Best of Japan
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
Welcome to Japan’s Capital City! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in and enjoy the rest of the day to yourself.
DAY 02: TOKYO CITY TOUR
After Breakfast, meet up with our travel rep. at your reception at 09:30 AM and proceed ahead for your city tour of Tokyo!
Highlights:
– Visit the city’s most impressive shrines and gardens
– Enjoy a cruise around Tokyo Bay
– Have lunch overlooking Hamarikyu Gardens
Start by visiting the Meiji Shrine and contemplate its architecture; which despite being rebuilt after the WWII raids, still retains a traditional air. Behold its impressive 12 metre wooden torii gate as you walk through the entrance into a lush location blooming with seasonal flora.
From here we drive by the Japanese Government centre, the National Diet Building, on our way to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. This is one of Tokyo’s great hidden locations featuring a memorable Japanese garden filled to the brim with seasonal flowers. Next we make our way to Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Of the 33 temples in Eastern Japan dedicated to the Goddess Kannon, Asakusa Kannon is the only one in the capital. Visit this historic area which includes Nakamise-dori, the street leading to the temple where colourful souvenirs and large paper lanterns might catch your eye.
We drive through Ginza, Tokyo’s dazzling luxury shopping area before having lunch on the top floor of the Hotel Shiba Yayoi overlooking the colourful Hamarikyu Gardens. Hop aboard the Symphony, ready for a 50 minute cruise around Tokyo Bay and end the afternoon at Aqua City Odaiba, one of the main shopping areas of the Tokyo Waterfront City, and a drive by Rainbow Bridge for views over the bay and skyline.
The Tour ends in the evening. The rest of the day is free.
DAY 03: WATCH SUMO PRACTICE AT SUMO STABLE
After Breakfast we head watch Japan’s Sportsmen at work – their famous SUMOs. Learn about the historical roots of Sumo, see them close up and in action and gain a deeper understanding of their culture, lifestyle and rituals. The tour will last 3 Hours.
The rest of the day is free.
DAY 04: MT. FUJI TOUR WITH HAKONE
Post breakfast, you leave for your day trip to Visit Mt. Fuji and Hakone. Description
This guided 1-day tour takes you to majestic Mt. Fuji and Hakone.
It includes a trip up to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station at an elevation of 2,300 meters, a cruise on pristine Lake Ashi, and a ride on the Komagatake Ropeway which boasts great views of the surrounding Hakone National Park. Head directly from Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo in Shinjuku to Mt. Fuji! The return trip is via Shinkansen. This is the most reasonably priced tour, convenient for those staying in Shinjuku, or who do not need pick-up service.
Mt. Fuji 5th Station (30 min)
The bus will head up to the 5th Station along the Subaru Line. The 5th Station is situated at 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) above sea level. At this height, participants will be amazed at spectacular, breathtaking views from above the clouds.
Lunch (50 min)
Lake Ashi Cruise (15 min)
This crater lake along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mt. Hakone was formed by a powerful volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago, and provides postcard views of Mt. Fuji towering 30 km northwest. Admire the superb view of Mt. Fuji from aboard a ship.
Mt. Komagatake Ropeway (50 min)
Take a 7-minute ropeway ride to the peak of Mt. Komagatake. A total of 50 minutes will be spent here, including time to walk around at the peak. Take a cableway ride up to the spiritual Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya (original shrine) that nestles at the mountaintop.
Hakone
Depart Hakone and proceed to Odawara Station by bus.
17:00 – 19:30 Odawara Station. Board the Kodama Shinkansen in the non-reserved section. The train will first stop at Shin-Yokohama and Shinagawa stations.
18:00 – 20:00 Tour ends at Tokyo Station. After arrival, please head to your next destination on your own from Tokyo Station
The arrival time to Tokyo Station may vary depending on the season and the day of the week due to traffic congestion. In addition, the return time may be later than scheduled. (Estimated arrival time to Tokyo Station: 20:00-22:00)
DAY 05: LEAVE FOR KYOTO
Leave for the station as you check out from Tokyo for your train to Kyoto! Upon arrival, and check in, you have an afternoon tour of Kyoto!
Take an afternoon tour to some of Kyoto’s most famous sites including the most popular Kiyomizu- dera Temple and discover why this ancient political capital of Japan is now its history and sightseeing capital! Enjoy sightseeing mainly in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto, where all the traditional elements of the city can be seen. There are many souvenir shops on the street leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Don’t miss the characteristic red architecture of the beautiful Heian Jingu Shrine, built to celebrate the 1101 year anniversary of the founding of the city of Kyoto (this tour will not enter Heian Jingu Shrine’s Shin-en garden). During the Jidai Festival on October 22, Heian Jingu Shrine is closed to the public and will be replaced in the itinerary by Chishaku-in Temple. If the Jidai Festival is postponed, the itinerary change will still be implemented on the postponed festival date.
Then visit the Sanjusangen-do Temple, the world’s longest wooden structure, housing 1.001 life-size statues of Buddhist Kannon deities dating back to the 13th century, and finally we will go to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The view of Kyoto from the World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu-dera is superb. The historic shopping lane that leads to the temple adds to a wonderful experience.
DAY 06: UJI AND NARA DAY TOUR
Spend the morning in Uji, the setting for the final chapters of ‘The Tale of Genji’ and the afternoon in Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital.
Highlights
– Experience an authentic tea ceremony in Uji, a town famous for its tea
– Visit the picturesque area around Uji Bridge and the World Heritage Site Byodo-in Temple – Sightsee around Nara and encounter wild deer in Nara Park
We firstly take you to admire Uji Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Japan which is thought to have originally been built in the 7th century. Absorb the arresting views of the mountains from the bridge and learn about how this city thrived on its location by the banks of Uji-gawa River.
Stroll around Nakanoshima Park, built on a sandbar in the middle of the river and take a tea break to experience the ceremony at an authentic tea house, Taiho-an. Afterwards we make our way to the temple that puts Uji on the map: Byodo-in. The temple is a stunning example of Buddhist Pure Land (Jodo) architecture built near the end of the Heian era. Enjoy a tour around the temple and its equally beautiful gardens before returning to Kyoto for lunch ready for the afternoon portion of the tour in Nara.
Once we arrive in Nara, we start by visiting the star of the show: Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, also known as the Great Buddha. This is the largest wooden structure in the world which houses the largest bronze figure in the world and is truly awe-inspiring. Absorb the scale of this Unesco World Heritage Site, and as you wander through Nara Park come closer than ever to wild deer; thought to be the shrine messengers.
We continue by seeing one of the most celebrated shrines in the city: Kasuga Taisha. Founded in the 8th century, the shrine is famous for its bronze lanterns that adorn the buildings where you are free to stroll through the areas not requiring admission. To round off the tour we go to Nara Nagomikan, the largest souvenir shop in Nara where you can stock up on local souvenirs to remember your day.
DAY 07: LEAVE FOR OSAKA
In the morning, leave for Osaka. Upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. You have free time until 01:00 PM, post which begins your afternoon walking tour of Osaka! Highlights
– Visit Osaka Castle with an expert guide
– Feel the spirit of historical and modern day Osaka at the city’s main points – Enjoy an hour-long cruise along Okawa River.
Surrounded by a moat and park, Osaka Castle played a central role in Japanese history. A status and power symbol, it was founded in the 16th century by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a remarkable shogun during the Sengoku period. With the help of a knowledgeable guide get to know the castle’s history, admire its intricate decoration and striking stone wall that is sits upon. Its envious position proudly overlooks the city, and what’s more, from the observation deck on the 8th floor you can take in the breathtaking 360 degree views.
After delving into the historical side of Osaka, it’s then time to get an overview of the city – both old and new. Hop aboard the Aqua Liner for an hour long cruise along Okawa River watching the seasonal landscapes of Osaka as well as its prominent and historical sites.
DAY 08: LEAVE FOR OSAKA
In the morning, leave for Osaka. Upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. You have free time until 01:00 PM, post which
DAY 09: FREE DAY
Today is your last day in Osaka! You can choose to visit the Osaka Bay Area, or the Universal Studios or the Mt. Koya or the Himeji Castle or day trip to Hiroshima.
DAY 10: LEAVE FOR HOME
Check out from your hotel for your journey to the Airport for your flight back home.
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IncludedInternational Flights Ex AhmedabadAccommodation in 3-4 star HotelsDaily BreakfastsPrivate TransfersExcursions as mentioned in ItineraryIntercity Train travel by shinkansenLocal English speaking guideTravel InsuranceVisa
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Not IncludedTourism tax levied by HotelsInternational departure airport taxPersonal ExpensesTipsServices not mentioned
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