- 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 ticket(s)
- 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
Today will be dedicated to Tokyo&;s most iconic attractions. We start with a visit to 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! You will participate in a ceremony here and receive blessing from a monk for your healthy and prosperous life.
Just outside the Meiji Shrine is Harajuku, made famous by Gwen Stefani song. Harajuku is in fact a sanctuary of fashion and trend long before she was ever born. Wander around the area and see cosplayers with bizarre, outlandish clothing. Immerse in youth culture in the back streets, and high-end models and designers on the boulevards. The area is sprinkled with classy cafes and unique coffee houses - take a rest at one of these which suits your fancy and try some Japanese sweets. You might choose to visit the quirky Kawaii Monster café to complete the cultural experience here.
After Harajuku, we take the subway to the old downtown Shita-machi area to reach Asakusa area. This is the home of the grand temple Senso-ji. The colorful, popular temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo&;s oldest temple. Get your fortune told, find high-class incense, observe geiko (young geisha) passing by and snack on Edo foods! A perfect place for photographs! Find yourself a kimono get photographed as a couple in traditional dress!
Cycling tour in the evening to enjoy beautiful illumination spots in Tokyo.
DAY 3: TOKYO – KAMAKURA/NIKKO (OPTIONAL)
Let&;s make your own way exploring the metropolitan. Going back to visited fascinating valleys for an insight? Use our information packet to discover new places? A visit to Tsukiji Fish Market and surrounding restaurants in Tsukishima is strongly recommended.
Interested in Japanese technology? Odaiba - a unique island of gaming and multimedia - is perfect for you! If traditional art is your interest, come to the Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza and watch a performance. Akihabara is recommended for electronic gadgets&; lovers.
Travel further from Tokyo? An optional one day trip to nearby Nikko to visit UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine, or to Kamakura to admire the giant Buddha statue is available. Tell us what&;s your plan?
DAY 4: HAKONE & MOUNT FUJI
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: HAKONE
Enjoy today freely in the picturesque Hakone. We recommend you the journey to Hakone Shrine, a magical place shrouded in mist or glowing with strange light. The forest path leading to the shrine is lined with lanterns, which is just as interesting and photogenic as the shrine itself. Hakone Open Air Museum is best for art lovers, where display a decent little Picasso collection indoor and a series of sculptures well placed on pleasant outdoor grounds.
DAY 6: KYOTO
Wake up to a hearty breakfast and head to train station for your bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, join a tea ceremony at "machiya" - a restored traditional wooden house that is typical to Kyoto and many parts of Japan. If you wish, combine this experience with kimono fitting! The traditional dress comes with many colors, ranging from colorful style to quite plain and simple.
Free evening to enjoy at your leisure to wander around Gion, where you may get a glimpse of Geisha walking through the narrow alley.
DAY 7: 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.
In the afternoon, 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 8: KYOTO – NARA (OPTIONAL)
Today is a free day to explore Kyoto on your own.
You may wish to visit Nara, which is second only to Kyoto as the richest collection of cultural sites in Japan. This 8th century town is filled with quiet boulevards that lead from shrine to shrine. Journey to the dazzling Todaiji, the iconic landmark of Nara City. The temple claims to be the largest wooden building in the world, despite being rebuilt in 1692 at only two-thirds of the original size. Nara's most celebrated Shinto shrine - Kasuga Taisha is not to be missed, if you want to meet the friendly semi wild deer.
Other options: Bike ride to explore the beauty and backstreet of Kyoto, Kyoto cooking class.
DAY 9: KYOTO – OKINAWA
Today you will board a flight to the beautiful island of Okinawa to relax and rejuvenate on your final touring days.
Okinawa belongs to Mediterranean climatic zone, with temperatures barely falling below 15 degrees in winter. Surrounding the picturesque islands is idyllic sea water, where resides the flamboyant coral reefs and abundant marine wildlife.
DAY 10: OKINAWA
Today wil be your free day to enjoy Okinawa. You can choose to visit Ryukyu Mura, a small theme park about traditional Okinawan culture in the form of a recreated village from the times of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Immersed into the theme park for a deeper knowledge into Okinawan traditions!
Don&;t miss Okinawa&;s iconic landmark - Shurijo Castle! The castle served as dignified center of the prosperous Ryukyu Kingdom. A masterpiece as a result of Chinese-Japanese cultural fusion, the castle shows its exceptional cultural and historical values in its unique stonework and architectural design.
Complete your experience with authentic Okinawa soba – Yanbaru soba.
DAY 11: OKINAWA
Another free day in Okinawa! We recommend you to visit the renowned Churaumi Aquarium, arguably the best aquarium in Japan. The highlight of a visit here is the massive Kuroshio Tank. The tank contains an extensive collection of species, with the most striking ones are the giant whale sharks and manta rays.
In the afternoon, you can enjoy a variety of marine activities including diving, snorkeling, sea kayak, etc.
DAY 12: OKINAWA DEPARTURE
On the final day in Japan, take some time to explore the area and pick up souvenirs. Tell us if there is anything else you hoped to see or do while in the country so that we can make extra arrangements, or let us escort you back to the airport with all your newfound treasures!