Day 1
Arrive into Tokyo
On arrival at the Narita Airport, our local representative will meet you outside the customs area and transfer you to your hotel (Check-in time is 3.00 pm). The rest of the day is free to enjoy the mega metropolis of Tokyo on your own.
Tokyo is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa, and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens.
Overnight at the hotel in Tokyo. (Dinner)
Day 2
Guided City Tour of Tokyo
Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple
Visit the Tokyo Tower
Today, we proceed on a guided city tour of Tokyo. We visit the most popular Asakusa Kannon Temple. The heart of the Asakusa Temple complex is the Kannondo Temple with a history of more than 1300 years. We stop at Nakamise Street where you can shop for souvenirs. Nakamise leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. Alongside typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata and folding fans, various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area are sold along the Nakamise. The shopping street has a history of several centuries.
We later proceed for a Photo stop of the Imperial Palace and Sky Tree. The Imperial Palace, where their Majesties the Emperor and Empress reside, is situated in the center of Tokyo. The palace is surrounded by a water-filled moat and treecovered grounds - a precious taste of nature within the bustling metropolitan city We drive by Ginza, Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, with numerous department stores and boutiques, featuring virtually every leading brand name in fashion and cosmetics, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes.
We continue our tour and visit the Tokyo Tower (First Observatory). With 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower. It was completed in the year 1958 as a symbol for Japan's rebirth as a major economic power.
Overnight at the hotel in Tokyo. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3
Enjoy Lake Ashi Cruise
Visit to Mt. Fuji 5th Station (weather permitting)
Visit the Owakudani Hot Springs
Today, we check out of the hotel and drive to the beautiful Fuji Hakone National Park, where we take you for an exquisite cruise on Lake Ashi. Enjoy the enchanting cruise as well as the picturesque and unforgettable surroundings of Lake Ashi.
Next, we proceed to Owakudani Valley, also known as ‘Boiling Valley', where sulphurous fumes rise from crevices in rocks. See Mt. Fuji towering to a height of 3,776 metres. It is the tallest mountain of Japan and its most distinguishing physical landmark. We take you on an exciting excursion to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji (subject to weather conditions).
Later in the evening, we arrive at the scenic Fuji Lake District. Be greeted by the friendly staff of the traditional Japanese Inn and enjoy their hospitality, by putting the Yukata (traditional Japanese bathrobe) and experience the Onsen (hot spring).
Overnight at the hotel in Hakone. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4
Onto Hiroshima
Ride on the Shinkansen - The Bullet train
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome
Today, we check out of the hotel and take you to Mishima Station to board Shinkansen - The Bullet train to Hiroshima. Experience a thrilling ride on the Bullet Train, the fastest train in the world. On arrival, we visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) which is a part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The ruin serves as a memorial to the people who were killed in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 was the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded.
Overnight at the hotel in Hiroshima. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5
Onto Osaka
Enroute Photo Stop to Kurashiki Canal
Visit Osaka Castle
Today, we check out of the hotel and drive to Osaka. Enroute we take a photo stop at the Kurashiki Canal. Kurashiki is one of Japan's great old merchant towns. Situated along a scenic canal at the foot of Mt. Tsurugata, Kurashiki's whitewalled storehouses are beautifully preserved and open for exploration. A central section of the city's former canal system has been preserved in the Bikan Historical Quarter. The weeping willow trees that line the canal and the stone bridges that cross over the water make for a picturesque scene. Later, transfer to Osaka to visit the famous Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle was rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada in the 1620s, but its main castle tower was struck by lightening in 1665 and burnt down. It was not until 1931 that the present ferroconcrete reconstruction of the castle was built. Major repair works gave the castle new glamour in 1997. Inside the castle is a museum that documents Toyotomi Hideyoshi's life and the history of the castle.
Overnight at the hotel in Osaka. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6
Onto Kyoto
Visit Todaiji Temple and Deer Park in Nara
Visit Kiyomizu Temple
Visit Kinkauji Temple
Today, we proceed to Kyoto. Enroute we visit the Todaiji Temple in Nara. The best-known relic at Todaiji Temple is its Daibutsu, a colossal statue of the world's largest gilded bronze Buddha, 15 meters in height. We proceed to the Deer park. The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered messengers of the gods in Shinto, Nara's deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated a National Treasure.
We also visit the Kiyomizu Temple Kiyomizudera (literally "Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall's pure waters. Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon.
Next, we visit the Kinkauji Temple. The image of the temple richly adorned in gold leaf reflects beautifully in the water of Kyokochi, the mirror pond.It is perhaps the most widely-recognized image of Kyoto. Kinkaku-ji Temple, "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion," is a breathtaking mustsee.
Overnight at the hotel in Osaka. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7
Return Home with Wonderful Memories
Today, we check out and drive to the airport for your flight back home. It's time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We hope you take back many happy memories of your tour. We would like you to spare a few minutes of your time to write and tell us how you enjoyed your holiday and any suggestions you may have for the future.
(Breakfast)