Kinkaku-ji Group Tours & Trip Packages

Kinkaku-ji Group Tours & Trips

6 Kinkaku-ji trips. Tours from 9 tour companies. 20 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

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Group Tour
Japan's Cultural Treasures
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Visit the seventh-century Asakusa Kannon Temple
  • The trip to Hakone, located about 50 miles west of Tokyo.
  • Hakone is beloved by the Japanese for its hot-spring resorts, mountains, lakes, and historical sites
  • Visit Hamamatsuya, a workshop specializing in wooden handcrafts.
  • Visit one of the many houses of Kanazawa where the samurai—Japan's famed class of noble warriors—once lived
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Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys, Religious

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

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Japan Classics
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5/5 Excellent
4 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Travel across the Aqua Line, Japan's cutting-edge tunnel that submerges under the Tokyo Bay
  • Rickshaw through the ancient historical town of Kamakura
  • Let the scenic Fuji-Hakone National Park surround you as you cruise down Lake Ashi on a pirate ship
  • VIP access to the top of the Tokyo Skytree for a breathtaking view of the city
  • Free time to explore Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods: Harajuku and Ginza
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I recently enjoyed the Japan Classic Tour. At first, we doubted Super Value's veracity, as what they offered seemed too good to be true for the asking price. Comparable tour companies paled in tour value and substantially exceeded SV's costs. But SV delivered in every way possible: stellar hotels, superior transportation, excellent and abundant authentic Japanese meals, interesting venues and local tours, and unique country special offerings (such as visits to Onsons, traditional baths; famous gardens; and a night at a Ryokan). Above all, SV - - in this case Tour Guide Eriko - - provided the most careful, attentive and personal service to each and every guest imaginable or possible. Eriko is university educated, smart, witty, pleasant, with excellent knowledge of Japanese history, culture, art and modern traditions. Her English was near flawless. Far above and beyond any expectations, Eriko worked tirelessly to ensure every guest's personal comfort, particularly regarding meals, accommodations and airport transfers. We highly recommend Super Value and tour guide, par excellence, Eriko."

Trip dates & details
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Walking Japan
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1/5 Terrible
64 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Nara, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Explore the old imperial city of Kyoto, its ancient temples, the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, and the Gion Geisha district
  • Walk in the footsteps of shoguns as you follow ancient trade routes through medieval towns, lush valleys, and misty forests
  • Stay at traditional Japanese inns, soak in hot springs, and eat exquisitely prepared, multi-course Japanese meals every night
  • Experience the electric energy of Tokyo and visit some of its oldest sites, including the Imperial Palace and the Grand Meiji Shrine

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"First, let me say our tour guide Tomomi S. is hands down THE best tour guide I’ve ever had - knowledgeable, fun and made great efforts to ensure that we were comfortable and happy (MTSobek tour guides are independent contractors. Tomomi also works for other Adventure/Tour companies) Secondly, Japan is beautiful, clean and the Japanese people are very welcoming. The hiking in the national parks was amazing. It could have been a truly five-star experience if MtSobek had not cut corners so egregiously. The website said (at the time) group tours are 5-22 people. The tour gets canceled if the minimum is not met. When I paid there were TWO other people booked-a mother and daughter duo. Shortly before our departure date I called to see if the tour would be cancelled. I wanted my money back but Mt Sobek was “pleased to say that the trip would not be canceled”. In other words, I could not get a refund. At the last minute a guy named Matt signed up so there were four of us. Five days into the trip Matt left and took a train back to Tokyo. I said to him “You realize Mt Sobek is not going to refund you”. He said, “I don’t care, Mt Sobek scammed us.” With tax, the tour costs $11,645 for 13 nights. For that price there is an expectation that the accommodations Mt Sobek chooses would be decent and clean. We all fully expected a ‘traditional Japanese experience’ which often means no private bath and 8 out of the 13 nights we slept on futon mats on the floor. However, Mt Sobek consistently booked us in the cheapest Ryokans (hotels) in each area in which we travelled. Most of these hotels were unclean and very out-dated. One Ryokan they booked us in was listed on a hotel website for $40 USD/night when there were much nicer accommodations nearby for $100 USD/night. (The Japanese yen is way down, the luxury Park Hotel in Tokyo was $200 USD/night. A comparable hotel would have been about $800/night in Austin.). We were the only people staying in several hotels that accomadated many more people. The most egregious example of MtSobek’s booking the cheapest rooms is when we were booked at a large traditional ski lodge at the base of a spectacular mountain. It was beautiful on the website but had two very different wings. One wing was modern, clean and beautiful with simple beds. The other wing was very old (similar to a cheap Motel 6 that had not been updated since the 1970’s). The carpet and bathrooms were disgusting and like many of the Ryocans where we stayed the futon mats seemed as though they had not been cleaned In 30 years. Only after our tour guide checked us in did we realize we had been booked in the cheap rooms. I asked Tomo why. Immediately someone from MtSobek reached out to me and said, “gosh, I’m sorry you did not realize you were going to have a traditional Japanese experience”. Really? “Traditional” experience depends upon one’s budget. In the US, “traditional” to some people may be the Marriott, a Motel 6 or the Four Seasons Hotels. We were paying for a Marriott experience and received the one-star Motel 6 experience. Upon arrival in Tokyo I expected to be met at the airport by a driver (as many tour companies do). However, several days before our arrival dates in Tokyo, MtSobek sent an email telling us how to locate taking a city bus from the bustling Tokyo airport. That is interesting if you do not speak Japanese. MtSobek cleverly uses great photography and elaborate descriptions of the national parks and the hiking while using terms like “traditional Japanese experience with tatami-mat sleeping” to disguise sub-standard accommodations. At one point we were looking on-line at the very hotel where we were staying and did not even recognize it from the website pictures. The hiking was amazing. The group size was disappointing with just the three of us. I would absolutely recommend a hiking tour through Japan, just not with MtSobek."

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Essential Japan and Hakone end Hiroshima
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4.6/5 Excellent
66 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Hakone, Himeji Castle, Hiroshima, Imperial Palace, Kyoto, Meiji Shrine, Mount Fuji, Nara, Osaka, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Visit famous Nijubashi Bridge.
  • Visit traditional commercial street of Nakamise in the district of Asakusa.
  • Visit Toyota Museum.
  • Visit the Tenryuji temple, one of the "five major Zen temples of Kyoto".
  • Visit Korakuen, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, with its lakes, waterfalls and traditional teahouses.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"No travel with then completely desaster First and last Hotel accommodations really cheap, they mix you with 40 people in the same bus"

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Japan Essence
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Hiroshima, Kyoto

Highlights

  • Visit Tokyp metropolitan governmwnt building and other cultural sights
  • Experience visiting to Kotokuin Temple with Great Buddha, Hase Kannon Temple
  • See the Kinkakuji Temple and Ryoanji Temple to feel the Zen atmosphere
  • Visit Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Grand Shrine.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative, Religious

Trip dates & details
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5 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Group Tour

Kinkaku-ji Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
20  Reviews
See all Kinkaku-ji tour reviews
Excellent
13
Great
4
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
A

Ali

Apr 2018

Written on

80% great, 20% a waste of valuable time

Our guide and group were wonderful. Most of the sites visited fascinating and worth it. I especially loved the visit with the monk and the Hakone Outdoor Art Museum....

M

Manfred

Mar 2020

Written on

great enjoyment

It is 2 weeks ago that we returned from our "Discover Japan" tour. What a great enjoyment it was, and how lucky we were! We managed to experience the cherry blossoms...

U

Ute

Mar 2020

Written on

excellent fast paced

This was an excellent fast paced and all too short tour of a beautiful amazing country. I wish I had visited it much earlier. It is the cleanest and safest place in ...

J

Jacquline

Mar 2020

Written on

very satisfied

We just got back three days ago from the Discover Japan Tour. This was my first Smartours trip, and my first trip using a tour/guide company. I must say I was very s...

J

Julie

Mar 2020

Written on

suggestions

The excursion to Nara tour company needs to have head sets. Huge crowds made listening very difficult to hear our very knowledgable guide. The tour was very rushed -...

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