Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Nikko Discovery

Welcome to Tokyo, Japan's dazzling capital that connects the old and new, the east and west. Home to over 35 million people, Tokyo's mega-size and wild energy usually overawe first-time visitors. However, as soon setting foot on this land, you will find out it's an incredibly well-ordered society that is friendly to travelers from all over the world.

Stroll around the Meiji Shrine cloaked in lush forests to glimpse people's respect for their beloved ruler, who helped Japan cast off its feudal cloak and grow into the modern country it is today.

Visit Tsukiji Outer Market to see colorful Japanese ingredients, mouthwatering freshly-cooked foods, and a variety of Japanese kitchen supplies on sale. Try out freshly made Sushi (please pay on-site) if you wish.

Move on to historical Asakusa and discover the time-honored Senso-Ji Temple, with many locals paying respect to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Immerse in the hustle and bustle of Nakamise-dori and browse the stalls selling exotic souvenirs, snacks, and sweets. Step into a tea house to partake in Chado and learn basic etiquette and the history of the Japanese tea ceremony.

About 100 km southeast of Tokyo, standing the iconic Mt. Fuji with a perfect cone.

Today, a 2.5-hour drive will take you to the foot of the sacred mountain, where you will visit Oshino Hakkai with the open-air museum of the Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, climb up Arakurayama Sengen Shrine (Chureito Pagoda), cruise on Kawaguchiko Lake or take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to take in its breathtaking beauty from different angles. After the tour, return to Tokyo for the night.

Located only 125 km north of Tokyo, home to a wealth of long-standing relics and fascinating natural beauties, Nikko is an ideal destination for a short escape from the capital.

The UNESCO-listed Toshogu Shrine was built for Tokugawa Ieyasu, a powerful man who opened the famous Edo Period. Here, you will see dozens of buildings cloaked in a lush forest, lavishly decorated with intricate wood carvings and gold leaf, and combined Shinto and Buddhist essences.

Rinno-Ji, another site you can't miss in Nikko, is an important base for Tendai Buddhists. The most impressive building in it is the Sanbutsudo that houses the three eight-meter-tall gold-leafed Buddhist statues.

About a half-hour west of Rinno-Ji, on the west shore of Lake Chuzenji, the Kegon Waterfall pours about 100 meters down. It is one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan.

Time to bid farewell to Tokyo and continue your journey, either deep into the other regions of Japan or starting your exploration to the more extensive orient.