Visions of Japan

Japan

· 11 days· 10 nights· Tokyo, Japan to Kyoto· Verified against Globus 29 Oct 2026· Globus / Cosmos

Eleven days from Tokyo to Kyoto that mix the famous and the quietly memorable: Meiji Shrine and a calligraphy lesson and tea ceremony in Tokyo, the bullet train toward Mount Fuji with a Lake Ashi cruise, Matsumoto Castle and a wasabi farm, Takayama's morning market and a sake tasting, the thatched village of Shirakawa, Kenroku-en garden and a gold-leaf workshop in Kanazawa, then Kyoto — the Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu, a cooking class and kimono try-on — and Nara's great Buddha. Five UNESCO-listed sites, 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners.

From $6,899 pp

Per person, two sharing · land only — flights from home not included · 11 days

Next departure: Mar 22, 2027 · $6,869
Departures open: 14
Meals: 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
Operator: Globus / Cosmos

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Itinerary, hotels and inclusions checked against Globus / Cosmos's own page on Sep 3, 2026. Dates and prices are read live from the operator's feed.

Our take

Japan is the destination where clients most often say they wish they had taken a tour: the language, the rail passes and the sheer number of choices wear people down. This route is the one we would design — Tokyo, Fuji, the Alps towns, Kanazawa, Kyoto — and the hands-on days (calligraphy, sake, gold leaf, cooking) are what make it more than sightseeing. Only three dinners are included, which is fine in Japan, and the optional ryokan night is worth pre-booking.

Highlights

5 UNESCO World Heritage sites on the route: Kasuga Shrine, Mount Fuji, Shirakawa (Gassho-Zukuri houses), Temple of the Gold Pavilion, Todaiji Temple
Guided city sightseeing in Kyoto including Kinkakuji, Sanjusangendo Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine
Visit the Shirakawa village and its unique Gassho-Zukuri-style thatched houses
10 nights in listed hotels, 10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners, Tour Director throughout
14 departures currently open across 2027, from $6,899 per person, land only — flights from home not included

Who this trip suits

First-time Japan visitors who want the classic route plus the Alps and Kanazawa
Travelers who like hands-on experiences — calligraphy, tea ceremony, cooking, sake
People who would rather not manage trains and luggage forwarding themselves
Couples and friends who enjoy evenings free to explore food streets

Who should look elsewhere

Anyone who cannot manage a lot of walking and temple stairs — Kyoto days are long on foot
Travelers who want Hiroshima or Osaka — neither is on this route
People who need every dinner included
Those who dislike early starts; markets and shrines are morning events

Day by day

Globus / Cosmos's published itinerary, checked Sep 3, 2026

Zoom and drag to explore. The line joins the towns in the itinerary by road; the coach may use a different route. Open in Google Maps

1Konnichiwa, Japan!Arrive in Tokyo, Japan
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
No meals included
2Monumental MetropolisTokyoBreakfastLunchDinner
Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Then, learn to write like a local during a calligraphy lesson with a master calligrapher, and partake in a tea ceremony. 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.
Local favorite · Participate in a tea ceremony, the ancient tradition and carefully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3Tokyo to GoTokyoBreakfast
Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore the city.
Meals: Breakfast
4Soaring Heights & Sweeping SightsTokyo–Mt Fuji AreaBreakfastLunch
Travel south to the beautiful Five Lakes region. From a bullet train ride to dizzying views of Mount Fuji to a cruise on Lake Ashi, your day is a feast for the eyes!
Highlight · Take a thrilling bullet train ride from Tokyo to Odawara station. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
5City to Farm to TableMt Fuji Area–Matsumoto–TakayamaBreakfastLunchDinner
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.
Highlight · WHY WASABI? After a traditional lunch, tour the wasabi farm to learn more about how it’s grown and the importance of wasabi in Japanese culture and cuisine. Enjoy the opportunity to sample wasabi ice cream.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6Takayama TreasuresTakayamaBreakfast
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 sake tasting. This evening, you have the option to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan (additional fee and pre-booking required).
Local favorite · 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.
Meals: Breakfast
7Enchanting Valleys & Tranquil GardensTakayama–Shirakawa–KanazawaBreakfastLunch
This morning, enjoy a scenic drive through the mountainous Shokawa Valley to Shirakawa, a remote region of Japan home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore the unique Gassho-Zukuri style (joined hands) thatched houses that can be found only here. Continue to the castle 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.
Highlight · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
8Golden GiftKanazawa–KyotoBreakfast
This morning, drive south to Kyoto. On arrival, visit the 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!
Meals: Breakfast
9Sushi, Shrines & TemplesKyotoBreakfastLunch
Today’s sightseeing starts with the city’s most important sites: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Then, participate in a Japanese cooking class for lunch, and have fun with the opportunity to try on a traditional kimono.
Highlight · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
10Larger than LifeKyoto–Nara excursionBreakfastDinner
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.
Highlight · 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
11Say it Ain’t SayonaraKyotoBreakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals: Breakfast

Dates & prices

Read from Globus / Cosmos's departures feed · per person, two sharing · land only — flights from home not included

Departs	Returns	Group	Price pp	Availability
Nov 2, 2026	Nov 12	Standard	$5,689	Sold out
Nov 9, 2026	Nov 19	Standard	$5,689	Sold out
Mar 22, 2027	Apr 1	Standard	$6,869$7,019	Available
Mar 22, 2027	Apr 1	Standard	$7,019	Sold out
Mar 29, 2027	Apr 8	Standard	$7,019	Sold out
Mar 29, 2027	Apr 8	Standard	$6,869$7,019	Available
Apr 5, 2027	Apr 15	Standard	$7,019	Few seats left
Apr 12, 2027	Apr 22	Standard	$6,869$7,019	Available
Apr 19, 2027small group	Apr 29	Small group	$7,609	Few seats left
Apr 26, 2027	May 6	Standard	$7,019	Available
May 3, 2027small group	May 13	Small group	$7,609	Sold out
May 10, 2027	May 20	Standard	$6,899	Available
May 17, 2027small group	May 27	Small group	$7,609	Sold out
May 31, 2027	Jun 10	Standard	$6,899	Available

7 more departures scheduled — ask us for the full calendar. Prices are the operator's current published rates and can change until a deposit is paid; we reconfirm on enquiry.

Where you stay

Hotels as listed by Globus / Cosmos, “as shown or similar.” Tap a hotel name to see it on Google Maps.

Tokyo

Hilton TokyoDeluxe

The Hilton Tokyo is the the perfect base for exploring the vibrant, energetic city of Tokyo. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Lobby and Marble Lounge. Rejuvenate in the 24-hour…

Mt Fuji Area

Hotel Regina KawaguchikoFirst-Class

Hotel Regina Kawaguchiko features impressive, panoramic views of Mt. Fuji from each guest room. Step out on the balcony and look over the sea of trees with no skycrapers blocking the view of this…

Takayama

Mercure Hida TakayamaFirst-Class

The Mercure Hida Takayama is located in the heart of the city offering easy access to Takayama's historic charm. Guestrooms are designed to evoke the image of the city's aesthetic traditional…

Kanazawa

Hotel Nikko KanazawaFirst-Class

The Hotel Nikko Kanazawa combines an elegant European atmosphere with the beauty of the four seasons. Travelers will appreciate that the hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of some…

Kyoto

Hilton KyotoSuperior First-Class

The centrally located Hilton Kyoto is situated near world heritage sites, the popular downtown area of Gion, and the Nishiki Market. Stylish rooms offer modern amenities and comfort. Wind down at the…

What's included

Tour Director for the whole trip, plus Local Guides at the major sites
10 nights in the hotels listed below ("as shown or similar")
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners — see the day-by-day for which days
Coach travel between cities as shown, with luggage handled hotel to hotel
Guided city sightseeing in Tokyo including Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon
Temple, and Nakamise shopping arcade
Calligraphy lesson and traditional tea ceremony
Bullet train ride from Tokyo to Odawara station
Cruise on Lake Ashi and cable-car ride in the Mount Fuji area
Visits to Matsumoto Castle and a local wasabi farm
Guided tours of the Takayama morning market and Takayama Jinya
Sake tasting in the San-Machi Suji district of Takayama
Visit the Shirakawa village and its unique Gassho-Zukuri-style thatched houses
Visit to Kenroku-en Garden
Gold leaf workshop to create your own bento box souvenir
Guided city sightseeing in Kyoto including Kinkakuji, Sanjusangendo Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine
Japanese cooking class featuring sushi and miso soup
Hands-on Yuzen dyeing experience at Yuzen Handmade Corner
Kimono fitting in Kyoto
Excursion to Nara to visit Kasuga Shrine and Todaiji Temple

What's not included

International airfare — every price on this page is land-only; we quote flights from South Florida with your dates
Airport transfers at the start and end unless stated in the itinerary (Globus adds them when air is booked through them)
Meals not listed: about 6 lunches and 7 dinners, plus drinks with meals
Gratuities for the Tour Director, driver and Local Guides (Globus offers a prepaid option for the first two)
Optional excursions, bookable from 90 days before departure
Travel protection — recommended, and we will price it alongside the tour
Single supplement for solo travelers — quoted on request

The real cost of this trip

The “from” price is the operator's land-only rate. This is what sits on top of it, so the number you budget is the number you pay.

Flights from South Florida	Not included. We price them with your dates; arriving a day early is worth it when the tour starts with an evening meet-up.
Airport transfers	Not included on the standard tour. Globus adds them when air is booked through them; otherwise a taxi or pre-booked car.
Meals not covered	10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners are in. Budget for the rest, plus drinks.
Gratuities	Tour Director, driver and Local Guide tips are extra. Globus offers a prepaid option for the Tour Director and driver.
Optional excursions	Offered from 90 days before departure and on tour. Not required to enjoy the itinerary.
Travel protection	Not included. We recommend it for a trip at this price point and quote it with the tour.
Solo travelers	A single supplement applies. We quote it per departure.

Good to know

Ryokan option: Optional overnight stay at a traditional ryokan requires pre-booking with additional fee payable prior to travel. Space is very limited and on request only. Your stay includes a traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast. Dietary restrictions generally cannot be accommodated.
Operator's note: The cable-car ride at Mount Fuji is weather dependent.
Group size: Standard departures travel by full-size coach. Departures marked Small Group on the dates table are Globus Small Group Discoveries, capped at a smaller group and priced higher.
Price basis: Per person, based on two sharing a room, land only — flights from home not included. Hotels are as listed or similar.
Start and finish: 11 Day Tour from Tokyo to Kyoto. Open-jaw flights (different arrival and departure cities) — we price them together.

Group minimums

Group rates and amenities unlock at these tiers. Negotiated through Travel Connects' supplier relationships.

Tier	What you get
8+ guests	Group pricing starts here — Globus quotes group rates from 8 travelers. Ask us for a group quote.
20+ guests	Custom itinerary available — Globus can build a tailor-made version of this tour.

Gallery

Questions we get about this trip

Is airfare included?

No. Every price on this page is land-only. We quote flights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami with your dates, and Globus can add airport transfers when the air is on their booking.

Can we stay in a ryokan?

Globus offers an optional overnight at a traditional ryokan with dinner and breakfast, on request only with limited space and an extra fee paid before travel. Dietary restrictions generally cannot be accommodated for that night. Ask us early.

Which airports?

Into Tokyo, home from Kyoto via Osaka (Kansai) — we price the open-jaw ticket. The Mount Fuji cable car is weather dependent.

How much walking is there?

Expect guided walking tours most days, often on cobbles, steps and uneven ground. If that is a concern, tell us before you commit and we will talk it through rather than hope for the best.

Which dates are cheapest?

Prices vary by departure — the dates table on this page is read from Globus's own feed, so what you see is current. Shoulder-season departures are usually the lower-priced ones; any Small Group departures cost more.

What if we need to cancel?

Globus's published terms apply and the fee schedule depends on the departure and whether air is booked through them. We link the terms rather than restate them, and we walk you through the exact figures on your reservation before you pay a deposit.

Cancellation policy

Globus' published Travel Terms & Conditions apply. Deposit amounts, final payment dates and the cancellation fee schedule vary by product and departure date, and differ again for air booked through Globus; the exact figures are confirmed on your reservation. Full terms: globusjourneys.com/terms