The Golden Route of Japan (Reverse)

Day 2

Nara (Todai-ji Temple / Nara Deer Park), Uji (Green Tea Ceremony), Kyoto (Gekkeikan Motif Museum / Fushimi Inari Shrine)

In the morning you will travel to Nara, the oldest city in Japan, by private bus. We will visit the Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in Japan. The temple is also home to the largest bronze statue of the Buddha at 16.3 meters high, and the surrounding park is filled with more than 1,000 Sika deer. We will continue our journey to Uji where you can experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Then, visit a sake museum in the picturesque and historic Fushimi District, which is home to more than twenty breweries and is considered one of the beer capitals of Japan. At the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, you will be introduced to the fascinating history of sake brewing with its nostalgic buildings, tasting experience, and a valuable collection of traditional brewing tools. Then, a visit to the stunning vermilion-colored Fushimi Inari Shrine, whose 4 km tunnel of scarlet torii gates featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. This resort surrounds a bamboo wilderness that includes mountains, streams, and ponds, the perfect backdrop for a scenic hike. We will stay two nights in Kyoto.

Breakfast lunch
Hotel in Kyoto

Day 3

Kyoto (Nijo Castle / Nishijin Kimono Show / Golden Pavilion / Arashiyama – Tenryuji Temple Zen Garden – Bamboo Grove – Togetsukyo Bridge / Gion Geisha District)

Today we will continue our tour of Kyoto, which was once the capital of Japan and is still considered its cultural center. First is a visit to Nijo Castle, built in the early 17th century. Ninomarugeten, renovated in 1626, is a building recognized as an invaluable example of the architectural style of that period. At the Nishijin Textile Center, you can see kimono displays and even see a kimono parade. Visit the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) covered in 18 karat gold leaf. This three-story structure was originally built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. Then we will visit Arashiyama to see Tenryuji Temple where you can get a glimpse of the traditional Zen landscape garden design. Then proceed through a dense bamboo grove, passing by several small shrines, tea shops and private houses before reaching the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Hozu River. Finally, we will tour Gion, the old neighborhood of Geisha and Pontocho, whose cobbled alleys vibrate with nightlife.

Day 4

Kyoto (Kiyomizu Temple), Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride

This morning we will visit the famous Kiyomizu Temple, best known for its wooden stage that protrudes from its main hall, 13 meters above the slope below. The setting offers visitors a beautiful view of the many cherry and maple trees that open below into a sea of ​​color in spring and fall, as well as the city of Kyoto in the distance. We will continue to the Miho Museum. The museum has impressive architecture that accentuates the surrounding nature while displaying a variety of items from different ancient civilizations. It was designed by the famous architect, I. M. Pei, and is named after Koyama Mihoko, one of the richest women in Japan and founder of the museum. This museum is also listed as one of the “1000 places to see before you die.” Next, our group will experience a Shinkansen bullet train ride, which can reach speeds of up to 300 km / h. We will stay at the Onsen Hotel at Hamanako Kanzanji Onsen, where you can soak in the therapeutic waters of a hot tub and enjoy a traditional Japanese Kaiseki Banquet dinner.

Breakfast lunch dinner
Hotel in Hamamatsu

Day 5
Hakone (Owakudani), Mt Fuji, Tokyo (Shibuya – Shibuya Crossing – Hachiko Statue)

After enjoying a Japanese breakfast at the hotel, we will travel to Hakone Owakudani. Much of the area here is considered an active volcanic zone since its creation since the eruption of Mount Hakone some 3,000 years ago. There, you can experience hot springs and hot rivers, where sulfurous vapors still linger. Owakudani also has splendid views of Mount Fuji in good weather. From Hakone, we will proceed to Mt. Fuji in our private coach. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery, from thick vegetation to lowlands to rolling clouds. We will stop at Mt. Fuji to admire the world famous peak. In the afternoon we will travel to Tokyo. Our last visit for this day is Shibuya. We will be able to see the famous Shibuya crossing in action and cross the street with the crowd. Then we will take photos with the Hachiko statue at the crossing, which is a monument dedicated to a loyal dog who waited even after his master passed away.

Breakfast lunch
Hotel in Tokyo

Day 6

Tokyo (Asakusa Sensoji Temple / Sushi Making Experience / Tsukiji Outer Market / Imperial Palace / Tokyo Tower)

Today, you will be taken to the Asakusa Kannon Temple, an active place of worship where you can see the largest paper lantern in Japan. You can also explore the Nakamise Market, which is located just past the outer gates of the temple. It is a traditional style shopping street with centuries of history. You will then have the opportunity to enjoy a sushi experience with a professional sushi chef. Whatever you prepare, you can eat! Then, we will head to the Tsukiji Outer Market, where various restaurants and shops line the streets. Then, pay a visit to the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle and the current residence of the Imperial Family of Japan. In the afternoon, we will visit the tallest self-supporting steel tower in the world. At 333 meters high, the Tokyo Tower is 13 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. You can admire 150 meters high on the main deck of the observatory and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Note: For Sushi Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, have gluten-free diets, have a shellfish allergy, or don’t eat raw fish, contact us for other ingredient options.

Breakfast lunch
Narita Excel Hotel Tokyo or similar class
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar class (NOTE 5 and 6)

NOTE 5: If you want to stay in central Tokyo the last night instead of Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu, we can arrange for you to stay at Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo (or similar class). In this case, the airport transfer is not included, but we will provide you with full instructions so that you can get to the airport in advance.

NOTE 6: If you are flying from Haneda Airport (HND) instead of Narita Airport (NRT), we can arrange for you to stay at Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo (or similar class) instead of Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu. In this case, the airport transfer is not included, but we will provide you with full instructions so that you can get to the airport in advance.

Day 7
Tour ends

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Check out time is at 11am. And you can get to Narita Airport by hotel shuttle service.
Breakfast

NOTE 7: If you want to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to reserve hotel accommodation.