Japan on a Shoestring – Kyoto to Osaka

Transport yourself to somewhere truly otherworldly. This quick six-day tour takes you through some of Japan's most dynamic and diverse cities, without sacrificing your wallet. Immerse yourself in the serenely traditional culture of Kyoto before learning about Hiroshima’s fascinating, and fraught, history.... Read MoreTransport yourself to somewhere truly otherworldly. This quick six-day tour takes you through some of Japan's most dynamic and diverse cities, without sacrificing your wallet. Immerse yourself in the serenely traditional culture of Kyoto before learning about Hiroshima’s fascinating, and fraught, history. Wrap up your adventure in Osaka, where both delicious cuisine and stellar nightlife are bountiful. Your time in Japan might be short, but none of it will go to waste. It’s all waiting for you.

Starting at: $1,183

(Not Including Airfare)*

Tokyo 2019 - 4 days from Tokyo to Tokyo

An unusual mix of striking modern skyscrapers and ornate ancient temples, it’s safe to say that Tokyo is a one-of-a-kind metropolis! Monograms has made it easy for you to explore Tokyo with this 4-day getaway. We’ve included your hotel accommodations, private guided sightseeing, and daily breakfast,... Read MoreAn unusual mix of striking modern skyscrapers and ornate ancient temples, it’s safe to say that Tokyo is a one-of-a-kind metropolis! Monograms has made it easy for you to explore Tokyo with this 4-day getaway. We’ve included your hotel accommodations, private guided sightseeing, and daily breakfast, so that you can take in all that Tokyo has to offer. We also give you access to a Local Host®, who will be there to help meet your needs during your stay and make sure that your trip is unforgettable.

Your getaway begins the moment you arrive in Tokyo! Monograms can pick you up at the airport and get you to your hotel effortlessly. Your Local Host will greet you to provide you with materials to help familiarize you with the culture and traditions of the city. The next morning, after an included breakfast, hop onto the subway for a private guided tour of the city. You will see the Meiji Shrine, a 20th-century Shinto monument built within a man-made forest; the Samurai Museum, where you can learn about Japanese history and see authentic swords and armor; stop at Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, dating back to the 1600s; visit the bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade; and one of the city’s most colorful temples, the Asakusa Kannon Temple.

Enjoy the evening and the following day at your leisure. Don’t forget to ask your Local Host for suggestions about what to see and do during your stay. Perhaps take an excursion out of the city to Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. Here, you will cruise on Lake Ashi and take a cable-car ride for spectacular views of the Owakudani volcanic valley and majestic Mount Fuji.

Between the transportation we’ve arranged, the sightseeing we’ve included, and the hotels we’ve booked, the only thing left for you to do is pack your bags and enjoy your experience!

Starting at: $1,259

(Not Including Airfare)*

Japan on a Shoestring – Tokyo to Kyoto

Get a taste of both old and new Japan with this six-day tour. We’ve kept it simple with an itinerary of the country's most iconic cities. Experience everything from the bustling energy of Tokyo’s city centre to the rolling countryside of Takayama. And don’t forget Kyoto, a city of peaceful gardens... Read MoreGet a taste of both old and new Japan with this six-day tour. We’ve kept it simple with an itinerary of the country's most iconic cities. Experience everything from the bustling energy of Tokyo’s city centre to the rolling countryside of Takayama. And don’t forget Kyoto, a city of peaceful gardens and stunning temples. This trip is a quick and affordable one, so you can tack on more time to go deeper into Japan. Because after this tour, we know you'll want to.

Starting at: $1,299

(Not Including Airfare)*

7 Day Tokyo Vacation

Starting at: $1,389

(Not Including Airfare)*

9 Day Tokyo & Kyoto

Starting at: $1,389

(Not Including Airfare)*

9 Day Classic Japan

Starting at: $1,999

(Not Including Airfare)*

Epic Japan

Always wanted to experience Japan but felt it was pricey? No longer! This super-affordable 11-day introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun is the solution. Travel by train to introduce yourself to Tokyo nightlife, the famous geisha district of Kyoto, and the iconic floating torii gate of Miyajima.... Read MoreAlways wanted to experience Japan but felt it was pricey? No longer! This super-affordable 11-day introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun is the solution. Travel by train to introduce yourself to Tokyo nightlife, the famous geisha district of Kyoto, and the iconic floating torii gate of Miyajima. Experience the country's traditions and cutting-edge modernity with lots of free time. Discover Japan with a group of like-minded adventurers and you'll never want to come home.

Starting at: $2,079

(Not Including Airfare)*

Best of Japan 2019 - 7 days from Tokyo to Kyoto

You Only Live Twice...at least, that’s the title of the James Bond movie filmed in Japan. What if that’s true? What if you only live twice—or even just once? Well, then you shouldn’t waste your time dealing with the hassles of planning your vacation. Instead, let Monograms handle the details... Read MoreYou Only Live Twice...at least, that’s the title of the James Bond movie filmed in Japan. What if that’s true? What if you only live twice—or even just once? Well, then you shouldn’t waste your time dealing with the hassles of planning your vacation. Instead, let Monograms handle the details and logistics, so your time is spent planning what to pack, bragging to your friends about your vacation, and enjoying yourself! On this 7-day vacation, we’ve arranged hotel accommodations for three nights each in Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as private guided sightseeing in each city, breakfast daily, and a bullet train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto. Plus, in each city, an expert Local Host® is on hand and at your service to ensure your trip runs smoothly, to answer your questions, and to help you put your own personal stamp on your vacation.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and say, “Konnichiwa” to your Local Host, who will greet you and provide valuable tools to help introduce you to Tokyo. A “prefecture” and capital of Japan, this is the world’s most populous metro area and home to unlimited choices—shopping, dining, entertainment, historic temples and sites, peaceful gardens, and excellent museums. After a restful night, rise and shine over a hearty breakfast. Afterward, embark on a private guided sightseeing tour using Tokyo’s famous subway system. You will see the Meiji Shrine, a 20th-century Shinto monument built within a man-made forest; the Samurai Museum, where you can learn about Japanese history and see authentic swords and armor; stop at Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, dating back to the 1600s; visit the bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade; and one of the city’s most colorful temples, the Asakusa Kannon Temple.

Enjoy the evening and the following day at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions about what to see and do during your stay. Perhaps take an excursion out of the city to Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. Here, you will cruise on Lake Ashi and take a cable-car ride for spectacular views of the Owakudani volcanic valley and majestic Mount Fuji. Or maybe do a bit of exploring on your own. For an unforgettable view, ascend the 2,080-foot-tall Tokyo Skytree tower and if you’re a tech enthusiast, spend some time in the Akihabara electronics district.

A highlight of the vacation is the Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo to Kyoto. Between the nearly 200-mile-per-hour speeds and niceties like heated toilet seats, this is, by far, the most entertaining way to travel between cities. The “cradle” of Japan’s cultural heritage, Kyoto, the “City of Ten-Thousand Shrines,” was the country’s capital and residence of the emperor from the 8th until the 19th centuries. Monograms take you on a guided sightseeing tour that includes visits to Sanjusangendo Temple and the beautiful Temple of the Gold Pavilion. Built on a lake and surrounded by a thick forest, the image of the temple’s reflection in the water is a must-take photo. You’ll also walk through Gion and explore the thousands of Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. In your free time, hop aboard a rickshaw for a ride through the Old Town, visit nearby Nara, join a Japanese cooking class, attend a sake tasting, or indulge in some of the country’s finest Japanese cuisine.

Between the transportation we’ve arranged, sightseeing we’ve included, and the hotels we’ve booked, the only thing left for you to do is pack your bags and enjoy! With all the time and hassles saved and the comfort of knowing you’ll have a Local Host to help you during your vacation, you’ve got one fantastic vacation!

Starting at: $2,579

(Not Including Airfare)*

Japan Express: Osaka To Tokyo

From the Buddhist monks of Koyasan to the high rollers of Tokyo, see the many faces of Japan on this condensed tour beginning in Osaka. Savour the region’s culinary delicacies and the beautiful views at Mt Fuji. You'll stay in a traditional ryokan and really soak up local culture in onsen hot springs.... Read MoreFrom the Buddhist monks of Koyasan to the high rollers of Tokyo, see the many faces of Japan on this condensed tour beginning in Osaka. Savour the region’s culinary delicacies and the beautiful views at Mt Fuji. You'll stay in a traditional ryokan and really soak up local culture in onsen hot springs. A great combination of the traditional and the contemporary, this adventure provides a taste of the rich culture of Japan.

Starting at: $2,759

(Not Including Airfare)*

Tokyo with Mt Fuji Summer 2019

A fusion of dazzling Tokyo and Japan's serene Five Lakes District, this 'urban-meets-rural' trip mixes the city's bright lights, sights and shops, with time at Mt. Fuji.

Starting at: $2,775

(Not Including Airfare)*

Timeless Japan 2019 - 10 days from Tokyo to Osaka

This Japan tour is a must for value-minded travelers who enjoy history, beautiful settings, and fascinating architecture. You’ll start in Tokyo, end in Osaka, and overnight along the way in the Mount Fuji area, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

Highlights of this tour through Japan are the UNESCO World... Read MoreThis Japan tour is a must for value-minded travelers who enjoy history, beautiful settings, and fascinating architecture. You’ll start in Tokyo, end in Osaka, and overnight along the way in the Mount Fuji area, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

Highlights of this tour through Japan are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you’ll visit. In Kyoto, visit Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the shogun’s official residence; the Temple of the Gold Pavilion, a Buddhist temple overlooking a large pond and covered in beautiful gold leaf; and the Pure Water Temple, founded in 780 AD on the site of a waterfall. In Hiroshima, visit Peace Memorial Park and see the only remaining structure—the Atomic Bomb Dome—that predates the 1945 atomic blast. An excursion from Hiroshima takes you to the Itsukushima Shrine, built over water and known for its iconic floating Torii gate. Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has long been worshipped as a sacred mountain. You’ll enjoy views of majestic Mount Fiji during your cruise on crystal-blue Lake Ashi and during your cable-car ride (weather permitting).

In addition to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, famous shrines, and other historic sites, this Japan tour also includes visits to two of Japan’s beautiful gardens: Koraku-En, dating to 1686 and considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, and Shinjuku Gyoen, dating to 1603 when it was a feudal lord’s home. Plus, you’ll ride on the famous bullet train.

History, scenery, and fun experiences…this Japan vacation has it all!

Starting at: $2,869

(Not Including Airfare)*

Japan Winter Wonder(Twin Room,Start Osaka, End Tokyo)

Say konnichiwa to the land of sushi, samurai & sake. In a land where ancient and modern collide, this trip will take you from temples & teppanyaki to geishas, gardens & miniature deers. Yep, your head's spinning already, and that's before we've even mentioned go kart riding through the streets of Tokyo... Read MoreSay konnichiwa to the land of sushi, samurai & sake. In a land where ancient and modern collide, this trip will take you from temples & teppanyaki to geishas, gardens & miniature deers. Yep, your head's spinning already, and that's before we've even mentioned go kart riding through the streets of Tokyo dressed as your favourite superhero...

Starting at: $3,050

(Not Including Airfare)*

Simply Affordable Japan

Our remarkably affordable trip offers maximum flexibility and the attentive services of our on-the-ground team. In Tokyo and Kyoto, our guides will show you Japan’s ancient spirit and 21st-century ways.

Starting at: $3,099

(Not Including Airfare)*

Japan Winter Highlights

Japan in winter is simply unforgettable. Join this nine-day tour to explore big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as sights you'll only find away from the bright lights like the iconic geisha district in Kanazawa. Visit the Swiss-like village of Shirakawa-go before heading to Kawayu Onsen... Read MoreJapan in winter is simply unforgettable. Join this nine-day tour to explore big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as sights you'll only find away from the bright lights like the iconic geisha district in Kanazawa. Visit the Swiss-like village of Shirakawa-go before heading to Kawayu Onsen to enjoy local-style accommodation and the traditional onsens (outdoor hot springs) that make winter tours in this country so fun. Make next winter something special in Japan.

Starting at: $3,299

(Not Including Airfare)*

Best of Japan with Osaka 2019 - 9 days from Tokyo to Osaka

Starting at: $3,569

(Not Including Airfare)*

12 Day Japan, Then & Now

Starting at: $3,599

(Not Including Airfare)*

Japan Discovery Summer 2019

Experience the many contrasts of Japan, from the modern metropolis of Tokyo to the breathtaking beauty of Mt. Fuji and enchanting Kyoto with its stunning temples and colourful Geisha district.

Starting at: $3,675

(Not Including Airfare)*

Japan Discovery Summer 2019

Experience the many contrasts of Japan, from the modern metropolis of Tokyo to the breathtaking beauty of Mt. Fuji and enchanting Kyoto with its stunning temples and colourful Geisha district.

Starting at: $3,675

(Not Including Airfare)*

Japan Hike, Bike & Kayak

There's so much to discover in the Land of the Rising Sun. So we've taken our favourite must-see highlights and major cultural touchstones like Kyoto and Hiroshima, combined them with visits to lesser known areas, and packed everything into a 13-day itinerary. Hike along the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage... Read MoreThere's so much to discover in the Land of the Rising Sun. So we've taken our favourite must-see highlights and major cultural touchstones like Kyoto and Hiroshima, combined them with visits to lesser known areas, and packed everything into a 13-day itinerary. Hike along the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route to visit spectacular shrines, visit the impressive site of Wakayama Castle, bike the famous Shimanami Kaido route, and kayak around the famed floating torii gate in the Bay of Miyajima. With a refreshing mix of approachable activities, beautiful landscapes, and delicious eats, this tour has something for every kind of traveller.

Starting at: $3,679

(Not Including Airfare)*

Discover Japan

From the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines and the soaring beauty of Mt Fuji, this tour provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen... Read MoreFrom the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines and the soaring beauty of Mt Fuji, this tour provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen bullet train, and stay in a traditional ryokan for the ultimate in Japanese luxury.

Starting at: $3,719

(Not Including Airfare)*

Best of Japan with Hiroshima 2019 - 9 days from Tokyo to Hiroshima

Starting at: $3,779

(Not Including Airfare)*

Splendours of Japan Summer 2019

At Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine, climb the extraordinary path lined with hundreds of orange torii gates that snake through the forest up into the mountains above the city. Indulge in a delicious kaiseki lunch at a traditional ryokan and gain an insight into Japanese customs.

Starting at: $3,795

(Not Including Airfare)*

Explore Southern Japan

See a side of Japan that few experience with this 11-day tour that takes you off the main trails into landscapes and artistic hubs that inspire this country's unique culture. Spend time among the contemporary art galleries and public installations on Naoshima Island (including a Yayoi Kusama pumpkin),... Read MoreSee a side of Japan that few experience with this 11-day tour that takes you off the main trails into landscapes and artistic hubs that inspire this country's unique culture. Spend time among the contemporary art galleries and public installations on Naoshima Island (including a Yayoi Kusama pumpkin), wander through an ancient moss forest reminiscent of a fairytale, and learn more about the important history of Nagasaki. The tour begins in Osaka and ends in Kyoto, allowing you time to explore these energetic cities and round off your experience in Japan.

Starting at: $3,799

(Not Including Airfare)*

Discover Japan & Hike Mt Fuji

From the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines, this trip provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen bullet train, and stay in... Read MoreFrom the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines, this trip provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen bullet train, and stay in a traditional ryokan for the ultimate in Japanese luxury. The adventure culminates with a two-day ascent of sacred Mt Fuji – reaching the nation's tallest peak just in time for an unforgettable sunrise.

Starting at: $3,952

(Not Including Airfare)*

Discover Japan

10 days from Tokyo to Kyoto

From bustling cities to quiet mountain villages, experience the distinct flavor of Japan during this amazing vacation. 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... Read MoreFrom bustling cities to quiet mountain villages, experience the distinct flavor of Japan during this amazing vacation. 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. In Nara, visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 752 AD and one of Japan’s most significant temples. You’ll also visit the traditional Gassho-Zukuri-style (joined hands) thatched houses in Shirawaka and Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine, a magnificent Shinto monument set in a man-made garden.

On this Japan tour, you’ll not only see the fascinating structures and shrines, you’ll 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, and water-courses & panoramas. Keep your eyes open for the perfect photos!

But that’s not all…on this tour, you’ll discover Japan’s culture through special experiences arranged by Globus. Partake in a traditional tea ceremony, taste sake, and participate in a Japanese cooking class. You'll also attempt calligraphy, learn about the Yuzen dyeing technique used on kimonos, take part in a gold leaf class, browse a farmers market, and try on a traditional kimono.

All of this and much more await you on this marvelous Japan tour. It’s a vacation of a lifetime!

Starting at: $4,084

(Not Including Airfare)*