Japan Escorted Bus Tours

Discover a place where ancient traditions exist side by side with modern civilization and the historic cornerstones of Japanese culture, the Samurai and Geisha, are still revered today. See how Japan has undergone centuries of transformations, from its first ancient capital, Nara, to its present-day capital, Tokyo. From Nagano to Kyoto, from original temples to stunning Japanese gardens, this exclusive tour will leave you with a better understanding and appreciation for this East |Asian land. Three guest lecturers provide fascinating background on the history of Japan, the life of a Geisha, and the restoration of the Byodoin Temple.

American breakfast (B) daily; Local Host service in each city; city maps; lightseeing as outlined in day-by-day itinerary.

American breakfast (B) daily; Local Host service in each city; city maps; sightseeing as outlined in day-by-day itinerary.

On this tour, discover Japan and China—two amazing countries with distinct cultures, sights, cuisine, drinks, history, and scenery. Ride a thrilling bullet train in Japan, see the Great Wall of China, cruise on the Li River, and visit some of the most historic sights in these two great countries.

Immerse yourself in Japan’s culture when you partake in a tea ceremony, try on a traditional kimono, attempt calligraphy, and participate in a Japanese cooking class. Also see some of Japan’s historic sights, including Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the official residence of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In China, a trip highlight is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, which were built to help China’s first emperor in the afterlife. Accidentally discovered by farmers in 1974, these masterpieces have been guarding his burial site for 2,000 years. Also in China, see the Forbidden City’s Imperial Palace, once the sacred home of China’s emperors, and Tian’anmen Square, the place where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949.

These are just a few of the many exciting places you’ll see on this fascinating trip through China and Japan. So pack your camera and get ready for a trip of a lifetime!

A good story starts with a good vacation. What story might you discover next?

On this tour, discover Japan and China—two amazing countries with distinct cultures, sights, cuisine, drinks, history, shopping, and scenery. Ride a thrilling bullet train in Japan, see the Great Wall of China, cruise on the Li River, and visit some of the most historic sights in these two great countries.

Immerse yourself in Japan’s culture when you partake in a tea ceremony, try on a traditional kimono, attempt calligraphy, and participate in a Japanese cooking class. Also see some of Japan’s historic sights, including Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the official residence of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

In China, a trip highlight is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, which were built to help China’s first emperor in the afterlife. Accidentally discovered by farmers in 1974, these masterpieces have been guarding his burial site for 2,000 years. Also in China, see the Forbidden City’s Imperial Palace, once the sacred home of China’s emperors, and Tian’anmen Square, the place where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949. Be sure to leave room in your suitcase so you can experience the great shopping in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

These are just a few of the many exciting places you’ll see on this fascinating trip through China and Japan. So pack your camera and get ready for a trip of a lifetime!

A good story starts with a good vacation. What story might you discover next?

From bustling cities to quiet mountain villages, experience the distinct flavor of Japan during this incredible vacation. On this tour, experience Japan’s culture when you partake in a tea ceremony, try on a traditional kimono, attempt calligraphy, browse a farmers market, and participate in a Japanese cooking class. Of course, you’ll visit Japan’s famous sights, including many of its castles and shrines. In Kyoto, see the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, and be amazed at its beauty. You’ll also visit Matsumoto Castle, a must-see sight in Japan; dating from 1593, it is Japan’s oldest existing castle tower and designated as a national treasure.

You’ll not only see the fascinating structures and shrines, but also have a chance to visit one of Japan’s greatest gardens—Kenroku-en. According to the ancient Chinese book of gardens, gardens should have six different sublime qualities, but it is rare to find all six qualities in a garden. Dating from the 1670s, Kenroku-en does in fact combine the six attributes of a perfect garden—spaciousness & seclusion, artifice & antiquity, water-courses & panoramas. Be sure to bring your camera for some great photos!

While in Japan, try some traditional sake, taste some authentic sushi, visit a Shinto shrine, and experience some of the optional activities available. Whatever you decide to do, be sure you bring your camera, because you’ll have lots of opportunities to capture memories and photos to share with everyone back home!

At Globus, we design our journeys around the stories that they will tell. What story will you discover next?

From bustling cities to quiet mountain villages, experience the distinct flavor of Japan during this vacation. On this tour, experience Japan’s culture when you partake in a tea ceremony, try on a traditional kimono, attempt calligraphy, browse a farmers market, and participate in a Japanese cooking class. Also experience the thrill of riding one of Japan’s famous bullet trains.

Of course, you’ll visit Japan’s famous sights, including many of its castles and shrines. See the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, and be amazed at its beauty. You’ll also visit Matsumoto Castle, a must-see sight in Japan; dating from 1593, it is Japan’s oldest existing castle tower and designated as a national treasure. In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Park and see the dome that miraculously remained standing as all the structures around it were destroyed by the atomic bombing. The dome is now a symbol of peace, and you may even see doves flying around the park!

You’ll not only see the fascinating structures and shrines, but also have a chance to visit one of Japan’s greatest gardens—Kenroku-en. Be sure to bring your camera for some great photos. Try some traditional sake, taste some authentic sushi, visit a Shinto shrine, and experience some of the optional activities available. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to have lots of stories and photos to share with loved ones back home!

No one brings the world’s stories to life like we do. What story will you discover next?

On this tour, discover some of Asia’s most exciting cities, including Hong Kong, Bangkok, Beijing, and Tokyo. You’ve seen photos of the Great Wall of China—now’s your chance to walk on it! You’ve seen photos of Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square—now’s your chance to stand in it! You’ve heard about Hong Kong’s amazing shops and street markets—now’s your chance to experience them! You’ve heard about Tokyo’s tea ceremonies—now’s your chance to enjoy one!

A tour highlight is Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, one of Bangkok’s best-known landmarks. This Buddhist temple glistens in the sunlight during the day. Also enjoy a boat ride through Bangkok’s canals and see family homes, temples, and the way of life in this exciting city. In Beijing, visit the Imperial Palace, once the home of China’s emperors, and see the Ming Tombs, hand-carved stone statues for 13 of the Ming Dynasty’s emperors.

In Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Tokyo, you’ll have a sightseeing tour plus free time to explore the cities’ shopping, restaurants, and optional activities. Try some sake in Tokyo, shop for Chinese artwork and jewelry in Hong Kong, and visit the temples in Bangkok. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to arrive home with lots of stories and memories to share with your friends and family.

A good story starts with a good vacation. What story might you discover next?

On this tour, discover some of Asia’s most exciting cities, including Hong Kong, Bangkok, Beijing, Tokyo, and Kyoto. You’ve seen photos of the Great Wall of China—now’s your chance to walk on it! You’ve seen photos of Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square—now’s your chance to stand in it! You’ve heard about Hong Kong’s amazing shops and street markets—now’s your chance to experience them! You’ve heard about Japan’s thrilling, high-speed bullet trains—now’s your chance to ride one!

A tour highlight is Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, one of Bangkok’s best-known landmarks. This Buddhist temple glistens in the sunlight during the day. Also enjoy a boat ride through Bangkok’s canals and see family homes, temples, and the way of life in this exciting city. In Beijing, visit the Imperial Palace, once the home of China’s emperors, and see the Ming Tombs, hand-carved stone statues for 13 of the Ming Dynasty’s emperors. In Kyoto, see the extraordinary Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple literally covered in gold leaf.

In each city, you’ll have a sightseeing tour plus free time to explore the cities’ shopping, restaurants, and optional activities. Try some sake in Tokyo, taste sushi in Kyoto, shop for Chinese artwork and jewelry in Hong Kong, and visit the temples in Bangkok. Whatever you decide to do, this vacation is sure to delight all of your senses.

A good story starts with a good vacation. What story might you discover next?

On this tour, discover some of Asia’s most exciting cities, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Beijing, and Tokyo. You’ve seen photos of the Great Wall of China—now’s your chance to walk on it! You’ve seen photos of Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square—now’s your chance to stand in it! You’ve heard about Hong Kong’s amazing shops and street markets—now’s your chance to experience them! You’ve heard about Tokyo’s tea ceremonies—now’s your chance to enjoy one!

A tour highlight is Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, one of Bangkok’s best-known landmarks. This Buddhist temple glistens in the sunlight during the day. Also enjoy a boat ride through Bangkok’s canals and see family homes, temples, and the way of life in this exciting city. In Beijing, visit the Imperial Palace, once the home of China’s emperors, and see the Ming Tombs, hand-carved stone statues for 13 of the Ming Dynasty’s emperors.

In Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Tokyo, you’ll have a sightseeing tour plus free time to explore the cities’ shopping, restaurants, and optional activities. Browse the art galleries in Singapore and sample a Singapore Sling cocktail, try some sake in Tokyo, shop for Chinese artwork and jewelry in Hong Kong, and visit the temples in Bangkok. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to arrive home with lots of stories and memories to share with your friends and family.

A good story starts with a good vacation. What story might you discover next?

On this tour, discover some of Asia’s most exciting cities, including Hong Kong, Bangkok, Beijing, Tokyo, and Kyoto. You’ve seen photos of the Great Wall of China—now’s your chance to walk on it! You’ve seen photos of Beijing’s Tian’anmen Square—now’s your chance to stand in it! You’ve heard about Hong Kong’s amazing shops and street markets—now’s your chance to experience them! You’ve heard about Japan’s thrilling, high-speed bullet trains—now’s your chance to ride one!

A tour highlight is Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, one of Bangkok’s best-known landmarks. This Buddhist temple glistens in the sunlight during the day. Also enjoy a boat ride through Bangkok’s canals and see family homes, temples, and the way of life in this exciting city. In Beijing, visit the Imperial Palace, once the home of China’s emperors, and see the Ming Tombs, hand-carved stone statues for 13 of the Ming Dynasty’s emperors. In Kyoto, see the extraordinary Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Zen Buddhist temple literally covered in gold leaf.

In each city, you’ll have a sightseeing tour plus free time to explore the cities’ shopping, restaurants, and optional activities. Browse the art galleries in Singapore and sample a Singapore Sling cocktail, try some sake in Tokyo, taste sushi in Kyoto, shop for Chinese artwork and jewelry in Hong Kong, and visit the temples in Bangkok. Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to arrive home with lots of stories and memories to share with your friends and family.

A good story starts with a good vacation. What story might you discover next?

Our seven day Highlights of Japan Tour is the perfect way to see the major highlights of Japan in a short visit. Travelling between Kyoto and Tokyo, you will be able to compare the modern sky rise Japan with the historical cultural Japan. You will visit some of the most magnificent Heritage Sites in the world, including Kiyomizu Temple and the Golden Pavilion. In Kyoto we include visits to Nijo Castle and Sanjusangen-do, as well as the chance to experience a traditional tea ceremony. We spend one night at a a traditional Japanese style hotel on the World Heritage Island of Miyajima and visit the beautiful city of Hiroshima. There is also the option to take a day trip to view the breathaking Mt Fuji where you can experience Japanese style hot springs and a trip around the majestic mountain. Our tour ends in the vibrant capital Tokyo, where not only are the most famous highlights included, but we have many other options for sightseeing and eating some of the many styles of delicious Japanese cuisine.

This Japan Tour is an exciting journey through the bright light cities, the mountainous terrains and paddy field plains, the spiritual temples, and the deep culture of this ancient nation. If you are a first timer or indeed a return visitor you will see parts of Japan that would simply not be possible to find on your own, without the knowledge and language behind you. You will take part in various cultural activities such as an Authentic Tea Ceremony, Soba Noodle Making, Rice Paper Making, and even stay in a Temple with the chance to meditate alongside the local monks of Mt Koya and more. Places visited include the neon metropolitan cities of Tokyo and Osaka, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, the spiritually rich Koyasan, the traditional Takayama, the timeless Gokayama, the gardens of Kanazawa and the deep valleys of Matsumoto. English is not widely spoken in Japan, especially in the rural parts, and so our inclusion of a tour buddy will enhance the opportunities to meet with locals and join in the Japanese way of life along the way. Please note: We have timed certain departures to coincide with some Japanese festivals. Please see departure dates for more information.