Flavours of Japan

Arrival
Welcome to Tokyo - the ultramodern and the traditional at the same time capital of Japan! Your driver meets you at the arrivals hall and transfer 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.

Tokyo Sightseeing Tour & Night Food Tour  
In the morning, you meet your private guide and start your first half-day tour of Tokyo. During the tour, you use the convenient Tokyo public train transportation to travel around the city.

First, you see the incredible Imperial Palace to get a taste of Japanese culture and glance at the precious building. Notably, The Imperial Palace has served as the residential place of the successive Emperors since 1868. 

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. 

In the evening, your group guide will take you on an exploration of the back alleys of charming and funky Sangenjaya. Soak up the atmosphere of this unique local neighborhood rarely visited by tourists. Experience a night out the Japanese way.

During your Sangenjaya adventure you’ll check out the tiny bars in the lantern lit labyrinth of alleys. Stop by for kushikatsu (deep fried meat, fish and vegetables on skewers) drinks and a chat with the friendly owner at a tiny standing bar. Visit a teppanyaki restaurant where you’ll learn about and cook your own monjayaki and okonomiyaki. 

Finally visit a secret sake bar and enjoy a selection of sake, sashimi, and grilled dishes. Get a real insight into Tokyo’s night life, taste delicious and rare Japanese  food and drinks, chat with locals and experience the charm of a wonderful Tokyo neighborhood. The smells, tastes and sounds will leave you with unforgettable memory of your trip.

Tsukiji Market Private Tour & Sushi Class 

Meet your guide and have a tour the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market and experience its lively and messy and charmingly authentic atmosphere. Follow your guide and learn interesting things about the market and about Japanese seafood cuisine.
It's the largest fish market in the world from an insider’s perspective.

After the tour, you join our exclusive sushi-making class to pick up all the secrets behind this beloved dish, with guidance from an experienced sushi chef. The class is designed to take you through the whole sushi-making process from start to finish. From selecting the best quality fish to selecting the perfect seasoning, we will ensure that you understand the importance of traditional ingredients, taste, texture and technique — and have the chance to hone your own unique flavor combinations too!

After the tour, you return to your hotel. 

Departure from Tokyo
Today in the morning private driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and takes you to the train station to continue your amazing trip!

Arrival in Kyoto
Upon arrival in Kyoto, a private driver meets you at the train station and takes you to the hotel.

The rest of the day you can enjoy free time and some independent sightseeing or feel free to book any optional activities with us.

Kyoto City Tour & Tea Ceremony
In the morning after breakfast you meet your private guide and start your full day exploration of Kyoto.

You start with the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Imperial Family's residence from 794 until 1868, during the times when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Here you have a chance to explore the palace buildings (from the outside) and the gardens, which was just recently opened to the public.

Head to Arashiyama, the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto that is filled with temples and shrines. The highlight of the district is the famed Bamboo Forest, one of the most photographed sights in Kyoto. Standing in the midst of this sprawling bamboo grove is like being in another world, it has a sense of otherness that is very much unlike that of any other forest. This is an experience that is not to be missed!

Your tour continues with visiting Kinkakuji, one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most remarkable Buddhist temples, and a gorgeous golden must-see attraction! So welcome to one of the most luxurious temples in Japan, also known worldwide, reflecting its fame in traditional arts and modern media. Here you will find peace, tranquility, and spiritual renewal.

Conclude your day with a Japanese tea ceremony experience, that provides an engaging induction to the traditional tea ceremony. This activity dates back hundreds of years and is the most idealistic pastime of ancient Japan. In this ceremony you will have an opportunity to wear traditional kimono robes, taste the green matcha tea and eat unique Japanese sweets specifically made to match the tea's flavour.

After the ceremony you return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.  

Fushimi Inari Shrine & Sanjusangendo Temple & Sake Tasting
Today you have a half-day tour to explore Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sanjusangendo. You will reach these sights by the convenient system of public trains. 

Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of red torii gates, which stand astride a network of trails. The trails lead into the forest of the sacred Mount Inari. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. You can take a hike on these trails and learn how the thousands of torrid gates appeared here. 

Then you proceed to the Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its 1001 human-sized statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Once inside, you see a large wooden statue composition of the Kannon, equipped with numerous heads and arms, the goddess of mercy can better witness the suffering of humans and better help them fight the suffering.

After the tour, you continue the exploration with Fushimi area of Kyoto. 

Set out on a concise, yet engaging journey to the biggest sake brewery in Fushimi, where you'll gain insights into age-old brewing techniques and sample distinctive flavors brewed on the premises. Your journey is amplified by a curated tasting experience, allowing you to savor exclusive, locally-restrained sake types, while gaining a deeper understanding of their varied taste profiles from a seasoned guide. The cherry on top is a serving of traditional Japanese nibbles, called Otsumami, thoughtfully paired with different sakes, providing you with an opportunity to unearth and relish the most harmonious food-sake pairings.

Departure
Today in the morning, you check out from the hotel and continue your trip.

Arrival 
Upon arrival in Osaka, your driver takes you to your centrally located hotel, you check in and have the evening at leisure.

Osaka City Tour
In the morning after breakfast you meet your private guide and to explore Osaka on a full day tour of the city. During the tour you use public transportation, just like a local. 

First you visit the Umeda Sky Building, a high rise building that consists of two towers connected with each other by the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor. The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck.

Then you have a chance to see the Osaka Castle. The construction of the original castle, that was intended to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule, started in 1583. It was the largest castle at the time. Your guide will share with you the history of the castle, that was destroyed and rebuilt since then.

After some time for lunch, you proceed to the Shinsaibashi shopping area, the best-known shopping area in Osaka, and a symbol of the city that has its own history of nearly 400 years. Among the numerous shops you can find here local specialties and great cafes and restaurants.

After having some free time at the Shinsaibashi, you return to your hotel.

Free Day & Backstreets of Osaka Night Food Tour

This day you can enjoy free time and some independent sightseeing or feel free to book any optional activities with us. 

In the evening, embark on an unforgettable journey through Osaka's vibrant culture with our Tenma Neighborhood Walk. Departing swiftly from a recognizable landmark, the introduction delves deep into the historical roots of the Tenma district. Navigating through streets predating bicycles, we traverse the renowned Tenjinbashi-suji, Japan's longest covered arcade, alive with centuries of history and bustling energy. 

Prepare for a sensory feast as we explore hidden gems and cultural curiosities, intertwining with the essence of modern Japanese city life. Your leisurely stroll builds anticipation for the gastronomic delights awaiting at our carefully selected eateries. Experience the unique atmosphere of "tachinomi" establishments, where delectable homemade tapas and a lively ambiance await. 

Indulge in a balanced evening, immersing in exploration and another savoring culinary delights. With each stop, savor new flavors and soak in the authentic charm of local haunts.

Departure
After breakfast and check-out, your private driver transfers you to the Osaka airport or train station depending on where you go next.