Charming Japan from History to Nature

Welcome to Japan, where traditional cultures are well-preserved in modern advancement! Upon your arrival in Tokyo, meet our airport assistant and get some basic information about Japan. With his/her assistance, you can easily take an airport shuttle bus to your hotel. Check into the hotel yourself and then enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Today, you will take a time journey back to ancient Japan and see history come alive on a guided tour of the well-preserved shrines, palaces, and temples in Tokyo. The first stop is the Meiji Shrine, built in 1920 as a memorial to the first emperor and empress of modern Japan. The adjacent Yoyogi Park and the shrine provide a perfect forested area for a wonderful, relaxing stroll. It is also a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Your next stop, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, is an oasis of calm with blooming flowers, beautiful pavilions, and outstanding rock walls. Walking through the Nakamise Dori shopping street lined with shops selling traditional crafts, tasty snacks, and cultural souvenirs, you will see the Senso-Ji Temple, a historical Buddhist temple dating to the 7th century and dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Finally, step into the narrow lanes of Tsukiji Outer Market to try some delicious food.

For many travelers, a visit to Japan without seeing Mt. Fuji is not complete. This highest snow-capped volcano located about 100 km southwest of Tokyo is the iconic symbol of Japan. After a 3-hour drive, you will reach Mt. Fuji 5th Station, a great place for viewing Mt. Fuji up close. Then move to the lovely area of Fuji Five Lakes, enjoy a cruise in the most popular lake - Lake Kawaguchi, or ride the Kachi Kachi Ropeway to catch the wonderful distant view of Mt. Fuji. Finally, take a relaxing walk in Iyashi no Sato, a traditional craft village with thatched roofed houses.

Head out to Kyoto by train this morning.

Upon arrival, find your way to your hotel. Check in and have the rest of the day at leisure. You may explore the famous Gion district at your pace or take in the stunning panoramic views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple's viewing platform.

Today will be a self-guided day to enjoy this ancient city at your own pace. As the old imperial capital and cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto has a lot to offer, such as the famous Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion Temple surrounded by quiet waters and green trees, the UNESCO-listed Ryoanji Zen temple with a famous rock garden, the busy Nishiki market, and the Arashiyama district with magnificent bamboo groves.

Or experience an easy day trip to Nara, famous for its natural beauty, ancient temples, cherry blossoms, and deer. See deer roaming freely and cherry blossoms in the spring in Nara Park; admire the world's largest bronze Buddha statue at the adjacent Todaiji Temple, or climb up to Mount Wakakusa with three lawn slopes.

Leave Kyoto behind for Kanazawa by limited express train. On arrival, find your way to your hotel for check-in and rest.

Kanazawa, the historical jewel of mainland Japan, boasts a strong tradition of arts and crafts, a sincere and strong samurai culture, interesting festivals, and one of the best gardens in Japan.

Begin your exploration at the magnificent Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. With ponds, streams, teahouses, plum tree groves, a small shrine, and many beautiful and colorful flowering trees, this 17th-century garden provides a variety of stunning natural looks at different times of the year. After a feast of natural beauty, continue to the Kanazawa Castle, once the home of the Maeda family, the hereditary feudal lords who governed the Kaga Domain for over 280 years. Learn about the history behind it and admire the castle's former buildings and excellent displays of traditional carpentry. Finally, experience the local tea culture at Higashi Chayagai District and catch sight of the remaining samurai residences at Nagamachi Samurai District.

Time to admire the traditional Gassho-zukuri, a kind of vernacular farmhouse with steep thatched roofs resembling praying hands. Get a taste of a truly rural village atmosphere at two famous UNESCO-listed villages: Suganuma Village and Shirakawa-go Village. Strolling in the untouched world scattered with quaint cottages, you may feel like you are in a Japanese fairytale world.

When the tour ends, return to the hotel in Kanazawa.

Take a bullet train back to Tokyo.

On arrival, find your way to your hotel. Relax in the hotel or go out for a short exploration for the rest of the day. You may explore gleaming skyscrapers and atmospheric back streets with tiny bars in Shinjuku or experience its fashion from the trendy shopping districts of Harajuku and Shibuya to the luxury flagships of Ginza.

Your memorable Japan tour ends today. Continue exploring other regions of Japan, or fly home with cherished memories.