Kyoto Tours &amp; Trips

none

3.7/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo

Highlights

Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum's vast array of sculptures Discover Owakudani Valley’s extraordinary volcanic zone Embark on a cruise on Lake Ashi and admire the stunning scenery Board the famous Shinkansen, or “bullet train” that whisks you to Kyoto †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

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8 days From$2,919

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9 Day Classic Japan

none

3.7/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Tokyo

Highlights

Tour dazzling Tokyo, a city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology View the serene Meiji Shrine honoring the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress Board the famous shinkansen, or “bullet train” that whisks you from Tokyo to Kyoto Discover Kyoto, founded in the 8th century, one of the early capitals of Japan Stand before the celebrated gold-gilded Kinkaku-ji Temple, known as the “Golden Pavilion" Marvel at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its endless arcades of vermilion colored torii Visit dramatic Osaka Castle with its extraordinary collection of art, armor and collectibles In Osaka, walk through bustling Kuromon Market, with vendors selling fast-food Japanese-style †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

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9 days From$3,579

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14 Day Japan with Hiroshima

none

3.7/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo

Highlights

Tour dazzling Tokyo, a city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology Culinary demonstration led by a professional chef -- learn the art of creating sushi and sashimi Visit the serene Meiji Shrine honoring the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress A day of breathtaking natural scenery as you drive to the National Park of Hakone in full view of Mt. Fuji Board the famous shinkansen, or "bullet train" that takes you to Kanazawa south of the Noto Peninsula Travel to the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go, known for its village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses In Kagaonsen, stay at a traditional Ryokan (inn) A walking tour of Takayama’s historic district reveals its traditions dating back to the 8th century Discover enchanting Kyoto, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan Visit Kyoto's Nijo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, and the magnificent gilded Golden Pavilion Experience the cultural heritage of Kyoto at a traditional Tea Ceremony at the Gesshin-in Temple Dinner and traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance reflects the core of Japanese culture Travel to the Imperial capital of Nara, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites Explore the compelling exhibits at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum Marvel at the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its iconic floating torii gate †Arrival transfer is available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

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14 days From$6,809

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12 Day Japan, Then & Now

none

3.7/5 Great

Small Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo

Highlights

Tour dazzling Tokyo, a city of ancient traditions coupled with state-of-the-art technology Culinary demonstration led by a professional chef -- learn the art of creating sushi and sashimi Visit the serene Meiji Shrine honoring the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress A day of breathtaking natural scenery as you drive to the National Park of Hakone in full view of Mt. Fuji Board the famous shinkansen, or "bullet train" that takes you to Kanazawa south of the Noto Peninsula In Kagaonsen, stay at a traditional Ryokan (inn) Travel to the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go, known for its village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses A walking tour of Takayama’s historic district reveals its traditions dating back to the 8th century Discover enchanting Kyoto, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan Experience the cultural heritage of Kyoto at a traditional tea ceremony Visit Kyoto's Nijo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa shoguns Travel to the Imperial capital of Nara, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites Dinner and traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance reflects the core of Japanese culture †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

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12 days From$4,499

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8 Day Essential Japan

none

3.7/5 Great

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo

Highlights

Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum's vast array of sculptures Discover Owakudani Valley’s extraordinary volcanic zone Embark on a cruise on Lake Ashi and admire the stunning scenery Board the famous Shinkansen, or “bullet train” that whisks you to Kyoto †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

By EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break)

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8 days From$3,329

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Highlights of Japan & China

none

2.9/5 Average

Group Tour

Lodging level

Standard - 3 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Great Wall of China, Hakone, Kunming, Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Osaka, Shanghai, Tokyo

Highlights

Stand in awe atop the Great Wall of China
Hand-feed monkeys while overlooking Kyoto
Meditate with Buddhist monks in the Mount Koya Monastery
Try freshly made sushi and traditional sake
Walk across the world’s busiest crosswalk at Shibuya, the Times Square of Tokyo

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Great experience and had a great group to travel with. Our guide, Angela, was AMAZING. Our hotel in cusco wasn't my favorite, the beds were very uncomfortable and the walls were thin, but otherwise I enjoyed the entire trip. Prepare for altitude sickness as best as you can, non of the remedies you buy online help, if you're going to get it, you're just going to get it. Homeopathic didn't help me, and Angela said it won't. Don't miss out on this wonder of the world though. Best experience of my life"

By MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek)

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16 days From$3,549

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Walking Japan

none

1/5 Terrible

64 reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Moderate

Trip pace

Balanced schedule

Visits

Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Nara, Tokyo

Highlights

Explore the old imperial city of Kyoto, its ancient temples, the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, and the Gion Geisha district
Walk in the footsteps of shoguns as you follow ancient trade routes through medieval towns, lush valleys, and misty forests
Stay at traditional Japanese inns, soak in hot springs, and eat exquisitely prepared, multi-course Japanese meals every night
Experience the electric energy of Tokyo and visit some of its oldest sites, including the Imperial Palace and the Grand Meiji Shrine

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfortable and happy (MTSobek tour guides are independent contractors. Tomomi also works for other Adventure/Tour companies) Secondly, Japan is beautiful, clean and the Japanese people are very welcoming. The hiking in the national parks was amazing. It could have been a truly five-star experience if MtSobek had not cut corners so egregiously. The website said (at the time) group tours are 5-22 people. The tour gets canceled if the minimum is not met. When I paid there were TWO other people booked-a mother and daughter duo. Shortly before our departure date I called to see if the tour would be cancelled. I wanted my money back but Mt Sobek was “pleased to say that the trip would not be canceled”. In other words, I could not get a refund. At the last minute a guy named Matt signed up so there were four of us. Five days into the trip Matt left and took a train back to Tokyo. I said to him “You realize Mt Sobek is not going to refund you”. He said, “I don’t care, Mt Sobek scammed us.” With tax, the tour costs $11,645 for 13 nights. For that price there is an expectation that the accommodations Mt Sobek chooses would be decent and clean. We all fully expected a ‘traditional Japanese experience’ which often means no private bath and 8 out of the 13 nights we slept on futon mats on the floor. However, Mt Sobek consistently booked us in the cheapest Ryokans (hotels) in each area in which we travelled. Most of these hotels were unclean and very out-dated. One Ryokan they booked us in was listed on a hotel website for $40 USD/night when there were much nicer accommodations nearby for $100 USD/night. (The Japanese yen is way down, the luxury Park Hotel in Tokyo was $200 USD/night. A comparable hotel would have been about $800/night in Austin.). We were the only people staying in several hotels that accomadated many more people. The most egregious example of MtSobek’s booking the cheapest rooms is when we were booked at a large traditional ski lodge at the base of a spectacular mountain. It was beautiful on the website but had two very different wings. One wing was modern, clean and beautiful with simple beds. The other wing was very old (similar to a cheap Motel 6 that had not been updated since the 1970’s). The carpet and bathrooms were disgusting and like many of the Ryocans where we stayed the futon mats seemed as though they had not been cleaned In 30 years. Only after our tour guide checked us in did we realize we had been booked in the cheap rooms. I asked Tomo why. Immediately someone from MtSobek reached out to me and said, “gosh, I’m sorry you did not realize you were going to have a traditional Japanese experience”. Really? “Traditional” experience depends upon one’s budget. In the US, “traditional” to some people may be the Marriott, a Motel 6 or the Four Seasons Hotels. We were paying for a Marriott experience and received the one-star Motel 6 experience. Upon arrival in Tokyo I expected to be met at the airport by a driver (as many tour companies do). However, several days before our arrival dates in Tokyo, MtSobek sent an email telling us how to locate taking a city bus from the bustling Tokyo airport. That is interesting if you do not speak Japanese. MtSobek cleverly uses great photography and elaborate descriptions of the national parks and the hiking while using terms like “traditional Japanese experience with tatami-mat sleeping” to disguise sub-standard accommodations. At one point we were looking on-line at the very hotel where we were staying and did not even recognize it from the website pictures. The hiking was amazing. The group size was disappointing with just the three of us. I would absolutely recommend a hiking tour through Japan, just not with MtSobek."

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11 days From$5,595

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Classical Korea and Japan

By Europamundo Vacations

none

4.6/5 Excellent

66 reviews

Group Tour

Lodging level

Premium - 4 star

Physical level

Easy

Trip pace

Full schedule

Visits

Busan, Hiroshima, Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Pacific Ocean, Seoul, Tokyo

Highlights

Visit the War Memorial, an impressive war museum that tells of the different conflicts suffered by Korea
Visit Hwaseong Haenggung
Enjoy a cup of traditional tea while our guide tells us about the city
Visit the temple and the museum on the Tripitaka

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Religious, Holy Land

What travelers are saying

"No travel with then completely desaster First and last Hotel accommodations really cheap, they mix you with 40 people in the same bus"