Japan Golden Route Tour With Hong Kong

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

  Welcome to Tokyo, the hustling and bustling capital city of Japan! When you land in this amazing city, an airport meeting assistant will hold a board with your name on it to welcome you. If you have any questions about this country, feel free to ask before he/she sends you to take a shuttle bus to your hotel on your own. For the rest of the day, you can have a rest to recover from jet lag, or opt to join a night foodie tour in Shinjuku to discover the city's vibrant food scene and treat yourself to delectable food, including Omakase sushi and wagyu beef yakiniku!

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• Day 2: Tokyo City Tour

  Start your Tokyo city tour from Meiji Jingu, a shrine built in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine's surrounding forest creates a peaceful, tranquil vibe. You can make offerings and pray at the main shrine just like the locals do. Next up is Shinjuku Gyoen. This garden is one of the best places in the city to see cherry blossoms in spring, featuring spacious lawns, winding walking paths, well-manicured shrubs, and cherry trees of over 60 different varieties. It makes a pleasant escape from busy city life. Harajuku, the city's epicenter of kawaii culture and teen fashion, is where you will visit next. The streets and alleys here are crammed with eateries selling sweet treats such as rainbow cotton candy and crepes and shops catching visitors' attention with cute fashion items. You might even encounter Decora kei lovers wearing colorful wigs and accessories and lolitas with beautiful dresses!

  Afterward, proceed north to the Asakusa District for Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo's most significant Buddhist temples with a history dating back to the 7th century. Stroll along the lively Nakamise-dori, a 250-meter-long street lined by shops selling traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets, then arrive at the second gate Hozomon, beyond which stands the temple's main hall and a five-story pagoda. You can pray to the Kannon enshrined in the main hall and pick up an omikuji (random fortunes written on strips of paper). Afterward, go on a stroll with your local guide in the Asakusa area to learn more about this neighborhood's past and present.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 3: Tokyo - Kawaguchiko - Tokyo

  Embark on an exciting day trip to Mt. Fuji, an active volcano and icon of Japan. Arrive after around one and a half hours and visit Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can capture its beautiful Chureito Pagoda with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop. In spring, pink, blossoming cherry flowers surround the pagoda, making it possible to capture three icons of Japan all in one frame.

  In the afternoon, board a cruise on Lake Kawaguchi and appreciate Mt. Fuji from a distance. Or, you can choose to take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to an observation deck near the peak of Mount Tenjo for a panoramic view of the lake below and Mt. Fuji. Stop at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, one of the few whisky distilleries in the world that distills both malt and grain whiskies these days, to learn about the multiple stages of distilling and taste a glass of whisky. Return to Tokyo at the end of the day and spend the evening at leisure.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 4: Tokyo - Kyoto, by Shinkansen Train

  This morning, find your way to the train station for the Shinkansen train to Kyoto. Arrive after around 2.5 hours and head to the hotel for check-in. This afternoon is reserved for one of the passport moments! The Tea Ceremony, "chanoyu" or "sado" in Japanese, is the tradition of preparing and drinking matcha green tea, usually in a traditional tearoom with tatami floor. Today, join a traditional kimono tea ceremony. Change into a kimono, learn about Zen in the tea ceremony, and taste traditional Japanese sweets during this quintessential Japanese experience.

  After the tea ceremony, walk 5 minutes to the Samurai & Ninja Museum. Try on full samurai armor for your souvenir pictures (there is even a selection of varied replica swords for you to choose from!), get a glimpse of what it was like to be one of the most prestigious ruling classes of old Japan, and bear the honor of the samurai as you learn how to hold and sheath a katana.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 5: Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji Temple & Fushimi-Inari Taisha

  Kyoto is considered the cultural capital of Japan. It is home to numerous temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens. On this day tour you will first visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, the famed Golden Pavilion shining above a peaceful pool with a forested hill as a backdrop. Its top two floors are covered completely in gold leaf, with the first floor featuring white plaster walls and wood pillars, presenting a sharp contrast. Then head to Nijo Castle, which was built as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). You will be fascinated by the Ninomaru Palace's grand design and beautiful decor, while the lovely gardens offer the chance to roam leisurely under cool shades.

  Afterward, head to Fushimi-Inari Taisha. Featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha, this shrine has more than 10,000 picturesque red torii gates, all donated by individuals and businesses as a sign of appreciation to the god Inari for the blessings received. You can opt for a light hike and follow the torii-lined route up the mountain for a sweeping view of the surrounding scenery. If you are interested in discovering more of Kyoto after the tour, consider going to Nishiki Ichiba, a market fondly called "Kyoto’s Kitchen". Over 100 stalls and shops are crammed into this long, narrow street, selling everything from local delicacies such as soy milk doughnuts, skewered baby octopus, sticky rice cake, fish cakes, and Uji green tea to all kinds of condiments, cookware, and ceramics.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 6: Nara Day Tour

  About 50 kilometers south of Kyoto lies Nara, once the first permanent capital of Japan and now a city brimming with World Heritage temples, relaxing parkland, and friendly deer. In the morning, head to Nara with your guide and spot the highlights of the city. Nara Park, with deer roaming freely on the lawn, is your first stop. You can stop to feed the deer before moving on to Todai-Ji Temple. Constructed in 752, it is one of the most famous and historically significant temples in the country, with a 15-meter-tall, bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu) sitting in the main hall.

  Kasuga Taisha Shrine then offers insight into the Shinto religion. Founded around the same time as Nara, the shrine features the unique Kasuga-zukuri architectural style. Beautiful stone lanterns line the path leading to the bright-vermilion-colored main sanctuary, while the main sanctuary itself is adorned by bronze lanterns dangling from the roofs, making a stroll around the shrine more impressive. After the tour, return to Kyoto for the night.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 7: Kyoto - Osaka, Osaka Castle

  Say goodbye to Kyoto today. Find your way to the train station to get on the train to Osaka. Arrive in this bustling metropolis after around half an hour, the rest of the day is for you to discover the city's highlights on your own. You may wish to visit Osaka Castle, which is arguably the most prominent landmark in Osaka and bears witness to the bloody power struggles that preceded the establishment of the Edo era in 1603. Roam around the complex to appreciate its beautiful features and learn the stories behind its reconstruction.

  Then go to the Shinsaibashi Shopping District. Shops of all kinds and for all ages line the 600-meter-long arcade, from traditional kimono tailors, western clothing, and footwear retailers, to restaurants, fast food outlets, and jewelers. The nearby Dotonbori is one of the best places in Osaka for a food adventure. From conveyor belt sushi, grilled crabs, and beef shabu shabu (hotpot) to deep-fried, skewered meat and veggies, takoyaki (fried octopus balls), and taiyaki (fish-shaped dessert filled with red bean paste), Dotonbori promises a food experience like no other!

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  • Osaka

• Day 8: Osaka - Hong Kong

  Make your way to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong. Nonstop flights take around 4 hours, while flights with a layover could use 7 hours or more. Upon arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your hotel. Settle down and the remainder of the day you can spend at leisure.

  Hong Kong is a city with a myriad of discoveries and if you wish to explore this city on your own, consider finding yourself a neighborhood gem eatery and savor the tasty local delicacies just like the residents do, strolling through a night market to get a bargain, or soaking up the gorgeous night views from a rooftop bar.

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  • Hong Kong

• Day 9: Hong Kong Island Exploration

  Explore Hong Kong Island's best highlights today from north to south! Departing from your hotel, you will first take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak, the tallest mountain on the island standing at over 550 meters. This is a 10-minute ride boasting amazing views of the city's high rises. Proceed to Repulse Bay located on the southern shores for its sweeping ocean views and learn from your guide the area's history rising from a little-known beachfront to one of the most expensive places in the world in terms of property value. A unique sampan ride then awaits you at Aberdeen. Many fishing families are still living on houseboats in the area and you will get an up-close look at their lifestyle when cruising around the harbor. Afterward, the open-air Stanley Market provides a fascinating experience weaving through narrow lanes lined with stalls selling clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs. You may want to haggle with the owners and bring home a few pieces of memento!

  In the afternoon, visit Tai Kwun for an art and culture experience like no other. Born from hundred-year-old heritage buildings, the complex offers the chance to delve into Hong Kong's lively art scene and gain a deeper understanding of the city's heritage. Step into the nearby Man Mo Temple to relish in the peaceful vibe and take in the sight of huge incense coils hanging from the roof – one of the most iconic images of Hong Kong, and draw an end to a wonderful day at the Golden Bauhinia Square, one of the best places in the city for a panorama of Victoria Habor and the skyscrapers lining the shores.

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  • Hong Kong

• Day 10: Hong Kong - Macau - Hong Kong

  Today is for you to discover Macau's charms with a full-day tour! Hop on the TurboJET and arrive in this city with a fascinating tapestry of cultures in around one hour. Capture the Macau Tower, an icon of the city towering at over 330 meters, and delve into the intriguing fusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and other folk beliefs at A-Ma Temple. The Ruins of St. Paul's with a beautiful 25-meter tall granite façade adorned with sculptured motifs of Jesuit saints, Chinese characters, Japanese chrysanthemums, and many more, provide a glimpse into Macau's past as a maritime trading hub during the 16^th century.

  Afterward, Senado Square and the nearby Leal Senado building, a two-story neo-classical architecture, will lend insight into Macau's history under Portuguese influence. You will then discover Taipa and its bustling Cunha Street famed for delicious local snacks such as creamy egg tarts, savory pork jerky, tasty almond cakes, chewy curry fish balls, and many more. Delight your taste buds with street eats (at your own expense) before visiting one of Macau's famous casinos, such as The Venetian Macao or MGM Macau. A one-hour TurboJET ride then takes you back to Hong Kong for an evening at leisure.

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  • Hong Kong

• Day 11: Hong Kong, Departure

  Time to say goodbye to Hong Kong! At the appointed time, the driver will take you to the airport for your flight home/to the next destination. Safe travels!

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