16 Days Japan Extensive Tour

16 Days Hyogo, Nara, Ishikawa, Kanagawa, Hiroshima, Tochigi, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo 

• Explore the bustling nation's capital
• Travel further across the country, and visit the top destinations: Nikko, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, and more
• Convenient JR Pass as well as a portable WiFi device included
• English-speaking guide

Explore the Land of the Rising Sun in depth by joining our 16 Days Japan Extensive Tour. Starting from Tokyo, you'll experience what the metropolis offers in terms of culture, history, entertainment, shopping, and gastronomy. Take a day trip to Nikko, with designated UNESCO World Heritage sites. Tour Kamakura as well, see its famous Great Buddha, and try local delicacies. Kanazawa and its top highlights are also in your itinerary. Stroll in Kenrokuen, considered one of the three leading Japanese gardens in the country, and check out the craftsmanship of golden leaf. Move to western Japan, and tour elegant Kyoto and ancient Nara. Try as much of the local cuisine as you can while in Osaka, known as the gourmet capital of Japan. You will also visit Hiroshima, a worldwide symbol of peace, and the picturesque Miyajima Island and its "floating" sacred "torii" gate. 

Day 1: Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun! Arrive at Haneda International Airport and transfer by train to your hotel for check-in. Relax for the rest of the day - you may, for example, explore the bustling Shinjuku area with its multiple shops and restaurants.
 

Day 2: Today is dedicated to exploring the capital. First stop: Asakusa. You will see the famous Senso-Ji temple and the whole neighborhood. The temple has maintained an atmosphere reminiscent of old Tokyo with its traditional craft shops and street-food stalls not to be missed. Enjoy this fascinating part of Tokyo and take beautiful souvenir photos. You will then move to the famous Meiji Shrine, to follow with an exploration of Harajuku - famous for quirky modern and contemporary Japanese fashion and design and architecture. Your last stop is Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a very suggestive view of the Sumida River, the illuminated city of Tokyo, and the Rainbow Bridge. In Odaiba, you will also visit the spectacular team Lab Borderless digital art museum. 

Accommodation: Hotel Mystays Premier Hamamatsucho or similar class 

Today you will independently visit Nikko, a beautiful mountain area in Tochigi Prefecture, just 2 hours by train from Tokyo, unique for its forests and main attractions. Among these, you will see the attractions of Nikko. The first is Toshogu Shrine, a mausoleum dedicated to the founder of the last shogunate of Japan, designated UNESCO Heritage site. You’ll also find 100-meter-high Kegon waterfalls, the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, which offers dramatic and unforgettable views. You will spend a day in a completely different and enchanting reality of Japan to return to Tokyo in the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Mystays Premier Hamamatsucho or similar class 

On this day, you will visit the main attractions of the beautiful Kamakura, the ancient capital of Japan located near the sea. Here you can see the impressive Hachimangu Shrine, the most important Shinto shrine in the prefecture. You will stroll down Komachi Dori, a narrow street full of quality souvenir shops and typical restaurants, and also visit the unmissable Big Buddha of Kamakura. You’ll return to Tokyo tonight. 

Accommodation: Hotel Mystays Premier Hamamatsucho or similar class 

Day 5: Before moving to Kanazawa on the shinkansen bullet train, visit two more Tokyo neighborhoods: Akihabara and Ginza. The former became popular as the center for electronics stores and the famous Japanese manga (Naruto, One Piece, DragonBall, and many more). In contrast, the latter became the home of luxury commercials and high-end restaurants. Ginza is particularly recommended for trying excellent ramen noodles! Once you arrive in Kanazawa, check-in at your hotel and explore the city a bit as you please. We recommend, for example, the Ninjadera Temple with its hidden passages and secret chambers, designed in due time to escape and defend against enemy attacks.  
 

Day 6 is dedicated to the exploration of Kanazawa, home of history, culture, and art. First visit the Omicho Market, famous for the quality fish which Kanazawa is very famous. Spend the rest of the day visiting the most important destinations, including Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. Immerse yourself in the small alleys of the typical geisha districts and tea houses, including the famous Higashi Chaya district, which projects visitors into ancient Japan. Here you will also find beautiful local craft souvenir shops created using unique golden leaves. Be enchanted by the atmosphere of Kanazawa!

Accommodation: The square hotel KANAZAWA or similar class 

Day 7. Your guide will accompany you on this day to discover some of the most beautiful gems in the city. You will see some of the most important temples passing through the beautiful streets of the geisha district of Gion. It is famous worldwide for the traditionally preserved wooden structures and small boutiques of local sweets that guide visitors to the Kiyomizudera Temple, one of the most impressive and recognized in all Japan!  
 

Day 8: You will independently visit the "Golden Pavilion Temple," the old seat of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu who later transformed it into a Buddhist temple. The building is covered in gold leaves and offers a breathtaking experience for all those who see it for the first time. You'll move to the small town called Uji, famous for green tea and its UNESCO sites. Here you'll explore the majestic Byodoin Buddhist Temple, where you can visit the famous Salone Della Fenice. This beautiful museum contains unique national treasures and spectacular cultural works of art!
 

Day 9: Immerse yourself in the Arashiyama bamboo forest and enjoy walking through the famous forest paths. You'll visit the Tenryuji Zen temple, a UNESCO heritage site and an excellent place of perfect peace and tranquility. You'll meet the funny attitudes of the monkeys that freely roam in this natural reserve in Monkey Park!

Accommodation: Daiwa Royal Hotel Grande Kyoto or similar class 

It is a day to explore Nara. You’ll greet adorable deers in Nara Park and visit the giant Todaiji Temple, another treasure of Japan with its Great Buddha Hall. You can’t miss the Isuien Garden and the 5-story pagoda before returning to Kyoto at the end of the day.

Accommodation: Yadoya Kikokuso or similar class 

Have breakfast at your ryokan and move to Hiroshima, a city rich in history. Check in to your new accommodation and visit the essential destinations in the city, including the Memorial Peace Park, Shukkeien Park, and Hiroshima Castle. In the latter, you will find a museum on the fascinating history of the castle and the old castles of Japan in general. Do not miss the panoramic view of the city observable from the top floor! Enjoy Downtown Hiroshima, particularly Hondori Street, a road closed to traffic full of shops and excellent restaurants where you can try okonomiyaki, the highlight of the local cuisine!

Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar class 

Today take the ferry from Hiroshima, usable with the JR Pass, which will take you to the fantastic island of Miyajima. Immersing yourself in a magical atmosphere at Itsukushima Shrine, you enjoy one of the most famous symbols of Japan in the world. The shrine was built in a particular way to float in the water. If time permits, then take the cable car to Mount Misen, which offers an excellent view from above! At the foot of the mountain, you will also find the beautiful Daisho-in Buddhist temple.

Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar class 

Today you will leave towards Osaka. Check in to your hotel and begin your visits to the fantastic attractions that this city has to offer. Start with Osaka Castle, one of the most famous in all of Japan, where you can take a nice walk inside its park and admire the excellent architecture of the building. Then go and explore the Namba, Shinsekai, and Dotonbori areas, entertainment, and fantastic cuisine centers where you can enjoy the action and regional cuisine renowned throughout the country! Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and koshikatsu are particularly recommended dishes.

Accommodation: Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class 

Today you will visit Himeji! You will see the world-famous Himeji Castle, a cultural jewel of Japan and one of the most historic castles in the country as the first to be named a UNESCO Cultural Heritage. You will then continue to the well-known Japanese-style garden Kokoen. The garden consists of nine interconnected parks that recreate beautiful landscapes where you can relax, have a cup of tea and enjoy the scenery in peace. Before returning to Osaka at the end of the day, you can decide whether to stop halfway to admire the Akashi Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world!

Accommodation: Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class 

Day 15: Start the day by visiting the vast, wonderfully manicured Gyoen Park with its beautiful Japanese gardens. Continue with the most panoramic view of Tokyo by purchasing a ticket for the Roppongi Hills observatory in the middle of the skyscrapers, where you will have a 360 ° view of the city and Mount Fuji in the distance. In the same building, if you wish, you can also visit the Japanese contemporary art museum, Mori Art, for free. In the evening, you’ll explore the center of the lively and beloved Shibuya with its iconic attractions: The statue of the popular dog Hachiko, the famous busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, and much more!

Accommodation: Hotel Mystays Premier Hamamatsucho 

Day 16:  Today is the day of the return to your country of residence and we advise you to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.