9-Day Japan Highlights Tour Including Hakone Leisure
- 9± DAYS
- First-timer PERFECT FOR
- US$4,109 p/p
PRICE FROM
A Stimulating Fusion of East and West
This 9-day classic itinerary has been designed to cover most highlights of Japan's unique culture. We explore the country's most illustrious cities, Tokyo and Kyoto, and make day trips to the nearby hilly hot-spring town Hakone and the tranquil Nara. Meanwhile, we arrange plenty of family-bonding activities to help create memorable experiences along the way.
I had heard Nara’s deer could be aggressive about food, so I quickly hid my crackers and left the crowded stalls. Deeper around Kasuga Taisha or Mount Wakakusa, I found gentle deer and fawns that bowed for treats. Petting them and taking photos felt peaceful and healing.
Journey Highlights
Traveler Moments
An Itinerary for Inspiration
We arrange plenty of cultural activities to help create memorable experiences along the way; such as lessons in Iaido, a form of Japanese swordsmanship, and shodo, Japanese calligraphy. We also take time to observe deer, regarded by Japanese people as messengers of the gods, and sample Japanese sake in a local brewery
Arrival in Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo!
- Tokyo is a mix of digital trends and conspicuous consumption, but dig deeper, and you will find a city rooted deeply in traditional culture.
- You will be met on arrival at Narita International Airport and have your own transfer to your accommodation.
- The rest of the day is free for your own leisure
Tokyo Highlights
- The day begins with a visit to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji, and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Walk along Omotesando shopping street, a broad, tree-lined avenue, home to flagship stores of the world's top fashion brands.
- Head across town to Asakusa, Tokyo's old town, where you can soak in the atmosphere of the Tokyo of old. Visit Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that for centuries has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional snacks and tourist souvenirs
- End your day in Hamarikyu garden, an Edo period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district's futuristic skyscrapers. This is a great advert for the land of contrasts. You will stop for Japanese sweets and a cup of steaming matcha in a tea house on a small island in the park's lake.
Tokyo Treasures: Fish Market, Sushi Making & Anime Cafe
- Start by diving into the lively ambiance of Tsukiji Fish Market, celebrated for its extensive selection of seafood and dynamic market atmosphere.
- Following that, enhance your culinary prowess through an authentic sushi-making session, guided by an experienced local sushi chef. Relish the delectable flavors of your handmade sushi during a delightful lunch, taking pride in your newly acquired skill.
- Time to dive into the vibrant world of Japanese pop culture with an enjoyable visit to the anime-themed cafe!
Tokyo to Hakone
- Today, make your way to Shinjuku Station and use your Hakone Pass together with your Romance car ticket to make the 90-minute journey directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
- On arrival, you may board a shuttle bus to your accommodation.
- The rest of the day is free time for your own leisure.
Hakone Free Day
- Use your pass today to explore Hakone.
- Ride the world's second-longest cable car up Mt. Owakudani, passing over sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers in this volcanic area. You can eat an egg hard-boiled in the sulfuric hot springs, which make Hakone famous. If you do, it will add seven years to your life!
- A majestic replica pirate ship will sweep you across Lake Ashinoko, formed 3,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption. The Hakone Tozan 'switchback train' zigzags through the mountains, providing amazing views of the surrounding valleys.
Hakone to Kyoto
- This morning, make your way to Odawara Station using your Hakone pass and use your train ticket to board the Shinkansen to Kyoto.
- On arrival at Kyoto Station, make your own way to your hotel.
- The rest of the day is free for your leisure.
Kyoto Highlights
- Start your day with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), which was originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun (military dictator). At his request, it became a Buddhist Temple after his death, and is now one of Kyoto's most famous temples.
- Nijo Castle is an ornamental castle built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate (1603- 1868) as his Kyoto residence. It is surrounded by stunning gardens.
- Take a walk down Nishiki Market, a narrow, five-block-long shopping street lined by more than a hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things related to food, like fresh seafood, knives, and cookware.
- To end the day, select from a multitude of traditional Japanese kimonos and be expertly dressed and styled by local professionals. Embrace this unique opportunity to traverse local landscapes in authentic Japanese attire for a truly enriching travel experience.
Nara and Fushimi Full Day Excursion from Kyoto
- Transfer to Nara from your hotel with a local guide. For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan's capital, and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain
- Visit Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha.
- Take a wander through Nara Park, called Deer Park by locals, due to the 1,200-plus tame deer living there.
- On the way back from Nara, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which was used in the movie 'Memoirs of a Geisha'. It is home to over 10,000 red torii gates, which form a path up the mountain behind the temple
Departure from Kyoto
- Meet at your hotel for a private transfer to Kansai International Airport.
- Have a safe flight home. We trust there were some moments during your trip to Japan you will remember fondly forever.
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Your Stay is Part of the Story
Where you stay shapes your journey. We handpick hotels for their unique character, from city boutiques to beachfront escapes. We’ve selected hotels in central Tokyo and Kyoto to make it easy for you to get around. In Hakone, you can enjoy a hot spring bath at a traditional Japanese ryokan.
What's Included
No surprises, no hidden fees. Our pricing is transparent and tailored to your final plan. Here's a clear look at what's typically included.
Price Guide
- Comfort & Character
- From US$4,109 per person
Your Inclusions
Modern, spacious A/C vehicle & driver
Dedicated English-speaking local guide
All entrance fees & listed activities
All nights in handpicked hotels
Domestic flights between cities
Daily breakfast & specified meals
24/7 on-trip support
ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)
Good to Know
Pricing
- Based on two people, low season travel.
- Your final price is customized to your group, dates, and choices.
- Mixing hotels? Absolute. We'll design a trip to fit your budget.
Exclusions
- International flight (we can help book)
- Most lunches & dinners (for flexibility)
- Visas & travel insurances
- Tips & personal spending
Booking
- Discounts available for children under 8.
- We accept USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR, and more.
Tour code
- ah-31
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