An introduction to Japan

Today you’ll fly to Tokyo. On your arrival where you will be welcomed by our airport representative who will also assist you with boarding the right train or shared airport shuttle bus to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Today is a self-guided day to discover Tokyo: stroll along the lanes of Kiyosumi garden and discover Tokyo’s history at Fukugawa-Edo museum or Edo-Tokyo museum. . Take a scenic river cruise to Asakusa, a part of Tokyo’s old town. Visit the oldest Geisha district and Senso-ji Buddhist temple. Visit the famous Meiji Jingu shrine then reach the old neighborhood of Yanaka with its rustic charm of the past. You’ll get a strong contrast with Akihabara, a paradise for fans of Japanese pop culture.

Today is a self-guided day to discover Tokyo: explore Hamarikyu garden and get a cup of tea at its teahouse. Discover Tsukiji outdoor market for its fresh sea products, then stroll around Ginza neighborhood for shopping, architecture and art galleries. Walk along Nakadori avenue and its cafes, and reach Brick Square with its European air. Finally, discover the artificial island of Odaiba.

After taking the train, you will have a self-guided day in Hakone: take the switchback train that zigzags through the mountains for superb views. Then ride the Guinness World Record-holder ropeway all the way up to Mt. Owakudani, passing over sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers. Continue with the ropeway to Togendai to ride the replica of a pirate ship, or choose Hakone open air museum. If the weather is clear, you’ll get a beautiful glimpse on Mt. Fuji.

This morning, enjoy a soak in the onsen (hot spring) before taking the train to Kyoto for a self-guided day. Discover the cultural capital of Japan on your own or join with us a cooking class, tea ceremony, sake brewery visit, bicycle tour in the streets of Kyoto, or even a Geisha performance in a traditional theater in the evening! Visit Heian sanctuary, the Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), and stroll along the Philosopher’s Way. Don’t miss Kiyomizudera temple, one of the most famous in Japan, and the old passing streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.

Today is a self-guided day to discover Kyoto: reach Nijo Castle, the former residence of one of Japan’s hisotry most important shogun, Tokugawa. Continue to the Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoanji Temple with its wonderful zen garden. Get some more animation at Nishiki market for a culinary tour of Kyoto, then head to Gion, Kyoto’s famous ancient Geisha neighborhood.  

Spend this day at leisure to end this trip to Japan until your included transfer by shared shuttle van to Osaka Kansai Airport (2hrs drive).