1 Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Arrive in Tokyo, where you will be welcomed by our airport representative who will assist you with transferring by shuttle bus to your hotel. 

The rest of your day is at leisure. 

Overnight in Tokyo. 

2 Day 2: Tokyo (B)

This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel for a full day sightseeing utilizing Tokyo’s super-efficient metro system.

Begin the day with an early morning visit to Meiji Shrine; perfectly timed to avoid the crowds. Tokyo’s most famous shrine is dedicated to the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji and the park that surrounds the shrine is a forest of some 120,000 trees of 365 different species, making your forget you are in the world’s largest city. 

Next to Meiji Shrine is Harajuku – Tokyo’s youth fashion mecca. Whether you are a goth, punk or anything in between, there is a shop in Harajuku that caters for you. 

Neighboring Harajuku is Omotesando, commonly referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysee. This broad, tree lined avenue features a multitude of fashion flagship stores designed by internationally renowned architects within a short distance of each other.  Feel free to stop for a coffee in one of the area’s many stylish cafes and watch the beautiful people walk by. 

From Omotesando, take the metro to Ginza. Named after the silver coin mint established there in 1612, Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district. One square meter of land is worth over 10 million yen (€ 90,000).  Adjoining Ginza lies the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor.  Whilst the Palace itself is not open to the public, you can take a stroll through the Palace East Gardens. 

Our last stop for the day is Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s Shitamachi, or old town. Asakusa is home to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and is also the city’s oldest Geisha district. The streets around Sensoji have many traditional shops selling Japanese crafts and souvenirs and are a delight to wander through. 

Overnight in Tokyo.

3 Day 3: Tokyo - Optional Day Trip (B)  

Today is a self-guide day. 

Today you have the full day at to explore Tokyo at your own leisure.

Make an early start to visit the world Famous Tsukji Fish Market, visit the electronics district of   Akihabara or discover Tokyo’s world class museums and art galleries. 

Or, you can make an excursion outside of Tokyo to one of the following: 

Kamakura

One of Japan’s former capitals, Kamakura is a delightful seaside town home to many ancient temples and the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha. 

Nikko

Sitting high in the mountains of Nikko National Park, Nikko houses the Toshogu Shrine complex and mausoleum, Japan’s most extravagant display of religious architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

We will provide you with detailed information of all the options available to you. 

Overnight in Tokyo.

4 Day 4: Tokyo - Hakone/Mt Fuji (B,D)  

Today is a self-guide day. 

Today leave Tokyo behind and make your way to Hakone, the gateway to Mt Fuji and surrounding national park. This small town is famous for its onsen, or natural hot springs, and has natural beauty in abundance.

You will stay in a traditional Japanese-style ryokan accommodation, complete with tatami mats, shoji rice paper sliding doors and onsen baths.  

This evening, relax in your yukata, or lightweight kimono, and dine on a sumptuous kaiseki multi course meal. An onsen after dinner is highly recommended before you bed down on your futon. 

Overnight in Hakone.

5 Day 5: Hakone/Mt Fuji (B,D)

Today is a self-guide day. 

With you included Hakone Free pass, make your way throughout the Hakone National Park. Ride the world’s second longest cable car up Mt Owakudani, eat an egg hard boiled in the sulfuric hot springs, and board a majestic replica pirate ship which will sweep you across the Lake Ashinoko. 

Throughout the day you will have the chance to get a glimpse of Mt Fuji, but keep in mind she is a notoriously shy mountain. 

Dinner and overnight in Hakone.            

6 Day 6: Hakone to Kyoto (B)

Today is a self-guide day. 

Time for one last soak in the onsen, before undertaking the 2 hour journey by the world famous Shinkansen bullet train to Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto. 

Kyoto is home to an astonishing 2000 Shrines and Temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sights. 

The afternoon is at leisure. 

You can start exploring this magnificent city, or take part in one of the many cultural experiences we offer in Kyoto, such as cooking classes, tea ceremonies or even a visit to a sake brewery  To finish the night in style we can arrange a private performance by a Geisha.

 Overnight in Kyoto.

7 Day 7: Kyoto (B)

Today you explore the former imperial capital with a knowledgeable local guide, utilizing Kyoto’s comprehensive bus system to visit some of Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites. 

You will start your day with a visit to Nijo Castle.

This ornamental castle was built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence and is surrounded by stunning gardens. The main building was completed in 1603, and is famous for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and ‘chirping’ nightingale floors. 

Continue on to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. Originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun, after his death it became a Buddhist Temple at his request, and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. 

The final stop of the morning is Daitoku-ji Zen temple complex, which consists of a main temple and 22 sub-temples. You will visit Daisen-in sub temple, which was founded in 1464 and has one of Japan’s best Zen rock gardens, perfect for a spot of Zazen meditation after a busy morning. 

After lunch, visit Kiyomizu (Pure Water) Temple. From the 13m high veranda jutting out from the Main Hall you can enjoy amazing views of the whole of Kyoto, whilst pondering the fact that both the Main Hall and Veranda were built without the use of nails or any kind of joiners. 

Finish off the day with a stroll through the atmospheric Higashiyama district, whose busy lanes lead up to Kiyomizu and are filled with quaint shops selling souvenirs including Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets and pickles. 

Overnight in Kyoto.

8 Day 8: Kyoto - Nara (B)

Today is a self-guide day. 

Spend the day at your leisure. You can continue exploring Kyoto and enjoy what the ancient capital all has to offer. 

Alternatively make the short 45min trip by train to Nara. For 74 years during the 8th century Nara was Japan’s capital and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain. 

Especially worth visiting is the Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha. 

Overnight in Kyoto.

9 Day 9: Kyoto Departure (B)

Departure day. At leisure until your included transfer to Kansai Airport.