Journey through Japan on this fascinating Globus Independent tour. A “prefecture” and capital of Japan, Tokyo is the world’s most populous metro area and home to unlimited choices—shopping, dining, entertainment, historic temples and sites, peaceful gardens, and excellent museums. Your full day private guided sightseeing tour includes Meiji Shrine, a 20th-century Shinto monument built within a man-made forest, and a visit to one of the city’s most dazzling temples, the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Browse the bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade and then visit the Samurai & Ninja Museum, where you can learn about Japanese history and see authentic swords and armor. You’ll also ascend the Tokyo Skytree for spectacular views over the city. During your free day, you may choose a trip to Mount Fuji. A highlight of your vacation is the shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo to Kyoto. Reaching nearly 200 miles per hour, this is by far the most entertaining way to travel between cities. The “cradle” of Japan’s cultural heritage, Kyoto, was the country’s capital and residence of the emperor from the 8th until the 19th centuries. Your private guided sightseeing tour includes visits to Sanjusangendo Temple and the beautiful Temple of the Gold Pavilion. Built on a lake and surrounded by a thick forest, the image of the temple’s reflection in the water is a can’t-miss photo opportunity and memorable scenic view. You’ll also walk through Gion and explore the thousands of Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Take some free time for a visit to nearby Nara or to explore Nishiki Market.
End your journey of Japan in Hiroshima with visits to Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Special features included in this tour:
- Guided sightseeing in Tokyo with visits to Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Arcade
- Immersive tour of the Samurai & Ninja Museum
- Guided sightseeing in Kyoto with visits to the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, Sanjusangendo Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Walking tour through the Gion district
- Shinkansen (bullet train) rides from Tokyo to Kyoto and Kyoto to Hiroshima
- Guided sightseeing in Hiroshima with visits to Peace Memorial Park and Shukkei-en Garden
- Excursion by ferry to Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine
Hotels:
- Hilton Tokyo
- DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station
- Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
Itinerary
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan
Welcome to Japan! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Tokyo
Today, hop on Tokyo’s subway system for a private guided sightseeing tour of the city. Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest.
At Tokyo Skytree, ascend to Sorakara Point on floor 450 at some 450 meters/ 1500 feet, the highest point visitors can explore. Here you’ll marvel at the stunning panoramic views over the city and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji.
Tour the Samurai and Ninja Museum for a hands-on history lesson of Japan’s famous warriors, including the armor, weapons, and swords from the Medieval era.
Lastly, visit bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo.
breakfast, lunch
Tokyo
Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Utilize your included Tokyo Metro Pass to explore more of Tokyo’s unique neighborhoods, take a day trip to Mount Fuji, or visit the street-food markets for local specialties.
breakfast
Tokyo - Kyoto
Today, travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) to historic Kyoto, former capital of Japan.
breakfast
Kyoto
Your private guided sightseeing tour uses efficient public transportation to take you around the city. Start at stunning Kinkakuji, Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered with shimmering gold leaf.
Next, take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, which is also known for its high concentration of machiya-style merchant houses.
Continue to Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms said to have the power to save 25 worlds.
Finish with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gate.
breakfast, lunch
Kyoto
Take an excursion to nearby Nara or explore more of Kyoto's historic temples and shrines using your included subway and bus pass.
breakfast
Kyoto - Hiroshima
Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima.
Upon arrival, visit Shukkei-en Garden, where natural landscapes are represented in miniature form. Then, take the afternoon to explore the city on your own. We’ve included a day pass to use the local tram system to help you get around!
breakfast
Hiroshima
Your private guided sightseeing starts at Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall, which commemorate the lives lost in the WWII atomic bombing.
Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island. Here, visit Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its floating Torii Gate and enjoy free time to explore the many shops.
breakfast, lunch
Hiroshima
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
