[ Tokyo To Hiroshima ]
Travel to all the must see sites and cities of Japan with your personal tour guide on our 10 Day Private Japan Tour. Enjoy the floating torii gates of Itsukushima Shrine, delectable snacks in Harajuku, and quintessential Japanese experiences at the comfort of your own pace.
What you'll get
Picture yourself
Day 1 :
Tokyo Arrival
Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information. Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.
**INFORMATION**
From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus)
From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus)
Day 2 :
Tokyo | Exploring the Timeless Traditions
Begin your exploration with a visit to the serene Kiyosumi Teien, a traditional Japanese garden boasting elegant landscapes and a calming atmosphere. As you walk along the stone paths around the pond, you will appreciate the exquisite arrangement of rocks, trees, and flowers, which provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
Next, discover the richness of Tokyo's past at the Fukagawa Edo Museum. Wander through full-scale replicas of traditional townhouses and experience a vivid recreation of life during the Edo period. This immersive step back in time allows you to appreciate the lifestyle and culture of the city's ancestors.
Our journey continues at the famed Tsukiji Market, a haven for food enthusiasts. Indulge in a culinary adventure as you sample a variety of Japanese dishes, ranging from the freshest seafood to the most delicious sweet treats.
From there, we will treat you to a Teppanyaki experience, where chefs showcase their culinary skills right before your eyes. Enjoy the artful preparation of your meal and savor the flavors of premium meats and fresh vegetables cooked to perfection.
In Asakusa, visit the revered Senso-ji Temple and explore the lively Nakamise shopping street. Absorb the spiritual energy of the temple and find a myriad of traditional goods and snacks in the bustling shopping street.
Day 3 :
Tokyo | Blending Age-old Customs and Contemporary Life in Japan's Core
Start your day with an immersive exploration of Tokyo's Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, where historic architecture meets stunning, meticulously maintained gardens.
Next, ascend to the heights of Shibuya Sky, an observatory offering panoramic views of the bustling city below. While in Shibuya, don't miss the iconic Shibuya Crossing, often referred to as the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Nearby, you can pay a visit to the statue of Hachiko, a beloved symbol of loyalty and a popular rendezvous point for Tokyoites.
Proceed to Omotesando, often likened to Tokyo's Champs-Élysées. This tree-lined avenue boasts high-end boutiques, fascinating architecture, and trendy cafés, making it a haven for fashionistas and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Just a short walk away, you'll enter the youthful and vibrant district of Harajuku. Here, discover the epicenter of Japan's 'kawaii' (cute) culture, complete with eclectic fashion stores, themed cafés, and endless opportunities for colorful street-style photography.
Adjacent to the urban buzz of Harajuku lies the serene Meiji Shrine. This Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken, is a peaceful oasis nestled in a verdant forest. Its gravel paths, towering torii gates, and sacred atmosphere offer a refreshing contrast to the city's hustle and bustle.
Day 4 :
Tokyo | Self-Guided Day
Take a break from the structured itinerary and embrace the freedom of choice on this open day. Explore the city at your own pace, revisit a place that caught your interest, or simply unwind and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.
For those who want to keep the adventures coming, we offer optional tours that can be added to your schedule. Venture to the ancient city of Nikko, with its stunning shrines and lush natural beauty. Explore Kamakura, known for its monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha. For the young at heart, a day at Disneyland or DisneySea promises a world of fun and fantasy. Note that these optional tours require advance booking, so be sure to let us know your preferences in time.
Day 5 :
Hakone & Atami | Volcanic Steamed Black Eggs Snack
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japan's natural splendor with our Hakone adventure.
Our day begins with a serene cruise on Lake Ashi, where you can bask in the tranquil beauty of the mirrored water, and, if the weather is clear, catch a glimpse of majestic Mount Fuji in the distance.
Next, we ascend into the skies on the Hakone Ropeway. As we glide upwards, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys - a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Once we reach Owakudani, you'll be greeted by a landscape shaped by volcanic activity. A special treat awaits here - Kuro Tamago, or black eggs, boiled in the valley's hot springs, which are said to extend one's life by seven years with each egg consumed.
Our final destination for the day is the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Get lost among the harmonious blend of art and nature as you wander through the sprawling sculpture garden, featuring works from renowned artists worldwide.
Day 6 :
Kyoto & Nara | Bullet Train & Ancient Sights
Begin your journey with a thrilling ride on the Shinkansen, Japan's iconic bullet train. Experience the blend of comfort and speed as you whisk towards your destination, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead.
First on your itinerary is Todai-ji Temple, a renowned World Heritage Site. Behold the temple's architectural grandeur and its Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world. This imposing icon is sure to leave you in awe of its craftsmanship and scale.
Next, immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Nara Deer Park. Engage with the friendly, free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion.
Proceed to the historic Kasuga Taisha, an important Shinto shrine known for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns that line the pathway. The tranquility of the shrine, set in a lush forest, offers a peaceful retreat.
Your journey continues to Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, famed for its iconic red torii gates that create a mesmerizing pathway up the mountain. This vibrant site is a must-visit for its cultural significance and photogenic beauty.
Day 7 :
Kyoto | A Tranquil Journey Through Japan's Sacred Heritage
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple that is truly a sight to behold. Covered in gold leaf and surrounded by beautiful gardens, this structure offers stunning photo opportunities at every turn, perfectly reflecting the grandeur and elegance of Japanese architecture.
Next, delight in a rickshaw ride around the scenic Arashiyama district. Feel the charm of old Japan as you are guided through serene bamboo forests, historic sites, and along the Hozu River, taking in the lush landscapes and tranquil atmosphere.
Afterward, meander along the quaint stone-paved Ninen-zaka, a traditional street that will transport you back in time. With well-preserved machiya houses now serving as charming teahouses and souvenir shops, it is an ideal place to experience the historic charm of Kyoto.
Day 8 :
Himeji | Castle Visit & Beautiful Japanese Garden
Step into the past with a visit to the iconic Himeji Castle, often referred to as the White Heron Castle due to its graceful, white exterior. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as one of Japan's most splendid castles. The meticulously preserved architecture offers a stunning glimpse into Japan's rich feudal history.
Following the castle tour, immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of Kokoen Garden, situated in close proximity to Himeji Castle. This traditional Japanese garden consists of nine distinct, enclosed gardens, each providing a tranquil oasis. Wander through the beautifully landscaped areas, reflecting various garden styles of the Edo period, and let the serene ambiance instill a deep sense of calm and balance.
Day 9 :
Hiroshima | Famous Floating Shrine & The City of Peace
Begin your day with a visit to the island of Miyajima, a tranquil spot that serves as a gateway to Japan's spiritual heritage. Ride a ferry to reach this picturesque locale, where you'll encounter wild deer and experience its serene atmosphere.
Your first stop on the island is Itsukushima Shrine, a unique shrine that appears to float on water at high tide. This UNESCO World Heritage site with its iconic red torii gate is a stunning embodiment of traditional Japanese architecture and spiritual aesthetics.
The day continues with a visit to the Origami Crane Tower, a poignant symbol of peace and resilience. Learn about the tragic story of Sadako Sasaki, who folded origami cranes in the hopes of recovering from the atomic bomb disease, and how it came to represent the universal desire for peace.
Next, we head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Here, you'll encounter the Genbaku Dome, or Atomic Bomb Dome, a haunting reminder of the destructive force that descended upon Hiroshima. This UNESCO World Heritage site stands as a symbol of hope and an ambassador of a world free from nuclear weapons.
Day 10 :
Departure Hiroshima
Departure Transfer Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)
Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.
**INFORMATION** From Hiroshima Station to Hiroshima Airport(HIJ) - about 45 mins (Bus)