Japan Highlights 9 Days 7 Nights

Day 1 & 2: USA – Tokyo

Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo or similar, Hotel Listel Shinjuku or similar

Our voyage to Japan begins as we board an international flight to Japan. 

Upon arrival in Tokyo you will be greeted by our friendly ground crew and guided to the airport shuttle bus to transfer to the hotel.

Day 3: Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo or similar, Hotel Listel Shinjuku or similar

After breakfast, set off to discover Tokyo on the city highlights tour. Our day begins with a visit to the Imperial Palace Plaza -the current residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. The tour will proceed to Asakusa district where the most famous Buddhist temple Senso-ji is located. Walk along the famous 820-ft long Nakamise shopping street that is the front entrance to the Senso-ji Temple where you can explore the lines of stalls selling different Japanese-styled goods and souvenirs. Nothing else can capture the epitome of an upscale area in Tokyo better than the next locale – the Ginza district – where numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses are located. Reputed to be the most luxurious shopping district in the world, it is here that you can be awed by the flagship stores of leading fashion houses and brands before the bus transport returns to take us back to the hotel. You may also stay and wander in the Ginza district and return to the hotel on your own accord. In the evening, experience Japanese tradition & cuisine by enjoying the optional Japanese Kaiseki Dinner. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner which balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of food. Only fresh seasonal ingredients are used and are prepared in ways that aim to enhance their flavor. Dishes are also beautifully arranged and garnished.

Optional Tours: Kaiseki Dinner (Min. 5 participants - only available for purchase prior to trip departure date) $99 pp

Day 4: Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo or similar, Hotel Listel Shinjuku or similar

Enjoy a free day to explore and enjoy bustling Tokyo at your leisure.  Perhaps visit a traditional teahouse, discover Japanese history and art at a museum, or indulge in some retail therapy at Tokyo's cutting edge stores - the choice is yours.  Alternatively, you may join our optional day trip to Kamakura and Yokohama.  Explore two of Japan's most captivating cities on a  full-day Kamakura and Yokohama trip from Tokyo.  After pickup from your Tokyo hotel, travel southwest by coach to Kamakura, a picturesque seaside city nestled in forested hills on Sagami Bay renowned for its Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and rich history.  Next, continue to Yokohama, Japan's second largest city.  See the Red Brick Warehouse, where early-20th century custom buildings now house stylish shops, and stroll in waterside Yamashita Park.

Optional Tours: Yokohama and Kamakura Day Trip (min 6 pax) $49 pp

Day 5: Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Lake Kawaguchi

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Tominoko Hotel or similar, Fuji Mountain Resort or similar

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before we depart for the road trip to visit Japan’s most sacred and spectacular mountain – Mount Fuji. Your English-speaking guide will provide you with interesting insights along the way and pending weather permitting conditions, the bus will climb to the 5th station at 7,550 feet above sea level. After the breathtaking view atop Mount Fuji, enjoy the bird’s eye view of the nearby Odawara and Lake Ashi scenic region via the aerial tram Komagatake Ropeway. Enjoy the picturesque view of Mount Fuji in the distance on board a cruise on Lake Ashi, a crater lake famous for its views of the famous peak. Lunch will be on your own along one of the many rest stops or service areas on the highways where you can enjoy an abundance of unique eats and snacks that will surprise you. Dinner will be arranged and hosted at the hotel. Admissions Included: Komagatake Ropeway and Lake Ashi Cruise.

Day 6: Mount Fuji Area – Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Westin Miyako or similar, Heian No Mori or similar

Following breakfast, depart the Mount Fuji scenic area and travel to Kyoto, Japan's cultural and artistic center, and the country's capital for over 1,000 years.  Stop along the way to have lunch independently, and upon arrival visit two of Kyoto's UNESCO-protected gems: the 17th century Nijo Castle, once a residence of Tokugawa shoguns, and the splendid Kinkaku-ji aka the Golden Pavilion.  Finish with a stop at Kiyomizu Temple, or "Clear Water Temple" built in 1633 without a single nail. Check in at the hotel and relax for the rest of the day. Admissions Included: Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), and Kiyomizu Temple.

Day 7: Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Westin Miyako or similar, Heian No Mori or similar

This will be a free day at leisure in Kyoto either to venture out on your own or join our full day optional excursion to the  Sagano Bamboo Forest and Arashiyama District & Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. Explore Kyoto nightlife on your own tonight or join our optional Japan Culture/ Gion Corner entertainment and dinner.

Optional Tours:

Sagano Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama District, & Fushimi Inari-Taisha $65 pp

Japan Culture / Gion Corner Entertainment and Dinner $99 pp

Day 8: Kyoto – Osaka

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Granvia or similar, Sunny Stone Osaka Hotel or similar

2019 departures: After breakfast bid farewell to Kyoto as we make our way to the vibrant city of Osaka. Our city tour kicks off with a stop at  Kuromon Market. With over 190 years of history and tradition, Kuromon Ichiba Market, a very popular area known by locals as "Gastronome" and "Osaka's Kitchen", is well-known nationwide.  Afterwards we'll make our way over to  the largest shopping destination in Osaka - Shinsaibashi.  Often described as the Champs-Élysées of the East, the street is lined with unique stores and one of a kind items.  We'll then make our way over to the  Umeda Sky Building .  Standing 173 meters tall, the Umeda Sky Building is one of the most popular attractions and landmarks of Osaka.  The two skyscrapers are connected in midair by the Floating Garden Observatory on the top floor of the building.  With it's open air roof and 360 degree panoramic views of the city, the Floating Garden is one of the most romantic and scenic views of the city.   Enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the hotel or join our optional Nara Park & Osaka Landmark tour.

2020 departures: After an early breakfast, bid farewell to Kyoto as we make our way to the vibrant city of Osaka.  Along the way, admire the beauty of historical Nara and visit the famous Todaiji Temple, to see the world’s biggest bronze statue of Buddha, and drink in the scenic charms of Nara Park, best known for the many wild Sika deer that roam its landscapes. Afterwards, we’ll visit Dotonobori, one of the most iconic areas of Osaka, followed by time at Kuromon Ichiba Market -  a foodie haunt with over 150 enticing culinary stalls. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the hotel or continue you explorations on our optional Osaka Landmark tour.

Optional Tours:

Nara Park and Osaka Landmark Tour $59 pp

Osaka Landmark Tour $59 pp

Day 9: Osaka - USA

Today, transfer to Osaka's Kansai Airport for your return flight back home or extend your trip for a few more days in Osaka. (Note: Airport transfer out is not provided for land only travelers or those extending their stay at the end of the tour.)