Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo

Yokoso! Welcome to Japan. Meet our staff at the arrival lobby and together transfer to central Tokyo. After checking at your accommodation, you will be free to start discovering your surrounding or just relax after the long flight.

Night in Tokyo

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Guide, Transportation and Fees.

Day 2 – Tokyo Highlights

Start your Japan adventure in the urban, modern and energetic big-city of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Tokyo is also an ultra-modern city, not only filled with Japanese history but also futuristic, neo-sci-fi streetscapes that make you feel like you’re a part of the Blade Runner movie.

Start your day with a walking tour of the renowned Tsukiji Fish Market. For lunch, join a cooking lesson with a chef and learn everything about sushi. Then head to Asakusa, one of the last remaining traditional districts in Tokyo. The area is anchored by the famous Sensoji Temple. Tour the temples and traditional streets in the area.

Meiji-Jingu shrine isTokyo’s grandest Shrine and was built by the Emperor and dedicated to his wife. Listen to the stories on why the paths to the Tea House here were purposely made zig-zagging, and why the corners of paths are slightly under 90 degrees. Being the largest shrine in Tokyo, it is dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji. The walk through the Sacred Forest is really peaceful, especially in central Tokyo.

Next stop will be Shibuya known to be a shopping and entertainment area and hence brings many young Japanese to spend their free time and money. The Shibuya Crossing in front of Shibuya Station has at least 2,000 people cross it every time the light turns green, and it always makes a great photo op.

Shibuya Sky is Tokyo’s newest addition to Shibuya scramble square. At 229 meters high, Shibuya Scramble Square is the highest in the district. On the 46th floor, you will find Shibuya Sky, a 360° open-air observation deck offering unobstructed views over the city with nothing but a layer of glass at the very edge of the building.

Night in Tokyo

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Guide, Transportation and Fees.

Day 3 – Day trip to Kamakura

Kamakura is one of the ancient cities where Japan’s central governments used to be located. In the late 12th century, the warrior class came into political power. Its government was formed by warriors, called Bushi or Samurai.

Visit Tsuruoka Hachimangu – A Shrine that protects the Warrior class. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu was established by Minamoto Yoriyoshi in 1063. He built a power base for the Minamoto warrior clan in the east of Japan after the suppression of a rebellion started by clans in the North East of Japan in 1051. He returned to Kamakura and built a small shrine for the Hachiman kami (the Japanese word for Shinto deities) near the coast to give thanks for success in suppressing the rebellion.

Next visit the Kotokuin Temple. This World Heritage temple is famous for its colossal copper Buddha statue, the second largest in Japan. The fact that it sits in the open air makes it unusual amongst large Buddha statues in Japan.

Hokokuji Temple is a little off-the-beaten track, but  a fascinating, hidden spot known as the Bamboo Temple. For those wanting some inner peace, relax and refresh yourself amongst the dappled light pervading the bamboo grove.

Shopping at Komachi Dori. Here you can not only rent a Yukata (lightweight kimono) for the day but also buy amazing souvenirs and eat delicious food. Many shops selling sweets or other snacks also offer food samples

Late afternoon, return to Tokyo and end the tour at your accommodation. Evening at your leisure

Night in Tokyo

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Guide, Transportation and Fees.

Day 4 – Transfer to Kawaguchi and the 5 Lakes area

Lake Kawaguchiko is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes with train and direct bus connections to Tokyo. It is also a hot spring resort town with various tourist attractions and views of Mount Fuji.

After check-out, take the train for Kawaguchi. Leave your luggage at the hotel and start sightseeing the area: Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway ascends to an observation point near the summit of Mount Tenjo, from where Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji can be seen.

The Chureito Pagoda  offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji in combination with the pagoda, especially during the cherry blossom season in mid-April when there are hundreds of trees in bloom.

Even if you’re not a huge fan of art museums, Kubota Itchiku Art Museum  is worth visiting for the natural space it’s in. Kubota Itchiku (1917-2003) was the artist who revived the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing, used to decorate elaborate kimonos during the Muromachi Period. Exhibited are several of the artist’s kimono creations, depicting themes of nature, the cosmos and the seasons. Also on display are parts of his unfinished masterpiece “Symphony of Light”, a huge work comprising 80 kimonos that together form a picture of Mount Fuji.

End of the tour at your accommodation.

Night in Kawaguchi (Ryokan stay – traditional inn)

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Dinner, Private Guide, Transportation and Fees.

Day 5 – Transfer to Isawa onsen and Visit to Kofu

Check-out from your accommodation and head to the station where you will take a short local train to the hot spring village of Isawa.

After settling at your accommodation, head to theKofu Castle ruins. Kofu Castle was built in the late 16th century after the downfall of the powerful Takeda clan by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the three great unifiers of Japan. The highest point of the park, which is presumed to have been where the castle once stood, offers an unbroken, panoramic view of the city, the Kofu basin, the Koshu Yume Koji shopping street, the surrounding mountains and Mount Fuji on a clear day.

After the Castle, we will head to the Shosenkyo Gorge. Designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Shosenkyo is known as Japan’s most beautiful gorge. It has a promenade along the valley where you can see unusual stones, as well as enjoy the fabulous natural views of each season. The Senga Waterfall is a 30-meter-tall, selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, another good way to explore the area is to take the Shosenkyo Ropeway on the upper, northern end of the gorge. At the top of the ropeway is the panorama platform offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Mount Fuji and the Southern Japanese Alps.

Mid-afternoon, return to your accommodation in Isawa onsen and relax in the many hot-springs at your disposition.

Night in Isawa Onsen(Ryokan stay – traditional inn)

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Dinner, Private Guide, Transportation and Fees.

Day 6 – Kofu and winery tour

This morning, wake-up very early and head to Hottarakashi Onsen by taxi. Hottarakashi Onsen is the only hot spring in Japan where one can overlook the beautiful night scenery, Mount Fuji, and the sunrise all at one place. After enjoying yourself in the hot-springs, return to your accommodation by taxi and go back to sleep to be ready for the rest of your day.

Early in the afternoon, join a winery tour. Yamanashi prefecture is known as the birthplace of Japanese wine with 80 wineries which produce about 30% of the nation’s wine. This tour covers four representative wineries of the Yamanashi and you can enjoy a free tasting at each of the wineries.

End of the tour at your accommodation in Kofu.

Night in Isawa Onsen (Ryokan stay – traditional inn)

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Guide, Transportation and Fees.

Day 7 – Return to Tokyo

In the morning, checkout from your accommodation and take the bullet train back to Tokyo. After check-in at your new accommodation, you will have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Why don’t you go explore Yokohama?

Yokohama is the first harbor city introduced to the world as the entrance to Japan. Since the time its port was opened, Yokohama has been vigorously acquiring new cultural influences from foreign countries.

Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan. With more than 600 shops in only a 250,000 square meter area, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Yokohama Chinatown is known as the world’s best Chinese food spot.

Nearby Chinatown, Minato Mirai Consists of many landmarks for the city highlighted by the Yokohama Landmark Tower, 296-meter skyscraper with shopping complex; Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a complex building where you can enjoy shopping and dining of every kind and, amusement facilities which offer entertainment day and night, just to mention a few.

Osanbashi Pier is a large pier and ferry terminal that handles large cruise ships. The architecture of the pier makes heavy use of wood and grass. It’s amongst the best spots to view Yokohama’s skyline and port.

Still in Yokohama, the Cup Noodles Museum is a fun museum with activities for everyone. Learn about the history and creation of Cup ramen and design your own cup noodles.

Night in Tokyo

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transportation and Fees.

Day 8 – Day trip to Okutama

The lush forests of Okutama (part of the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park) are only 90 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station.

Start your Okutama adventure by visiting the Ogouchi Reservoir. Surrounded by mountains and verdant forests, the man-made Lake Okutama was created back in 1957 when the Ogouchi Dam went up across the Tama River.

Take the Mitake Tozan cable car, which drops you off 20-30 minutes’ walk from the top. The ancient Musashi Mitake Shrine greets you at the summit along with gorgeous panoramic views of the Kanto area.

On your way back from Mt Mitake, stop at the Sawanoi Sake Brewery.

With over 300 years of history, Sawanoi is a local sake brewery where you can learn about the culture and production process of Japan’s national drink, while sampling some top brands. Located in the lush Okutama region, the brewery features a large garden overlooking the Tama River, with an open-air area where you can order bowls of noodles and sake tasting sets to enjoy as you bask in the tranquil nature. Tours are offered in English, but you’ll need to reserve via the website.

Night in Tokyo

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast

Day 9 – Departure or continue to another part of Japan

For your departure, our guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer to one of Tokyo’s airports.

If you have more time ahead, why don’t you continue your adventures with a trip to the West area of Japan or north to the Tohoku area for example?

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Private Guide, Transportation and Fees.