Essence of Japan

Today, meet your guide at the hotel and start with a visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market, which is often considered the culinary heart of Tokyo, and it’s fair to say it’s the city’s stomach. The most significant change in modern Japanese cuisine occurred between the 17th and 19th centuries, when offshore fisheries thrived, resulting in a shift in the primary ingredient from river fish to ocean fish. That’s why Japanese knife skills mainly focus on fish rather than other meats. As you walk through the market, you’ll see stalls filled with delicacies like fresh tuna, sashimi, and seafood sushi.

Our next stop is Meiji Jingu Shrine, located within the forest in central Tokyo. Many people know that the shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912 AD) and his wife, Empress Shoken. However, few realize that after Emperor Meiji’s death, Empress Shoken once succeeded him in power for a year, founded a women’s university for the self-cultivation of Japanese women, and dedicated nearly her entire life savings to the Empress Shoken Fund, which was the predecessor of the Japanese Red Cross. Therefore, holding a wedding ceremony here to honor the Emperor and Empress’s significant contributions to Japan is an unmatched honor and a cherished dream for many Japanese couples. You’ll have a chance to witness a traditional Japanese wedding firsthand!Then, join your guide for a visit to the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Emperor of Japan. Built on the site of Edo Castle, which once housed the Tokugawa shoguns until 1868, the palace is safeguarded by a large moat and thick walls. Thanks to well-maintained surrounding gardens, you can enjoy a vibrant display of flowers and greenery year-round, including plum blossoms in February, azaleas from April to May, irises in June, and crimson maple leaves from September to October, creating a striking contrast to the steel forest of Tokyo’s modern cityscape.

In the afternoon, let’s head to Senso-ji Temple. If the century-old Meiji Jingu Shrine doesn’t fully capture Tokyo’s ancient charm, then Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple with over 1,000 years of history, definitely reflects the city’s past. Since the giant lantern at the Kaminarimon Gate has become the symbol of the temple, taking a picture in front of it is now a must-do in Tokyo. When you step onto Nakamise-dori Street, where over 90 shops dating back to the 17th century sell traditional Japanese crafts, toys, souvenirs, and authentic local sweets, you’ll feel immersed in a lively downtown atmosphere. Walking down the street, you’ll see the vibrant vermilion main hall and five-story pagoda of the temple, with the towering Tokyo Skytree rising in the distance - perfectly showing the blend of tradition and modernity of Tokyo. Finally, the guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and accompany you on a train ride to Odawara Station. From there, let’s take the Hakone Tozan Train and Tozan Cable Car successively to climb the Hakone mountains, ascending over 200 meters (656 feet) in elevation with breathtaking views outside the windows.

Upon arriving at Sounzan Station, which features a sloped platform, embark on the ropeway to visit Owakudani Valley. As it slowly passes through the crater, the visual effect bears a resemblance to Star Trek. If you’re not accustomed to the strong sulfur smell, please use the disposable towels provided in the cable car to cover your mouth and nose. Standing on the observation deck, you can get an up-close view of the valley’s fumaroles and experience the power of geothermal heat, with a stunning view of Mt. Fuji in the distance on clear days. Interestingly, all the local specialty foods are black, like black eggs, black ice cream, and black curry bread. Why not give them a try?

Afterward, continue our ride along the ropeway to the scenic Lake Ashi, formed by a volcanic eruption three thousand years ago. Following your guide to sail on the cruise ship, on one side, see the scattered houses of the local town blending seamlessly with nature, while on the other side, the stunning beauty of the pure white Mt. Fuji, the Great Torii Gate of Hakone Shrine, and the deep blue of the lake unfold. As today’s tour ends, the guide will escort you back to Tokyo for the night.
► You might hear that Mt. Fuji is visible only about 100 days a year, making this rare sight even more special. To help you catch it, we offer a flexible date change service that allows you to view Mt. Fuji on clearer days during your stay in Tokyo.

► Why We Choose Hakone Over Lake Kawaguchi
Compared to the popular Lake Kawaguchi, Hakone is less crowded, so you won’t have to wait in line for an hour or two to ride the Mount Fuji Ropeway, unlike at Lake Kawaguchi. The variety of experiences and sights is so diverse that even if you can’t see Mount Fuji due to bad weather, Hakone’s captivating scenery won’t let you down. Of course, if you want to see Mt. Fuji up close or climb to its Fifth Station, we also offer Lake Kawaguchi itineraries. Feel free to contact us for a recommended itinerary.
 
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, please check out and go to Tokyo Station to catch the train independently (your tickets are reserved and included in the itinerary). Our 4-star hotel is just a 7-minute walk from Tokyo Station. From the 3-star hotel, walk three minutes to Kayabacho Station, take the Tozai Line two stops to Otemachi Station, and Tokyo Station is a two-minute walk away. If you have heavy luggage, consider taking a taxi, which takes only five minutes and costs USD 10 to 15, or ask your guide beforehand to help you contact courier services to send it to Osaka.

After a 2.5-hour train ride, you’ll meet the local guide at Kyoto Station. To maintain the traditional character and landscape harmony of the thousand-year-old ancient capital, the Kyoto government has put strict rules on building heights and store signs, requiring both multinational chains like McDonald's and local convenience stores to follow them. During our tour today, take a look at these unique signs in Kyoto-style color schemes!

Now, follow your guide to the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Passing through the tree-shaded gate, where five marks on the earthen walls indicate its prestige level, you’ll see the shimmering three-story Golden Pavilion, with its elegant reflection wiggling in Mirror Pond. As the residence of the renowned Japanese shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408 AD), the overall design of the courtyard embodies both his ambitions for absolute power and his longing for a Buddhist pure land. Can you sense his contradictions and struggles during your visit?Then, continue our journey to the Pure Water Temple. Kyoto’s streets are often marked with signs proclaiming “Enjoy life while walking,” reflecting its relaxed and welcoming spirit, which comes alive as we climb the centuries-old slopes of Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka toward the Pure Water Temple. After passing the grand Niomon Gate and the tallest three-story pagoda in Japan, we’ll arrive at the main hall, nestled against the mountainside, with the highlight being the Pure Water Stage, which offers panoramic views of Kyoto. From late March to early April, cherry blossoms beautifully complement the temple’s vermilion architecture, while from late November to early December, the vibrant autumn foliage covers the forest in fire-like colors.

As dusk falls, join your guide for a walk through the cobblestone streets of Gion Area, where the sounds of koto music accompany historic teahouses. After experiencing the traditional scenes, your guide will escort you back to your hotel. Or, if you prefer, you can spend more time exploring on your own and simply take a 15-minute taxi ride back later.

► Tips for Self-Guided Exploration in Gion
Exploring the fascinating Gion Geisha District during your free time is highly recommended. Why not follow our expert advice for the best chance of encountering genuine Japanese geishas? Find ‘OKOSHIYASU Restaurant’ on Google Maps, and the streets 100 meters east and west of it are hidden gems where you should wait until at least 8:30 PM to see geishas in elegant kimonos. Unlike touristy teahouses meant for cultural performances, the local private teahouses operate more like a red-light district. Why are popular recommendations so secretive about the real geisha area? It’s deeply rooted in differences between Eastern and Western cultures. Compared with the bold, straightforward displays of De Wallen in Amsterdam, the low-key, veiled Japanese teahouses boast their Oriental misty beauty.

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, your guide will pick you up early to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine when it’s less crowded. Beyond the enshrined goddess of agriculture, the white fox as her messenger is also famous for warding off pests and predicting disasters. You can see countless fox statues here, each holding different symbols: rice ears for a bountiful harvest, keys for wealth, jade for gathering natural energy, and scrolls for wisdom. Another highlight is the vermilion Senbon Torii gates built by worshippers to fulfill their vows, with thousands winding up the mountain like flames. It’s said that silently making a wish while walking through the gates can help make your wish come true.

Afterward, the guide will join you for a quick train ride to Nara. Once you arrive, head straight to Nara Park to interact with the adorable deer. Interestingly, the increase in tourists has led to a rapid boost in Nara’s deer population over the past three years, as they have been given more opportunities to eat deer crackers, which are easier to chew than grass and put less strain on older deer’s teeth, helping to extend their lifespans. Deer crackers are available for purchase from nearby vending machines if you’d like to feed them.Passing through the park, we’ll then visit the Great Eastern Temple, one of the world’s largest remaining wooden structures. The temple remains just as impressive despite having survived numerous wars; its weathered exterior still displays its timeless beauty. Inside the Great Buddha Hall, the world’s largest gilded bronze Vairocana Buddha statue bears a solemn yet gentle, stern yet kind expression, seemingly bringing happiness and prosperity to those who worship there. Anyone who sees it can’t help but wonder how people managed to create the huge statue over 1,200 years ago.

Then, continue our exploration to the nearby Kasuga Taisha Shrine, once the family shrine of the Fujiwara clan, a powerful imperial family in Japanese history. Legend says that even their highest landlord would stop to bow when encountering a deer, which are considered messengers of the enshrined war god. Walking along the path that stretches deep into the woods, you’ll find Kasuga Taisha Shrine’s exquisite wooden architecture blending perfectly with the natural surroundings, and the striking vermilion shrine hall standing out against the lush forest landscape.

Next, we’ll wander through the historic Naramachi district as if traveling back to the 8th century when the Japanese emperor made Nara the capital, marking the rise of Buddhism. Temples not only served as spiritual centers but also helped create a thriving commercial scene and fueled the neighborhood’s growth. Let’s take a quick visit to Goryo Shrine and explore the Naramachi Lattice House, which offers a glimpse into traditional Nara architecture from the 17th and 19th centuries. Built with a narrow front to save on taxes, the interior is thoughtfully arranged with three main rooms, a hallway, toilets, storage areas, and a scenic courtyard - each reflecting the wisdom of Nara’s people. After finishing the visit, your guide will escort you back to Kyoto.

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, depart for your final stop in Kyoto with your guide: Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the residence of the Tokugawa shogunate. Since it’s a symbol of Japanese cultural heritage, don’t miss the impressive palaces and beautiful gardens, including the Ninomaru Gardens, which resemble a fairy-tale landscape of natural charm; the Honmaru Gardens, a dry landscape garden influenced by Western styles; and the Seiryu-en Gardens, a blend of Western and Japanese styles. Walking through them, exploring the historic buildings, and capturing unforgettable photos will undoubtedly create treasured memories of your trip to Kyoto.

Later, we’ll take a train to Osaka. Once we arrive, the guide will escort you to Kuromon Market, a crowded yet neat street lined with shops that have long satisfied Osaka residents’ appetites. Walking along it, you’ll see large scallops, king crabs, freshly opened sea urchins, oysters, various sashimi, as well as Wagyu beef, pufferfish, and soy products, dazzling your senses. In the lively atmosphere, with constant shouting, you can truly feel the enthusiasm of the Osaka people and the joy of daily life.

Next, let’s proceed to Osaka Castle. As one of Japan’s three most famous castles and a symbol of Osaka, it has over 400 years of history and displays the beauty of traditional Japanese castles. We’ll ascend to the top floor of the Main Tower for panoramic views of Osaka. The tower also functions as a museum, showcasing the Golden Tea Room and many valuable historical artifacts, including the feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s family tree and crest, as well as samurai swords. If you’re interested, you can try on a helmet and a Jinhaori (Kimono tabards for armored samurai) in the role-playing area at your own expense.

In the late afternoon, our footprints will reach the Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori area. As the saying goes, “Bankrupt in Kyoto by clothing, bankrupt in Osaka by food,” Dotonbori showcases Osaka’s lively street food scene, filled with the lingering aroma of freshly cooked takoyaki (octopus-filled balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake). After a leisurely stroll, your guide will escort you back to the hotel or show you how to make the most of your time if you’d like to explore more on your own. At night, immerse yourself in the bright neon lights, giant food signs, and lively ambiance. Heading north, Shinsaibashi Street offers a wide range of stores - from large department stores and historic shops to affordable boutiques - all under glass-covered arcades, making it safe to browse even when it's raining. Walk down the street and head north for 5 to 10 minutes, and you’ll arrive the hotel we’ve booked for you.

Meals: Breakfast

It’s time to say goodbye to your 7-day Japan group tour. Today, you’ll need to make your way to the airport on your own. After a 5-minute walk from the hotel to Shinsaibashi Station, take the Midosuji Line for 1 stop and get off at Namba Station. Then, transfer to the Nankai Limited Express, and you’ll reach Kansai International Airport in 5 stops. Alternatively, a taxi costs USD 110 to 140. We’re also happy to assist if you need help booking train or air tickets back to Tokyo.

If you’re not in a hurry to catch your flight, we suggest exploring Osaka Shinsekai or staying an extra day to have fun in Universal Studios Japan. If you’d like to extend your trip to cities like Kobe, Hiroshima, or Kanazawa, or travel internationally to other Asian countries like China and South Korea, we offer both mini-group and private tours that can be customized to fit your needs. Feel free to reach out to us!

Meals: Breakfast