2010 – 12 Days from $5,990
Tauck's Japan travel experience reveals the essence of Japan through its temples, shrines, Shinto gates, feudal castles, and perfectly preserved villages. In Tauck's Japan travel on the fascinating island of Honshu to off-the-beaten-path spots, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the vibrant cites of Tokyo and Kyoto for a full cultural immersion. Experience ancient traditions firsthand when you stay in a ryokan-style hotel, attend a tea ceremony, and soak in hot spring baths. Tour legendary samurai residences and the Geisha district. Tauck's Japan travel experience includes a variety of transportation modes, ensuring the best way to see the best of each destination. Ride the Bullet Train and a boat across a lake. See the Great Buddha, thatched-roof gassho-zukuri farmhouses, serene gardens, and priceless art treasures.
Cultural traditions predominate today. Take your shoes off for a visit inside the Meiji Shrine, honoring the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his Empress Shoken; the manicured gardens reflect eternal tranquility! Experience a special performance blending Shinto music with ancient dance and taste regional cuisine during tonight's delicious dinner.
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing, porterage, and the services of local guides, drivers and the Tauck Director are included. Transportation from Narita International Airport near Tokyo or Tokyo (Haneda) International Airport to the Hotel Seiyo Ginza is included, regardless of the day or time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Transportation is also provided from the Westin Miyako Kyoto to either Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport whenever you choose to depart. Transfers to and from airports may be shared with other Tauck guests.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – Essence of Japan is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck. In addition, a bilingual local guide assists in each city.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this webpage and discuss it with your reservations sales consultant or your travel agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:
Personal Expenses - such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities – The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and local drivers are not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Airline Security Measures –
If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA website by clicking here.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 7:00 PM at the Hotel Seiyo Ginza on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of The Westin Miyako Kyoto.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Travel Document Requirement –
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey to enter Japan; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact a Japanese embassy or consulate to determine what travel documentation is required.
We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children ―
Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Health – Essence of Japan is an active tour. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.
Some sites have limited motor coach access and often involve walking some distance from the motor coach parking to the site itself. Due to the ancient nature of several of the sites you will visit, stairs, walkways and garden paths are sometimes uneven, irregular, steep and/or slippery. If you join us for the visit to the fish market, you should be aware that there are crowds of people and fast-moving carts and forklifts. The Matsumoto Castle has six stories and the stairs are very steep. Quite often, you will be asked to remove your shoes to gain entry into the temples, shrines and historical residences along your journey.
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs and scooters on this itinerary. We also regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you require such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a resident of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Japan. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries on the itinerary to determine what vaccinations may be required for you to visit.
Luggage –
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
As there is very little space on Japanese trains for luggage, pack lightly and use small suitcases. For your stay at the Hyatt Regency Hakone on Day 4 and at the Kagaya Hotel on day 7, you will need to pack all essential clothing and personal care items in an overnight bag; the rest of your luggage will be transported to the next hotel by luggage truck.
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here,
We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage - General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Unless your cellular carrier is an inbound roaming partner of either DoCoMo or Vodafone Japan, then your cell phone is considered incompatible and will not work in Japan. Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine limitations and services that exist for your service.
Currency and Exchange Rates – The official currency for the Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).To obtain the most current exchange rates for all national currencies, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to oanda.com by clicking here.
Travelers’ checks and major international credit cards are accepted by leading banks, hotels, ryokan (Japanese inns) and stores in major cities. However, when traveling outside of major cities it is best to obtain local currency first. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are commonly available in large urban areas throughout Japan; however, many do not accept foreign credit cards or cash cards and their service hours are very often restricted. We advise you to contact the institution that issued your card to determine where you would be able to use your card. Foreign credit, debit and cash cards can be used at over 21,000 Post Office ATMs in locations throughout Japan. Post offices where this service is available display stickers indicating which cards are accepted. Cards from the Cirrus, Plus, Maestro and Visa Electron networks can be used. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – You should familiarize yourself with Japan's specific required customs declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries. You may find additional information by visiting VisaHQ.com by clicking here. You may access the Japanese Organization of Customs and Tariff Bureau by clicking here.
If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the U.S. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Many countries levy Value Added Taxes (VAT) on consumer goods and services. (The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current throughout Japan is 100 V, AC. There are two kinds of frequencies in use: 50 Hertz in eastern Japan (Tokyo) and 60 Hertz in western Japan (Kyoto). If your electrical devices do not meet these standards, you will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Hotel Seiyo Ginza - High-speed access in rooms
Hyatt Regency Hakone - High-speed access in rooms
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort & Spa - In the business center
Kagaya Hotel - Limited access upon request in the main lobby
The Westin Miyako Kyoto - On-request access in rooms for a fee
We also recommend that you consider three other types of Internet access while in Tokyo or any other part of Japan:
Weather - The weather throughout the Japan's four main islands is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. The weather can get very hot during the summer months, particularly in the South. May, June and July are the wettest months, and June, July and August are hotter and more humid.
Cancellations Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
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2010 Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Honshu Island
Tauck's Japan travel experience begins at Hotel Seiyo Ginza. A transfer from Tokyo Narita Airport and Hacenda Airport to Hotel Seiyo Ginza for a three-night stay in the heart of Tokyo is included. Your hotel is designed to reflect the warmth and comfort of an elegant private home. Meet your fellow travelers on Tauck's Japan travel journey at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Hotel Seiyo Ginza, Tokyo
Day 2 - Japan travel begins with Tokyo touring
Your morning guided city tour includes visits to the Imperial Palace, Edo Tokyo Museum, Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Nakamise Shopping Arcade. A hands-on sushi-making demonstration precedes time at leisure to explore the city on your own, perhaps riding the easy-to-use subway system to see the sights or cruising on the Sumida River.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Hotel Seiyo Ginza, Tokyo
Day 3 - Meiji Shrine, Manicured Gardens and Music
Cultural traditions predominate today. Take your shoes off for a visit inside the Meiji Shrine, honoring the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his Empress Shoken; the manicured gardens reflect eternal tranquility! Experience a special performance blending Shinto music with ancient dance and taste regional cuisine during tonight's delicious dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Seiyo Ginza, Tokyo
Day 4 - Fuji-Hakone National Park
Enjoy a full day of Japan travel delights. Ride the Shinkansen, the Bullet Train (thought to be Asia's fastest train), into the countryside. Visit the hot-springs town of Hakone in Fuji-Hakone National Park where you explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, famous for its outdoor sculptures. The museum features a large collection of post-Rodin sculptures as well as works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Renoir and Miro. Cruise across Lake Ashi and ride a gondola on the Hakone Ropeway over the mountains - if weather permits, enjoy outstanding views of Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa, Hakone
Day 5 - Treasures of the Japanese Alps
Today, you will see more of the beautiful treasures of Japan. Travel past valleys of rice fields into the region known as the Japanese Alps. Along the way, visit the Itchiku Kubota Museum, showcasing the ancient silk art of Tsujigahana. Stop at Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Japan, en route to the 16th-century town of Takayama.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, Takayama
Day 6 - Takayama's historical sights
Takayama hosts quaint village streets, Edo-period merchants' shops and houses, and pure water ideal for sake brewing. Take a guided walking tour, stopping at the farmers market, the Festival Float Museum, and the Takayama Jinya, a 1692 provincial government office. Spend your afternoon relaxing in a hot springs bath, walking the temple district trail, or exploring the town's museums and antique shops. Dine on your own tonight - there's an abundance of restaurants featuring hearty mountain food and regional specialties.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, Takayama
Day 7 - Gassho-zukuri farmhouses and ryokan lodging
Japan travel days continue with a journey to the Shirakawa-go region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with mountain villages of thatched-roof gassho-zukuri (praying hands) farmhouses. The large houses, with steep-pitched roofs, were traditionally built to withstand snowy winters and house extended families involved in silkworm cultivation. Visit a private 300-year-old family home, and wander through the village of Ogimachi with 59 intact gassho houses. Spend the night in a ryokan-style hotel, a highlight of Tauck's cultural Japan travel experience. Follow authentic Japanese customs during your stay, from dining and sleeping at floor level, to dressing in bathrobes and relaxing in communal baths.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Kagaya Hotel, Wakura Onsen
Day 8 - Samurais in Kanazawa
On the west coast of Japan travel to charming Kanazawa, with winding cobblestone streets, samurai residences, Geisha houses, museums, galleries, and an open-air market. Stroll through the centuries-old Kenroku-en Garden, ranked among the country's top three gardens. Get an insider's tour of an authentic samurai house, and explore the 300-year-old Omicho Market. Take a train to Kyoto where you'll stay for the next four nights.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Miyako, Kyoto
Day 9 - Kyoto's temples and castles
Your Japan travel continues in Kyoto, considered the cultural treasure house of the country. Founded in the 7th century, Kyoto quickly became the ancient capital of Japan and holds many national treasures. Tour the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Temple because it is encased in gold - it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go inside 17th-century Nijo Castle, featuring nightingale floors that made bird-like creaking sounds to reveal intruders; they were built of Japanese cypress by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603. Spend the remainder of the day exploring on your own. Kyoto has many restaurants to choose from!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: The Westin Miyako, Kyoto
Day 10 - Temples and the Great Buddha
Today begins with a visit to the Sanjusangendo Temple, featuring 1,001 life-sized wooden statues of Kannon-Bosatsu, going back to the 13th century. Continue to Nara, Japan's first capital, where you'll experience an unforgettable look at old Japan. At Todai-ji Temple, see the monumental bronze Great Buddha. Featured in an enormous wooden building, it's over 50 feet tall. Walk the grounds of Kasuga Grand Shrine, where thousands of ancient stone and bronze lanterns dot the landscape. The rest of your day is free to explore as you please in Kyoto.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: The Westin Miyako, Kyoto
Day 11 - Discover some of Japan's traditional customs
Visit Kiyomizu Temple, whose name means "pure water" - it boasts an expansive veranda with spectacular views of the city. The temple dates back to the 8th century, with the most of the present structures constructed in the 17th century. Partake in a traditional tea ceremony and have a hands-on demonstration in the art of origami and calligraphy on a memorable visit to a private home, then spend the afternoon at leisure in Kyoto. You may wish to discover the world of the Geisha on a walk through the Gion district, Kyoto's best-known Geisha quarter; admire the city's myriad gardens, from Zen rock gardens to bonsai masterpieces; and view traditional arts and crafts in specialty shops down quaint streets, including Kyo pottery, elaborate fans, dolls, paper lanterns, combs, Noh masks, cloisonné, and lacquerware. Join us for a farewell reception and dinner this evening featuring a traditional Maiko performance - a wonderful way to end these culturally enriching Japan travel days.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Miyako, Kyoto
Day 12 - Sayonara Japan
Tauck's Japan travel experience ends at Osaka's Kansai or Itami Airport. Depart your hotel for the 90-minute trip to the airport in Osaka; a transfer is included for the trip from The Westin Miyako Kyoto to the airports in Osaka; allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
In Japan travel with Tauck to experience
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Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing, porterage, and the services of local guides, drivers and the Tauck Director are included. Transportation from Narita International Airport near Tokyo or Tokyo (Haneda) International Airport to the Hotel Seiyo Ginza is included, regardless of the day or time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Transportation is also provided from the Westin Miyako Kyoto to either Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport whenever you choose to depart. Transfers to and from airports may be shared with other Tauck guests.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – Essence of Japan is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck. In addition, a bilingual local guide assists in each city.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this webpage and discuss it with your reservations sales consultant or your travel agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:
- Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
- Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
- Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
- Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
- Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
- File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
- Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
- Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary
Personal Expenses - such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities – The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and local drivers are not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures –
If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA website by clicking here.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 7:00 PM at the Hotel Seiyo Ginza on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends when you check out of The Westin Miyako Kyoto.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Travel Document Requirement – If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey to enter Japan; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact a Japanese embassy or consulate to determine what travel documentation is required.
We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children ―
Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country’s consulate or embassy.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Children who are U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the journey.
We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Air Conditioning – All hotels and motor coaches on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort.
ATM and Credit Cards ― We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be "suspicious" charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing - Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required. We recommend that you pack lightly for your trip to Japan, as there is very little room for luggage aboard the trains and you will pack an overnight bag for your stay at the Hyatt Regency Hakone on Day 4 and at the Kagaya Hotel on Day 7. The balance of your luggage will be transported by luggage truck and there will be no access to the remainder of your luggage for those two nights. A small bag with wheels that you can comfortably manage on your own without assistance is strongly suggested.
We recommend that you dress smartly. Jeans and capri pants are suitable for casual dining and sightseeing. However, shorts are rarely seen outside of hiking or sport venues, unless they are longer-length Bermuda shorts. Most women wear cropped length pants and a conservative top that may be sleeveless but is not low-cut, and many Japanese women wear heels even with casual clothes.
Shoes that are easily removed are essential, as it is customary to remove shoes when entering temples, shrines, private homes and certain restaurants.
Japan’s top French restaurants usually require jackets and ties. The older generation considers it inappropriate for women to wear dresses without hose or tops without sleeves.
Bring packets of pocket-sized tissue and handkerchiefs, as tissue and paper towels are often not found in lavatories.
Most of our hotels offer valet laundry and dry cleaning services for a fee. Please inquire at time of booking.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your journey to Japan:
- Cotton, cotton/synthetic and linen clothing
- Casual daytime wear -light weight shirts, pants, capri pants and dresses
- Light jacket or sweater
- Jacket and tie and casually-elegant attire for fine dining
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Shoes that are easy to slip on and off when visiting places of worship
- Hat (a wide brimmed hat is recommended), sunglasses, sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Collapsible umbrella and rain poncho
- Swimwear
- Gym wear
- Camera, extra film, lenses, memory cards and batteries
- Soap leaves, travel packets of tissues, handkerchiefs and hand sanitizer (toilet tissue and paper towels are not available in many lavatories)
- Binoculars
- Zipper lock bags
- Travel alarm clock
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
Health – Essence of Japan is an active tour. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.
Some sites have limited motor coach access and often involve walking some distance from the motor coach parking to the site itself. Due to the ancient nature of several of the sites you will visit, stairs, walkways and garden paths are sometimes uneven, irregular, steep and/or slippery. If you join us for the visit to the fish market, you should be aware that there are crowds of people and fast-moving carts and forklifts. The Matsumoto Castle has six stories and the stairs are very steep. Quite often, you will be asked to remove your shoes to gain entry into the temples, shrines and historical residences along your journey.
We regret that we cannot accommodate wheelchairs and scooters on this itinerary. We also regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you require such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a resident of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Japan. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.
If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries on the itinerary to determine what vaccinations may be required for you to visit.
Luggage –
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
As there is very little space on Japanese trains for luggage, pack lightly and use small suitcases. For your stay at the Hyatt Regency Hakone on Day 4 and at the Kagaya Hotel on day 7, you will need to pack all essential clothing and personal care items in an overnight bag; the rest of your luggage will be transported to the next hotel by luggage truck.
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here,
We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage - General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Unless your cellular carrier is an inbound roaming partner of either DoCoMo or Vodafone Japan, then your cell phone is considered incompatible and will not work in Japan. Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine limitations and services that exist for your service.
Currency and Exchange Rates – The official currency for the Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).To obtain the most current exchange rates for all national currencies, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to oanda.com by clicking here.
Travelers’ checks and major international credit cards are accepted by leading banks, hotels, ryokan (Japanese inns) and stores in major cities. However, when traveling outside of major cities it is best to obtain local currency first. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are commonly available in large urban areas throughout Japan; however, many do not accept foreign credit cards or cash cards and their service hours are very often restricted. We advise you to contact the institution that issued your card to determine where you would be able to use your card. Foreign credit, debit and cash cards can be used at over 21,000 Post Office ATMs in locations throughout Japan. Post offices where this service is available display stickers indicating which cards are accepted. Cards from the Cirrus, Plus, Maestro and Visa Electron networks can be used. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – You should familiarize yourself with Japan's specific required customs declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries. You may find additional information by visiting VisaHQ.com by clicking here. You may access the Japanese Organization of Customs and Tariff Bureau by clicking here.
If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the U.S. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Many countries levy Value Added Taxes (VAT) on consumer goods and services. (The tax rate may be higher for luxury items and lower for basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current throughout Japan is 100 V, AC. There are two kinds of frequencies in use: 50 Hertz in eastern Japan (Tokyo) and 60 Hertz in western Japan (Kyoto). If your electrical devices do not meet these standards, you will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
Internet Access is available as indicated below:
Hotel Seiyo Ginza - High-speed access in rooms
Hyatt Regency Hakone - High-speed access in rooms
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort & Spa - In the business center
Kagaya Hotel - Limited access upon request in the main lobby
The Westin Miyako Kyoto - On-request access in rooms for a fee
We also recommend that you consider three other types of Internet access while in Tokyo or any other part of Japan:
- Rent a prepaid mobile phone with Internet connection
- Visit the nearest Internet Cafe.
- WiFi - wireless Internet access
Weather - The weather throughout the Japan's four main islands is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. The weather can get very hot during the summer months, particularly in the South. May, June and July are the wettest months, and June, July and August are hotter and more humid.
| CLIMATE CHART | ||||||||
| Temperature | ||||||||
| Tokyo | Kanazawa | |||||||
| Japan | Japan | |||||||
| Fahrenheit | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Celsius | |||||
| High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | |
| January | 49 | 34 | 9 | 1 | 43 | 32 | 6 | 0 |
| February | 49 | 35 | 9 | 2 | 43 | 32 | 6 | 0 |
| March | 54 | 39 | 12 | 4 | 50 | 35 | 10 | 2 |
| April | 64 | 50 | 18 | 10 | 63 | 45 | 17 | 7 |
| May | 73 | 58 | 23 | 14 | 72 | 54 | 22 | 12 |
| June | 77 | 65 | 25 | 18 | 77 | 62 | 25 | 17 |
| July | 83 | 72 | 28 | 22 | 84 | 70 | 29 | 21 |
| August | 87 | 75 | 31 | 24 | 88 | 72 | 31 | 22 |
| September | 80 | 68 | 27 | 20 | 80 | 65 | 27 | 18 |
| October | 70 | 57 | 21 | 14 | 69 | 54 | 21 | 12 |
| November | 61 | 48 | 16 | 9 | 59 | 44 | 15 | 7 |
| December | 53 | 39 | 12 | 4 | 49 | 37 | 9 | 3 |
| Kyoto | ||||||||
| Japan | ||||||||
| Fahrenheit | Celsius | |||||||
| High | Low | High | Low | |||||
| January | 47 | 32 | 8 | 0 | ||||
| February | 48 | 33 | 9 | 1 | ||||
| March | 55 | 37 | 13 | 3 | ||||
| April | 67 | 47 | 19 | 8 | ||||
| May | 75 | 56 | 24 | 13 | ||||
| June | 81 | 64 | 27 | 18 | ||||
| July | 88 | 72 | 31 | 22 | ||||
| August | 91 | 74 | 33 | 23 | ||||
| September | 82 | 67 | 28 | 19 | ||||
| October | 72 | 54 | 22 | 12 | ||||
| November | 62 | 44 | 17 | 7 | ||||
| December | 52 | 36 | 11 | 2 | ||||
| Rainfall | ||||||
| Tokyo | Kanazawa | Kyoto | ||||
| Japan | Japan | Japan | ||||
| Inches | MM | Inches | MM | Inches | MM | |
| January | 1.8 | 46 | 10.5 | 266 | 2.0 | 51 |
| February | 2.4 | 61 | 7.2 | 184 | 2.6 | 66 |
| March | 3.9 | 99 | 6.0 | 153 | 4.4 | 112 |
| April | 4.9 | 124 | 5.7 | 144 | 6.0 | 152 |
| May | 5.4 | 137 | 6.1 | 154 | 6.1 | 155 |
| June | 7.3 | 185 | 7.6 | 194 | 9.8 | 249 |
| July | 5.0 | 127 | 8.9 | 227 | 9.2 | 234 |
| August | 5.8 | 147 | 6.5 | 164 | 5.6 | 142 |
| September | 7.1 | 180 | 9.5 | 242 | 8.0 | 203 |
| October | 6.5 | 165 | 7.4 | 188 | 4.4 | 112 |
| November | 3.5 | 89 | 10.5 | 267 | 2.7 | 69 |
| December | 1.8 | 46 | 11.3 | 287 | 1.6 | 41 |
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellations Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person
59-8 days before departure
$1250 per person
7-1 days before departure
$2000 per person
$600 per person
59-8 days before departure
$1250 per person
7-1 days before departure
$2000 per person
Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys? Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip. Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.
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Tauck's ultimate China travel adventure includes ancient cities and tranquil country villages, a spellbinding 3-night cruise Yangtze River cruise aboard the Yangzi Explorer, and a host of new-for-2010 discoveries from Beijing's hutongs to a ride on the world's fastest train in Shanghai.A Portrait of India
Tauck's ultimate India tour takes you from the lavish palaces and inspiring antiquities in the north to the river and canal-laced nature sanctuary in the south; from accommodations at some of the world's most award-winning palace hotels to home visits and special cultural connections, you'll explore India's amazing diversityLooking for a shorter vacation experience in India?
Spotlight on India features the first 12 days of A Portrait of India, and includes such highlights of northern India as Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Jaipur and Udaipur. 2010 Details.
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