Splendid Japan

Arrival
Welcome to Tokyo – the ultramodern and traditional capital of Japan!
You will take the Narita Express Train to reach Tokyo. Your hotel is located within walking distance from Tokyo Station.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will 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 and glance at the precious interior of the building. 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.

Diverse Tokyo Exploration: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku & Shibuya 

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and begin your tour using public transport. Start at the Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto shrines. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the expansive forested area, visiting the main shrine and exploring the surrounding grounds. If time allows, stop by the Ema (wooden plaques) for a traditional experience.
Afterward, take a short 10-minute walk to Harajuku, a vibrant neighborhood famous for its fashion and street culture. Explore Takeshita Street, known for its trendy shops, unique fashion boutiques, and street food stalls. You can grab a quick bite like crepes or try the famous popcorn.
From Harajuku, walk just 5 minutes to Omotesando, a wide, tree-lined avenue lined with upscale boutiques, cafes, and modern architecture, often referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées.
Next, head towards Shibuya (a 10-minute train ride or a 15-minute walk from Omotesando). Here, explore the iconic Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Take a few minutes to visit the Hachiko statue, a tribute to the loyal dog.
End your tour with a visit to Shibuya 109 for shopping or head to a café for a panoramic view of the crossing. Alternatively, you can return to your hotel with your guide. 

Hakone and Mt Fuji Exploration

Escape from Tokyo and immerse yourself in Japan's natural wonders with a full-day group tour of Mt. Fuji and Hakone. Ascend to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji, 2,000 meters above sea level, and enjoy a buffet-style lunch with stunning views of this World Heritage site. Continue your journey with a serene Lake Ashi cruise, offering picturesque views, and traverse the Owakudani Valley via a ropeway, embracing its geothermal wonders. End your adventure at the revered Hakone Shrine, with its iconic Torii gate seemingly floating on water. Throughout your full-day expedition, you'll be transported in comfort by an air-conditioned coach, ensuring your travels are as seamless as they are breathtaking.

Departure from Tokyo
This morning, you will walk to the train station to catch your train to Kyoto.

Arrival in Kyoto
Welcome to Kyoto

Your hotel is located within walking distance from Kyoto Station.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will 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. 

Kyoto Discovery 

Meet your private guide and begin your journey using public transport with a brief visit to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the residence of the Imperial Family from 794 to 1868 when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Explore the palace buildings from the outside. Afterward, head to Arashiyama, Kyoto's second-most important sightseeing district, home to beautiful temples and shrines.
The highlight is the Bamboo Forest, one of Kyoto’s most photographed sights, offering a peaceful, otherworldly experience. The tour continues with a visit to Kinkakuji, the iconic Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning beauty and spiritual serenity. 

 Alternatively, you can have a tea ceremony after your tour or choose other authentic experiences.

Fushimi Inari Shrine & Sanjusangendo Temple
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 return to your hotel in Kyoto and have the evening at leisure.

Departure
This morning, you will check out from the hotel and take the train to Osaka Airport, or you can continue your journey.