Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: TOKYO
The Adventure Begins
Welcome to Japan!
Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met with an English-speaking assistant holding a sign with your name on it. Together with the driver, they will take you to the hotel in downtown Tokyo.
Where you’re staying
hotel niwa tokyo
Premium with Breakfast
DAY 2: TOKYO
The Best of Tokyo
Spend a half day exploring Tokyo's temples and gardens and marvel at its futuristic skyscrapers. Discover the city's extensive and user-friendly public transportation system with the guidance of your local guide. Start by exploring the outside of Japan's Imperial Palace, the home of the Imperial Family. Wander around Asakusa, the old town area of the city. Visit Tokyo's oldest and most popular temple, Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, to experience the traditional Tokyo of yesteryear. For centuries, temple visitors have been able to purchase traditional snacks and souvenirs on Nakamise, which backs onto Sensoji.
Ride the subway to the Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji's deified spirit and a popular location for traditional Japanese weddings. During the Meiji period, Japan's feudal era came to an end, and the country modernized and became more westernized. Stroll along Omotesando’s tree-lined avenue if you have the time, a broad avenue lined with flagship stores of world-renowned fashion houses. You will return to your hotel after the tour.
If you have more time, take a private tour of three of Tokyo's most vibrant youth fashion and pop culture hotspots this evening on your own.
Where you’re staying
hotel niwa tokyo
Premium with Breakfast
DAY 3: MT. FUJI AT HAKONE
Lace Up for Some Fresh Air
Get away from Tokyo's hustle and bustle for a day at Hakone, the gateway to Japan's tallest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and the surrounding national park. Spend a day exploring Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in your own vehicle as well as Hakone's experiential forms of transportation. Take a ride on the second-longest cable car in the world up Mount Owakudani, and enjoy the sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers in this active volcanic area. You'll also want to try Hakone's famous black eggs, the Owakudani. Local legend has it that eating one of these eggs will add seven years to your life. The eggs are hard-boiled in Hakone's sulfuric hot springs. Sail across Lake Ashinoko, a lake formed by a volcanic eruption 3000 years ago, aboard a majestic pirate ship. There is a chance to see Mt. Fuji throughout the day, but please note that she is a notoriously shy mountain and good weather is required.
Where you’re staying
Ichinoyu Honkan Ryokan
Standard Japanese Room with Open Air Bath with Breakfast
DAY 4: HAKONE TO KYOTO
En Route
You will be transferred to the train station by your driver. Enjoy the scenic ride from Hakone's Odawara station to Kyoto. The train ride takes approximately two hours.
Kyoto has been enticing visitors since Japan began to open its borders at the end of the 19th century. Kyoto was Japan's capital from 794 to 868 and used to be the emperor's residence from 794 to 1868; its majestic palaces and villas, delightfully charming streets, meticulously tended gardens, and time-honored traditions are still observed to this day.
In a city like Kyoto, you have many options when you have some time on your own. Consider walking the Philosopher's Path up to Higashiyama this evening. Taking a leisurely stroll along one of the city's most iconic canals is a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon. We recommend starting at the south end (unlike most city guides) so that your walk ends in the historic Higashiyama neighborhood, home to dozens of cute cafes and izakayas if your afternoon stroll has left you whistle-less. We also recommend making reservations at one of Kyoto's 265 Michelin-starred restaurants* tonight.
*Note: Please let your Destination Expert know ahead of time as reservations must often be made three or more months in advance and may come with a fee (just to reserve) which we can have waived on your behalf.
Where you’re staying
Citadines Kyoto
Studio with Breakfast
DAY 5: KYOTO
Sights and Insights
Known for its dramatic power struggles, the oldest geisha district, and its beautifully preserved teahouses, Northern Kyoto is a city rich in history and spectacular architecture. Your guide will help you navigate cobblestone streets in neighborhoods that date back over a thousand years. As you explore Kyoto, you'll find it not only filled with the past but also with modern monks, artisans, baristas, and college students working towards its lively future.
In the first place, Kinkakuji Temple attracts millions of visitors each year, which is why it is the most visited site in Japan. A far cry from Buddhist austerity, it is covered in real gold leaf, luminous no matter what the weather. Next, Kintano-tenmangu is a remarkable shrine to scholarship that was built to appease a ghost's anger. As local college students buy lucky pencils for their entrance exams, marvel at how the entertainment district surrounding it has literally been built upon its austere bones. A large part of the temple was rebuilt after a fire in 1444, and the remaining wood was used to construct the seven tea houses that became the first "flower town" in Kyoto. Kamishichiken is just as charming as its more touristy cousin Gion, while offering better photo ops. You will return to your hotel following the tour.
Where you’re staying
Citadines Kyoto
Studio with Breakfast
DAY 6: KYOTO
It’s All Ancient History
In 45 minutes, you'll get to Nara from Kyoto. This area was Japan's capital for 74 years during the 8th century, and there are many ancient temples and shrines here. Today's tour includes a visit to Todaiji temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to the Great Buddha. You will also visit Kasuga Taisha, a shrine built in 768 AD and known for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshippers. Next, take a stroll through Nara Park, nicknamed Deer Park because it is home to 1,000 tame deer. While returning from Nara, you'll visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the landmarks of Japan, known for its tori gates that form a path up the mountain.
Where you’re staying
Citadines Kyoto
Studio with Breakfast
DAY 7: OSAKA
Explore a City of Contrasts
Your private guide will take you to Osaka this morning. Visit the Osaka Castle, the largest castle in Japan surrounded by impressive moats and stone walls. Visit the Dotonbori district, known for its exquisite food as well as its shopping and entertainment. You can taste Osaka's famous takoyaki (octopus dumplings) here. Head to the Shinsekai district of the city, which is known locally as the 'retro' area. There are a few old markets and buildings that look like they were built in the mid-1900s. Compare this to a visit to the Abeno Harukas skyscraper, the tallest building in Japan that offers amazing views of the city from its observation decks. At the end of your tour, your guide will take you back to your hotel in Kyoto.
Where you’re staying
Citadines Kyoto
Studio with Breakfast
DAY 8-9: OSAKA EXPO
Explore the World Expo 2025
People’s Living Lab – A laboratory for a future society. Osaka Expo invites you to co-create our future society. The expo will demonstrate cutting-edge technologies to create new ideas, and shared, all to help resolve global issues facing mankind.
Where you’re staying
Citadines Kyoto
Studio with Breakfast
DAY 10: OSAKA
Jet Off
A private driver will take you to Osaka Kansai International Airport.
Transfer Your Cruise Booking and Receive
Free airport transfer, free shore excursion, free hotel, and much more...