DISCOVER JAPAN (OJ2012)

A 10-Day Globus Tours tour starting from $3,929

Thanks for voting !  (Not Yet Rated)   |   Write a review
Starting Price: $3,929 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 10 Days
Countries Visited: Japan
Get A Quote     Chat with a travel agent
 
  • Save by forming your own group of 5 or more
  • Triple Room Reduction Available for most tours
  • 10% Discount for Young Travelers 8-17 yrs old
  • Pay less for your second vacation in the same year
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category: Other Globus Tours
Tour Operator: Globus Tours
Tour Code: OJ-2012
Printer Friendly Page

Cities Visited:
See Description

Title
Discover Japan

Vacation Overview
From bustling cities to quiet mountain villages, experience the distinct flavor of Japan during this amazing vacation. On this tour, discover Japan’s culture when you try on a traditional kimono, partake in a tea ceremony, attempt calligraphy, learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used on kimonos, take part in a gold leaf class, browse a farmers market, and participate in a Japanese cooking class. Of course, you’ll visit Japan’s famous sights, including many of its castles and shrines. In Kyoto, see the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, and be amazed at its beauty. You’ll also visit Matsumoto Castle, a must-see sight in Japan; dating from 1593 and designated a national treasure, it is Japan’s oldest existing castle tower.You’ll not only see the fascinating structures and shrines, but you’ll also have a chance to visit one of Japan’s greatest gardens—Kenroku-en. According to the ancient Chinese book of gardens, gardens should have six different sublime qualities, but it is rare to find all six qualities in a garden. Dating from the 1670s, Kenroku-en does in fact combine the six attributes of a perfect garden—spaciousness & seclusion, artifice & antiquity, and water-courses & panoramas. Keep your eyes open for the perfect photos!While in Japan, try some traditional sake, taste some authentic sushi, visit a Shinto shrine, and experience some of the optional activities available. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to bring your camera, so you can capture memories and photos to share with everyone back home!

 

Hotels


TOKYO
Hilton Tokyo (D),

TAKAYAMA
Hida Hotel Plaza (F),

KANAZAWA
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (F),

KYOTO
ANA Hotel Kyoto (F)

KYOTO
Traditional Ryokan Stay for an additional $439Immerse yourself in the Japanese culture and hospitality in a ryokan (Japanese inn) on Day 7 in Kyoto. Your ryokan features traditional touches—tatami mat floors, a thin sleeping mattress on the floor, and the chance to experience a Japanesestyle bath—as well as the modern convenience of a private bathroom. Includes: Transfers to/from ryokan from/to hotel in Kyoto; traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast.Space is limited and should be requested at the time of booking.

Meals
American breakfast daily (B), 2 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D) including a welcome dinner in Tokyo and a farewell dinner in Kyoto

 
Day 1:
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan. Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2:
Tokyo. Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions prior to morning sightseeing in Tokyo, home to more than 8 million people. Your tour takes you to the MEIJI SHRINE, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest, followed by a drive to see the Imperial Palace Plaza. Next, visit an ARTIST’S STUDIO and enjoy demonstrations by a master calligrapher before trying it yourself. You will also have an opportunity to try on a traditional KIMONO and enjoy a TEA CEREMONY. Last stop is the ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE and the NAKAMISE SHOPPING ARCADE. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps stroll through the famous Ginza area. Tonight, join your traveling companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director. After dinner, join your Tour Director for a WALKING TOUR among the dazzling neon lights of Tokyo. (B,D)

Day 3:
Tokyo. A free day for independent activities. You may wish to join a full-day optional excursion to Kamakura, home of the 750-year-old Great Buddha, followed by a scenic drive to Hakone, a cruise on Lake Ashi, and a cable-car ride for panoramic views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Your optional tour concludes with a thrilling bullet train ride back to Tokyo. During your evening at leisure you may want to experience a local Japanese restaurant. (B)

Day 4:
Tokyo–Matsumoto–Takayama. Journey to Matsumoto, gateway to the Japanese Alps. Visit famous MATSUMOTO CASTLE, dating back to 1593, and discover the history at the JAPAN FOLKLORE MUSEUM. After lunch, continue by motorcoach through the ruggedly beautiful Japanese Alps to the quiet, isolated town of Takayama, where old traditions are untouched by the passage of time. The balance of the day is at leisure, providing you time to explore the narrow streets where artisans sell traditional crafts. (B,L)

Day 5:
Takayama. Today begins with a visit to the MORNING MARKET, where farmers display locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Then, on to the San-Machi Suji historic district, famous for sake distilleries and tiny lacquerware shops where merchants buy and sell as they have for 300 years. Visit the KUSAKABE HERITAGE HOUSE for a glimpse of traditional Japanese architecture of the late-19th century. In the afternoon, a short ride brings you to the HIDA MINZOKU-MURA FOLK VILLAGE, a collection of traditional buildings and farmhouses, as well as numerous artifacts relating to the life and work of the local villagers. Tonight, enjoy a wonderful Japanese-style dinner. (B,D)

Day 6:
Takayama–Shirakawa–Kanazawa. This morning, enjoy a drive through the mountainous Shokawa Valley to Shirakawa. This remote region of Japan is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to the unique GASSHO-ZUKURI (joined hands)-style thatched houses that can be found only here. Continue to the scenic town of Kanazawa, situated between the mountains and the Sea of Japan and once the country’s richest region. Your Tour Director leads you on a tour of one of Japan’s greatest gardens, KENROKU-EN, the “Garden of Six Qualities,” dating from the 1670s. Adjacent to the garden is the ISHIKAWA PREFECTURE CRAFTS MUSEUM, displaying more than 30 traditional crafts, including the locally famous Kanazawa Haku gold leaf produced since 1593. Then, partake in a GOLD LEAF CLASS, where you make your own souvenir and learn more about this ancient traditional craft. Your included dinner tonight is at your choice of one of three restaurants within your hotel. (B,D)

Day 7:
Kanazawa–Kyoto. This afternoon, travel along the Sea of Japan to Kyoto. Upon arrival, visit the FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gates. Here you will witness an exclusive performance of MIKO (Shinto girls). Afterward, visit YUZEN HANDMADE CORNER to learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used to decorate kimonos by painting dye directly on the cloth. You will be invited to participate in making your own souvenir using this traditional technique. Lastly, visit Kinkakuji, the TEMPLE OF THE GOLD PAVILION. (B)

Traditional Ryokan Stay - $439
Immerse yourself in the Japanese culture and hospitality in a ryokan (Japanese inn) on Day 7 in Kyoto. Your ryokan features traditional touches—tatami mat floors, a thin sleeping mattress on the floor, and the chance to experience a Japanese-style bath—as well as the modern convenience of a private bathroom. Includes: Transfers to/from ryokan from/to hotel in Kyoto; traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast.
Space is limited and should be requested at the time of booking.

Day 8:
Kyoto. This morning’s city tour features HEIAN SHRINE & GARDEN and the extraordinary NIJO CASTLE, built in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. For lunch, participate in a special JAPANESE COOKING CLASS. Under the instruction of a local chef you will learn how to make miso soup, teriyaki chicken, and makizushi, more commonly known as a sushi roll. Perhaps join the afternoon optional excursion to Nara, the oldest capital of Japan, where you will visit Todaiji Temple with its Great Buddha; Kasuga Shrine, famous for stone and bronze lanterns; and Nara Park. (B,L)

Day 9:
Kyoto. A full day at leisure to explore more of Kyoto’s temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas. Or, for an authentic taste of Japan, consider a visit to a traditional sake brewery for a tasting and to learn about the brewing tradition that has been passed down through the generations. Tonight your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Japan. (B,D)

Day 10:
Kyoto. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Homebound flights
from Kansai International Airport in Osaka should not be booked prior to 3 pm. (B)

 

Don't miss our current specials:

  • Save $500 Per Couple On Globus 2012 Tanzania Tour
  • Globus Year Round Discounts - SAVE up to 10%

YOU CAN BOOK THIS TOUR ONLINE. Book Now!Click here to check rates and availability online, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Or, to speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
6/4/2012 - 6/14/2012
$3,929
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
6/18/2012 - 6/28/2012
$3,929
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/9/2012 - 7/19/2012
$3,929
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/23/2012 - 8/2/2012
$3,929
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
8/6/2012 - 8/16/2012
$3,929
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/10/2012 - 9/20/2012
$3,929
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/24/2012 - 10/4/2012
$3,929
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
10/1/2012 - 10/11/2012
$3,929
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
10/15/2012 - 10/25/2012
$3,929
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
         

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.

City Highlights


Tokyo
City sightseeing; visit the Meiji Shrine, calligraphy demonstration, kimono fitting, tea ceremony, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Arcade; night walking tour; welcome dinner

Matsumoto
Visit Matsumoto Castle and the Japan Folklore Museum

Takayama
City sightseeing; visit a local market, Kusakabe Heritage House, and the Hida Minzoku-Mura Folk Village

Shirakawa
Visit Gassho-Zukuri houses

Kanazawa
City sightseeing; visit Kenroku-en Garden and Ishikawa Prefecture Crafts Museum; gold leaf class

Kyoto
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine; Miko performance; Yuzen Handmade Corner; the Temple of the Gold Pavilion; Heian Shrine & Garden; Nijo Castle; Japanese cooking class; farewell dinner

 

Globus Disclaimer - Indicates that this departure and vacation is available for 2012 early booking. Book and deposit to lock in an early guaranteed price and save 10% on the land-only price. Booking must be made and under deposit between June 29, 2011 and September 13, 2011 for travel between April 1 and December 31, 2012. All tours will be open for 2012 bookings in the Fall of 2011. Vacation upgrades and/or additions will not be available for early booking, as well as, any extra pre- or post-night pricing until the Fall of 2011. With the exception of Journeys Club discounts, future travel promotions are not applicable and are not retroactive on early bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Applies to new 2012 bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Price Details US
Dates and prices do not include international air travel. Prices are for all land arrangements.When planning your trip, please allow one extra day before tour date for travel between the USA and Asia.Prices based on double room occupancy.Single Room Supplement: $970Triple Room Reduction per person: $153Extra Nights per person in Tokyo:in single room $315; in twin room $193; in triple room $166.Extra Nights per person in Kyoto:in single room $305; in twin room $184; in triple room $155.

Related Tours
OJE|Add Hiroshima to Your Vacation

Save $500 Per Couple On Globus 2012 Tanzania Tour

 

Admire herds of elephant as they thunder across the savannah grasslands, see a pride of lions lounging in the sun, and witness the free spirit of the birds flying overhead.

Highlights on this tour include Tarangire National Park, with the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem. With its permanent water source, it's a great place to see elephant, eland, zebra, Cape buffalo, wildebeest, and more. Lake Manyara National Park is home to the world's largest concentration of baboons and over 400 species of birds. Also visit Serengeti National Park, Tanzania's largest park and home to the "Big 5"—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo. Ngorongoro Crater, which is technically a caldera, offers you the best possibility of seeing the rare black rhinoceros.

This trip offers you not only amazing opportunities to see wildlife, it also gives you a chance to get an insight into the local culture. Visit a local Maasai village to learn about this semi-nomadic tribe. Also, visit Olduvai Gorge, where remains of hominids and fossilized hominid footprints were discovered—providing new facts into human evolution.

Terms & Conditions: Book a 2012 Globus Tanzania: The Savannah & Beyond vacation (QZ) to receive $250 off per person. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between September 7, 2011 and September 25, 2012 for travel in select months of 2012. Not combinable with other offers, Second Tour Discount, Big Savings for Small Groups and Book Early & Save and Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2012 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Globus Year Round Discounts - SAVE up to 10%

Globus Year Round Discounts



 

Young Traveler Discounts

     

 

With Globus, travel is definitely a family affair. Young travelers ages 8-17 receive a 10% discount on the land-only portion of their Globus vacation.

10% off Young Traveler discount based on the full land-only cost of the tour. Does not apply to Avalon Waterways. To receive the Young Traveler discount, the age of the traveler must qualify at commencement of services. Discount is applicable to any accommodation. On Monograms, children of all ages are welcome.


Discount for Repeat Travelers

     

 

Journeys Club members can save 5% on any 2012 Globus vacation. This is on top of other great member benefits, including exclusive deal alerts throughout the year, unique travel accessories, and special partner discounts and benefits. 

Must be a Journeys Club member at the time of booking to receive 5% discount on the land-only portion of Globus, Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways core tour, package or cruise, not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips and supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 10, 2011 and December 31, 2012 for travel commencing by December 31, 2012. Must have traveled within the last five years of your booking date to receive discount. Journeys Club discount is not available retroactively. Applies to new 2012 bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Second Tour Discount

     

 

It pays to travel more often! Book two Globus vacations traveling in the same year and receive 5% off the land portion of your second tour. And if you take three tours, you save 5% on each of your next two.

Discount on the land-only portion of core tour, not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips and supplements. Does not apply to Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways. Multiple tours must travel within the same calendar year and must be booked at the same time. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 10, 2011 and December 31, 2012. Discount is calculated off the least expensive tour. Not combinable with any other offer or discount. Offer reliant on space availability, and applies to new 2012 bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Book Early & Save

     

 

With Globus, planning ahead pays off. Book your 2012 Globus vacation and pay in full 9 months or more prior to your departure and save 10% off the land-only portion of your tour.

Requires payment of per person non-refundable deposit at the time of booking and full payment a minimum of 9 months prior to 2012 departure date. Discount based on land-only portion of core tour, not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips and supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 10, 2011 and March 31, 2012. Does not apply to Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways. Not combinable with any other offer or discount other than the Journeys Club repeat traveler benefit. Offer reliant on space availability and applies to new 2012 bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Triple Room Reduction

     

 

You can also save when three people travel together and share accommodations. Refer to the itinerary pages for the specific reduction per tour.

Triple room reduction available on most Globus tours, but check tour itinerary pages for availability and reduction amounts. Also applies to most Cosmos Tours and Monograms packages—check tour/package dates and prices for details. Does not apply to Avalon Waterways.


Big Savings for Small Groups

    

 

Traveling with family and friends has always been rewarding, and now the rewards can really pile up. Small groups of 5, 6, or 7 can save 5% per person off the land-only portion of Globus vacations.

And don't forget: in groups of 8 to 15, one person travels at half-price; in a group of 16+, one person travels free. So, bring others along and multiply the fun—and the savings!

Traveling party of 5, 6 or 7 must travel from same origination point and must be advised at the time of booking. Discount on the land-only portion of core tour, not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips and supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 10, 2011 and December 31, 2012, for travel commencing by December 31, 2012. Does not apply to Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways. Not combinable with any other offer or discount other than the Journeys Club repeat traveler benefit. Not combinable with other group allowances. Travelers already traveling at a discount, such as children, do not count toward the party total. Offer reliant on space availability, and applies to new 2012 bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


 

Avoid the Single Room Supplement

    

 

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!

 

 

 
 

Recent Related Posts from our Travel Forum:

Re: Most Popular Christmas Markets

By: AtlasTravelGuy on 10/29/2009 8:54:50 AM

Thank you for your post! Visiting Christmas markets in Europe is a wonderful experience.  Each .. (read entire post)

Re: Family Italy Tour

By: AtlasTravelGuy on 9/10/2009 4:53:40 PM

Thanks for your post. Adventures by Disney released their prices last week, however the earliest the.. (read entire post)

Re: Costa Rica family trip

By: AtlasTravelGuy on 9/10/2009 4:32:01 PM

Thanks for your post. Here is a list of our most popular selling Costa Rica tours for families: .. (read entire post)

Re: Italy for A Single

By: AtlasTravelGuy on 9/10/2009 2:20:57 PM

Hi Ken: Typically, when you tour as a single, you are charged a supplement on top of the regular .. (read entire post)

Visitors who viewed this tour also viewed:

DISCOVER JAPAN WITH HIROSHIMA (OJE2012)

13 Days starting from $5,579

TitleDiscover Japan with HiroshimaVacation OverviewFrom bustling cities to .. (click for more)

TREASURES OF CHINA and JAPAN (OA2012)

15 Days starting from $6,207

NOTE: Intra-country airfare is required for this tour and is includied in t.. (click for more)

ESSENCE OF CHINA (OL2012)

8 Days starting from $1,855

NOTE: Intra-country airfare is required for this tour and is includied in t.. (click for more)

TREASURES OF CHINA and JAPAN WITH HONG KONG (OAQ2012)

18 Days starting from $7,072

NOTE: Intra-country airfare is required for this tour and is includied in t.. (click for more)

All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.