Japan at A Glance

Japan at A Glance Tour Overview

Start by exploring the vibrant capital of Tokyo in this program that uncovers some of the most exciting destinations in Japan. From Hakone to Mt Fuji and Kyoto, guests immerse in cultural exchange and visit awe-inspiring sites. With options to visit smaller towns at your own pace, you can explore as much or as little as you desire. A fascinating tour of Japan that never fails to excite travelers.

Japan at A Glance – Day 1 – Tokyo Arrival

Upon your arrival at Tokyo Airport, one of our representatives will meet you and assist you with boarding the right train or shared shuttle bus to your hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo

Distance and journey time:
Narita International Airport (NRT) to Tokyo City (95km): approx. 90mins
Haneda International Airport (HND) to Tokyo City (25km): approx. 50mins

Japan at A Glance – Day 2 – Tokyo (B)

This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel to take you to a full day of sightseeing in Tokyo, utilizing the city’s efficient train system.

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.

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 Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. The streets around Senso-ji 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

Start (guided tour): 09:00
Duration: 8hrs
*including pick-up/drop-off and transfer times

Japan at A Glance – Day 3 – Tokyo, Optional Day Trip to Kamakura or Nikko (B)

Today is a self-guided day. Suggested Self-Guide Itinerary:
You have the rest of the day to explore this amazing city. You can choose to make an early start to visit the world-famous Tsukji Fish Market, visit the electronics district of Akihabara or discover Tokyo’s world-class museums and art galleries.

Alternatively, you can make an excursion outside of Tokyo to one of the following places: Kamakura One of Japan’s former capitals, Kamakura is a delightful seaside town home to many ancient shrines, temples, and other structures like the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha that stands at 13-meter tall.

Note: The Giant Buddha will be covered by scaffolding from 13^th January 2016 to 10^th March 2016 due to regular inspection and maintenance.

Distance and journey time:
JR Tokyo Station to JR Kamakura Station (61km): approx. 53mins

Nikko: Located north of Tokyo, Nikko is a city that lies in the mountainous area of Tochigi Prefecture well-known for its national park. Some of the popular places in the park include the Toshogu Shrine complex and the Tamozawa Imperial Villa.

Note: Toshogu Shrine is currently undergoing partial renovations.

Distance and journey time:
JR Tokyo Station to JR Nikko Station (157km): approx. 2hrs
Note: Return train tickets to Kamakura or to Nikko need to be arranged in advance at an additional cost.

Overnight in Tokyo

Japan at A Glance – Day 4 – Tokyo – Hakone / Mt. Fuji (B,D)

This morning you will take the train to go to Hakone, the gateway to Mt. Fuji and its surrounding national park. This small town is famous for its onsen, or natural hot springs, and has natural beauty in abundance.

In Hakone you will stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style accommodation complete withtatami mats, shoji rice paper sliding doors, and onsen baths.

In the evening, you can relax in your yukata or lightweight kimono while having your dinner ofkaiseki ryori, a Japanese multi-course meal. After your meal, you can dip in the onsen before you bed down on your futon.

Overnight in Hakone

Distance and journey time:
Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (89km):  approx. 83mins *via Limited Express train

Japan at A Glance – Day 5 – Hakone/Mt Fuji (B,D)

Today is a self-guided day.

Suggested Self-Guide Itinerary:
Spend the whole day exploring Hakone with your included transport pass, which serves as your ticket to the numerous forms of transportation in the area.

You can take the Hakone Tozan switchback train that zigzags through the mountains and offers views of the surrounding valleys. Afterwards, you can ride the Guinness World Record-holder ropeway all the way up to Mt. Owakudani, passing over sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers.

While on Mt. Owakudani, you can sample one of Hakone’s specialties, the kuro-tamago, which is an egg hard boiled in the sulfuric hot springs. They say that if you do, it will add seven years to your life!

From the mountain you can take the ropeway bound for Togendai, where you can ride a replica of a pirate ship that cruises along Ashinoko, a body of water that was formed after a volcanic eruption that occurred more than 3,000 years ago.

Aside from the diverse transportation system and a number of natural tourist spots, Hakone is also home to many museums and parks. One of these is the Hakone Open Air Museum
that features a harmonic balance between nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its spacious grounds in combination with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. It also features various indoor galleries such as the sizable Picasso Collection that displays some of his paintings, prints, sculptures, and ceramic creations.

Throughout the day, you might have a chance to get a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. However, please keep in mind that it needs to be a clear day for you to see her splendor.

Note: Mt. Owakudani has been temporarily closed due to volcanic activities.

Overnight in Hakone

Japan at A Glance – Day 6 – Hakone – Kyoto (B)

Today is a self-guided day.
 Take one last soak in the onsen before traveling via the world-famous shinkansen (bullet train) to Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto. Kyoto is home to around 2,000 shrines and temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Suggested Self-Guide Itinerary:
You can start exploring this magnificent city by yourself or take part in one of the many cultural experiences we offer in Kyoto such as cooking classes, tea ceremonies, and even visits to a sakebrewery.

To finish the night in style, we can also arrange a performance by a Maiko or a Geiko in a traditional theatre. Here you can witness the arts and music that the Geisha have been passing on through generations.

Note: The cultural experiences and the Maiko performance need to be arranged in advance at an additional cost.

Overnight in Kyoto

Distance and journey time:
Hakone-Yumoto Station to JR Kyoto Station (436km): approx. 2hrs 30mins

Japan at A Glance – Day 7 – Kyoto (B)

Today you explore the former imperial capital with a knowledgeable local guide, utilizing Kyoto’s comprehensive bus system to visit some of Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites.

You will start your day with a visit to Nijo Castle. This ornamental castle was built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence and is surrounded by stunning gardens. The main building was completed in 1603 and is famous for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors, and ‘chirping nightingale floors’.

Continue on to Ryoan-ji Temple, 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.

You will also visit Kinkaku–ji, 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.

Next in the list is Kyomizu-dera, 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 whilst pondering the fact that both the main hall and the veranda were built without the use of nails.

Before the tour ends, stroll through the atmospheric Higashiyama district, where busy lanes lead up to Kiyomizu and are filled with quaint shops selling souvenirs such as Kyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets, and pickles.

Note: Kiyomizu Temple is currently undergoing partial renovations.

Overnight in Kyoto

Start (guided tour): 09:00
Duration: 8hrs
*including pick-up/drop-off and transfer times

Japan at A Glance – ACCOMMODATION:

FIRST CLASS OPTION

SUPERIOR OPTION

 
DELUXE OPTION

Japan at A Glance Accommodation Notes:
If the above hotels are unavailable, we will arrange a hotel under the similar category.

Japan at A Glance Notes:
Nijo Castle is closed on Tuesdays (or if Tuesday is a National holiday, closed the following day).
For safety reasons, Hakone Ropeway, and some other public transport, may stop operating in case of unfavorable weather conditions.
Please inform your travel agent of any special dietary requirements that you may have.

Japan at A Glance – Our Services Include:

Hotel accommodation in twin room with daily breakfast (for ryokan, minshuku, and other traditional accommodation, rooms are Japanese-style with futon and meals are half board).
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 Transport Pass at a value of 1,500 JPY for Day 2.
One-way limited express train ticket from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station for Day 4 (reserved seats).
3-Day Hakone Free Pass from Day 4 to Day 6 (valid from Shinjuku).
One-way bullet train ticket from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station for Day 6 (reserved seats, ordinary class).
1-Day Kyoto Bus and Subway Pass for Day 7.
Roundtrip limited express train tickets from Kyoto Station to Nara Station on Day 8 (reserved seats).
English-speaking guides in Tokyo (Day 2) and Kyoto (Day 7) (for other languages, supplementary charges apply).
All entrance fees and public transportation fees as mentioned in the itinerary on Days 2 and 7.
Information Pack.

Japan at A Glance – Our Services Do not Include:

International and domestic flights (quoted separately).
Some local transport.
Meals other than mentioned above.
Personal expenses (e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone, and other expenditures of a personal nature).
Travel insurance highly recommended.
Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.