Classic Japan

Today, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and begin your Tokyo tour at Tokyo’s Kitchen, Tsukiji Outer Market, by riding public transportation. Step inside and discover artisan-crafted Edomae sushi, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi with thinly sliced raw fish, sweet tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette), and seafood bowls - all sharing a common trait: their lightness, a hallmark of Japanese culinary culture. Coupled with the widespread Japanese practice of eating until only 70% full and a lifestyle of active living for all ages, the locals remain remarkably slender despite the abundance of delicious food.

Next, let’s visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, built to honor Emperor Meiji (1852 - 1912 AD) and his wife. Japan’s transformation from an impoverished, resource-scarce island nation to a thriving capitalist society was closely linked to the Meiji Restoration, and the Meiji Jingu Shrine stands as a lasting tribute from the Japanese people to the Emperor. When you see over 100,000 lush trees - accompanied by the chirping of birds and the scent of flowers - amid the busy city, where every inch of land is highly valued, Emperor Meiji’s significance to the Japanese is self-evident.

Then, we’ll move on to the Imperial Palace, nestled in Tokyo’s skyline-dominated center, resembling an oasis amidst the stereotypical cityscape. Walking through the lush greenery of the Imperial Palace Gardens, the sight of swans and ducks resting in the peaceful moat helps you forget the daily hustle and relax. Historical sites, such as the ancient Kikyo Gate, Sakurada Gate, the remains of the main tower, Nijubashi Bridge, and Fujimi Turret, offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich and fascinating history.

In the afternoon, follow your guide to explore Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most popular temple. The vermilion Kaminarimon Gate, adorned with a giant lantern and guarded by mighty wind and thunder gods, acts as a barrier that separates the busy modern world from the historic heritage. Step onto the lively Nakamise-dori Street, immerse yourself in the aroma of rice crackers from centuries-old shops, listen to the wind chimes, and enjoy crowds that evoke ukiyo-e paintings. When you reach the temple ground, you can admire the 53-meter-tall (173-foot), five-story pagoda, with its wooden eaves reaching toward the sky, set against the Tokyo Skytree in the background, creating a magical scene that feels timeless. If you’re interested, you can rent a kimono at your own expense and make a memory with traditional Japanese scenes. Finally, your guide will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready for an exciting Hakone adventure with a smooth combination of fun transportation options? After your hotel pickup by your guide and a short train ride from Tokyo to Odawara, you’ll enjoy traveling on the Hakone Tozan Train and Tozan Cable Car, each offering a unique mountain-climbing experience that becomes more thrilling as the incline steepens. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the natural beauty of every season especially from June to July, when you can feel a romantic atmosphere of being carried through a sea of blooming hydrangeas.

After taking the ropeway, our journey continues to Owakudani Valley, where you can see exposed rock and geothermal steam bubbling from cracks in the Earth’s crust, as if the earth is breathing, inspiring awe at nature’s power. On clear days, the view from the observation deck offers a clear sight of majestic Mt. Fuji, standing in stark contrast to the volcanic remains and creating a spectacular scene. In front of the volcano stands a unique shrine dedicated to the Bodhisattva for longevity. Legend has it that the renowned Japanese Buddhist monk Kukai (774 - 835 AD), passing through Owakudani about 1,200 years ago, was struck by its hellish imagery and carved such a Buddha statue to pray for the local people. Today, the valley has become a popular tourist destination rather than a hellish place; visitors even come specifically to taste its distinctive hot spring-fed black eggs.

We’ll then arrive at Togendai Port, located in the heart of Hakone, to explore Lake Ashi, which captures the true beauty of Japanese scenery. A pirate ship cruise awaits us to admire the lake’s vast surface, towering mountains, and rich history. While enjoying the breeze and views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Shrine Peace Torii - three of Hakone’s most iconic sights - don’t miss out on taking Instagrammable photos from the best viewpoints!

At the end, your guide will escort you back to the hotel in Tokyo by train.

★ Exclusive Date Exchange Service for Visiting Mt. Fuji

Given tourists’ interest in seeing Mt. Fuji and its limited visibility for less than a third of the year, we offer a unique date-exchange service among all Japan tour operators. This allows you to select the better-weather day during your two-day stay in Tokyo to visit Mt. Fuji, boosting the chances of good visibility by 50%. One point to note is that even during the best morning viewing times, visibility remains limited when humidity is high from June to August. Clearer views are more common in dry air from October to the next February.
► If you use such a service, the reserved express or bullet train tickets we prioritize for you may be changed to non-reserved tickets, since the former requires a 1-month advance booking. Still, it’s worth both of us making the effort to see Mt. Fuji, and in fact, there’s only a 5% chance you’ll have to stand for the train journey to Hakone in the off-season.

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, please head to Tokyo Station on your own; it’s a 9-minute walk from the 3-star hotel and a 7-minute walk from the 4-star hotel. Next, enjoy a 2.5-hour train ride to Kyoto, with tickets reserved and included. When you enter the Kyoto Basin, clusters of black-tiled, wooden-beamed townhouses spread out like waves, replacing Tokyo’s shiny neon skyscrapers.

After picking you up at Kyoto Station, your guide will accompany you to the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. When thinking of Japan’s old capital, the first images that often come to mind are grand shogunate palaces surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens, which are beautifully showcased by the Golden Pavilion, with its two upper stories covered in gold leaf. If you’ve watched the Japanese anime “Clever Ikkyu,” it might feel familiar, since the shogun who often outwits the young monk Ikkyu is none other than the owner of this residence: Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358 - 1408 AD). He was the first to unify Japan as shogun and later helped lead Japan’s economic boom, bringing the Muromachi shogunate to its peak.

Later, join your guide to explore the Pure Water Temple. Along the way, we’ll walk the winding, stone-paved slopes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, observing the sukiya-style Japanese townhouses with worm-cage windows that fill the area with nostalgic charm. Passing by the imposing Niomon Gate and the three-story pagoda, we’ll arrive at the main hall of the temple, which features a striking stage with Kyoto’s sweeping vistas. Are you concerned that this old stage might collapse under the weight of the crowds? Don’t worry: it connects columns and beams in a mortise-and-tenon structure, setting them in a lattice pattern to improve earthquake resistance - a traditional architectural technique also applied in the symbolic Great Roof Ring of the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo.

Once outside the temple, let’s walk over to the nearby Gion District, where Hanamikoji Street is often officially recommended for spotting geishas. However, in reality, most of the people dressed in kimonos here are tourists so that you might feel a bit disappointed. But don’t worry. Want to know where to encounter authentic geishas? As our tour ends, you can stay for free exploration instead of heading back to your hotel with the guide.

► Hidden Spots to Meet Real Geisha by Yourself
Based on our expert experience, find “Crown Restaurant” on Google Maps, and within a 100-meter radius of it, you’ll see geishas gracefully walking to various teahouses around 9:00 PM. Why does Japan heavily promote geisha culture to attract tourists, yet feel embarrassed to show you the real work of geishas? In fact, local private teahouses often operate as red-light districts, which are not suitable for formal publicity in East Asian culture. After satisfying your curiosity, you can take the 207 City Bus from the nearby Shijo Keihan-mae Station for less than 25 minutes to reach Subway Kujo Station near your hotel, or hop in a 15-minute taxi directly back.

Meals: Breakfast

In the early morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and start today’s visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine. Historically, Japan’s way of life has mainly revolved around farming, with a diet primarily based on rice. Inari, the goddess of grains and food in Japanese mythology, has naturally become a beloved deity among the people. Besides exploring several halls of Fushimi Inari Shrine, you’ll also walk among the rows of vermilion Senbon Torii, which worshippers donate as tokens of gratitude for their wishes being granted. Inscribed with the donor’s name, business, and date, even the smallest torii gate costs around JPY 175,000 (USD 1,200).

Around noon, your guide will join you for a train ride to Nara, a captivating mix of natural scenery and rich cultural history. Our first stop is Nara Park, where you’ll see adorable deer all around. Some deer are very friendly and eagerly approach you for crackers, while others stay aloof and ignore visitors completely. How smart are they? During hot summer days, they often enjoy the cool air from nearby convenience stores, and some even press the store buttons with their noses to enter directly to escape the heat. Continue heading toward Great Eastern Temple (Todai-ji Temple), famous for the Great Buddha of Nara, which displays the impressive 1,300-year history of the ancient capital. As the headquarters of Japan’s 68 Buddhist temples, Great Eastern Temple symbolizes the dominance of Buddhism in society during the 8th century. After its construction, even the abbot’s political influence became so strong that it eventually prompted the Emperor to move the capital to Kyoto, diminishing the authority of Nara’s Buddhist temples. 

Nearby is Kasuga Taisha Shrine, nestled within the primeval forest. Legend says that the deity enshrined here arrived riding a white deer; therefore, the deer are considered messengers of the gods and have been carefully protected since ancient times. Look closely - even the stone lanterns are carved with reliefs of sika deer. More than just a religious site, the shrine boasts a rich collection of ritual objects, paintings, and sculptures that give insight into the artistic styles of old Nara.

Then, follow your guide through backstreets to explore Nara’s historic neighborhoods from the 17th century. After visiting the charming Goryo Shrine, we’ll arrive at the Naramachi Lattice House, known for its distinctive lattice window design that not only effectively ventilates and admits light but also protects privacy indoors. Inside, you can admire traditional Japanese decorations, including hanging paintings, screens, and antique furniture, all inspiring further exploration in this nostalgic atmosphere. In the late afternoon, we’ll finally return to Kyoto.

Meals: Breakfast

Today, after the guide picks you up from the hotel, move to our final Kyoto attraction: Nijo Castle, the residence of 17th- to 19th-century Tokugawa shoguns during their peak. Thus, the Tokugawa family crest - the clover leaf - was prominently carved on the roofs and beams, which led the Emperor to order that any crest taller than the imperial one be removed. However, one crest was so tall that it remained the only one surpassing the height of the imperial crest and unexpectedly became a popular photo spot. Follow your guide to find it!

Afterward, let’s take a train to Osaka. Many people say Osaka is mainly about food and shopping, unlike Kyoto’s rich history. However, our first stop this afternoon, Osaka Castle, might change that idea. Built in 1583 AD by the Japanese daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 - 1598 AD), the castle was meant to showcase his power after unifying Japan. Despite several destructions and rebuilds, we can still see its impressive gates, lofty walls, and wide moats. At the center stands the famous Main Tower, where you can learn about Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s life in detail and go up to the top for sweeping views of Osaka.

As the sun sets, the city transforms into a playground of lights, sounds, and flavors, and we’ll head to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi for the best feast. Walking along the canal at Dotonbori, while the famous Glico Man sign makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set, the lesser-known Hozen-ji Temple in the backstreets offers a sacred, peaceful vibe amidst the noisy district. After a quick tour, your guide will escort you back to the hotel, or you can stay here to enjoy the nightlife on your own. Not far away is Shinsaibashi Street, providing a perfect mix of late-night shopping and dining, where you might want to keep exploring all night. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute walk from here to your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about staying out too late.

Meals: Breakfast

Today, walk on your own for 3 to 5 minutes from your hotel to Shinsaibashi Metro Station, then travel 6 stops over 12 minutes on the Midosuji Line to Shin-Osaka Station. From there, enjoy a 1.5-hour independent bullet train ride, with tickets reserved and included, to Hiroshima Station, where a local guide will greet you and accompany you on a ferry trip to Miyajima Island.

Sailing across the sea, you’ll notice the majestic vermilion Grand Torii Gate towering above the water. The Japanese believe that passing through the torii gate leads to the divine realm, and Itsukushima Shrine reflects this idea, with the entire island serving as the deity’s home. Throughout, the shrine’s punchline lies in its seamless blend of architecture and tides. At high tide, the main hall and corridors appear like a floating palace, while at low tide, you can walk to the Grand Torii Gate. As you see the red and white shrine merge into the natural seascape, you can’t help but feel an emotional connection to the Japanese Shinto faith and its architectural art. 

After lunch, we’ll transfer to downtown Hiroshima. Despite being the first city in the world to be hit by an atomic bomb, its deep scars have merged with lush parks, busy markets, and communities dedicated to remembrance and education. When you enter the Peace Memorial Park, you’ll see the haunting figure of the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a powerful reminder of the tragedy on August 6, 1945. Nearby is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where thoughtfully curated exhibits, including relics, photographs, and personal stories from survivors, offer a detailed view of the atomic bombing and its aftermath, leaving us not only moved by Hiroshima’s heavy history but also inspired by its persistent pursuit of peace. Before leaving, you can share your deepest feelings in the museum’s guestbook.

Let’s wrap up for today! The guide will escort you to Hiroshima Station and give you the return tickets for your train trip to Osaka; then, please return to the hotel on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

On the last day of your 8 days Japan group tour, please check out of the hotel on time as per your flight schedule and make your own way to Kansai International Airport. Either from the 3-star or 4-star hotel, you can take the Midosuji Line from Shinsaibashi Station for one stop to Namba Station. Then, transfer to the Nankai Line Airport Express, which takes about 45 minutes to the airport. We are also happy to assist if you need additional train or air tickets back to Tokyo. Wish you a smooth journey home!

► Suggestions for Your Final Free Exploration in Osaka
If your flight schedule allows, you can visit Kuromon Market by yourself with a 10-minute taxi ride. Although it’s a commerce-oriented tourist spot, it offers a great introduction to Japan’s seasonal eating habits, like strawberry daifuku during cherry blossom season and chestnut- and matsutake-mushroom dishes in autumn. However, food prices here are generally twice as high as in Dotonbori, so it’s best to focus on sightseeing rather than eating.

Meals: Breakfast