ITINERARY
DAY 1-2: TOKYO
Day 1: Upon arrival, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free - you can check out Shinjuku's shops and restaurants.
Day 2: Explore the capital today. Let's start in Asakusa. Visit Senso-Ji temple and its surrounding area. With its craft shops and street food stalls, the temple maintains a traditional atmosphere reminiscent of old Tokyo. Take memorable souvenir photos here. Explore Harajuku, famous for its modern Japanese fashion, design, and architecture, following your visit to the Meiji Shrine. Finally, see Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. In the evening, you can see the Sumida River, Tokyo illuminated, and the Rainbow Bridge, as well as the Lab Borderless in Odaiba.
Accommodation: Hotel Mystays Premier Hamamatsucho or similar class
DAY 3-4: KANAZAWA
Day 3: Stop in Akihabara and Ginza on the way to Kanazawa by high-speed rail - famous for electronics stores, luxury commercials, and high-end restaurants. Ginza has great ramen noodles! Stay in your hotel in Kanazawa and explore the city. Start at the Ninjadera Temple, which has secret passages and chambers designed to aid in escaping enemies.
Day 4: Continuing our exploration of Kanazawa, a city rich in history, culture, and art today. Visit Omicho Market, a fish market famous for its quality. Then, tour Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most scenic gardens. Discover the geisha districts and tea houses of Higashi Chaya, which takes visitors back in time to ancient Japan. Local craft shops also sell beautiful souvenirs made from golden leaves.
Accommodation: Hotel Mystays Premier Hamamatsucho or similar class
DAY 5-7: KYOTO AND UJI
Day 5: You will see the finest temples in the geisha district of Gion as you stroll along the picturesque streets. Kiyomizudera Temple, one of Japan's most impressive temples, is worth a visit for its traditional wooden constructions and sweet shops.
Day 6: Visit the Golden Pavilion Temple, the former residence of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, converted to a Buddhist temple. Anyone who sees the building for the first time will experience a breathtaking experience thanks to its golden leaves. Next, you'll visit Uji, which is known for its green tea and UNESCO sites. Learn about the Byodoin Buddhist Temple and visit the famous Salone Della Fenice. Here you'll find incredible cultural objects and national treasures!
Day 7: Immerse yourself in the bamboo forest of Arashiyama and hike along the famous forest paths. Visit the Tenryuji Zen temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a perfect place of peace and tranquility. You'll experience the humorous attitudes of the monkeys that roam freely through Monkey Park's natural reserve.
Accommodation: Daiwa Royal Hotel Grande Kyoto or similar class
DAY 8: NARA
On this day, we will explore Nara. A truly picturesque and peaceful city, Nara is home to over 1,200 freely roaming sacred deer, as well as an impressive number of historically and culturally significant sites. Meet cute deers in Nara Park and visit Todaiji Temple, another treasure of Japan with its Great Buddha Hall. Visit the 5-story pagoda and Isuien Gardens before returning to Kyoto.
Accommodation: Yadoya Kikokuso or similar class
DAY 9: HIROSHIMA
Take a 2.5 hr-morning train to Hiroshima.After lunch, visit the city's most famous attractions, including Memorial Peace Park, Shukkeien Park, and Hiroshima Castle. The castle has a museum devoted to the history of the castle and to old castles in general. The observation deck on the top floor offers panoramic views of the city! Try Hiroshima's highlight, okonomiyaki, on Hondori Street, a street filled with excellent restaurants and closed to traffic.
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar class
DAY 10: MIYAJIMA
From Hiroshima, take the ferry to Miyajima today. You can experience one of the most famous symbols of Japan at Itsukushima Shrine in a magical setting. It is unique that the shrine and the torii gate are built over water, looking as though they are floating on high tide. Take a cable car up Mount Misen to enjoy the views! On the mountainside is the beautiful Daisho-in Buddhist temple.
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar class
DAY 11: OSAKA CITY
Take a 1.5-hour train to Osaka in the morning. Explore Osaka Castle's park and admire the excellent architecture of one of Japan's most famous palaces. Experience the action and renowned regional cuisine at Namba, Shinsekai, and Dotonbori. Koshikatsu dishes and takoyaki are highlights here.
Accommodation: Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class
DAY 12-14: OSAKA EXPO
The pandemic has wreaked havoc worldwide for the past two years, and Japan's Expo will shed light on how humanity and our planet can work together to become more sustainable. Explore the Expo with our FREE multi-day pass.
Accommodation: Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class
DAY 15: MT. FUJI
Day 15: From Tokyo, go to Hakone to discover Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. On this bus tour departing from Tokyo, you'll see the most prominent sights in Hakone. Enjoy a cruise on volcanic Lake Ashi and a local lunch and souvenir shopping.
Accommodation: Hotel Mystays Premier Hamamatsucho or similar, Tokyo
DAY 16: TOKYO DEPARTURE
We'll send you to the airport to see you off.
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!