On this 9-day, private-guided tour of Japan you will have the opportunity to learn about Japan’s culture and history, while visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima – Watch a Sumo Wrestler practice, participate in a tea ceremony donning a Kimono, learn Samurai techniques, and many more activities! You will also have a chance to get active on a hike up Mt. Fiji.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Details for Today
Arrive at Tokyo Narita International Airport
Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo
Arrive at Narita International Airport. Welcome to Tokyo!
You will be welcomed by an English speaking driver at the arrival gate and transferred to your hotel in Tokyo by private car.
Day 2
Details for Today
Tokyo:
- Full day private-guided tour of Tokyo
- Watch a Sumo Wrestler practice session
- Visit Tsukiji Fish Market
- Learn how to make sushi
Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo
Meals: B, L
Today you will enjoy a full day tour of Tokyo by private car and English-speaking guide. Your tour will include:
- Visit to a Sumo Stable where you will witness a Sumo Wrestler practice session!
- Tsukiji Fish Market, the biggest Fish Market in the world
- Sushi-Making class at a local Sushi restaurant (and enjoy a wonderful fresh sushi lunch)
- Tokyo Edo Museum, where you will learn about the history and efficiency of Japanese Edo culture
- Asakusa Temple and Nakamise Shopping streets
Day 3
Details for Today
Tokyo:
- Full day Mt. Fuji hiking excursion
- Relax at the Hakone Hot Spring Resort
Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo
Meals: B
Today you will embark on a full day Mt. Fuji hiking excursion – led by an English-speaking hiking guide.
Drive to Mt. Fuji 5th station where you will commence an excellent guided hiking /climbing excursion of Mt. Fuji. The intensity /degree of difficulty is flexible, and will be determined by the interests and capabilities of the group. Please bring proper hiking gear (hiking shoes at least).
After hiking, you will drive to Hakone Hot Spring Resort where you are free to relax and enjoy the hot spring spa, set on the shore of beautiful Lake Ashi.
Following your visit to the spa, you will be driven back to Tokyo by private car.
Day 4
Details for Today
Tokyo:
- Day at leisure
Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo
Meals: B
Day 5
Details for Today
Transfer on JR Bullet train From Tokyo to Kyoto
Kyoto:
- Samurai Lesson
Accommodation: L’Hotel du Lac
Meals: B, D
This morning we will drive to Shinagawa station with English speaking assistant. You will depart for Kyoto by JR Bullet Train in a tourist class reserved seat.
Upon arrival at Kyoto station, you will be welcomed by an English speaking local guide who will drive you to Shiga prefecture. Here, you will enjoy a full-scale Samurai Lesson! You will learn and experience a set of techniques, from the etiquette of Samurai class to basic swordplay (all while donning full Samarai regalia!).
Following your Samarai lesson, you will be driven to your accommodation. Enjoy a French style dinner at your hotel.
Day 6
Details for Today
Kyoto:
- Full day private tour of Shiga Prefecture
- Participate in a hands-on Ninja lession with full Ninja costume
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Meals: B
A full day of private sightseeing of the Shiga Prefecture with English speaking guide by private car. You will visit:
- Hikone Castle, a very famous old Castle in Japan
- Omi-Hachimangu Shrine and old traditional street
- Koka Ninja Village, this is the Ninja’s hometown!! Stepping into this village makes visitors feel they had slipped back in time to the age when Ninja was active. In the vast site, the Ninja Museum, Trap House, and Ninja Star Training Hall are provided, allowing visitors to experience the Ninja world. Here you will also have a hands-on Ninja lesson with the full Ninja costume!
Following the tour, you will be driven to your hotel in Kyoto.
Day 7
Details for Today
Kyoto:
- Full day Kyoto sightseeing tour
- Participate in a morning Zen meditation
- Observe a Japanese Tea ceremony, donning the Kimono dress
- Enjoy dinner featuring Kobe Beef
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Meals: B, D
Today you will have a full day Kyoto Sightseeing tour with English speaking guide by private car, including:
- Morning Zen meditation experience at Zen Temple
- Kinkakuji Temple / Golden Pavilion
- Japanese Tea ceremony (where you will don the Kimono dress!) at a local house
- Kiyomizu Temple
- Kyoto Gion district and Ponto-cho historical street
Following your tour of Kyoto, enjoy a dinner featuring Kobe Beef at Misono restaurant.
Day 8
Details for Today
Hiroshima:
- Self-guided tour of Hiroshima
- Visit Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine; Peace Memorial Park; A-bomb museum
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Meals: B
In the morning, drive to Kyoto station with English speaking, driver / assistant. Head to Hiroshima by JR bullet train, tourist class reserved seat.
Welcome to Hiroshima.
Today you will explore the city on your own without a guide. We will provide a map and information about Hiroshima to help ensure you have a fulfilling experience there. We suggest you pay a visit to the following places:
- Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine
- Peace Memorial Park
- A-bomb museum
Following the tour, return to Kyoto by JR bullet train. Arrive at Kyoto Station where you will be welcomed by and English speaking assistant then driven to your hotel.
Day 9
Details for Today
Transfer: Departure Kansai Airport
Meals: B
This morning you will have free time until departure. Leave for Kansai Airport by private with English speaking driver.
Accommodation
Set in a bustling neighborhood, this upscale hotel is a 2-minute walk from Shinbashi Station, 1 km from Tsukiji fish market and 2 km from Tokyo Tower. The modern rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and desks. The hotel offers Japanese or western breakfast. There are 3 formal restaurants, and a lounge decorated with modern art, which serves cocktails and snack. Other dining options include a chic bar with city views, and a bakery. There’s also a business center, a gym and a spa.
On a 5-hectare estate overlooking Lake Biwa, this secluded, elegant hotel is 14 km from Chikubu Island and 22 km from Onoe Hot Spring. Featuring balconies and scenic views, the chic rooms and villas have a contemporary vibe and offer flat-screen TVs, as well as minibars. There’s an elegant restaurant and a hip bar. Other amenities include a library, a spa and a tennis court. There’s also a communal indoor bath, an open-air bath, and an outdoor pool area with panoramic views and stylish seating.
This upscale modern hotel in Higashiyama Ward is a 4-minute walk from both Kyoto National Museum and Sanjūsangen-dō temple with its 1,001 statues. Serene rooms offer minibars, flat-screens and free Wi-Fi. There are 3 restaurants, including a steakhouse, plus a pastry cafe and a sake bar. Other amenities include a gym, yoga classes and a spa with saunas and hot tubs. There’s also a garden, a business center and a ballroom.
