gate 1 travel to japan

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12 Day Japan , Then and Now

A 12-day discovery tours by gate 1 tour starting from $3,499.

Tour Overview Tour Type:  Tour Operator: Discovery Tours by Gate 1 Tour Code: DSCV-JP-12DJP-PKG-24

Brochure Price $3,499

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• What's Included
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Dates: 05/25/2024 - 06/06/2024

Dates: 06/08/2024 - 06/20/2024, dates: 10/05/2024 - 10/17/2024, dates: 10/12/2024 - 10/24/2024.

Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation.

Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.

All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability and are quoted in U.S. Dollars. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.

Tour Highlights

See Description

Sightseeing Highlights

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo This first class hotel is located in the heart of the city.

Kasuikyo Ryokan This superior tourist class hotel overlooks Lake Shibayama.

Associa Takayama Resort This first class resort has spectacular views of the Japanese Alps.

Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu This first class hotel is ideally located in the city center of Takayama.

Kyoto Century Hotel This first class hotel is located a short walk away from Kyoto Station.

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto This first class hotel is within walking distance of Kyoto Station.

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Japan Depart for Japan

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Tokyo Arrive in dynamic Tokyo in the "Land of the Rising Sun"; transfer to your hotel. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6:30 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM Overnight: Tokyo Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Fish Market, Sushi Demonstration Start your day with the Imperial Palace East Garden, a precious jewel of nature within the hectic city center and view the lovely Nijubashi Bridge that stretches over the moat in the outer gardens with its colorful displays of seasonal flowers. After, walk the lanes of the hectic Tsukiji Fish Market, famous for fish and seafood. Afterward, enjoy a culinary demonstration led by a professional sushi chef. Learn the art of creating sushi, or sashimi and have them for lunch afterward! Visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in a beautiful forested area that honors the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress Overnight: Tokyo Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Tuesday - Asakusa Kannon Temple, Tokyo National Museum Travel to the imposing Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) enshrining a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy; its entrance is dominated by a massive paper lantern dramatically painted in vivid red and black tones. Visit the Tokyo National Museum, one of the largest collections of art and archeological artifacts in Japan. Later, learn the basics of Japanese calligraphy, during a lesson with an artist. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant Overnight: Tokyo Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Wednesday - Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Hakone National Park and Mt. Fuji Excursion* A full day of breathtaking scenery as you drive south to Hakone, the most famous National Park in Japan. En route, stop to visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, situated in the wooded hills along the coast of Lake Kawaguchi. View exhibits of the textile artist Kubota Itchiku's kimono creations, depicting the themes of nature and the seasons. Continue along the scenic roads of rural Japan to Hakone where a gondola takes you on the Hakone Ropeway to the Owakudani Valley's extraordinary volcanic zone. Here, the bubbling pools cook eggs in the hot waters blackened by sulfur, and are said to prolong one's life by at least seven years. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around placid Lake Ashi, followed by a train ride back to Tokyo. Tonight, be adventurous and explore Tokyo's incredible variety of cuisine! *Due to local conditions, the Mt. Fuji sightseeing might be altered. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager. Overnight: Tokyo Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Thursday - Kenroku-en Garden, Kagaonsen Ryokan Experience Board the famous Shinkansen, or "bullet train," that takes you to Kanazawa south of the Noto Peninsula, with its winding cobblestone streets, Samurai residences, Geisha houses, lavish gardens and a flower filled open-air market. Stroll through Kenroku-en Garden, one of the country's most elite gardens with its elaborate water fountains and designs. Tonight, spend the night at a traditional Ryokan (inn). Dinner together at the Ryokan is a full course Kaiseki Dinner highlighted by regional specialties Overnight: Kaga Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Friday - Thatched Farmhouses in Shirakawa-go, Takayama's Old Town Travel from Kagaonsen to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, known for its village of thatched gassho-zukuri (praying hands) farmhouses. Visit the historic village of Ogimachi and the ruins of its castle, dating back to medieval times. From atop the observation deck, see the amazing view of an entire settlement of thatched style houses. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Takayama Jinya, a historic government house converted to a museum. Take a tour of a sake brewery, and taste the different types of sake. Later, you arrive at a scenic mountain resort for dinner and overnight Overnight: Takayama Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Saturday - Takayama's Historic District, Morning Farmer's Market, Bullet Train to Kyoto Today visit the Yatai Kaikan Hall housing intricately designed wooden floats brought out only for major festivals. Visit the morning market along the Miya River with farmers and craftsmen selling everything from vegetables to clothing and hand carvings. The delightful town of Takayama, with its wealth of museums, galleries, and impressive temples, is often called "Little Kyoto." A walking tour includes the remarkably preserved Edo-period merchants' shops and houses in the Sanno-machi Historic District. Across the river lies the Sanmachi-Suji (district) of sake breweries, cafes and immaculately preserved old private houses. Travel to Nagoya and board the bullet train to enchanting and historic Kyoto, founded in the 8th century, one of the early capitals of Japan Overnight: Kyoto Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Sunday - Tea Ceremony & Zen Meditation, Kyoto's Cultural Heritage Begin your exploration of Kyoto with a visit to Nishiki Market, lined with more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Here, you will find Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles and dried seafood, as well as fresh produce, and seasonal foods. Next, familiarize yourself with Zen meditation, a calming practice deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, where you participate in the ritualized art of preparing and serving tea, savoring the hospitality of the host in an atmosphere distinctly different from the fast pace of everyday life. Next, a visit of of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. Its ornate interior is handcrafted out of Japanese cypress. Later, attend a traditional shamisen (Japanese guitar) show. Spend the rest of the day at leisure for individual pursuits Overnight: Kyoto Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Monday - Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kimono Dressing Discover the beautiful cultural heritage of Kyoto that has spanned the centuries. Head outside the city to Arashiyama bamboo forest. Begin with a visit to Tenryuj Temple's sprawling Zen garden, one of the finest gardens in Kyoto. Then, take a stroll through the stunning bamboo grove, followed by a ride on a traditional Japanese rickshaw, a unique experience! Visit the celebrated Kinkaku-ji Temple, "the Golden Pavilion," and understand why this magnificent gold leaf covered temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, dress in an authentic kimono during a visit to a Kyoto-style home. After, take a walk in Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district Overnight: Kyoto Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Tuesday - Imperial Nara, Todai-ji Temple, Deer Park, Kasuga Grand Shrine, Maiko Dance Performance This morning, travel by private bus to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, repository of Japan's cultural heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wealth of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. Arrive at the exquisite wooden Todai-ji Temple, home of the impressive Daibutsu (Great Buddha) bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high. You then continue to Nara (Deer) Park to see the over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. Proceed to the famous and beautiful Kasuga Grand Shrine displaying over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. On the way back to Kyoto, stop at impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its ten thousand vermilion torii gates. Bid goodbye to your Tour Manager at dinner which features a traditional Maiko (Geisha) dance performance that reflects the core of Japanese culture Overnight: Kyoto Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Wednesday - Depart Japan Sayonara! Transfer to the airport in Osaka for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast

• Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
• Flights Los Angeles-Tokyo, Osaka-Los Angeles Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
• Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
• 4 nights Tokyo
• 1 night Kaga
• 1 night Takayama
• 4 nights Kyoto
• All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
• 19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
• Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout
• Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
• Active itinerary with unique cultural features
• Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
• 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 Meiji Shrine with its serene grounds and incredible architecture
• 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 8th 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

Not Included: Gratuities.

Additional Information: Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6:30 PM. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM.

Accommodation Details: Hotel rooms in Japan cannot comfortably accommodate 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child; therefore, a double, plus a single room configuration should be purchased.

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You’ve arrived in one of our favorite places on the planet; Tokyo, Japan.

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GATE 1 TRAVEL - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Gate 1 travel reviews & ratings, gate 1 cares about money and not customer satisfaction or safety.

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 ABSOLUTE WORST

THE ABSOLUTE WORST. Dishonest, incompetent, fraudulent. We booked a trip to Europe with them, and it was a mess from start to finish. The flight that we paid extra...

Joyce Toler

Poor customer service

It has been about 7.5 years since I traveled with Gate 1 Travel. In the past, customer service was exceptionally great! Now I am appauded with the unprofessional and...

One star is way too many

One star is way too many. I got a return ticket and wanted to change outbound one. Gate1 was nowhere to be found and there was no way of changing the flight. So I bo...

Shelley Anne Talla

I already wrote a couple of bad reviews…

I already wrote a couple of bad reviews during my last trip to Mexico with Gate 1 Discovery Tours—my aunt and her husband from Texas is currently doing the very same...

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Editoral Review of Gate 1 Travel

Founded in 1981 with three employees and based in suburban Philadelphia, Gate 1 now employs more than 200 people worldwide with offices in 20 countries, ranging from Hungary to Cambodia, Argentina to Israel.

What Makes Gate 1 Stand Out?

• Escorted tours & river cruises
• Good value 
• High quality guides

Gate 1 offers a variety of tour packages and river cruises around the world, promising to provide exceptional value for the price. They focus on North American travelers who seek “high quality, yet affordable” guided trips, with accommodations ranging from superior tourist to moderate deluxe class.

They have a lot of different choices when it comes to destinations, durations, and inclusions. Most tours have additional offerings for meals, activities, and excursions available for additional fees.

Traveler reviews for Gate 1 oscillate between 5 star and 1 star experiences. Those that have had an excellent time cite the tour pacing, guides, and extensive sightseeing opportunities as positives.

Those for whom these same factors contributed to a negative experience may have had higher expectations than is available or offered for the competitive budget prices that Gate 1 is known for.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Gate 1?

• Low to mid budget travelers
• Those open to simple accommodation and meal plans

Gate 1 is the perfect travel choice for families, couples, and friend groups seeking a cost efficient journey. As Gate 1 is a strictly budget minded brand, it’s important to be fully aware of the trade-off when you choose to travel with them.

You will see a lot, and be out and about visiting several sites - however keeping costs low is one of their main priorities. This means hotels will be basic, meals won’t be 5 star, and your coach will have fewer amenities. In addition tours with Gate 1 feature several optional add ons and sightseeing tours, not included in the base price. Average tour price is around $2,000, often less.

If you’re flexible, open minded, and are interested in maximizing your sightseeing above all else, Gate 1 could be for you. Knowing what to expect is key for enjoying the trip to the fullest.

Top Destinations

Gate 1 trips cover much of the world, including destinations in North, Central, and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Itineraries focus on the top sights, historical attractions, and national parks.

Gate 1 Travel Style

In a nutshell, the Gate 1 travel style is “see a lot for a little”. Hotels and accommodations are usually 3 star hotels. Expect basic comforts, with fewer amenities available. However if you’re the kind of traveler for whom a bed and some coffee in the morning is a fine trade-off for busy days outside and tons of sightseeing, the trade-off will be worth it.  

You will be met on the ground with a dedicated tour leader, available to assist throughout your travel experience.

Escorted group bus tours are a big part of their business - between 24-42 people. These coaches are again, more utility focused than amenity focused, but you will be comfortable. And in general bus tours take frequent stops to allow for stretching legs and using of facilities.  

Gate 1 also offers small group tours (with a maximum of 22 people), river cruises on two continents, independent city stays and fly and drive packages, rail packages, customized vacations, and combination bus/cruise tours -- something for almost everyone interested in a budget vacation.

Why Choose a Tour With Gate 1?

For the budget traveler, Gate 1 is a fantastic choice. They offer several types of trip package to choose from, including rail, river cruise, and small group tours, at competitive rates. Their escorted tours are extremely popular, and customers repeat trips with them regularly.

While Gate 1 is the primary brand, and they are all about giving a positive and packed international travel experience on a budget, other brands associated with Gate 1 are more premium focused. These include the Signature collection, offering luxury tour options and smaller groups.

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About the company.

Gate 1 Travel offers escorted tours, European river cruises, independent vacations and customized international vacation packages for less. Our discount travel packages and tour packages to destinations worldwide provide exceptional value, saving our customers time and money. We have taken care of all the details so you don't have to. Find your dream vacation today.

Company Background & Highlights

Mission: To deliver More of the World for Less by developing quality, affordable vacations for North Americans. To provide exemplary service to our customers and to earn their loyalty. To respect our partners. To invest in our employees, providing a safe and comfortable work environment. To know and understand our products and destinations. To constantly innovate and be a leader in technology.

Founded in 1981 with 3 employees; now with over 200 employees worldwide

Headquarters: Fort Washington, PA (Suburban Philadelphia)

Overseas Offices: Hungary, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Morocco, Argentina, Indonesia, Great Britain, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Peru, Ecuador, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

30+ years of providing travel services to clientèle

Product Types

Escorted Tours - Group Tours

Small Group Tours

European River Cruises

Escorted Bus Tour/Sea Cruise Combinations

Independent City Stays

Independent Fly & Drive Packages

Multi-Destination Rail Packages

Customized Vacations (Vacation Builder)

Custom Groups and Individuals

Target Consumer Market

Gate 1 Travel's target market is a traveler seeking high quality, affordable travel ranging from a superior tourist class to moderate deluxe class level of accommodations with the highest level of service.

Financial Security

Gate 1 Travel is backed by the largest, most well-respected financial institutions and insurance providers, guaranteeing the greatest level of financial security to every passenger. Gate 1 welcomes your inquiries of any of those independent offices.

Gate 1 Travel's active membership in USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association), a professional organization representing the world's leading tour operators, requires that Gate 1 meet a minimum requirement of $1 million professional liability insurance (Gate 1 maintains a $5 million policy).

Additionally , Gate 1 is required to participate in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, requiring them to post $1 million in security, held by USTOA, in the unlikely event of bankruptcy or insolvency.

Gate 1 Travel Trips & Specials

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Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

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