Imperial Capitals of Japan with Osaka

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

You meet your private guide and start your first half-day tour of Tokyo.

First, you see from the outside the incredible Imperial Palace to get a taste of Japanese culture. Notably, The Imperial Palace has served as the residential place of successive Emperors since 1868.
Then you have a visit to the Tokyo Sky Tree, 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. After the tour, you return to your hotel.

Day trip to Mt. Fuji & Ashi Lake Cruise

Today in the morning a private guide and driver meet you at the hotel lobby and take you on a full-day tour to Ashi Lake and Mt. Fuji. 

Throughout this tour, you will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Japanese nature and landscapes. Located in Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in the country and a symbol of the nation's cultural and spiritual heritage. Since Mount Fuji is a sacred mountain, it is surrounded by temples and shrines, even at the crater's edge. The atmosphere of this place is reminiscent of Japanese culture.

Finish your splendid tour by admiring Ashi Lake, which was formed by volcanic activity 3,000 years ago. A serene Lake Ashi cruise will grant you picturesque views that are nothing short of mesmerizing. Marvel at the picturesque views and serene waters during a serene cruise, soaking in the tranquil ambience of this natural gem. 

Departure from Tokyo
Today in the morning private guide/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.

Tea Ceremony & Kyoto City Tour
 

Start 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 tea ceremony, you meet your private guide and start your 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.

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

Fushimi Inari Shrine & Sanjusangendo Temple
Today you have a half-day tour to explore Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sanjusangendo. 

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 return to your hotel in Kyoto and have the evening at leisure.

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.

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