Take an unforgettable 13-day tour through Japan one of the most culturally rich and advanced countries in the world. See the riches of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, then experience the excitement of Tokyo’s bustling streets and happening nightlife.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Osaka

Board your overnight flight to Japan.

Day 2 - Osaka

Arrive in Osaka, where a Go Ahead representative meets you after you clear customs. Later, join your fellow travelers at tonight’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - Osaka

Today’s guided tour offers a look at massive Osaka Castle, once the mightiest castle in Japan, with a museum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the leader who built the castle.

Next, make an excursion to Kobe, where a local guide leads you on a tour of this port city, including the Kiku-Masamune Sake Museum and Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the 1995 earthquake.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Osaka Castle, Kiku-Masamune Sake Museum

Day 4 - Kyoto

En route to Kyoto, step back in time on a guided visit to Japan’s ancient capital of Nara. Discover its exquisite pagodas and architecture, including the Todaiji Shrine, home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha, and the Kasuga Shinto Shrine with its thousands of paper lanterns.

Upon your arrival in Kyoto, uncover the city’s past on a guided tour, including the intricate 17th-century Nijo Castle, the gold-leaf covered Golden Pavilion and the strikingly red Heian Shrine, constructed in 1895.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrances: Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion, Todaiji Shrine

Day 5 - Kyoto

On today’s visit to Mikimoto Pearl Island, see how pearls are cultivated and watch the famous Ama Pearl Divers as they dive into Ise Bay to collect pearls the old-fashioned way.

After visiting Osatsu, a traditional Japanese fishing village, stop at the Ise Shrine. Its nearly 200 buildings are reconstucted every 20 years, in keeping with Shinto custom. The current structures were remade in 1993.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrance: Ise Shrine

Day 6 - Kyoto

Discover Japan’s lush countryside as you wind your way to the Miho Museum, which boasts an excellent collection of Japanese art and an extensive Egyptian collection. Designed by I.M. Pei, the façade of the Miho seemingly melts into the mountainside.

Dinner tonight is in Kyoto’s Kawaramachi district. Enjoy a feast of okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese-style crepe. After dinner, venture to Kyoto’s Gion geisha district for a performance of traditional Japanese theater.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrance: Miho Museum

Day 7 - Kyoto

Spend a free day exploring Kyoto on your own. You might visit the Kiyomizu Temple with its famous waterfall and spectacular view over the city. Or stroll down the Philosopher’s Walk, a cherry tree-lined path along a canal to the tranquil gardens of the Silver Pavilion.

Alternatively, join an optional trip to Hiroshima, bombed by the Allies in 1945 to end World War II. You’ll see many moving reminders of that day, including the A-Bomb Dome, a building that partially survived the blast; Peace Park with its Centotaph for the victims; and the Peace Memorial Museum.

The excursion also includes a visit to the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima. Its colossal red torii (the entry gate of a shrine) seems to float on the ocean during high tide.
Included meals: breakfast

$450 CAD

Hiroshima Historic Hiroshima has rebuilt itself into a modern-day metropolis, but your full-day excursion there will remind you of its moving past. Please note: This optional requires advance booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

Day 8 - Hakone

Board a high-speed train to the resort town of Hakone, nestled in the Owakudani Valley. Soak up the valley’s tranquil beauty during your cruise of Lake Ashi, formed after Mount Hakone erupted 3,000 years ago—and enjoy fine views of Mount Fuji looming in the background. Afterwards, relax in Hakone’s famous thermal hot springs.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 9 - Tokyo

Your guided tour of Hakone includes a visit to the Open Air Museum, featuring more than 200 Picasso originals. Then travel to snow-capped Mount Fuji, standing an imposing 12,388 feet high. Enjoy panoramic views of lakes and villages from the mountain (weather permitting) before arriving in Tokyo for a traditional tempura dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrance: Open Air Museum

Day 10 - Tokyo

Embark on a guided tour of Japan’s bustling capital today. Get a bird’s-eye view of Tokyo from the top of one of Tokyo’s tallest buildings. Nearby is the Zojoji Temple, founded in 1393. Visit Meiji Shinto Shrine, final resting place of Emperor Meiji, and wander through its Inner Garden, said to have been designed by the Emperor himself.

You’ll also view the Imperial Palace and its impressive grounds. Cruise down the Sumida River before exploring Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple. Built in 645, it is Tokyo’s oldest, most sacred temple.

Next, explore Tokyo’s famed Ginza district and watch a traditional Kabuki theater performance.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Meiji Shinto Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Sumida river cruise

Day 11 - Tokyo

Enjoy Tokyo at your leisure today. Consider visiting Ueno Park with its many museums, including the Tokyo National Museum. Or join an optional excursion to Nikko, known for the stunning Toshogu shrine.

After exploring the shrine complex, journey to Nikko National Park for breathtaking views of Lake Chuzenji, Mount Nantai and the spectacular Kegon Falls.
Included meals: breakfast

$225 CAD

Nikko Those with an appreciation for natural beauty will want to take advantage of this excursion to Nikko, a national park of rivers, lakes and wooded highlands.

Day 12 - Tokyo

Enjoy another free day in Tokyo or joing our optional excursion to Kamakura, where you’ll have the option to take a one-hour rickshaw ride or train to visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, as well as shop for arts and crafts along Komachi Shopping Street. This evening, join your fellow travelers at our Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

$129 CAD

Kamakura Explore the countryside, temples and shrines outside Tokyo on a walking tour through Kamakura. This fascinating, fully guided excursion takes you to Kamakura’s famous Great Buddha and pretty Hase Kannon Temple.

Day 13 - Tokyo

A representative assists you with the transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast

(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 CAD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 CAD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 CAD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 CAD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Japan, U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return to the United States. No visa is required for U.S. citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must contact the Japanese consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no health risks associated with traveling in Japan. Sushi and sashimi is not a risk, although eating kuma (raw bear) and botan (raw wild boar) is not recommended. No vaccinations are required for entry into Japan, but it is a good idea to check with your doctor or health official at least six weeks before

Transportation / Walking on tour

Transportation on the Highlights of Japan is conducted by private motorcoach and train. When traveling by train there may be times when you will have to handle your own luggage, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage.

For some included visits and optional excursions, be prepared for some more walking through elaborate monuments and museums, with steps.

Clothing & Packing Tips

We recommend wearing light, loose-fitting casual attire. It’s a good idea to bring a sweater, as it will be helpful in an overly air-conditioned building in the summer. Comfortable footwear that is easily removed is a good idea, as you will be required to remove shoes frequently.

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

The yen is the currency you will be use on tour. Normal banking hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, although currency is generally exchanged after 10 a.m. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Japan, but it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. As ATMs are not always readily available, we advise that you take a combination of U.S. currency and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks or at your hotel. Credit cards can be used at larger stores and restaurants, but many shops and markets will only accept cash. We suggest that you inform your credit card company of your plans, so that your international purchases won’t be mistaken for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s
currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.