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Essence of Japan

9 days4 cities
Japan1 country
Tour rating: 4.95 / 5, Based on 20 Reviews
Private tour to Japan

Interested in checking off the land of the rising sun from your bucket list? Your 9-day private tour includes the best of Japan's treasures: vivid culture, breathtaking architecture, and stunning natural beauty. Staying at hotels that are centrally located, private transfers and guided tours presented by local pros are all included in the tour, along with fascinating activities such as Hakone Shrine Tour & Ashi Lake Cruise.

9 days4 cities
Japan1 country
From
 $4,848 
Asakusa Temple
3
days
Japan

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.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
1
day
Arrival

Greetings from Tokyo, the modern and traditional capital of Japan! You will be met by an English-speaking assistant at the airport arrivals hall and transferred to your hotel by a private driver.

After checking in at the hotel, you can relax after your trip or start exploring the vibrant city at your leisure.

 

2
day
Highlights of Tokyo

Your first full-day tour of Tokyo begins after breakfast when you meet your private guide. To get around Tokyo, you use the easy-to-use public transportation system.

The first stop on tour is the Imperial Palace, where you can experience the culture of Japanese people and glance at the precious interior of the building. A notable feature of the Imperial Palace is that it has served as the residence of successive Emperors since 1868. It contains His Majesty's Imperial Residence and the Imperial Palace Complex, where He performs official duties. The site hosts a variety of ceremonies and public events as well.
After admiring this marvelous Palace, you will walk through the Nihonbashi district, an area that developed around a bridge of the same name that has linked the Nihonbashi River since the 17th century. Lunch will follow the enjoyment of Nihonbashi's atmosphere.

Afterward, you can visit the Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest structure in Japan, and a television broadcasting tower. One of the tower's highlights is its observation decks that offer stunning views of Tokyo. Make sure you have a charger for your phone and camera before visiting the deck at 350 meters (1148 feet).

Then you will visit Asakusa Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, where you will learn how it was built. Make sure you make a wish at the temple, as it's known to bring luck in almost anything! From the moment you step onto the grounds of the temple, you will feel the traditional Japanese culture. You can find a great selection of souvenirs and local confectionaries on the street known as Nakamise, which leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate.

Then, you'll take the train to Akihabara, a bustling district of electronic retailers, including stalls and Yodobashi Multimedia Akiba. At Tokyo Anime Center, you can see anime, manga, and video games, as well as toys, trading cards, and collectibles. Local cafes dress their staff as maids and butlers to serve tea and desserts.

Your evening is at leisure after you return from the tour.

3
day
Diverse Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku & Shibuya

The first stop on your tour is Meiji Shrine. Travelers are drawn to this shrine because it's located near Harajuku station and Yoyogi Park. This shrine boasts a vast size, as well as a gorgeous, serene forest surrounding the sacred approach. Tokyo's Meiji Jingu Shrine offers you a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the world's largest city. After that, you visit Harajuku. Due to Harajuku's unique charm, you can fully immerse yourself in the Japanese environment and fully experience its surroundings.

The next stop on the itinerary is Shibuya, Tokyo's paradise for shoppers. Even though the area has a large number of shops, its most famous feature is probably its crosswalk. When the traffic lights turn red, pedestrians may roam wherever they like. Moreover, it is a symbol of modern Japan and of Tokyo itself: action in all directions. There are constant crowds rushing across the street, three large television screens are mounted on the buildings, and there is a lot of lighting throughout the area. Several music videos and newscasts have been filmed at the intersection, including Lost in Translation and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Therefore, travelers are able to experience this only in Japan. 

After a day exploring Ginza, one of Japan's most expensive real estate districts, you return to your hotel.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Park Hotel Tokyo

If you're looking for a modern hotel in Tokyo, look no further than Park Hotel Tokyo. It's centrally located and the perfect option for travelers that appreciate the comfort, exceptional service, and outstanding amenities.

train
Tokyo
Hakone
1 hr 10 min

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.

Mountain Fuji
1
day
Japan

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.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
4
day
Hakone Shrine & Ashi Lake Cruise

Your private guide/driver will meet you at the hotel lobby in the morning for a trip to Hakone!

Upon your arrival, the exciting trip to Mount Fuji awaits you.

Upon returning from Mount Fuji and Ashi Lake, you are taken to the hotel in Hakone for an overnight stay.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Ryokan Hotel Hatsuhana

Located in the picturesque setting of Hakone, Ryokan Hotel Hatsuhana offers warm hospitality and a traditional atmosphere with four stars.

car
Hakone
Takayama

Get to know dazzling Hakone and authentic Takayama by car! Discover the breathtaking scenery, enjoy modern amenities, and relax in your comfy seat!

Takayama
2
days
Japan

Within the mountains of Central Japan, Takayama is known for its outstanding preservation of its historical centre from the Edo Period (1603-1868).

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
5
day
Arrival

The following morning, after breakfast, you have some free time. You are later picked up by your driver, who takes you to your hotel.

After a short trip, you have arrived in Takayama, an authentic city surrounded by mountains. In the afternoon, your driver will take you to your hotel, and you can spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

6
day
Takayama Sightseeing Tour

The next morning, you'll enjoy a guided walking tour of Takayama with your guide, where you'll learn about the town's distinctive taste.

Takayama (or Hida-Takayama), located on the main island of Honshu in Gifu Prefecture, is surrounded by natural beauty and is filled with historical ambiance. 

Afterward, you return to your accommodation, where you have a free afternoon. You are welcome to add any additional activities you wish.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Hotel Wood Takayama

Situated in the picturesque setting of Takayama, Hotel Wood Takayama is a luxurious 4-star hotel specializing in warm hospitality and a traditional atmosphere.

car
Takayama
Kanazawa

You'll travel by car from overwhelming Takayama to authentic Kanazawa! Relish the breathtaking views along the way, enjoy modern facilities, and relax in your comfortable and cozy seat!

Kanazawa
2
days
Japan

In addition to being one of the most graceful and charming Asian cities, Kanazawa will surely capture your heart. With its constant change and surprises, the city draws millions of tourists worldwide who instantly become passionate admirers.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
7
day
Arrival

Greetings from Japan's science and culture capital! As soon as you arrive at the airport, your private driver will take you to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

8
day
Exploring Kanazawa

At the hotel lobby, your private guide meets you for a city tour after breakfast.

Historically, Kanazawa was in competition with the most powerful hubs of ancient Japan: Kyoto and Tokyo (then Edo). Due to this, the region has a rich heritage that attracts tourists from Japan as well as around the world. After exploring Higashi Chaya district, you will stroll through Omicho market, seeing Kenrokuen garden with an iconic stone bridge. Afterward, you walk through a beautiful park that surrounds Kanazawa Castle and Oyama Shrine. 

You can spend the rest of the day at leisure after the tour.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

KUMU Hotel

The luxurious 4-star KUMU Hotel is located in Kanazawa, a picturesque town known for its warm hospitality and traditional atmosphere.

car
Takayama
Tokyo

Experience the breathtaking views along the way, enjoy the modern facilities, and relax in your comfortable and cozy seat as you travel from overwhelming Takayama to authentic Tokyo!

Asakusa Temple
1
day
Japan

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.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
9
day
Departure from Tokyo

After breakfast, you check out of your hotel. Your private driver will then take you to the train station to catch the bullet train to Tokyo.

Once you have reached Tokyo, you can fly home or stay longer in beautiful Japan.


Let us know if you would like to have a private transfer arranged by us.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Park Hotel Tokyo

If you're looking for a modern hotel in Tokyo, look no further than Park Hotel Tokyo. It's centrally located and the perfect option for travelers that appreciate the comfort, exceptional service, and outstanding amenities.

What's included

  • Accommodation at remarkable downtown hotels;
  • Breakfasts at the hotels;
  • Airport transfers and all transportation according to the itinerary;
  • Breathtaking sightseeing tours according to the itinerary with professional English-speaking guides;
  • Support line during the trip.

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.

Note: we include 1 vehicle for your arrival and departure transfers. If multiple vehicles are required additional transfer costs will apply.

Note: city taxes are not included in the price. This is a small tax (1-5 EUR per person per night) collected by many European cities. You will need to pay it at the hotel on checkout.

Not included: international flights, multiple arrival/departure transfers, other meals not mentioned in the program, optional tours and services, local city taxes and all personal expenses.

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What To Know

  • Book your journey without stress and at convenient pace. You can pay a deposit of 20% to book any tour in any major currency; the final balance will be due 90 days before start date. In event if you decide to change or postpone your trip, you can transfer your deposit to any other packages we offer. Cruise bookings and special offers may be subject to different booking terms.
  • If you need our assistance during your trip, you can call our support line available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (CET) on weekdays and weekends.
  • Firebird tour policies & FAQs