Welcome to Japan! Upon landing in Tokyo, you will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant at the airport. Look for a sign with your name on it, as this representative will guide you to your private vehicle for a pleasant transfer to your hotel.

Discover the contrasting sites of Tokyo in just half a day, from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers. Your local guide will assist you in navigating the city's efficient public transport system. Begin your exploration in Asakusa, Tokyo's old town area, where you can immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere and visit Sensoji Temple, the city's oldest and most popular temple. Don't miss Nakamise, a shopping street offering traditional snacks and souvenirs.

Next, hop on the subway and head to the Meiji Shrine, a significant shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. This shrine is a favorite location for traditional Japanese weddings. If time allows, take a leisurely stroll along Omotesando shopping street, known for its beautiful tree-lined avenue and flagship stores of top fashion brands. The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.

Please note that this tour includes a private guide, but transportation will be done using Tokyo's local transit system.

After years of travel experience in Japan, our Destination Experts recommend taking some leisure time to acclimate to the new time zone, city, and culture. Use this day to explore the city at your own pace or relax at your accommodation. Tomorrow, you can embark on your Japan adventure with your private guide.

Note: If you prefer to start your trip with a full day of activities, please inform your Destination Expert to arrange the best tour for your first day abroad.

This afternoon, discover three vibrant centers of Tokyo's youth fashion and pop culture with your own personal guide. Start in Shibuya, the main hub for fashion and culture among young people in Tokyo. This area is where many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends originate, and it's also home to the famous five-way "scramble crossing", rumored to be the busiest intersection in the world. Afterward, head to Harajuku and Takeshita-Dori (Cat Street), a renowned street filled with unique fashion boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Harajuku caters to all kinds of styles and is considered the center of Japanese cuteness culture, known as "kawaii". Continue your exploration to Akihabara, also called Electric Town, which was originally known for its abundance of electronics shops. Akihabara is now famous as the epicenter of Japan's otaku culture, a fan culture centered around anime and manga. Many anime and manga shops and establishments can be found among the electronic stores in this district. Lastly, you'll visit one of Tokyo's famous and eccentric cafés: a trendy cat café in Harajuku. Here, you can spend time playing with or observing friendly felines in an environment designed to prioritize their well-being and adhere to strict animal welfare standards. The café even has a program to help older cats find adoptive homes. At the end of the tour, you'll be dropped off at your hotel. Instead of traveling by private vehicle, you'll have the opportunity to explore Tokyo using the city's efficient local transit system.

Escape the busyness of Tokyo and explore Hakone, the gateway to Mt. Fuji and its national park. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to Hakone. Discover the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park using various forms of transport. Experience the second longest cable car in the world as you ascend Mt. Owakudani, passing by volcanic activity. Don't forget to try the local specialty, black eggs boiled in sulfuric hot springs, believed to prolong life. Hop on a pirate ship and sail across Lake Ashinoko, a volcanic lake. Keep in mind that seeing Mt. Fuji depends on clear weather as she tends to be elusive.

Transfer to the train station with a private vehicle for a scenic train ride from Hakone's Odawara station to Kyoto. The train journey lasts about 2 hours.

Transfer to the train station with a private vehicle for a guided tour.

The Philosopher's Path in Kyoto's Higashiyama district is a pleasant stone path along a canal lined with cherry trees. The path is approximately 2 kilometers long and starts at Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ends near Nanzenji. It is named after Nishida Kitaro, a famous philosopher who used to walk this path while meditating on his way to Kyoto University. Along the way, there are numerous small temples and shrines to visit. At the end of the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel.

Today, you will explore Arashiyama, the western outskirts of Kyoto, which is home to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Nonomiya Shrine. A private guide will accompany you to these sites by taxi on this half day tour. First, stroll through the serene and mystical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a forest that feels like another world. Then, visit Nonomiya Shrine where ancient princesses stayed to purify themselves before becoming royalty. Next, explore Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's five great Zen temples. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch overlooking the beautiful gardens. Finally, you will be dropped off at your hotel at the end of the tour.

Experience Kyoto's Geisha culture at a historical restaurant owned by the son of a Geisha. Enjoy a private traditional Japanese dinner and get a glimpse into the exclusive world of the Kyoto "Flower and Willow World." Watch a maiko perform dances accompanied by live music from a geisha shamisen player. Play traditional Geisha games, ask questions, and hear stories translated by an expert in Kyoto geisha culture. This is a chance to immerse yourself in a unique and mysterious world. The evening ends at the restaurant, and your host can help arrange a taxi back to your hotel.

Begin your day by taking a taxi with your guide from your hotel to Fushimi in Kyoto. Fushimi is a historically rich and charming area. Upon arrival, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for being featured in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". The shrine is home to over 10,000 red tori gates that lead up the mountain behind the temple. After exploring the shrine, head to the Gekkeikan Sake Museum. Take a tour of the museum to learn about the traditional brewing process and have a small cup of sake if you're interested. To further indulge in this Japanese favorite, visit a local café where your guide will arrange a sake tasting set for you to enjoy. There are various sets available to suit different preferences. At the end of the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel.

Kyoto has been captivating visitors to Japan since the late 19th century when the country began opening its borders. It was the capital of Japan from 794 to 868 and the residence of the emperor from 794 to 1868. Kyoto is renowned worldwide for its magnificent palaces and villas, charming streets, meticulously maintained gardens, and age-old traditions that continue to be preserved today.

With free time in Kyoto, the options are endless. This evening, we suggest taking a leisurely walk along the Philosopher's Path towards Higashiyama. This iconic canal-side path offers a relaxing 30-minute stroll and is the perfect way to spend a laid-back afternoon. We recommend starting from the south end to end up in the historic Higashiyama neighborhood, where you can find numerous charming cafes or lively izakayas to quench your thirst after your walk.

Experience a convenient transfer from Kyoto to Osaka Kansai International Airport, accompanied by your personal driver.