DAY 1

• TOKYO

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• The Adventure Begins
• Welcome to Tokyo! An English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will introduce you to your driver for a transfer back to your hotel.
• Meet your driver for an enjoyable airport transfer with a private vehicle.

DAY 2

• TOKYO

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• A Healthy Dose of History
• Today's private-guided touring will give you a proper introduction to the imperial side of Tokyo. After meeting your guide at your hotel, and a quick ride on Tokyo's efficient public transportation, your tour begins with a visit to Meiji Shrine. Dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji, it is widely considered one of the most famous shrines in Japan and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Next, head to the Imperial Palace, located on the former site of Edo Castle. The park sits right in the middle of Tokyo and boasts a large area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls. Today, it is the official residence of Japan's Imperial Family. The adjacent Nihonbashi district was the center of trade and business during the Edo period (1600-1880 AD). It was the location of Japan’s first department store, Mitsukoshi (1673), and the home of the fish market that was the predecessor of the now widely known Tsukiji Fish Market. In this area, enjoy traditional shopping in the original stores of some of Japan's most famous traditional food purveyors. Try delicious senbei (Japanese rice crackers), or sample green tea and high-grade nori at Yamamotoyama. At the end of this tour your guide will accompany back to your hotel.
• After years of traveling to and from Japan, our Destination Experts all agree that when traveling to the other side of the globe, we all need some time at leisure to acclimate to the new time zone, a fast-paced city, and a different country, culture, and way of life. Take this day to explore the city at your own pace or rest at your accommodations and set off tomorrow fresh-faced and ready to take in the incredibly country that is Japan with your private guide along side.
• Please note: If you're the type to 'hit the ground running' when you travel, simply let your Destination Expert know and they will help you choose the best tour for the first, full day of your time abroad.

DAY 3

• TOKYO

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• Live Like a Local
• Recognized as one of the country's best shopping districts, Ginza is the perfect place for once-in-a-lifetime retail therapy. Boasting plenty of department stores, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, this upscale district dazzles with high-end wares and a stylish weekend pedestrian promenade. Wander the former stomping grounds of the exclusively wealthy, peruse incredible high-tech electronic specialties, and end the day with a posh cocktail in one of the neighborhood's many swanky bars.
• Today, your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby for an afternoon of exploration in three of Tokyo’s most vibrant, youthful centers for fashion and pop culture. Start by visiting Shibuya, a bustling shopping district famous for its cutting edge fashion and accessories. Considered the birthplace of many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends, this district is also perhaps Tokyo’s most photographed with its famous, 5-way ‘scramble’ crosswalk prominently featured. From here, head to Harajuku and the famous Takeshita dori (Cat Street) - another mecca of fashion for every kind of style. The fashion can become a little 'other-worldly' in Harajuku but the youth that congregates here has historically set trends for some major fashion houses abroad. Arrive next at Akihabara, otherwise known as ‘Electric Town’, which originally gained its fame from its many electronic shops that began popping up in 1970s Tokyo. Now, Akihabara is best known as the centre of otaku (diehard fan) culture. Here, find plenty of anime and manga shops and themed cafes with waitresses dressed as maids or various cute animals present for an in-depth look at this unique element of modern Japanese culture.

DAY 4

• TOKYO TO HAKONE

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• Lace Up for Some Fresh Air
• This morning, meet your private guide in the hotel lobby to begin your transfer to Hakone National Park for a day of fresh air and sightseeing in the foothills of Mt. Fuji. Meet your guide at your hotel and board your private vehicle transfer that takes you to the Hakone area. Start with a ride in a cable-car to the Hakone Ropeway. From here you have entered iconic Japan; Soar above the active volcanic site, Owakudani, (Great Boiling Valley). Watch the steam rising from the mountain, as thermal water grazes just under the rocky façade at extraordinarily hot temperatures. Stop amongst the steamy rocks, and see if you can spot Mt. Fuji in the distance before trying kuro-tamago, or a 'black egg.' Boiled in the sulfuric hot springs, each egg turns black as its cooked (rumored that eating it will add several years to your life)! Descend the mountain via ropeway where you’ll board (in true Japanese-kitsch fashion) a pirate ship and sail across famous Lake Ashi. These charming waters offer red torii gates, beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and (if luck is on your side) even Mt. Fuji on a clear day. After a stop in Hakone town, board a local bus with your guide back to your Gora area accommodations.

DAY 5

• HAKONE TO KYOTO

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• Cultural Immersion
• Meet your private English-speaking driver for a train station transfer.
• Board a train from Odawara Station to Kyoto today. The train ride is approximately 2 hours.
• Feel at ease with the help of a local, English-speaking assistant who will help you transfer to/from Kyoto train station to the nearby Granvia hotel - a short 4-5 minute walk away.
• After meeting your guide at your hotel lobby, start the day with a stroll through Miyagawa-cho, one of Kyoto’s five active ‘Hanamachi’ (lit. flower town) -- what are considered to be the city's 'geisha districts.' Continue to Hanamikoji Street, the main street of Gion, and enjoy the aroma from the many traditional restaurants and ‘Ochayas’ or, Japanese tea rooms. Although elusive, you may spot a Geisha or a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) whilst walking around this historical area - your local guide knows where to look! Reach Kennin-ji temple and visit the city’s oldest Zen temple, founded in 1202. Explore its beautiful ‘Karesansui’, Japanese rock garden, and admire the famous artwork of ‘Fujin-Raijin-zu’. End this tour of Gion at the venerated Yasaka Shrine. Established over 1350 years ago, the Shinto shrine connects the Geisha District of Gion and the beautiful, elevated Higashiyama  District. At the end of this tour you can choose to stay at the shops and cafes of Higashiyama or return back to your hotel with the help of your guide.

DAY 6

• KYOTO

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• Sights and Insights
• Today, check off some 'must-have' experiences while taking to the calmer, introspective side of Kyoto. Meet your private guide at your hotel and head to Yasaka Shrine by public transportation. Founded over 1350 years ago, the shrine connects the Geisha District of Gion with the beautiful Higashiyama Temple District. Walk through Higashiyama to partake in a Japanese Tea Ceremony called Sado or Chanoyu which has been in practice for over 400 years. The tea ceremony is conducted in the decorated rooms of a traditional house. You will then have some free time to explore Ninenzaka which is a preserved area with restored shop houses where you can imagine what Kyoto looked like in pre-modern times.. Next you will visit Kodaiji Temple. Established in 1606 and belonging to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, the lavish main buildings and richly decorated interiors are surrounded by beautiful Zen gardens. You will also see two tea houses set amidst the gardens and a small bamboo grove. Feeling refreshed and 'Zened-out,' you will have the option to remain in the Zen gardens or be accompanied back to your hotel.
• Kyoto has been charming visitors to Japan since the country began opening its borders at the end of the 19th century. Once Japan's capital (794-868) and the emperor's residence from 794 to 1868, Kyoto is known throughout the world for its wealth of majestic palaces and villas, delightfully charming streets, tediously tended-to gardens; and time-honored traditions that are preserved to the present day.
• Options abound with time on your own in a city like Kyoto. This evening, consider walking the Philosopher's Path up to Higashiyama: This 30-minute (leisurely) walk takes you along one of the city's most iconic canals and is an ideal way to spend a languid afternoon. We recommend starting at the south end (unlike most city-guides) so that your outing ends in the historical Higashiyama neighborhood, replete with dozens of cute cafes or boisterous izakayas if your afternoon walk has left your whistle in need of whetting. We also recommend reservations* at one of Kyoto's 265 Michelin-starred restaurants tonight.
• *Note: Please let your Destination Expert know ahead of time as reservations must often be made three or more months in advance and may come with a fee (just to reserve) which we can have waived on your behalf.

DAY 7

• KYOTO

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• Nurtured by Nature
• After meeting your guide at your hotel, take the city's efficient local transportation to Arashiyama, a pleasant hillside district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Start at Okouchi Mountain Villa, the former villa of the popular, early 20th century, samurai film star Okouchi Denjiro. The villa consists of several beautiful gardens and buildings including living quarters, tea houses and a zen meditation hall. Next, take a walk through Arashiyama’s famous bamboo groves.  After visiting several of the grounds' more famous shrines, see Tenryuji,  the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama. Founded in 1339 at the beginning of the Muromachi Period, the temple is one of Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to its temple buildings, there are attractive gardens with walking paths. You will also have time for a brief 'photo op' at Togetsu-kyo or "Moon Crossing bridge" one of the most famous bridges in Japan. There has been a bridge at this location for over 1000 years and it offers an excellent vantage point to view the tree lined river. At the end of the tour, your guide will accompany you back to your Kyoto-area hotel

DAY 8

• KYOTO TO OSAKA
• Jet Off
• Enjoy a vehicle transfer with private driver from Kyoto to Osaka's Kansai Airport (KIX).

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Park Hotel Tokyo

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu

Granvia Kyoto