Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour manager in the airport and transferred to the hotel by shuttle bus.

Following breakfast, you will go to visit to Osaka Castle from outside, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. Constructed in 1583, it served as a symbol of the unification of Japan in the 16th century.

You will then continue on to Asahi Breweries in Kanagawa where you can watch the entire brewing process, and also enjoy the freshly brewed beer in an open-area tasting room.

Afterwards, you will be escorted to the famous Shinsaibashi shopping district. In the afternoon, you will proceed to the city of Nara, which was the first capital city of Japan. Your first stop will be the Todaiji Temple, home to the great bronze Buddha. The statue is the largest Buddha statue in the world, and the surrounding park is full of thousands of holy deer.

Today, following breakfast, you are free to explore the historic city at your own pace, or you can choose to join the optional Kyoto city tour. During the optional tour, you will visit Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, and will enjoy a traditional kimono show at the Nishijin Textile Gallery. You will conclude the optional tour with a visit to the Nishiki Market, famous for its unique Japanese cuisine.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will visit the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha, also known as “O-inarisan”. Inari shrines are the most well-known shrines to Japanese people; there are approximately thirty thousand throughout the country, frequented by people of all ages. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine which all the others are affiliated with. In the 1300 years since its establishment in 711AD, people have gathered here to pray for bountiful harvests, business prosperity, the safety of their home and family, and the fulfillment of all kinds of other wishes.
You will continue on to visit the famous Kiyomizu Temple which was first constructed in the 7th century and rebuilt in 1633. On the journey to the temple you will walk through a beautiful shopping district where souvenirs, Kyoto ceramics, Japanese Mochi, and snacks can be purchased. At the end of the day, you will be transferred to Toyohashi by bus.

Following breakfast, you will travel to Hakone to visit the Owakudani volcano, and will witness its sulphurous fumes, hot springs, hot rivers, and on a clear day, the best view of the iconic Mount Fuji. Here you will get to enjoy a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway (cable car). You will also visit Grinpia Makinohara Tea Factory, where you will taste authentic Japanese green tea.

Please Note: Your trip to Owakudani will depend on the weather, if the weather does not permit, alternative arrangements will be made.

After breakfast, you can join the tour to the beautiful capital city of
Tokyo for a city tour. The tour will include a visit to the Tokyo Tower from outside. This iconic structure was first opened in 1958 and stands at 333 metres high. You will stop at the Imperial Palace, otherwise known as Edo Castle, which was constructed in 1457. You will then head to Asakusa Kannon Temple, also known as Sensoji Temple, the structure is a Buddhist temple built in the 7th century and is the oldest temple in all of Japan.

Head to the famous Nakamisen shopping street where traditional Japanese food, souvenirs and novelty items can be purchased. You will also stop at Ameyoko Market. The bustling street way is an ideal place to shop for souvenirs, see vendors hawking their wares and sample some of cheapest, rustic food, at the seafood or various ethnic restaurants. Afterwards, you will be escorted to the famous shopping district of Ginza.

Today, following breakfast, you are free to explore Tokyo at your own pace.

Today you will be flying back home by scheduled flight on your own arrangement. We hope you enjoyed your journey to Japan with us!