Vibrant Japan: A Spring Escape

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Vibrant Japan: A Spring Escape

April 19, 2026
– May 2, 2026

14 Days

Forget everything your mother taught you about table manners. In Japan, it’s perfectly acceptable to slurp! Get ready to joyously drink in traditional hot sake, green tea, big brothy noodle bowls and the delicious views from neon-lit Tokyo to historic Kyoto. Peaks, palaces, pavilions, and pagodas provide picture-perfect backdrops for your photos, but don’t expect to stand still for very long on this enthralling tour of Japan. A hands-on calligraphy class, a special kimono fitting, an interactive cooking demonstration, and a gold-leaf design class—where you’ll make your own keepsake bento box—are all part of the fun. Browse the produce at a Takayama farmer’s market, stroll through Kanazawa’s famous Kenroku-en gardens and experience the thrill of a ride on the famous bullet train. Prepare to be floored in more ways than one!

A 2-night stay in the serene city of Hiroshima is a peaceful ending to your tour of Japan. Hop on the bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima to be further moved by dramatic gardens, sacred shrines, and the many touching memorials to the lives lost in the World War II atomic bombing.

Daily Itinerary

An exciting journey is ahead as we board our overnight flight at Chicago O’Hare to Tokyo, Japan.

Arrive Tokyo, Japan where those traveling on group air will be transferred to your hotel.

Hotel: Hilton Tokyo

Meals: N/A

Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. At an artist’s studio, earn to write like a local during a calligraphy lesson with a master calligrapher, have the opportunity to try on a traditional kimono, and partake in a tea ceremony. After lunch, visit the Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower. Last stop is the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade. Tonight, join your travel companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director.

Hotel: Hilton Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From a drive to Kamakura to see the 750-year-old Great Buddha. Continue to Hakone where you’ll take a cable car ride for panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain.  After lunch, cruise on Lake Ashi for more views of this beautiful area. Conclude the day with a thrilling shinkansen (bullet train) ride back to Tokyo.

Hotel: Hilton Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore the city.

Hotel: Hilton Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

Journey to Matsumoto, gateway to the ruggedly beautiful Japanese Alps. Visit a local wasabi farm and learn more about how it’s grown and the importance of wasabi in Japanese culture and cuisine.  Eat lunch at the farm and sample wasabi ice cream. Visit Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure of Japan dating back to the 16th Century. Tonight, enjoy a wonderful Japanese-style dinner at your hotel.

Hotel: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today begins at the morning market, where farmers display locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Visit Takayama Jinya, a former government office during the Edo Period from 1692-1868. This well-preserved building is a national historic site and the only remaining building of its kind in Japan. End with a fun sake tasting. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

Hotel: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, enjoy a drive through the mountainous Shokawa Valley to Shirakawa; a remote region of Japan home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here explore the unique Gassho-Zukuri-style (joined hands) thatched houses that can only be found only here. Continue to the scenic town of Kanazawa, situated between the mountains and the Sea of Japan. Explore Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s three great gardens that dates from the 1670’s. One of the garden’s most stunning attractions is Kasumigaike pond with its island called Horai which is meant to symbolize long life and eternal prosperity. Take part in a gold leaf class, where you’ll learn about this ancient craft and make your own bento box.

Hotel: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, travel south to Kyoto. Japan is known for its cuisine, which is deeply engrained into the culture.  What better way to gain insights into the local way of life than through a special cooking class by a local chef.  Learn to make miso soup, teriyaki chicken and makizushi, more commonly known as a sushi roll. After the delicious lunch you have prepared,

you will visit two of the city’s most important sites: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple.

Hotel: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Sushi, Shrines & Temples

This morning, drive south to Kyoto. On arrival, participate in a Japanese cooking class for lunch. Then, you’ll visit two of the city’s most important sites: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple.

Hotel: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

Travel to nearby Nara to visit Kasuga Shrine and Todaiji Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Japan.

Hotel: The Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Board one of Japan’s famous shinkansen (bullet train) bound for historic Hiroshima. Join your Local guide for a visit to the 400-year-old Shukkei-en Garden, where natural landscapes are represented in miniature form.

Hotel: Hilton Hiroshima

Meals: Breakfast

Reveries & Remembrances – Explore the highlights of Hiroshima with your Local Guide. Start your guided at Peace Memorial Park, then travel by ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy free time for lunch and to explore the many shops. Enjoy your evening at your leisure.

Hotel: Hilton Hiroshima

Meals: Breakfast

Our Japanese adventure ends today. Enjoy breakfast before your group transfer to the Hiroshima Airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels, tour itinerary, and tour inclusions are subject to change.

Tour Highlights

Signature Tour Experiences Include:

  • PLANNED TO A TEA – Participate in a tea ceremony, the ancient tradition and carefully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea.
  • Visit a local wasabi farm & Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure dating back to the 16th Century.
  • Explore Kasuga Shrine, the most celebrated in Nara, is a Shinto shrine with some 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. On the opposite end of the park is Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant temples.
  • MONUMENTS & MEMORIALS – Peace Memorial Park is home to the Peace Memorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945, after the bombing.
  • Visit Sanjusajendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 more life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf.

Fox Tour Manager! *

A Tour Manager from Fox World Travel will accompany the group through Japan, offering peace of mind as you travel! *

We’ll also have a professional Globus Tour Director and local driver/guides for transfers and included experiences!

Hotel Icon

Hotel Accommodations

  • 4-Nights Tokyo
  • 2-Nights Takayama
  • 1-Night Kanazawa
  • 3-Nights Kyoto
  • 2-Nights Hiroshima
Dining Icon

Dining

  • 12 Breakfasts
  • 5 Lunches
  • 2 Dinners
Transportation Icon

Transportation

Signature Tour Experiences Include

  • PLANNED TO A TEA – Participate in a tea ceremony, the ancient tradition and carefully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea.
  • Visit a local wasabi farm & Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure dating back to the 16th Century.
  • Explore Kasuga Shrine, the most celebrated in Nara, is a Shinto shrine with some 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. On the opposite end of the park is Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant temples.
  • MONUMENTS & MEMORIALS – Peace Memorial Park is home to the Peace Memorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945, after the bombing.
  • Visit Sanjusajendo Temple, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 more life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf.

Pricing

Air and Tour Package
  • Airfare from Chicago (ORD) Included
  • Guided Tour & Inclusions
  • Airport Transfers in Destination
$10,601.00
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
Tour Only Package
  • Purchase Your Own Air
  • Guided Tour & Inclusions
$8,701.00
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
Globus

Early Booking Discount

Deposit by December 31, 2025 and receive $250.00 off per person!

Important Information

Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person

Fox Professional Fee: Package price includes a $50.00 non-refundable Professional Fee per reservation. Fee will be charged at the time of deposit and will show as an additional payment from Fox World Travel.

Final Payment: No later than February 2, 2026

Requirements: Valid US passport is necessary with a minimum validity of 6 months from return date

Single Supplement: $1,555.00 (single occupancies are limited)

Not Included: ETIAS Visa (when implemented), Airline flights on land-only packages, airline luggage fees if applicable, gratuities for airport porters, tour guides, motorcoach drivers, meals (other than those included in the package), optional excursions, travel insurance and any items of a personal nature.

Terms: Minimum of travelers is required for the tour to operate and send a Fox World Travel tour manager to accompany the group. In the event the minimum number is not reached, the tour may still include a professional, local guide in destination. Hotels, experiences, and daily itinerary are subject to change.

Group Air: A minimum of 10 passengers is needed for the group air. Air is non-refundable after ticketing. Flights are currently pending. The air-inclusive package includes air that has not yet been assigned, the identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier’s code-share partner, will be assigned and disclosed at a later date. Price includes approximate air taxes and fees. Air package pricing is subject to change until contracted due to the volatility of airfare costs. Checked luggage fees may apply. Frequent Flier miles may not be available to group air travel. Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request. Fox World Travel has no control over flight or equipment changes, seat assignments, delays, or cancellations. Airline tickets will be non-refundable once issued. Changes will be subject to a fee plus any fare difference. Additional restrictions may apply. Pricing and flight options from other cities available upon request

Insurance: For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost.

Cancellation Penalties:           

  • From date of deposit to February 2, 2026: Initial deposit of $400.00 + Fox Fee
  • February 3 – March 1, 2026: 50% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
  • March 2 – March 19, 2026: 75% package price cancellation fee + applicable airline fees
  • March 20, 2026 to 0 days prior to travel: No refunds

Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any Fox Group Vacation or vendor cancellation penalties. Air tickets are non-refundable once ticketed.

You will receive customized, informative travel documents containing trip details and helpful packing and planning information.

Note: Daily Itinerary is subject to change. Order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Substitute visits to other sites may occur due to uncontrollable factors.

RESPONSIBILITY: We and any sponsoring organizations act only as agent for the suppliers of travel services such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies, tour operators, restaurants, sightseeing companies, entertainment providers, and cruise lines (the “Suppliers”). We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Suppliers that cause losses or damages arising from physical or emotional injury, property or other economic damage, consequential damages, or monetary losses, or arising from any other causes beyond our control. We reserve the right to make any changes in the itinerary deemed necessary, and also the right to decline or retain any person as a member of the Trip. If you choose to arrange your own transportation for any portion of the Trip, we are not responsible for any arrangements or associated costs should there be a change in date that requires changes or cancellation to transportation arranged by you. We are not responsible should there be any changes with vacation hosts, tour managers, or entertainment. You grant to FWT and its designated agents the right to acquire and use the audio, photographic, video and other portrayals of your image, likeness, and voice in any medium of any nature whatsoever, including the Internet, for the purpose of trade, advertising, sales, publicity or otherwise, without compensation.

We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travelers, but we are not responsible in the event we are unable to do so nor are we responsible for any denial of services by Suppliers. The American with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside its borders. Most transportation services, including a touring motor coach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret we cannot provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance and must assume full responsibility for their well-being. Motorized scooters are unsuitable for most vacations.

We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel. For information concerning possible dangers at destinations, we recommend contacting the Travel Warnings Section of the U.S. State Department at (202) 647-5225 or www.travel.state.gov. For medical information, we recommend contacting the Centers for Disease Control at (877) FYI-TRIP or www.cdc.gov/travel. You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of your destination(s), and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination(s). You hereby release us from all claims arising out of any problem covered in this paragraph. You agree that the courts in Winnebago County, Wisconsin will be the exclusive jurisdiction for all claims brought by you or us, and you hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.

We work vigilantly with the Suppliers to maintain integrity of the price you were originally quoted and placed on deposit. There may be certain circumstances where your vacation may be subject to a price increase prior to full payment due to a supplier or government issued surcharge. Prices will not increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees, fuel surcharges, exchange fluctuations or any combinations of these. Fox World Travel will make a reasonable attempt to contact you prior to issuing charges.