Includes airfare, great hotels, transfers and more!

Discover Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji & Hakone

Japan is a wonderful and fascinating destination. It's also very expensive— unless you're traveling with Friendly Planet! Now you can explore this ancient yet modern country for a truly remarkable price. You'll visit Tokyo, Japan's modern capital and Kyoto, ancient capital for over 1000 years, on this thrilling 10-day tour.

Our Touring Program

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating sojourn to Japan begins as you depart today on your overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive Tokyo, Japan. Welcome to Japan, the "Land of the Rising Sun". Afternoon arrival in Tokyo, Japan's vibrant capital. Tokyo is a great mix of ancient Japanese culture and modern, dazzling architectural landmarks which you'll be able to explore over the next few days.

Your tour host warmly welcomes you upon arrival and escorts you to your downtown hotel. Your host will share with you some vital information about Japan, Tokyo and your upcoming tour program. Asakusa View Hotel

Day 3: Tokyo. Morning guided tour to explore some of the highlights of amazing Tokyo. Start with a visit to the 1093 ft. Tokyo Tower, the tallest structure in the city, modeled on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. From here you may enjoy bird's eye views of Mt. Fuji and the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo, home to 10% of Japan's population and the center of the nation's politics, business, finance, mass media, and pop culture.

Then, tour the historic Imperial Palace district, which dates back to the 15th century. The emperor and his family still live in the western part of the Imperial Palace, known as the Kokyo. You'll see the charming East Outer Garden with views of the ancient castle walls and ruins. Proceed to a Pearl Gallery where you'll learn more about the pearl's cultivation tradition.

Your tour concludes at the Sensoji, or Asakusa Kannon, Tokyo's most sacred and spectacular Buddhist temple. Narrow alleys filled with small shops, restaurants and tranquil gardens surround the temple. Stroll Nakamise Street nearby, filled with stores stocking treasure troves of traditional Japanese wares and crafts.

Afternoon is free for independent pursuits. You may explore the nearby exciting Ginza district, home to Tokyo's oldest and most prestigious department stores, including Wako, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel and Prada, and renowned for its world-class dining and entertainment, including the Kabuki theatre. (B)

Day 4: Mt. Fuji & Hakone Excursion. Japan's pastoral countryside unfolds as you depart Tokyo today for Mt. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The main attraction here is majestic Mt. Fuji, a dormant volcano that last erupted almost 300 years ago. The mountain's perfectly shaped cone has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Weather permitting, drive up to the fifth station of the snow capped peak for panoramic vistas.

Savor lunch at the nearby hot spring resort town of Hakone before embarking on a scenic boat ride on tranquil Lake Ashi. Later, enjoy a cable car ride up Mt. Komagatake for a sweeping view of Hakone National Park and Mt. Fuji before returning to Tokyo late this afternoon. (B,L)

Day 5: Tokyo. Spend a day at leisure to explore Tokyo from your conveniently located hotel. For a real taste of Japan, get up early and head for the colorful Tsukiji fish market! Or visit Hama-rikyu Gardens, originally built by 17th-century shoguns for their private enjoyment, and now a picturesque public garden. You may also join an optional excursion outside Tokyo to Nikko, a magnificent complex of shrines dedicated to the first shogun, adorned with some of the finest woodcarvings in all of Japan. (B)

Day 6: Tokyo/Kyoto. Today, embark on a thrilling train ride on the super-express Bullet Train Shinkansen headed for splendid Kyoto. Embodying Japan's rich culture and complex history, Kyoto has over 2000 temples and shrines, delightful gardens and exceptionally preserved wooden buildings. The sights, wonderful local cuisine and exceptional arts and crafts here are certain to enchant you! After checking into your centrally located hotel, the balance of the day is at leisure. Rihga Royal Hotel (B)

Day 7: Kyoto. The capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is a world-class gem, a true oasis. Today, a local expert leads you on a guided tour exploring some of the city's highlights. Begin at Nijo Castle, renowned for its ornate interiors. Built by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early 17th century, the castle symbolizes the power and riches of the newly established Edo-based Shogun.

Your next stop is one of Kyoto's most inspiring sights, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji. As you approach the temple via a tree-shaded path, emerge into an exquisite Japanese-style garden on the other side of which stands the fabled pavilion. It is built on pillars magnificently suspended over a lake. Proceed to the colorful Handicraft Center where you can see demonstrations of traditional Japanese arts and crafts.

This afternoon visit renowned Kiyomizu Temple, founded in the 8th century. Situated halfway up the Otowayama Hill it encompasses a vast area and affords stunning views of Kyoto. Wander along the narrow winding alleys leading up to the temple, lined with magnificently preserved old houses, craftmen's workshops and tea houses.

Soak up the flavor of traditional Japanese atmosphere, and perhaps purchase some exquisite locally crafted souvenirs. Later, return to your hotel. (B)

Day 8-9: Kyoto. Two full days on your own to explore ancient Kyoto's grace and beauty or join an optional tour. You may visit some of the smaller and serene temples, marvel at splendid classical Japanese gardens, see the exquisitely dressed geishas and performing arts at the colorful Gion corner, or join a traditional tea ceremony.

Perhaps visit the acclaimed Miho Museum, built on a wooded mountain-top outside Kyoto. Also available is an optional excursion to Nara, Japan's first capital and symbol of tranquility, where you may see the world's largest indoor Buddha. (B)

Day 10: Kyoto/USA. Transfer to the airport for your return flight. Your amazing journey ends on arrival in Los Angeles later today. (B)

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Japan, click here.

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Discover Japan
Included Features

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles via scheduled Korean Air flight (flight schedule)

• Intra- Japan ground transportation and transfers

• Super-Express "bullet" train between Tokyo and Kyoto

• Accommodations at Superior First Class hotels with private bath

• Full American buffet breakfast daily (B) and 1 lunch (L)

• Comprehensive sightseeing tours as indicated in itinerary

• English-speaking tour guides throughout

Rates are per person based on double occupancy.

Single occupancy rooms: add $299 (small room with one single bed)

Flight Schedule: Click here for a full flight schedule.

Departure Airports: Included flights are from Los Angeles.

Taxes: U.S. departure taxes ($250) are not included.

Important Note: If you are reserving this tour less than 60 days prior to departure, confirmation is subject to space availability. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations.

Wait-listing on Friendly Planet Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.

Important Information About Transfers: Transfers for this tour are provided on a group basis only. For land-only passengers or for passengers deviating in any way from the group program, transfers are not provided.

FUEL SURCHARGES We are all aware of the escalating cost of fuel, and while we had hoped we would not be adversely effected, we are now receiving fuel surcharge notices from many airlines. Most likely, all airlines will soon follow suit. All present surcharges  for this tour are included. We regret having to pass along these additional charges to our passengers; however, we cannot be responsible for these charges when they are levied except to do our best to notify our passengers of the charges and then collect them on behalf of the carriers. Like all taxes associated with your tickets, fuel surcharges and airport fees are subject to change without notice.

Already Booked? Print and complete your Tour Registration Form (PDF).

800.555.5765 / Fax 215.572.9803

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* Some tour prices reflect an early booking discount on select dates. Prices do not include Additional Taxes, Fees & September 11th Security Fee.

Though we do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our site about our tours, sometimes oversights and typographical errors can occur. Please confirm all tour prices and details with us via email or phone prior to booking. We will not be held responsible for misunderstandings arising from such errors.

TourCode: d-000