Tag: gate 1 japan tours

Exploring Japan by Rail: Bullet Train Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

Gate 1 Travel on February 24, 2026

When travel is brought up, many people first think of flying. Rightfully so, flying is the main way that foreigners travel from country to country. But when traveling between cities within a country or region, trains are a great option! No train system is more efficient than the bullet trains in Japan.

The Iconic Bullet Trains of Japan

Japanese bullet trains are called shinkansen locally and are operated by Japan Railways. Running at speeds up to 200 mph, the bullet train is known for punctuality (most trains depart on time to the second), comfort (relatively silent cars with spacious always forward-facing seats), safety (no fatal accidents in its 60+ year history), and efficiency. A variety of rail pass options are available as well, making the Japanese bullet train a cost-effective mode of transportation.

Experience this fantastic technological feat for yourself on Gate 1’s 9 Day Tokyo & Kyoto Vacation. After spending four nights in Tokyo, travelers will transfer to the train station and board a bullet train heading to Kyoto. The city was founded in the 8^th century and was one of the early capitals of Japan. The ride to Kyoto is around 2.5 hours long and offers scenic views through urban landscapes, rural countrysides, and a stunning view of Mount Fuji. Travel Tip! If seeing Mount Fuji on the bullet train is your goal, make sure you get a seat on the right side when traveling west (or left side when going east) on this route.

Tokyo

On Gate 1’s independent tour, travelers will have four nights to spend at their leisure to explore the city. On their first full day in Tokyo, they can choose to participate in the optional Full Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone with lunch tour. This tour has participants travel along the picturesque roads of rural Japan with its striking natural scenery. Ascend to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and one of the most beautiful conical volcanoes in the world. Stop to admire the gorgeous landscape (weather permitting) of the park. After lunch, take a relaxing cruise around the placid Lake Ashi. Take a cable car to the summit to marvel at the sweeping views of Hakone National Park.

The next day, consider trying the optional Half Day Tokyo Highlights tour. First, embark on a morning tour of Tokyo that begins at the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a forested area honoring the first Emperor of modern Japan and his Empress. Continue with a visit to the Imperial Palace East Garden, a precious jewel of nature within the bustling city center, located next to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Afterward, travel to Asakusa, once Tokyo’s leading entertainment district. Stroll along Nakamise Street, a centuries-old shopping area where you can find everything from souvenirs to genuine Edo-style crafts.

Travelers will have another optional tour on their last full day in Tokyo, the Full Day Nikko with lunch tour. Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the entrance of the Nikko National Park, has served as a center for Shinto and Buddhist worship for centuries. It is home to several temples and shrines, including the Futarasan Shrine and the Rinnoji Temple. Travelers will visit the Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of the first shogun, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, a complex of colorful structures featuring the superb craftsmanship of Japan’s 17th century artisans. After an authentic Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Lake Chuzenji, created 20,000 years ago by an eruption of Mt. Nantai. Afterward, visit the 318-foot Kegon Falls, considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Nikko. The tour concludes near Shinjuku Station, a popular shopping and entertainments district.

Kyoto

Once finished in Tokyo, board the bullet train and arrive in Kyoto. Travelers will have the rest of this day and two more full days in the city on Gate 1’s 9 Day Tokyo & Kyoto Vacation. On the first day in Kyoto, it is yours to spend the balance of your day at leisure. There’s so much to see and do such as trying local meals at Nishiki Market, experiencing geisha culture in Gion, or just enjoying the panoramic city views.

The next day, feel free to explore Kyoto on your own, or choose the optional Half Day Nara Golden Route Tour. Travel to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, a repository of Japan’s cultural heritage, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Arrive at the exquisite Todai-ji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home of the impressive Great Buddha bronze statue, rising over 50 feet high. Continue to Nara Park to see the thousands of tame deer roaming freely. Next, view the famous Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site displaying over 3,000 antique hanging bronze lanterns, before returning to Kyoto.

On your last full day, continue exploring Kyoto or choose the optional Full Day Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour. Meet your guide at the Kyoto train station and take the bullet train to Hiroshima. On arrival, board the bus and catch the ferry to the majestic Miyajima Island. Disembark and begin the exploration of the island. Visit the stunning red Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its iconic floating torii gate. After lunch, reboard the ferry back to Hiroshima. Head to the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a structure that miraculously survived the 1945 attack. Continue to the Hiroshima Memorial Park, a historic site near where the atomic bomb exploded. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, containing an extensive collection of artifacts from the time of the bombing. The compelling exhibitions chronicle the history of Hiroshima before and after the bombing in pictures, movies, and displays. Then board the bullet train to return to Kyoto.

A Journey That Connects Past and Present

Traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto by bullet train perfectly captures Japan’s unique balance of innovation and tradition. The speed and efficiency of modern rail travel, paired with the two cities that represent different sides of the country, create an unforgettable journey. To view Gate 1’s full Japanese itinerary, click here. To see our full Asian itinerary, click here.

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New Year’s Around the World: Customs, Rituals & Celebrations

Gate 1 Travel on December 30, 2025

USA

In the United States, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with parties, drinks, and watching the iconic Times Square ball drop. Once the ball drops and the clock hits midnight, many toast drinks or kiss their significant other. The first day of the New Year is a national holiday during which many relax after the excitement of New Year’s Eve. In cities across the country this day is celebrated by watching colorful and festive parades.

The Rose Bowl Parade is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition in Pasadena, California, featuring elaborate, flower-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units leading into the Rose Bowl football game. This year, the undefeated No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers play against the No. 9 seed Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Mummers Parade is a lively and beloved Philadelphia tradition featuring elaborately costumed clubs that perform music, dance, and comedy in themed competitions. It’s one of the oldest continuously held folk parades in the United States.

Want to experience a new tradition for a new year? When 2026 tour departures open, events like the Rose Bowl Parade and the Mummers Parade can be found on our Special Events page, which also showcases other annual favorites including Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest, and more.

Japan

The Japanese New Year (Shōgatsu) is a family-focused holiday filled with traditions like cleaning homes, eating special foods like osechi ryōri (feast boxes) and toshikoshi soba, visiting shrines (hatsumōde), and ringing temple bells 108 times (joya no kane) to cleanse the old year’s sins. Children also receive money (otoshidama) in decorated envelopes, while families enjoy TV, games, and quiet time together.

At the end of December, the Japanese have numerous preparations to make to get ready for the New Year. Osoji is a thorough “big cleaning” of homes to sweep out the old year’s dust and bad luck. Bonenkai is a party thrown to let go of the past year’s troubles. Homes are decorated with pine, bamboo, and plum (kadomatsu) and kagami mochi (stacked rice cakes) for good fortune.

United Kingdom

Like the United States, people in the United Kingdom celebrate New Year’s Eve with parties, music, food, drinks, and fireworks. At midnight, people sing “Auld Lang Syne,” (which is written in Scots, a language similar to English and traditionally spoken in Scotland. This is followed by the tradition of “First-Footing” on New Year’s Day, where a dark-haired man brings good luck to the house with gifts like coal, bread, and shortbread. This represents the old year being ushered out while the new year is welcomed with good fortune. On New Year’s Day, many get together with family for a large meal similar to Christmas dinner.

France

On New Year’s Eve the French have a lavish dinner called Le Réveillon. This is a large meal with family and friends, featuring decadent food such as foie gras, oysters, seafood, truffles, and plenty of champagne, often ending with cheese and Bûche de Noël (Yule log cake). At 8 PM, there is a televised speech by the French President to the nation. As the night continues, celebrations range from intimate home parties to large masquerade balls with music and dancing.

Once midnight hits, the French participate in Faire la bise, a key tradition were air kisses (usually 2-4) are exchanged with everyone present, wishing them “Bonne Année!” Couples will also kiss under a mistletoe for good luck. At major public displays and events, especially in Paris, the celebrations include elaborate fireworks displays.

Germany

A major highlight of New Year’s Eve in Germany is Silvesterfeuerwerk. This is when Germans buy and set off their own fireworks, creating a chaotic but stunning spectacle. Another tradition consists of watching a classic British comedy sketch called ‘Dinner for One.’ Other unique traditions are Bleigießen, where Germans melt small lead figures and then pour them into cold water to interpret the shapes for fortunes in the new year, Guten Rutsch, many wish friends and family a “good slide” into the new year, and exchanging small tokens like marzipan pigs, four-leaf clovers, ladybugs, and horseshoes for good luck.

Mexico

Mexicans have a wide array of unique and vibrant New Year’s traditions. First is Las Doce Uvas, in which participants eat one grape with each chime of the clock at midnight while making a wish for each month of the year. Some people wear specific colored underwear for desired outcomes: red for love, yellow for wealth, green for health, pink for true love, and white for peace. Another tradition involves burning resolutions: Mexicans will write down bad habits or negative experiences they wish to leave behind them in the year that is ending and then burn the list to release them.

Unique New Years Traditions All Across the World

Across the globe, many culturally specific traditions are conducted to prepare for and welcome the New Year. Whether watching the ball drop in the United States, setting off fireworks for Silvesterfeuerwerk in Germany, or singing “Auld Lang Syne” in Scotland, everyone celebrates in their own special way. To visit the countries listed in this article, click here to view Gate 1’s full itinerary. What’s your favorite New Year’s tradition? Share this post on social media and tell us about your most memorable celebrations!

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Asia’s Most Extraordinary Hotels: Where to Stay for a One-of-a-Kind Experience

Gate 1 Travel on November 6, 2025

Asia is a continent full of life. From ancient temples to bustling cities, or even beaches and lush jungles, where you choose to stay can really make or break a vacation. Across the globe, travelers are discovering hotels that go beyond luxury, offering unforgettable experiences that reflect local culture, design, and nature. Gate 1 offers many unique hotels to pick from when traveling to countries in Asia, let’s take a look.

Japan

When visiting Tokyo, consider staying at the Tokyo Prince Hotel. This hotel can be booked on Gate 1’s 9 Day Classic Japan Escorted Tour. It has the perfect location for those looking to explore the city to its fullest. The Tokyo Tower, the 14^th century Zojo-ji Temple, and local gardens are about a five-minute walk from the hotel. Plus, you can explore beyond this neighborhood easily by taking advantage of the Onarimon subway station just 0.3 miles away. Plus, with plenty of shops and restaurants onsite, savoring the local flavors and bringing home something to help remember your stay is easier than ever.

Each guest room has an electric kettle, television, telephone, and a private bathroom with a hair dryer and toiletries. Guest Wi-Fi is available in both private and public spaces throughout the building. The rooms are air-conditioned on a seasonal basis. Plus, if you’re visiting when it’s warm out, you can cool off with a dip in the seasonally open outdoor pool (surcharge required).

The Tokyo Prince boasts a variety of restaurants and bars fit for royalty. Porto offers buffet style dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Marronnier serves Chinese fare, and the Café and Bar Tower View Terrace offers delicious bites and stunning views of Tokyo Tower. Authentic local Japanese dishes abound at the Shimizu Japanese Restaurant, with an additional bar, beer garden and tea salon are available on-site as well.

China

The next unique hotel to stay at is the Royal Pacific Hotel, located in Honk Kong, China. Travelers can stay at this hotel if they book Gate 1’s 17 Day China with 4 Day Yangtze River Cruise & Hong Kong Guided Tour. The first-class hotel is centrally located in the prosperous Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district. It overlooks Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Park. We highly recommend taking in the view of the harbor at night, as it offers one of the most beautiful views of the skyline available. With public transit stops nearby at the China/Macau Ferry Terminal, exploring the rest of the city like a local is easier than ever. And if you’re looking to slow down after a long day of on-the-go sightseeing, The Hong Kong Museum of Art is a moderate stroll away.

The guest rooms are well equipped with modern furnishings and large windows. Each room features tea and coffee making facilities, wireless internet access, and an in-room safe. Rooms are air-conditioned seasonally. The hotel’s fitness center offers guests a variety of free weights, benches, and cardio machines.

The onsite restaurants include: Café on the Park, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets; Pierside Bar and Restaurant, which serves contemporary Australian fare; and Satay Inn, which serves Singaporean dishes.

Mongolia

To get the full experience of staying in rural Mongolia, you should stay at the Alungoo Lodge. This tourist class lodge is nestled near the scenic landscapes of Gorkhi Terelj National Park. The guest rooms are decorated in the style of a traditional Mongolian ger, each one thoughtfully designed to provide comfort while preserving authentic aesthetics. Guest rooms include private bathrooms, ensuring privacy throughout your stay. It should be noted that this lodge does not provide air conditioning, so travelers who struggle with heat may want to take that into account when planning their stay.

The prime location near Gorkhi Terelj National Park is a benefit that cannot be overstated. Additionally, Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad) is just a six-minute drive away, while Ulaanbaatar is about a one-hour drive from the lodge. On Gate 1’s 13 Day Mongolia & Gobi Desert Guided Tour, travelers will have the opportunity to interact with locals and the environment surrounding the lodge. You’ll be immersed in the culture with a visit to a Kazakh family, meet a Golden Eagle hunter, and even visit a local horse breeding family as well.

Guests can enjoy meals in a traditional setting with cuisine options ranging from local Mongolian specialties to familiar Western fare. The on-site pub provides a selection of beverages, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Thailand

If you’re looking to travel somewhere a little warmer, consider planning a stay at the Mida Resort Kanchanaburi. This superior tourist class resort is situated inside a tropical garden located in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. It overlooks the Khwae Yai River, providing scenic views you can’t find anywhere else. The iconic River Kwai Bridge is about a thirty-five-minute drive away. And (movie buffs, this one’s for you!) if you’re a fan of the film The Bridge on the River Kwai, we highly recommend seeing this landmark in person. After a long day of traveling on Gate 1’s 9 Day Central Thailand with River Kwai Guided Tour, you can come back to the resort and relax in the on-site sauna, spa, or outdoor pool.

The elegant, modern guest rooms are decorated with contemporary Thai style decor. All guest rooms are equipped with a variety of amenities for a comfortable stay, including Wi-Fi, a hairdryer, a safe, cable/satellite television, and a private bathroom. Air conditioning is provided seasonally with limited hours depending on the time of year.

The Terrace Café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacks and beverages are served at the resort’s Pool Bar for those who want something to provide a quick fill.

Stay Somewhere That Tells a Story

Asia’s most inspiring hotels aren’t just places to rest, they’re a part of your journey. From a sleek modern design to a lodge that honors the local culture, these properties capture the essence of their destinations and invite travelers to enjoy the moment and connect. No matter where you choose to go, picking the right place to stay can transform a simple trip into an unforgettable experience. If you’re interested in other countries in Asia, click here to browse through Gate 1’s full itinerary of Asian tours!

Asia & Pacific Gate 1 Connections

Explore the Delights of Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka

Gate 1 Travel on August 2, 2022

Japan is a country whose outer facade is intimidating to many. With culturally-contrasting traditions, an unfamiliar alphabet system, and matchless temples competing against scenes of nature, this environment often introduces travelers to an entirely new paradigm of life. With travel being a universally-known way to expand one’s horizons, Japan certainly makes headlines on this topic.

What might look like a small cluster of islands on a world map actually turns out to be a blooming hub of culture and enlightenment upon closer observation. However, it takes placing oneself in this environment to get a true feel for Japan’s charisma. The country has what seems to be an endless tally of communities to experience, but three, in particular, hold the hearts of travelers and tourists alike: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

While embarking on a Gate 1 tour through Japan, visitors can anticipate encountering prominent shrines and temples in the daylight while tasting Tokyo’s nightlife in the midnight sky. Mixed into these days are glimpses of Japanese imperial life and several samples of Japanese-style cuisine such as ramen, yakitori, or tempura .

Visit the Buzzing Capital: Tokyo

By day, its towering skyscrapers and far-off view of Mount Fuji’s peak take center stage. By night, its neon lights far exceeding those of New York City’s Times Square persuade visitors to stay up far past their curfew for a taste of its sensational nightlife scene. Tokyo has found a way to package up the best parts of traveling and serve them on a silver platter to incoming tourists. With its ancient traditions mixed with avant-garde technology, this travel-worthy capital gives a well-versed travel experience to the eager passenger.

Weaving between steep buildings, you’ll soon arrive at a handful of sites pointing to Japan’s imperial status. From the Meiji Shrine to the Imperial Palace to the Kannon Temple, there are a variety of regal and spiritual settings that are strewn throughout the city. Along this tour, take time to relish in the entertainment industry of Asakusa and the souvenir spotlight of Nakamise Street before later preparing yourself for hours of Tokyo’s nightlife.

Before moving on from Tokyo, visitors are encouraged to embark on a day trip to the nearby Mount Fuji and Hakone. On such an outing, you will be able to see Mount Fuji from a stone’s throw away, enjoy a boat cruise along Lake Ashi, and ascend in a cable car to view Hakone National Park from above.

Honor Japan’s Traditions: Kyoto

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto paints a picture of more conservative times, still paying homage to the many traditions that comprised Japanese culture. After taking the famed bullet train to this destination, visitors are whisked away to the various time-honored locales, such as the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple reflecting ever so slightly on a pond. In the art of tradition and respecting the locals’ heritage, travelers may appreciate a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Through this momentous event, you will enjoy the art of this ritualized etiquette by preparing, serving, and drinking green tea. Later, you can explore Kyoto’s Geisha district at your leisure, traversing through shops, discovering tea houses, and spotting Geisha in ceremonial attire.

As you uncover these customs and admire the traditions of Japanese culture, you will also have the option to tour Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. A visit to these locations gives tourists the chance to honor the lives lost in this historic bombing and view the floating torii gate belonging to the Itsukushima Shrine.

Tour the Venice of the East: Osaka

Finishing out this trifecta of noteworthy locations in Japan is Osaka, a port city with center-city canals, patches of bridges, and waterways branding it as the ‘Venice of the East.’ Although the city is fairly modernized, its historical significance is not to be overlooked, with the Osaka Castle being one of the city’s most visited landmarks. Whether approaching by boat or foot, you will find this elevated building to transport you to ages past. Once inside, explore its collection of art, armor, and collectibles.

Upon diving back into the modern elements of Osaka, visitors can choose from an eclectic food scene throughout the city. Tour guides recommend a mandatory stop at Kuromon Market, a culturally-animating hall of some of Osaka’s finest fresh cuisine and Japanese-style fast food. At the market, travelers can try grilled scallops, tuna sushi, Kobe beef skewers, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. Trial the market’s various offerings before working off your sampling spree with some shopping on the streets of Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori.

In a final effort to soak in Japanese history and heritage, consider taking a tour to the 8th-century Imperial capital of Nara, home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic Buddhist temples, and over 1,000 free-roaming deer. The beautiful Kasuga Grand Shrine also reigns in this area, still honoring tradition and displaying bronze and stone lanterns throughout its premises. After observing numerous shrines and temples throughout your visit, the home of these lanterns might just turn out to be your favorite.

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Exploring Japan by Rail: Bullet Train Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

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New Year’s Around the World: Customs, Rituals & Celebrations

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Explore the Delights of Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka

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