Japan Family Tour with Nakasendo Trail Hiking

Itinerary

• Day 1: Tokyo, Arrival

  Welcome to vibrant Tokyo! Ancient temples meet neon skyscrapers in this bustling fusion of tradition and technology.

  Upon arrival, be welcomed by our veteran driver for a private transfer to your hotel.

  • Tokyo

• Day 2: Tokyo's Melding of Nature and Tradition

  Begin your exploration of Tokyo interfused with nature and tradition at Meiji Shrine. Be amazed by the majestic torii gates standing sentinel at the entrance and meander through the tranquil trails lined with lofty trees. You can also buy amulets for your family and write your wish on an ema for your family's health and happiness. Then step into the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace to admire the sprawling compound and lofty stone bridges spanning moat-encircled islets. Capture the Imperial Palace's ageless facade before delving into Asakusa's energetic labyrinth. Explore Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's antique heart, a bewitching maze of vivid hues, tempting aromas, busy crowds, and delectable snacks sold by roadside vendors.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 3: Tokyo Leisure Day

  Today, explore Tokyo at leisure and uncover hidden gems on your own.

  For fashionistas and art aficionados, Harajuku and Omotesando are must-sees. Within Harajuku's energetic streets, Design Festa Gallery encapsulates the district's avant-garde style. Nearby in upscale Omotesando, Espace Louis Vuitton offers an artistic escape with its striking architecture and exhibits.

  Your children may like to immerse in the heart of Japanese pop culture, Akihabara. At Animate Ikebukuro, flooded with officially licensed figures, merchandise, and cosplay, the shelves may be stocked with their favorite series.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 4: Day Excursion to Mt. Fuji

  Begin your Mt. Fuji pilgrimage at the heavenly Oshino Hakkai pond complex, where eight pure springs feed crystal-clear pools. Gaze in wonder at Mt. Fuji's awe-inspiring form rising above the sacred waters. Climb to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine perched on a verdant hillside, offering panoramic views of Lake Kawaguchiko and the majestic Mt. Fuji. Embark on a serene cruise across the calm turquoise waters of Lake Kawaguchiko. Breathe in the crisp alpine air and capture Mt. Fuji's reflection in the lake's mirror-like surface. Ascend by Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to an observation deck overlooking the iconic mountain, now a mosaic of molten colors against clouds drifting below. Gaze in wonder at one of Japan's most sacred landscapes spread out before you.

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  • Hakone

• Day 5: Hakone - Nagoya

  With a free morning to further explore Hakone, why not sample one or two of its artistic museums cloaked in forests? At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, fine artworks blend seamlessly with nature making it an outdoor sculpture paradise.

  This afternoon, make your way to the railway station for a trip to Nagoya at your own pace. Renowned for its thriving industries and technological innovations, Nagoya is a place to appreciate Japan's juxtaposition of open industrial spirit with traditional Japanese charm.

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  • Nagoya

• Day 6: Nagoya, Toyota Museums

  Begin your journey into Nagoya's automotive soul at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. This Techno World gives kids a hands-on blast as they weave virtual clothes and race cars. They'll love feeling the wind in their hair as they run through the high-speed wind tunnel. It's a non-stop interactive experience exploring the fascinating history of textiles and automobiles. Kids will have a wheelie good time at this techno-tastic place!

  Immerse yourself in century-spanning automotive history at the Toyota Automobile Museum. Admire over 200 pristine vintage cars from Toyota and beyond, appreciating automobiles' impact on the 20th century and Toyota's ascension.

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  • Nagoya

• Day 7: Free Day in Nagoya

  Today, set off to discover Nagoya at your own pace.

  For shoppers and those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of downtown life, the Sakae district is the place to indulge. Meander through the department stores, boutique shops, and international chains. Break for lunch at one of the many dining options and take in the illuminated scene at night.

  If you find technology fascinating, head to the Nagoya City Science Museum and SCMAGLEV Railway Park. Get up close to interactive science exhibits and witness maglev train technology in action at the railway park. Perfect for curious minds and children.

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  • Nagoya

• Day 8: Nakasendo Trail: Magome - Tsumago

  This serene 3-hour hike transports you back through time along an ancient Edo-era trade route connecting Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku. Wander under a canopy of verdant forest, cross babbling brooks over mossy stones, and meander along cobbled lanes lined with traditional thatched cottages and lush rice paddies. This trail lets you immerse in pastoral vistas, tranquil soundscapes, and cultural echoes of old Japan amidst timeworn post towns. An ode to the beauty, simplicity, and heritage of the Japanese countryside.

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  • Tsumago

• Day 9: Nakasendo Trail: Yabuhara - Narai

  The hike today takes you roughly 6km from Yabuhara to Narai. You'll climb gradually from Yabuhara up to the Torii Pass viewpoint, taking in views of Mount Ontake along the way.

  Upon arriving in Narai, you'll see restored buildings that now house cafes, museums, and shops. Nestled between forested hills, Narai once flourished during the Edo period as an important stop for Nakasendo travelers, earning a reputation as the 'town of a thousand guesthouses'.

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  • Narai

• Day 10: Narai - Kyoto

  Explore Narai at a leisurely pace this morning. Walk cobblestone streets lined with wooden buildings and gardens, a vestige of old Japan that seems worlds apart from modern metropolises and their bustling pace.

  Then continue to Kyoto, a living museum where Japan's imperial past and heritage thrive. From solemn monks collecting alms to geisha scurrying between ochaya (tea house), take a glimpse of the rituals and romance of a bygone era preserved in Kyoto's lanes.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 11: Explore Kyoto's Spiritual and Culinary

  Commence your journey at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Traipse along the paths flanked by thousands of vermilions torii gates donated over centuries by Japanese devotees. Wander Nishiki Market's narrow lanes lined with fragrant stalls selling an array of Japanese delicacies harvested that day. Savor delectable street fare while browsing delicate crafts and vibrant produce. Step into history at Nijo Castle, once home to the power-hungry shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Marvel at its lavishly decorated apartments adorned with paintings and gold leaf, and listen for the groaning floorboards laid to detect intruders.

  Conclude your day with an authentic tea ceremony where a tea master will whip powdered green tea into a froth and serve it alongside sweet morsels while illuminating the ritual's age-old spiritual significance.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 12: Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto, Meet Deers

  Today, you'll visit Nara, which is located about 50km south of Kyoto. In the morning, take the bullet train to Nara with your tour guide and spot the highlights of the city. Nara Park will be your first stop, you can see deer roaming freely on the lawn, and it's a good chance for your kids to get close to this lovely creature. The world heritage site Tondai-Ji Temple is your next visit. It is the world's largest wooden temple with the biggest bronze Buddha. The following time of the morning you will travel back to the Edo period by walking in the narrow lane in Naramachi district.

  In the afternoon, you will visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine built 1300 years ago with 3000 stone lanterns as a highlight. Then return to Kyoto by bullet train.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 13: Osaka Culinary Adventure

  This morning, board the train for Osaka and have the rest of the morning explore the city on your own. If cup noodles have captured your heart, you can take an optional visit to Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama. Wend through the instant noodle tunnel exhibiting every Japanese cup noodle flavor and conjure your dream cup noodle at the "My Cup Noodles" factory within.

  In the afternoon, a special cooking class awaits. The teacher's patient instructions guide you as you shape nori-wrapped, and fill with salmon and shrimp. Rich miso aromas fill the air as you stir pots of fragrant, flavored broths, crafting the perfect balance of salty and umami.

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  • Osaka

• Day 14: Day Excursion to Himeji and Kobe

  Today, meet your driver at your hotel lobby and take a two-hour drive to visit Himeji Castle. Towering white walls and elegant sloping roofs make Himeji Castle stand out amongst historical fortresses in Japan.

  For lunch, head to Kobe. The fatty, buttery slices of Kobe beef melt in the mouth with a rich flavor and subtle notes of umami. Take Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway to the top of Mt. Nunobiki and enjoy sweeping panoramas of Osaka Bay's glittering waters spread out like a sapphire cloak across the fertile coastal plain.

  For the rest of the day, climb through the Nunobiki Herb Garden's fragrant paths to find stunning views of Kobe city on high. Or head to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum - taste award-winning sake straight from Japan's oldest commercial sake brewery.

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  • Osaka

• Day 15: Osaka, Departure

  Find your way to the airport for your departure flight.

  As your plane takes off from Osaka, you look down one final time at the tiny patchwork of rice fields and crowded streets. Goodbye, lovely Japan.

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