Japan

Splendor of Japan

The very name Japan evokes visions of grandeur, splendour, mystery, and suspense. Though its capital is the largest in the world and its economy and technology are among the world top, much of its splendour is in the minute, and its people's attention to detail is absolutely fascinating.

A kosher tour in this region comes with its own challenges, from kashrus, to Shabbos, to Avoda Zara concerns, and only with a company of our experience can the Orthodox traveler enjoy a luxurious but halachically uncompromising Japanese exploration, without completely breaking the bank as well.

11 Days

Monday 12 October - Thursday 22 October 2026

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ITINERARY

We arrive in Tokyo, Japan's famous capital, and the world's largest Mega City.

With a population of almost 40 million people, Tokyo dwarfs it nearest rivals, and its many districts show off Japan’s technological and business prowess.

Settle in to your hotel room while you rest up from your journey to this region and get excited as tomorrow we begin our adventures!
We spend the morning touring some of the exciting highlights of the world's largest city.

In the mid afternoon, we take a short flight to Sapporo, gateway to Japan's Northern Island of Hokkaido, where we hope to catch some late cherry blossoms and incredible mountain scenery.
Today, we take the cable car up into the mountains and enjoy spectacular views, as well as a short hike in the gorgeous Japanese Alps.

We also visit various parks to enjoy the latest cherry blossoms in the country, conditions permitting.
Today we fly Southwest to Osaka, Japan's second largest city, from where we enjoy a short drive to Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital.

We enjoy a fascinating afternoon walking tour through its quaint old quarter, set along the riverbanks with a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

This tour also includes a traditional tea making ceremony and a chance to dress in local attire.

We then travel through gorgeous scenery to Kyoto by the sea, where we spend the next few nights.
Today we explore the magnificent sites of Kyoto by the Sea.

Ranked as one of the three most spectacular natural views in Japan, Amano Hashidate, or Stairway to Heaven, is a long and narrow sandbank, lined by palms and beaches, that stretches across the sea for almost 4km.

A scenic chairlift takes us up the mountain slopes to view this incredible spectacle, and a boat ride across the bay parallel to the isthmus affords closeup views of seagulls and the opportunity to feed them.

We take a lovely boat trip to the traditional village of Ine, where fisherman live in boathouses on the edge of the water.

We enjoy some free time for relaxing in our own private Onsen (traditional Japanese bathtub) and prepare for a lovely Shabbos.

We enjoy a wonderful Shabbos together on the Japanese countryside.
This morning, we take a drive to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forests.

Water-level permitting, we also enjoy a thrilling boat trip along the river cascades.

In the afternoon, we head back to Amano Hashidate to our lodge.

With time permitting, we relax by the seaside or have an option to attempt kayaking.
Today, we drive to Kobe and enjoy a historic walking tour of Kobe's international district on its sea facing mountain slope, visit its synagogue, now run by Chabad, and take the cableway up to the peak that towers over the city.

In the afternoon we take a bullet train to Hiroshima.
Famous for tragic reasons, this major city has recovered from the wartime nuclear attack to become one of Japan's thriving port cities again, but the history is always in the background, and no visit to Japan is complete without visiting its famous peace park and museum, a stark warning to the terrifying danger of nuclear weapons.

Hiroshima is also the base for a cruise to the famous Miyajima island, another one of the three most spectacular natural sites of Japan, where the famous floating gate towers above the sea, and where a magnificent two stage ropeway takes us up Mount Misu, revealing magnificent views of the islands and inland sea below.
Today we fly to Tokyo and head to Japan's most iconic venue, Mount Fuji, which is also it's tallest peak.

Towering over the region, this mountain is almost synonymous with Japan. It's forested slopes with many caverns, and "now you see it, now you don't" character intrigue visitors and locals alike.

The ropeway takes us to a great viewing point of the mountain and surrounding lakes, and we also enjoy a lovely boat trip on Lake Kawaguchi, hoping for some great views of the mountain from the water. Daven for clear weather for the best change of Fuji being visible, but either way, this stunning region of mountains and lakes only 2 hours from Tokyo is a highlight of any Japan itinerary.
Today is our second day for touring Tokyo.

We tour some of it's most famous shopping districts such as Shinjuku, the famous Shibaya Crossing, the Metropolitan building tower with its panoramic views of the city.

We go to the harbor, enjoy the view of the famous rainbow bridges, and enjoy an incredible experience in the famous digital museum.

Those wishing to spend more time in this iconic city can extend there stay and spend Shabbos with the local Chabad and Jewish community.

Itinerary

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Monday 12 October – Thursday 22 October, 2026

From $13,000 per person sharing

Please enquire for single supplement
Accommodation in luxury hotels/villas as follows (or closest equivalent when unavailable):
(Price is based upon entry level rooms. Room upgrades available on request at a premium, subject to availability. Please inquire at time of booking if interested)

All meals freshly prepared by our chefs and mashgichim except for occasional meals at Chabad centres or other location. Meals will be at hotels where possible and where not possible, in specially hired venue

Snacks and plenty bottled water on excursions; drinks during meals

Experienced English-speaking guides throughout the trip

VIP Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfer and touring transportation

Airport transfers during the tour

Excursions and activities per itinerary

All entrance fees

Sales tax when relevant
Tips/service delivery: 6%

International airfares

Compulsory domestic flights and bullet train (approx. $700pp)

Visas and airport taxes

Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Hotel upgrades and extra bills

Bar, laundry, and other hotel expenses

Elective activities

Personal expenses
50% non-refundable deposit and online signed contract to secure booking as well as compulsory domestic travel amount once tour is confirmed

Final payment 3 months prior to tour

All amounts non-refundable once due. Please purchase suitable travel insurance in case of emergency

All payments to be wired to our USA account
The trip is subject to a minimum of 10 guests signing up. Deposit will be refunded if trip does not go ahead, so please don’t pay for flights until we have given the go ahead!

Schedule, hotels and other items are subject to change based on availability, group size and other factors, but in the event this occurs, the overall standard of the trip will be maintained as best as reasonably possible

As usual, dinners will be gourmet fine dining style, packed lunches will be provided on most day trips, and breakfasts will consist of generous cold buffets supplemented by hot dishes in most venues

Although we spare no reasonable effort or expense to do so, due to the extreme challenge of sourcing or importing Kosher products to Japan, we are unable to guarantee the same variety and quantity of meat, dairy products, and wine that we do in some venues

We try to fuse Western and local cuisine, including of course authentic sushi dishes, to give a gourmet taste of Japan, and hope to more than compensate for the above limitations by so doing

All terms and conditions apply

Japan

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Print FAQS

*These FAQ's are specific to this tour.

In northern Japan / Hokkaido, October is crisp and autumnal: daytime highs are typically around 12–17°C (54–63°F), while nights and early mornings can drop to 4–8°C (39–46°F). Rainfall is generally moderate, and this is one of the best months for autumn foliage and outdoor exploration.

In Tokyo, average daytime highs are usually 20–23°C (68–73°F), with cooler evenings and nights around 14–17°C (57–63°F). Days are mostly dry and comfortable, though occasional showers can occur.

In Kyoto, conditions are similar to Tokyo but can feel slightly warmer during the day: highs in October often reach 21–24°C (70–75°F), with mornings and evenings cooling to about 13–16°C (55–61°F). Rainfall is moderate, and autumn colors begin to emerge toward the latter part of the month.

While October is generally dry and pleasant, it’s still advisable to pack a light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella for the occasional shower.

Generally, no vaccinations are required for visiting Japan.

However, visitors should ensure they are up to date on routine vaccinations.

All travelers should take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to travel that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you take an adequate supply as it may not be available locally.

It is recommended to consult with your family doctor or local travel clinic on the above.

The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen.

Upon arriving in Japan, you’ll want to have some cash in the local currency. You can find ATMs accepting international cards just outside the arrival gates at all major airports.

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at international ATMs, especially at 7-Eleven convenience stores, Japan Post Bank (JP Bank), and AEON malls. These ATMs usually offer English menus.

Japan is still somewhat cash-oriented, so it’s smart to carry cash, especially for small shops.

Wondering how much money to prepare for your trip in Japan? Here is some approximate sample prices (for purposes of a general idea only):

Sidewalk coffee - ¥100-¥300 (0.70 - 2 USD)
Cappuccino in a cafe - ¥400-¥700 (2.80 - 4.70USD)
Inner city taxi - ¥1,000-¥2,500 (7.00 to 17.00 USD)

For your convenience, click here for updated currency conversion rates.

As of current, Japan offers most countries a short-term tourist visa. Visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for further details or updated requirements https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

Visit Japan Web and register online before travel to complete immigration, customs, and tax-free shopping forms in advance. This gives you a QR code to scan on arrival for faster processing. If you prefer to not do this, you will need to complete paperwork at immigration.

GKS attempts to get updated valid information, however, GKS bares no responsibility on incorrect information and it is on the traveler to consult with their local travel agency for accurate information.

Japan uses Type A and Type B power plugs and sockets. Type A has two flat parallel pins, common in the United States, while Type B has the same two flat pins plus a grounding pin. However, Type B outlets are less common in Japan, so most sockets only fit the two-pin Type A plug.

In Japan, the electrical supply is 100 Volts with a frequency of 50Hz in the east (Tokyo, Sapporo) and 60Hz in the west (Kyoto, Osaka). Travelers from countries with higher voltage standards may need a voltage converter to safely use certain appliances. However, if your device states “100-240V, 50-60Hz,” it is compatible worldwide, including Japan. As long as you have the correct plug adapter (Type A or B), you can use these devices without issue.