15 Days Epic Japan With Shinkansen & Onsen - USA Departure


Tokyo-Nagano-Matsumoto-Takayama-Gokayama-Kanazawa-Kyoto-Hiroshima-Miyajima Island-Hakone-Tokyo

Luxury TravelButler Service

price starts at:
U$23,999.00+ U$43,999.00

  • Tour Code: USEJ15
  • Days: 15 Day(s)
  • Departing From: Tampa Kansas City North Carolina St.Louis Fort Wayne Indianapolis IND Honolulu Columbus, Ohio Minneapolis New Orleans Fort Lauderdale Orlando San Jose Sacramento Milwaukee Oklahoma City Memphis Charlotte Austin Atlanta Portland Oregon San Antonio San Diego Miami Philadelphia Phoenix Dallas Denver Detroit Washington, D.C. Houston Seattle Chicago Boston Land Only Edmonton San Francisco Las Vegas Los Angeles New York (all airports)
  • Highlights:

    You can add the UTO Worry-Free Plan, giving you more flexibility to change your order with each new booking
    ? (Click here for more details)

    ☆ Immerse in Japanese history and culture in an unmatched way

     Discover Japan from off the beaten path
     Stay in super 5-star hotels or the best in town or village
    Savor the local delicacies in some world famous Michelin restaurants
     Include 5 bullet train rides (Shinkansen) across Japan
     Enhance overall experience with “Hands-on programs” designed along the route
     ”White Glove” private butler service with executive Mercedes-Benz sedan or van at service throughout the journey



  • Better to Book Before: 150 Day(s)
trip map:
OVERVIEW

*Late March to early April is historically the best time to view cherry blossoms, but we can’t guarantee that they will flower on these dates as they are highly seasonal and subject to climatic conditions.
*From June to August, it is the best time to view fresh spring greens and enjoy the warm climate.
*The end of Oct through early Nov is the best time to see crimson leaves in Autumn.


ALL PRICES ARE IN USD

    PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

    Full Payment is Required at the Time of Booking.

    GROUP SIZE:

     2 - 10 people in each departure date

    OPTIONAL PROGRAM AND UPGRADES:

     Since the seats are limited, we recommend you to choose optional and extension programs at the time of booking.

    UPGRADE TO BUSINESS CLASS:( BEFORE FINAL PAYMENT)

     (Only Available For USA -- Asia International Round Trip) Cost Extra USD 4000/Person.

    SPECIALTY JAPANESE LOCAL CUISINE
    Tokyo
     
    Sushi-Jiro (Michelin ☆) or Sushi Sukiyabashi Jiro (Michelin ☆)
    Sushi Jiro is one of the best praised Edo-style Sushi restaurants in Japan and all over the world, having been listed on the Michelin Guide as a three-star restaurant for 11 years running. 
    Sushi Sukiyabashi Jiro runs by Takashi Ono, the second son of the world-famous sushi master, Jiro Ono, this Sushi restaurant is the perfect place for those who want to taste authentic Japanese sushi made in traditional ways. 

    Takayama

    Takayama Sakana (Michelin ☆)
    Enjoy your meal with top-grade Hida beef steak and selected seasonal ingredients at this Michelin 1 star restaurant in Takayama.

    Kanazawa

    Japanese cuisine Zeniya (Michelin 
    ☆)
    Experience the unforgettable hospitality and taste of Kanazawa’s four-season at this Michelin 2 star awarded restaurant. Chef Shinichiro Takagi is often invited to restaurants and hotels around the world to introduce his unique style of Kanazawa cuisine and takes great pride in seeing people from all around the world appreciate his dishes.

    Kyoto

    Kyoto Cuisine
    A Kaiseki restaurant that dates back to the Edo period (17th to 19th century), Nakamura is run by the 6th generation of owner-chefs. This three-Michelin-star restaurant serves Kaiseki courses in a traditional setting, in rooms laid with tatami mats, where guests sit on cushions on the floor and eat at low tables. Nakamura uses only the freshest local ingredients, to ensure that the taste is at its most flavorful. It has a menu that changes with the seasons, using ingredients available at different times of the year for its dishes.

    Hiroshima

    Seasonal Cuisine Nakashima (Michelin )
    Nakashima is the only 3 star Michelin restaurant in Hiroshima. It is best known for its seasonal kaiseki course. The chef diligently goes to the market to search for the freshest ingredients of the season and prepares them for his guests. Nakashima is one of the best value Michelin starred restaurants in the world.
    https://www.utovacation.com/
    Telephone:1 855.526.1286

    ITINERARY

    Day 1: USA TO TOKYO

    Fly to Tokyo from USA.

    Day 2: Welcome To Tokyo

    Arrive in one of Tokyo’s International Airports (Haneda or Narita). Our team will take care of you from the moment you exit the arrivals hall where you will be met by our transfer staff on arrival and be taken directly to your hotel in Tokyo.

    Day 3: Tokyo City Sightseeing

    After breakfast at your hotel, today you will have Tokyo City Sightseeing including these popular destinations:
    ●Tokyo Tower (observation deck)
    ●Tokyo River Cruise to Asakusa area
    ●Akihabara with a maid cafe visit

    Day 4: Tokyo - Hakone

    After breakfast, we will take you to Hakone. You will take a cruise on Lake Ashi followed by a ride across the mountains on a scenic cable car which will, weather permitting, afford us a perfect view of the majestic giant, Mt Fuji. Enjoy The Hakone Open-Air Museum, Japan’s first outdoor, open-air museum of art. Located in a lushly green 70,000 square meters garden with a view of the Hakone mountains, the museum has on permanent display some 120 masterpieces by famous modern and contemporary sculptors. Visit the museum’s five indoor exhibitions, including the Picasso Pavilion with its rotational displays from more than 300 Picasso pieces in this world-class collection, as well as the natural hot spring bath and the art in the outdoor plazas.

     Enjoy traditional Japanese dinner at your ryokan and make full use of the hot spring baths. 

    Day 5: Hakone - Nagano

    After breakfast, check out and get ready to leave Hakone for a quaint place called Yudanaka Onsen in Nagano prefecture.

    We will visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. It is a fantastic experience to watch wild monkeys bath in the natural hot spring bath at the foot of the mountain during winter. 

    Tonight, you will have Japanese traditional Kaiseki dinner & Hot Springs (onsen) at your ryokan.

    Day 6: Nagano - Takayama

    After breakfast, check out of your ryokan and continue your journey to Matsumoto where we will visit the stunning Matsumoto Castle, an original samurai castle.

    Then we will travel through beautiful mountains and river valleys to Takayama. 

    Check into your hotel.

    You are free to relax or explore the area in the afternoon.

    You can choose to have Japanese traditional Kaiseki dinner or buffet diner at your hotel.

    Day 7: Takayama

    Today, you will explore this beautiful city that has retained historical features by visiting:

    ●Takayama Morning Market

    ●Kusakabe Folk Park

    ●Takayama Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Hall)

    ●Takayama Jinya (preserved Government town hall)

    Lunch will be at a Michelin restaurant.
    You will have free time in the afternoon to walk through the streets by yourself, sampling the delicious street food and visiting local artisans’ shops.
    You can choose to have Japanese traditional Kaiseki dinner or buffet diner at your hotel.

    Day 8: Takayama - Gokayama - Kanazawa

    After breakfast, we will head north into Toyama prefecture stopping in Gokayama, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in this area. Nestled along the deep gorge of Sho River, 33 Gassho-zukkuri houses have been preserved in the historic villages of Gokayama including Ainokura and Suganuma. You will have a Washi paper making experience.

    Remainder of the day rest will be in Kanazawa, also known as ‘Little Kyoto’. 

    Kanazawa is a lovely small city close to the Japan sea coast. Until the turn of the century it was the 4th biggest city in Japan. However its wealth was built on rice production and traditional crafts such as weaving and gold leaf and with the full scale industrialisation of the country Kanazawa was somewhat left behind. Today the city is flourishing again and still maintains a lot of its old charms.  You will visit the beautiful Kenrokuen garden which is rated as one of the three best stroll gardens in the whole of Japan.

    Dinner will be at a popular Michelin restaurant.

    Day 9: Kanazawa - Kyoto

    Take a morning tour to Omicho Market and Higashi Chaya District (Geisha District), and then we will head for Kyoto in the afternoon.

    Check in your hotel in Kyoto in the early evening and be ready to have dinner at a Michelin restaurant.

    Day 10: Kyoto

    Kyoto city sightseeing hits these popular destinations:

    ●Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

    ●Fushimi Inari Shrine

    ●Nijo Castle

    ●Kyoto Highlight: Maiko Tea Ceremony

    Day 11: Kyoto Free Day

    Today will be a well deserved day off to spend as you choose in Kyoto. Suggested itinerary and access maps will be provided for you in your travel pack.

    Optional day trip to Osaka and Nara at U$599/person with lunch

    After breakfast, we will take you to Osaka first. Upon arrival in Osaka, you will have the opportunity to ascend to the top of Osaka Castle, one of the three most striking castles in the entire country of Japan, built over 400 years ago. Continuing on, you will stroll around Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, lively downtown areas full of shops, izakayas, ramen bars, and karaoke clubs. In the afternoon, we will head for Nara. In Nara, you will visit Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO-listed historical site constructed in the year 728 as a Buddhist temple. The entire complex is the largest wooden structure in the world, housing a 49ft/15m tall Buddha statue and other priceless treasures. The free-roaming deer around the temple are believed to be divine messengers and guardians.

    Afterward, you will drive back to Kyoto for a restful evening.

    Day 12: Kyoto - Hiroshima

    This morning we start a little earlier to catch the Shinkansen train to our next stop, Hiroshima! 

    In Hiroshima, follow your guide and listen to the story of how this humble city has rebuilt itself after the devastating A-Bomb blast of WWII. Emotions and perspectives may well move here, but we guarantee you will listen with keen interest and curiosity.

    Later, we will continue on to Miyajima Island after lunch at a local restaurant, another UNESCO World Heritage spot! Here, we will visit the impressive Itsukushima Shrine that seems to float so peacefully on the water along with the giant Torii Gates.  

    You will have hotel Kaiseki dinner at the local best Onsen Ryokan.

    Day 13: Hiroshima - Tokyo

    After a peaceful night spent on the island of Miyajima, you will make your way back towards Tokyo. But before hitting the high streets of the capital, you will spend  more time in Miyajima and Hiroshima. Lunch at a Michelin restaurant in Hirosima.After lunch, you will have a long but comfortable journey along the Tokaido shinkansen line, arrive in Tokyo before dinner.

    Day 14: Tokyo Free Day

    Your final full day in Tokyo can be spent in many ways; revisiting some of the sights, exploring new places, some last minute shopping or a day trip to Kamakura or Yokohama etc. Your travel consultant or tour leader will be more than happy to oblige in helping you make your plan. 

    Day 15: Tokyo Departure

    After breakfast today, you will be provided with an airport transfer service from your hotel. Board your international flight back home filled with memories to last for a lifetime.


    more info

    Included:

    1) Round-trip international flight from New York / Los Angeles / San Francisco to Japan for NO additional charge

    The following departure cities are available for an additional charge:

    Additional U$300/person
    San Jose/ Washington / Boston / Las Vegas / Chicago / Houston / Seattle
    Additional U$500/person
    Atlanta / Austin / Charlotte / Dallas / Denver / Detroit / Memphis / Miami / Milwaukee
    Additional U$500/person
    Oklahoma City / Philadelphia / Phoenix / Portland / Sacramento / San Antonio / San Diego

    Land only package without round-trip international flight ticket: minus U$2000/person

    2) Ground transportation between the cities (BY Bus/Train/Flight)

    3) Hand-picked 5-star and best class hotel accommodations with daily breakfast

    4) Sightseeing admission fees as listed on the agenda

    5) Food as specified on the itinerary

    6) Special cultural programs as specified in the schedule

    7) Professional English speaking local tour expert

    8) All tax and fuel surcharge

    9) Gratuity

    Excluded:

    1) Travel insurance

    2) Any personal expenses

    3) Tour Extensions and Optional programs

    4) Single Supplement: U$7000 (*Our tour price is based on double occupancy and if a single passenger is travelling solo and not sharing room with any roommate for the entire trip, a single supplement fee is charged. If a passenger shares a room with travel partner(s) on the tour, such fee is waived.)

    Optional Features

     OPTIONAL PROGRAMS:

     Day 11: Optional day trip to Osaka and Nara with Tappasaki lunch at U$599/person 


    STAY LIKE A LOCAL-EXTENSIONS: (CHOOSE BEFORE THE TRIP)

    1) Tokyo 1 Night Hotel and Flight Extension 

    Price: U$1499/person

    Single Supplement: U$1499

    Included:

    - Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

    - 5 star hotel accommodations with daily breakfast

    2) Tokyo 2 Nights Hotel and Flight Extension

    Price: U$1999/person 

    Single Supplement: U$1999

    Included:

    - Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

    - 5 star hotel accommodations with daily breakfast

    3) Return Flight Extension - 3 Days

    Price: U$1299/person

    Included:

    - Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

    4) Return Flight Extension - 5 Days

    Price: U$1399/person

    Included:

    - Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

    5) Return Flight Extension: 6 - 20 Days (Airport pick up and drop off service Not included)

    Price: U$1399/person

    Included:

    - Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

    Please note the exact departure date may be selected at a later point prior to final payment or you may specify your preferred return date in the "Remark" Column.

    6) Return Flight Extension: 6 - 60 Days (Airport pick up and drop off service Not included)  (Depart from other Asian Cities)

     Price: U$1599/person

    Included:

    Return flight from Tokyo / Seoul / Taipei / Hong Kong / Beijing / Shanghai / Manila / Singapore / Kuala Lumpur / Ho Chi Minh City / Phnom Penh / Bangkok / Phuket

    - Air Ticket change fee & fare difference from the original itinerary

    Please note the exact departure date or return city may be selected at a later point prior to final payment or you may specify your preferred return date in the "Remark" Column.

    Visa

    Japan does not require a visa for USA, Canada & Mexico passport holders.


    Visit the "IATA Travel Centre" for detailed information on country-specific passport, visa and health requirements:

    https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm


    More about Travel Documents

    *It is your responsibility to ensure that you- and any child travelling with you- have all the valid travel documents necessary to enter in, exit from or transit through, each country/region on your itinerary. Note that the documents required for the outbound portion of your travel may differ from those required for the return.

    *Your passport should be valid for six months beyond your date of return. Passport must be in good condition: passport damaged beyond normal wear and tear will not be accepted.

    *Consult with the appropriate embassy, high commission or consulate about the travel document requirement for any country that you plan to enter in, exit from or transit through.

    *Some country no longer issue paper visas but rather electronic visas. E-Visa holders must present the printed e-Visa and valid passport at the checkpoint.

    *International travel with infants and children may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter Consent or permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.

    *Americans holding dual citizenship must travel to the United States with a valid U.S. passport. American permanent residents returning to the United States from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

    *Canadians holding dual citizenship must travel to Canada with a valid Canadian passport. Canadian permanent residents returning Canada from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card).


    Hotels & Flights

    HAND-PICKED 5 STARS AND BEST CLASS HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:

    Tokyo: Hilton Tokyo Hotel / Park Hyatt Tokyo / Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, an IHG Hotel / ANA InterContinental Tokyo, an IHG Hotel / Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo / The Westin Tokyo or similar


    Nagano (Yudanaka Onsen  area): Kanbayashi Senjukaku or similar


    Takayama: Takayama Green Hotel or similar


    Kanazawa: ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa, an IHG Hotel or similar


    Kyoto: Hotel Okura Kyoto or similar


    Miyajima: Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto or similar


    Hakone: Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora, an IHG Hotel / Tensui Saryo / Hakone Kowakien TenyuOpens in new window / Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa or similar



    INTERNATIONAL AIR: (*UTOVACATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CONFIRM THE AIRLINES BELOW)

    ☆ United Airline ☆ American Airline ☆ Delta Airline ☆ Air China ☆ Air Canada ☆ Hainan Airlines ☆ China Eastern Airlines ☆ Cathy Pacific Airlines ☆ China Southern Airlines ☆ Xiamen Airlines ☆ Beijing Capital Airlines ☆ Sichuan Airlines ☆ Hongkong Airline ☆ Eva Air


    Remark: 

    1) We reserve the right to modify the itinerary if necessary subject to the local conditions.

    2) Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 2 travellers.

    3) Price subject to change at the time of reservation.

    4) For travellers under 12 years old are as follow:

    Children between 2-11 
    years old with bed
    Infant under 2 years old
    100% of 
    adult tour fare

    We don"t suggest people bring Infants under 2 years old to participate in this tour 

    5) Tour fare is based on American/Canadian adults (non-student group), twin share.

    6)The hotels listed in the itinerary are subject to change and may be substituted with a similar category hotel without prior notice, if unavailable. Multi-carriers/airlines are used for the group tour airfare. Once the group tickets are issued the airline information may be released by the group ticketing department about 30 days prior to trip departure. Uto vacation can reserve the right to issue tickets without prior notice.

    7) For Travel Visa service: 

    * If you choose UTO’s Visa Application Service with your booking, we will contact you by email about 60-120 days prior to trip departure for your visa application. Please call 1-855-526-1286 for more information. 

    * Please note: A final trip confirmation will be sent to the main contact passenger via email one month prior to departure that includes a day-by-day itinerary, hotel information, and flight information. If acquiring a visa on your own, the supporting documents will be provided from UTOvacation one month prior to the trip departure date. Supporting documents requested early are subject to a $50 administration fee.

    8) Any deviations to other destinations and/or extensions are subject to a $150 change fee, plus any air fare difference---please call 1-855-526-1286 for detail information.

    9) Reservation changes: changes to an existing reservation, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person charge plus any additional supplier fees. This includes name changes* and removal of any services such as optional tours and transfers. *Please note that name changes to airline reservations are subject to full cancellation and re-booking. See airline name changes section for specific information. Replacing a traveling passenger with another traveling passenger constitutes a cancellation, subject to cancellation penalties, and is not covered by this reservation changes policy. Changes or additions after departure are subject to local rates at the time of amendment and must be paid directly by the passenger to the service provider. There are no refunds for unused services.

    10) All tour extension & optional programs require a minimum of 2 participants to commence. UTOvacation reserve the right to cancel the tour extension without prior notice. In the instance of cancellation, the tour extension or optional tours shall be refunded.

    11) This tour requires some walking during sightseeing. Handicap facilities are not up to the North American standard. We ask all passengers to be careful of the small steps in the old shrines and temples.