11-Day Traditional Japan Tour

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Osaka — the cosmopolitan hub of Japan!

Upon landing at Kansai International Airport, a courteous driver will be ready to transfer you to your hotel.

Once you've checked in and unpacked, you could utilize the rest of the day as you prefer. You could start by either delving into the rich culture and ultra-modernity of Osaka or simply unwind and recover from your travels.

The brightly lit canal district in Osaka

You would engage in a full-day tour of Osaka in the comfort of a private vehicle, introducing you and your loved one(s) to the extraordinary fusion of traditional and contemporary aspects that characterize the city:

• Revel in the tranquil ambiance of Osaka Castle Park, a historical bastion amid the modern cityscape.
• Connect with the city's past at Osaka Museum of History where you can perceive Osaka's journey from ancient times through well-curated exhibits.
• Absorb the artistry of Japanese woodblock prints known as Ukiyo-e at Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum.
• Dive into the energetic atmosphere of Dotonbori, known for its bright neon lights, culinary delights, and lively entertainment.
• For a dash of adventure, experience the intriguing Ninja Time. Wear a ninja costume, acquire their strategic skills, and partake in a memorable training exercise.

This day in Osaka would allow you to embrace both the historic and bustling urban atmospheres that make this city unforgettable.

The imposing keep of Osaka Castle

You would set out for Hiroshima via the speedy Shinkansen. Hiroshima, a city reborn from ashes, offers a mix of serene beauty and deep historical significance:

• Experience the tranquility of Shukkeien Garden, known for its meticulously created miniature landscapes inspired by scenery around Japan.
• Marvel at the striking sight of Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its seeming ability to float on water during high tide.
• Contemplate lessons learned from history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a symbol of endurance and peace after devastation, which commemorates the atomic bomb victims and promotes the enduring message of world peace.

From the high-speed thrill of the Shinkansen to the serenity and solemn history of Hiroshima, prepare for a day filled with diverse and profound experiences.

The Itsukushima Shrine, with its famous Torii Gate on the water

Prepare for the thrill of independent exploration as you set off to the historical city of Kyoto aboard a super-swift Shinkansen train:

In preparation for your self-guided day, your guide would ensure that you have the necessary tickets, which would be forwarded to you in advance. The guide would also advise you on how to get to the train station from your current hotel and how to find your new hotel upon arrival in Kyoto.

You would experience the thrill of navigating Japan's efficient transportation systems independently, with your trusty guide providing all of the key details to ensure that your journey is seamless and effortless. Upon your arrival in Kyoto, a city overflowing with cultural and historical monuments, you could immediately immerse yourself in the city's unique charm.

Gion district, remains one of the city's most charming and unspoiled districts

On day 5 in Japan, you would dive right into the traditional wonders of Kyoto, a city where history and culture reside in every corner:

• Engage with the splendor of Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), an icon of Kyoto covered in glistening gold leaf, reflecting elegantly on the surface of the surrounding pond.
• Venture into historied Nijo Castle, famous for its lavishly decorated interiors and "nightingale floors" designed to chirp when walked upon to alert guards of intruders.
• Indulge in a variety of local gastronomy at Nishiki Market, where you can sample Kyoto's specialty foods and shop for traditional Japanese ingredients.
• Immerse yourself in a local custom with a kimono-wearing experience, feeling the regal weight of this traditional Japanese garment.
• Tour through history-filled Gion, known as Kyoto's geisha district, which is filled with wooden machiya merchant houses.
• Complete your day by visiting Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu-dera), an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site with serene views and tranquility.

With every attraction, your day in Kyoto promises a rich, immersive experience of the city's traditional highlights.

Wearing a Japanese kimono while visiting Gion -- an authentic cultural experience

You would embark on a delightful day trip to Nara, a city renowned for its historic temples and free-roaming deer:

• Start your day with a matcha-making experience in Uji. Learn about the traditional process and craft your own frothy matcha.
• Once in Nara, explore the impressive Todai-ji, home to one of the world's largest bronze statues of Buddha.
• Enjoy some leisurely time at Nara Park where over a thousand tame deer roam freely — in Japan these honored creatures are considered "messengers of gods".
• After a fulfilling day in Nara, return to Kyoto and visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading to the scenic mountaintop.

This day trip promises a blend of serene experiences, from hands-on cultural enrichment to enchanting natural views and significant historical sites.

Feeding the deer at Nara Park

On the seventh day, you would venture into Arashiyama, a scenic district on the outskirts of Kyoto, renowned for its natural beauty and historical sites:

• Soak in the tranquil atmosphere that defines the district of Arashiyama, with its stunning mountains and the picturesque Oi River.
• Take in the panoramic views of the Arashiyama district from the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, a famous landmark known as the "Moon Crossing Bridge."
• Explore Tenryu-ji, a major Zen Buddhist temple, acclaimed for its landscaped garden that was originally designed in the 14th century.
• Stroll through the enchanting Bamboo Grove, a stunning pathway sheltered by towering bamboo, one of the most photographed sites in Kyoto.
• Visit Nonomiya Shrine, a small shrine nestled in the midst of a mesmerizing bamboo forest with a rich royal history.
• In the afternoon, partake in a traditional tea ceremony. As you sip your ceremonial tea, watch an elegant performance by a maiko – an apprentice geisha – which will reveal to you the intricate beauty of this timeless Japanese custom.

Explore the back streets of Kyoto's geisha districts with a leading foreign geisha culture expert, Peter MacIntosh, who has spent half his life living in Kyoto. He married an ex-geisha, studies Japanese arts and is a lecturer on Geisha Studies at Kansai University.

The bamboo grove at Arashiyama, Kyoto.

You would feel an adrenaline rush once again as you navigate Japan's advanced transportation network independently. Step aboard the bullet train that takes you from Kyoto back to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo — a journey as thrilling as the destinations themselves. Your reliable guide would provide all of the necessary information to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free adventure.

Upon your arrival in Tokyo, a city brimming with an amalgamation of traditional temples and futuristic skyscrapers, make the most of your free time. Whether that would involve further exploration of the city or some well-deserved relaxation is entirely up to you. Flexibility is the essence of this day while you settle back into the Tokyo rhythm.

Nighttime scene of Tokyo, the Capital of Japan

Immerse yourselves deeper into Tokyo, acquainting yourselves with its artistic side along with a unique athletic tradition:

• Begin your fascinating journey at Kokyo Gaien National Garden, a lush and peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, characterized by its beautifully-manicured lawns and trees.
• Proceed to The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, where you can appreciate an impressive collection of works representing Japan's vision of modern art.
• Take a stroll down Omotesando, renowned for its zelkova-tree-lined avenue, showcasing stunning architecture and luxury brand shops.
• Visit the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort. The tranquil forest that surrounds the shrine in the middle of Tokyo provides a calming retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.
• The highlight of the day is a sumo show and experience, where you get a chance to observe sumo wrestling — a form of competitive full-contact wrestling that originated in Japan. Accompanied by a sumptuous sumo lunch, watch the sport intimately as never experienced before.

This day promises to impart you with varied layers of Tokyo — from cozy gardens and high-end shopping streets to a significant shrine and a traditional Japanese sport.

A glimpse of the imperial palace over Nijubashi

You would experience the remaining distinctive facets of Tokyo, from bustling markets and quintessential food to historic districts and modern marvels:

• Start your day at the lively Tsukiji Outer Market. Explore numerous stalls that offer the freshest seafood, traditional Japanese ingredients, and an array of food-related goods.
• Afterward, partake in a sushi-making experience, where you'll learn the art of sushi preparation from a master sushi chef, followed by a satisfying lunch featuring your creations.
• Continue your journey to Asakusa, a district known for its old-world charm, where you'll visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest and most renowned Buddhist temple.
• Then, venture into the unique world of Akihabara, renowned as a global epicenter for anime, manga, and electronic goods.
• Cap off your day by ascending Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Tokyo's skyline.

Indulge in the myriad of experiences that Tokyo offers, catapulting you through contrasting aspects of the city from culinary adventures and historical heritage to contemporary attractions.

The Thunder Gate of Sensoji Temple

As your unforgettable Japanese adventure concludes, a one-way private transfer will smoothly take you from your hotel to the airport.

Ponder the extraordinary experiences and memories you've accumulated on your journey — from the vibrant urban landscapes of Tokyo and Osaka to the rich historical allure of Kyoto and Hiroshima.

Each place has shared with you its unique treasures — from visiting notable cultural sites and partaking in traditional activities to journeying through culinary delights and ascending modern structures.

You would have not only journeyed through Japan but also deeply connected with its essence.

Sayonara and safe travels!

The symbol of Japan in Spring, Mt. Fuji