Land of Rising sun (13 days)

Tours - Land Of Rising Sun

Tour includes:

Accommodation at selected hotels with meals as mentioned in your final itinerary.
Check-in time is 3.00PM and check-out time is 11.00AM. Early or late service is subject to availability with surcharge.
Meals if mentioned in the final itinerary
Transfers if mentioned in your final itinerary:
- Airport transfer (arrival and departure) in a shared van
- Public/Private transport on tour day
Guidance:
- Client Service Officer: provide self-guided clients with tour information
- Guide for half day or full day tour (English & other languages: German, Spanish, etc.)
Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time
Service charge and current government VAT tax
JR Pass and/or Train Tickets

Tour excludes:

VISA
Optional tour
Please make sure you have 6 months passport validity.
Early/late check in/out service at hotels (surcharge if request)
Tips and gratuities
Services and meals if not mentioned in itinerary
All drinks, including water, soft drink and alcohol on all included or optional excursion
Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
Travel Insurance (Compulsory)

DAY 1: TOKYO ARRIVAL

Meet your assistant at Narita Airport and transfer your hotel. Relax at the hotel before walk out for dinner at Japanese-style restaurants in the nearby area.

DAY 2: TOKYO (ASAKUSA & HARAJUKU)

Start off the day with visit to Tokyo sumo morning practice at a stable. Afterwards, travel to Asakusa for a visit to the renowned Sensoji! The colorful, popular temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple. Stroll along Nakamise shopping street nearby, where typical Japanese souvenir and various traditional snack are sold!
Enjoy local sushi or ramen for lunch. After lunch, we will visit magnificent Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. The shrine is crowded in the first day of the year because of hatsumode (first prayers). For the rest of the year, if in luck, you may witness solemn procession of Shinto weddings. Continue the journey to Harajuku and Omotesando. This tree-lined avenue features a multitude of dazzling architecturally ambitious buildings of global haute couture brands. Finish the day with Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's tallest and most distinctive skyscrapers for a panoramic view of the city if time permits.

DAY 3: TOKYO – NIKKO – TOKYO

Embark on a bullet train to Nikko, Tokugawa Shogunate's sacred town.The town is home to UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine, an extravagant mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu - the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate. Wander around Japan's most opulent complex before having a local lunch. In the afternoon, journey to the scenic Lake Chuzenji followed by the renowned Kegon Waterfall and then return to Tokyo.

DAY 4: HAKONE

Wake up early and prepare for an adventure day to Hakone National Park. Travel to Mount Fuji - the symbol of Japan all around the world in the masterpiece of Hokusai. Enroute visit the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, where offers a commanding view of the Fuji Five Lakes. Cruise on Lake Ashi with a replica pirate ship. Embark on a ropeway ride to enjoy the view of active sulfuric hot springs and many other scenic landscape. Tonight, enjoy comfortable stay in hotel/ryokan.

DAY 5: TAKAYAMA

After breakfast, embark on shinkansen bullet train and transfer to Hida Express train to arrive at Takayama. Don't forget to look for eki-ben, the quaint bento boxes unique to each and every station on the shinkansen line! Takayama is renowned for its beautiful old town, where traditional touch is preserved. Stroll the beautiful old streets, and visit a local brewery to experience fresh-tasting of pure sake! Enjoy a sumptuous Kaiseki dinner, with an overnight stay at a traditional Ryokan.

DAY 6: TAKAYAMA - SHIRAKAWAGO - KANAZAWA

Wake up to a tasty breakfast before beginning your journey to Miyagawa market. Immerse yourself in daily life of the market, where vegetables and fruits unique to Japan are on display. Take a short walk to Takayama Jinya, the only surviving government office building headed by the officials dispatched from Edo. Take a short bus ride to visit Yatai Kaikan, which displays an array of exotic and flamboyant floats used in Takayama festivals.
In the afternoon, we will travel to Shirakawago, a captivating mountain village nestled in the heart of Japan's Gifu Prefecture. The picturesque village is renowned for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Designed to look like hands in prayer, these farmhouses can withstand heavy snowfalls in the winter and have spacious attics for cultivating silkworms. Heading to Kanazawa for the overnight stay.

DAY 7: KANAZAWA

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading out strolling around Kanazawa. The town used to serve as home of second most powerful clan, Maeda Clan, during the Edo Period. Thereupon, Kanazawa has become the town of great cultural achievements, rivalling Tokyo and Kyoto. In the afternoon, journey to nation's most celebrated garden Kenrokuen, followed by the the slowly restored Kanazawa Castle.
Afterward, travel to the largest one of three regional well preserved chaya districts - Higashi Chaya district. Chaya is an exclusive restaurant, where geishas perform song and dance to entertain patrons. Another signature of Kanazawa is gold leaf handicrafts - from accessories to clothing, housewares and even food.

DAY 8: KYOTO

Prepare for your adventures to Kyoto with a hearty breakfast. Upon arrival, enjoy evening freely at your leisure to wander around Gion District, where you may get a glimpse of Geisha, admire beautifully preserved machiya houses along its side alleys. Dinner with Maiko is offered as an optional experience here.

DAY 9: KYOTO

We start with the sprawling, breath-taking Nijo Castle, followed by Ryoanji - the UNESCO World Heritage zen temple with famous rock garden. This unique garden has no plant, apart from little patches of moss around the stones. Afterward, visit Kinkakuji, the shining pavilion completely covered by gold leaf that was originally built as a shogun's summer house.
Transfer to the outskirt of Kyoto for a gentle walk through Sagano lush bamboo groove. The sunlight filters through the densely packed grove, projecting thin slashes of light onto this enchanting forest. Head to Tenryuji temple, which survived centuries maintaining its original design. Then continue to Jojakkoji Temple nestled in the quiet and understated wooded hill. Crossing over the iconic landmark Togetsukyo Bridge for stunning views of adjacent cherry forest.

DAY 10: KYOTO

Today will be a free day to enjoy this beautiful town at your own pace. Tea Ceremony Experience & Calligraphy Experience are offered as optional excursions. Japanese Food Cooking is also on the table if you're interested.

DAY 11: HIROSHIMA - MIYAJIMA

Fuel up with a good breakfast before heading to Hiroshima, a city recover itself from Atomic Bombing aftermath. Admire stunning vibrancy and splendid culture which has regrown itself from the ashes. Peace Memorial Park and Museum inside the park are major attractions of the city.
Embark on a ferry ride to Miyajima - home to the giant torii-gate. The bright, red gate seems to float on the water during high tide, is also an attraction frequently featured on travel magazines.

DAY 12: OSAKA

We will begin the day with a visit the Mazda factory after booking in advance. Afterwards, continue your journey to Japan's second largest metropolitan area - Osaka! Upon arrival, stroll along the city's bustling streets and sample Osaka cuisine.