Small Group Tour ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival - Osaka
Welcome to Japan! When you arrive at Kansai International Airport, our staff will greet you and assist you in boarding the chartered transport to your hotel. Upon arrival at your hotel and after a short rest, we will take you to Osaka's vibrant, colorful downtown district, the Dotonbori area. Here you can sample a wide variety of delicious Japanese cuisine. We will serve you a welcome dinner at the 'Kitchen of Japan,' in Osaka. After a hearty dinner and a walk, we will take you to your hotel for a good night's rest.
Accommodation: Hotel Integrate Osaka Umeda 4* or similar
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Osaka - Kyoto
Today you'll meet your friends from other parts of the world to start our Japan small group tour for a week.
Our first stop today is the impressive symbol of Osaka - the Osaka Castle, which was struck by lightning back in 1665. Throughout its history, the castle has been rebuilt and modernized. It now has an elevator on the top floor, which makes it easy to access it. From the observation deck, one can admire the surroundings in a picturesque manner.
Your tour of Osaka will include the Castle and Nishinomaru Garden, as well as Shittenoji Temple, Japan's oldest temple. Japan is an interesting country that combines old and new in an interesting way. As you discover the traditional sights of Osaka, you'll climb the Umeda Sky Building - an outstanding example of contemporary architecture. You can view the beautiful skyline of Osaka from its floating observatory.
In the afternoon, we will transfer to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, where we will visit various Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and many other traditional sites.
Accommodation: Hotel Keihan Kyoto Ekiminami 4* or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Kyoto
Today, you will visit the Temple of the Golden Pavillion, one of Kyoto's most famous landmarks. It is also known as the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion.
You will then visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine. In front of the shrine are a thousand crimson shrine gates reminiscent of scenes from "Memories of a Geisha." For lunch, we will eat Buddhist cuisine, known as 'shojin ryori' in Japanese. The next stop is Kiyomizudera, a Buddhist temple with a wooden observation deck offering stunning views of Kyoto. Take a stroll through the temple grounds and quaint streets of the area to get a feel for the traditional, historical charm of Japan.
We finish this day in Gion, in downtown Kyoto, one of the most widely recognized geisha districts in the country.
Accommodation: Hotel Keihan Kyoto Ekiminami 4* or similar
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 4: Nara
We are spending this day in Nara, the capital of Japan during the 8th century. Nara is only a short train ride away from Kyoto. We begin our visit at Todaiji, a large Buddhist temple complex. In its Great Buddha Hall, you will find the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha. After Todaiji, we will take a stroll in a meticulously designed and maintained Isuien Garden.
Nara Park is an essential part of any visit to Nara. As you walk through the park, you can feed the many friendly deer roaming freely, and also add more Japanese photographs to your growing collection. We will return to Kyoto after visiting the Kasuga Taisha Shinto shrine.
Accommodation: Hotel Keihan Kyoto Ekiminami 4* or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Kyoto and Tokyo
You will set out on a scenic cycling tour around Kyoto's Arashiyama area, where you can marvel at bamboo forest groves, on your last morning in Kyoto. The Arashiyama Mountains (Storm Mountains) are known for their ancient bamboo groves. Kyoto's historic heart is a UNESCO heritage site for its scenic beauty, allowing visitors to enjoy the city in a distinct manner.
Having concluded our visit to Western Japan, we will board the so-called 'shinkansen' bullet train and reach Tokyo in just a little over 2 hours. Upon our arrival at Tokyo Station, we will explore and walk around the fashionable, elegant, and vibrant Ginza area before reaching your hotel for a well-deserved overnight rest.
Accommodation: Dai-chi Hotel Tokyo 4* or similar
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Tokyo
Experience Tokyo on a one-day tour and explore the city guided by a local expert.
The first stop on the itinerary is the Edo Tokyo Museum and Imperial Palace. These vibrant and diverse locations reflect the country's rich history, culture, and traditions. We will visit the city's old downtown district, Shitamachi, or Asakusa, where ordinary people have lived and traded for centuries. Then, we will take a cruise down the Sumida River, which is certainly one of the most enjoyable ways to see and appreciate Tokyo.
After the cruise, we will visit the Tokyo Tower. At the end of the tour, we will take you to Harajuku and Omotesando so you can experience Japan's funky, colorful, and stylish side. Say " さようなら " (Sayōnara, "Good-bye" in Japanese) to the friends in your small group.
Accommodation: Dai-chi Hotel Tokyo 4* or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Tokyo and departure from Narita International Airport
Depending on your departure time, you may have some free time to go shopping or take a stroll alone. We will transfer you to the airport in a private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
New in 2023! Free Airport-Cruise Port Transfer!
We offer free Tokyo airport to Yokohama port transfer for all 2023, 2024, and 2025 cruise passengers!