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Japan in a Nutshell

8 days3 cities
Japan1 country
Tour rating: 4 / 5, Based on 21 Reviews
Private tour to Japan

Join us for the trip of a lifetime! Uncover this fantastic country's historical culture, natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and mesmerizing architecture. Discover Japan's unique and beautiful gems in one thrilling journey, taking you from Tokyo to Kyoto, including Nagano's best landmarks. Explore the outstanding Meiji Shrine and Shibuya, admire fluffy animals at Monkey Park, explore the highlights of Kyoto and delve into the tea ceremony!

8 days3 cities
Japan1 country
From
 $4,863 
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

Welcome to Tokyo - the ultramodern and the traditional at the same time capital of Japan! An English-speaking assistant meets you at the arrivals hall and takes you to your private driver for the transfer 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.

2
day
Highlights of Tokyo

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.

3
day
Diverse Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku & Shibuya

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.

Next day 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!

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
Nagano
1h 48min

Hop on a stunning adventure from Tokyo to Nagano! The journey takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on the train type and route, and offers stunning views of the Japanese countryside along the way. The shinkansen (bullet train) is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Tokyo and Nagano, with frequent departures throughout the day. The train stops at Nagano Station, which is located in the heart of the city and provides easy access to local attractions and accommodations. 

monkey
2
days
Japan

Nagano offers a perfect blend of stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor activities that make it a popular destination for travelers of all kinds.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
4
day
Arrival

Prefecture! Upon arrival, your private driver takes you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day you spend at leisure.

5
day
Highlights of Nagano & Monkey Park

Would you like to see countryside of Japan which is rich in nature and traditions, and enjoy the local drinks?

On this tour, you will learn about the interesting Japanese history, traditions, art and culture.

In the morning we'll go meet world-famous snow monkeys in hot spring in beautiful forests. You can get to be very close to them. Being close to wild animals is a magical experience.

In the afternoon we will visit 1400yrs old Zenkoji temple which is one of the most important and popular temples in Japan. It was founded in the 7th century and stores the first Buddhist statue ever to be brought into Japan when Buddhism was first introduced in the 6th century.

After this amazing temple we will visit 200 years old Sake brewery for sampling.

Next day in the morning after the  breakfast and check-out, you depart from Nagano.​​​​​, and move toward Kyoto.

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 Metropolitan Nagano

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano is a modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of Nagano, Japan. The hotel offers a range of comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms and suites, all featuring modern amenities and elegant decor. Guests can enjoy delicious Japanese and international cuisine at the hotel's restaurants, relax in the lounge or bar, or take advantage of the hotel's fitness center and spa facilities. With its convenient location and excellent amenities, Hotel Metropolitan Nagano is a popular choice for business and leisure travelers visiting Nagano.

train
Nagano
Kyoto
4hrs

Embark on a picturesque journey from the snowy mountain landscapes of Nagano to the ancient city of Kyoto via Japan's famous shinkansen (bullet train). This high-speed train connection offers breathtaking views of Japan's countryside and is a must-do experience for any traveler seeking to immerse themselves in Japan's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Osaka, Japan
3
days
Japan

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.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
6
day
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.

7
day
Tea Ceremony & Kyoto City Tour

In the morning, after breakfast, you meet your private guide and start your full-day exploration of Kyoto.

You start with 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 were just recently opened to the public.

After historical part of our tour, you proceed to 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 flavor.

After a break for lunch, you visit the 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!

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

8
day
Departure

Today in the morning, you check out from the hotel and depart from Kyoto.

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 Kanra Kyoto

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

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: As a standard, our travel packages include one checked-in bag, one carry-on, and one handbag per person. Please let us know if you require additional luggage beyond our standard allowance. Please note that there may be an additional charge for extra luggage. The charge will depend on the amount and size of the luggage you wish to bring.

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

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Tour Highlights

  • Fully tailor-made tour according to your preferences;
  • Professional local English-speaking guides;
  • Transfers between cities in a comfortable vehicle;
  • Guided walking tour to the stunning Tokyo;
  • Trip to the Monkey Park, Zenkoji Temple and Arashiyama;
  • Traditional ceremony with tea ceremony;
  • Trip to the world-famous Bamboo Forest.

What To Know

Stress-free Booking 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.

Trip Assurance 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.