Japan. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTNARA GIANTS Travel to Nara Park, one of the largest in Japan, and famous for its free-roaming deer amid its shrines and temples. Kasuga Shrine, the most celebrated in Nara, is a Shinto shrine with some 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. On the opposite end of the park is Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant temples. Originally built in 752 AD and again after a fire in 1692, the temple is only two-thirds its original size yet remains one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. The Daibutsu (Giant Buddha) inside the main hall is made of copper and bronze, weighs 250 tons and is 49 feet tall.NARA-TOSI-TEMPLE.jpg
Day 11: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
KYOTO Say it Ain’t Sayonara Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)KYOTO-BRIDGE.jpg
UNESCO Sites
Kasuga Shrine|Kiyomizu Temple|Mount Fuji|Shirakawa (Gassho-Zukuri houses)|Todaiji Temple
Small Group
Globus 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 Globus 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
Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Accommodation
Tokyo: Hilton Tokyo, Takayama: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, Kanazawa: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, Kyoto: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a variety of transportation methods such as a thrilling shinkansen (bullet train) ride, a cable-car ride for panoramic views, and a cruise on Lake Ashi.
Notes
Mount Fuji cable-car ride is dependent upon weather conditions. Optional overnight stay at a traditional ryokan requires pre-booking with additional fee.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities are included in the Tokyo itinerary?
In Tokyo, you will visit the Meiji Shrine, participate in a calligraphy lesson, try on a traditional kimono, partake in a tea ceremony, visit the Tokyo Skytree, and explore the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade. Additionally, there is a full day at leisure to explore the city on your own.
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What can I expect during the Mount Fuji excursion?
During the Mount Fuji excursion, you will drive south along the coast to Kamakura to see the 750-year-old Great Buddha, take a cable-car ride in Hakone for panoramic views of Mount Fuji, cruise on Lake Ashi, and conclude the day with a thrilling shinkansen (bullet train) ride back to Tokyo.
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What unique experiences are offered in Takayama?
In Takayama, you will visit the morning market, explore Takayama Jinya, a former government office from the Edo Period, and enjoy a sake tasting in the San-Machi Suji historic district. You will also have leisure time to explore the narrow streets where merchants have been buying and selling for 300 years.
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What will I see in Shirakawa and Kanazawa?
In Shirakawa, you will explore the unique Gassho-Zukuri style thatched houses, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Kanazawa, you will visit Kenroku-en Garden and participate in a gold leaf class to make your own bento box.
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What cultural activities are included in Kyoto?
In Kyoto, you will participate in a Japanese cooking class, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple, explore Kinkakuji (the Temple of the Gold Pavilion), learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique, and visit Sanjusajendo Temple. You also have the option to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan.
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What will I experience during the Nara excursion?
During the Nara excursion, you will visit Kasuga Shrine and Todaiji Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will also explore Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deer and significant temples.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, five lunches, and three dinners.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at the Hilton Tokyo in Tokyo, Hotel Associa Takayama Resort in Takayama, Hotel Nikko Kanazawa in Kanazawa, and The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto in Kyoto.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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 Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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