7 days Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Nara

On this tour we will go to places that have influenced, shaped and defined 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. Panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, Owakudani volcanic fumes, and the open-air museum are some of the reasons Hakone is a great stop.

Next is the traditional heart of Japan, Kyoto. The city maintains its traditional roots despite the modernization of many other areas. Kyoto has influenced the culture and politics in the country for more than 1000 years. Soak up the sun in the presence of the historic monuments, structures, districts and streets, which have been carefully preserved.

The last stop for the journey 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. Beyond the temple walls is Nara Park, where there are more than 1000 roaming deer free. Nara marked the beginning of establishing a centralized government and developing the culture in the country.

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 and 5
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 6
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 7
Tour ends

After check-out, make your own way on the Haruka Airport Express train or airport limousine bus to Osaka Kansai Airport for your outbound flight.

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