10 days Popular cities -Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara & Hiroshima

· On this tour we will be going to the most essential sites to experience the culture and history of Japan. The tour will begin in Tokyo, the capital and most populated metropolis in the world. Beyond the alluring neon light signs advertising the plethora of businesses is traditional centers that have withstood the test of time.

· Our next stop is to Hakone one of the most famous places for onsens (hot springs). The town served as getaway from he hustle and bustle of the city. Next is the traditional heart of Japan, Kyoto. The city maintains its traditional roots despite the modernization of many other areas. Located about an hour away from Kyoto is the first permanent capital Nara. The city is most known for the largest Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in Japan and can be found in the Todaiji Temple.

· Our next destination is the famed 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. Nearby Hiroshima is Miyajima Island where the famous Itsukushima Shrine resides. The shrine is known for its vermillion torii gate that looks like it is floating in the middle of the sea during high tide.

Itinerary

DAY 1 | Welcome to Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! Make your own way to your hotel in Tokyo by train or Airport Limousine Bus, we will provide full instructions in advance.

Note: If you would like the meet and greet or private hotel transfer to be included, please contact us for the arrangement.

Hotel: Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar class

DAY 2 | Tokyo - The City with a Mix of the Past and Present

Today we will enjoy a private Tour of Tokyo, the largest populated metropolis in the world. As modernized as the city may be there are still aspects of its traditional history present. As you tour around Tokyo you will have an expert local guide to bring you to the best tourist spots. The sightseeing schedule is fully up to you and is 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 around the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, the current residency of the Imperial family.

If you looking for a deeper look into the history of Japan then why not pay a visit to the Edo Tokyo Museum?
There are many shopping options available in Tokyo, but depending on your preference can lead you to different parts of the city. High end name brand items can be found in Ginza, extreme fashion style clothing are in Harajuku, otaku (geek) products can be bought 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? Then how about going to the man-made island known as Odaiba? On the island there are many entertainment options available in addition to the famed Rainbow Bridge.

Hotel: Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar class

Day3 | 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 bird’s eye view from the Hakone Ropeway. As a national park you will be greeted with magnificent views of the surrounding nature. Complementing the natural beauty are great museums like the Open Air Museum that we will be visiting.

As we take a soothing Boat Cruise on Lake we will have the chance to see the awe inspiring Mt. Fuji in the distance if the weather permits it. As the day comes to a close we will have the chance to relax in the onsen (hot spring) at a ryokan (Japanese traditional inn) in Atami Onsen. Soak in the therapeutic waters and feel your body being rejuvenated. Afterwards enjoy a Japanese Kaiseki (seasonal) banquet dinner that will give you a chance to taste the ingredients of the season.

Hotel: Atami Onsen Sakura Ryokan or similar class

DAY 4 & 5 | Kyoto - The Heart of Traditional Japan

Our day starts with a trip on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, the traditional and cultural center of Japan. For over 1000 years Kyoto has influenced politics and culture in the country. It was the former capital before Edo (Tokyo). When the feudal age came to an end much of the nation was set to modernized, but the city set out to preserve its proud history. As a traditional center the history, religion, and culture remained unembellished. For two days you will have a private guide to take you to the most desired locations.

There are many sites to see in Kyoto and can be broken down into Southern, Eastern, Central, Northern, and Arashiyama districts. No matter where you choose to visit each site has a priceless historical value that will leave you in awe. Just for quick reference Fushimi Inari Shrine has over 1000 torii gates; Tofukuji Temple has the Hojo Garden that surrounds all four sides of the building, Kiyomizudera Temple has the stage and main hall that was built without nails, Kinkakuji Temple is known as the Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama has the photogenic bamboo grove, and Gion is where you can find the Geisha district.

Hotel: New Miyako Hotel or similar class

DAY 6 | Nara - Japan's First Permanent Capital with Excellent Examples of Traditional Architecture

Located about 1 hour away from Kyoto is the first permanent capital, Nara. The city marks the change in history where a centralized government was established because before the capital would change locations when the Emperor passed away. During this time the culture in Japan had time to develop and evolve, which can be seen in the architecture and other structure that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There you can see the largest bronze Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in the iconic Todaiji Temple. Surrounding the temple is Nara Park where there are over 1000 free roaming deer, which are regarded as deities of the city. The short reign of the Nara Period gave way for cultural change in the nation and left its mark in history. The sites in the city signify a beginning that is often forgotten, but well preserved.

Hotel: New Miyako Hotel or similar class

DAY 7 | Kyoto to Hiroshima - Express to the Symbol of Hope

You could spend another day exploring the array of sights in Kyoto, then hop aboard the bullet train once again today as you speed westwards to Hiroshima using your Japan Rail Pass. Another option is to depart Kyoto early and stop by Himeji to visit Himeji Castle. The castle is known as "White Egret Castle" and "White Heron Castle" because of its brilliant white exterior and structure resembling a bird taking flight.

Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan, and is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan. This splendid example of traditional architecture was declared one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan.

Hotel: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar class

DAY 8 | Hiroshima/Miyajima - The World’s First Atomic-Bomb Catastrophe and One of Japan's Three Most Scenic Sites

Today enjoy a full-day private tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima. While in Hiroshima we will be visiting the Peace Memorial Park, which was built in the aftermath of the atomic bomb. The park symbolizes the hope for a world without nuclear weapons. From the park you can see the Genbaku Dome or Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the very few surviving structures from the attack. We will also be stopping by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which has detailed records of life after the atomic bomb was dropped.

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 in the sea. At high tide, the famed vermilion torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine looks like it's floating 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 Japan's three most scenic places (nihon sankei). It is said that they Itsukushima Shrine was 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 shrine is the daughter of the mythical Susanoo and niece to the Great Sun Goddess Amaterasu.

Hotel: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar class

DAY 9 | Tokyo - Back to Tokyo for Shopping, Food, Entertainment, and Fun Before Going Home

Take the bullet train back to Tokyo. The trip is about 4 hours. Upon arrival make your own way to your hotel. Tokyo has many services to offer for foreigners and locals as one of the busiest and interesting metropolis of 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 one gets used to it, they can carefully plan their time out and see a lot in a short while

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa or similar class

DAY 10 | Tour Ends

After check-out, make your own way to Narita Airport for your departure flight.

Note: If you would like the private airport transfer to be included, please contact us for the arrangement.

Deposit

• We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure

Additional Information

Price

• The price is per person with minimum 2 people, based on twin or triple room occupancy

• For single travelers, this tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room throughout the tour

Transport

• Local trains, subways and buses or taxis depending on your budget and physical stamina

Arrival Departure Airports

• This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND)

Meal Requests

• Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged

Meet and Greet

• Airport meet and greet as well as return airport transfers are NOT included unless requested