DAY 1-2 USA - Tokyo: Travel Day; Arrive Tokyo Day 2

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

Arrive at Tokyo International Airport and transfer to your Tokyo city hotel on your own. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy independently, perhaps unwinding at the hotel or getting a taste of the city, which is home to around eight million people.

*An airport transfer is not included in this package. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own transportation from the airport to the Tokyo hotel.
 

DAY 3 Tokyo: Tokyo Half Day Tour + Optional Japanese Kaiseki Dinner

You are meeting the tour guide in the hotel lobby at 8:45 am after breakfast. Our day begins with Tokyo half day tour.
Energetic Tokyo is a blur of neon, malls and skyscrapers sprinkled with hidden temples, bazaars and wooden houses. Today, embark on a sightseeing tour that showcases its highlights. 

Our day begins with a visit to the Imperial Palace Plaza, a clutch of gardens and palaces that are home to Japan’s royal family. Afterwards, proceed to the Asakusa district and amble along the famous Nakamise Street, an avenue of stalls leading to the famous Senso-Ji Temple. Nothing else can quite capture the epitome of an upscale area in Tokyo better than the next locale – the Ginza district – where numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffee houses are located. Reputed to be the most luxurious shopping district in the world, it is here that you can be awed by the flagship stores of leading fashion houses and brands before the bus transport returns to take us back to the hotel. You may also stay and wander in the Ginza district and return to the hotel on your own accord.

In the evening, experience Japanese tradition & cuisine by enjoying the optional Japanese Kaiseki Dinner. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner which balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of food. Only fresh seasonal ingredients are used and are prepared in ways that aim to enhance their flavor. Dishes are also beautifully arranged and garnished.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 4 Tokyo: Optional Mount Fuji & Lake Ashi Tour & Luggage Transfer Service

Enjoy a free day to explore bustling Tokyo at your leisure. Alternatively, make the most of your time in Japan with our optional full day sightseeing tour of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi. Depart Tokyo by coach and travel to Hakone, a picturesque region of hills, forests and lakes spread below Mt Fuji, Japan’s most sacred peak. Pending weather permitting conditions, the bus will climb to the 5th station at 7,550 feet above sea level. After the breathtaking view atop Mount Fuji, enjoy the bird’s eye view of the nearby Odawara and Lake Ashi scenic region via the aerial tram Komagatake Ropeway. Enjoy the picturesque views of Mount Fuji in the distance on board a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, a crater lake famous for its view of the famous peak. Lunch will be on your own along one of the many rest stops or service areas on the highways where you can enjoy an abundance of unique eats and snacks that will surprise you. Transfer back to the hotel to enjoy your last evening in Tokyo as you choose. Enjoy this evening at leisure and look forward to experiencing the bullet train to Kyoto tomorrow.

The luggage restriction on board your bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto is a maximum of 1 piece per person; 63 inches total (H x L x D). Please note, guests will be charged at the train station for any oversized luggage and/or extra luggage. Travel with ease by purchasing our optional Tokyo - Kyoto luggage transfer service which includes luggage pick up from your Tokyo hotel and drop off at your Kyoto hotel.

*For guests who have purchased the optional luggage transfer service from Tokyo to Kyoto - please note, your luggage must be packed and ready for pick up by the hotel staff by 8 am the day before your bullet train is scheduled to depart from Tokyo for Kyoto. Do not pack any medicine, valuables or other personal necessities in your transfer luggage. It is advised that all guests purchasing the luggage transfer service pack these items, along with a change of clothing and a set of undergarments and toiletries in a small carry-on bag.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 5 Tokyo - Bullet Train - Kyoto: Transfer to Kyoto by Bullet Train on Own + Optional Transfer Service

Today, make your way to the train station on your own and step aboard Japan’s famous bullet or ‘Shinkansen’ train for your journey to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient imperial capital famed for its historic temples and rock gardens. Settle on the high-speed train at Tokyo station and race through the countryside at up to 200mph, enjoying views of snow-capped Mt Fuji en route (weather permitting). On arrival in Kyoto, transfer to your hotel on your own and enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure. 

*For guests who have purchased the optional luggage transfer service from Tokyo to Kyoto - please note, your luggage must be packed and ready for pick up by the hotel staff by 8 am the day before your bullet train is scheduled to depart from Tokyo for Kyoto. Do not pack any medicine, valuables or other personal necessities in your transfer luggage. It is advised that all guests purchasing the luggage transfer service pack these items, along with a change of clothing and a set of undergarments and toiletries in a small carry-on bag. Please note, the luggage pick up time is subject to change; please reconfirm the luggage pick up time with your Tokyo guide.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 6 Kyoto: Kyoto Half Day Tour + Optional Sagano Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama District & Fushimi Inari-Taisha

You are meeting the tour guide in the hotel lobby at 8:15 am after breakfast. 
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kyoto’s highlights. Visit two of Kyoto's UNESCO-protected gems: the 17th century Nijo Castle, once a residence of Tokugawa shoguns, and the enchanting Kinkaku-ji Temple, aka the ‘Golden Pavilion’.  Finish with a stop at one of the most celebrated temples in Japan, Kiyomizu Temple, or "Pure Water Temple" built in 1633 without a single nail. Transfer back to your Kyoto hotel and relax for the rest of the day. 

Continue your day of explorations with our optional excursion to the Sagano Bamboo Forest and Arashiyama District & Fushimi Iniri-Taisha Shrine. People come to the shrine to pray for bountiful harvests, business prosperity and fulfillment of all kinds of other wishes. Vermillion red torii gateways are a famous feature of Inari Shrines and the color evokes a strong sense of spirituality for Japanese people. Return back to the hotel to enjoy your last evening in Kyoto free at leisure.

Kyoto city sightseeing tour admissions Included: Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), and Kiyomizu Temple.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 7 Kyoto - Osaka: Osaka Half Day Sightseeing Tour

After an early breakfast at 9:30 am, bid farewell to Kyoto as we make our way via coach to the vibrant city of Osaka, Japan’s second biggest city. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of Osaka’s main sights, visiting Dotonobori, one of the most iconic areas of Osaka, followed by time at the Kuromon Ichiba Market - a foodie haunt with over 150 enticing culinary stalls. Transfer to your hotel in Osaka and enjoy the rest of your day free at leisure.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 8 Osaka: Optional Nara and Osaka’s Ancient Wonders: Temples, Shrines and Deer

Spend today as you wish or perhaps continue your explorations with our optional Nara and Osaka’s Ancient Wonders tour. 

Start your day with explorations of historical Nara, a former capital of Japan. Cradled by wooded hills, this attractive ancient city boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit the famous Todaiji Temple, to see the world’s biggest bronze statue of Buddha, and drink in the scenic charms of Nara Park, best known for the many wild Sika deer that roam its landscapes. Other highlights include the Kasuga Taisha shrine, a Shinto shrine with origins in the 8th century and famous for its bronze and stone lanterns. Visit one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle, before heading back to the hotel. Spend the evening as you like, perhaps exploring the nightlife in Osaka.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 9 Osaka - USA: Depart From Osaka

Transfer to Osaka’s Kansai Airport on your own for your return flight back home or extend your trip for a few more nights in Osaka (may be added during the booking process). 

*Please note - Breakfast is not included on this day.
*An airport transfer out is not included in this package. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own airport transportation.