11 days Popular Cities and Art of Japan

On this tour we will go to the most popular places in Japan. The tour will begin in Tokyo, the capital and the most populous metropolis in the world. Beyond the seductive neon signs that advertise the plethora of businesses are traditional centers that have stood the test of time.

Our next stop is Hakone, one of the most famous places for onsens (hot springs). The city served as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. After spending a night in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) we will venture to Okayama, where you will have a free day to explore Kurashiki, Okayama or Himeji. Each of those places has unique sites that will not disappoint. On one of the days, you will have the freedom to choose between going to Takamatsu and Kotohira or Naoshima.

Our next destination is the famous Hiroshima, the city where the first atomic bombs were deployed in World War II. Despite the tragedy, the area has become a symbol of hope for a world without nuclear weapons. Near Hiroshima is Miyajima Island, where the famous Itsukushima Shrine is located. The sanctuary is known for its vermilion torii gate that appears to float in the middle of the sea at high tide.

Next is the traditional heart of Japan, Kyoto. The city maintains its traditional roots despite the modernization of many other areas. Located one hour from Kyoto it is the first permanent capital of Nara. The city is best known for the largest Daibutsu (Big Buddha) in Japan and can be found at the Todaiji Temple.

Detailed itinerary

DAY 1
Welcome to Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! Make your own way to your Tokyo hotel by train or airport limousine bus, we will provide you with complete directions in advance.

Note: If you want the meeting and reception or private hotel transfer to be included, please contact us for the agreement.
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar class

DAY 2
Tokyo – The city with a mix of past and present

Today we will enjoy a Private Tour of Tokyo, the most populated metropolis in the world. As modernized as the city can be, there are still aspects of its traditional history present. While touring Tokyo, you will have an expert local guide to take you to the best sightseeing spots. Visiting hours are entirely up to you and are flexible to the needs of the group.

For temples and shrines, we recommend visiting Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and Meiji Jingu Shrine, the place where Emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined. You can also roam the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, the current residence of the Imperial family. If you are looking for a deeper look at the history of Japan, why not visit the Edo Museum in Tokyo?

There are many shopping options available in Tokyo, but depending on your preference it can take you to different parts of the city. High-quality branded items can be found in Ginza, extreme fashion style clothing is in Harajuku, otaku (geek) products can be purchased in Akihabara, and Shibuya is the middle ground between all your shopping needs.
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and offers great views of the city from its observatory. There are shops as well as an aquarium located in the area. Not interested in the tower? So what about going to the man-made island known as Odaiba? On the island there are many entertainment options available in addition to the famous Rainbow Bridge.

Breakfast
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar class

DAY 3
Hakone – A national park with the best views of Mt. Fuji

Traverse Hakone, an iconic hot spring destination, by public transportation like the Hakone Tozan Cable Car or enjoy a panoramic view from the Hakone Cable Car. Like a national park, you will be greeted with magnificent views of the surrounding nature. Complementing the natural beauty, there are great museums like the Open Air Museum that we will visit. While taking a leisurely boat cruise on the lake, we will have the opportunity to see the impressive Mt. Fuji in the distance weather permitting. When the day comes to an end, we will have the opportunity to relax in the onsen (hot spring) at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) at Atami Onsen. Immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters and feel your body rejuvenate. Then, enjoy a Japanese Kaiseki (seasonal) Banquet Dinner that will give you a chance to taste the ingredients of the season.

Breakfast dinner
Atami Onsen Sakura Ryokan or similar class

DAY 4
Atami to Okayama

The day will begin with a bullet train ride to Okayama, where you will have a free day to explore the area. In Okayama you can visit Korakuen Garden, which is one of the three most important landscape gardens in Japan. There is also the reconstruction of Okayama Castle, which is nicknamed U-jo or Crow Castle. When it was rebuilt, it was turned into a museum with many displays of the history of the ancient Okayama Castle.

Near Okayama is Kurashiki, where you can visit the canal area that has been there since the Edo Period. You can stroll along the canal and visit warehouses that were turned into museums, restaurants, shops, and cafes. Also on the canal is the Ohara Museum, which was Japan’s western art museum.

If you choose to stop by Himeji, it is recommended that you visit Himeji Castle. The castle is known as “White Egret Castle” and “White Heron Castle” due to its bright white exterior and structure that resembles a flying bird. Himeji Castle is one of the few remaining original castles and was declared one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan.

Breakfast
Hotel Granvia Okayama or similar class

DAY 5
Takamatsu and Kotohira or Naoshima Private Tour

On this day, you will be given the option to have the private guide take you to Takamatsu and Kotohira or Naoshima. Takamatsu is the closest port city to Honshu from Shikoku and is known for Ritsurin Garden, a landscaped garden that rivals Korakuen, Kenrokuen, and Kairakuen. Kotohira is where you can find the most popular Kompirasan Shinto shrine in Shikoku. There are 1,368 stone steps leading up to the sanctuary and there is the optional palanquin service for a fee if you are not up for the arduous journey.
Naoshima is known for its diverse collections of modern art, including architecture, sculpture, and paintings. The island is located in the Seto Inland Sea, between Honshu and Shikoku. There you can find the iconic pumpkin sculpture on the waterfront pier.

Note: If you want to see both Takamatsu and Naoshima, please contact us to add one more night in Okayama. If you would like to spend the night (s) at Benesse House in Naoshima, please contact us for more information.

Breakfast
Hotel Granvia Okayama or similar class

DAY 6
Hiroshima: the world’s first atomic bomb catastrophe

Take the bullet train to Hiroshima. The journey is approximately 45 minutes. Upon arrival, your private guide will meet you at the train exit. Enjoy a private tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. While we are in Hiroshima we will visit the Peace Memorial Park, which was built after the atomic bomb. The park symbolizes the hope of a world without nuclear weapons. From the park you can see the Genbaku Dome or Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few surviving structures of the attack. We will also pass by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which has detailed records of life after the atomic bomb fell.

In the afternoon we will explore Miyajima, an island near Hiroshima. Located on the island is Itsukushima Shrine, which is known for its large torii gate that is built into the sea. At high tide, the famous vermilion torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine seems to float in the middle of the sea. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Miyajima has been selected as one of the three most scenic places in Japan (nihon sankei). Itsukushima Shrine is said to have been first built in the 6th century at the foot of Mt. Misen as a place of worship for the holy mountain. The main deity of the sanctuary is the daughter of the mythical Susanoo and niece of the Goddess of the Great Sun Amaterasu.

Breakfast
Hotel Granvia Okayama or similar class

DAYS 7 and 8
Kyoto – The heart of traditional Japan

Our day begins with a trip on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, the traditional and cultural center of Japan. For more than 1000 years, Kyoto has influenced politics and culture in the country. It was the ancient capital before Edo (Tokyo). When the feudal era came to an end, much of the nation modernized, but the city set out to preserve its proud history. As a traditional center, history, religion, and culture remained unadorned. For two days you will have a private guide to take you to the most desired places.
There are many sites to see in Kyoto and they can be divided into the southern, eastern, central, northern and Arashiyama districts. No matter where you choose to visit each site, it has invaluable historical value that will leave you in awe. Just for quick reference, the Fushimi Inari Shrine has over 1000 torii gates; The Tofukuji Temple has the Hojo Garden that surrounds the four sides of the building, the Kiyomizudera Temple has the stage and the main hall that was built without nails, the Kinkakuji Temple is known as the Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama has the photogenic bamboo forest, and Gion is where you can find the Geisha district.

Breakfast
New Miyako Hotel or similar class

DAY 9
Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital with excellent examples of traditional architecture

Located about 1 hour from Kyoto, it is the first permanent capital, Nara. The city marks the change in history where a centralized government was established because before the capital changed its location when the Emperor died. During this time, culture in Japan had time to develop and evolve, which can be seen in the architecture and other structures that have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you can see the largest bronze Daibutsu (Big Buddha) in the iconic Todaiji Temple. Around the temple is Nara Park, where there are more than 1000 free roaming deer, which are considered deities of the city. The brief reign of the Nara Period ushered in cultural change in the nation and left its mark on history. The sites in the city signify a beginning that is often forgotten, but is well preserved.

Breakfast
New Miyako Hotel or similar class

DAY 10
Tokyo: Back to Tokyo to shop, eat, have fun, and have fun before heading home

Take the bullet train back to Tokyo. The trip is approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel. Tokyo has many services to offer to foreigners and locals as one of the most active and interesting metropolises in the world. Enjoy half the day following your own plans; last minute shopping, dining and entertainment all for you! Public transportation in Tokyo may have been overwhelming for some, but when you get used to it, you can carefully plan your wait time and see a lot in a short time.

Breakfast
Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar class

DAY 11
Tour ends

After departure, head to Narita Airport for your departure flight.

Note: If you want the private airport transfer to be included, please contact us for the agreement.