Classic Japan Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Tokyo

  Welcome to Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, where Eastern traditions and Western modernity interestingly merge. Once you land in Tokyo, meet your driver at the airport and take a private transfer to your hotel.

  • Tokyo

• Day 2: Tokyo, City Highlights

  Despite the futuristic skyscrapers and bustling trendy shopping districts, the soul of Tokyo still beats with its ancient and well-preserved shrines, palaces, and temples.

  Start the tour from Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the first modern emperor of Japan. Stepping into this precinct, you are walking out of the urban hurly-burly and immersing yourself in a peaceful atmosphere created by traditional Japanese buildings and the beautiful surrounding forest. Continue to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, a delightful park full of blooming flowers, ancient walls, and the elegant Suwano tea house, and enjoy an exterior view of the Imperial Palace. Afterward, passing through the Nakamise Shopping Street lined with stalls providing traditional local snacks and souvenirs, you will reach the 1,400-year-old Senso-ji Temple to observe the Japanese spirit and lifestyle.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 3: Tokyo - Hakone, Kwaguchiko Lake

  After breakfast, set off on a two-hour drive into the Fuji Five Lake region. Here, a cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko or a ride on the Kachi Kachi Ropeway (also called the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway) will give you the chance to catch wonderful photos of Mount Fuji. As the iconic symbol of Japan, this snow-capped volcano with a perfectly-shaped cone is the country's highest mountain as well as a sacred one in the Japanese heart. With some luck, you can even encounter the rare "upside-down Fuji" when the mountain is reflected on the calm waters of the lake.

  Another 1.5-hour road transfer afterwards will take you to Hakone, well-known for unspoiled nature, onsen (hot springs), and traditional ryokans. Settle into a local hotel and spend the rest of today at leisure.

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  • Hakone

• Day 4: Hakone - Kyoto, by Shinkansen

  This is a free morning for further sightseeing and exploration on your own. You might like to circle the surrounding Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park by funicular train, cable car and boat to take in more of the endless charms of this area.

  Say goodbye to scenic Hakone in the afternoon as you take a Shinkansen train (about 1 hour) independently to the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto. Upon arrival, find your way to your hotel and have the remainder of today at leisure.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 5: Kyoto, Highlights of Ancient Capital

  Before Tokyo became the capital of Japan in 1868, Kyoto had worn royal robes for over 1,000 years. Begin your tour at the Kinkaku-ji Temple, which will impress you deeply with its gold leaf-covered top and the perfect mirror image in the large pond. Next, delve into the rich history of Japan with an insightful visit to Nijo Castle, home to the first shogun of the Edo Period. When walking across its "nightingale" floors you will hear a squeaking sound similar to a bird's chirping. Move on to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, where thousands of vermilion torii gates up Mount Inari will lead you to take in its sanctity and tranquility. As the tour concludes, enjoy some time strolling around Gion, a traditional entertainment district, for the chance to encounter beautiful geishas.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 6: Kyoto, Leisure Day

  Today is open for explorations on your own. We suggest visiting the pleasant Arashiyama district of Western Kyoto. Highlights include Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, temples, shrines, cherry blossoms in spring, and maple trees in fall. Optionally, take a short train to the nearby city of Nara. There, you will encounter friendly deer in Nara Park, see the Big Buddha in the Todai-ji Temple, observe various types of lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and climb up Mount Wakakusa to take in the views as far as the Former Site of Heijokyo Imperial Palace.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka, Join-in Food Tour

  Depart from Kyoto in the morning and head to Osaka by rail. In this gastronomic city, delight in a street food tour around the downtown area, especially the bustling Dotonbori. Your guide will walk you to discover local hidden eateries for some famed food, such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu.

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  • Osaka

• Day 8: Osaka, Leisure Day

  Have a free day to discover more of Osaka's essential sights, such as Osaka Castle, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, and Kuromon Market. Of course, you can go a little further to explore its neighboring port city - Kobe, well known for its tender beef, lively sake culture, and Mount Rokko.

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  • Osaka

• Day 9: Osaka, Departure

  Your Japan vacation comes to an end today. After a leisurely morning, depart for the airport independently and board your home-bound flight with wonderful memories.

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