Tokyo

When your arrival in Tokyo, we will offer you a worry-free airport-hotel transfer by shared car. Your driver will hold a paging board to greet you, show you the way to the well-prepared car which runs directly to the hotel.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby in the morning. The first stop is Meiji Jingu Shrine. Walk through the serene worshipper’s path enveloped by dense forests to reach the main hall built in honor of Emperor Meiji (1852 – 1912 AD). In addition to admiring the Shinto shrine architecture, you may also have the chance to witness a traditional Japanese wedding.

Imperial Palace

Next you will visit the iconic front square and the secluded East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Emperor and Japanese Imperial Family. You can walk along the scenic moat and take pictures at the famous Niju-bashi Bridge.

Tokyo National Museum

Next, visit the Tokyo National Museum and be amazed by the art history displayed in the main hall of the Japanese Gallery. Instead, you will visit the Fukagawa Edo Museum when the Tokyo National Museum is closed on Monday.

Asakusa

In the late afternoon, take a trip to Asakusa, Tokyo’s bustling neighborhood. Enter through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, stroll down Nakamise-dori Street, leading to the main hall of Senso-ji Temple.

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Temple, built in 628 AD, is very different from the Buddhist temples you have seen in other countries and is full of entertainment. You can draw an Omikuji fortune slip like the locals do.

Omoide Yokocho

After that, your guide will take you back to the hotel or drop you off at the popular alley Omoide Yokocho near your hotel, if you enjoy local izakaya culture and want to try authentic local food or have a drink.

Mount Fuji

In the morning, your guide will pick you up and lead you to the Tokyo Tourist Information Center, aka Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, from where take an express bus west to the Lake Kawaguchi, about 2 hours on the way. The Lake is the best place to see the iconic mountain. Your guide will take you on a walk around the lake and point out some of the best places to take pictures of the Mount Fuji. You will take a relaxing cruise on the Lake Kawaguchi to enjoy the Mount Fuji from different angles on the sightseeing boat. In addition, you will also take the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, which runs to the Fujimidai Station near the peak of the Mount Tenjo, where there is an observation point with magnificent panoramic views of the Mount Fuji and the Lake Kawaguchi below. Finally, your guide will accompany you on the express bus back to Tokyo.

Kyoto

Today, you will enjoy a special experience of riding the Japanese Shinkansen bullet train by yourself. Your guide would give you the train ticket(s) from Tokyo to Kyoto the day before and advise you on the matters needing attention. Please check out, take your luggage and go to the train station by yourself. Upon arrival, follow the signs to find the Shinkansen platform and get on the train. On arrival at around 11:30, your guide will pick you up at the Kyoto Train Station and escort you to the hotel within 8 minutes’ walk.

Kinkakuji Temple

Later, head to the Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple). The classic Golden Pavilion will hit you at once, and its reflection in the pool makes a tremendous visual impact.

Nijo Castle

Visit the Nijo Castle, built in 1603 and once the home of Japan's first Tokugawa shogun. Its opulent architecture, surpassing even that of the imperial palace, is a testament to the Tokugawa family's rise and the emperor's waning power at that time.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Next, visit the ancient Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu-dera Temple), a great place to appreciate cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn. Take in the breathtaking view of Mount Otowa from the temple's veranda.

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Follow the guide to explore the atmospheric Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, unique walking paths lined with traditional wooden houses and shops selling a variety of Japanese snacks, groceries and souvenirs. Marvel at the five-story Yasaka Pagoda of the Hokan-ji Temple at the crossing of the narrow alleyways and take some representative photos. Then, visit the lively Yasaka Shrine and explore the Gion geisha district. You may come across a geisha with elaborate makeup on Hanamikoji Street. Wander around the Gion area for the night view before getting back to the hotel by yourself – a taxi takes 10 minutes and costs about USD 10.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and lead you to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Your guide will take you to the best position next to the main hall to observe the special worship ceremonies. Then climb the mountain through the striking path lined with thousands of vermilion traditional torii gates known as Senbon Torii, which is one of the top sights in Kyoto and a place to capture stunning photos.

Nara Park

Next, take the Kintetsu Railway to Nara. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the Nara Park. First, pay homage to the Five-Story Pagoda of the Kofuku-ji Temple. Next, check out the Great Eastern Temple (Todai-ji Temple) to view the magnificent bronze Buddha statue. Strolling along a quiet cobblestone path to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. You will occasionally come across cute deer along the way. You will also visit the small Goryo Shrine to learn about the exquisite architecture and the local Shinto religious beliefs. Then, visit the Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie (Lattice House) to see what a traditional Japanese machiya house looks like. Finally, your guide will escort you back to your hotel in Kyoto for the night.

Pack your luggage and have breakfast at the hotel. Then, meet your guide in the lobby who will accompany you on the half-hour train ride to Osaka. Check into a local hotel, and then the guide will lead you to Kuromon Market. You’ll find delicious seafood and street food served in a relaxed space, with plentiful choices.

Osaka Castle

Next, visit the 450-year-old Osaka Castle, one of the three great castles in Japan. Stroll along the beautiful moat and gardens around the castle, and take the elevator up the Main Tower to see artifacts that showcase the history of Japan's samurai era.

Osaka Bay

You will take a cruise to explore the Port of Osaka. View the exterior of the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and then board Santa Maria, a vintage sailboat-like cruise ship. During the 45-minute cruise, you can relax in the cabin cafe or enjoy the sea breeze on the deck while taking in the views of Osaka Bay, including the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, the high-rise Sakishima Cosmo Tower, and the red Minato Bridge.

Late in the afternoon, follow your guide to see the unique mossy Buddha statue of the Hozenji Temple hidden in the little-known narrow alleyways of Hozenji Yokocho.

Afterwards, visit Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s most popular gourmet and business districts. Finally, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel; or you can stay here as long as you like, and walk back to the hotel by yourself in 10 minutes.

Osaka

After breakfast, you are free to arrange your last hours in Osaka. Please make your way to Osaka's Kansai International Airport on your flight's scheduled departure time. If you need to extend your stay in Japan, please feel free to contact our consultants to tailor a personalized travel plan to meet your specific needs.