Highlights |
Guided Package Includes
- Flights LAX-Tokyo, Osaka-LAX
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 7 nights accommodations
- All transfers
- Breakfast daily
- Transportation between cities via the Bullet Train
- Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Also Available
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Itinerary |
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 DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Japan. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Tokyo
DAY 3, Friday - Tokyo City Tour
Today, enjoy an exciting full day tour of Tokyo that begins at the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Then, see the Imperial Palace before stopping at the Tokyo Tower. Modeled on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Tokyo Tower is the world's highest self-supporting steel tower at 1,093 feet, making it one of the best vantage points from which to view the city. Ascend the tower in an elevator to one of its two observatory floors for a spectacular 360 degree view of Tokyo. Then, enjoy a Sumida River cruise, offering a different perspective on the city. Finally, visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the bustling Akihabara shopping district. Please note that the order of the day's sightseeing is subject to change due to traffic conditions
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Saturday - Full Day in Tokyo
The day is at leisure to explore the enormous, ultramodern metropolis of Tokyo independently. As a premier global city, Tokyo offers incredible cuisine, from simple noodle dishes and sushi to gourmet Kobe beef prepared by some of the world's top chefs, as well as an vast array of art and fashion venues. A day in this trend-setting city promises to stimulate each of your senses, from the bright, pulsating lights of downtown Tokyo to the delicious aromas billowing from traditional Japanese taverns
Optional: Full Day Nikko & Kegon Waterfall Tour with Lunch
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Sunday - Full Day in Tokyo
Enjoy your last full day at leisure in Tokyo. For a different view of the city, stroll Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum, housing a collection of fascinating artifacts from across Asia
Optional: Full Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone with Lunch
Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Monday - Bullet Train to Kyoto
After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Tuesday - Kyoto City Tour
Embark on a full day tour Kyoto, one of the best preserved architectural cities in Japan. Enjoy visits to Kinkakuji, Nijo Castle, and Heian Jingu Shrine. A stop at the Kyoto Handicraft Center provides an opportunity to shop duty free for traditional Japanese handicrafts. Then, continue to explore the Gion District, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Lastly, have a chance to visit Kiyomizu Temple before returning to your hotel in the evening. Please note that the order of the day's sightseeing is subject to change due to traffic conditions. In January, July, August, and December, Nijo Castle is closed and a visit to Ryoanji Temple and its famous Zen Rock Garden will be substituted
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Wednesday - Full Day in Kyoto
Enjoy a full day at leisure in beautiful and serene Kyoto, a city that once served as the Imperial capital of Japan. Having escaped the firebombings of World War II unscathed, Kyoto is home to 1600 Buddhist Temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and several historic palaces and gardens
Optional: Half Day Nara Tour (PM)
Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Thursday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport in Osaka for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Full Day Nikko Tour with lunch |
Day #4 |
01 Apr 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $150
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Enjoy a full day tour to Nikko, a small historical city at the entrance of Nikko National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as a center for Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for centuries. Nikko is home to several temples and shrines, including the Futarasan shrine and the Rinnoji Temple. Visit the Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of the first Tokugawa Shogun, a gorgeous complex of colorful structures featuring the superb craftsmanship of Japan's 17th-century artisans. Stop for an authentic Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, enjoy a scenic motorcoach ride up the mountain via the hairpin turns of the Irohazaka Driveway. Arrive at Lake Chuzenji, which is located at the foot of Mt. Nantai, and is known for its extraordinary depth (529 ft.). Next, visit Kegon Waterfall, one of three mystical waterfalls in Japan. Descend the Irohazaka Driveway via a different route for an early evening return to the hotel (L).
Departs at 8:20 a.m from hotel lobby at the Grand Price Hotel New Takanawa. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time.
Tour disbands on arrival in Shinjuku or Ginza station. Passengers will be required to make their way back to the hotel independently.
From Shinjuku station drop off, passengers should take the JR Yamanote link to Shinagawa Station. It is a 5 minute walk to the hotel from Shinagawa station.
From Ginza Station drop-off, which is closer to the hotel, passengers should take a taxi back to the hotel. More detailed information will be given locally.
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| Full Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone with lunch |
Day #5 |
01 Apr 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $138
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Enjoy a full day tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone, the most famous National Park and resort area in Japan. Set amidst the scenic volcanic mountains and wooded forests of Mt. Fuji's Five Lakes region on Lake Ashi, Hakone is renowned for its hot springs, outdoor sports, and natural beauty. Drive halfway up Mt. Fuji to the Fifth Station where, depending upon the weather, you will enjoy panoramic views of the park and lake below. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant nearby. Afterwards, drive to Hakone for a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi. After your cruise, ride an aerial cableway up and down Mt. Komagatake for sweeping views of the surrounding scenery (time and weather permitting). Return to Tokyo via deluxe motorcoach. (L).
Departs at 8:20 a.m. from hotel lobby at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time.
Tour disbands on arrival in Shinjuku or Ginza station. Passengers will be required to make their way back to the hotel independently.
From Shinjuku station drop off, passengers should take the JR Yamanote link to Shinagawa Station. It is a 5 minute walk to the hotel from Shinagawa station.
From Ginza Station drop-off, which is closer to the hotel, passengers should take a taxi back to the hotel. More detailed information will be given locally.
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| Half Day Nara Tour |
Day #8 |
01 Apr 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $70
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Enjoy a tour of Nara, an ancient city known for its "sacred" tame deer, which wander the area freely. Visit the Todaiji Temple with its image of Buddha, the vermilion-hued Kasuga Shrine, and Deer Park.
Departs at 1:40 p.m from hotel lobby. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Drop-off at hotel approximately 6:00-7:00 p.m.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Featured Hotels Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Japan - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Japan Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/asia-pacific/default.aspx#japan-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Japan - Japan leads the world in the area of consumer electronics. Gadgets, game systems, and hi-fi equipment are often released in Japan as much as a year before they are made available in the United States. For a more traditional memento, kites, silk kimonos, paper lanterns, and decorative fans are highly popular. With regard to fashion, Tokyo is in the league of Paris, Milan, London and New York, boasting flagship stores, top designers, high-end boutiques, and cutting edge designs.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Japan - The Japanese Yen is the currency of Japan.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Japan - Gratuities are not usually expected since a service charge is added to the bill at hotels and restaurants. Gratuities may be given when a visitor wishes to show particular appreciation for outstanding service. Money should never be given in loose bills or change, but instead as a gift. Crisp bills should be placed in special printed envelopes, similar to money-holder cards found in the United States.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Japan
- Ambulance/Fire: 119
- Police: 110
| | Languages | Japan - Japanese is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Japan - The voltage used is 100 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Japan - Tradition and courtesy are highly valued. While bowing is the customary greeting, foreigners are generally not expected to practice this custom, as there are many subtleties involved. Shaking hands is becoming increasingly common, especially in business transactions. When entering a home, some restaurants, and temples or shrines, it is customary to remove your shoes. If possible, make an effort to use chopsticks rather than asking for a fork. For soup, if you are not provided a spoon, lift the bowl to your lips to drink the broth. Smoking, which is very common, is restricted according to posted signs.
| | Holidays - Japan | | Holidays 2009 | | Jan 1 | New Year's Day (January 1 – 3 is a bank holiday) | | Jan 14 | Coming of Age Day | Feb 11 | National Foundation Day | Mar 20 | Vernal Equinox | May 3 | Constitution Memorial Day | May 4 | Greenery Day | May 5 | Children's Day | Jul 21 | Marine Day | Sep 15 | Respect for the Aged Day | Sep 22 | Autumnal Equinox | Oct 13 | Health and Sports Day | Nov 3 | Culture Day | Nov 23 | Labor Thanksgiving Day | Dec 23 | Birthday of the Emperor | Dec 31 | New Year's Eve (bank holiday) | |
| | | Many offices are closed the week of December 25 – January 1 and during this period business hours may be shorter than usual. |
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