Ancient capitals Japan

From here, make the transfer to Kamakura, the former de facto capital of the country during the Kamakura Period (1185 – 1333). Once the world’s biggest city, it is now just a modest town. Ancient temples await, ranging from the Bamboo Temple, Jomyoji and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Say sayonara to the big city and hop on the bullet train to Kyoto, the country’s longest reigning capital (794 – 1868). The city is undoubtedly Japan’s cultural center, home to over 2000 shines and temples, 17 of which are UNESCO Heritage Sights. Start with a food tour through the market to purchase ingredients for an evening cooking class and dinner. The next day is then spent visiting its marvellous shrines and temples.

Take a 45 minute train ride to the next stop at Nara, the capital of Japan from 710 -784. Nara is an interesting small town, filled with temples over 1300 years old, most of which are concentrated in Nara Park. Two recommended stops are Todaiji Temple, the world largest wooden building as well as home to Japan’s largest Buddha and at Kasuga Taisha, the town’s most celebrated shrine. The park is also home to hundreds of deer and according to Shinto, are messengers of the gods.

History, culture heritage experience Japan’s capitals and embrace the country’s integration of the past and present.

Arrive in Tokyo, where you will be welcomed by our airport representative who will also assist you with boarding the right train or shuttle bus to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo

Ancient capitals Japan – DAY 2 – TOKYO (B)

This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel. The day will begin with a stroll through Hama-Rikyu Teien, the former private garden of an Edo Period lord. Take a break in the tea house known as ‘Nakajima No Chaya’ which stands elegantly in the park’s lake. Here, you will have the chance to get a taste of matcha, or Japanese green tea.
After the tea ceremony, you will then have the opportunity to see Tokyo from a different angle as you take the boat cruise along the Sumida River.
Next stop will be Asakusa, a part of Tokyo’s shitamachi, or old town. Asakusa is the city’s oldest Geisha district and also the home to Sensoji (“Asakusa Kannon”) Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. The streets around Sensoji feature many traditional shops that sell Japanese crafts and souvenirs and are a delight to wander through.
In the afternoon, head across Tokyo to Omotesando, commonly referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysee. This broad, tree-lined avenue boasts a multitude of fashion flagship stores designed by internationally renowned architects.
Before the tour ends, take time to explore Meiji Shrine, which is Tokyo’s most famous shrine, dedicated to the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji.
Note: The order of this itinerary may change depending on the location of your hotel.
Overnight in Tokyo

Ancient capitals Japan – DAY 3 – TOKYO – DAY TOUR IN KAMAKURA (B)

Today you will make a day trip to Kamakura, the former de facto capital of Japan as the seat of the shogunate during the Kamakura Period (1185 – 1333). At that time, Kamakura was the largest city in the world, but today it is just a humble, sleepy seaside town with numerous temples, shrines, and other attractions.
On arrival at Kamakura station, you will be met by your guide who will take you to a Zen temple morning tour.
You will first visit Hokokuji Temple, also known as ‘Bamboo Temple’ due to its stunning garden featuring over 2,000 bamboo trees.
Next stop is Jomyoji Temple, one of the Five Great Zen Temples in Kamakura. You will take a break in the tearoom, drinking matcha while enjoying the dry landscape garden with rocks and well-trimmed trees set out superbly.
The final stop of the morning is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura’s most important shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of Samurai.
After the tour is finished, you have the afternoon free for you to further explore Kamakura’s attractions, including the Daibutsu, a large 13.5m outdoor bronze Buddha.
Overnight in Tokyo

Ancient capitals Japan – DAY 4 – TOKYO – KYOTO (B,D)

Time to say “sayonara” to Tokyo before you undertake the 2.5-hour journey via the world-famous shinkansen (bullet train) to Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto. You will be taking the top-of-the-line Nozomi Shinkansen, which is capable of speeds of up to 330km/h.
Kyoto was Japan’s longest reigning capital, from 794 – 1868, before it was transferred to Edo (current day Tokyo). It is home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and still considered to be Japan’s cultural capital.
This afternoon, we have arranged a very special cooking experience for you.
Together with a local guide, you will walk the mile-long Nishiki covered food markets, where there are many interesting food stores to explore as you help your guide buy the ingredients for your Japanese cooking class. This is also a great opportunity to learn about local Japanese produce.
After visiting the markets, you will travel through the backstreets of Kyoto, with a visit to a former sake brewery that also includes sake tasting, followed by a visit to a traditional wooden townhouse for your Japanese cooking class.
Cooking your own Japanese evening meal, you will learn how to make rolled sushi, miso soup, and cooked salad, served with seasonal fruit for dessert.
After the meal, your local guide will assist you in returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Kyoto

Ancient capitals Japan – DAY 5 – KYOTO (B)

Today, you will explore the former imperial capital with a knowledgeable local guide, utilizing Kyoto’s comprehensive bus and subway system to visit some of Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites.
You will start your day with a visit to Nijo Castle. This ornamental castle, surrounded by stunning gardens, was built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence. The main building was completed in 1603 and is well-known for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors, and ‘chirping’ nightingale floors.
Continue on to Ryoan-ji, the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden. Originally served as an aristocrat’s villa during the Heian Period, the site was later on converted into a Zen Buddhist temple in the year 1450. Now, it belongs to the Myoshinji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and serves as a perfect spot for a zazen meditation.
After lunch, visit Kinkakuji, or the “Golden Pavilion,” which was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun. After his death, it became a Buddhist Temple at his request and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.
The final stop is Kiyomizu, or “pure water,” Temple. From the 13-meter high veranda jutting out from the main hall, you can enjoy amazing views of the whole of Kyoto, while pondering the fact that both the main hall and the veranda were built without the use of nails or any kind of joiners. Come back down to the foot of the temple and stroll through the atmospheric Higashiyama district, wherein busy lanes lead up to Kiyomizu and are filled with quaint shops selling souvenirs including Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets, and pickles.
Overnight in Kyoto

Note: Kiyomizu Temple has been undergoing renovation since 2008, with some of its halls and structures wrapped up with covers. The construction has a certain but not overwhelming impact on a visit.

Ancient capitals Japan – DAY 6 – KYOTO – OPTIONAL DAY TOUR IN NARA (B)

Today is a self-guided day.
This morning, you will have an out-of-town trip as you take that short train ride to Nara. For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s capital and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain.
We recommend visiting Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha; Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine; and Nara’s National Museum, which has a huge collection of Japanese Buddhist Art.
You will also have time to wander through Nara Park, which is called “deer park” by the locals due to the large population of tamed deer living there.
After the tour, you have the option to stay longer in Nara or to head back to Kyoto for some last-minute shopping.
Overnight in Kyoto

Ancient capitals Japan – DAY 7 – DEPARTURE FROM KYOTO (B)

The rest of the day is at your leisure until your included transfer by airport shuttle van to Kansai Airport.

Ancient capitals Japan – TOUR DURATION: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Ancient capitals Japan – TOUR OPERATES: Year Round / On Demand
Ancient capitals Japan – TOUR PRICE: Available upon request rates vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

Ancient capitals Japan – Our Services Include:
Hotel accommodation in twin room with daily breakfast.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Meet and greet at the airport and return transfers to the airport.
PASMO Tokyo transport pass at a value of 1,500 JPY.
Return train tickets from Tokyo to Kamakura in Ordinary Class.
One-way train ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto in Ordinary Class.
1-Day Kyoto Bus and Subway Pass.
English-speaking local guide in Tokyo (Day 2), Kamakura (half-day on Day 3), and Kyoto (Day 5).
All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary on Days 2, 3, and 5.
All public transportation fees as mentioned in the itinerary on Days 2, 3, and 5.
Cooking Class in Kyoto on Day 4.
Information Pack.

Ancient capitals Japan – Our Services Do Not Include:
International and domestic flights (quoted separately).
Some local transport (e.g. transfer back to the hotel from Kamakura on Day 3, etc.).
Meals other than mentioned above.
Personal expenses (e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone, and other expenditures of a personal nature).
Travel insurance (please see below).
Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.

Ancient capitals Japan – Creating Unique Touring Experiences
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Japan tour to your individual specifications.