8 Day Essential Japan
From
$1549
Land Only
$3259*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
Saturday Departure | ||
---|---|---|
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro | Tokyo | |
Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel | Mishima-shi, Shizuoka | |
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto | Kyoto |
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Accommodation Details:
Hotel rooms in Japan cannot comfortably accommodate 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child; therefore, a double, plus a single room configuration should be purchased.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights Los Angeles-Tokyo, Osaka-Los Angeles
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 6 nights First Class accommodations
- 3 nights Tokyo
- 1 night Hakone Area
- 2 nights Kyoto
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- High-Speed Bullet Train: Mishima-Kyoto
- 7 meals: 6 breakfasts, 1 dinner
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum's vast array of sculptures
- Discover Owakudani Valley’s extraordinary volcanic zone
- Embark on a cruise on Lake Ashi and admire the stunning scenery
- Board the famous Shinkansen, or “bullet train” that whisks you to Kyoto
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This value program provides the comfort of an escorted tour, with the freedom to explore on your own. Minimal inclusions plus a variety of optional excursions allow maximum customization. This program is minimally active, unless all optional tours are selected. If so, this moderately active program covers a good amount of ground each day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Some tours require walking in the open air with no shade. Due to specific driving regulations, the set drop off and pick up points may result in extra walking to and from the sights. Please be aware that Japan is an expensive destination. Japan is a country of contrasts; one that is steeped in eastern tradition and yet embraces western ideals. Japanese culture reflects this complexity. Travelers from other countries, with their own cultural identities, may find some behaviors perplexing. The Japanese are very formal and polite, and use silence and body language to communicate. We believe that a little understanding will go a long way. This is a Value program. For more information, click here.
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.


This first class hotel is located in the city of Mishima, near Mishima Railway Station.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Embark on a tour of Tokyo that begins with a visit to the hectic Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the largest markets in the world, famous for fish and seafood. Afterward, travel to the imposing Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) enshrining a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy; its entrance is dominated by a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red and black colors. Walk along Nakamise, a centuries-old shopping area, where you can find everything from souvenirs to genuine Edo-style crafts. Next, stroll through the Gaien National Garden, located next to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, considered the largest castle in the area. This was the former site of Edo Castle and is now the main residence of the Emperor of Japan.
Please note that on national holidays, some of the stores in the Tsukiji Fish Market may not be open.
Pick up details to be advised locally. Drop-off at the hotel. Approximate tour duration is 7 hours.
Day #3 | 01 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 | $70.00 |

Today, travel to the historic city of Kamakura, home to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The city was once the capital of Japan, that was established in 1192 by the Minamoto clan. Begin your tour with a visit to the Hokokuji Temple, located in the hills of eastern Kamakura, known for its beautiful bamboo grove found behind the main hall. A short walk leads you to Jomyoji Temple, ranked fifth among the five great Zen temples of Kamakura. Continue to Kotoku-in Temple, housing the famous 43 foot high Great Buddha bronze statue, one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan. Learn about its history and significance dating back to 1292. Afterward, spend free time to explore the shops and food stalls along Komachi-Dori street, before returning to Tokyo.
Approximate tour duration is 6 hours.
Day #4 | 01 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 | $127.00 |

Begin with a visit to the celebrated gold-gilded Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the "Golden Pavilion" surrounded by trees and nestled on a reflective pond. The temple was constructed in the 14th century by the Ashikaga clan. Next, take a walk in Gion, Kyoto's most famous Geisha district; view the shops, restaurants and tea houses where Geisha entertain. Conclude the tour in Kawaramachi, the city's bustling center that is loaded with shops, restaurants, bars and clubs.
Pick up details to be advised locally. Drop-off at the hotel. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours.
Day #6 | 01 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 | $67.00 |

This morning, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine located at the base of Inari mountain, that is famous for its thousands of vermilion colored torii gates. Afterward, travel via the Nara Keinawa expressway to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, repository of Japan's cultural heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures. Arrive at the exquisite Todai-ji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home of the impressive Great Buddha bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high. You then continue to Nara Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. The tour concludes with a visit to the famous and beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, displaying over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns.
Pick up details to be advised locally. Drop-off at the hotel. Approximate tour duration is 6 hours.
Day #7 | 01 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 | $88.00 |


Our trip to Japan with Gate 1 was awesome and totally worth our time and money. Our tour guide was an eleven on the 10 meter scale. Well done.
Chuck P. Ontario, Canada
Our trip was excellent. The weather was perfect. We were lucky to see all the sites especially Mt. Fuji. The tour director Nobuko was also very good and was very helpful especially guiding us the places to eat for my husband's special meals (gluten-free) since he is Celiac. It was a wonderful vacation.
Marlyn K. Pasadena, CA
Our trip to Japan was great. Such a different country to Australia, and we really enjoyed learning about their culture, the people, the food and the countryside. Thank you for your assistance in the planning of our trip Gate 1!
Carolyn and Ross P. Meadow Springs, Australia
It was really special and I enjoyed every minute of it. The sights and sounds were so interesting and the accommodations and meals were fantastic. Our guide did a wonderful job in helping us understand and appreciate Japanese culture.
Philip M. New York, NY
My trip to Japan was awe inspiring! Our tour guide Yumi did an outstanding job informing us about everything we saw. She truly deserves an award for her thorough knowledge of her country. I have a deeper appreciation for Japan and its preservation of their temples and shrines, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Great trip, Thank you.
Kathleen S. Homestead, FL
Our trip was great!! We had a wonderful time, and came back with a very good impression of Japan. The tour was very well organized. Thank you very much for arranging this marvelous itinerary Gate 1.
Tariq N. Fayetteville, NC
We loved the Japan Gate 1 tour and despite the very hot weather, we thoroughly enjoyed the temples and shrines we visited. Yumi was a wonderful tour manager and exceedingly patient and organized. I appreciate her paper handouts of schedules and pick up times plus her wealth of knowledge regarding her country's history and culture! Overall another excellent and memorable trip for us!
June V. Hayward, CA
I had a wonderful trip, I had a great time. Japan is a beautiful country. Mariko was an excellent tour manager. My husband enjoyed his ride on the bullet train. Hiroshima museum was very touching experience. Looking forward to going on another trip with Gate!
Ashie H. Queens Village, NY
My trip was wonderful, Shizu made it perfect for us all, she was a fantastic guide incredibly well informed, organized with a lovely warm personality & sense of humor. She went out of her way to take some of us out for a walk around the night spots in Tokyo on our last night. A lovely city! The accommodations were excellent as were the included meals. Such fun dining dressed in the Yukata! I loved all the gardens, the bamboo forest, visits to the fish markets, interesting shops with different merchandise the WADA Village, actually seeing Mt Fuji & the museum with the kimonos, all the temples & shrines. The rickshaw ride, sushi making lunch were all great fun. The group were lovely, no one ran late and good relationships were formed. I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to take advantage of the single supplement & hope to be able to do so again on future Discovery tours. David in the a Melbourne office was very helpful too, all in all my very first experience on a group tour had been fabulous as had Gate 1.
Victoria S. Cammeray, Australia
We had a wonderful trip in Japan. Our trip leader Makiko was sooo awesome. She was very well organized and filled with knowledge. We enjoyed every aspect of the trip all because of Makiko’s professionalism and organizational skills. The program covered so many aspects of Japan cultures and history provided us with wealth of information!
Sharon L. Laguna Woods, CA
We had a wonderful time. Our tour manager Rumi was the best. She is very knowledgeable and she gave us lots of information about Japanese culture and traditions. Took care of everyone’s needs. Rumi has a delightful personality. Overall it was a great trip. I am glad we chose Gate 1. Japan is a great place to visit.
Lovleen S. Bloomington, IL
The trip was wonderful, we loved it from the culture to the Japanese people. We took two of our daughters and my niece and nephew along with us and we had a really good family trip together. Thank you Gate 1 for organizing it! This was our 3rd time with Gate 1. We will go with them in the future and I always recommend all of our friends to go with Gate 1. Thanks again Gate 1.
Nancy N. Fountain Valley, CA
The trip to Japan was great. We enjoyed the experiences (kimono dressing, rickshaw ride, traditional Japanese inn, public baths, etc.) that were part of the Discovery tour.
Jean K. Naperville, IL
It was a great trip! Our guide Akena was exceptional. She made it awesome. Hiroshima was the highlight for me. Very sobering. Another fine job Gate 1!
Stephen R. Mogadore, OH
The trip was great! This was our first visit to Japan and we enjoyed seeing all the sights in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. Our tour director, Akane, was also wonderful! She was able to keep everyone on schedule while remaining bubbly and funny. She is very knowledgeable about the customs and history and added greatly to our understanding and enjoyment of the sites. She also pointed out several good restaurants and that was very helpful ... One of the main attractions in our tours with Gate 1 are the wonderful buffet breakfasts in the hotels. That always puts a highlight at the beginning of the day!
Johnny C. Union City, CA
The Japan tour was so enjoyable, the country is fascinating, the Gate 1 arrangements were excellent. Jaya, and self thank you for facilitating this. We look forward to interact with you for similar future tours.
Gopal S. Naperville, IL
Japan was wonderful! I had minimal expectations going in, but the trip was probably my best ever! On top of all the fantastic sights and experiences, our tour guide Rumi was SUPERB! She was so warm, funny, friendly, and never boring. And she took such excellent care of us and led us to so many hidden gems. During our bus rides, she even shared with us her wonderful personal photos. Rumi definitely made this experience one I will always treasure.
Michelle D. Atlanta, GA
My trip was the greatest I have ever been on. I had so much fun and I wish I didn’t have to come back. I LOVE your travel company. You guys make traveling so affordable and the accommodations we get for the prices we pay are phenomenal. Plus, you guys are so helpful with any questions and concerns we might have as a customer. I'm definitely booking another trip with you guys and I informed all my coworkers about your company. I have no complaints or regrets. I'm very happy that I booked with Gate 1.
Stacey C. Jamaica, NY
The trip was excellent ... Our guide, Hiroko, was fantastic - knowledgeable, caring, and funny - with many tips, tricks and stories to help us appreciate the Japanese country and culture.
Jonathan K. Plainsboro, NJ
It was awesome. This was my first tour with Gate1. I was not disappointed. It was well planned, there were variety of things to do, places to visit. Our dietary need as a vegetarian was taken care of! I loved the tour guide, Yumi. She was great.
Abirami K. Cupertino, CA
Our Japan trip was excellent & very enjoyable. Tokyo & Kyoto hotels were very centrally located, convenient and excellent. I will give them A+. Our tour guide/ Manager Mr. katsumi was the best ... Wish we had manager like Mr. katsumi on all our tour. Very down to earth person.
Jash P. Indianapolis, IN
Great! Japan is very clean. I like Kyota best. Tokyo is a so big that it would be very scary if you got separated from your guide. Very interesting country
Fay S. Pittsburgh, PA
The Japan tour was great! Our tour guide Mitsuko was very nice, friendly and knowledgeable. The hotels were great as well. We are now discussing of where Gate1 will take us next.
Nina M. Los Angeles, CA
The Discovery Japan tour is one of our top three favorite trips from Gate 1. The enriching cultural history, the food, the Japanese Garden, the unforgettable view of Mt. Fuji, the Cherry blossom festival ,the kimono dressing, the unforgettable bullet train experience and the geisha dance performance. Overall, A wonderful wonder wow vacation.
Josie F. Laguna Niguel, CA
It was an excellent trip and the tour manager Rumi Yamaguchi was very knowledgable ,helpful in short she was a superior tour guide.
Ayse R. Des Plaines, IL
Everything went great! Your company made it super easy, check in process at hotel went smoothly as did the airport shuttle. We had an amazing time. Thank you
Indira A. Burbank, CA
It was wonderful!!! We loved Shizu, she really made the tour great. She has a charming personality that made learning interesting. Well done Shizu!!!
Cathleen P. Camillus, NY
Generally we were pleased with the tour. It was well organized, transportation from and to airports was reliable, hotels very nice. Our tour director and guide, Shizu, was outstanding-helpful, informative and good sense of humour. It was a bit cool in February, but probably it was less crowded than other times of the year and Shirakawa in the snow was beautiful. We would certainly consider other tours with Gate 1.
Warren B. Ottawa, CA
Japan was amazing! My family has taken other tours, but this one was above and beyond the best we have done and far exceeded our expectations. Even the other travelers, which your company cannot necessarily account for, were great company. All the guides were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Yoshi from Grayline tours for Tokyo and Mount Fuji & Hakone in addition to Marie from Sunrise tours for Nikko city and Hiro from Gate 1 for Nara were all fantastic. In addition, the accommodations were very good and in excellent locations. The staff at all hotels were very friendly to us travelers and helpful as well. Thank you so much for a wonderful trip, and please let me know if I can provide you with any additional information.
Victoria Tarrytown, NY