Day 1
Tokyo
Upon arrival at Narita Airport, you will be met by an assistant and share a transfer to your hotel in Tokyo. Take the rest of the day to explore the city’s beautiful contrasting scenery at your leisure.
Overnight: Standard - Shiba Park Hotel
Superior – Park Hotel Tokyo
Day 2
Tokyo
Today you’ll enjoy a full day tour of this vibrant city with a local guide, beginning with a visit to Asakusa where you can soak up Tokyo’s old town before exploring Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Wander down Nakamise, a shopping street providing a variety of traditional, local snacks for you to try. Travel down the Sumidagawa Rive on Tokyo’s water bus arriving on the small stunning island of the Hamarikyu Garden, framed by the futuristic skyscrapers of the Shiodome district. To finish your morning, you’ll enjoy a cup of steaming matcha and Japanese sweets in the park’s lake.
After lunch enjoy a visit to Meiji Shrine which is dedicated to the deified spirit of the Emperor Meiji. As sunsets, take a walk down Omotesando street for some shopping.
Breakfast included.
Overnight: Standard - Shiba Park Hotel
Superior – Park Hotel Tokyo
Day 3
Tokyo
Begin your day with a visit to the world’s largest fish market, named Tsukiji Market, offering some 450 types of fish as well as fresh fruit, vegetables and an impressive selection of seafood. Afterwards, you will visit a nearby Japanese chef, that gives you the chance to learn about Japanese culture and everyday life in the city. You’ll also learn to prepare a variety of sushi, and you can enjoy your own home-made sushi for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon is at leisure.
Please note this tour focuses on the outer market open to the public at Tsukiji rather than the new inner market which is located at Toyosu. The market is not available on Sundays or Wednesdays, an alternative cooking class or tour will be advisable on these days.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Overnight: Standard - Shiba Park Hotel
Superior – Park Hotel Tokyo
Day 4
Tokyo – Hakone
Board Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet train to Hakone (2 hour journey). You must have your included JR Pass to board the train.
Hakone overflows with natural beauty, and offers an abundance of outdoor pursuits, relaxing hot springs and incredible views of Mount Fuji. Take advantage of the extensive transport networks to explore this stunning region, with switchback trains, cable cars, ropeways and buses to make use of to your hearts content. There is also a unique pirate ship trip that takes you across the volcanic Lake Ashi with sweeping views of the famous Mt Fuji.
After a day of fun, you will be staying in a traditional Japanese Ryokan, offering fantastic cuisine, hot spring baths and sleeping on authentic futon beds laid over tatami mats.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Overnight: Standard – Ichinoyu Honkan (Japanese Room, toilet but no bath)
Superior – Ichinoyu Shinanoki (Japanese Room with outdoor hot spring bath)
Day 5
Hakone – Kyoto
Using your JR Pass, travel on the bullet train to Kyoto (taking just over two hours).
Once you have arrived and settled in Kyoto, you will visit the home of an instructor of one of Japan’s traditional arts. An assistant will escort you to visit the home of a professional instructor of one of Japan’s traditional arts. You may choose from a tea ceremony, flower arranging, calligraphy or origami. (Please note: the entire group must choose the same activity).
Breakfast Included.
Overnight: Standard – Vista Premio Kyoto
Superior – Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Day 6
Kyoto
Today will be spent exploring the former imperial capital of Kyoto with a local guide. You will start your day with a visit to one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), followed by an opportunity to explore the ornamental Nijo Castle. Afterwards, you can take a walk down the narrow five-block Nishiki Market offering a large selection of shops and restaurants. End the day with a visit to Kiyomnizu (Pure Water) Temple. Enjoy amazing views of the whole of Kyoto from the 13m high veranda from the Main Hall. You may decide, instead a visit to Sanjusangendo, a temple which is Japan’s longest wooden structure and is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Breakfast included.
Overnight: Standard - Vista Premio Kyoto
Superior – Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Day 7
Nara and Fushimi
Upon arrival in Nara, start with a visit to the beautiful Isuien Garden which is divided into two distinct parts. Next you will take a wander through Nara Park, home to more than 1,000 tame deer. Within the park is Todaiji Temple, home to Japan’s largest Buddha. Your next stop will be to Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, established in 768AD. End your day with a stroll around Naramachi, a charming historic merchant district showcasing some well preserved “machiya” Japanese town houses.
Please note that the Isuien garden is closed on Tuesdays, you will visit Yoshikien Garden instead. Due to congestion on buses in Nara during high season, taxis will be used to make your way between attractions.
Breakfast included.
Overnight: Standard - Vista Premio Kyoto
Superior – Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Day 8
Kyoto – Tokyo
Today, you will make a return trip to Tokyo, taking around two and a half hours by Shinkansen bullet train. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Breakfast included.
Overnight: Standard - Shiba Park Hotel
Superior – Park Hotel Tokyo
Day 9
Depart Tokyo
Your day is at leisure until your scheduled shared transfer to Narita Airport for your return flight.
Breakfast included.
