Being one of the most graceful and charming Asian cities, Tokio will steal your heart for sure. Always changing and full of surprises, the city attracts millions of tourists from all over the world who immediately become its passionate admirers.
Welcome to Tokyo - the ultramodern and the traditional at the same time capital of Japan! A private driver meets you at the arrivals hall and takes you to your hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you check in and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your trip or start exploring the vibrant city on your own.
In the morning, after breakfast, you meet your private guide and start your first full-day tour of Tokyo (6 hours). During the tour, you use the convenient Tokyo public train transportation to travel around the city.
First, you visit the incredible Imperial Palace to get a taste of Japanese culture. and glance at the precious interior of the building. Notably, The Imperial Palace has served as the residential place of the successive Emperors since 1868. It contains the Imperial Residence and the Imperial Palace Complex, where His Majesty the Emperor undertakes official duties. Moreover, various ceremonies and public activities are held there too. After relishing this marvelous Palace, you will walk through the Nihonbashi district which is a business district that grew up around the bridge of the same name, which has linked two sides of the Nihonbashi River at this site since the 17th century. After enjoying the atmosphere of the Nihonbashi district, you will have lunch.
Then you have a visit to the Tokyo Sky Tree by metro, a television broadcasting tower, and the tallest structure in Japan. Its observation decks offering spectacular views over Tokyo are the highlights of the tower. You visit the deck located at the height of 350 meters (1148 feet), so make sure to have your camera and phone charged!
After that, you will visit Asakusa Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and learn the legend of how this temple was built. The temple is known to bring good luck in almost anything, so make sure to make a wish! Here you can feel the traditional Japanese culture the moment you step onto the temple grounds. A shopping street called Nakamise leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate; here, you can find a great selection of souvenirs as well as local confectionaries that the locals admire so much.
Afterward, you'll take a train to Akihabara, a bustling shopping district known for its electronic retailers, ranging from stalls to Yodobashi Multimedia Akiba. Manga, anime, and video game exhibits are available at the Tokyo Anime Center, along with toys, trading cards, and collectibles at Radio Kaikan. The staff of local cafes serve tea and desserts dressed as maids and butlers.
After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.
Your first stop is Meiji Shrine. Located near Harajuku station and Yoyogi Park, this shrine is popular among travelers. In addition to its vast size, it includes a gorgeous, serene forest surrounding the sacred approach to the shrine. Meiji Jingu Shrine gives you the opportunity to experience a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of Tokyo, the largest city in the world. Then you visit Harajuku. Since Harajuku has its own charm, you can fully immerse yourself in the Japanese atmosphere and fully appreciate the surrounding.
The next stop on the itinerary is Shibuya, Tokyo's paradise for shoppers. Despite the abundance of stores, it's probably best known for its crosswalk. As soon as the traffic lights turn red, pedestrians are free to roam wherever they like. Moreover, it is a symbol of modern Japan and of Tokyo itself: action in all directions. People are constantly pouring across the street from all directions, three huge television screens mounted on the buildings flash all day, and the area is covered with lights. The intersection is a popular filming location for movies, and it has appeared in the films Lost in Translation and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, as well as numerous music videos and newscasts. Hence, this is one of the things that travelers can experience only in Japan.
Before returning to your hotel, you explore Ginza, Japan's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment district, which has one of the most expensive real estate in all of Japan.
We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.
A picturesque town is known for its warm hospitality and traditional atmosphere, Tokyo is home to the luxurious 4-star Kitano Hotel.
Spend an enjoyable time on board a comfortable Japanese bullet train. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes passing by outside the train window.
Prepare your cameras as we are heading to one of the most scenic spots in the land of the rising sun, the breathtaking city of Hakone. Believe us, this Japanese gem with its picture-perfect nature, volcanic hot springs, and world-class art-museums is an ideal choice for a blissful escape from the rush of Tokyo.
In the morning after breakfast and check-out from the Tokyo hotel, you meet your private guide and take a public train ride to the railway station to catch a bullet train to the lovely city of Hakone, one of the most picturesque spots in Japan. This day is full of amazing sceneries and iconic views, so make sure to have your cameras and phones charged!
- Please note: Direct luggage transfer from Tokyo hotel to Kyoto hotel is arranged. Please take a small bag with you today, only for 1 overnight in Hakone.
Upon arrival at the Odawara Station, together with your guide, you take a public bus to the Hakone Shrine, a place of rich history, many-sided culture, and ancient traditions. During your visit to the temple. enjoy one of the classic images of Japan: the red shrine gates floating on the sparkling water with the Mountain Fuji in the background.
The high peaks of Hakone symbolized a place where the souls of the dead would go travel to the other side. For this reason, a few temples were built on the surrounding peaks and later were united into the Hakone Shrine, founded over a century ago. Hakone Shrine played a significant role in the history of Japan which you can discover during your visit.
Then, to appreciate the allure of local nature to the fullest, you enjoy a cruise on Ashi Lake. The lake is beautifully situated in the caldera of Mount Hakone which was formed after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago. The cruise gives you an opportunity to take in the best views of Mount Fuji and the lake.
After the tour, you take a public bus and arrive at your traditional ryokan hotel in Hakone for a check-in. The rest of the day is free.
Breakfast is included.
We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.
Located in the picturesque setting of Hakone, Ryokan Hotel Hatsuhana offers warm hospitality and a traditional atmosphere with four stars.
One of the most convenient ways to travel from Hakone to the picturesque city of Kyoto is taking a train. During the journey, you will travel across some truly authentic sights and towns, so make sure to sit by the window to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Having previously served as the capital of the country before 1868, the charming city of Kyoto is one of the ten largest cities in Japan with a population of 1.5 million people. The city is famous for hundreds of its gorgeous Buddhist temples and shrines, scattered along its territory, and is often called Japan’s spiritual heart.
Following breakfast, you have some time at leisure to relax and enjoy the hot spring baths at your Hakone ryokan hotel. Later you meet your private guide and take a public bus to the train station to catch the bullet train to the charming city of Kyoto.
Upon arrival at the city, you take the hotel shuttle bus to your centrally located hotel. After check-in, you start your Kyoto journey with the exploration of the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine. You will reach this and all other sights by the convenient system of public trains.
The spectacular Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine in the southern part of Kyoto. It is well-known for its thousands of red torii gates leading into the forest of the sacred Mount Inari. The Fushimi Inari is the most significant among the thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. You can take a hike on the trails and learn how the thouthands of the torrid gates appeared here.
Then you continue to the Sanjusangendo Temple that is famous for housing 1001 human-sized statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Once inside, you see a large wooden composition of Kannon, equipped with numerous heads and arms which help the goddess of mercy to witness the suffering of humans and save them from their miseries.
After the tour, you return to your hotel in Kyoto and have the evening at leisure.
Breakfast is included.
In the morning after breakfast, you meet your private guide and continue your Kyoto adventure. Your day starts with a tea ceremony experience that provides an engaging induction to this ancient Japanese tradition. During the ceremony, you will have the unique chance to wear traditional kimono robes, taste green matcha tea and locally produced sweets specially made to match the tea's flavor.
After immersing in the Japanese tea culture, you proceed to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Imperial Family's residence from 794 until 1868, during the times when the city of Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Explore the elegant palace buildings (from the outside) and the nearby Imperial Park which was just recently opened to the public.
After a break for lunch, you head to the Arashiyama, the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto with countless temples and shrines scattered around the area. Here is located one more wonder of the region, the famed Bamboo Forest. Walking through the tunnels of this sprawling bamboo grove and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of local nature. Definitely an experience not to miss!
After the tour, you return to your Kyoto hotel and have the evening at leisure.
Breakfast is included.
In the mourning after breakfast, you check-out your Kyoto hotel, meet your private guide and embark on a full-day trip to the amazing city of Nara.
- Please note: Direct luggage transfer from Kyoto hotel to Osaka hotel is arranged.
Together with your guide, you take a train to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital back then known as Heijo. Before the first permanent capital was established in 710, the capital used to be moved to a new location every time a new emperor ascended to the throne. Despite the fact, that Nara (Heijo) was capital for less than a century the city's past had a significant influence on the history of Japan. Moreover, Nara is full of artifactual treasures including some of Japan's oldest and largest shrines.
Then you proceed to the constructed in 742 Todaiji Temple that was the most important one among all provincial temples. Over the course of history, it grew so powerful that the capital of Japan has to be moved to Nagoka in 784 to reduce the temple's impact on government affairs. The main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), is the biggest wooden building in the world, even though now you can witness only two-thirds of the original size! This massive shrine houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu) and is located in Nara Park which is famous as a home for hundreds of freely strolling deers.
After the lunch-break, you explore Kasuga Taisha which is the most celebrated shrine in Nara. This shrine is well-known for its unique bronze and stone lanterns hanging from the buildings. In Nara you also can find the Kasuga Taisha Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden that boasts about 250 kinds of plants described in the Manyoshu, dating back to the eighths century Japan's oldest collection of poems.
After the tour, you take a Kyoto - Osaka train. While seated comfortably on the train, relax and enjoy the breathtaking natural sceneries and passing by numerous beautiful towns.
Upon arrival in Osaka, you walk to your centrally located hotel (situated within walking distance from the station) for check-in and have the evening at leisure.
Breakfast is included.
We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei is located in a picturesque town known for its warm hospitality and traditional atmosphere.
Enjoy a fast and scenic train ride through some of the most scenic landscapes in Japan. Providing all the necessary amenities, such as power sockets and luggage compartments, it is one of the best ways to travel from Kyoto to Osaka.
With its lively urban atmosphere, delicious street food, and numerous dazzling neon billboards, colorful Osaka is the second-largest city in the country and an ideal destination to enrich your Japan itinerary.
In the morning after breakfast, you meet your private guide to continue your Osaka exploration. During the tour, you use public transportation, just like a local.
Your first stop for today is the impressive Umeda Sky Building. Two towers of the high-rise building are connected with the open-air Floating Garden Observatory where the city of Osaka (and even Awaji Island!) can be viewed from the height of 170 meters (557 feet).
Then you have a chance to see the magnificent Osaka Castle. The construction of the original castle started in 1583 when it was intended to become the center of a new, unified Japan. During your visit, a professional guide will share with you the rich history of the castle that was destroyed and rebuilt since then.
Following lunch-break, you procced to the Shinsaibashi district, the most famous shopping area in Osaka and the iconic symbol of the city. While wandering among countless lovely shops, you can find great cafes and restaurants serving local specialties.
After having some free time at the Shinsaibashi, you return to your Osaka hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast is included.
In the morning after breakfast, you meet your private guide and embark on a full-day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Together with your guide, you take a bullet train to Hiroshima, a city that was mostly destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II.
Here you visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park located in the area that used to be the political and commercial center of the city before the catastrophe. The main sight of the park is the Peace Memorial Museum that tells a story about the events of August 6, the dropping of the bomb and its horrifying outcome. The exposition is a reminder that peace should not be taken for granted.
During the tour, you pay a visit to the A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. The memorial shows what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, one of the several buildings that weren't destroyed when the bomb exploded. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a material link to the Hiroshima's unique past.
After some time for lunch, together with your guide, you take a ferry to the mesmerizing Miyajima Island. The island is officially named Itsukushima but more commonly known as "Miyajima", or "shrine island" in Japanese, thanks to its most important attraction - the centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water as if floating in the sea during high tide.
- Please note: Renovation works on the floating torii gate started on June 3, 2019. During the renovation works, the torii gate will be covered up by scaffolding. It is not known yet exactly how long the renovations will take but they are expected to take at least around one year.
After the tour, you return to Osaka by bullet train and have the evening at leisure.
This is the last day of your amazing trip across the land of the rising sun! Following breakfast and check-out, your driver meets you at the hotel lobby for a transfer to the Osaka airport. We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips!
Breakfast is included.
We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.
Stay at the renowned Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier and enjoy the convenience of being near all the top landmarks, top-notch amenities, and excellent quality service.
What's included
- Accommodation at remarkable downtown hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and a ryokan hotel in Hakone;
- Airport transfers and all transportation according to the itinerary with private drivers;
- Breakfasts at the hotels, other meals as per itinerary;
- Dinner at a Sumo restaurant in Tokyo;
- Breathtaking sightseeing tours according to the itinerary with a professional English-speaking guide;
- River cruise in Tokyo;
- Ashi Lake cruise;
- Tea Ceremony at Maikoya Kyoto;
- Regular class bullet train tickets Tokyo - Odawara, Odawara - Kyoto, Kyoto - Osaka, Osaka - Hiroshima - Osaka;
- Direct luggage transfer from Tokyo hotel to Kyoto hotel and from Kyoto hotel to Osaka hotel;
- Guide assistance throughout the trip: from day 2 to day 9;
- Support line during the trip.
Note: We include 1 vehicle for your arrival and departure transfers. If multiple vehicles are required additional transfer costs will apply.
Note: Hotels availability is subject to change. In case current hotels are booked out we will provide alternative hotels of an equal value for you.
Not included: international flights, multiple arrival/departure transfers, other meals not mentioned in the program, optional tours and services, all personal expenses.
Tour Highlights
- Fully tailor-made program according to your interest;
- Your own professional local guides and drivers;
- A panoramic cruise across the Ashi Lake;
- Dinner at a Sumo Restaurant in Tokyo;
- Experiencing traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto;
- Exploring Fushimi Inari Shrine & Sanjusangendo Temple;
- Enjoying breathtaking bird-eye views from the Tokyo Sky Tree and Umeda Sky Building;
- Traveling to the Nara National Park;
- Visiting Hiroshima and Miyajima.
What To Know
- It's always best to bring some cash in local currency for your trip. You will need Japanese yen for your time in Japan
- You will be walking quite a bit during your sightseeing tours, so make sure to bring comfortable shoes
