Day 1: Tokyo Airport Pick-up
Inclusions: Tokyo Narita Airport or Haneda Airport pickup by shared car, accommodation in Tokyo
Itinerary Details:
Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival in Tokyo, we will arrange a shared car transfer from the airport to our carefully selected hotel in the downtown area before 20:30. Have a good night’s rest and get ready to embrace your Tokyo tour tomorrow!
|
Day 2: Tokyo
Scheduled Attractions: Tsukiji Outer Market, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple with Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise-dori Street, a distant view of Tokyo Skytree
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, morning pickup & evening return escort, full-day guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, public transport passes, accommodation in Tokyo
Itinerary Details:
Early this morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin today’s visit to Tsukiji Outer Market by public transportation. As you pass numerous Japanese wooden signboards, you’ll be immersed in the aroma of local delicacies such as fresh tuna, tempura, and tamagoyaki omelets. “Fresh” defines the market’s essence, and the air is filled with the scent of the sea. Next, escape the bustling city and visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in a forest in central Tokyo and dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852 - 1912) and Empress Shoken. Known as a loving couple, Emperor Meiji and his wife also draw many Japanese couples who hold traditional wedding ceremonies at the shrine. Sundays are especially popular times to witness these beautiful Japanese weddings! Later, we’ll move from Tokyo’s Marunouchi CBD to the Imperial Palace. You’ll see a large pine forest that feels like a quiet, sacred retreat. Inside, a mountain woodland conceals most of the Imperial Palace behind stone walls, ancient trees, and a moat dating to the 1600s. When you see Nijubashi Bridge, a symbol of the royal-public connection, take a photo at one of Tokyo’s top scenic spots! In the afternoon, slow your pace and visit Senso-ji Temple. As Tokyo’s oldest temple, it embodies Japan’s traditional way of life and continues to inspire modern prayers. A large lantern hangs above the Kaminarimon Gate, attracting many visitors who photograph it as a symbol of the temple. Passing through the gate onto Nakamise-dori Street feels like stepping into a Ukiyo-e painting from the 17th to 19th centuries, with traditional shops lining both sides, offering Japanese goods and snacks. At the end of the street, follow your guide to admire the vibrant vermilion Senso-ji Temple and its impressive five-story pagoda. After capturing a distant view of the Tokyo Skytree from a hidden alley, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel.
|
Day 3: Tokyo - Hakone and Mt. Fuji - Tokyo
Scheduled Attractions: Hakone Owakudani Valley, a distant view of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi cruise passing by Hakone Shrine Peace Torii
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, morning pickup & evening return escort, full-day guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, tasting of Hakone black eggs, all-inclusive Hakone transport (including Tokyo-Hakone round-trip express trains, Hakone Mountain Tozan Train, Panoramic Ropeway, and Lake Ashi cruise ship), accommodation in Tokyo
Itinerary Details:
Today, we’re heading to Hakone to view Mt. Fuji, Japan’s highest peak and a cultural symbol. After a hotel pickup by your guide, we’ll take a train to Hakone. Your adventure starts with a ride on the Hakone Tozan Train. Take in the scenic views that change with each season through the panoramic windows. After transferring from the mountain train and cable car to the ropeway, we head to Owakudani Valley, where the air is thick with the smell of sulfur. If you have respiratory sensitivities, wearing a mask is recommended. Watching the white smoke slowly rise from the ground makes it feel like being in Hell Valley. As you enjoy the scenery, don’t forget to try the famous black eggs, which are said to add 7 years to your life if eaten, and take a photo with the black egg sculpture engraved with “Owakudani.” On clear days, you can also see Mt. Fuji in the background. Continue riding the ropeway over Sounzan Mountain’s forest for a 360-degree view of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji. At Togendai Port, embark on a sightseeing cruise with your guide on Lake Ashi, a volcanic lake formed 3,000 years ago, with tranquil waters reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains. The scenery includes Hakone Shrine’s red Peaceful Torii and Mt. Fuji’s snow-capped peak, offering a sense of serenity and Japanese elegance. After exploring Hakone, your guide will escort you back to Tokyo by train. ★ Why Choose Our Hakone Itinerary to View Mt. Fuji1. Seeing Mt. Fuji is essential to truly experiencing Japan, yet it’s visible for only about 80 days each year. To enhance your chances, we offer an exclusive date-exchange service allowing you to select a clearer day during your two days in Tokyo. This increases your likelihood of viewing Mt. Fuji by 50% compared to other travelers. Normally, we’ll prioritize reserved tickets for bullet trains, which must be booked at least 1 month in advance. If you make a last-minute booking or use the date-exchange service, only non-reserved tickets may be available. As long as it’s not peak season, you can usually find a seat. We believe these efforts are worth it; that’s why we insist on being the only Japan tour operator offering this service. 2. If you can only visit during months with less ideal weather, rather than the prime months from October to February, you can still experience Hakone’s signature sights, including the cherry blossoms along Lake Ashi from late March to mid-April and the renowned hydrangea-covered mountain train from June to July. Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom in Japan
|
Day 4: Tokyo - Kyoto
Scheduled Attractions: Golden Pavilion, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, Pure Water Temple, Gion geisha district
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, Tokyo-to-Kyoto bullet train ticket, Kyoto guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, public transport passes in Kyoto, evening return escort, accommodation in Kyoto
Itinerary Details:
Today, you will leave Tokyo and travel independently to Kyoto by train, with your tickets included in the itinerary. It’s a short walk—either 7 minutes from the 4-star hotel or 9 minutes from the 3-star hotel—to reach Tokyo Station. After a 2.5-hour train journey, you’ll arrive in Kyoto, an ancient city that feels like flipping through a fading collection of Japanese poetry. Your Kyoto guide will meet you at the train station and assist with hotel check-in. Then, we’ll head to the Temple of Golden Pavilion, where you’ll be impressed by its beauty upon entering. Built during Kyoto’s golden age, the Golden Pavilion embodies 14th- and 15th-century Japanese aesthetics and Zen ideals of enlightenment and inner peace. Walking through the garden along Mirror Pond, you’ll see why it’s considered a symbol of the Pure Land. Next, let’s walk along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, narrow slopes lined with small shops offering Japanese snacks and knick-knacks, revealing Japanese elegance amidst the buzz. At the end, we’ll reach Kyoto’s landmark, Pure Water Temple. Ascend to the viewing platform on the mountaintop for city views. The temple’s name comes from the Otowa Waterfall, which splits into three springs symbolizing health, knowledge, and marriage, attracting prayers who drink from it for blessings. Exit the temple and follow your guide to explore the Gion geisha district. Its winding alleys feature Hanami-koji Street, renowned for traditional Japanese teahouses and rare glimpses of geishas and maikos, giving an impression of stepping back into 17th-century Japan. Finally, head back to your hotel with your guide, or continue exploring Gion independently. It’s recommended to see the night view of Yasaka Shrine, one of Kyoto’s top three night sights, where hundreds of lanterns light up the dance hall in sequence, reminiscent of the fantasy world in Spirited Away. Later, take a 10-minute taxi or the 207 City Bus from the nearby Shijo Keihan-mae Station for about 25 minutes to Subway Kujo Station, less than a 5-minute walk from your hotel. Pure Water Temple, Kyoto Geisha Dancing
|
Day 5: Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
Scheduled Attractions: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nara Park, Great Eastern Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Goryo Shrine & Naramachi Lattice House if time permits)
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, morning pickup & evening return escort, full-day guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, Kyoto-Nara round-trip trains, other public transport passes, accommodation in Kyoto
Itinerary Details:
This morning, your guide will greet you at the hotel and begin our Kyoto exploration at Fushimi Inari Shrine, dedicated to the god Inari, the protector of agriculture and commerce. As you walk through its iconic Senbon Torii, a red tunnel of thousands of vermilion gates along Mount Inari, you’ll feel as if you’re traveling through time and space, making it a perfect spot for photography. Later, join your guide for a train ride to Nara, Japan’s oldest capital, even older than Kyoto. Walking into Nara Park feels like stepping into a world full of deer, where over 1,000 each have their own personalities. Some are gentle, calmly approaching and gazing with moist eyes, while others bow politely and look adorable. When you take out deer biscuits, they become instantly excited, so it’s best to hide the biscuits and feed them slowly, piece by piece; otherwise, they might chase after you. Next, let’s explore Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Eastern Temple. In the 8th century, smallpox spread widely, and political strife was frequent. Emperor Shomu commissioned the temple’s construction to enshrine the Great Buddha Vairocana and promote peace and prosperity. Today, a unique prayer ritual persists: visitors worldwide try to drill through a hole the size of the Buddha’s nostril at the base of a fortunate pillar in the main hall, believing it can drive away bad luck and sickness, and enhance children’s intelligence. Afterward, we’ll walk along the trail through Kasugayama Primeval Forest to reach Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Unlike most Japanese shrines that typically honor one or two deities, Kasuga Taisha features four main halls, each dedicated to a different deity and positioned side by side. Strolling down the shrine’s corridor, you’ll notice vermilion pillars, white walls, black roofs, and numerous copper and stone lanterns, all contributing to a solemn and sacred ambiance. In the late afternoon, your guide will accompany you on a return train ride to your hotel in Kyoto. * If time permits, we’ll also make a brief visit to Goryo Shrine and Naramachi Lattice House in the traditional district.
|
Day 6: Kyoto - Osaka
Scheduled Attractions: Nijo Castle, Osaka Castle, Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi, Hozen-ji Temple
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, morning pickup & evening return escort, full-day guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, Kyoto-to-Osaka bullet train, other public transport passes, accommodation in Osaka
Itinerary Details:
Today, your guide will pick you up from your hotel for our final stop in Kyoto, Nijo Castle. Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, it served as the official residence of the Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto. To demonstrate the Tokugawa shogunate’s supreme power, Nijo Castle features stunningly gilded gates and the majestic Honmaru Palace and Ninomaru Palace, which are rare sights in Kyoto’s otherwise elegant and romantic setting. Say goodbye to Kyoto as your guide accompanies you on a half-hour train ride to Osaka. After settling into your hotel, we’ll visit Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s top three castles. Originally built during the Shokuho period (1568–1603 AD), it was reconstructed and restored multiple times until the 20th century, standing as a symbol of Japanese history. Ascend the main keep to see artifacts of the daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598) and enjoy panoramic city views. If visiting in late March to early April, when over 3,000 cherry trees bloom at Osaka Castle Park, you’ll see why it’s among Japan’s 100 best cherry blossom spots. Before dusk, we’ll reach Osaka’s bustling districts, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, recognized as the center of Osaka’s food and retailing culture. Our fulfilling schedule allows you to see more sites than a typical tour and is designed to comply with Japanese labor laws, which set a maximum working time for guides. As a result, your guide will escort you back to your hotel after a quick introduction and a brief visit to Hozen-ji Temple. Alternatively, you may choose to stay longer and explore at your leisure. It’s less than a 10-minute walk back to your hotel, which we specifically arranged near Shinsaibashi. ► For dinner on your own, consider trying takoyaki, teppanyaki, skewers, conveyor belt sushi, blowfish dishes, or Japanese desserts – most local specialties are available. Don’t worry about long lines at popular restaurants; casual eateries can also satisfy your cravings. Osaka Castle Tuna Dissection Show
|
Day 7: Osaka - Hiroshima - Osaka
Scheduled Attractions: Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine with Grand Torii Gate, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, Osaka-Hiroshima round-trip trains, Hiroshima guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, ferry to Miyajima Island, other public transport passes, accommodation in Osaka
Itinerary Details:
This morning, please take a 1.5-hour bullet train on your own from Shin Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station. The tickets are reserved and included in the itinerary. Either of our handpicked 3- or 4-star hotels is just a 3-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Subway Station, where you can take the Midosuji Line to reach Shin-Osaka Station in 12 minutes. Upon arriving in Hiroshima, your guide will meet you at the railway station for a ferry to Miyajima Island. From the deck, you can see the Itsukushima Shrine’s iconic floating Grand Torii. The torii’s base is made of nanmu wood, and its pillars are filled with stones to prevent corrosion and withstand waves, which explains its century-long endurance. Like the torii, Itsukushima Shrine is built in an inlet where mudflats are submerged at high tide, giving it a floating appearance. Feast your eyes on its red pillars and white walls against the lush forest and blue waters, creating a serene and sacred scene. This afternoon, we will return to downtown Hiroshima to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, once renowned for its modern architecture featuring a bronze dome and a popular sight before the bombing, representing Hiroshima’s prosperity. When the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945, it destroyed nearly all nearby buildings and killed everyone inside, leaving the dome as the only structure left from the blast’s epicenter. Today, within Peace Memorial Park around the dome, families of atomic bomb survivors often share their stories, and students gather to lay flowers. We’ll also explore the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to better understand this tragic event through relics and photographs of the victims. Finally, your guide will accompany you to Hiroshima Station, after which you’ll use the provided tickets to catch the return train to Osaka on your own, and then return to your hotel. ► Tip: Since the next two days involve multiple train and bus transfers, if your luggage is too large to carry, consider packing a small carry-on and ask your guide to arrange for a delivery service to send your main luggage directly to our final destination in Tokyo. Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima
|
Day 8: Osaka - Kanazawa
Scheduled Attractions: Kenroku-en Garden, Higashi Chaya District, Nagamachi Samurai District
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, Osaka-to-Kanazawa bullet train, Kanazawa guide, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, other public transport passes, evening return escort, accommodation in Kanazawa
Itinerary Details:
Today, you’ll travel independently by train for two hours from Osaka to Kanazawa, with a transfer at Tsuruga Station. All tickets are included and reserved in advance. Upon arrival, the Kanazawa guide will meet you and accompany you to the hotel for check-in. Kanazawa has been a prosperous city for over 400 years, preserving many historical buildings and traditions from the 15th to 17th centuries, earning it the nickname “Little Kyoto.” After a brief pause, join your guide for a tour of Kenroku-en Garden, celebrated as Japan’s premier trio of gardens. A large pond cuts through its center, adorned with Japanese rockeries and pavilions, providing wide views from every angle. Each season brings a unique landscape: cherry blossoms bloom from mid to early April; 40,000 azaleas flourish from mid-May to early June; autumn leaves turn vibrant ochre from early November to early December; and from November to March, enjoy the traditional Kanazawa scene of yukitsuri, where ropes help trees withstand heavy snow. Next, continue our visit to the Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District). As a key site of traditional Japanese architecture, it rivals Kyoto’s Gion district in fame. Historically, residents enjoyed tea, leisure, and geisha performances here; today, its cobblestone streets are filled with historic wooden teahouses, preserving a nostalgic ambiance. Additionally, Kanazawa is a leading producer of gold leaf, accounting for about 90% of Japan’s supply, particularly edible gold leaf, which takes 10 days to produce, underscoring its luxury. Treat yourself to gold leaf ice cream! Nearby is the Nagamachi Samurai District, a neighborhood dating to the 17th century and largely unchanged. During wartime, narrow, winding cobblestone streets with T-junctions and dead ends were designed to slow enemy invasions. Now, walking through these picturesque alleys lined with tall earthen walls and beautiful wooden townhouses, we feel connected to the samurai’s way of life from centuries past. Ultimately, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel for the night.
|
Day 9: Kanazawa - Shirakawa-go Village - Kanazawa - Tokyo
Scheduled Attractions: Shirakawa-go Village, Wada House, Kanda House, Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast & morning pickup, Kanazawa & Shirakawa-go guide, Kanazawa-Shirakawa-go round-trip bus, entrance fees to all scheduled attractions, other public transport passes, Kanazawa Station see-off, Kanazawa-to-Tokyo bullet train, accommodation in Tokyo
Itinerary Details:
After picking you up from your hotel, your guide will accompany you on a 1.5-hour express bus journey from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go Village. As the dispersed Gassho-style thatched houses, each featuring a triangular roof resembling an open book, gradually appear, you’ll reach the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, nestled among rugged mountains. The houses are evenly spaced and suitably sized, providing ideal conditions for walking and sightseeing. From the Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck, enjoy expansive views of the village, then explore Wada House and Kanda House, which exemplify 17th-century Japanese rural architecture. Constructed with mortise-and-tenon joints and straw ropes instead of nails, these houses are built to withstand earthquakes. Their roofs feature 50-centimeter-thick thatch, capable of enduring 2-3 meters of winter snow. It’s no surprise they are recognized as National Treasures of Japan! As we return to Kanazawa at the end of the visit, your guide will see you off at Kanazawa Train Station and provide you with tickets for the following journey to Tokyo on your own. Upon arrival in about 2.5 hours, walk 9 minutes to the 3-star hotel or 7 minutes to the 4-star hotel.
|
Day 10: Departure from Tokyo
Inclusions: Hotel breakfast
Itinerary Details:
Wake up naturally and enjoy a leisurely breakfast to conclude your tour. Traveling from downtown Tokyo to either of its two airports by metro and express train takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, so please plan your transportation accordingly for your departure flight. Alternatively, you can contact our travel consultants for additional airport transfer and departure assistance services.
► Where to Capture the Final Image of Tokyo
After checking out of your hotel, walk 7 to 9 minutes to Tokyo Station on your own. Its classic red-brick architecture is perfect for photos. Coin-operated luggage lockers are conveniently available inside the station, allowing you to store your luggage while exploring. The maze-like underground mall offers Japan’s largest range of railway bento boxes, sweets, and souvenirs. Lastly, you can take a direct JR line to the airport.
|
