Japan Classics Tour Package (8 Nights / 9 Days)

The East Gardens of Imperial Palace: Stroll through the East Garden, one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful palace grounds by avoiding the crowds. * When The East Gardens of Imperial Palace is closed, we will visit Imperial Palace Plaza instead. Please check Travel Information on our website for dates when The East Gardens of Imperial Palace is closed.

Walking Tour of Shibuya, Harajuku, and nearby Omotesando: See Tokyo's most vibrant neighborhoods. Get acquainted with this unique city on our introductory tour!

Tokyo Cruise or Mizube Line: Cruise down Tokyo Bay on a water bus. Along the way, take in a spectacular view of the Tokyo skyline. * Mar 27-Apr 5 cherry blossom viewing along Sumida River on Water Bus in Tokyo

Asakusa: Free time to explore this vivacious old Edo district filled with unique Japanese delicacies. Don't forget to see the famous Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most festive temple.

Explore like a local! Explore the exciting city on your own. Plan your own route or take one of our suggested courses for you to enjoy as a guideline. Whether your interest is in relaxation, culture, dining, or shopping, the city has a boundless array of fun and different things for everyone. Dinner is not included tonight so you may take advantage of unlimited dining options in the area.

Kamakura: Discover Kamakura's treasures as you rickshaw through Japan's first shogunate capital.

Kaiseki Banquet Dinner: Finish the day with a true cultural experience in our hot spring hotel with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji on the observatory deck. Dress in Yukata robes and enjoy a traditional banquet dinner (with Karaoke!).

Hot Spring Bath: Soak in the hot springs to unwind and experience one of Japan's most relaxing national pastime.

Free Time: Take the morning to relax and stroll through the hotel's extensive garden. In spring time, more than 300 cherry trees bloom! It is also recommended to wake early and watch the sunrise from the Fuji View hotel lounge.

Iyashi No Sato Healing Village: Escape the crowds for intimate views of Mt. Fuji. Experience the local farm town atmosphere of the Healing Village set against a beautiful backdrop of traditional thatched roof houses. Try on a kimono or Samurai armor for a fun and unique photo op!

Itchiku Kubota Museum: Relatively unknown, this small yet touching museum captures Japanese elegance perfectly. The "Symphony of Light" kimono display is not to be missed, but even the building and gardens are attractions themselves. * When Kubota Itchiku Museum is closed, we will visit Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center instead. Please check Travel Information on our website for these dates when Kubota Itchiku Museum is closed.

Sightseeing Bus Tour: Enjoy a beautiful night view of Tokyo cityscape.

*Due to limited luggage space on the Shinkansen (bullet train) tomorrow, please prepare a carry-on bag with belongings for overnight use. Your tour guide will arrange the transfer of your large suitcases to our hotel in Kyoto.

Bento Buying: Before boarding the bullet train, enjoy a memorable experience by shopping for your own bento box in a depachika (department store basement market). Use our suggestions or choose any exciting culinary delights which might catch your eye.

Shinkansen: Experience a true modern marvel by riding the bullet train to Kyoto Station (2.5 hours).

Miho Museum: See an incredible collection of antiques from Asia and Europe at the Miho Museum, designed by I.M. Pei. * When Miho Museum is closed, we will visit Nijo Castle or Sanjusangendo instead. Please note, Miho Museum’s hours of operation are subject to change without notice. Please check Travel Information on our website for these dates when the Miho Museum is closed.

Ryokan Style Hotel: Unwind in a magnificent outdoor hot springs. Roll up your Yukata sleeves and indulge in a traditional Kyoto-style Kaiseki banquet dinner and Karaoke!

Arashiyama: Walk through the flourishing bamboo forest and discover the alluring beauty of the surroundings.

Kinkakuji Temple: Visit the icon of Kyoto, the "Golden Pavilion," covered with gold foil.

Yuzen Dyeing Class: Learn about an elegant traditional Kyoto artform.

Gion: With only a few Geishas remaining, Gion is one of the few places you might catch a glimpse of these elusive figures in your evening free time.

Wagyu Beef Dinner: Enjoy a delightful meal of authentic Wagyu, the most desirable breed of cattle raised in Japan, known worldwide for being more tender and flavorful.

Kiyomizu Temple: Avoid crowds and enjoy an early morning visit to Kiyomizu Temple for a bird's-eye view of Kyoto.

Kyoto Walking Tour: One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Kyoto's elegance is on foot. Join our guide to explore quaint alleyways of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka and appreciate historical neighborhoods and sites (In case of extreme hot or cold weather, seasonal adjustments may be made in order for you to have the best experience)

The first part of the walking tour covers a distance of about 1.5 miles on fairly flat ground over approximately 1 hour of time. We will take a break in a cafe near Maruyama park for about 1 hour.
The second leg of our walking tour will end at the foot of the pilgrimage path to Kiyomizu Shrine. This distance is 0.8 miles over fairly flat ground in about 45 minutes. The footpath up to Kiyomizudera is uphill.

Explore Kyoto in Depth: We include free time to further enjoy the area. We encourage you to try the following suggestions

A. Appreciate unique architecture and tour the Nishiki Market with our tour guide.

B. Take in more of Gion's unique character.

C. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine independently either by train or taxi on own. Transportation and entrance fee will be at your own expense.

Nara - Todaiji Temple: Travel to Japan's first capital. Stand in awe in the presence of one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues the Daibutsu. Interact with temple deer, known as messengers of the gods in Shinto belief.

Osaka Castle Park: Explore the largest castle in Japan filled with historical and cultural significance. Energetic travelers will want to climb to the top floor balcony for a panoramic view of Osaka.

Shinsaibashi: We built in free time so you may freely roam through Osaka's largest shopping district and get to know the city at your own pace.

"Eat till you drop" in the Dotonbori restaurant district, known as the "Kitchen of Japan." For dinner, be sure to try local specialties such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Hakozushi, and Kitsune Udon. Our provided suggestions and maps will help you navigate the bustling district.

For guests with afternoon flights your morning is free and our guide will provide directions for you to explore Osaka city for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Based on your departure time, the tour guide will direct you to take the airport shuttle bus.

"Sayonara!" or "Goodbye!" We hope to see you again soon! *If you have more time, extending your stay independently before or after our tour is a great way to explore more. We’re happy to help with hotel extensions or arranging extended return flights; please contact our team for pricing and availability.