Splendours of Japan
Overview
Japan – ‘the Land of the Rising Sun’ has a mesmerizing and multifaceted culture. On this eight-day trip that takes you across Tokyo and Kyoto, focusing on Japanese arts and culture. Your tour begins in Tokyo where you will spend the first three days sightseeing, relaxing, going on an excursion to spots like Tokyo Tower, Niju-bashi Bridge and more. Then, take a trip to the famous Mt. Fuji where you can enjoy the Lake Ashi Cruise and Komagatake Ropeway. Next, you spend three activity-filled days in Kyoto, starting with a night tour to visit Gion Corner. You also get to dress in a Kimono for a photo shoot and stay in that attire as you go on a sightseeing spree. Spend your last day exploring Kyoto and Nara, visiting Nara Deer Park, Kinkaku-Ji Temple among other popular tourist attractions.
Day 1 - Arrival Tokyo
Arrive in Japan – The Land of Rising Sun. Upon reaching Narita or Haneda Airport, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Tokyo is one of the most populous cities in the world and offers an unlimited choice of entertainment, shopping, and dining experience. The city also has plenty of gardens, museums, and temples. Though Tokyo is constantly changing to keep up with shifting fads, the traditions have been followed for thousands of years. Enjoy your evening at leisure and have dinner at a restaurant of your choice (on your own) before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 - Half day Tokyo City Tour
Breakfast at Hotel. After breakfast make your way to the departure point (on own) to proceed for Tokyo Half Day Morning City Tour. Proceed to Odaiba, a popular shopping and entertainment district on a man made island in Tokyo Bay. Next up, head to Tokyo bay Cruise. Followed by Tokyo Sky Tree, a landmark of Tokyo. It is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world at the time of its completion. A large shopping complex with aquarium is located at its base. Tour disbands at Tokyo Station. Make way to your hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Tokyo.
Day 3 - Tour to Mt. Fuji
After breakfast and depart for your pickup point (on own) to proceed for your Mount Fuji Tour. Today you'll enjoy a beautiful panoramic drive to Mt. Fuji, an almost perfectly conical volcano that is recognized around the world as a symbol of Japan. It stands over 12,000 feet high and is beautifully snow-capped in winter. Drive to the 5th station, where you'll enjoy gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. Tour disbands at Fuji area. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kawaguchi/Fuji.
Day 4 - Head to Takayama (Tokyo - Takayama)
Check out from your hotel this morning and head to the station (on own) to catch your onward bullet train to Takayama, gateway to the hiking paradise of the Japan Alps and Shirakawa-go, a Unesco-listed thatch-roof village. Once you arrive at the Takayama train station make way to your hotel and check-in. Overnight stay at Hotel in Takayama.
Day 5 - Shirakawago tour Kanazawa
Breakfast at Hotel. After breakfast make your way to the departure point (on own) to proceed for Shirakawago tour. Proceed to Takayama morning market which is one of the biggest morning markets in Japan. Held daily in two separate locations. Next up is, Shirakawago, a Japanese mountain settlement in what was once considered a wild and unexplored region. Because of the area’s natural environment, with high mountains and heavy snowfall, interaction with neighboring regions was limited. However, this also created the conditions for the development of unique cultural practices and lifestyles. Now registered as a World Cultural Heritage site, we hope that you will enjoy experiencing the culture and traditions that live on in Shirakawa-go today. Lastly, arrive at Kanazawa. Make way to your hotel and Check-In. Overnight stay at your hotel in Kanazawa.
Day 6 - Kanazawa tour Kyoto
Refuel your energies with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel and Check-out and make way to the departure point. Visit Nomura Residence and take a glimpse into the last remains of the Samurai family. Followed by, Kenrokuen Garden - Japan's most celebrated landscape garden extending over almost 25 acres. Last stop of this tour being Higashi Chaya-gai which literally translates to “Eastern Teahouse District,” because the chaya, or teahouses, were where wealthy customers would be entertained by geisha with traditional music, dancing, and drinking games. Higashi Chaya-gai is a beautifully preserved historical area of Kanazawa with many traditional wooden buildings. This area was established in 1820 as an entertainment district for rich merchants and nobility. Board the express train to Kyoto from Kanazawa. On arriving at Kyoto, make your way to your hotel and Check-in. Overnight stay at Kyoto.
Day 7 - Sightseeing of Kyoto and Nara
Commence your day with a flavorful breakfast at your hotel before you head out for a full-day Kyoto and Nara excursion. Sightseeing begins with a visit to Kinkaku – Ji Temple; also known as the Golden Pavilion, this Zen temple with its two top floors covered in gold leaf is a sight to behold. The Nijo Castle is your next stop for the day; this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great specimen of castle architecture from the feudal era in Japan and is a site of great historical importance. Take a walk through the imperial gardens and walk through the circles of defense admiring stone walls and moat.
After a dainty Japanese lunch, proceed to Nara by road continue the sightseeing. The Todaiji temple is going to be your first pit stop in Nara. Home to the world’s largest wooden building and one of Japan’s largest bronze statue of Buddha, the temple of is of great religious and historical importance. Thereafter, head to the Nara Deer Park where hundreds of freely roaming deer reside before you head back to Kyoto. On reaching, indulge in a quiet dinner at a local restaurant on your own and head to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Day 8 - Kyoto Departure
This day marks the end of your wonderful vacation to Japan. Post breakfast, head out to the station to catch an express train to Kansai Airport for your flight back home.
Stay Plan
Tokyo – 3 Nights
Takayama – 1 Night
Kanazawa – 1 Night
Kyoto – 2 Nights