DAYS 1 & 2 USA-Tokyo

Your Japan adventure begins with an international overnight flight from the U.S to Tokyo. 

Arrive in Tokyo where you will be greeted by our friendly ground crew and guided to the coach bus or airport shuttle bus to transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the evening unwinding from your flight or start discovering Japan's high-octane capital, the world's most populous city.

DAY 3 Tokyo

A half-day Tokyo city tour awaits after breakfast this morning. With a knowledgeable guide to provide fascinating insights into the landmarks, visit the beautiful Imperial Palace Plaza, home to the current Emperor and his family.  Admire the gardens, moats, and bridges before continuing the Asakusa and the Senso-Ji Temple, the oldest in Japan. Pass by the colorful stalls of Nakamise Street, and admire the elaborate Buddhist temple and its neighboring 5-story pavilion.  Finish your tour in high-fashion Ginza, one of the world's most upscale shopping areas.  Check out the luxury department stores, galleries, and either enjoy a return transfer to your hotel or opt to stay and explore at your own pace.  Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure in this dizzying city, and tonight, cap your day with an optional Kaiseki Dinner, a traditional multi-course meal of numerous, intricately presented dishes made using fresh, seasonal ingredients. 

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 4 Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Lake Kawaguchi

After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Tokyo and soak up the scenery as you journey to Mt Fuji, Japan's highest and most revered mountain.  If the weather permits, trace the snaking roads to the mountain's 5th station, and witness the breathtaking views from 7,550 feet above sea level. Enjoy a scenic car ride on the Hakone Ropeway followed by a cruise on Lake Ashi to witness stirring panoramas of Mt Fuji.  Have lunch independently during a stop along your travels today, taking the opportunity to try some of Japan's unique snacks and dishes. Tonight, relax over an included dinner at your hotel in the Lake Kawaguchi Region.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

DAY 5 Mount Fuji Area - Kyoto

Following breakfast, travel to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart.  The country's capital for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto's history-steeped centre offers a clutch of intriguing UNESCO World Heritage sites.  Take an afternoon sightseeing tour, visiting such gems as Nijo Castle, constructed in 1603 for the first shogun of Japan's Edo Period and the Kinkakuji Temple, famous for its gold-coated Golden Pavilion overlooking an idyllic lake.  Another highlight is a visit to the hilltop Kiyomizu Temple, one of Japan's most celebrated temples, founded in 780 on the site of a waterfall.  Enjoy free time for lunch on a break in your travels, and after your tour, check in at your Kyoto hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 6 Kyoto

Spend today as you wish in Kyoto, either exploring the shops, restaurants, gardens, and teahouses on our own, or perhaps choosing to take an optional half-day excursion to Nara and Osaka. Check out the best of historical Nara, including its lovely Deer Park and Todaji Temple, famous for its Great Buddha. Continue to Osaka to visit one of Japan's most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle. Spend this evening as you like, perhaps exploring the nightlife in Kyoto.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 7 Kyoto -Tokyo

After breakfast, enjoy your journey back to Tokyo via the Tomei Expressway.  Enjoy lunch independently at one of the service areas en route, where you'll find a great choice of Japanese foods and eateries.  Alternatively, opt to travel to Tokyo on the 'Shinkansen' Bullet Train, and enjoy more free time in Kyoto before the train's afternoon departure.  Experience the famous Bullet Train, which can travel at up to 189 mph and offers reclining seats, local refreshments, and picturesque scenery. Upon arrival in Tokyo, enjoy your final evening free in this pulsating city, perhaps dining out at one of its enticing restaurants. 

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 8 Tokyo - USA

After breakfast, either spend the rest of your free time at leisure or join the optional tour to visit the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Tsukiji fish market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind. The market is located in Tsukiji in central Tokyo, and is a major attraction for visitors. This morning, we take the transfer to the Tsukiji Market, browse the vast collection of assorted seafood as well as meat products, and get an authentic local experience. In the afternoon, board your airport transfer to Haneda or Narita airport and bid farewell to Japan as you enjoy your flight back home. (Note: Airport transfer out is not provided for those extending their stay or land only travelers)

Included: Breakfast at hotel