Essential Japan

Welcome to Japan! After completing customs procedures, you Will be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the afternoon, you will receive details about the start of your tour.

In the morning, we will enjoy an extensive guided tour of this truly mesmerizing city, lasting approximately five hours. Tokyo’s vibrant energy and cutting-edge neighborhoods coexist beautifully with its tranquil, serene spaces.
We will begin with a brief stop at Zojoji Temple, where you will capture one of the most iconic views of the Tokyo Tower. The temple grounds are adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues, intricately carved stone figures believed to be protectors of children, dressed in colorful knit caps, bibs, and windmills.

Next, we will head to the famous Shibuya Crossing, often hailed as the busiest intersection in the world, followed by a visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife.
Our journey will continue by bus along the elegant Omotesando Avenue. We will then see the most picturesque parts of the Imperial Palace and its gardens and stop to admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.
As we proceed, we will pass through the vibrant Akihabara district, also known as the Electric Town, a hub for Japanese manga and anime culture. We will also drive past the Kokugikan, Japan’s renowned sumo wrestling arena.
We will conclude our tour in Asakusa, visiting the historic Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street.
Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we will return to the hotel.
At 6:30 p.m., we willl meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district. Here, we will enjoy a stroll through its bustling streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, as we head to a local restaurant for dinner (included). Afterward, we will return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Activities

We will journey to the stunning Mount Fuji area, traveling through picturesque landscapes along the way.
Our first stop will be the Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to beautiful pagodas and offering the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. From here, we will continue to Kawaguchiko, a charming town surrounded by mountains, vibrant flowers, and its namesake lake. Upon arrival, we will visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, a serene site nestled among towering trees, which marks the traditional starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. During our visit, we will take a moment to express gratitude for experiencing such a magical place.

The tour will also include a delightful boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, where you can soak in the area’s tranquil beauty. After, we will ascend Mount Fuji via the scenic road to the Fifth Station, at 2,305 meters, surrounded by breathtaking forests and vistas.
Note: In winter, the ascent to Mount Fuji may be closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. During this season, we will go as far as permitted.
We will return to Kawaguchiko, with time to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake. Tonight, we will stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can relax in the onsen (public bath). Dinner will be included.
Note: At the planned ryokan, some rooms feature traditional Japanese-style tatami mats, while others are Western-style. Occasionally, accommodation may be arranged in a Western-style hotel.

Activities

In the morning, we will follow a scenic road that winds around picturesque lakes to visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a small village that was destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later restored as an open-air museum. Its traditional houses have been converted into arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past.

Next, we will visit the breathtaking Shiraito Falls, one of Japan’s most stunning natural attractions, with cascading water that spans a height of 20 meters.
From there, we will continue to Nagoya, where we will visit the Toyota Museum (admission included), a must-see destination for car enthusiasts and those curious about automotive innovation.
Finally, we will proceed to Kyoto for our overnight stay.

Activities

We will spend the entire day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its rich artistic heritage. Notably, the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997.

We will include a visit to Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Our tour will begin in Arashiyama, where we will admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, or Bridge over the Moon.This spot offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape.
We will then visit the Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a serene walk through its mystical bamboo forest.
Next, we will explore the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine; the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, surrounded by its spectacular gardens. (The order of the visits may vary.)
After the tour, you can enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, known for its lively atmosphere and geishas.

Activities

We will depart for Nara to visit Todaiji, a magnificent Buddhist temple built in 752, home to a giant Buddha statue. Here, you will also have the chance to take photos and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the surrounding park. Lunch will be included.
Afterward, we will visit the Horyu-ji Buddhist Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses a seminary, monasteries, and temples. Its central pagoda is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and holds the distinction of being Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, serving as an important place of worship.
Our journey will then take us to Osaka, where we will arrive in the evening. Accommodation will be in this vibrant and modern city, known as Japan’s second-largest urban area. Later, we will visit Dotonbori, a lively and colorful district renowned for its bustling nightlife

Activities

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.