Tour Highlights

 ・Soak in the relaxing mineral waters of an onsen hot spring, one of Japan’s most restful cultural practices and enjoy a traditional Japanese Kaiseki-style dinner as well in Hakone.

・We offer unique optional activities such as Taiko Drumming & Sushi Making Lessons in Tokyo as well as an Eco-friendly Bicycle Tour & Tea Ceremony in Kyoto.

・Ride the bullet train, or “Shinkansen” when moving from one place to another which offers an exceptionally unique and efficient travel experience. 

Day 1: Arrival Tokyo

Konichiwa and welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s ultra-modern capital. You will meet your driver and be transferred to the hotel by shared shuttle.

Day 2: Tokyo 

Set off on a morning tour to explore Asakusa, a traditional or "shitamachi" area of the city since the Edo period in the 15th Century. During your journey, wander down Nakamise Street for a glimpse at one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping arcades in action.

Wrap up your day at Kappabashi Kitchen Street for some time to enjoy its collection of restaurants and souvenir shops. 

Day 3: Tokyo

Suggested Tour

AFTERNOON SUSHI MAKING CLASS 

Master the delicate art of authentic Japanese sushi making and learn everything there is to know about dashi, miso, mirin and sake. Impress friends with your ability to prepare traditional rice and toppings, creating a multitude of colourful and delicious sushi, including Rolled Egg, Sushi Rice, Inari Sushi, Tuna Roll, Cucumber Roll, California Roll, Nigiri Sushi and Miso Soup.

After being welcomed by the courteous staff and enjoying a cup of traditional Japanese green tea, you will receive a short introduction to the importance of quality ingredients in Japanese cuisine. Learn about the subtle flavours of dashi (Japanese soup stock) and how to pick the best seasonings. (soy sauce, sake, miso etc.)

After creating a variety of nigiri, inari and hosomaki, it is time to eat and enjoy. This cooking class will provide you with an unforgettable memory and a great opportunity to learn a new skill that you can bring home and share with your family and friends.

Day 4: Tokyo – Hakone

This morning, make your way to Shinjuku station and head to Hakone via a 2-day Hakone Freepass on your own.

Take a series of cars and mountain railways through the national park and you will ride the Hakone ropeway up Mt. Owakudani, soaring over sulphurous fumes emanating from hot springs and rivers in this volcanic area. At the top, try the famous hardboiled egg, cooked at the source of the springs and add seven years to your life, according to local lore!

Cruise on a majestic replica pirate ship across Ashinoko Lake, formed by a volcanic eruption over 3000 years ago!

Keep an eye out for a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, but keep in mind that he is notoriously shy and needs a clear day to be seen in full splendour.

That evening, enjoy a rest in your ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn with a Japanese Kaiseki-style meal for dinner. Treat yourself to a soak in the relaxing mineral waters of an onsen hot spring, one of Japan’s most restful cultural practices. 

Day 5: Hakone – Osaka  

This morning, make your way to Hakone Yumoto station on your own and head to Odawara via a 2-day Hakone Freepass. Zooming across the country on a bullet train, you will arrive at the city of Osaka.

Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel in Osaka by public transportation.

Free at leisure in the afternoon. 

Day 6: Osaka

Your day will start with visiting Osaka Castle with a guide by public transportation.

Osaka Castle was built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Edo (now known as Tokyo). It is now a symbol of Osaka.

After Osaka Castle, make your way to Umeda Sky Building and go up to the observatory. While enjoying the breathtaking sights, you can also directly feel the wind―which at 170 meters off the ground can get quite strong. Here, not only you can see all of Osaka but also you can see as far away as Awaji Island. The basement of the building houses the Takimi-Koji gourmet street with old-fashioned images of Osaka from the 1920s.

You may wish to stroll around before finishing your day. 

Day 7: Osaka – Kyoto

Today make your way to Kyoto and check in to your hotel on your own.

Free at leisure.

Suggested Tour

REAL KYOTO BACK STREET CYCLING PRIVATE TOUR  

Discover a different side to Kyoto on this half-day bicycle adventure of the city.

Start at the cycling terminal near Kyoto Station and whizz through the hidden backstreets and winding alleyways of this atmospheric town. Listen to the knowledgeable tour guide and learn about the captivating history and cultural heritage of the former Japanese capital.

At a slower pace, pedal through two renowned geisha districts, Miyagawacho and Gion. Lined with hundreds of teahouses, take a break and spend some time people-watching. Next, cycle along the Shirakawa River past beautiful wooden houses and willow trees, before taking a trip through the spacious Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, home to two Imperial Palaces.

End the journey with tired legs and unforgettable memories at the cycling terminal.

Day 8: Kyoto

Start the day with a stroll through Miyagawa-cho, one of Kyoto’s five active ‘Hanamachi’ or geisha districts. Continue to Hanamikoji Street, the main street of the Gion district, and enjoy the aroma from the many traditional restaurants and ‘Ochayas’, otherwise known as Japanese tea rooms. If lucky, spot a Geisha or a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) whilst walking around this historical area.

Reach Kennin-ji temple and visit the city’s oldest Zen temple, founded in 1202. Explore its beautiful ‘Karesansui’, a Japanese rock garden, and admire the famous artwork of ‘Fujin-Raijin-zu’. Depicting the Gods of Wind and Thunder, the painting by celebrated artist Soutatu Tawaraya is considered a national treasure.

End this tour of Gion at the venerated Yasaka Shrine. Established over 1350 years ago, the Shinto shrine connects the Geisha District of Gion and the beautiful Higashiyama Temple District and is the location of the popular Gion Festival.

Day 9: Kyoto 

Free day at leisure.

Suggested Tour

NARA HALF DAY TOUR (PRIVATE)

Hop on a short train ride to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nara with your private guide. For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s first capital and became the centre of power. With great prosperity, it became the face of Japanese culture and politics and ushered in a great number of changes. Therefore, Nara is home to some of the most impressive and ancient historical landmarks in the country. 

Start your adventure in this historic area at the jaw-dropping Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building. Enter the enormous wooden gateway, towering over 25 meters high and fashioned from 800-year-old trees, passing the guardian king statues of the temple. Take in the stunning complex grounds, as you gaze upon this impressive structure. Next, head inside to see the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue enveloped in a golden halo.

Next, head off to Nara's most celebrated shrine, the bright and beautiful Kasuga Taisha. This grand Shinto shrine was established in 768 AD when four deities were invited to live here. Kasuga Taisha is not only ancient but architecturally stunning with bright vermillion buildings and halls surrounded by Nara’s beautiful woods. Be sure to walk through the hallways which house hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshipers over the centuries. 

Now, before returning to Kyoto, take a wander through Nara Park. One of the oldest parks in Japan, over a thousand tamed yet wild deer freely roam its grounds. Considered in Shintoism to be sacred messengers of the gods, the deer are still protected as national treasures and they call this park home. Stroll through “deer park” as the locals call it, as you take in the quaint yet ancient charm of the grounds.

Day 10: Depart Osaka

Enjoy your final morning in Kyoto before departing to the airport for your flight.

Have a safe flight back home!!