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CLASSIC JAPAN
Tokyo . Hakone . Kyoto
Japan is Asia's most elegant destination; a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity.
Anime and manga are as deeply rooted in the culture as the tea ceremony, ikebana flower arranging, and indigo-dyeing. Ancient shrines, temples, and pagodas stand in harmony alongside cutting-edge skyscrapers. Tiny, family-run ramen shops with only a handful of seats sit beside high-tech conveyor belt sushi restaurants that serve hundreds of diners in just a few hours. Meanwhile, the iconic bullet train whisks travelers between centuries-old cities at an astonishing 200 mph.
This journey follows Japan’s renowned Golden Route, encompassing neon-lit Tokyo, serene Hakone, and the historic charm of Kyoto. Days are filled with a carefully curated mix of contemporary and traditional experiences, offering a comprehensive look at this captivating country and including the major highlights.
An overnight in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Hakone immerses visitors in Japan’s refined hospitality, with its serene ambiance and exquisite kaiseki cuisine—a culinary art form that pleases both the eyes and the palate. Soaking in a hot springs-fed bath imparts deep relaxation and set the stage for a great night's sleep.
This itinerary is fully customizable to accommodate different budgets, travel styles, and lengths of stay, ensuring an unforgettable experience tailored to every traveler’s needs.
Details
Duration:
8 days / 7 nights
Price:
From $3199 per person sharing
Includes:
All transfers
3 nights Tokyo hotel
1 night Hakone ryokan (inn)
3 nights Kyoto hotel
2 full-day private guided tours
Travel by bullet train and local transportation
Prepaid travel card
7 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Departures:
Daily, year round
Sustainable/Responsible notes:
This independent journey includes walking tours, tours utilizing public transportation and long distance travel by rail. No private vehicle touring is used.
Accommodation is in Japanese hotels and inns.
Tour guides are independent contractors.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo, board the Airport shuttle and transfer to your hotel for the following 3 nights. Rest of day at leisure.
Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel, or similar
Day 2 Tokyo
Your guide will collect you from your hotel for an tour that showcases the popular highlights and experiences of Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple and shopping street in historic Asakusa, a boat ride down the Sumida River to Hamarikyu Japanese Gardens to a teahouse, Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, Harajuku neighborhood and Omote Sando upscale shopping areas.
Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 3 Tokyo
Explore the vibrant side of Tokyo that resonates with you! Anime, cosplay, and manga enthusiasts will love the bustling streets of Akihabara. For a unique experience, dive into a kintsugi class or learn the art of washi paper-making. Whether you're indulging in a sushi-making lesson, wandering through Yanaka old town, or shopping in Kappabashi kitchenware street, Tokyo offers an unforgettable adventure tailored just for you. If you feel more comfortable touring with a guide, we can arrange one for you.
Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 4 Tokyo - Hakone
Take the Romance train to Hakone. Using your Hakone Free Pass, take advantage of the extensive local transport network to explore this stunning area. Ride switchback trains, cable cars, ropeways, and buses – then embark on a pirate ship cruise, which will sweep you across the volcanic Lake Ashi while providing views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
In the evening, enjoy your stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, complete with delicious multi-course meals, a steaming onsen (hot spring) and futons laid out on tatami mats.
Stay: Ichinoyu ryokan, or similar (B,D)
Day 5 Hakone - Kyoto
Travel from Hakone to Odawara on a local train then board the bullet train to Kyoto. You'll be traveling at speeds of up to 200mph. On arrival in Kyoto, walk a short distance to your train station adjacent hotel. In Japan, train stations are more than transport hubs, they encompass multi-floor department stores, many restaurants, boutiques and convenience stores. This afternoon, perhaps make your own way to Nishiki market for an early dinner - and a bit of souvenir shopping. Or, stroll around the Gion historic neighborhood and hope to see an apprentice geisha hurrying through the narrow lanes.
Stay: Kyoto Gran Via Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 6 Kyoto
There are over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines in Kyoto; today you will see the most popular ones. start at Fushimi Inari shrine with its hundreds of bright red tori.
Stay: Kyoto Gran Via Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 7 Kyoto
Day at leisure to explore independently or add a guided experience. If you have seen enough temples, we suggest walking the Philosophers Path from Ginkaku-ji Temple to Nanzen-ji. Or taking a train to Nara, Japan's first capital. Or trying a kimono-dressing experience, a cooking class, or a shibori-dyeing workshop. Arashiyama bamboo forest is a favorite and just a short train ride away. Whatever you decide to do in this historic city, you will create memories of the beautiful sights and delicious tastes of Japan.
Stay: Kyoto Gran Via Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 8 Depart
Bid goodbye to Japan today. Depending on whether you depart from Kansai Airport in Osaka, or from one of the Tokyo airports, we can help you make arrangements to get there.
(B)