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 the extraordinary city of Tokyo, a place where the carefully treasured ancient traditions and ultramodern innovations are organically balanced together. Upon arrival, you are met by an English-speaking assistant who takes you to your private driver for the transfer to the centrally located hotel.
After check-in, you have the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your trip or start exploring the vibrant city of Tokyo on your own.
No meals included.
In the morning after breakfast, you meet your private guide to start your first full day tour in the amazing city of Tokyo. To see the life of the city from the inside, during the tour, you use the convenient public train transportation to travel around Tokyo.
Today you visit the legendary Asakusa Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo and the best place to feel the atmosphere of ancient Japan. After discovering the mystical history of Asakusa, make sure to make a wish, as this shrine is well-known for bringing good luck and happiness!
Then, you head to the nearby Nakamise shopping street, that connects the gates of the temple. Here you can find the great selection of souvenirs and confectionaries sincerely admired by locals.
Next on your list is the Tokyo Sky Tree, a television broadcasting tower and the tallest structure in Japan. To appreciate the mind-blowing views over the "neon city", you visit the observation deck located at a height of 350 meters (1148 feet), so make sure to prepare your cameras!
After a lunch-break, you enjoy a river cruise to rediscover Tokyo and appreciate local sceneries from another angle. Later you proceed to Hamarikyu, a large landscape garden located in the heart of the city. This traditionally styled garden with seawater ponds stands in stark contrast to the majestic modern skyscrapers. Hamarikyu garden has its own unique history going back several centuries, and during your visit, your local guide will share its exciting stories with you.
Before returning back to your hotel, you explore Ginza, Japan's main shopping and entertainment district which houses the most luxury and expensive real estate in the entire country.
After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.
Breakfast is included.
Following breakfast, you meet your private guide and continue exploring Tokyo. To travel like a local, during the tour, you use modern public transportation.
Your day starts in Shinjuku, an area surrounding Tokyo's Shinjuku Station, that is deservingly wearing the title of the busiest railway station in the world as it handles more than two million passengers every day! The area is also known for its lively mix of countless entertainment, office buildings, and shopping centers.
Then you head to the Shibuya Crossing to witness the real insanity of Tokyo. Shibuya is the legendary intersection and a symbol of the modern Japanese lifestyle: action in all directions. People are pouring across 7 crossroads at the same time, three dazzling television screens of the buildings flash all-day, the area is covered with numerous lights. Moreover, this intersection is popular filming location for such iconic films as Lost in Translation and The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, as well as various music videos and newscasts.
After taking in the energy of modern Tokyo, you have a unique chance to see the impressive Imperial Palace (from the outside), the main residence of the Imperial Family. The palace was destroyed during World War II and then rebuilt in the same style.
After a break for lunch, you continue to Odaiba, a famous futuristic and entertainment district located on the artificially-created island in Tokyo Bay. Here you can find the Mega Web, an outstanding automotive-focused themed park where you can learn more about Toyota's history and it's newest technological developments and test-drive futuristic cars.
After the tour, you enjoy dinner at a Sumo Restaurant. In the middle of the restaurant lies a real sumo ring, used by performers, musicians, singers or retired sumo wrestlers to entertain guests. Then you return back to your hotel and the rest of the evening is 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.
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
