Itinerary Details
This 9-day Japanese vacation from Tokyo to Osaka takes you to some of the classic highlights of Japan. The contemporary flair of Tokyo and the charms of traditional Kyoto, you will visit some historic temples and make day-trips to the hilly hot-spring town Hakone and enjoy the beauty of Mt. Fuji from there. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy and cultural richness of Osaka. Get enjoyable experiences from Japanese delectable cuisine, captivating entertainment to its historical landmarks in this short vacation.
Welcome to Japan! On arrival in Tokyo, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the airport. You will be transferred to your hotel with a private car and driver. After checking in your hotel, you will have free time to relax, or enjoy some local sightseeing, shopping, dinner, etc.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts)
breakfast and lunch
Begin your tour at the serene Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a beautiful forest and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Then take a walk along Omotesando Street, a broad tree-lined avenue.
Then visit a tranquil retreat at Hama-rikyu Gardens, a serene oasis amid the bustling city. Stroll through the meticulously manicured landscape, admiring the traditional Japanese gardens, tranquil ponds, and picturesque teahouses.
Continue to Asakusa, Tokyo's old town. Here, enter the massive gates to the ancient Buddhist temple of Sensoji, which is Tokyo's oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that for centuries has been providing temple visitors with many traditional local snacks and souvenirs.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts)
Meiji Shrine
Sensoji Temple
breakfast and lunch and dinner
Go to Shinjuku station to activate your Hakone Free Pass and board a train to Hakone Yumoto (1.5 hours journey). The train will gradually leave the Japanese megalopolis behind and head deeper into the valleys of the Mount Fuji region.
Your home here is a classic ryokan (inn) where you will have a chance to soak in the open-air bath and hot spring.
Check in to your accommodation and either head to a hot spring to relax for the rest of the day.
Accommodation option:
- Hakone Ginyu
Hakone
breakfast and lunch and dinner
A day at leisure for further explore Hakone by using your pass. The Hakone Free Pass allows you to get on and off freely within a specified area, as well as providing discount admission to various attractions in the area. It covers eight forms of transport including trains, buses, cable cars, cableway and boat.
Recommended Activities:
Board the world's second longest cable car above the wooded slopes, sulfurous fumes and hot springs for inspiring views of Mount Fuji.
A visiting for cruise on Lake Ashinoko, admire the superb view of Mt. Fuji from aboard a ship. And The Gora Park, a western-style landscape park located on the steep slope above Gora Station. It is a relaxing place for unwinding and enjoying the scenery and views of Hakone.
Accommodation option:
- Hakone Ginyu
Owakudani
Cruise on Lake Ashinoko
breakfast and lunch
In the morning, you'll take a brief bullet train to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the center of Japanese culture for centuries. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel with a private car and driver.
We’ll visit one of Kyoto’s highlights – the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees which bloom in the springtime and its beautiful landscapes that change dramatically from season to season. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering Bamboo groves and see its iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.
The rest of the day is free for your leisure.
Accommodation option:
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto ekimae PREMIER
Arashiyama Park
Bamboo groves in Arashiyama
breakfast and lunch
Your day begins with a visit to stunning Kinkakuji Temple, which is covered in shimmering gold leaf and surrounded by green gardens and ponds. It's now one of Kyoto's most famous temples.
Nijo Castle is an ornamental castle built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate (1603-C1868) as his Kyoto residence. It is surrounded by stunning gardens and is famous for its architecture, decorated sliding doors and 'chirping' nightingale floors.
Take a walk down Nishiki Market for some free time. It is a traditional food market known by locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry” which is a great place for seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties.
Embark on a leisurely walk uphill to Kiyomizu-dera Temple for stunning views of Kyoto city from the 13-meter-high veranda of the Main Hall.
Accommodation option:
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto ekimae PREMIER
Kinkakuji Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
breakfast and lunch
Half day at leisure to explore more of Kyoto’s historic sites and shrines.
Take the high-speed bullet train to Osaka, Japan's third largest city, known for its cuisine and nightlife.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy and cultural richness of Osaka, a city renowned for its delectable cuisine, captivating entertainment, and historical landmarks.
Accommodation option:
- Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba
breakfast and lunch
Start today's tour from the tranquil ambiance of Osaka Castle Park, a historical bastion amid the modern cityscape, strategically looming over the surrounding park and moat.
Connect with the city's past at Osaka Museum of History where you can perceive Osaka's journey from ancient times through well-curated exhibits.
Then, absorb the artistry of Japanese woodblock prints known as Ukiyo-e at Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum. Embark on a hands-on ukiyo-e printing experience, where you would learn the traditional techniques of creating these iconic woodblock prints. Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, create your own ukiyo-e masterpiece, taking with you a tangible piece of Japanese artistic tradition.
Dive into the energetic atmosphere of Dotonbori, known for its bright neon lights, culinary delights, and lively entertainment.
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from the Umeda Sky Building.
Accommodation option:
- Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba
Osaka Castle
breakfast
You will be picked up and taken to the airport for your return flights home.