Highlights of Japan
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Highlights
Enjoy sightseeing in the city of Kyoto
Marvel at the unmatched beauty of Nijo Castle in Kyoto
Enjoy the picturesque views of Mt. Fuji
Head on a sightseeing tour to Hakone
Enjoy visiting many attractions on a city tour of Tokyo
Enjoy sightseeing in the city of Kyoto
Marvel at the unmatched beauty of Nijo Castle in Kyoto
Enjoy the picturesque views of Mt. Fuji
Head on a sightseeing tour to Hakone
Enjoy visiting many attractions on a city tour of Tokyo
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Duration
13N/14D
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Physical
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age
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Location
Japan
Welcome to Tokyo! Make your own way to your hotel in Tokyo using your Japan Rail Pass, we will provide full instructions in advance.
Today we will enjoy a private Tour of Tokyo, the largest populated metropolis in the world. As modernized as the city may be there are still aspects of its traditional history present. As you tour around Tokyo you will have an expert local guide to bring you to the best tourist spots.
The sightseeing schedule is fully up to you and is flexible to the needs of the group. For temples and shrines we recommend visiting Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and Meiji Jingu Shrine, the place where Emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined. You can also roam around the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, the current residency of the Imperial family. If you looking for a deeper look into the history of Japan then why not pay a
visit to the Edo Tokyo Museum?
There are many shopping options available in Tokyo, but depending on your preference can lead you to different parts of the city. High end name brand items can be found in Ginza, extreme fashion style clothing are in Harajuku, otaku (geek) products can be bought in
Akihabara, and Shibuya is the middle ground between all your shopping needs.
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and offers great views of the city from its observatory. There are shops as well as an aquarium located in the area. Not interested in the tower? Then how about going to the man-made island known as Odaiba? On the island there
are many entertainment options available in addition to the famed Rainbow Bridge.
The sightseeing schedule is fully up to you and is flexible to the needs of the group. For temples and shrines we recommend visiting Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and Meiji Jingu Shrine, the place where Emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined. You can also roam around the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, the current residency of the Imperial family. If you looking for a deeper look into the history of Japan then why not pay a
visit to the Edo Tokyo Museum?
There are many shopping options available in Tokyo, but depending on your preference can lead you to different parts of the city. High end name brand items can be found in Ginza, extreme fashion style clothing are in Harajuku, otaku (geek) products can be bought in
Akihabara, and Shibuya is the middle ground between all your shopping needs.
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and offers great views of the city from its observatory. There are shops as well as an aquarium located in the area. Not interested in the tower? Then how about going to the man-made island known as Odaiba? On the island there
are many entertainment options available in addition to the famed Rainbow Bridge.
Journeying from Tokyo and easing into Kanazawa, you will experience the subtle transitions from Metropolis to the countryside, making the 2 hours 30 minutes journey shorter after
enjoying the views through the train’s windows. Upon arrival, enjoy a full day private tour of Kanazawa. It offers rich heritage values with its traditional arts and crafts including productions of ceramics, gold leaf, and many more priceless practices. Kanazawa is full of
different attractions with their well-preserved Geisha district, historical samurai lodgings, and lively fish market. The city also boasts being home to one of the three best landscape gardens
in Japan, Kenrokuen.
enjoying the views through the train’s windows. Upon arrival, enjoy a full day private tour of Kanazawa. It offers rich heritage values with its traditional arts and crafts including productions of ceramics, gold leaf, and many more priceless practices. Kanazawa is full of
different attractions with their well-preserved Geisha district, historical samurai lodgings, and lively fish market. The city also boasts being home to one of the three best landscape gardens
in Japan, Kenrokuen.
This morning we will visit the lively fish market at Omicho Market. Then we will ride via bus heading to the breathtaking landscapes of Shirakawa-go, which is a great attraction for photographers. The village is a jewel in the Southern Japanese Alps, deep among the protective mountainous regional beauty, only enhanced by rice fields irrigated through their network of watercourses. The hay thatched farmhouses (gassho- zukuri) are designed like prayer hand in order to sustain heavy snowfall. The snow creates an unforgettable sight for explorers of this World Heritage Site.
Once there, meander about the cozy streets and their pleasant shops. Then enjoy an overall view of the entire village from the observatory deck. We will then travel to Takayama and spend 2 nights at a ryokan (Japanese traditional inn). There you can soak in the therapeutic waters of an onsen (hot spring) and feast on a traditional Japanese Kaiseki (seasonal ingredients) banquet dinner.
Once there, meander about the cozy streets and their pleasant shops. Then enjoy an overall view of the entire village from the observatory deck. We will then travel to Takayama and spend 2 nights at a ryokan (Japanese traditional inn). There you can soak in the therapeutic waters of an onsen (hot spring) and feast on a traditional Japanese Kaiseki (seasonal ingredients) banquet dinner.
Time to relax and chill
The day will begin with a train ride to Nagoya and then boarding the bullet train to Okayama where you will have a free day to explore the area. In Okayama you can visit Korakuen Garden, which is one of the three top landscape gardens in Japan. There is also the reconstruction of Okayama Castle, which is nicknamed U-jo or Crow Castle. When it was reconstructed it was turned into a museum with many displays on the history of the former Okayama Castle.
Nearby Okayama is Kurashiki, where you can visit the canal area that has been there since the Edo Period. You can stroll along the canal and visit the storehouses that were converted into museums, restaurants, shops, and cafes. Also by the canal is the Ohara Museum, which was the western art museum in Japan. Ivy Square is a complex of red brick buildings that are covered in ivy, which were built back in 1889. There you can find more restaurants and museums If you choose stop by Himeji it is recommend that you visit Himeji Castle. The castle is known as "White Egret Castle" and "White Heron Castle" because of its brilliant white exterior and
structure resembling a bird taking flight. Himeji Castle is one of the few remaining original castles and was declared one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. Close to the castle is Kokoen Garden, a Japanese style garden that consists of nine separate Edo style landscapes.
The day will begin with a train ride to Nagoya and then boarding the bullet train to Okayama where you will have a free day to explore the area. In Okayama you can visit Korakuen Garden, which is one of the three top landscape gardens in Japan. There is also the reconstruction of Okayama Castle, which is nicknamed U-jo or Crow Castle. When it was reconstructed it was turned into a museum with many displays on the history of the former Okayama Castle.
Nearby Okayama is Kurashiki, where you can visit the canal area that has been there since the Edo Period. You can stroll along the canal and visit the storehouses that were converted into museums, restaurants, shops, and cafes. Also by the canal is the Ohara Museum, which was the western art museum in Japan. Ivy Square is a complex of red brick buildings that are covered in ivy, which were built back in 1889. There you can find more restaurants and museums If you choose stop by Himeji it is recommend that you visit Himeji Castle. The castle is known as "White Egret Castle" and "White Heron Castle" because of its brilliant white exterior and
structure resembling a bird taking flight. Himeji Castle is one of the few remaining original castles and was declared one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. Close to the castle is Kokoen Garden, a Japanese style garden that consists of nine separate Edo style landscapes.
On this day you will be given the option to have the private guide take you to Takamatsu and Kotohira or Naoshima. Takamatsu is the closest port city to Honshu from Shikoku and it is known for Ritsurin Garden, a landscape garden that rivals Korakuen, Kenrokuen, and
Kairakuen. Kotohira is where you can find the most popular Shinto shrine Kompirasan in Shikoku. There are 1,368 stone steps leading up to the shrine and there is the optional palanquin service for a fee if you are not up to the arduous journey.
Naoshima is known for its various modern art collections, which includes architecture, sculptures, and paintings. The island is situated in the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku. There you can find the iconic pumpkin sculpture on the pier facing the sea.
Kairakuen. Kotohira is where you can find the most popular Shinto shrine Kompirasan in Shikoku. There are 1,368 stone steps leading up to the shrine and there is the optional palanquin service for a fee if you are not up to the arduous journey.
Naoshima is known for its various modern art collections, which includes architecture, sculptures, and paintings. The island is situated in the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu and Shikoku. There you can find the iconic pumpkin sculpture on the pier facing the sea.
Take the bullet train to Hiroshima. The ride is about 45 minutes. Upon arrival your private guide will meet you at the train exit. Enjoy a private tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.
While in Hiroshima we will be visiting the Peace Memorial Park, which was built in the aftermath of the atomic bomb. The park symbolizes the hope for a world without nuclear weapons. From the park you can see the Genbaku Dome or Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the very few surviving structures from the attack. We will also be stopping by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which has detailed records of life after the atomic bomb was dropped. In
the afternoon we will explore Miyajima, an island near Hiroshima.
Located on the island is Itsukushima Shrine, which is known for its large torii gate that is built in the sea. At high tide, the famed vermilion torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine looks like it's
floating in the middle of the sea. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Miyajima has been selected as one of Japan's three most scenic places (nihon sankei). It is said that they Itsukushima Shrine was first built in the 6th century at the foot of Mt. Misen as a place of worship for the holy mountain. The main deity of the shrine is the daughter of the mythical Susanoo and niece to the Great Sun Goddess Amaterasu.
While in Hiroshima we will be visiting the Peace Memorial Park, which was built in the aftermath of the atomic bomb. The park symbolizes the hope for a world without nuclear weapons. From the park you can see the Genbaku Dome or Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the very few surviving structures from the attack. We will also be stopping by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which has detailed records of life after the atomic bomb was dropped. In
the afternoon we will explore Miyajima, an island near Hiroshima.
Located on the island is Itsukushima Shrine, which is known for its large torii gate that is built in the sea. At high tide, the famed vermilion torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine looks like it's
floating in the middle of the sea. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Miyajima has been selected as one of Japan's three most scenic places (nihon sankei). It is said that they Itsukushima Shrine was first built in the 6th century at the foot of Mt. Misen as a place of worship for the holy mountain. The main deity of the shrine is the daughter of the mythical Susanoo and niece to the Great Sun Goddess Amaterasu.
Our day starts with a trip on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, the traditional and cultural center of Japan. For over 1000 years Kyoto has influenced politics and culture in the country. It
was the former capital before Edo (Tokyo). When the feudal age came to an end much of the nation was set to modernized, but the city set out to preserve its proud history. As a traditional
center the history, religion, and culture remained unembellished. For two days you will have a private guide to take you to the most desired locations.
There are many sites to see in Kyoto and can be broken down into Southern, Eastern, Central, Northern, and Arashiyama districts. No matter where you choose to visit each site has a priceless historical value that will leave you in awe. Just for quick reference Fushimi Inari Shrine has over 1000 torii gates; Tofukuji Temple has the Hojo Garden that surrounds all four sides of the building, Kiyomizudera Temple has the stage and main hall that was built without
nails, Kinkakuji Temple is known as the Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama has the photogenic bamboo grove, and Gion is where you can find the Geisha district.
was the former capital before Edo (Tokyo). When the feudal age came to an end much of the nation was set to modernized, but the city set out to preserve its proud history. As a traditional
center the history, religion, and culture remained unembellished. For two days you will have a private guide to take you to the most desired locations.
There are many sites to see in Kyoto and can be broken down into Southern, Eastern, Central, Northern, and Arashiyama districts. No matter where you choose to visit each site has a priceless historical value that will leave you in awe. Just for quick reference Fushimi Inari Shrine has over 1000 torii gates; Tofukuji Temple has the Hojo Garden that surrounds all four sides of the building, Kiyomizudera Temple has the stage and main hall that was built without
nails, Kinkakuji Temple is known as the Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama has the photogenic bamboo grove, and Gion is where you can find the Geisha district.
Take the bullet train back to Tokyo. The trip is about 3 hours. Upon arrival make your own way to your hotel. Tokyo has many services to offer for foreigners and locals as one of the busiest and interesting metropolis of the world. Half of the day is spent following your own plans; last minute shopping, dining, and entertainment all for you! Public Transportation in Tokyo may have been overwhelming for some, but when one gets used to it, they can carefully plan their
time out and see a lot in a short while.
time out and see a lot in a short while.
On this day you can choose to visit Hakone or Nikko. Traverse through Hakone, an iconic hot spring destination, and you will be greeted with magnificent views of the surrounding nature.
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the area from the Hakone Ropeway. Complementing the natural beauty are great museums like the Open Air Museum that we will be visiting. While there you can take a soothing Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi and have the chance to see the awe inspiring Mt. Fuji in the distance if the weather permits it. Nikko has been the center of both Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship. There you can find the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, where
the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu resides. Nearby the shrine is the Taiyuinbyo, the mausoleum of Iemitsu Tokugawa, the grandson of Ieyasu. The Tamozawa Villa was once the residence of the imperial family and it is open to the public. In Nikko you will be surrounded by the beautiful nature as you go from site to another.
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the area from the Hakone Ropeway. Complementing the natural beauty are great museums like the Open Air Museum that we will be visiting. While there you can take a soothing Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi and have the chance to see the awe inspiring Mt. Fuji in the distance if the weather permits it. Nikko has been the center of both Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship. There you can find the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, where
the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu resides. Nearby the shrine is the Taiyuinbyo, the mausoleum of Iemitsu Tokugawa, the grandson of Ieyasu. The Tamozawa Villa was once the residence of the imperial family and it is open to the public. In Nikko you will be surrounded by the beautiful nature as you go from site to another.
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