Japan and The Philippines Vacation

Itinerary

• Day 1: Osaka, Arrival

  Welcome to Japan, the captivating "Land of the Rising Sun," where Eastern traditions harmonize with Western modernity. Upon landing at Osaka airport, your private driver awaits, ready to whisk you away to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after your long-haul flight.

  • Osaka

• Day 2: Osaka

  Start by visiting the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, where the life-size townscape in the late Edo Period is recreated to perfection. Your guide will then lead you on a discovery journey of the imposing Osaka Castle, surrounded by defensive moats and rock walls. An optional visit to the museum inside offers the chance to delve deeper into its rich history.

  Round off the day with a walking tour through the vibrant Kuromon Ichiba Market, lined with local shops, stalls, and eateries. You won't be able to resist tantalizing scents from various local delicacies.

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  • Osaka

• Day 3: Osaka - Kyoto by Bullet Train

  Savor a leisurely morning before taking a bullet train independently to Kyoto, the cradle of Japanese traditions and spirituality.

  Once reaching there, transfer to the hotel by yourself, relax into local rhythms, and head out for a glance of urban exploration. You may like to enjoy some leisure time strolling around Gion, Japan's most popular geisha district, filled with traditional teahouses.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 4: Kyoto

  Focus today on a guided tour of Kyoto's three UNESCO World Heritage sites. The first stop is the remarkably 3-story gold-leaf covered Buddhist temple of Kinkaku-ji, which reflects in a tranquil pond. In the heart of Kyoto lies the huge park-like compound of Nijo Castle, representing the shogun's prestige and power. Marvel at the legacy of the Edo Period like the squeaky "nightingale" floors, and delve deep into the rich history of Japan.

  End the tour at the well-renowned Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, navigating through countless vermilion torii gates up Mount Inari. As you wish, join the local pilgrims to pay for business success, safety, and other blessings.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 5: Kyoto, Leisure Day

  Nothing is planned today, so you are free to explore on your own or take an optional excursion. We recommend discovering the charming Arashiyama district in Western Kyoto, renowned for the Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, temples, shrines, cherry blossoms in spring, and vibrant maple trees in fall.

  Alternatively, consider taking a short train ride (under 1 hour) to Nara for amicable deer in Nara Park, Big Buddha in Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine with massive lanterns.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 6: Kyoto - Tokyo

  After breakfast and hotel check-out, make your own way to the railway station for a bullet train to Tokyo, Japan's ultra-modern capital.

  Arriving in 2 or 3 hours, get to the hotel by yourself and enjoy the remainder of today at leisure.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 7: Tokyo

  Amid Tokyo's contemporary allure, the city preserves its essence through ancient sites. The iconic Meiji Shrine, formally dedicated in 1920 to the first emperor of modern Japan, offers a serene retreat amidst traditional structures and lush forests. Another oasis, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, will enchant you with blooming flora, historic walls, and the Suwano tea house.

  End the day with a leisurely walk through Nakamise Shopping Street to the venerable 1,400-year-old Senso-ji Temple, which showcases Japanese spirituality and lifestyle.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 8: Tokyo, Day Excursion to the Mt. Fuji

  Travel out of Tokyo to explore the Kawaguchiko area on a full-day excursion. A scenic 2.5-hour drive transports you to the picturesque realm, revealing diverse perspectives of the majestic Mt. Fuji.

  After visiting Oshino Hakkai and Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko or ascend the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for a captivating view of the distant mountain. After the tour, transfer back to Tokyo for the night.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 9: Tokyo - Cebu

  Enjoy some leisure time this morning before continuing your Asia journey to the Philippines, an archipelagic nation consisting of over 7,000 islands and islets.

  As you touch down at Cebu Airport, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

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  • Cebu

• Day 10: Cebu, Twin City Discovery

  As the oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu has many historical sites to explore, including Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, Casa Gorordo Museum, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills. While exploring Mactan Island, dig into the country's recent history with visits to the Monument of Lapu-Lapu and Mactan Shrine. Besides, browse handicraft stalls, stroll around the Public Market, and explore a Guitar and Ukulele Factory.

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  • Cebu

• Day 11: Cebu - Bohol

  This morning, transfer to the ferry terminal in time for your boat ride (about 2 hours) across the sea to Bohol.

  Upon arriving, you will be met and transferred to your beachside hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, sunbathing on the beach or enjoying some drinks in the open-air bar.

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  • Bohol

• Day 12: Bohol

  After breakfast, head to a viewing deck for a captivating sight of the renowned Chocolate Hills, featuring 1,268 cone-shaped limestone formations in a distinct and enigmatic landscape. Then, at a Tarsier Sanctuary, encounter the world's smallest primate with big eyes. Wind down your exciting day with a delightful boat cruise along the scenic Loboc River, relishing a buffet lunch amidst the lush surroundings.

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  • Bohol

• Day 13: Bohol, Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour

  Today is set aside for a fun-filled whale and dolphin watching expedition, led by former whale hunters now serving as expert "Whale Spotters." After 1-2 hours at sea, hopefully, you may be able to spot several dolphin and whale species in their natural habitat. At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch on Pamilacan Island, followed by a walking tour to observe the lifestyles of former "Whale Hunters" or choose to swim/snorkel in the island's crystal-clear waters.

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  • Bohol

• Day 14: Bohol - Manila

  Enjoy your free time before your private guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Manila.

  Upon arrival, be greeted and escorted to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or go out for a short exploration independently.

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  • Manila

• Day 15: Manila

  After breakfast, journey to the past on a guided tour of the walled city of Intramuros, where Manila was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. From Casa Manila, step into the UNESCO-inscribed San Agustin Church, ride a "Kalesa" (traditional horse-drawn carriage) to the Manila Cathedral, and explore Fort Santiago, housing a shrine to the Philippines' national hero - Jose Rizal. Dive into local life in Quiapo and Binondo (the world's oldest Chinatown).

  Next, pay respects at the American Cemetery, a poignant site honoring WWII soldiers. Return, freshen up, and cap off the day in cosmopolitan Makati and Bonifacio Global City, offering abundant dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

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  • Manila

• Day 16: Manila, Departure

  Your Japan and Philippines vacation is coming to a close today. Enjoy breakfast and your morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your homebound flight.

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