On arrival in Tokyo, take the wifi equipped airport limousine bus to your hotel. 

Rest of day at leisure. 
Stay:  Keio Plaza, or similar

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First, we’ll visit majestic Meiji Jingu, the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.  A stroll through the grounds of Yoyogi Park will bring us to Harajuku, renowned for its colorful street art and fashion scene.  From here we’ll wander toward the more traditional, upmarket boutiques lining leafy Omotesando Avenue - Tokyo’s Fifth Avenue.   

After lunch (own expense) we’ll watch the rock and roll dancers in Yoyogi Park, before continuing on to Shibuya where we will participate in a quintessential Tokyo activity - the Shibuya crossing.  Believed to be the busiest intersection in the world (and definitely in Japan), Shibuya crossing is like a giant beating heart, sending people in all directions with every pulsing light change. Nothing says ‘I'm in Tokyo’ louder.  
Stay:  Keio Plaza, or similar (B)

Today’s exploration of Tokyo starts at Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s most visited tourist destination.  Busy Nakamise Street is the 300-yard approach lined with many souvenir shops and food stalls and it’s a great spot to try Tokyo street food. After our mobile lunch, we’ll head to Ginza, Tokyo’s ritziest neighborhood. On Sundays the main intersection is closed to cars and becomes a see and be seen spot. Next, we’ll take a peek at the grand exterior of the Imperial Palace; the grounds are not open to visitors.

In the afternoon, we’ll have free time. Some options in Shinjuku alone are a visit to the Yayoi Kusama or Samurai museums, shopping at fabled Isetan department store, wandering the narrow lanes of lively Kabukicho or taking a Japanese cooking class. 

Stay:  Keio Plaza, or similar (B)

Today, we'll take Japan’s world-famous Shinkansen bullet train to Hakone (2hr) using our JR Pass.
Equipped with our Hakone Free Pass, we'll take advantage of the extensive local transport network to explore this stunning region. From switchback trains to cable cars, ropeways to buses and even a pirate ship that will sweep you across the volcanic Lake Ashi with views of Mt Fuji.
Tonight, you will stay in a Japanese traditional ryokan, sleeping on futons laid out on tatami mats with delicious, included meals and piping hot onsen (hot spring) baths.

Stay:  Parks Yoshino, or similar   (B,D)

Ride the rails on the bullet train, we'll, travel from Hakone to Kyoto.  After checking into our hotel, we’ll experience a traditional tea ceremony in a temple, and stroll along The Philosopher's Path, a pleasant stone path named after Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route daily.

 Stay:  Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, or similar (B)

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This morning we will start at Sanjusangendo Temple, the longest wooden structure in Japan. Next stop is a celebrated UNESECO site, Kiyomizu-dera temple, famous for its wooden platform stage constructed without nails. 
In the afternoon, we will visit Kinkakuji Temple a jewel set in the northern hills. A far cry from Buddhist austerity, it is covered in real gold leaf, photogenically vibrant at any time of year no matter the weather. We will finish our day at bustling Nishiki Market where we can shop for quality souvenirs and tasty snacks. 

Stay: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, or similar (B)

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In the early morning, we'll head to Fushimi Inari Shrine made famous in the west by the book and movie Memoirs of a Geisha.  The full pilgrimage walk takes 2 and 1/2 hours and is considered to be one of the top 10 experiences in Japan.  For those who don't wish to walk this distance, it is also possible to walk just a few minutes to see the vermilion tori gates and the shrine.  The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Stay:  Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, or similar (B)

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It's time to bid farewell to Japan. Using our rail passes, we'll travel to nearby Osaka (Kansai airport) or back to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airport) for departure on afternoon and evening flights.  (B)

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