The tour begins and ends in Japan's vibrant capital Tokyo where you can enjoy the many contrasts of this exciting city. The tour includes a 7 day Japan Rail Pass and an excursion day from Kyoto, allowing you to check out any one of a number of extra destinations. We will be spending the first couple of nights in Asakusa, an area of the city which is dominated by the atmospheric Senso-ji temple whilst at the end of the tour we will be based in the exciting Shinjuku district where a plethora of neon, restaurants, bars and shopping awaits.
Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Tokyo The tour group convenes in Tokyo where we stay in Asakusa, the ‘down-town’ area of the old Edo. Many of our customers choose to arrive a day early in order to get over jet-lag and get the most out of the tour. The tour leader will arrange a welcome meeting tonight and an optional dinner out a nearby restaurant. A great chance to get to know the rest of the group. Meals: None Day 2: Tokyo After breakfast, your Tour Leader will be leading a full day tour of the city. We’ll be checking out the amazing Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings, Meiji Shrine and the fashionable district of Harajuku, and the stunning new development at Shiodome before relaxing in the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens. You might like to take a cup of freshly made green tea served in the tea house which is the focal point of the garden. The day will end with a 45 minute boat trip on the Sumida River which runs through the center of Tokyo taking us back to Asakusa from where we began our day’s exploring. Meals: Breakfast Day 3: Kamakura This morning we will be departing for Kamakura. The journey takes about 1h45 from door to door. You’ll be able to drop off your bags before heading off to look around some of Kamakura’s many beautiful temples and shrines. The town is small enough to see all the major sights on foot and there are some really nice walking routes you might like to take. Be sure not to miss the big Buddha at Kotokuin temple. Meals: Breakfast Day 4: Hakone After enjoying breakfast at our hotel we will move on to Hakone. Total journey time is around 2h30. The tour includes a Hakone Free-Pass which allows you unlimited travel on all of the many forms of transport in the Hakone region; buses, funicular railway, cable car, rope-way, and even the sightseeing ‘pirate’ boat which crosses Lake Ashi. From here, if you’re lucky and the skies are clear, you will get a stunning view of Mt. Fuji. There are lots of things to see and do in Hakone and we’ll make sure you have all the necessary maps and information. Our ryokan has a very nice outdoor hot sping ‘rotemburo’ bath, so you can relax after a hard day’s sightseeing with a soak under the stars. Meals: Breakfast Day 5: Hakone A full day to explore Hakone. You may like to take a short hike along what remains of the old Tokaido highway that used to be the major road linking Edo (modern day Tokyo) with Kyoto and Osaka. The Open Air Sculpture Museum features pieces by many world-renowned artists all set against a stunning mountain backdrop. There is an assortment of museums to visit and of course one of Hakone's famous wooden marquetry "trick boxes" would make for a great souvenir. On our summer tours you will also have the opportunity for an optional climb of Mt. Fuji if you wish. Meals: Breakfast Day 6: Kyoto After breakfast we’ll be moving on to Kyoto, taking a two hour ride on the world famous ‘Bullet’ Train. Kyoto needs no introduction and is without doubt Japan’s capital of history and culture. This afternoon we will be joining a local expert for an informative walking tour around the Geisha district of Kyoto. This will be followed by an included meal at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast/Dinner Day 7: Kyoto Another day in this most famous of Japanese cities. There are all sorts of options for sightseeing in Kyoto and your tour leader will be hand to advise you. Of course, your tour leader will have some plans for perhaps some more unusual activities. One option is to head out of the city and then take a traditional style boat back down the Hozu River. This makes for quite a change from the usual temple hopping and is a lovely way to relax and enjoy some of the beautiful countryside outside of the main city. The boat ends up in Arashiyama, a charming district of Kyoto from where you can easily explore some of the famous, and not so famous sights. Whatever it is you want to do, be sure to ask your Tour Leader who will be on hand to help you out. Meals: Breakfast Day 8: Kyoto Today is our Excursion day – a free day for you to use your Japan Rail Pass (included in the tour price) to visit a destination of your choice. Popular choices will include Hiroshima, Himeji Castle, Nara or even Kanazawa which boasts one of Japan’s top 3 gardens, Kenrokuen. You can of course opt to stay in Kyoto if you wish to explore more in the city. Meals: Breakfast Day 9: Tokyo Take the Tokaido Shinkansen back to Tokyo today for our final day in the capital. You’ll be able to check out some of the sights you missed first time round or perhaps stock up on souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home. We’ll be staying right in the heart of the bright lights of Shinjuku and we hope that you will join your Tour Leader for a final night of top Japanese food and drink! Meals: Breakfast Day 10: Depart Today we all have to say our goodbyes and head our separate ways. We wish you all the best for a safe journey home and hope that perhaps one day you will return to Japan for some more adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun. Meals: Breakfast. Notes: Price Includes: 
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