Day 1-2 Narita Arrival
Upon arrival at Narita Airport you will be met by your tour manager and transferred to your hotel. You will have the evening to relax or you may choose to take the hotelvshuttle bus to the Narita Station or the famous Aeon Shopping District to shop or enjoy dinner.
Day 3 Tokyo, Imperial Palace, Asakusa Kannon, Nakamisen (B/L)
After breakfast you will travel to the beautiful capital city of Tokyo for a city tour. Your tour will include a visit to the Tokyo Tower. This iconic structure was first opened in 1958 and stands at 333 metres high. After learning about the tower you may choose to enjoy an optional trip up to the observatory which offers a fantastic view of the expansive city and of the iconic Mt Fuji. You will also visit the Imperial Palace, otherwise known as Edo Castle. After lunch you will visit the beautiful Rainbow Bridge, located at Tokyo Bay. You will then head to Asakusa Kannon Temple, also known as Sensoji Temple. The structure is a Buddhist temple built in the 7th century, and is the oldest temple in all of Japan. Your next stop will be at the famous Nakamisen shopping street where traditional Japanese food, souvenirs and novelty items can be purchased. Afterwards, you will be escorted to the famous shopping district of Ginza.
Day 4 Yokohama, Ramen Museum, Yokohama China Town, Yamashita Park (B/D)
Following breakfast, you will travel to Shin Yokohama station with bullet train here you can experience one of Japan’s most punctual, fastest and safest transportation. After arriving at Yokohama station you will continue a visit to a Ramen Museum which is the world’s first food-themed amusement park. The Ramen museum consists of three floors where there are galleries and a variety of ramen shops. It is a one-stop place to enjoy the flavours of its national dish from renowned shops across Japan without stepping on a plane. Afterwards you will visit Japan’s largest Chinatown, the Yokohama Chinatown. Yokohama had been one of the first Japanese ports to be opened to foreign trade in 1859. It became the residence of thebmany Chinese traders who settled down in the city. Furthermore, you will visit the Yamashita Park, it is located right next to Yokohama harbour and is 750m long with waterfront views over Yokohama harbour. You will continue your journey to one of Japan’s most famous Onsen (Hot Spring) cities, Atami. You can relax and refresh or enjoy a hot spring at the hotel.
Day 5 Atami, Owakudani, Green Tea Field, Toyohashi (B/L)
This morning will begin with a trip to the iconic Owakudani volcano, where you will have the best view of the iconic Mt Fuji. Here you will enjoy a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway. Your trip to Owakudani will be dependent on weather and if weather does not permit, alternative arrangements will be made. After lunch, you will continue on to the Green Tea Field at Maki No Hara, where you will taste authentic Japanese green tea. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Toyohashi city and check in to your hotel for the evening.
Day 6 Toyohashi, Kyoto, Kiyomizu Temple (B)
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel you will continue on to Kyoto, a city renowned for its romance and traditional and new architecture and cultural life. The city was the country’s capital for almost 300 years. On your tour today you will visit the famous Kiyomizu Temple which was first constructed in the 7th century and rebuilt in 1633. On the journey to the temple you will walk through a beautiful shopping district where souvenirs, Kyoto ceramics, Japanese Mochi and snacks can be purchased. You may enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or choose to visit the nearby Hanakomachi.
Day 7 Kyoto (B)
Today, following breakfast, you are free to explore the city at your own pace or join the optional city tour. During the optional tour you will visit Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavillion, Arashiyama Bamboo Forrest and enjoy a traditional kimono show at the Nishijin Textile Gallery. In the evening you will conclude the optional tour with a visit to the Nishiki Market, famous for its unique Japanese cuisine. Lunch will be provided during the optional tour.
Day 8 Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (B, L, D)
Following breakfast, you will proceed to the city of Nara, which was the first capital of Japan. Your first stop will be to the Todaiji Temple which is home to the great bronze Buddha. The statue is the largest Buddha statue in the world and the surrounds are full of over 1,000 holy deer. You will also visit the beautiful Kasuga Taisha shrine. After lunch you will continue on to Osaka Castle and the Dotobori area. Dinner will be enjoyed at a local restaurant before you return to your hotel for the evening.
Day 9 Depart Osaka (B)
Today you will be transferred to Kansai International Airport for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed your journey to Japan with us!
B =Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner