2025: Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun (2510)
12 Day Tour from Tokyo to Osaka
This Japan tour is perfect for value-minded travel lovers who enjoy history, beautiful settings, and fascinating architecture. You'll start in Tokyo, end in Kyoto, and overnight along the way in the Mount Fuji area, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Highlights of this tour through Japan are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you'll visit. Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, has long been worshipped as a sacred mountain; you'll enjoy views of majestic Mount Fiji and Lake Kawaguchi during your cable-car ride (weather permitting). In Hiroshima, visit Itsukushima Shrine, built over water and known for its iconic floating Torii gate, and Peace Memorial Park to see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the only remaining structure from the first atomic bomb in 1945. In Kyoto, visit the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in beautiful gold leaf, and participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. In addition to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous shrines, and other historic sites, this tour includes visits to two of Japan's premier gardens dating back to the 1600's. Walk the tranquil Koraku-En to enjoy the ponds, bridges, waterfalls, and tea house and the Shinjuku Gyoen or 'Imperial Garden,' formerly a feudal lord's property and home to one thousand cherry blossom trees. You'll enjoy a local lunch and taste the 'Japanese pizza' of Hiroshima, the legendary okonomiyaki dish. Plus, you'll ride on the famous bullet train, or shinkansen. History, scenery, culture, cuisine, and fun experiences?this Japan vacation has it all!
Call (304) 523-3627 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18854130
- Tour Operator
- Cosmos
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2024
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Tokyo | Welcome to Japan's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in. |
| Day 2 | Tokyo | Meet your Tour Director and travel companions prior to morning sightseeing in Tokyo. Your tour starts with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Next, visit Shinjuku Gyoen Garden. Originally dating from the early 1600s, the garden was destroyed in World War II and reopened in 1949 as a public park, home to one thousand cherry blossom trees. Today, it remains an immensely popular stop for locals and visitors alike. Last stop is the vibrant Asakusa Kannon Temple and the bustling Nakamise shopping arcade. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. (B,L) |
| Day 3 | Tokyo | Enjoy the day at your leisure to explore this sprawling metropolis. (B) |
| Day 4 | Mount Fuji Area | This morning, leave Tokyo and head south along the coast to the beautiful Five Lakes region. Take a cable-car ride (weather permitting) for panoramic views of Lake Kawaguchi and spectacular Mount Fuji, or Fujisan as the locals call it, Japan's highest mountain. You'll also visit Chureito Pagoda for a chance to snap your own iconic image of the pagoda with Fujisan in the background! (B,L) |
| Day 5 | Osaka | This morning, board Japan's famous bullet train for Osaka. Upon arrival, join your Tour Director for a walking tour in Minami. Made up of Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Dotonbori, this area is home to great dining and nightlife and some of the city's most fashionable shops and department stores. This is evening is free to explore the city on your own. (B) |
| Day 6 | Osaka | Your sightseeing tour starts at the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses, where traditional thatched-roof farm houses dating from the Edo period have been restored. Be transported back in time as you explore the old architecture. Visit Osaka Castle, then enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure. Perhaps return to Dotonbori this evening to sample local cuisine and see the sparkling neon lights. (B) |
| Day 7 | Hiroshima | This morning, drive south to Okayama and visit Koraku-en, one of the 'Three Great Gardens of Japan.' The 30-acre garden features ponds, plum groves, and tea fields. The wide lawns, believed to uplift the spirit and promote open mindedness, are unique to Koraku-en and not a traditional feature of Japanese gardens. In Kurashiki, enjoy free time in the Bikan Historical Quarter, once the political and commercial center of the city. The canal-lined, white-washed, stone streets reflect the Edo period (1603-1867) and are quintessentially Japanese. Continue to Hiroshima. (B) |
| Day 8 | Hiroshima | Today's full day sightseeing includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Peace Memorial Park, and Itsukushima Shrine. Start at Peace Memorial Park where you'll visit the Peace Memorial, commonly referred to as the Atomic Bomb Dome, that is preserved and is just as it was on August 6, 1945, immediately after the bombing. You will also visit the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall, which commemorate the lives lost that day. For lunch, enjoy the country's legendary dish of okonomiyaki, a delicious Japanese-style savory pancake. Then, travel to Miyajima Island to visit Itsukushima Shrine, known for its beautiful floating Torii Gate. (B,L) |
| Day 9 | Kyoto | Drive north to Bizen, where you'll visit a traditional pottery workshop to learn more about Bizen-yaki, one of Japan's six ancient pottery styles dating back over 1,000 years. Stop in Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture that combines function with elegance. Continue to Kyoto. This evening, you may choose an optional style of accommodation at a traditional Japanese ryokan (additional fee and pre-booking required). (B)ACCOMMODATION HIGHLIGHTFUTON, ANYONE? Choose an overnight stay at a ryokan to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese culture and hospitality. Your ryokan features traditional touches like tatami mat floors, a thin sleeping mattress, and the chance to experience a Japanese-style bath - as well as the modern convenience of a private bathroom. Traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast are included in your stay. Please note that space is limited. Pre-booking and additional fee required. |
| Day 10 | Kyoto | Your day begins with a visit to stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered in shimmering gold leaf. Walk through bustling Nishiki Market, a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Participate in a tea ceremony, time-honored tradition, and wonderfully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea. After lunch, visit Sanjusajendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly hued Torii Gate. Then, take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district, and sample a local Japanese treat. Oh, deer! Consider an optional afternoon trip to the expanses of Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deer who wander freely amid its shrines and temples. (B,L) |
| Day 11 | Kyoto | Full day at leisure to explore more of Kyoto's historic sites and shrines. (B) |
| Day 12 | Kyoto | Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Cosmos, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Cosmos, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
Important Notes- Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Cosmos to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
- The hotels and accommodations listed are provisional and subject to change and may be substituted with properties of similar standard. Hotels are confirmed approximately 30 days prior to departure and can be found in your travel documents, but are not guaranteed until check-in.
- The following charges are not included in the land vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; Intra-vacation air unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.00 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas (except on Cuba programs) and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Cosmos menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.
Booking your Vacation with Air
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"Starting at" Disclaimer
The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) - please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).
