Package Details

Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions prior to morning sightseeing in Tokyo. Your tour starts with a visit to MEIJI SHRINE, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Next, visit an artist’s studio and learn to write like a local during a CALLIGRAPHY CLASS with a master calligrapher. Here, you’ll also have the opportunity to try on a traditional KIMONO and partake in a TRADITIONAL TEA CEREMONY, a wonderfully choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea. Last stop is the ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE and the NAKAMISE SHOPPING ARCADE. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure.

Today, enjoy the day at your leisure for independent exploration. Your Tour Director will provide you with a pre-paid PASMO CARD to get you started using Tokyo’s famous subway system.

This morning, leave Tokyo and head south along the coast to Kamakura to see the 750-year-old Great Buddha. Continue on to the Mount Fuji area for a CRUISE on Lake Ashi, followed by a CABLE-CAR RIDE (weather permitting) for panoramic views of spectacular Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain.

This morning, board one of Japan’s famous BULLET TRAINS bound for Kyoto. Upon arrival, visit the FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE, renowned for the thousands of brightly colored Torii Gates. This evening, you may choose to stay (additional expense) in a traditional Japanese ryokan.

Your day begins with a visit to NIJO CASTLE, built in 1603 as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Then, visit stunning Kinkakuji, the TEMPLE OF THE GOLD PAVILION, covered in shimmering gold leaf. Lastly, visit KIYOMIZU TEMPLE, the “Pure Water Temple,” with stunning views over Kyoto. Along the way, walk through the busy streets where shops and restaurants have been catering to pilgrims for centuries.

A full day at leisure to explore more of Kyoto’s historic temples and shrines. Join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a farewell dinner this evening.

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. Homebound flights from Kansai International Airport in Osaka should not depart prior to 11 am.