Japan 2021: Gold Medal Moments in Tokyo

Fully Refundable Booking Period

Feel good about booking your tour today. Enroll in AutoPay or pay in full when you book and if you change your mind, you’ll receive a full refund of your payment through October 1, 2021.

See terms

Cheer on world-class athletes in Tokyo.

You know the jaw-dropping photo finishes, inspiring underdog stories, and intense competitive spirit that the world’s most famous international sporting event is known for? Imagine sitting in the stands and experiencing those moments live and in person. On this once-in-a-lifetime tour, you can. Travel through Japan and receive an insider’s look into this global celebration of sports by attending events and touring the EF Village.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
2 lunches
3 dinners with beer or wine
1 liquor tasting

Included highlights

Osaka Castle
high-speed bullet train rides
Itsukushima Shrine
Golden Pavilion
guided meditation session

Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Osaka today.

Osaka2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Osaka

Included meal: Breakfast

Welcome to Japan! Get settled in to your hotel this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Osaka

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Join a local guide and set out to explore Osaka, the birthplace of many of Japan’s well-known arts, such as Kabuki theater and the tea ceremony.

Visit the massive Osaka Castle, which houses a museum dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the legendary leader who built it
Stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market, famous for its selection of fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, and other Japanese specialties

This afternoon, gather with your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome lunch in the city.

Spend a free evening in Osaka or add an excursion.

Osaka by Night: Cruise & Dinner

From $155 per person

Kyoto3 nights

Day 4: Kyoto via Hiroshima & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

Board a high-speed bullet train and travel to Hiroshima. Then, get to know this renowned “City of Peace” on a guided sightseeing tour with a local guide.

Visit Peace Memorial Park to see the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, which was the only structure to withstand the infamous atomic bombing of the city during World War II
Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to view the 12th-century, UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine

Then, board another high-speed bullet train and continue on to Kyoto.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Kyoto

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Liquor tasting

A local guide leads a tour of Kyoto, the city that served as the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years—and is still considered its spiritual capital.

Tour the 17th-century Nijo Castle, which boasts intricate architecture and a unique alarm system: floors that sound like a nightingale when walked on
See one of Japan’s most famous temples, the glittering Golden Pavilion
Travel on to Ryoanji Temple, which houses the country’s finest Zen gardens

Enjoy a free afternoon in Kyoto or add an excursion.

Tonight, sit down for an included dinner to enjoy traditional shabu-shabu (hot pot) and sample four varieties of sake during a tasting.

Arashiyama District & Nishiki Market

From $155 per person

Day 6: Zen meditation class

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, learn about one of Japan’s most important spiritual practices: Zen meditation.

Tap in to your unconscious mind during a guided Zen meditation session
Sit down to sip Matcha green tea alongside a traditional Japanese sweet
Enjoy an included lunch

Spend a free afternoon in Kyoto or add an excursion.

Nara

From $129 per person

Hakone1 night

Day 7: Train to Hakone & sightseeing tour

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a high-speed train to Hakone, a resort town in the Ōwakudani Valley that’s known for its hot springs. Then, set off on a guided tour of the area.

Pay a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which has endless sculptures over its 17 acres and a gallery with more than 700 works by Picasso
Embark on a cruise on Lake Ashi, which formed after Mount Hakone erupted 3,000 years ago
Take in surreal views of Mount Fuji looming in the background
Enjoy a ropeway ride up to the top of Mount Komagatake, admiring spectacular views from the cable car as you go

Sit down for an included dinner this evening followed by free time to relax in the hotel’s hot springs.

Tokyo Region3 nights

Day 8: Tokyo via Mount Fuji & sightseeing tour

Included meal: Breakfast

En route to Tokyo, make a photo stop at Mount Fuji. This mountain stands an imposing 12,388 feet high, and you’ll take in panoramic views of nearby lakes and villages from the midway-point observatory.

Then, spend the afternoon exploring Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, with your Tour Director in the lead.

View the Imperial Palace and its impressive grounds
Pass through the Shinjuku District
Head to the top of the Metropolitan Building to get a bird’s-eye view of the city

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Tokyo & sporting event

Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide and embark on another immersive tour of Tokyo.

Pass the iconic Shibuya crossing as you drive through the central part of the city
Set off on a short walk from Yoyogi Park to the Meiji Shrine, final resting place of Emperor Meiji
Stroll through the colorful Harajuku neighborhood, where Tokyo’s history and present-day pop culture intertwine
Explore Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most sacred temple
Peruse a vibrant variety of handmade crafts and local fare at the centuries-old Nakamise Shopping Arcade

This afternoon, attend a sporting event and cheer on your favorite team as you soak in the spirit of the games.

Day 10: Sporting event & EF Village

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Head to one of the city’s athletic complexes and watch a sporting event this morning.

Feel the competitive nature of the international sports rivalries
Watch world-class athletes perform at the top of their game

This afternoon, head to the EF Village.

Meet an EF Ambassador and hear about EF’s connection to the games
Learn why EF was appointed as the Official Partner for Language Training Services of the Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympics
Discover how EF teaches English language skills to local community members

Please note: The order of today’s activities may change depending on the departure date and event schedule.

Celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner this evening.

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Show full itinerary

Book with peace of mind

We make it easy with deposits as low as $99, fee-free rebooking, and more.

Read details

Reviews

Be the first to submit a review for this tour.

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Hotel de Yama

This historic hotel is located on the banks of Lake Ashinoko. Guests enjoy a hot spring spa, garden, and restaurant options. Nearby you’ll find the Ha...

Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
Find out more about flights

Local weather

Hakone, Japan

Weather averages

Today

High 56 °FLow 42 °F

Higashi-Osaka, Japan

Weather averages

Today

High 60 °FLow 47 °F

Kyoto, Japan

Weather averages

Today

High 58 °FLow 45 °F

Tokyo, Japan

Weather averages

Today

High 56 °FLow 50 °F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Japan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact Japan’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills. You may need to climb stairs when visiting temples.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and ferries.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Osaka and depart from Tokyo. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Train rides from Osaka to Hiroshima, Hiroshima to Kyoto, and Kyoto to Hakone, a round-trip ferry ride from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, as well as a boat ride on Lake Ashi, are included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
You will need a small overnight bag (such as your carry-on bag) for your stay in Hakone. Your luggage will be transferred for you from Tokyo to Kyoto directly.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Japan.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Most Japanese meals are based around rice or noodles with fish, meat, and vegetables flavored with soy sauce and miso. You may recognize popular dishes like sushi, tempura, and hot pot.

Electricity & air conditioning

Japan operates on 100 volts and uses a Type A plug, the same as in the U.S.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Japan is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 1am on the following day in Japan.

Currency

You will use the Japanese yen on tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.