Tick off your Japan must-do list with a rich journey through this country of contrasts, fascinating culture and dazzling beauty. Explore eclectic Tokyo, visit a charming small village in the Fuji Five Lake region and soak in the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. See the famed deer of Nara, visit a ninja museum, see sacred shrines, castles and temples – and of course, witness the natural beauty of breathtaking Mount Fuji.
Sightseeings Hightlights
Tokyo – Enjoy the buzz and energy of one of the world’s great cities
Tokyo – Get a bird’s eye view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck, 202 metres high
Tokyo – Visit Japan’s oldest temple Sens?-ji Temple, and enjoy a walking tour of atmospheric Nakamise Street
Oshino Hakkai – See traditional thatched roof farm houses in the shadow of Mount Fuji at Oshino Hakkai
Lake Kawaguchiko – Take in spectacular views of Mount Fuji at Oishi Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko
Kyoto – See this ancient capital’s most famous temples and shrines including the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari
Kyoto – Revel in the lush, peaceful green splendour of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Kyoto – Wander through Kyoto’s famous geisha district, Gion
Nara – Wander through Nara park with over 1,200 Sika deer
Nara – Discover the Todaiji Temple and its great Buddha
Osaka – Stroll through lively, colourful D?tonbori
Iga – Learn about the secretive and ancient art of the ninja at the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum
Nagoya – Visit the impressive Nagoya Castle, completed in 1615
Upon arrival into Tokyo, please make your own way to the starting point hotel. Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of touring tomorrow.
Arrival & Check-in information
Haneda International Airport (HND). The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Haneda International Airport (HND) to Tokyo Central is by train or by Monorail. The airport is also serviced by many 'Limousine Bus' services which offer shared shuttle bus service from around 1300 Yen per person.
Narita International Airport. The best way to travel from Narita International Airport to Tokyo Central is by the Narita Airport Express. The journey to most Tokyo stations takes approximately 1hr and the ticket costs 4070 Yen. The airport is also serviced by many 'Limousine Bus' services which offer shared shuttle buses from around 1300 Yen per person.
Hotel Check-in
Travellers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
Enjoy breakfast this morning before you meet your Tour Leader this morning at approximately 08:30am before you start your full day of sightseeing. Our day starts with a stop at Oishi Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, well known for its serene, flower-lined walking path and its spectacular view of Mount Fuji.
Then, we stop by the eight ponds at Oshino Hakkai, a small village in the Fuji Five Lake region fed by the snow melt from the nearby mountains. See traditional thatched roof farmhouses in the shadow of the iconic Mount Fuji.
After our day in the Mount Fuji area we continue to Hamamatsu. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
Today we head to Nara, famous for its many temples and its free-roaming deer. First, we visit Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple), one of Japan's most famous temples. This massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). We then wander through Nara Park, home to hundreds of friendly Sika deer.
We then continue to Osaka, where we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the Dotonbori area. One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dotonbori canal and is a hugely popular destination for shopping, street food, bars and entertainment. At night the streets here are illuminated by hundreds of colourful neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous running Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab sign.
Enjoy an evening at leisure in Osaka.
We’ll see the sights of ancient Kyoto this morning, starting with Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine – known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.’ Take time to appreciate the quieter corners of the shrine, and if you’re feeling fit, a walk to the halfway point provides stunning city views.
We’ll continue on to some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden.
Afterwards, stand amongst the soaring stalks of bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It’s green, peaceful and the seemingly endless boughs make for a serene experience, even with the tourist crowds. Take in the sound of rustling bamboo as you stroll these paths – if there’s a bit of wind, the groves will gently sway back and forth which only adds to the magic.
Before leaving Kyoto, we visit the authentic Gion district. This historic area is home to many geisha and is packed with bars, restaurants and cafes.
We head back to Osaka for another evening at leisure.
After breakfast we depart Osaka for Shizuoka. On the way, we will visit the Ninja Museum of Igaryu where you can see a ninja trick house, ninja museum and experience a ninja show (if time permits, at own expense).
We then visit the historic 17th-century Nagoya Castle. The castle is the most iconic landmark in Nagoya and is an impressive sight. Afterwards, we continue to Shizuoka for an evening at leisure.
After breakfast we travel back to Tokyo, where we embark on a tour of this energetic city.
In a city of such frenetic pace, a stop at the charming Asakusa neighbourhood is a refreshing taste of older Tokyo. It’s home to the ancient seventh-century Senso-ji Temple. Built in the Asuka era, it’s the oldest and most important Buddhist temple in Tokyo – be prepared for crowds! It’s known for its imposing entrance gate, Kaminarimon (also known as ‘Thunder Gate’), with its magnificent red lantern.
We’ll walk along Nakamise, the shopping street connecting the front gate and main hall of the temple. It’s a wonderful atmosphere, with food stalls and souvenir shops, selling authentic Japanese items like traditional crafts. You’ll find great souvenirs here. We’ll then stop at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for late afternoon panoramic city views.
Afterwards, we check in to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Japanese adventure comes to an end.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Departure & check-out:
There are several ways to travel from your hotel to either Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), from shuttle buses to trains and taxis. Transport to the airports can cost between 250 Yen to 21,000 Yen depending on the form of transport you choose. Your Tour Leader and hotel concierge will be able to assist you arrange the most convenient way to the airport on the last day of the trip.
Travellers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost.
Travel Vouchers
Airline:
All cancellation and date change of Air tickets is based on the airline policy and will be shared at the time of the requirement.
Land Part:
Clear 35 working days or more prior to the date of departure of the Tour &ndash No Cancellation for the Tour Price until or unless specified NON REFUNDABLE
Clear 35 to 31 working days prior to the date of departure of the Tour. - 25% OF THE TOUR PRICE
Clear 30 to 16 working days prior to the date of departure of the Tour. - 50% OF THE TOUR PRICE
Clear 15 to 08 working days prior to the date of departure of the Tour. - 75% OF THE TOUR PRICE
Less than 07 clear working days prior to the date of departure of the Tour. - 100% of Tour Cost
I Need Trip Cancellation Charges
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